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Science News for October 6, 2023


Kidney disease gene also has a protective mutation

African Americans at increased risk of kidney disease due to genetic mutation now have a protective genetic mutation that eliminates the risk. The study found that medicines blocking the hole in kidney cells are likely to be effective treatment options.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateOct 6, 2023

Unearthing the leaf miners of ancient times: 312-million-year-old fossil sheds light on insect behavior and evolution

A 312-million-year-old fossil found in the Carboniferous Rhode Island Formation provides evidence of how internal feeding, known as leaf mining, may have originated. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and behavior of holometabolous insects, including modern-day moths, beetles, flies, and wasps.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 6, 2023

How bacteria can organize themselves

Researchers developed a model demonstrating that chasing interactions can induce dynamical patterns in bacterial organization. The structure becomes visible on a higher level, without requiring adhesion or alignment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 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.

Integrated chronic care in Africa can improve outcomes and save money

A recent study found that integrated clinics can improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The INTE-Africa study showed that retention rates were close to 90% and viral suppression rates remained unchanged, highlighting the benefits of integrating HIV and non-communicable disease care.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

Consistent metabolism may prove costly for insects in saltier water

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that freshwater insects lack metabolic responses to salinity, unlike other aquatic animals like crustaceans and snails. Insects' constant metabolism in saline environments may be due to low demand for calcium, which can be toxic to them.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

3D genome architecture influences SCID-X1 gene therapy success

Researchers identified the integration site pattern of lentiviral gene therapies in patient cells, shedding light on treatment safety and efficacy. The study found that integration near nuclear pores is associated with improved safety and effectiveness, avoiding oncogene regions where earlier technologies failed.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2023

Rise in overdose deaths increasingly affects those with lower educational attainment, RAND study finds

A new RAND Corporation study reveals that drug overdose deaths have surged among Americans without a college education, nearly doubling over a three-year period. The findings highlight the potential association between the rise in overdose deaths and barriers to education access, a social determinant of health.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-throughput terahertz imaging: Progress and challenges

High-throughput terahertz imaging has made significant progress, enabling real-time imaging applications. Computational methods such as digital holography, spatial encoding, and diffractive processing have improved image resolution and capabilities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 6, 2023

Our sense of smell changes the colors we see, show scientists

A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that unconscious 'crossmodal' associations with our sense of smell can distort perception of colors. Participants adjusted sliders to change the color of a square, but their choices were influenced by the odor they smelled, such as perceiving coffee as a reddish-brown color instead of neutral grey.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

Remnant of cell division could be responsible for spreading cancer

Researchers have discovered that midbody remnants, thought to be cellular trash, contain working genetic material that can change the fate of other cells, including turning them into cancer. The study suggests that these remnants may play a key role in spreading cancer throughout the body.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 6, 2023

Research reveals disparities in access to quality parks

A new study from the University of Delaware uses machine learning and social media reviews to show environmental injustices in urban green spaces. The research found that neighborhoods with predominantly white, college-educated residents have a disproportionate access to higher quality parks.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 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.

Clinical trial reveals benefits of inhaled nitric oxide for patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia

A multicenter clinical trial found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide improved oxygenation and reduced the risk of sensory and motor neurologic symptoms in adults with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. The treatment was also linked to lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 in the blood and sputum.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2023

Scientists discover ‘long colds’ may exist, as well as long Covid

A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that people may experience long-term symptoms after acute respiratory infections, such as coughing, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Researchers believe these symptoms may be related to COVID-19, but further research is needed to establish the cause.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateOct 6, 2023

Atmospheric research in the Atlantic to be expanded

The Cabo Verde Atmospheric Observatory is expanding with a new laboratory building on São Vicente, thanks to €3 million in funding from the German government. The facility will enhance international climate research capabilities in the tropical Atlantic.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·DateOct 6, 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.

