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Science News for October 20, 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.

Organophosphorus flame retardants induce malformations in avian embryos

Exposure to tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) reduces survival and causes malformations in chicken embryos, including reduced body length and vascularization issues. TCIPP exposure also affects heart rate and somite formation, indicating a potential risk to avian development.

SourceEhime University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateOct 20, 2023

New care model delivers hepatitis C treatment to most vulnerable

A new neighborhood-based care model has been shown to be effective in treating hepatitis C among injection drug users and those experiencing homelessness. The study found that 92% of participants had undetectable levels of the virus after treatment, with 84% achieving sustained virologic response.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 2023

Who is the ultimate winner of the two strategies to protect cathode for constructing long-cycle performance all-solid-state batteries?

Researchers investigated two strategies to improve the cycling performance of all-solid-state batteries. The first strategy involves coating the cathode surface, which improves electrochemical performance, but the second strategy using halide electrolytes shows promise despite its limitations. The study suggests that a combination of b...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Wobbly gel mat trains muscle cells to work together

Researchers created a hydrogel mat with magnetic microparticles that mimic the forces of exercise. The team found that regularly exercising muscle cells resulted in longer, aligned fibers, and improved contraction capabilities.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevice·DateOct 20, 2023

Dingoes given ‘almost-human’ status in pre-colonial Australia

Archaeological findings suggest that First Nations people buried dingoes alongside humans, indicating a close relationship and almost-human status. The care taken to bury the animals reveals a diet heavily influenced by human scraps, highlighting substantial relationships between humans and dingoes prior to European colonization.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2023

Moving muscle fibers with magnets “programs” how they align within tissue

Using magnets, scientists have found a way to align muscle fibers in tissue, allowing for the development of model tissues and potential therapies for muscle injuries or diseases. The method, which involves mechanically stimulating muscle cells with magnetic forces, shows promise for understanding muscle growth and function.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

What do new moms and roaches have in common?

Researchers studied the transformation of beetle-mimic cockroaches that give birth to live young, discovering similar changes in human pregnancy and immune systems. The study sheds light on the link between the immune system and pregnancy, with potential implications for treating fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournaliScience·DateOct 20, 2023

Organohalogen contamination impact on the health of Baltic Atlantic salmon

This study investigates the impact of organohalogen contamination on Baltic Atlantic salmon. Key findings include differences in xenobiotic and amino acid metabolism between wild and hatchery-reared salmon, as well as correlations with polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations.

SourceEhime University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateOct 20, 2023

Social media contributing to poor body image among teenaged athletes, associated with dropping high school sports

A recent study found that social media is a significant factor in body image issues affecting teenaged athletes, with many quitting sports due to perceived imperfections. The research suggests that promoting diverse and realistic images of athleticism can help reduce dropout rates among young girls, who are more likely to quit sports t...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2023

Ancient sea monster remains reveal oldest mega-predatory pliosaur

A team of palaeontologists has identified the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur, Lorrainosaurus, from 170-million-year-old fossils found in north-eastern France. The discovery reveals a new understanding of marine reptile evolution and ecosystem shifts during the Early-to-Middle Jurassic boundary.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 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.

Research shows how airline pricing really works

Researchers found that airlines use a pricing heuristic called Expected Marginal Seat Revenue-b to set prices, resulting in large gaps between ticket prices. Airlines also don't directly incorporate competitor prices into their automated price-setting, leading to dampened competitive benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023

A cancer survival calculator is being developed using artificial intelligence

A new AI-based tool estimates patient-specific cancer survival rates using machine learning, offering personalized prognosis for patients with breast, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers. The Cancer Survival Calculator differs from existing estimators by incorporating multiple factors beyond disease stage.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research finds 1 out of 4 youth screen positive for suicide risk in an emergency department; majority of those who identify as transgender, gender diverse, screen positive

Research reveals nearly 80% of emergency department encounters involving transgender or gender diverse youth ages 10 and older screened positive for suicide risk. The majority of those who identify as transgender or gender diverse screened positive for suicidal ideation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2023

COVID-19-related jail decarceration did not affect crime in California

A new study by researchers at UC Irvine and the University of Arizona found no consistent relation between COVID-19-related jail decarceration and violent or property crime in California. The study suggests that downsizing, on average, did not drive crime increases statewide, but notes limitations such as a short measurement period.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateOct 20, 2023

Does urbanization trigger plant evolution?

Researchers found that urbanized creeping woodsorrel plants exhibit red leaves, which thrive in urban areas due to high stress tolerance. Genome-wide genetic analyses revealed multiple evolutionary origins of the red-leaf variant from ancestral green-leaved plants.

SourceChiba University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023

Deep dive into the gut unlocks new disease treatments

A diverse gut microbiome is linked to better health, and a new study reveals how to determine which species are important and interact to create a healthy balance. The findings have significant implications for conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

SourceHudson Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Johns Hopkins study supports potential for injectable ‘chemical vaccine’ for malaria using atovaquone

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a key mutation rendering malaria parasites resistant to atovaquone also makes them non-transmissible via mosquitoes. Researchers propose an injectable formulation of atovaquone for long-acting protection against malaria, overcoming concerns about resistance.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2023

Pupil response may shed light on who responds best to transcranial magnetic stimulation for depression

New studies from UCLA Health found that measuring pupil response to light before TMS treatment correlates with improved depression symptoms. Pupil size reflects activation of the autonomic nervous system, which is negatively impacted in people with depression. Researchers discovered a significant association between baseline pupil cons...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 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.

