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Science News for June 23, 2023


Large and in charge

Researchers from Baylor University studied cortisol levels in leopard seals and found significant variations based on sex, diet, and body mass. The study provides crucial baseline data on this enigmatic Antarctic species.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Do warmer temperatures make turtles better mothers?

New research from Duke University reveals that warmer temperatures increase the number of germ cells, which play a crucial role in determining the sex of turtles. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals, despite seeming like a risky strategy.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

When majority men respect minority women, groups communicate better

Researchers discovered that high-status men's respect for minority women is key to improving group communication. When men in power show respect and accept women's expertise, teams become more effective at solving problems and sharing information.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalSmall Group Research·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

City buildings could blow air taxi future off course

Recent studies have measured the impact of sudden wind gusts around city buildings on aircraft stability, revealing significant safety challenges for air taxis. To address this, regulations are being compiled globally to ensure safe operation in urban environments.

SourceRMIT University·JournalDrones·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

Nuclear medicine global initiative reports worldwide challenges and opportunities in theranostics education

The global nuclear medicine initiative addresses the need for standardized educational curriculums to train physicians in nuclear theranostics procedures. The report highlights the rapid evolution of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals and emphasizes the importance of continuing medical education to maintain expertise.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2023

Cancer cell repopulation after therapy: which is the mechanism?

Cancer cells can hide and escape therapies leading to recurrence. Researchers identify three possible mechanisms: cancer stem cells, polyploidy, and senescence. Combination treatments involving chemoradiation-induced transitory senescence and senolytic therapies may be effective in preventing repopulation.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 23, 2023

Extinct warbler’s genome sequenced from museum specimens

Researchers confirm Bachman's warbler as a distinct species by sequencing its genome from museum specimens. The study reveals a new candidate gene involved in feather pigmentation in the group. Comparing the genomes of the extinct warbler with living sister species highlights the crucial role of museum collections in science.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Global warming accelerates CO2 emissions from soil microbes

Soil microbes are releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere due to global warming, with a potential increase of 40% by 2100 in polar regions. The emissions vary across climate zones, with cold polar regions being more sensitive to changes in soil moisture.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

New study reveals global reservoirs are becoming emptier

A new study using satellite data from over 7,000 global reservoirs found that total storage capacity has increased, but the filling rate is lower than anticipated. The analysis suggests that addressing future water demands cannot rely solely on constructing new reservoirs, highlighting the need for novel management strategies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Race-neutral testing could have given access to life-saving lung transplants for more black patients

A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that race-neutral lung function interpretation could lead to more equitable access to lung transplants for Black patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients and discovered that a race-specific approach resulted in lower Lung Allocation Scores (LAS) ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

21st century economic growth will be slower than we thought

A new CU Boulder-led study suggests the global economy will grow slower in the 21st century, leading to a larger income gap between wealthier and poorer nations. Wealthier countries may need to help finance climate change adaptations for lower-income nations, as debt-ceiling crises become more common.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

Brain pathway identified that impairs postpartum social behavior after adolescent stress

A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Minae Niwa found that adolescent psychosocial stress, combined with pregnancy and delivery, causes hypofunction of a key neural circuit. This altered circuitry leads to abnormal social behavior in postpartum women, including reduced interaction time with familiar mice.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

New nationwide modeling points to widespread racial disparities in urban heat stress

A new study finds that the average Black urban resident is exposed to disproportionately higher heat stress due to warmer air temperatures, while white residents experience cooler temperatures. The research highlights income- and race-based disparities in urban heat stress across US cities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New analysis: Kaepernick was denied his “right to work” because he, like other Black male athletes before him, challenged structural racism and white supremacy

A new analysis re-conceptualizes Colin Kaepernick's NFL lock-out as a denial of his 'right to work' due to structural racism and white supremacy. Researchers compared Kaepernick's case to those of six other Black male athletes who faced similar challenges, finding that he was unfairly penalized for protesting systemic issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2023

The force of blows to the head, not just how many, raises likelihood of CTE

A new study examining brain tissue from 631 former football players found that the cumulative force of hits, not just the number of concussions, was the strongest predictor of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study suggests that reducing the force and frequency of head impacts could help prevent CTE in athletes.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023

MedTech Innovation Forum Leads Day One at TCT 2023

The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders to identify clinical challenges and uncover opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum features three comprehensive tracks addressing stakeholder interests and explores the role of digital health care dynamics.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateJun 23, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Magdeburg researchers discover a new mechanism of cancer immune defense

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from Magdeburg has discovered a new mechanism that enables the immune system to eliminate invisible cancer cells. Helper T cells engage scavenger cells, secreting chemical mediators that attract and support their destruction on behalf of cancer cells.

