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Science News Archive October 2023


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First classification of four stages of heart attack based on heart muscle damage is released

A new classification system for heart attacks based on heart muscle damage is released, offering a more differentiated definition and improving understanding of acute atherothrombotic MI. This system has the potential to stratify risk more accurately and lay the groundwork for development of injury-stage-specific therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

BU researchers develop bedside cardiac assessment curriculum that encourages patient-centered communication

Researchers at Boston University developed a new bedside cardiac assessment curriculum to improve patient-centered communication and medical training. The curriculum, called 'Listen Before You Auscultate,' uses an active-learning approach to teach students the skills needed for effective bedside care.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedEdPORTAL·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 31, 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.

Agarose-based method shows potential in understanding extracellular vesicles' role in cancer metastasis

A collaborative study has developed an agarose spot migration assay to examine the ability of extracellular vesicles to attract other cells in a controlled environment. The assay revealed differences in EVs' recruitment capability for endothelial cells, particularly in highly metastatic cancer cells.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Earlier detection of cardiometabolic risk factors for kids may be possible through next generation biomarkers

The American Heart Association statement proposes next-generation biomarkers for earlier detection of cardiometabolic risk factors in children, which can be influenced by heart-healthy nutrition and lifestyle factors. This could lead to better prevention and intervention strategies for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 2023

The limits of deplatforming

Michele Starnini and colleagues studied two online communities on Reddit: GreatAwakening and FatPeopleHate. Despite deplatforming, these communities became more resilient due to their engaged members who migrated to Voat, a new platform.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 31, 2023

Efficient biohybrid batteries

Researchers developed a fast-charging hybrid battery system that combines electrochemical generation of formic acid with a microbial fuel cell, enabling efficient energy storage. The system produced enough current for 25 hours of discharge and demonstrated potential applications in monitoring water toxicity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a novel population of stem cells responsible for osteoarthritis progression. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) stimulated cartilage recovery and reduced osteoarthritis, offering a potential pharmaceutical treatment to address the disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

How sunflowers see the sun

Researchers discovered that sunflowers don't rely on phototropin for heliotropism; instead, they exhibit a unique gene expression pattern when growing outdoors, suggesting multiple pathways for light-sensing and growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Digitizing books can spur demand for physical copies

Research from Cornell University reveals that digitization can stimulate demand for physical copies, particularly for less popular books. The study found a strong 'discovery effect' driving increased sales, with book lovers often preferring physical books over digital versions.

SourceCornell University·JournalEconomic Policy·DateOct 31, 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.

Study reveals factors affecting response of temperate lakes to atmospheric warming

A recent study investigating the thermal response of temperate lakes to atmospheric warming found that local climate, land cover, geomorphology, and water transparency play significant roles in shaping lake responses. Clear, cold, and deep lakes are more responsive to warming, while those with nutrient pollution exhibit lower sensitivity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 31, 2023

Antibiotics for common childhood infections no longer effective

A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia·DateOct 31, 2023

Improving the world á la Silicon Valley

Economic sociologist Oliver Nachtwey analyzes Silicon Valley speeches and articles to show the emergence of a new spirit of digital capitalism. Solutionism is prevalent among tech elites, but its impact on worker protections and democratic processes remains uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalTheory Culture & Society·DateOct 31, 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.

Advanced assisted reproduction in white rhinos is safe and reliable, shows BioRescue evaluation of 65 OPU-IVF procedures

The BioRescue project evaluated 65 advanced assisted reproduction procedures in white rhinos, showing the technology is safe for donor females and yields successful embryo generation. Regular OPUs improve reproductive health in individual female rhinos.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalReproduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Power of the pictogram: rensselaer researcher finds that sorted graphics make consumers feel optimistic

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that frequency pictograms can induce optimism when presented in a sorted way. This could have implications for attribute framing in marketing and public policy. Sorted verses unsorted pictograms should be used strategically to make consumers feel favorably or negatively.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Communications·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Scientists train AI to illuminate drugs’ impact

Researchers train AI to analyze data from over 100 cellular drug targets and their genetic variations. The algorithm predicts with more than 80% accuracy how cell surface receptors respond to drug-like molecules.