UK’s first local Net Zero Carbon planning policy likely to drive more efficient buildings and cut energy bills, review shows

A new net zero carbon planning policy in Bath & North East Somerset is expected to make new buildings much more energy efficient and boost the introduction of renewables. Despite concerns about increased costs, most planning applicants support the policy's intentions, with solar photovoltaics and heat pumps being key technologies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2023

Does suspending kids from school harm their grades and health?

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that suspension from school is tied to a big drop in grade point average (GPA), especially for Black and Latinx children. The average GPA decline across all students who experienced an exclusionary school discipline (ESD) event was 0.88 points, with Black students seeing the largest decline...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 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.

Soft, living materials made with algae glow under stress

A team of researchers developed soft yet durable materials that glow in response to mechanical stress, using single-celled algae and a seaweed-based polymer. The materials demonstrate inherent simplicity, no electronics needed, and can be used as mechanical sensors or soft robotics, while also being resilient and self-sustaining.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 20, 2023

Father’s postpartum depression doubles child’s odds of adverse childhood experiences before age 5

New research suggests that father's depression during the child's first year of life doubles the odds of a child having three or more adverse childhood experiences by age 5. Adverse childhood experiences, including household dysfunction and child maltreatment, can have lifelong effects on children's health and wellbeing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023

Team looking at gene therapy for children paralyzed by rare mutations

Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center discovered a gene therapy approach that can restore motor functions in mice with Contactin-Associated Protein 1 (Cntnap1) mutations. The study found that turning on the normal gene earlier improves the rescue outcome, and the next phase is to test this approach in humans.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2023

Contaminants in cannabis and hemp flowers create potential for health risks

Researchers urge caution due to harmful fungi that contaminate cannabis and hemp flowers, which can cause infections in susceptible individuals. The authors recommend developing a two-tier system to distinguish products intended for medical and recreational use to reduce harm to medical users.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateOct 20, 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 Arctic in transition

The Arctic Permafrost Atlas reveals alarming changes in landscapes, ecosystems, and human lives due to climate change. Over five million people are at risk of losing frozen ground beneath their feet by 2050, with significant economic implications for oil and gas production.

SourceGRID-Arendal·DateOct 20, 2023

Marching band injuries strike a wrong note in emergency departments

Researchers analyzed 20,335 marching band injuries from 2012-2021, finding 70% occurred in high school-age females, mostly ankle and knee injuries. Mild traumatic brain injury accounted for 6% of all encounters, highlighting the need for education on risk prevention.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 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.

An algorithm predicts the academic performance of distance education students

A University of Córdoba team developed an algorithm that predicts student performance in online education, dividing students into four categories and providing personalized assistance. The algorithm uses ordinal classification and fuzzy logic to make more accurate predictions than previous models.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalApplied Intelligence·DateOct 20, 2023

Study shows promise for iNKT cell platform to treat cancer

Researchers develop a novel iNKT cell therapy approach using canine models, demonstrating improved survival and longer therapeutic effect. The platform could potentially treat human cancers with reduced risk of relapse and increased efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Generating clean electricity with chicken feathers

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new, environmentally friendly fuel cell membrane made from chicken feathers. The keratin-based membrane replaces toxic substances and reduces carbon emissions. This breakthrough could enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen power as a sustainable energy source.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInterfaces·DateOct 20, 2023

Why do some men not produce sperm?

Researchers discovered that a single mutation in a key synaptonemal complex protein can cause infertility in mice and is likely to have the same effect in humans. This finding may lead to new technologies for treating male infertility by pinpointing the exact location of the defect.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Pivotal breakthrough in adapting perovskite solar cells for renewable energy at City University of Hong Kong; published in Science

The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 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.

Land use: Producing more food and storing more carbon

Researchers from KIT and HeiGIT found that optimized land use can increase food production by an average of 83%, water availability by 8%, and CO2 storage capacity by 3%. This would be achieved by preserving tropical and boreal forests, using temperate latitudes for croplands, and utilizing tropical and subtropical savannas for pastures.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 20, 2023

Electric scooter injuries increased more than 70% in youth age 18 and younger from 2020-2021

A recent study found a 71% increase in injuries associated with electric scooters among children and teens aged 18 and younger. The majority of these injuries were to the head, and nearly two-thirds of head injuries were not caused by helmet use. Electric scooters are an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but their popularity...

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2023

Harsh workplace climate is pushing women out of academia

A comprehensive analysis of retention in academia reveals that women faculty are leaving academia at a higher rate than men, especially after receiving full professorship. The study found that harsh workplace climates, including harassment and feelings of not belonging, were the most common reason for women's departure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 20, 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.

Broad-spectrum antiviral candidate targets dengue and SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at Hokkaido University identified 2-thiouridine as a broad-spectrum antiviral drug candidate targeting ssRNA+ viruses. It inhibits viral replication and increases survival rates in mice models for dengue and COVID-19.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2023

Noninvasive bioelectronic treatment of postcesarean pain

A randomized clinical trial found that high-frequency electrical stimulation device reduced opioid use and prescribed opioids after cesarean delivery, suggesting a potential adjunct to decrease opioid use without compromising pain control.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 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.

Revolutionizing radar: Integrated THz emitter for precise rotating target detection

Researchers have developed an integrated THz vortex beam emitter to detect rotating targets with remarkable precision. The system uses spiraling electromagnetic waves with orbital angular momentum to accurately measure the speed of a rotating object, with a maximum margin of error of just around 2 percent.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 20, 2023

Delta-8 and its online availability to minors raises concerns

Research suggests delta-8 companies market products to minors with colorful packaging, cheap prices, and easy availability. This lack of age verification and regulation poses risks to minors, who may underestimate the substance's strength and danger. Clinicians and policymakers are advised to take action.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 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.