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Science News for August 23, 2024


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.

Scientists call for an update in environmental decision making that takes human rights into account

Researchers call for a rethink of environmental decision-making to consider foreseeable harm and integrate key scientific and ecological evidence, including local community knowledge. The update aims to address biodiversity loss as a human rights issue and align with advances in international human rights law.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 23, 2024

NASA’s DART impact permanently changed the shape and orbit of asteroid moon

A new study by the University of Maryland reveals that NASA's DART spacecraft collision with asteroid moon Dimorphos created a large crater and reshaped it, causing the moon to derail from its original evolutionary progression. The impact also changed Dimorphos' orbit around its parent asteroid Didymos.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPlanetary Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

MSU discovers method for CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats

Michigan State University researchers have developed a method for CRISPR-based genome editing in Nile grass rats, which are diurnal rodents with sleep patterns similar to humans. This breakthrough could provide an alternative model for studying human health and disease, as existing models rely heavily on laboratory mice.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Biology·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Rates of obesity-related cancer are rising sharply in young Chinese people

Obesity-related cancer rates in China have risen sharply among young people, with an alarming 3.6% annual increase between 2007 and 2021. The trend is particularly pronounced among those aged 25-29, highlighting the urgent need for better public health policies to address China's growing overweight and obesity rates.

SourceCell Press·JournalMed·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2024

Research spotlight: evaluating hybrid and virtual treatments for children with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Breakthroughs in prostate cancer: New insights into biomarkers and probes

Researchers have made significant advances in identifying and applying biomarkers for prostate cancer, paving the way for more targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and genomics is also expected to enhance personalized medicine approaches.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 23, 2024

Men infected with high-risk types of HPV could struggle with fertility

A study found that men infected with high-risk types of HPV could experience sperm death from oxidative stress, leading to impaired fertility. The researchers also discovered a weakened local immune response in the urogenital tract, which may contribute to these effects.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Turning bacteria into bioplastic factories

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 23, 2024

Unconventional interface superconductor could benefit quantum computing

Researchers developed a new superconductor material that uses a delocalized state of an electron to carry quantum information. The material could be used to create low-loss microwave resonators for quantum computing, which is critical for reducing decoherence and increasing the stability of qubits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Langbeinites show talents as 3D quantum spin liquids

An international team has discovered 3D quantum spin liquids in Nickel Langbeinites, a new class of materials. The discovery was made using neutron experiments and theoretical modelling, which revealed an island of liquidity at the centre of a strongly frustrated lattice.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Spike mutations help SARS-CoV-2 infect the brain

Researchers found a specific deletion in the spike protein that enhances the virus' ability to infect brains of mice, which could help understand 'long COVID' and develop treatments. The study suggests viruses with this deletion can traffic from the lung to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2024

New imaging device improves ear disease diagnosis

A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateAug 23, 2024

Innovative field experiments shed light on biological clocks in nature

A recent study published in PNAS explores how plants combine clock signals with environmental cues under naturally fluctuating conditions. The research team developed statistical models that accurately predict gene expression activity under control of circadian clock responses to environmental signals.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slow down in China’s methane emission growth

Research published in National Science Review reveals that China's methane emission growth has significantly slowed down since 2016. The slowdown is attributed to reductions in agriculture and wetland emissions, with the rice planting area becoming a main driver of changes in methane emissions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 23, 2024

Researcher finds sound progress in babies’ speech development

A study by Dr. Pumpki Lei Su and colleagues analyzed over 300 children's home recordings to find that infants form patterns in their sound clusters, producing three categories of sounds. The researchers found significant clustering patterns in typically developing children and those later diagnosed with autism, suggesting a more sponta...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024
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 approach for profiling complex dynamics at the single-molecule level

Researchers developed MUSCLE, a method that combines single-molecule fluorescence microscopy with next-generation sequencing to profile complex biological processes. The technique enables simultaneous observation of vast arrays of samples, uncovering general trends and dynamic signatures.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

When is the best time of day for cancer treatment?

Researchers have identified certain times of the day when cancer cells are most responsive to medication-based treatments, suggesting personalized treatment plans could improve efficacy and reduce side effects. The study used a method called high-throughput deep phenotyping to analyze the circadian rhythms of breast cancer cell lines.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 23, 2024

Toward a code-breaking quantum computer

MIT researchers have proposed a best-of-both-worlds approach to improve the speed of a 1994 quantum factoring algorithm while reducing memory requirements. The new algorithm is faster, requires fewer qubits, and has a higher tolerance to quantum noise.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Pesco-vegetarian diets best for reducing risk of death in elderly

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pesco-vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of mortality and certain neurological conditions in elderly individuals. The study analyzed data from over 88,000 subjects and found that pesco-vegetarians had an 18% lower risk of death compared to non...