SourceUF Health·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 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.

Umbilical venous catheterization and bloodstream infection among preterm infants

A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

Wearing your heart (monitor) on your sleeve

Researchers developed a novel wearable ECG patch with active dry electrodes that improves upon traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes by increasing user comfort, reducing skin irritation, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The compact and lightweight design enables continuous monitoring and remote sensing capabilities.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 31, 2023

Giant planets cast a deadly pall

New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateOct 31, 2023

New database shines spotlight on decades of solar mirror research

A new database containing thousands of solar mirror samples offers valuable insights into degradation trends over decades. The Solar Mirror Materials Database (SMMD) provides natural and accelerated exposure data for accelerating test development, design optimization, and manufacturing guidance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJournal of Solar Energy Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 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.

Study examines financial sustainability of affordable housing-with-services models for older adults

The study found that funding for supportive services is a significant hurdle, and innovative solutions are needed to secure reliable funding. Housing models with integrated services have proven popular among better-off individuals, but limited options remain for older people with fewer resources.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalResearch on Aging·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Using transcription factors to explore plant metabolites

Researchers used transcription factors to stimulate production of specialized steroids in petunia, which are likely involved in plant defense. The discovery has significant potential for bioproduction of bioactive natural products in various plant families.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 31, 2023

Trust is the most important factor for British South Asians when taking part in genetic research to tailor medications

A study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that trust is the key factor in British South Asians' participation in genetic testing. Participants emphasize the importance of General Practitioners (GPs) as trustworthy professionals and personalized prescribing with genetic information to enhance trust and medication adherence.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Pharmacogenomics Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

DGIST’s Academy-research integration research team publishes a research paper in an international academic journal in optics

The DGIST Academy-research integration research team developed a new technology that can analyze high-speed electrons within thin components in extreme environments. This achievement was made possible through the systematic establishment of academy-research integration programs, enabling significant outcomes to emerge.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalPhotoniX·DateOct 31, 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.

Portuguese Team TWIZ, from Universidade Nova de Lisboa and CMU Portugal Farfetch Chat R&D project, wins Alexa TaskBot Challenge 2

The Portuguese team TWIZ from NOVA School of Science and Technology secured 1st Place in the Alexa TaskBot Challenge 2 with a multimodal conversational agent. The winning team was led by João Magalhães and included CMU Portugal Affiliated Ph.D. students Diogo Tavares and Diogo Silva, who improved their visual interface as their biggest...

SourceCarnegie Mellon Portugal Program·DateOct 31, 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.

High metabolism is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a metabolic increase in the hippocampus is an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that changes in mitochondrial metabolism precede synaptic disorganization and impaired autophagy, highlighting potential new methods for early intervention.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 31, 2023

Cigarette style warning labels could reduce people’s meat consumption

A recent study by Durham University suggests that graphic warning labels on meat options could reduce people's meat consumption, improving public health and reducing the UK's carbon footprint. The labels, which show a graphic image alongside text, were found to be effective at discouraging people from choosing meals with meat.

SourceDurham University·JournalAppetite·DateOct 31, 2023

Reverse engineering Jackson Pollock

A team of researchers, led by L. Mahadevan, combines physics and machine learning to create a 3D printing technique inspired by Jackson Pollock's drip painting method. They can quickly create complex shapes with the new technique, which harnesses fluid instability for accurate print creation.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 31, 2023

NYU Tandon cuts a rug with new 3D video technology

NYU Tandon's new 3D video technology is being used to enhance dance education by allowing students to learn techniques and choreography from various angles and distances. The project aims to make Point-Cloud Video suitable for streaming on standard devices, reducing bandwidth consumption and increasing accessibility.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateOct 31, 2023

New tool makes it easier to diagnose tuberculosis in children

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to help diagnose tuberculosis in children, with a focus on providing accurate results quickly and conveniently. The tool uses blood samples taken from the fingertip and identifies specific gene activity to detect the disease, offering improved accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 31, 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.

