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Science News for October 9, 2023


Listen to your heart: AI tool detects cardiac diseases that doctors often miss

Researchers developed an AI tool that can detect valvular heart disease with 93% sensitivity and 98% specificity. The tool analyzes audio data from a short burst of sound vibrations using a contact microphone and neural networks, allowing for quick identification of five different valvular diseases.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2023

Capturing immunotherapy response in a blood drop

A phase 2 clinical trial found that serial blood tests can identify patients who benefit from additional immunotherapies, suggesting a potential early marker of treatment response. The study also showed that ctDNA analyses correlated with tumor size and survival, making it a promising strategy for guiding therapy.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 9, 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.

Mimicking ‘plant power’ through artificial photosynthesis

Researchers have successfully mimicked plant power through artificial photosynthesis, producing methane from carbon dioxide and sunlight. The breakthrough could pave the way toward replacing nonrenewable fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Engineering Au·DateOct 9, 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.

Tropical ecosystems more reliant on emerging aquatic insects, study finds, potentially putting them at greater risk

Researchers found tropical forest ecosystems rely more on aquatic insects than temperate forests, making them vulnerable to disruptions in land-water connections. This increased reliance poses a threat to tropical environments, which are already under pressure from human activity and climate change.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Boom, crackle, pop: Sounds of Earth’s crust

Researchers at MIT have discovered that the sounds produced by rocks under different pressures can reveal their depth and strength, helping scientists identify unstable regions below the surface. This new method could aid in drilling for geothermal energy and understanding the Earth's crust.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2023

Nature is inventive - the same substance is produced differently by plants

Researchers have found that benzoxazinoids, a special plant defense compound, evolved independently in distantly related plant families. The study used two species, golden dead-nettle and zebra plant, to elucidate the metabolic pathway of these compounds, revealing unexpected diversity in enzymes performing the same reactions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Micro/nanoscale 4D printing revolution: Manufacturing high-resolution transformable 3D structures

Researchers introduce a game-changing technology that enables fabrication of high-resolution, transformable 3D structures at the micro/nanoscale using Two-photon polymerization-based (TTP-based) 4D printing. The technology has vast potential for applications in biomedicine, flexible electronics, soft robotics, and aerospace.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 9, 2023

Heart disease risk, prevention and management redefined

A new American Heart Association advisory introduces the concept of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which affects nearly every major organ. The approach highlights the importance of screening for CKM-related conditions and addressing social factors to prevent progression.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateOct 9, 2023

Ancient Maya reservoirs offer lessons for today’s water crises

The ancient Maya built and maintained reservoirs that filtered and cleaned the water using aquatic plants, providing potable water for thousands of people. The Maya's approach to managing water quality could serve as a model for addressing today's water crises.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 9, 2023

Researchers identify largest ever solar storm in ancient 14,300-year-old tree rings

Researchers have identified a massive solar storm 14,300 years ago in ancient tree rings, which could be catastrophic for modern technological society. The study warns of the importance of understanding such storms to protect global communications and energy infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 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.

Interpreting large-scale medical datasets

A new generative model named scPoli enables multi-scale representations of cells and samples, facilitating the integration of high-quality large-scale datasets for novel biological insights and disease understanding. This model accelerates atlas building and usage, ultimately accelerating disease understanding and therapy development.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

College students are at risk for food and nutrition insecurity

The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 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.

Newfound mechanism suggests drug combination could starve pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for starving pancreatic cancer cells, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. A combination of treatments involving the drug DRP-104, which blocks glutamine metabolism, and trametinib, an existing ERK signaling pathway blocker, showed promising results in mouse models.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Researchers show consequences of inaction on devastating banana disease

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) could cause a 55% reduction in banana production in newly affected regions within 10 years. The disease is projected to result in significant economic losses, with consumers bearing 40% of the estimated $25 billion cost.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

Use of rapid tests to diagnose tuberculosis among people with HIV in Africa has increased, but barriers to implementation remain

A study found that only 3 out of 22 African countries with high TB/HIV burden have no national policy on LF-LAM test implementation. Main barriers include lack of funding and training, despite the test being less expensive than other diagnostic tests.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeSurvey·DateOct 9, 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.

What is the impact of predictive AI in the health care setting?

Researchers found that using predictive models in healthcare can alter relationships between patient data and outcomes, leading to further degradation. Implementing a system to track individuals impacted by machine learning predictions is crucial to maintaining model performance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

Epigenetic regulator MOF drives mitochondrial metabolism

The study reveals MOF's critical role in maintaining mitochondrial integrity through protein acetylation. COX17 is identified as a key target of MOF-mediated acetylation, stimulating its function and regulating oxidative phosphorylation.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Vacuum cleaner-effect in fungi can hold nanoplastics at bay

Researchers at Lund University discovered that certain fungi can 'clean up' their surroundings by catching nanoplastics, reducing their toxic effects. This finding highlights the potential for fungi to mitigate soil pollution and provides hope for a more sustainable future.

