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Science News for November 3, 2023


E-cigarette use among adults

E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023

Rafael De Cabo, Ph.D.(NIH), D.ing Xu, Ph.D. (UConn), and Claire K. Ankuda, MD, MPH, MSC (Mount Sinai Health System) to present lectures at AFAR Scientific Awards Ceremony

AFAR will host its annual Scientific Awards of Distinction lectures and ceremony on November 10 in Tampa, Florida, honoring Rafael de Cabo, Ming Xu, and Claire K. Ankuda for their contributions to aging research. The awardees will present lectures highlighting their research.

SourceAmerican Federation for Aging Research·DateNov 3, 2023

Spanish scientists identify changes in dendritic cells during the immune response with promising implications for vaccine design

A team of Spanish scientists discovered profound changes in dendritic cells during the immune response, which could lead to novel vaccines against bacterial and viral infections. The study found increased lipid peroxidation and MHC-I upregulation in post-synaptic dendritic cells, triggering efficient priming of CD8+ T cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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.

The first semi-wild-type melon T2T genome assembled by Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and China Agricultural University

Researchers from China and Spain assembled the first high-quality genome of a semi-wild melon, discovering genetic variants linked to resistance against diseases and unique fruit ripening mechanisms. The study provides valuable resources for future research on resistance breeding in melons.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

5 finalists announced in global Health Tech Competition

The American Heart Association has selected five finalists in its 6th annual Health Tech Competition to present their innovative technologies. The competition aims to drive technology innovation and transform the landscape of heart and brain health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 3, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How salt from the Caribbean affects our climate

Researchers found a cooling of about 1°C in the southern Caribbean during the Little Ice Age, coinciding with droughts and lower rainfall in the Yucatan Peninsula. The study suggests that salt movement from the Caribbean to high northern latitudes plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 3, 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.

Poor night’s sleep can trigger atrial fibrillation the next day

A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateNov 3, 2023

Bridging the best of both electrolyte worlds for a better lithium-ion battery

Researchers have developed a composite solid-state electrolyte that combines the benefits of ceramic and polymer materials, increasing conductivity and reducing space-charge layers. The new electrolyte design uses lithium tantalate filler to enhance ion transport pathways, resulting in improved battery performance and longevity.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateNov 3, 2023

UC Santa Barbara researchers can now visualize osmotic pressure in living tissue

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have created a novel method to measure osmotic pressure in living cells and tissues, allowing for the study of cellular behavior and its impact on organ function. This technique has promising industrial and medical applications, including monitoring skin hydration and diagnosis of diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2023

Charged “molecular beasts” the basis for new compounds

Using 'aggressive' fragments of molecular ions, researchers created a new compound by incorporating unreactive nitrogen into a substance. This method could open up new possibilities for applications such as microchip production and solar cells.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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.

Mother Nature knows best when it comes to climate solutions, social media users say

A survey of social media posts suggests that people are more positive about nature-based efforts to protect carbon-storing ecosystems than human technological solutions. The study found that tree-planting solutions, such as afforestation, received the most approval, while geoengineering was associated with negative sentiments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2023

Oncology researchers raise ethics concerns posed by patient-facing Artificial Intelligence

Bioethics researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute warn that patient-facing AI can depersonalize care and erode relationships between patients and caregivers. The authors advocate for principles such as human dignity, patient autonomy, and regulatory oversight to ensure AI-driven healthcare is ethically sound and equitable.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·DateNov 3, 2023

Study links childhood trauma to COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations

A University of Pittsburgh study found a significant link between childhood trauma and higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in adulthood. Adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, were 12-25% more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 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.

