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Science News for March 17, 2023


UCF researchers are getting to the heart of the matter

A team of UCF researchers is working on a new project to educate the next generation of nurses, nurse practitioners, and social workers to improve heart health in medically underserved communities. They are using high-fidelity simulation scenarios to foster inter- and intradisciplinary care.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 17, 2023

Investigating the effects on amide-to-ester substitutions on membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that amide-to-ester substitutions can significantly improve cyclic peptides' membrane permeability, making them suitable for clinical and therapeutic applications. The study used enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations to unravel the mechanism behind this effect.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Association of household opioid availability with opioid overdose

A study found that having opioids at home increases the risk of overdose for those living with them, emphasizing the importance of proper disposal and education. Household prescription opioids are associated with a higher likelihood of overdose for others in the household, even if they don't have their own prescription.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Attending live sport improves wellbeing – study

New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 17, 2023

Chemical scissors enable structural editing of layered materials

Researchers developed a chemical scissors-mediated structural editing strategy to regulate the structure and elemental composition of MAX phases/MXenes. This approach enables the creation of novel MAX phase and MXene materials with improved functional applications.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 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.

Discovery of root anatomy gene may lead to breeding more resilient corn crops

A new discovery identified a gene encoding a transcription factor that triggers the development of root cortical aerenchyma, enabling corn roots to capture more water and nutrients from dry soil. This trait results in air passages forming in the roots, making them metabolically cheaper and more efficient in exploring the soil.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

Few Medicaid-participating primary care physicians providing longer-acting birth control methods

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum finds that nearly half of primary care physicians treating Medicaid patients provide prescription contraception, while only 10% offer longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. The research highlights the need for policy approaches tailored to different physician specialties to ensure acces...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

Scientists identify the mechanisms leading to resistance to lung cancer treatment with Sotorasib, the first KRAS inhibitor

Researchers studied how tumors adapt to Sotorasib and found that gene amplification and transcriptional programs lead to resistance. This knowledge can help develop targeted treatments for patients with KRAS mutations, potentially increasing survival rates.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 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.

Women working rotating shifts especially likely to be frail, York study finds

A York University study found that rotating shift work is associated with an increased risk of frailty among middle-aged and older workers in Canada, especially for women. The research used a comprehensive approach to investigate the relationship between shift work and frailty, which may be linked to circadian rhythm disruptions.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023

Researchers develop biodegradable, biorecyclable glass

A research group has developed a family of eco-friendly glass fabricated from biologically derived amino acids or peptides. The proposed glass is biodegradable and biorecyclable due to its unique combination of functional properties, including excellent optical characteristics and good mechanical properties.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023

Uppsala scientists reveal protein synthesis mechanism in Giardia parasite

Researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the protein synthesis mechanism in Giardia intestinalis, resolving high-resolution structures of six different states of elongation. These findings provide valuable information for screening specific drugs against Giardia and other protozoan parasites.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMar 17, 2023

Aging | Senescence-associated exosomes transfer fibrosis to neighboring cells

Researchers found that senescence-associated exosomes (SA-EXOs) from MSCs induce fibrosis and activate invasive characteristics in neighboring cells via the TGF-β pathway. SA-EXOs play a large role in cancer-related fibrosis, and their unique miRNA content influences myofibroblast phenotypes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 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.

Better simulations of neutron scattering

Researchers developed a new 'next-event estimator' (NEE) called eTLE to increase Tripoli-4¹'s precision using Monte Carlo simulations. The approach improves accuracy in predicting neutron scattering in crystalline media, paving the way for more accurate predictions in nuclear reactors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMar 17, 2023

DOE renews CABBI for five more years

The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateMar 17, 2023

Breaking bonds: Double-helix unzipping reveals DNA physics

Researchers reconstructed thermodynamics of double helix formation and breaking using simulated DNA unzipping speed. The technique can be applied to other molecular systems, including molecular motors.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2023

New machine-learning approach enables to identify one molecule in a billion molecules selectively with graphene sensors

Researchers developed a machine learning model that maps graphene-gas molecule van der Waals complex bonding evolution for selective gas detection. The model achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing between different atmospheric environments, showcasing its potential for environmental monitoring and non-invasive medical diagnosis.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·DateMar 17, 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.