How did a fly species gain sole access to a fruit in the Seychelles?

Researchers discovered that D. sechellia's nervous system has evolved to tolerate the toxins in noni fatty acids, allowing it to prefer and lay eggs on the fruit. The study reveals differences in taste sensitivities among three closely related fly species, providing insights into how insects adapt to host plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Researchers use AI to identify potential gonorrhea vaccine proteins

Researchers used AI to identify 2 promising antigens as candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine, which accurately predicted reduction of bacterial populations. The antigens were tested in lab and animal models, showing efficacy in killing bacteria and decreasing bacterial burden.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateOct 31, 2023

Unprecedented artificial potassium channels better mimic electric eels

Researchers create angstrom-scale pores in graphene sheets to replicate biological K+ /Na+ selectivity, achieving up to 1295-fold ratio. The design enables new applications like harvesting ionic power and biomimetic devices for water purification and chemical separation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 31, 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.

Wearable heart monitor ticks all the boxes for better healthcare: Study

A new wearable ECG device weighs only 10 grams and has just three 'dry' electrodes that are almost invisibly thin, capturing the heart's electrical activity with comparable precision to market devices. The device can be used for continuous monitoring and is ideal for patients in remote healthcare and ambulatory care settings.

SourceRMIT University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2023

Improved wind speed forecasts can help urban power generation, according to new Concordia research

A new hybrid method developed by Concordia researchers combines data from Weibull probability distribution and numerical weather prediction models to improve wind speed forecasting accuracy. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance urban power generation, particularly in areas with high variability in wind speeds.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnergies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 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.

Novel education programs for sustainable microchips made in Europe

The EU-funded GreenChips-EDU project brings together 15 universities, companies, and research institutions to train specialists in sustainable microelectronics. The program aims to address the industry's skills shortage and promote energy-efficient microchips, with a focus on power electronics.

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeNews article·DateOct 31, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal published updates on hypertensive heart disease burden in older adults

The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Food insecurity, job loss contributed substantially to worldwide mental health decline during first COVID phase

The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased prevalence of depression symptoms and PTSD across eight nations, with food insecurity and job loss being major contributing factors. Higher income was linked to higher depression symptoms, while lower income was associated with higher PTSD symptoms.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Combining cell types may lead to improved cardiac cell therapy following heart attack

A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Academia Sinica of Taiwan has successfully combined lab-grown cardiomyocytes with stem-cell-derived endothelial cells to regenerate damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. This combination therapy holds promise for tackling arrhythmia and could lead to improved clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCirculation·DateOct 31, 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.

New position statement supports permanent standard time

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports permanent standard time, citing its benefits for health and safety. The updated position statement emphasizes the need to replace daylight saving time with year-round standard time.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 31, 2023

Poop, pee and microbes: the complicated ecology of pit latrines

Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateOct 31, 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects energy stores in the body, study shows

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 alters mitochondria on a genetic level, leading to widespread 'energy outages' throughout the body and its major organs. This affects the heart, brain, and lungs, contributing to long COVID symptoms.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 31, 2023

Domestic violence involving firearms increased during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that domestic violence involving firearms increased in three major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall domestic violence remained stable. The researchers note that firearm domestic violence may be less sensitive to pandemic-related forces affecting reporting of other types of domestic violence.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 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.

Outlook on exercise may curb aging anxiety

A study found that African Americans with higher positivity about physical activity had lower anxiety about aging, regardless of income or living situation. The researchers aim to develop a virtual program to improve access to exercise and healthy eating for middle-aged and older adults.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPhysical Activity and Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2023

Surrey researchers use AI to make mobile networks more efficient

Researchers developed an AI model to optimize network allocation, saving bandwidth and reducing computational cost. The model can be adapted for various scenarios, including drone battery conservation and remote surgery.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalIEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management·DateOct 31, 2023