New approach to water electrolysis for green hydrogen

Researchers have developed catalysts that combine iridium and ruthenium, preserving their excellent attributes and improving activity and stability. The study also explores the importance of carefully selecting candidate materials and retaining superior properties even after nanostructure formation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 3, 2023

An exotic tick that can kill cattle is spreading across Ohio

Asian longhorned ticks, originating from East Asia, have been detected in Ohio, with over 1 million estimated in a single pasture. Researchers stress the need for early detection and targeted control measures to manage these persistent pests.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateNov 3, 2023

Some benefits of exercise stem from the immune system

A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that exercise benefits come from the immune system, specifically through T cell activation. Regular exercise enhances muscle metabolism, reduces inflammation, and improves overall endurance by activating T cells, which counteract inflammation and boost energy production.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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.

Wearable devices may prevent astronauts getting 'lost’ in space

Scientists have developed wearable devices that vibrate to provide orientation cues, boosting the efficacy of astronaut training and making spaceflight safer. The study found that wearing these devices improved performance and reduced crashes in simulated spaceflight conditions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Black and white adults have similar health care expenditure levels in racially and economically integrated communities

Research found that Black adults spent $79 less on health expenditures per year in highly integrated communities compared to whites, while in non-integrated communities they spent $2,145 less. Despite these disparities, physical health was similar across racial groups in integrated areas.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 3, 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.

Higher parenting stress for dads working from home during pandemic

A study found that fathers who worked remotely were twice as likely to report higher parenting stress, while mothers who worked at home experienced slightly higher levels. The survey of 1,060 parents in Chicago showed no differences in mental or general health between remote and onsite workers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023

Neighborhood stressors dangerously elevate pregnancy hormones

Research found that pregnant women living in neighborhoods with high levels of known stressors have significantly higher levels of testosterone, which can disrupt hormone regulation and lead to complications during and after childbirth. The study suggests that interventions to reduce neighborhood stress may improve pregnancy outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 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.

Physicists ask: Can we make a particle collider more energy efficient?

Researchers from SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University propose the Cool Copper Collider, a next-generation accelerator that could probe elementary particle physics at higher energy scales. The proposal aims to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% through improved design and materials.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPRX Energy·DateNov 3, 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.

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Opioid disorder treatment: first three weeks forecast success

A newly developed prediction model can estimate a patient's risk of returning to opioid use within the first three weeks of treatment. The model, which was tested on data from over 2,200 adults, suggests that patients who have not experienced any positive or missed drug tests in the first three weeks have a 13% risk of relapse.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2023

U of M Medical School research team finds novel drug improves outcomes for patients with rare kidney disorder

Researchers discovered that patients with FSGS who received sparsentan treatment experienced improved kidney function and reduced proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney damage. The study suggests sparsentan may be a potential new treatment option for the disorder, offering hope for patients affected by FSGS.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 3, 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.

Men less likely than women to share negative information, says study

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that men are less eager and likely to share negative information than women, while sharing positive news shows no difference. The study suggests that this may be due to a greater concern among men over how others perceive them, leading to a tendency to self-promote.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 2023

Surface-specific nonlinear optical spectroscopy comes into terahertz range

Researchers from Fudan University and others report a new method to analyze lattice vibrations and excitations in materials using terahertz difference frequency mixing. The technique offers sub-monolayer sensitivity for studying interface properties of complex oxides.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 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.

Collective intelligence can help reduce medical misdiagnoses

Researchers developed a fully automated solution using knowledge engineering methods to aggregate independent diagnoses and increased diagnostic accuracy from 46% to 76%. The collective solution improved across various medical specialties, chief complaints, and diagnosticians' tenure levels.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2023

Seeing the unseen: How butterflies can help scientists detect cancer

Researchers developed an imaging sensor capable of detecting UV light, using it to differentiate between cancer cells and normal cells with 99% confidence. The technology leverages the unique tiered structure of butterfly photoreceptors and perovskite nanocrystals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 3, 2023

Expanding pharmacists’ role for patients with hypertension could prevent 15 million heart attacks and save $1.1 trillion over 30 years, VCU-led study finds

A VCU-led study found that pharmacists' ability to treat patients with hypertension could prevent millions of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. The study estimates a cost savings of $1.1 trillion over 30 years, with significant economic and quality-of-life impacts.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023

America’s low-carbon transition could improve employment opportunities for all

A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 3, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.