SourceLund University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateOct 9, 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.

Copycat nutrient leaves pancreatic tumors starving

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new approach to treat pancreatic cancer by feeding tumors a copycat of the important nutrient glutamine. This method significantly slowed pancreatic tumor growth and prevented the spread of tumors in early clinical trials.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Largest ever study on light exposure proves its impact on mental health

The study found that increased exposure to night-time light increases the risk of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD severity. In contrast, increasing daytime light exposure can act as a non-pharmacological means for reducing psychosis risk and depression.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

No lizard is an island

A new study by James Stroud at Georgia Tech and Jonathan Losos at Washington University in St. Louis found that natural selection varies massively through time among four different species of anoles living together on a small island. Despite this variation, the species remained remarkably similar across the entire time period.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023

Airbnb study sheds light on whether incentivizing customer reviews makes a difference

A study by Boston University and UC Berkeley found that incentivized reviews are more likely to contain low-quality information and correspond to worse guest experiences. In contrast, non-incentivized reviews with the same star ratings led to better guest experiences.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 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.

Eco-friendly bamboo potential mainstream construction material after researchers make break through

Scientists at the University of Bristol have created a prediction model for a simple connection method using screws in bamboo. This innovative approach can help fight climate change by sequestering carbon at a faster rate than traditional wood, taking only four-to-five years to mature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Where do rehabbed turtles go?

A study from North Carolina State University tracked 16 rehabilitated turtles to monitor their long-term survival and health. The researchers found that turtles moved an average of 100 yards between observations, with some individuals traveling much farther than expected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023

Clinical trial demonstrates benefits of solriamfetol for adults with ADHD

A recent clinical trial demonstrates solriamfetol's effectiveness in improving ADHD symptoms in adults, with no significant impact on sleep quality. The medication also exhibited a favorable safety profile, with common side effects including decreased appetite and increased energy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateOct 9, 2023

Climate-driven extreme heat may make parts of Earth too hot for humans

Billions of people worldwide will be exposed to unbearable heat and humidity if global temperatures increase by 1 degree Celsius or more. Regions with high population density, like Pakistan, India, China, and sub-Saharan Africa, are expected to experience frequent extreme heatwaves due to high humidity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 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.

Cancer drug restores immune system’s ability to fight tumors

A new cancer drug candidate has been found to restore the effectiveness of the immune system in fighting tumors, including melanoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, and colon cancer. The drug works by lowering a toxic compound called MTA, which impairs normal functioning of immune cells and blocks immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

THE LANCET NEUROLOGY: Stroke could cause nearly 10 million deaths annually by 2050, mostly in LMICs, and cost up to US$2 trillion per year, new report warns

The number of people who die from stroke globally is projected to increase by 50% to 9.7 million deaths per year by 2050, mainly affecting Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). The annual costs are estimated to reach up to US$2.3 trillion, with a disproportionate impact on LMICs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 2023

DREAM tool for gene therapies uses ‘locally sourced’ components

Researchers created a new CRISPR-based gene therapy tool using locally sourced, human-derived proteins that can activate silent or insufficiently expressed genes. The DREAM tool mimics the natural ability of human cells to turn on specific genes in response to mechanical cues.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Climate catastrophe produced instantaneous evolutionary change

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey's record flooding, researchers discovered a unique form of evolutionary change called spatial sorting that dominated the evolution of Jadera haematoloma bugs. This rapid adaptation allowed them to access seeds on goldenrain trees, outcompeting native species with longer beaks.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 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.

Researchers are creating a bio-nose that smells for real

A University of Maryland research team is developing a portable bio-nose device capable of identifying complex odors. The team has successfully created an insect-based cell line that can sense odors, and is now studying its responses to different liquids.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateOct 9, 2023

Lethal climate change millions of years ago was due to volcanic eruptions, scientists conclude

Researchers found that volcanic eruptions coincided with extreme greenhouse climate warming and mass extinctions due to large amounts of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. The study reveals a connection between geological and astrophysical cycles, suggesting astronomical movements control Earth's interior processes.

SourceNew York University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Depressive symptoms and mortality among adults

A study of 23,000 adults found a significant link between depressive symptoms and increased mortality from cardiovascular disease. Public health efforts can support nationwide strategies to reduce depression's burden.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 9, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New study finds that the Gulf Stream is warming and shifting closer to shore

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution analyzed in situ observations since 2001, revealing the Gulf Stream is warming and moving towards the shore. The study used data from Argo floats and Spray underwater gliders, providing insights into the ocean's dynamics.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Could a new law of physics support the idea we’re living in a computer simulation?