River deltas: Valuable and under threat

Millions of people living in river deltas face risk due to human activities such as damming and levee construction. Climate change is just one part of the story; local resource management can have a greater impact on delta sustainability.

SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalOne Earth·DateMar 17, 2023

Young children develop better learning skills when taught by teachers of the same ethnicity, national US study suggests

A new national US study suggests that young children who are taught by a teacher of the same ethnicity as themselves develop better learning and problem-solving skills by the age of seven. The effect was most pronounced in Black and Latinx children, with improved working memory and reading achievement scores.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateMar 17, 2023

Qubits put new spin on magnetism: Boosting applications of quantum computers

Research using a quantum computer has designed and characterized tailor-made magnetic objects using qubits, opening up new approaches to develop materials and robust quantum computing. The study demonstrates the ability to create magnetic quasicrystal lattices that can host states beyond classical information technology.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Noise harming ocean invertebrates and ecosystems

Human activities are causing rapid changes to the ocean soundscape, harming invertebrates through cellular and ecosystem-level impacts. The study highlights the sensitivity of various invertebrates to underwater sound and emphasizes the need for urgent research and mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 17, 2023

New gene-editing technique reverses vision loss in mice

Researchers have successfully restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa using a new CRISPR-based genome editing technique. The PE SpRY system corrected genetic mutations and restored normal electrical responses to light, preserving vision into old age. This breakthrough offers potential for treating inherited blindness.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Boosting survival of a beneficial bacterium in the human gut

A Yale study found that beneficial gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron responds to starvation for carbon by sequestering essential transcription factor in membrane-less compartment, increasing its activity and modifying gene expression. This mechanism enables colonization of mammalian gut and reveals a vital strategy for

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2023

New study counts the environmental cost of managing Japanese knotweed

A Swansea University research study has evaluated the long-term environmental impacts of different Japanese knotweed management methods. The study found that glyphosate-based foliar spray control is the most sustainable approach, using the least materials and having the lowest economic costs.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 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.

Step forward in gene therapy to treat cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes

Researchers have discovered a new strategy for treating arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy by restoring the trafficking protein GJA1-20k, which enables healthy connections between heart cells. This finding may also be applicable to treating dangerous arrhythmias associated with other conditions.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

The most beautiful strongly bound dibaryon

Physicists from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and The Institute of Mathematical Science have predicted the existence of a deeply bound dibaryon made of two triply bottom Omega baryons. This finding elucidates strong forces in baryon-baryon interactions, potentially explaining nuclear bindings.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 17, 2023

ETRI introduces AI tutor who teaches foreign language reading

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) has developed a reading comprehension education AI technology that allows learners to study foreign languages by talking to an artificial intelligence (AI) tutor. The AI tutor provides personalized feedback on pronunciation, listening, and text understanding.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateMar 17, 2023
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Fossil site is ‘Rosetta Stone’ for understanding early life

Researchers have discovered molecular fingerprints in fossils that could help identify unknown organisms, including a tubular 'nematophyte' with algal and fungal characteristics. The study uses non-destructive imaging and machine learning to analyze the fossils, providing new insights into early life on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

An elegant new orchid hiding in plain sight

A new Japanese 'ladies tresses' orchid, Spiranthes hachijoensis, has been found in private gardens and on balconies. The discovery suggests that other new species may be hidden in common environments, eliminating the need for remote tropical rainforest expeditions.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Plant Research·TypeCase study·DateMar 17, 2023

Discovery of novel gene to aid breeding of climate resilient crops

Researchers have identified a key gene, bHLH121, that allows plants to efficiently use energy, enabling them to grow more roots and capture more water and nutrients. This discovery holds promise for breeding crops that can withstand climate change-induced droughts and low-nitrogen soil conditions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 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.

