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Science News for May 1, 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.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers uncover new clues to origins of the most common pediatric kidney cancer

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers have identified a disruption in early kidney progenitor cell development linked to the formation of Wilms tumor. The study found that these cells can reproduce the original tumor and are aggressive, drug-resistant, and metastasize like cancer cells.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2023

Young women more likely to return to the hospital in year following heart attack

A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 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.

Study highlights risks for self-harm events in children and adolescents

A new study identifies four distinct profiles of psychiatric comorbidity in children and adolescents at elevated risk for serious self-harm events. The profiles consider demographic factors, overall psychiatric and medical conditions, and unique patterns of comorbidity that distinguish between age and sex.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 1, 2023

New metric allows researchers to better understand soft material behavior

A new metric called a correlation ratio has been developed to correlate microscopic-level processes with macroscopic-level behavior in soft materials. This breakthrough allows for the design of new soft materials by tweaking microscale parameters to achieve desired macroscale properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2023

X-ray imaging captures fleeting defects in sodium-ion batteries

A Cornell University-led collaboration has identified transient crystal defects as the cause of rapid degradation in sodium-ion batteries. The researchers used operando X-ray imaging to visualize these defects while the battery was in operation, revealing their formation and self-healing processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 1, 2023

A new method to test cancer drug toxicity

Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Tufts Medical Center have developed a new platform to test cardiac side effects of chemotherapy using canine heart tissue. The platform yields quicker and more comprehensive results than standard rodent models, making it a promising alternative for cancer drug toxicity testing.

SourceTufts University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 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.

Physical activity trajectories and functional recovery after stroke

A study of 1,300 participants found that increased physical activity 6 months after stroke was associated with better functional outcomes. Interventions targeting individuals with decreasing physical activity in the subacute phase may play a role in improved functional recovery.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 1, 2023

Coal trains increase air pollution in San Francisco bay area

A recent study by the University of California, Davis found that coal trains and terminal operations significantly increase fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution in urban areas, contributing to serious health problems. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAir Quality Atmosphere & Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

A chronic wound model to investigate skin cellular senescence

A new study presents a chronic wound murine model that characterizes the role of persistent senescent cell accumulation in delayed wound closure. The molecular profiles of senescent cells demonstrate the adverse influence of SASP factors, highlighting a potential root-cause-driven therapeutic strategy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 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.

Obesity associated with increased risk of complications after surgery

New research published in the journal SURGERY found that obesity is associated with increased risk of complications following surgery, including infection, blood clots, and kidney complications. Patients with overweight or obesity had higher risk-adjusted odds of developing these post-operative outcomes compared to those of normal weight.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalSurgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Lithography-free photonic chip offers speed and accuracy for artificial intelligence

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have created a photonic device that provides programmable on-chip information processing without lithography. This breakthrough enables superior accuracy and flexibility for AI applications, overcoming limitations of traditional electronic systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 1, 2023

Herpes study adds to understanding of viral reinfections, how to potentially prevent them

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have identified a key protein involved in viral reinfections that could be targeted by antiviral drugs. Inhibiting heparanase activity can protect against herpes simplex virus type 1 reinfection, potentially leading to breakthroughs in preventing recurrent infections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2023

Stage set for a strong El Niño in late 2023

A team of researchers predicts a strong El Niño event in late 2023, driven by the buildup of warm water in the western Pacific. The study suggests that an even stronger event could occur if westerly wind bursts occur during the spring and early summer.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2023

Computational analysis shows how dengue virus evolved in India

A multi-institutional study found that dengue virus sequences have evolved dramatically in India, with different serotypes deviating from their ancestral sequences. Dengue 2 has become more dominant across the country, while Dengue 4 is making a niche for itself in South India.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Risk of rehospitalization in younger women after heart attack nearly double that of men

A study supported by the National Institutes of Health found that younger women are nearly twice as likely to be rehospitalized after a heart attack as men. The disparity is largely due to higher rates of risk factors such as obesity and depression among women, which contribute to more adverse outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 1, 2023

Pusan National University study suggests that hospital admissions for acute kidney injury may be linked to air pollution

A new study suggests that increased exposure to air pollution may be associated with first hospital admissions for acute kidney injury. The research found a link between PM2.5, NO2, and O3 exposure and an increased risk of AKI, even at low annual exposures.

