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Science News for May 12, 2023


Resistant fungal species spreads

A significant increase in Candida auris infections has been observed worldwide, including in the USA and Europe, with resistance development and potential for hospital outbreaks. The fungus can be efficiently transmitted from patient to patient via direct contact, making control difficult.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt Online·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

Internal electrical field modulation in photocatalytic water splitting

Researchers developed a novel method for photocatalytic water splitting by regulating the built-in electric field of nitrogen-deficient polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) on polyhedral SrTiO3. This synergistic approach improves charge transfer and light absorption, leading to enhanced overall water splitting efficiency.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateMay 12, 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.

MSU, Audubon fight to conserve a disappearing bird species

Research from Michigan State University and National Audubon Society reveals new insights for conserving the declining black tern population in Michigan and nationwide. The team developed an integrated population model that combines sparse data on black terns with new land management practices, potentially improving their outlook.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2023

‘Nature is messy': Pioneers in landscape transcriptomics study genes in the wild

A team of Penn State researchers is using a new field called landscape transcriptomics to study how genes respond to environmental changes. By analyzing RNA molecules from across the landscape, they aim to understand how organisms adapt to climate change and develop strategies for conservation and management.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 12, 2023

Breakthrough technology: Carbon nanotube membranes with Pd-Cu modification successfully reduce nitrate levels via electrocatalysis

Researchers develop novel membrane for efficient nitrate removal, achieving 99% reduction efficiency at optimal conditions. The Pd-Cu modified carbon nanotube membrane exhibits high nitrate removal efficiency and N2 selectivity, showing great potential for effective nitrate reduction technology.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Bio-inspired device captures images by mimicking human eye

Researchers developed a new sensor array that mimics the red, green and blue photoreceptors in human eyes, producing high-quality images through a neural network-based algorithm. The device has the potential to revolutionize camera technology by increasing spatial resolution and reducing power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

Study highlights best practices in buffelgrass control

A recent study on buffelgrass control in Arizona's Saguaro National Park highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and surveillance. Low levels of buffelgrass can quickly expand by multiple orders of magnitude, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to manage its spread.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

Compression of surface texture acceleration signal based on spectrum characteristics

The study proposes a spectral feature-based compression method for vibrotactile acceleration signals, which achieves high time-frequency similarity and a 10% compression ratio. The method is suitable for long-term data compression and can further reduce the compression ratio for multi-interaction points.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateMay 12, 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.

Oxford University Fellow and Diamond User recognized for his innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials research by Forbes Magazine

Robert House, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University, has been selected as one of Forbes Magazine's prestigious 30 people to watch under 30 in Europe Science and Healthcare. He is working on developing innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials that promise to be significantly lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.

SourceDiamond Light Source·DateMay 12, 2023

Gender diversity and brain morphology among adolescents

A study of 2,165 Dutch adolescents suggests no difference in global brain volume between those reporting gender diversity and those not. However, a correlation was found with specific brain features in the inferior temporal gyrus among males assigned at birth.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 12, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is it too late to change your mind? Study reveals ‘developmental window’ for thinking styles

A recent study found that a person's epistemic thinking style can be shaped by their social, political and economic environment during the first 25 years of life. The research suggests that those who experienced a transition to democracy in middle age tend to exhibit absolutist thinking, while younger generations with higher education ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2023

Avian influenza: new aspects of an old threat

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights the rapid spread of avian influenza viruses worldwide, affecting wild bird populations and mammals. The authors warn that human infections with A(H5N1) can be severe and increase the risk of reassortment with mammalian viruses.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateMay 12, 2023

Fear of childbirth exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic

A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateMay 12, 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.

Obesity and diabetes in pregnancy: Consequences in offspring

Research found that children of obese or diabetic mothers developed epigenetic alterations that predisposed them to diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. Longitudinal follow-up revealed persistent effects on health status and metabolic condition beyond childhood.

SourceConsorcio Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red MP·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateMay 12, 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.