Key role identified for nervous system in severe allergic shock

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified the nervous system as a key player in anaphylaxis reactions, which cause sudden drops in body temperature and blood pressure. The study suggests new targets for therapies to prevent or treat severe allergic shock.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 17, 2023

New combination of drugs works together to reduce lung tumors in mice

Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered that combining two therapeutic drugs, entinostat and trametinib, can significantly reduce tumor volume and number in mice with LKB1-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. The findings could lead to clinical trials in humans and potentially transform treatment for cancers beyond NSCLC.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023

Biomarkers show promise for identifying early risk of pancreatic cancer

A Duke University research team has identified a set of biomarkers that could help distinguish between cysts on the pancreas that are likely to develop into cancer and those that will remain benign. The findings have significant implications for preventing the development of pancreatic cancer, which is on the rise and is notorious for ...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Discovery of an unexpected function of blood immune cells : Their ability to proliferate !

A new study by researchers at the University of Liège reveals that monocytes, blood immune cells, have the ability to proliferate and generate macrophages to replace damaged or missing immune cells. This discovery challenges current knowledge of cell proliferation and has implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 17, 2023

How can we tackle the biggest challenges? Ask a plant

A new study presents the field's top 100 most pressing questions for research to address challenges facing humanity. These questions cover topics such as genetically modified organisms, plant-based fuels, and growing plants in space to support human life.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 17, 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.

Another crystalline layer on crystal surface as a precursor of crystal-to-crystal transition

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology propose the existence of pre-solid-solid transition, a surface layer on crystals that facilitates phase transitions. The newly formed layer has been confirmed through experiment and computer simulation, with promising applications in material science.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Stalactites and stalagmites in the battery?

Lithium dendrites grow in solid-state batteries after charging and discharging cycles, leading to internal short circuits. Researchers have investigated the starting point of this process using microscopy methods, finding that grain boundaries play a crucial role.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

First wearable health sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy

Researchers developed the first wearable sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy, a condition typically caused by degenerative disease or aging. The sensor can measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size and monitor muscle loss of up to 51%. This technology has the potential to create less burden on patients and improve treatm...

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

3D radar scan provides clues about threats to iconic Alaskan glacier

Researchers used a 3D radar scan to reveal that Malaspina Glacier is undercut by channels, making it more vulnerable to melting and potentially contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The glacier's bulk sits below sea level, and its coastal barrier erodes, allowing ocean water to access the glacier and accelerate its retreat.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 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.

Breaking barriers in hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment for populations at risk

A new minimally invasive test using dried blood spots (DBS) has been shown to effectively assess cure after treatment and differentiate between reinfection and treatment failure. The results support the viability of decentralizing treatment for people who inject drugs, who often face challenges accessing healthcare.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023

NASA announces future launch for USU-led space weather mission

The Atmospheric Waves Experiment, led by USU's Space Dynamics Laboratory and College of Science, will provide unprecedented images of Earth's gravity waves from space. The mission aims to improve satellite communications forecasting and enable contingency planning for space weather events.

SourceUtah State University·DateMar 17, 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.

Changes in mangrove blue carbon under elevated atmospheric CO2

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected to increase mangrove's ability to sequester additional carbon, reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Long-term field observations and experiments can help better understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and predict future changes in mangrove carbon sequestration.

SourceEcosystem Health and Sustainability·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 17, 2023

Genomic study of ancient humans sheds light on human evolution on the Tibetan Plateau

A genomic study of ancient humans on the Tibetan Plateau reveals a single origin for ancient humans, deriving from a northern East Asian population. The study also found distinct genetic patterns in different regions of the plateau, indicating three regional groups with unique historical patterns that began to merge after 2500 BP.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Resistant bacteria are a global problem. Now researchers may have found the solution

Researchers have found a new solution to combat resistant staphylococcus aureus infections, which can be difficult to treat. Endolysins, a newly developed enzyme, has been shown to kill both resistant and non-resistant staphylococcus aureus without the need for antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMar 17, 2023