SourcePusan National University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

The science behind the life and times of the Earth’s salt flats

Researchers at UMass Amherst characterized two types of surface water in hyperarid salars, which are crucial habitats for animals like flamingoes and vicuñas. The study helps manage these ecosystems by treating terminal and transitional pools differently.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 1, 2023

Do people and monkeys see colors the same way?

Researchers discovered that a certain short-wave or blue sensitive cone circuit is absent in marmosets and differs from the macaque monkey's circuit. This finding suggests that humans have unique neural wiring for color vision that may be linked to recent evolutionary adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2023

Brain activity decoder can reveal stories in people’s minds

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a semantic decoder that translates brain activity into text, allowing individuals with speech disabilities to communicate. The system has been trained on extensive hours of podcasts and can decode continuous language, capturing the gist of what is being said or thought.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 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.

Study identifies genetic mutations that contribute to adult epilepsy

Researchers have identified 11 somatic mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway that contribute to treatment-resistant adult epilepsy, suggesting the potential for repurposed anti-cancer agents as new treatments. This study provides insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying this form of epilepsy and opens up new avenues for targeted ther...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2023

Air pollution exposure associated with increased risk of irregular heartbeat: Large study

A large Chinese study found that acute air pollution exposure is associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia, with the strongest link seen in atrial flutter and supraventricular tachycardia. Exposure to pollutants like nitrogen dioxide was found to persist for up to 24 hours after initial exposure.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 1, 2023

The inequalities of low-carbon electricity

A UNIGE team analyzed the socio-economic impacts of 248 electricity transition scenarios on 296 European regions, finding that southern and south-eastern regions may be more vulnerable to negative effects. The benefits of a low-carbon electricity sector tend to concentrate in richer northern Europe.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 1, 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.

AJRCCM “Abstracts Issue” showcases research at the ATS 2023 International Conference

The American Thoracic Society International Conference Abstracts publication features selected abstracts on COPD treatment, including a study on improving depression through home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. The issue also highlights recent findings on sleep apnea severity, as well as research on health equity and access to care.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMay 1, 2023

Mass General Brigham expert calls for reforms to address the overdose crisis

A Mass General Brigham expert calls for additional measures to expand access to lifesaving buprenorphine treatment and harm-reduction services. The federal government's elimination of the X waiver is necessary but not sufficient to achieve overdose-prevention goals, according to the authors.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 1, 2023

Columbia University study finds that improved access to mental health care is associated with reductions in suicide risk

Researchers at Columbia University found that increased access to mental health care is associated with lower suicide rates in the US. The study used a new method to measure access to care and found that areas with shorter travel times to providers had significantly lower suicide rates.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Lee studying how to improve access to disability service information in Virginia

A recent research project led by Myeong Lee at George Mason University seeks to address the difficulties people with disabilities face when accessing vital services. The study's findings will provide suggestions for enhancing the state's information systems, making them more accessible and improving overall well-being and health outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 1, 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.

Prolonged power outages, often caused by weather events, hit some parts of the U.S. harder than others

A study analyzing three years of power outages across the US found that Americans bearing the brunt of climate change and health inequities are most at risk in four regions. Heavy precipitation, tropical cyclones, and storms with high winds make power outages more likely, especially in the South, Northeast, and Appalachia. The research...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Assessing the impact of going off-grid on transmission charge and energy market outcomes

A team of researchers found that prosumers, who produce their own electricity, can lower transmission charges when generating less energy. However, when producing a large amount of renewable energy, transmission charges increase. The study suggests levying a per-MWh tax on prosumer consumption to reduce the likelihood of death spirals.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2023

Exposure to airplane noise increases risk of sleeping fewer than 7 hours per night

A new study found that people exposed to moderate aircraft noise were less likely to get the minimum recommended sleep each night. The risk increased among those living near airports or large water bodies, as well as those with no hearing loss. Exposure levels as low as 45 dB were associated with short sleep duration.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2023

Scientists discover anatomical changes in the brains of the newly sighted

Researchers found that older children can learn visual tasks and exhibit increased white matter plasticity after surgery to remove congenital cataracts. This suggests that the window of brain plasticity extends beyond childhood and that all children may benefit from treatment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

More than a decade after the theory of interdependent networks was introduced, researchers establish the first physics laboratory benchmark for its manifestation

Physicists have developed a controlled system of interdependent superconducting networks, a physical analogy to the interdependent networks involved in the Italy blackout. The study shows that coupled systems exhibit an abrupt transition, while separate networks show a smooth transition, as predicted by the theory.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 1, 2023