University of Kentucky physicians push for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients

Physicians at the University of Kentucky call for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower mortality risk. The article highlights the need for physician advocacy to address the moral distress experienced by doctors when patients are denied these treatments.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 12, 2023

TVT 2023 late-breaking science announced

TVT 2023 will feature 15 Late-Breaking Clinical Science studies highlighting advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral, tricuspid, and left atrial appendage occlusion therapies. The meeting aims to guide the selection of patients who will benefit from these procedures and define optimal treatment strategies.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateMay 12, 2023

Carbon-based cathodes impact biofilm composition and performance in soil microbial fuel cells

Researchers found that Fe-doped carbon nanofibers and Pt-doped carbon cloth cathodes yielded stable performances, with peak power densities of 25.5 mW m−2 and 30.4 mW m−2, respectively. Graphite felt cathodes demonstrated the best electrochemical performance but exhibited lower reproducibility and higher mass transport losses.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateMay 12, 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.

Researchers use 3D models to investigate bacteria movement

Researchers created a 3D model of Helicobacter pylori to better understand its movement and develop new treatments for ulcers and other diseases. The study identified critical thresholds that the bacteria must overcome to move through viscous fluids.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2023

Researchers identify a brain marker indicating future suicide risk

A recent study has identified a brain marker that indicates an individual's likelihood of attempting suicide in the future. Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that changes in brain connectivity between cognitive control and self-referential thought processing networks were present in individuals with a history of...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

Visualizing PET's degradation by bacterial enzymes

A recent study led by Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and University of Leipzig reveals the molecular level details of PET degradation by polyester hydrolases. The research shows that only two PET subunits are needed for the enzyme to cut the polymer, and it can 'walk' along the chain to move from one cut to the other.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 12, 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.

The beginning is the end

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that specific start sites (TSSs) are linked to distinct end sites (TESs), shaping the RNA landscape unique to each tissue. Dominant promoters, which overrule conventional signals, drive this process and are conserved across species.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

Researchers track antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from swine

Researchers tracked antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from swine between 2013 and 2019, finding an increasing trend of resistance to ceftriaxone. The study highlights the need for surveillance systems to monitor microbes and develop mitigation strategies to address this growing concern.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMicroorganisms·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

Save the phages to protect Big Blue

Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry found that microplastics decrease bacteriophages' infectivity due to leachates and polymer size. The study highlights the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems, affecting both animals and humans.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateMay 12, 2023

Intestinal bacteria influence the growth of fungi

Researchers discovered that certain bacterial species, including lactic acid bacteria, correlate with high levels of Candida yeasts in the gut microbiome. This suggests a complex interaction between these microorganisms, where lactic acid bacteria may favor Candida proliferation while making the fungus less virulent.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

AI brings new tool to remote monitoring of global reef health

Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and measure coral reef halos globally, providing a new method for monitoring ecosystem health. The tool enables efficient tracking of reef ecosystems' function at large scales, improving understanding and management of coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

Intelligent fire information system based on 3D GIS

The IoT-based fire information system utilizes a 3D Geographic Information Science (GIS) platform to visualize fires and facilitate rescue planning. The system incorporates an FMDM (fire monitoring and decision-making) system with features like equipment status, alarm classification, and evacuation path optimization.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateMay 12, 2023

Meeting more UK Government dietary guidelines during childhood could improve future cardiometabolic health, new research suggests.

A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that children who met more UK Government dietary guidelines during childhood had better cardiometabolic health when they became young adults. The study, which analyzed data from the Children of the 90s cohort, found that almost a third of children only met one out of ni...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateMay 12, 2023

A new review directs attention to the cerebellum and its direct implication in diseases like autism and schizophrenia

A recent review suggests that neurotrophins play a significant role in the development of the cerebellum and its connection to higher-order cognitive functions. The study reveals potential links between cerebellar dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 12, 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.

New artificial intelligence algorithm for more accurate plant disease detection

A new artificial intelligence algorithm, SSAFS, uses handcrafted image features for accurate plant disease detection and severity estimation. The algorithm outperforms existing state-of-the-art algorithms in identifying valuable disease-related features.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2023