Thalamus regulates adaptability of the adult brain

Researchers found that the thalamus is involved in the adaptation of the adult visual system, with plasticity taking place in both the thalamus and cortex. This discovery has implications for understanding learning disabilities and therapies, suggesting a different approach may be needed to treat conditions like lazy eye.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournaleLife·DateOct 6, 2023

Dragonfly eyes inspire new MLA processing technique

Researchers have developed a new technique for manufacturing 3D microlens arrays using holographic fs-laser processing-assisted wet-etching technology. This method offers high precision, efficiency, and versatility, enabling the fabrication of complex 3D patterns with high fidelity.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateOct 6, 2023

How male mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome

Scientists discovered a key regulator that balances X chromosome genes between male and female mosquitoes, which could help develop new ways to prevent the spread of malaria. The finding sheds light on how mosquitoes compensate for having only one X chromosome, offering potential strategies to reduce blood-sucking female mosquitoes.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2023

Benefits of psychedelics in obsessive-compulsive disorder: in search of evidence

Previous studies suggest that psychedelics can induce an altered state of consciousness leading to new thought patterns, which is promising in treating OCD. Research analyzing the experience of past users found dissipation of obsessive thoughts, reduced anxiety, and increased acceptance of OCD symptoms.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 6, 2023

Ginger pigment molecules found in fossil frogs

Researchers found preserved molecular fragments of the pigment phaeomelanin in 10-million-year-old frog fossils, which could help reconstruct ancient animal colors. This discovery may be a first step towards understanding the evolution of toxic phaeomelanin.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 6, 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.

Scientists investigate Grand Canyon's ancient past to predict future climate impacts

Researchers analyzed an ancient stalagmite from a Grand Canyon cave to understand the relationship between global warming and the strength of the North American Monsoon. They found that increasing moisture during the early Holocene period may lead to greater summer rainfall on the Colorado Plateau and intensifying monsoons in the future.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2023

Pulsars may make dark matter glow

Scientists propose that pulsars could detect dark matter by observing a subtle additional glow. If axions are produced in strong electromagnetic fields around pulsars, they could convert into observable light.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2023

Lurbinectedin for Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

Researchers discuss lurbinectedin as a method to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with encouraging results from phase II basket studies demonstrating activity in platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC and other malignancies. Lurbinectedin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting oncogenic transcription, promoting apoptosis and cell death.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2023

Integrated health services in Africa can improve patient care and save money

A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 6, 2023

Fathers’ parental leave might protect men against alcohol-related morbidity

A Swedish study finds that fathers' parental leave is associated with a 34% decrease in alcohol-related hospitalizations among fathers, as well as smaller decreases over time. The policy change led to increased fathers' use of parental leave, which may explain the observed health benefits.

SourceStockholm University·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Cancer research: Metabolite drives tumor development

A University of Basel study reveals that high levels of arginine drive metabolic reprogramming to promote tumor growth. The findings suggest targeting the specific arginine-binding factor for effective liver cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell·DateOct 6, 2023

Optically anisotropic, electrically tunable microlens arrays formed via single-step photopolymerization-induced phase separation in polymer/liquid-crystal composite materials

Researchers developed a simple, one-step method for creating large-area liquid crystal microlens arrays (LC-MLAs) with high focusing quality. The LC-MLAs demonstrate polarization-dependent, electrically tunable properties, allowing for adjustable focal length and image depth control.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateOct 6, 2023

Researchers create a neural network for genomics—one that explains how it achieves accurate predictions

A team of New York University computer scientists created a neural network that can explain how it reaches its predictions, shedding light on the intricacies of RNA splicing. The breakthrough reveals how a small, hairpin-like structure in RNA can decrease splicing and provides new insights into the transfer of genomic information.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 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.