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

New therapy proposed to treat “axillary web syndrome” in mastectomized women

Researchers at the University of Malaga develop a new therapy using manual techniques and stretching to reduce pain and improve mobility in women with axillary web syndrome after breast cancer. The therapy, consisting of 15 sessions, has shown significant results in reducing evolution time of lymphatic thrombi.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

New EIC project to improve CAR T therapies in solid tumors

A new EIC project, CAR T-REX, will develop novel, scalable CAR T cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors. The consortium aims to overcome current limitations, including high manufacturing costs and limited efficacy, through a novel paradigm for generating improved CAR T cells.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·DateJun 23, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How popular steroids could mess up some cancer treatments

Researchers found that patients producing high levels of Cystatin C, a protein linked to immune system suppression, had worse survival rates and were less likely to benefit from immunotherapy. This suggests that Cystatin C may play a role in the failure of cancer immunotherapy.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Genomics·DateJun 23, 2023

Higher efficiency catalyst key to green hydrogen

A new lattice-water-assisted mechanism boosts the efficiency of an iridium oxide catalyst by 5-12%, resulting in higher energy output and lower energy consumption. This improvement paves the way for more efficient green hydrogen production using proton exchange membrane water electrolysis.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 23, 2023

Women with common heart rhythm disorder have faster cognitive decline than men

Research presented at ACNAP 2023 found that women with atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly to cognitive impairment and dementia compared to men. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 participants and revealed a three-fold increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia in women with the condition.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJun 23, 2023

Dark matter remains “dark”

Researchers at PTB used a sensitive atomic clock to compare with two other clocks, searching for oscillations signature of ultralight dark matter. No significant signal detected, setting new experimental upper limits on the coupling of ultralight matter to photons.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2023

Forensic bitemark analysis for court trials is not supported by sufficient data and “is leading to wrongful convictions”

Bitemark analysis, commonly used in court trials, lacks scientific backing due to the uniqueness of human teeth on skin. A study of 26 people wrongfully convicted based on this evidence reveals a high rate of distortion, rendering it unreliable for identification purposes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the California Dental Association·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 23, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

People are falsely denying firearm ownership, and it’s not who you might think

A Rutgers University study found that some individuals, particularly women living alone in urban environments, are incorrectly classified as not owning firearms. This underreporting can lead to a lack of secure storage messaging and safety resources, increasing the risk of firearm injuries and deaths.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 23, 2023

Making rubbery materials that can take a beating without losing their bounce

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a way to make rubbery materials up to nine times more durable without compromising their elasticity. This breakthrough could help reduce microplastic pollution from car tires, with estimates suggesting that tire wear alone releases millions of metric tons of debris into the environment eac...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Treatment for opioid use disorder varies widely among states, study finds

A recent study found wide discrepancies in treatment for opioid use disorder among people covered by Medicaid, with some states providing nearly universal access to proven medications. The study suggests that quality of care problems are to blame for the disparities.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Baylor researchers examine relationship between imprisoned mothers and their adolescent children’s risk behaviors

Researchers found that adolescents with incarcerated mothers are at higher risk of depression, withdrawal, substance abuse, and delinquency. The study suggests that modifying sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocieties·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Stanford Medicine-led research identifies a subtype of depression

Researchers have identified a subtype of depression, labeled the cognitive biotype, which accounts for 27% of depressed patients. This group has difficulty with planning, self-control, and focus, and shows reduced activity in brain regions responsible for these tasks. Targeting cognitive dysfunctions with less commonly used antidepress...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2023

Drug decelerates bacterial race to antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a drug called DEQ that significantly reduces the ability of bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance. The study shows that DEQ works by slowing down genetic mutations in bacteria, thereby prolonging the effectiveness of antibiotics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Nanophotonics: Coupling light and matter

Researchers at LMU developed a metasurface that enables strong coupling effects between light and TMDCs, generating hybridized photonic and electronic states called polaritons. This platform offers new possibilities for research into polaritonic applications, including controllable low-threshold semiconductor lasers and quantum computing.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateJun 23, 2023

Yearly re-scanning not needed for common brain tumor detected in 1 in 10 people

A UK-wide study found that non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (NFPA) are more likely to shrink or disappear than grow within three years of monitoring. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed, and a single scan three years after initial detection would be a safe and cost-effective way to manage NFPAs.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEuropean Journal of Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Study reveals genetic signatures of chickpea's cultural crossroads

A new study sheds light on the genetic heritage of chickpeas by analyzing landrace genomics from over 400 specimens collected in the 1920s and 1930s. The research reveals that the spread of chickpeas within each region occurred predominantly along trade routes, rather than through simple diffusion.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023

A new species of early toothed whale

A new species of early odontocete, Olympicetus thalassodon, has been discovered along the North Pacific coastline. The fossil remains show a unique combination of features that set them apart from other groups of toothed whales.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Researchers have discovered a new approach to boost the immune system

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered a new method to activate the complement system using bispecific single-domain antibodies, termed BiCEs. These molecules can specifically target cancer cells and activate the complement system, leading to the killing of targeted cancer cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Source of common kidney disease lies outside the kidney, study suggests

A new study has identified 16 new locations in the genome linked to immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, a common kidney disease. The research confirms an earlier hypothesis that the immune system plays a key role in driving the disease and provides potential drug targets for treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

NSF CAREER Awardee develops a 1-minute frailty testing platform

A University of Arizona professor has developed a 1-minute frailty testing platform to screen patients for frailty, enabling better care decisions. The platform measures motor, heart, and brain function using wearable sensors, providing an accurate diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJun 23, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.