50-year study offers insight into effects of climate on bird reproduction

A 50-year global meta-analysis of bird reproductive output found that a warming climate negatively affects larger and migratory bird species. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, reveals that smaller, sedentary species are less affected by climate change.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Researchers develop clever algorithm to improve our understanding of particle beams in accelerators

A team of scientists at SLAC and Argonne National Laboratory has developed an algorithm that pairs machine-learning techniques with classical beam physics equations to precisely predict a particle beam's distribution of positions and velocities. This detailed information will help improve experimental reliability, especially at higher ...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 1, 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.

State study: labor induction doesn’t always reduce caesarean birth risk or improve outcomes for term pregnancies

A new Michigan statewide study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks of pregnancy does not necessarily reduce the risk of cesarean births. In fact, for some birthing individuals, it may even have the opposite effect if hospitals don't take a thoughtful approach to induction policies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Perinatology·DateMay 1, 2023

Evidence of conscious-like activity in the dying brain

A new study published in PNAS reports surge of gamma activation in dying brains of humans and animals post-cardiac arrest, hinting at conscious-like activity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2023

Behind the formation and protection of microtubules

Researchers investigate the γ-TuRC complex, a key player in microtubule formation and stabilization. The study reveals that γ-TuRC can cap microtubules independently of nucleation, contributing to their formation outside of centrosomes during mitosis.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateMay 1, 2023

Chances of eliminating HIV infection increased by novel dual gene-editing approach

Researchers at Temple University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center developed a novel dual gene-editing approach that can effectively eliminate HIV infection. The therapy targets both HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS, and CCR5, a co-receptor that facilitates viral entry into cells.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 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.

HIV status is not associated with mpox treatment outcomes in persons using tecovirimat

A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

In US system of allocating livers for transplanting, geographic inequity persists despite recent policy changes

A new study suggests that the US liver allocation policy remains biased towards certain regions, with a customized approach to equalize supply-to-demand ratios being recommended. The researchers developed a model that accurately predicts the change in a patient's organ-offer acceptance probability due to changes in policy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·DateMay 1, 2023

AGS welcomes 16 new fellows recognized for exceptional commitment to geriatrics

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has awarded AGS Fellowship to 16 members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the field of geriatrics. These individuals will be recognized at the 2023 AGS Annual Scientific Meeting, which brings together over 2,500 healthcare professionals to advance geriatrics knowledge and skills.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·DateMay 1, 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.

Your health is in your hands during American Stroke Month

Strokes can be largely prevented through education and lifestyle changes, such as moving more, healthy eating, and managing blood pressure. The American Stroke Association is launching a digital tool to educate people on stroke warning signs and risk factors, particularly for diverse populations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateMay 1, 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.

Juvenile salmon migration timing responds unpredictably to climate change

A recent study reveals that climate change has led to unpredictable changes in juvenile salmon migration timing, with some populations migrating earlier or later than usual. This variability can impact the survival rates of these fish, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and conservation efforts.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Harmful fisheries subsidies are leading to more fishing vessels chasing fewer fish, resulting in adverse environmental and societal impacts: UBC study

Harmful fisheries subsidies support fishing in waters outside jurisdictions of their home nation, impacting developing countries and the environment. These subsidies disproportionately affect marginalized communities and lead to food insecurity and economic dependence on fishing.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMarine Policy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Research shows that lymph node sampling during kidney tumor surgery is safe

Researchers analyzed outcomes for 144 Colorado patients who had lymph node sampling at the time of surgery for kidney tumors between 2005 and 2019. They found no statistically significant difference in clinically significant complications between patients who underwent more extensive lymph node sampling than those who didn’t.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Cannabis knocks down pain, improves sleep and lifts brain fog in cancer patients

A new study found that cannabis use by cancer patients leads to reduced pain levels, improved sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive function. After two weeks of sustained use, patients reported better thinking clarity and objective measures of cognition also showed improvements.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalExploration of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2023

Thrift shops thrive when disorder is balanced with high seller knowledge

Researchers found that disordered thrift shop displays can enhance perceptions of hidden treasure, but risk perceptions outweigh this effect, leading to a net negative impact on purchase likelihood. High inventory knowledge by sellers mitigates these risks, increasing perceptions of curated products and consumer trust.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateMay 1, 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.