Offspring of teen, young adult women with cancer history more likely to have birth defects

A recent study by UTHealth Houston found that the offspring of adolescent and young adult women with a history of cancer face a higher risk of birth defects. The study examined 6,882 offspring ages 12 months and younger and found an increased risk of specific types of defects in the offspring of women with a history of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateOct 6, 2023

Patterns in physician burnout

A survey of 1,373 physicians reveals a growing trend of physician burnout, which could compromise patient care. The study highlights the urgent need for solutions to address this critical issue affecting the healthcare sector.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 6, 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.

A 130g soft robot gripper lifts 100kg?

A team of researchers from KIST and KAIST developed a soft robotic gripper that can lift objects weighing over 100 kg using only 130 grams of material. The gripper's woven structure is inspired by textiles and achieves high performance, cost-effectiveness, and process efficiency.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2023

Lack of sexually related injuries does not mean rape victim was ‘making it up’

A new study analyzing over 3,000 women found that more than half of rape survivors had no detectable anogenital injuries, despite being examined by experts. The research challenges the myth that physical violence is always present in rape cases, highlighting the need to support survivors and challenge cultural attitudes towards reporti...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 6, 2023

Super-efficient laser light-induced detection of cancer cell-derived nanoparticles

Osaka Metropolitan University scientists have developed a super-efficient laser light-induced detection method that reduces detection time from hours to minutes. The technique allows for ultrafast and ultrasensitive measurement of biological nanoparticles, including exosomes, with diameters of 50–150 nm.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 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.

Possible tool discovered to diagnose common contributor to vascular dementia

Researchers discovered a non-invasive eye exam that can detect early signs of cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease, a major contributor to vascular dementia. The study found connections between altered retinal blood flow and changes in brain structure associated with the condition.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

How do our brains tell us what went wrong?

A team of neuroscientists has identified specific neurons in the auditory cortex that only respond to sounds that violate expectations, sending a message that a mistake has been made. These 'prediction-error neurons' may play a vital role in learning how to speak or play musical instruments.

SourceNew York University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2023

The currency of conservation

A new study led by researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, proposes a way to improve the effectiveness of conservation funding by giving organizations more freedom to allocate funds. By doing so, the team found that conservation projects can offer a high return on investment and make a greater impact on species protection.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2023

Study validates pyrvinium as treatment to prevent stomach cancer

A study published in Gastroenterology validated pyrvinium as a potential preventative treatment for stomach cancer. The drug induces cell death in precancerous lesions by targeting specific stem cells through dual MEK/ERK and STAT3 inhibition, suggesting lower adverse effects on tissue regeneration.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGastroenterology·DateOct 6, 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.

Astronomers discover first step toward planet formation

Researchers have observed a unique stage in the development of planetary systems by detecting a smooth protoplanetary disk around the young star DG Taurus. This discovery provides new insights into the conditions at the start of planet formation, challenging current theoretical expectations.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2023

New research led by Mays Cancer Center reveals how mutations in BRCA1 affect cancer susceptibility in women

Researchers have pinpointed the molecular mechanism by which a large portion of BRCA1 mutations cause cancers in women. The study found that the E3 ligase activity of BRCA1 is crucial in several stages of DNA repair and tumor suppression, reinterpreting previous findings.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 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.

New pathways of Alzheimer's disease identified

A new study has identified two main pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease, with one acting through amyloid and tau proteins and the other based on immune system reactions. The research also found that certain genes have opposite effects in men and women, suggesting a need for further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Lübeck·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 6, 2023

Ultra-wideband heterogeneous integrated photodiodes on thin-film lithium niobate platform

Researchers have developed high-speed and high-responsivity photodetectors on a thin-film lithium niobate platform, achieving a 3-dB bandwidth of 110 GHz and responsivity of 0.4 A/W at 1550-nm wavelength. The devices demonstrate potential for ultra-high-speed optical communications and multi-function integrated quantum photonics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateOct 6, 2023

Deciphering the intensity of past ocean currents

New study uses flume-tank experiments to observe changes in sediment deposits and current velocities, revealing insights into past ocean currents. The findings have huge application potential for understanding climate, pollution transport, and benthic ecology.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2023