A new study explores the simulated universe hypothesis and its implications for science and technology. The second law of infodynamics suggests that information has mass and entropy remains constant or decreases in information systems, supporting the idea that we're living in a simulation.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalAIP Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

TAVR: Less than one-third of patients enter cardiac rehab after heart procedure

A recent study found that less than one-third of TAVR patients participate in cardiac rehabilitation within 90 days after discharge. Factors such as age, frailty, and medical complexity contribute to lower enrollment rates. The study highlights the need for improved education and hospital protocols to promote post-procedure care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

New study highlights inequality in green spaces and mental health

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that every additional 360m of green space is associated with higher odds of anxiety and depression. The study, which analyzed data from over 2 million adults in Wales, highlights the need for improved public green spaces to address mental health inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 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.

AI language models could help diagnose schizophrenia

Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Space weather disrupts nocturnal bird migration, study finds

Researchers found a significant link between geomagnetic disturbances and disruptions to nocturnal bird migration. The study used massive datasets from U.S. Doppler weather radar stations and ground-based magnetometers, revealing a 9-17% reduction in migrating birds during severe space weather events.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 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.

New drug offers relief for treatment-resistant epilepsy patients

A new study shows that XEN1101 can reduce seizure frequency by more than 50% in some patients and sometimes eliminate seizures altogether. The medication, a potassium-channel opener, boosts the flow of potassium out of nerves to stop them from firing.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 9, 2023

Financial sector risks can hinder transition to green economy

Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateOct 9, 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.

A mother mouse needs a diverse gut microbiome to form a healthy placenta

Research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in forming a healthy placenta during pregnancy. Mice with depleted gut microbiomes had smaller placentas and less-developed blood vessels, which can deprive fetuses of nutrients. However, supplementing these mice with short-chain fatty acids restored placental growth.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2023

Long-term lizard study challenges the rules of evolutionary biology

A long-term study by Georgia Tech's James Stroud found that natural selection varies massively through time, canceling out any stabilizing effect. Species remained remarkably similar across the entire three-year period, contradicting the idea of constant evolution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 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.

UTIA and AT&T partner to provide rural Tennessee with digital literacy training

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is teaming up with AT&T Foundation to address the challenge of broadband access and education through a new digital literacy program. The program will engage, invest, and train citizens in skills that improve broadband adoption, particularly in economically distressed counties.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateOct 9, 2023

Stuck to the subway: less privileged people have fewer possibilities to adapt their mobility behaviour to heat

A new study by PIK researchers reveals that less privileged people in NYC face limitations in adapting their mobility behavior to heat, leading to increased health risks. The analysis of mobility data from 438 NYC subway stations shows that those already at higher risk have the fewest options to adjust their behavior.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 9, 2023

NREL analysis identifies drivers of offshore wind development

The study found that offshore wind could generate up to 8% of the nation's electricity by 2050, with deployment ranging from 30 to 250 gigawatts. High levels of deployment are likely in scenarios with stringent decarbonization policies and low technology costs.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Older people use mobile phones more in countries with more affordable rates

A pioneering international study led by UOC researchers finds that older people in Spain and Israel use smartphones more than those in Canada and Romania due to access to affordable internet rates. The study contradicts the stereotype that growing older leads to decreased digital technology use.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalMedia and Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 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.

History of parental infertility associated with small increased risk for birth defects among children conceived through fertility treatment

A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 9, 2023

New analytical tool reduces errors in genetic analysis and research

Researchers developed an analytical tool to spot stray DNA and RNA contamination in genetic analyses, increasing result accuracy. The software, SAHMI, can identify microbe-associated cells and study microbiome distribution in tissues.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Evidence from the remains of 1918 flu pandemic victims contradicts long-held belief that healthy young adults were particularly vulnerable

Researchers found that individuals with previous environmental, social, and nutritional stressors were more likely to die from the flu. This contradicts the widespread belief that healthy young adults were disproportionately affected. The study analyzed skeletal remains of 369 victims and identified lesions as indicators of frailty.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 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.

First evidence that albatrosses use infrasound to navigate long journeys

Researchers found that wandering albatrosses orientate towards areas of 'loud' microbarom infrasound when flying on long distance foraging trips. This suggests that they may perceive and respond to microbarom infrasound propagated over long distances.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2023

New study points to new possibilities for treating lung cancer patients

Researchers discovered that the short-chain fatty acid propionate can reduce metastases in mice with experimental lung cancer. The substance also increases the effectiveness of Cisplatin, a commonly used drug for lung cancer patients. Funding is now sought to identify patients who may benefit from propionate treatment.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Should a more individualized model replace the current method for determining which people should be screened for lung cancer?

A new study found that an alternative model to identify patients with lung cancer eligible for screening was more accurate than the currently used method based on the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) criteria. The PLCOm2012 models had higher sensitivity and identified more people with lung cancer eligible for scree...

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateOct 9, 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.