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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Studying herpes encephalitis with mini-brains

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center developed a new model of the brain using human stem cells, which showed promise in treating HSV-1 induced encephalitis. By combining an anti-viral with an anti-inflammatory drug, they were able to prevent tissue damage and promote recovery.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

When soft spheres make porous media stiffer

Adding up to 20% soft rubber spheres improves packings' effective stiffness, while exceeding 30% reduces it. This behavior is explained by the length of force chains and coordination numbers of glass particles.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2023

Carotene-rich diet linked to lower fat levels in arteries

A study of 200 people aged 50-70 found that higher carotene levels in the blood were associated with lower atherosclerosis and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in carotenes, may help lower the risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Einstein and Euler put to the test at the edge of the Universe

Researchers from UNIGE have developed a new method to test the validity of Einstein and Euler's theories on the accelerating Universe expansion and dark matter. The study uses time distortion as a never-before-used measure, allowing for differentiation between the two equations.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeNews article·DateJun 22, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

The ACMG Releases 2023 Update to Secondary Findings Gene List; SF v3.2

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released its updated Secondary Findings Gene List (SF v3.2) with three new cardiovascular genes added, including CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3. The list provides guidance on reporting incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 22, 2023

Research links increase in depression, COVID diagnosis in student-athletes

Incoming collegiate student-athletes who reported prior COVID diagnosis showed significantly higher depression scores, while most participants had mental health scores within established diagnostic thresholds. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in this population after COVID recovery.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2023

Potential treatment for rare autoimmune disorder adapted from CAR-T therapy

A small-scale clinical trial suggests a modified CAR-T therapy could effectively reduce myasthenia gravis symptoms, with three patients showing complete elimination of symptoms. The treatment was well-tolerated and has the potential for longer-lasting results compared to current treatments.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 22, 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.

Global diabetes cases to soar from 529 million to 1.3 billion by 2050

The global prevalence of diabetes is expected to more than double from 6.1% to 12.8% by 2050, with every country experiencing an increase. The study found that high body mass index and dietary risks are primary contributors to type 2 diabetes.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 22, 2023

TTUHSC-TTU research collaboration leads to possible drug targets for Leishmaniasis

The study found that drug-resistant Leishmania parasites have distinct protein production profiles compared to sensitive parasites, suggesting a global reprogramming of protein synthesis. This pre-emptive adaptation enables the parasite to quickly respond to the presence of the drug and survive when it is absent.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Surprise! Weaker bonds can make polymers stronger

Researchers discovered a way to strengthen polymers by introducing weaker bonds, increasing resistance to tearing up to tenfold. The approach doesn't alter other physical properties and can be used to improve the toughness of other materials like rubber.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2023
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Significant progress in small-cell lung cancer research

Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Department of Thoracic Surgery have made key findings in small-cell lung cancer, including the identification of tumor subgroups associated with varying clinical behaviors. They also propose promising therapeutic strategies for patients with characteristic molecular profiles.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateJun 22, 2023

Stellar demolition derby births powerful gamma-ray burst

Astronomers discovered a new way to destroy stars, generating powerful gamma-ray bursts in the process. The study found that stellar collisions in dense environments surrounding supermassive black holes can create these explosive events.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 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.

Mystery of how leaf-cutting ants gauge leaf portion size revealed

Researchers discovered that leaf-cutting ants use the position of their hind legs gripping the leaf edge and head position to guide cutting trajectory. The ants adapt their technique to cut smaller elliptical portions when faced with thick leaves, using a combination of sensory information.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Hard and soft materials form a fatigue-resistant fan in the mussel’s hinge

Researchers discovered a unique structure in the mussel shell's hinge that combines biomineralized aragonite nanowires with a softer organic matrix to resist brittle fracture. The nanowires provide rigidity and distribute stresses, while the soft matrix absorbs compressive and shear stresses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2023

Do hummingbirds drink alcohol? More often than you think

A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologist Robert Dudley found that hummingbirds happily sip from sugar water with up to 1% alcohol by volume, without being repelled by it. The research suggests that birds are likely consuming ethanol produced by natural fermentation in flowers and nectar-filled feeders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Study at University Hospital Bonn improves prediction of therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at University Hospital Bonn have developed a new approach to predict therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating two simple blood parameters, CRP and albumin. This method improves the prediction of treatment response, especially in patients with disease control in the first follow-up.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 22, 2023

Laws restricting abortion have ethical, legal and practical impacts for research on people who may become pregnant

Research on pregnant individuals faces challenges due to restrictive abortion laws, which can expose participants to health risks or compromise informed consent. Researchers must consider provisions for safe abortion access and explicit informed consent documents to advance scientific knowledge.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 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.

Model blood-brain barrier could improve newborn meningitis treatment

Researchers developed a model of the blood-brain barrier to prevent newborn meningitis treatment, with a 50% mortality rate in developing countries. The organ-on-a-chip platform enables rapid and accurate testing of drugs for safety and efficacy, promising to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateJun 22, 2023

Spectroscopic micro-ellipsometer unveils atomic-level thickness measurements of 2D materials: Hebrew University secures patented technology for revolutionary innovation

Researchers from Hebrew University developed a microscope-integrated ellipsometer that enables fast and precise measurements of thin-film thicknesses in small areas. The Spectroscopic Micro-Ellipsometer successfully maps the thicknesses of diverse 2D material flakes, determining their number of atomic layers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Cartesian Therapeutics announces landmark study in The Lancet Neurology of first successful clinical trial of RNA cell therapy in autoimmunity

Cartesian Therapeutics has successfully treated patients with generalized myasthenia gravis using an RNA CAR-T therapy. The trial demonstrated marked and long-lasting clinical improvement, with three patients achieving complete or near-complete eradication of disease symptoms.

