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Science News for September 15, 2023


No pollen, no seeds

North Carolina State University researchers successfully transferred an important gene from one compartment of a plant cell to another, producing tobacco plants that lack pollen and viable seeds. The findings could lead to better ways of producing hybrid seeds to maximize crop productivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood affects food choices, weight gain and the microstructure of the brain

Research from UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood can disrupt brain information processing involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition due to poor diet and lack of physical activity. The study analyzed the microstructure of the brain cortex and found associations between ne...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hydroelectric power plants in Brazil threaten turtles that depend on rapids, study warns

A study warns that Brazil's hydroelectric power plants are threatening the Williams' side-necked turtle, which depends on rapids for survival. The study estimates that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction due to highly suitable areas becoming increasingly rare and less interconnected.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 15, 2023

A NICER approach to genome editing

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new gene editing technique called NICER, which significantly reduces off-target mutations compared to traditional CRISPR/Cas9 methods. This novel approach uses multiple small cuts in DNA strands and promotes interhomolog homologous recombination to correct heterozygous mutations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

Facebook's design makes it unable to control misinformation

Researchers at George Washington University found that Facebook's core design features undermine its policies aimed at removing Covid-19 vaccine misinformation. The platform's architecture, designed to build communities around shared interests, can inadvertently facilitate the spread of misinformation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 15, 2023

Anesthesiology researcher pipeline lags behind other specialties

The anesthesiology researcher pipeline trails other specialties, particularly among women. ARC proposes recommendations to increase the size and diversity of the pipeline, including increasing research visibility and expanding fellowship opportunities.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateSep 15, 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.

Scientists take next big step in understanding genetics of schizophrenia

Researchers have identified 439 genetic variants that regulate gene expression and may contribute to the development of schizophrenia. This discovery could pave the way for more precise interventions and therapies by providing insights into the complex genetic architecture underlying the condition.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 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.

New ways to predict outcomes of pregnancies with fetal growth problems

Researchers developed statistical models using ultrasound measurements and protein levels to predict stillbirth, neonatal death, or extreme preterm delivery. The findings aim to identify suitable candidates for clinical trials testing novel treatments for fetal growth restriction.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

In major breakthrough, researchers close in on preeclampsia cure

A breakthrough discovery identifies cis P-tau as a central circulating driver of preeclampsia. The antibody targets this toxic protein, correcting features associated with the condition and eliminating symptoms in mouse models.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

The pandemic a tough time also for pharmacies

A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalExploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2023

NIH clinical trial of universal flu vaccine candidate begins

A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 15, 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.

Supermassive black holes alter galactic chemistry

A team of researchers used ALMA to observe the central region of Messier 77, a galaxy hosting an active supermassive black hole. The study found that molecules commonly found in galaxies break down along the path of bipolar jets emanating near the black hole, while distinctive molecules increase in concentration.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Rating platforms drive sales at tourist-area NYC eateries

Ratings on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor significantly impact high-priced NYC restaurants serving tourists, while having less effect on local eateries. Locals use firsthand information, making them less reliant on rating platforms.

SourceCornell University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateSep 15, 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.

Study: No evidence that YouTube promoted anti-vaccine content during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that YouTube's recommendation system did not promote anti-vaccine content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed over 27,000 video recommendations and found that users were directed to longer, more popular health-related content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Making AI smarter with an artificial, multisensory integrated neuron

Researchers developed an artificial, multisensory integrated neuron that combines visual and tactile input for improved navigation and decision-making. The system mimics the human brain's ability to integrate multiple senses, enhancing sensor technology's efficiency and paving the way for eco-friendly AI uses.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 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.

Cost of public health insurance for US-born and immigrant adults

A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 15, 2023

Brainwave activity for assessing depressed mood in healthy people

A study at the University of Tsukuba has found that changes in brainwave activity can objectively measure depression, enabling early detection and treatment. The research used electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to track brain wave patterns over a two-to-four week period.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 15, 2023

Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimate that Brazil's active legal mines will release 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere if not managed sustainably. The country's technosols, derived from mine tailings and waste, could offset up to 60% of soil-related emissions, according to a new study.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 15, 2023

New metamaterial-based strategy to combine and transmit multiple light modes

A new approach for coupling different light modes enables unprecedented data transfer rates in an MDM system. By using a gradient-index metamaterial waveguide, researchers achieved a high coupling coefficient and created a 16-channel MDM communication system with a data transfer rate of 2.162 Tbit/s.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 15, 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.

Newly discovered trigger of Parkinson’s upends common beliefs

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that a dysfunction in the neuron's synapses leads to deficits in dopamine and precedes neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest targeting dysfunctional synapses before neurons degenerate may represent a better therapeutic strategy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 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.