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Science News for May 29, 2023


Low-flavanol diet drives age-related memory loss, large study finds

A large-scale study found that a low-flavanol diet drives age-related memory loss. Replenishing flavanols in mildly deficient adults over 60 improves cognitive function and supports the idea that aging brains require specific nutrients for optimal health.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 29, 2023

Blood tests can show brain impact of neurosurgery

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new blood test that can measure biomarkers in the blood before and after neurosurgery, correlating with the extent of brain injury. The study found that high levels of certain markers may indicate damage that could cause cognitive problems for patients in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breed, age and puppyhood socialization linked to canine personality

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that breed, age, and puppyhood socialization significantly impact dog personality. Socialisation in puppyhood was associated with lower insecurity and aggressiveness/dominance, while older dogs showed higher training focus.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournaliScience·DateMay 29, 2023

Fruit fly's complex symphony of vision

A unique microcircuit in fruit flies' visual system transforms a single type of neuronal input to compute direction selectivity, with no inhibitory neurons present. The discovery reveals a striking example of the multilayered mechanisms of inhibition and excitation in the brain.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 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.

COVID-19 vaccine builds powerful immune response in First Nations peoples, study finds

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccination triggers effective immune responses against the virus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The research shows excellent antibody and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2, with high levels of antibodies binding to the virus following two vaccine doses.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·DateMay 29, 2023

Scientists identify how some angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer and heart disease cause vascular disease

Researchers discovered that vascular toxicity linked to these drugs is unrelated to angiogenesis-related genes, but rather due to changes in vascular architecture. This new understanding will help select the most effective and safe way to modulate angiogenesis in ischemic tissues or cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 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.

Mosquito zappers get a boost from static-electricity harvester redesign

Researchers at Tsinghua University Press designed a new triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fabrication method to increase the charge density of mosquitoes and reduce wasted energy. The high-performance rotary TENG device demonstrated an output voltage of 6 kV, making it effective in killing mosquitoes and destroying bacteria.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateMay 29, 2023

X-ray emissions from black hole jets vary unexpectedly, challenging leading model of particle acceleration

Researchers discovered that black hole jets exhibit surprising variability in x-ray emissions over short time scales, contradicting a long-held theory. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding particle acceleration in these jets and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

One-third of galaxy’s most common planets could be in habitable zone

New analysis reveals that two-thirds of planets around small stars could be sterilized by tidal forces, leaving one-third with potentially habitable zones. Hundreds of millions of promising targets have been identified for future studies.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 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.

Men willing to pay more for chocolate than women

Researchers used EEG to study consumer behavior and found that men are willing to pay more for premium chocolate, especially if it's expensive. The study also showed that packaging can influence willingness to pay, with well-known brands increasing prices by 9.9%.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMay 29, 2023

CSI Singapore researchers uncover potential novel therapeutic targets against natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

A team of researchers from CSI Singapore has identified a transcription factor, TOX2, as a potential target for treating Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma (NKTL), an Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancer with poor treatment outcomes. The study found that TOX2 is overexpressed in NKTL patients and negatively associated with patient survival.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateMay 29, 2023

What do we need to know about spatiotemporal vortices of light?

Spatiotemporal vortices of light feature azimuthal phase dependence and are associated with optical OAM. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding and controlling these phenomena for various applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMay 29, 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.

Study reveals underlying genetic risks for a type of heart attack largely affecting younger women

Researchers have identified 16 genes associated with an increased risk of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a type of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The study also found that patients with SCAD have some genetic protection from the risk of conventional coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

New-look infrared lens shines a light on future technology and manufacturing

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new polymer material made from sulfur and cyclopentadiene, which can be used to make lenses for thermal imaging. This material has the potential to expand the use of thermal imaging to new industries, including space exploration and autonomous vehicle operation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Using search algorithms to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles in dense city environments

A new algorithm was developed to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in dense city environments by finding near-optimal positions for the UAVs with guaranteed line-of-sight links. The algorithm achieved over 95% of the performance of exhaustive 3D search schemes, making it a potentially viable option for this technology.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 29, 2023

UCLA-led research suggests no difference in health outcomes, care costs for patients treated by traditional MDs or osteopaths

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 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.

Bacteria are vital for the diversity and survival of insects

Bacteria play a crucial role in providing insects with vital nutrients like vitamin B, enabling them to survive on unbalanced diets and exploit new food resources. This has led to significant diversification of plant-feeding insect species.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 29, 2023

It’s time to classify plastics as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutants

A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 29, 2023

Spinning into the future

Researchers have developed a new method for designing metasurfaces using photonic Dirac waveguides, enabling the creation of binary spin-like structures of light. This advances the field of meta-optics and opens opportunities for integrated quantum photonics and data storage systems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Vehicle stop study illuminates importance of officer's first words

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that officers' first 45 words during a vehicle stop with a Black driver can indicate how the stop will end. The study discovered a unique 'linguistic signature' that characterizes escalated stops, where officers give an order without stating the reaso...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

Study finds similar quality and cost of care for patients treated by an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physician

An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Significant presence of cesium-rich microparticles in an abandoned school close to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

Researchers have found significant amounts of highly radioactive cesium-rich micro-particles in an abandoned school building close to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, posing a potential health risk if inhaled. The study highlights the need for thorough cleaning and safety assessments when handling contaminated buildings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChemosphere·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 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.

Pan-cancer T cell atlas reveals new details of tumor microenvironment

A pan-cancer single-cell T cell atlas provides a detailed picture of the heterogeneity of T cells within the tumor microenvironment, revealing a previously undescribed stress response state that appears to be less effective at fighting cancer. This new discovery highlights the need for further understanding of how these states contribu...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity

A Japanese-led team used mapping techniques to quantify the impact of agriculture on high-priority conservation areas. The study found that commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans are often produced in high-conservation priority areas, while others like barley and wheat are sourced from low-priority areas.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 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.

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity

The study found that about one-third of all farming occurs in high conservation priority areas, with certain staples like beef and soybeans tending to be produced there. Changing sourcing practices can help reduce the impact on biodiversity, according to researchers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Even lawyers don’t like legalese

A new MIT study shows that lawyers prefer plain English contracts, which they find easier to understand and more appealing than traditional legal documents. The researchers found that while lawyers excel at reading and writing complex legalese, the style can be a barrier for non-lawyers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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.

A novel blood serum assay to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers developed a novel blood serum assay to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases by detecting abnormal α-synuclein. The assay, IP/RT-QuIC, can efficiently detect low concentrations of α-synuclein seeds and distinguish between Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

KRISS ushers in era of green hydrogen

KRISS demonstrates carrier transport mechanism of photoanode with protective film, enabling efficient and long-lasting green hydrogen production. The technology has the potential to enhance efficiency and lifespan of photoanodes and contribute to commercialization of green hydrogen.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 29, 2023

NSF CAREER Awardee advances lightweight, low-cost solar technology

Perovskite photovoltaics are promising for generating solar energy due to their ability to be printed like newspapers and require less material than traditional technologies. However, these materials exhibit instabilities that can cause them to degrade quickly, hindering their commercial viability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMay 29, 2023