SourceCartesian Therapeutics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Are viruses keeping sea lice at bay in wild salmon?

Researchers have identified over 30 previously unknown RNA viruses in sea lice, suggesting they may play a role in controlling sea-lice populations. The viruses' ability to rapidly replicate and weaken their hosts maintains balance in nature.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

More positive outcomes when elderly are treated locally

A recent study found that elderly patients treated in local intermediate care units have lower mortality rates and fewer hospital readmissions. The research suggests that Norway's healthcare system has improved with the introduction of these units, providing better integrated services adapted to individual users.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Plant based compound Peruvoside could prevent spread of diverse medically important viruses: NUS Medicine

Peruvoside has been discovered to prevent up to 12 medically important viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and Influenza. The compound acts on GBF1 protein, disabling its functionality and stopping virus production.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Researchers make major strides toward an all-purpose biosensor chip

The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 22, 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.

The clue is in the glue - Nature’s secret for holding it together

A study by John Innes Centre researchers has revealed how plants avoid cracking under stress by using a growth hormone called brassinosteroid to loosen the straitjacket effect on their skin. The findings, published in Science, have implications for our understanding of plant development and potentially improve crop yields.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2023

Is the U.S. ready for an African swine fever outbreak?

A new study models the spread of African swine fever in US swine farms, finding that control actions can reduce secondary infections by up to 79% but an outbreak could still be persistent and costly. The model suggests that between-farm movements are the primary route of transmission.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 22, 2023

SEB Centenary Conference 2023

The SEB Centenary Conference 2023 features over 800 talks on advances in animal, plant and cell biology. The conference marks the Society's 100th anniversary with special events and projects celebrating historically marginalised scientists.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJun 21, 2023

Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease: the link finally established

Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalInfectious Disorders - Drug Targets·DateJun 21, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Now, every biologist can use machine learning

BioAutoMATED is an all-in-one AutoML platform designed for biologists, enabling easy analysis and interpretation of biological sequences. The platform uses three existing AutoML tools to generate models that can predict biological functions from sequence information.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2023

Study proposes simple low-cost solutions to improve thermal comfort in social housing

Researchers developed a pilot study to address the issue of thermal discomfort in social housing projects. They proposed replacing conventional windows with fully openable tilting windows, monolithic expanded polystyrene walls, and green-tinted tempered glass, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSustainability·DateJun 21, 2023

Cancer drugs show potential in fight against malaria

Researchers have identified anti-malarial properties in cancer drugs, offering a potential solution to the growing crisis of drug-resistant malaria. The study found that certain protein kinase inhibitors exhibited strong anti-malarial effects, highlighting a new approach to accelerating drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Surrey researchers unravel the workings of a unique carbon capture technology, advancing the UK's mission to reach net zero

Surrey researchers have made significant breakthroughs in capturing and converting carbon dioxide into useful products. The team's switchable DFM, 'NiRuNa/CeAl', captures CO2 in three chemical reactions: methanation, reverse water-gas shift, and dry reforming of methane.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 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.

Discovery of novel primitive xeno nucleic acids as alternative genetic polymers

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology explore co-polymerization of glycol nucleic acid monomers with dicarboxylic acids to produce branched and linear xeno nucleic acid polymers. These findings suggest that diverse prebiotic organic molecules could have led to population-level differences in abundance of genetic polymers.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Even "safe" air pollution levels can harm the developing brain, study finds

Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2023

In sensory perception, brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed

A new study reveals that the brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed in sensory perception. Initial visual processing is faster but less accurate compared to other parts of the brain. The findings contradict the efficient coding hypothesis, suggesting that the brain can process sensory inputs quickly with small errors.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 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.

Domenick Zero named recipient of the 2023 IADR Distinguished Scientist William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award

Domenick Zero, an Indiana University professor, received the William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award for his groundbreaking research on caries prevention and early detection. His work has improved oral health through innovative methods and tools, shifting focus from invasive treatment to tooth preservation.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJun 21, 2023

Brain activity helps predict restaurant sales

Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in response to restaurant menu photos, finding a correlation between neural activity and dish sales. The study suggests restaurants can design menus based on predicted consumer preferences.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 2023

Rain gardens could save salmon from toxic tire chemicals

A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJun 21, 2023

Could bamboo be the next source of renewable energy?

Research suggests that bamboo can be converted into bioethanol and biogas, offering an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The chemical composition of bamboo varies across species, highlighting the need for further research on selecting optimal species for biomass production processes.

SourceWiley·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateJun 21, 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.

Photonic integration: Transforming the future of chip-scale applications

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJun 21, 2023

Wildfire smoke downwind affects health, wealth, mortality

Research from Cornell University estimates that wildfire smoke can cause between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths and cost between $36 to $82 billion per year in the United States. Metropolitan regions near fire sources are likely to experience a large health burden and economic loss.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJun 21, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Can humor help treat depression and anxiety?

A study published in Brain and Behavior found that humor therapy reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants from various countries. The analysis included 2,964 participants and nine different countries, suggesting that humor therapy may be a feasible complementary alternative for clinicians, nurses, and patients.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJun 21, 2023

Scientists discover mechanism affecting heart development in Down syndrome

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a molecular mechanism contributing to congenital heart defects in infants with Down syndrome. The study found that an abnormal interferon response inhibits key molecular events required for heart development, leading to impaired cardiogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023