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 23, 2024

Chlamydia can settle in the intestine

Researchers found that Chlamydia bacteria can persist in the intestines of humans, where they form a permanent reservoir and evade antibiotic treatment. The bacteria preferentially infect the inner cell layer of intestinal organoids, but not the outer epithelial layer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Activated bamboo charcoal’s slow-release properties for enhanced anti-acne formulations containing bamboo vinegar

Researchers have developed a slow-release system using bamboo vinegar and activated bamboo charcoal to combat acne. The study shows that the refined bamboo vinegar, adsorbed by the bamboo charcoal, exhibits a gradual release rate over two hours, effectively demonstrating its potential as an anti-acne cosmetic raw material.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Accurate deformation monitoring: the era of dual-base station technology

A novel technique in deformation monitoring uses dual-base station constraint to improve precision consistency across strip regions. The method demonstrates notable improvements in precision consistency, marking a key development in GNSS deformation monitoring.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSatellite Navigation·DateAug 23, 2024

New evidence suggests ancient origin of the "common enemy effect"

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that bonobos, known for their nonviolence, show a moderated version of the common enemy effect when faced with threats from other groups. The researchers suggest that this behavior may have emerged several million years ago, before human and chimpanzee lineages diverged.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

Water activation induced strong interfacial hydrogen bonding interactions for efficient oxygen reduction reaction

Researchers develop a non-precious metal alternative to platinum group metals for efficient oxygen reduction reactions. Their Fe3C-Fe1/CNT catalyst exhibits excellent stability and high efficiency in acidic and alkaline environments, accelerating proton-coupled electron transfer and oxygen reduction kinetics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 23, 2024

Battelle names Anibal Boscoboinik 'Inventor of the Year'

Boscoboinik's work on nanocages that trap noble gases like radon and xenon could lead to affordable air purification methods and more efficient industrial production. The technology has market value worth hundreds of millions of dollars and could save lives by preventing lung cancer.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Researchers demonstrate metasurfaces that control thermal radiation in unprecedented ways

The research team has successfully demonstrated the control of thermal radiation by metasurfaces, achieving circularly polarized light with full control over emission direction. This breakthrough enables the creation of custom light sources with desired spectral, polarization, and spatial features for various applications.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2024

Artificial intelligence improves lung cancer diagnosis

A new AI-based digital platform has been developed to analyze tissue sections from lung cancer patients, making diagnosis faster and more accurate. The platform uses algorithms that enable fully automated analysis of digitized tissue samples, allowing for personalized therapy based on molecularly specific genetic changes.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 23, 2024
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.

Study finds nearly half of U.S. counties have at least one ‘pharmacy desert’

A new study by Ohio State University found that nearly half of U.S. counties lack a retail pharmacy within 10 miles, exacerbating health disparities and impacting medication adherence. The study highlights the consequences of limited pharmacy accessibility on communities with higher social vulnerabilities.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 23, 2024

Strength training activates cellular waste disposal

A University of Bonn study reveals that strength training activates the BAG3 system, essential for eliminating damaged cell components. This finding holds promise for new therapies for heart failure, nerve diseases, and even benefits for manned space missions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 23, 2024

Single 5-nm quantum dot detection via microtoroid resonator photothermal microscopy

Researchers developed a new label-free photothermal microscopy technique using microtoroid optical resonators to detect single nanoparticles. The system achieved high sensitivity and discrimination capabilities, outperforming traditional fluorescence-based methods.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 23, 2024

A switch for immune memory and anti-tumor immunity

A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified PPARβ/δ, a master regulator of gene expression, as essential to the generation of memory T cells, which confer lasting immunity. The study also shows that the switch's dysfunction compromises T cell 'memory' and anti-cancer immune responses in mice.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 23, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Würzburg theory confirmed: Kagome superconductor makes waves

Researchers confirm Kagome superconductor, a class of materials with star-shaped structure exhibiting unique electronic, magnetic, and superconducting properties. The discovery enables novel electronic components, such as superconducting diodes, with potential for energy-efficient quantum devices.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2024

Multiple sclerosis appears to protect against Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that people with multiple sclerosis are less likely to develop the molecular hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery suggests a potential new avenue for treating Alzheimer's and could inform therapeutic strategies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

People seen as wise share these characteristics, according to a new study

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers found that people perceive wisdom as being composed of two dimensions: reflective orientation and socio-emotional awareness. Reflective orientation includes traits like logical thinking, emotion control, and knowledge application, while socio-emotional awareness involves considering oth...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Good sleep habits important for overweight adults, OHSU study suggests

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University reveals that people who are overweight and ignore their body's signals to sleep at night experience negative health consequences. The study found sex-specific differences in health impacts, with men having higher levels of belly fat and women having higher overall body fat percentage.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

Scientists propose guidelines for solar geoengineering research

Researchers have proposed guidelines for evaluating proposals to inject sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, focusing on technical feasibility and cooling potential. The guidelines aim to identify the most feasible and legitimate scenarios, considering both risks and benefits.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalOxford Open Climate Change·DateAug 23, 2024