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Science News for August 30, 2024


SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

RNA template-based targeted gene editing in mammalian cells

Experts propose a series of scientific principles and experimental approaches to assess potential carcinogenicity of gene therapies. Data transparency is crucial, with publicly accessible data from viral integrations site studies and clinical settings.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 30, 2024

New clues on how the heart makes arteries

Researchers have elucidated how new arteries form in the heart using single-cell sequencing and 3D mapping. Pre-arterial cells play a major role in growing new arteries, contradicting current thinking about artery development. This discovery opens possibilities for developing treatments that stimulate regenerative pathways.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 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.

Genomic dark matter solves butterfly evolutionary riddle

A team of international researchers has discovered a surprising genetic mechanism that influences the vibrant patterns on butterfly wings. An RNA molecule controls where dark pigments are made during butterfly metamorphosis, shaping the butterfly's color patterns in a way previously unforeseen.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

What’s the frequency? Quarterly reporting aids investors

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin finds that more frequent financial reporting aids investors in predicting future earnings. Quarterly reports lead to better-correlated returns with long-term future earnings, making it easier for investors to forecast and incorporate them into current stock prices.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAccounting Horizons·DateAug 30, 2024

What a submerged ancient bridge discovered in a Spanish cave reveals about early human settlement

A new study by University of South Florida geologist Bogdan Onac and colleagues has found that humans settled the western Mediterranean much earlier than previously believed. The discovery of a 25-foot submerged bridge, dated to nearly 6,000 years ago, provides compelling evidence of earlier human activity on Mallorca's island.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NCT/UCC Dresden: Millions in funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for state-of-the-art imaging to accurately detect minute tumors

The NCT/UCC Dresden research team will utilize the funding to carry out fundamental studies and develop novel physical effects to optimize short-wave infrared imaging. This technology has the potential to enable non-invasive microscopic examination of deeper tissue layers, improving tumor diagnosis and therapy.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateAug 30, 2024

Coordination dynamics of iron enables the selective C-N coupling but bypasses unwanted C-H hydroxylation in Fe(II)/-ketoglutarate-dependent non-heme enzymes

The study reveals that conformational change of Fe(IV)=O species and substrate coordination are key to the selective C-N coupling. The aziridination reaction involves rotation of the side-chain, causing steric hindrance that inhibits it. In contrast, hydroxylation has minor steric effects.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateAug 30, 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.

When the heat makes you disoriented

Researchers find that heatwaves significantly impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, leading to up to 80% deterioration in female workers. The study highlights the importance of considering climate change's impact on insect-plant interactions for future species conservation initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

Atrial fibrillation guidelines focus on shared and equal care, patient empowerment, comorbidities, evidence-based management and dynamic re-evaluation

The new ESC Guidelines focus on tackling atrial fibrillation's growing impact by emphasizing equal care, education, and dynamic re-evaluation. Comorbidities and risk factors are critical to managing AF, with a 'safety-first' approach and shared-decision making on treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

New discoveries about how mosquitoes mate may help the fight against malaria

Researchers at the University of Washington have uncovered surprising details about mosquito mating, revealing that males can visually lock on to female targets in a crowded swarm. The team's findings could lead to the development of new mosquito traps specific to malaria-carrying species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

New study finds Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared with Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

Vutrisiran offers a new lifeline to patients with progressive heart condition

A phase 3 study has shown that vutrisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, reduces all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events by 28% and 33% respectively in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The treatment also improves functional capacity, quality of life, and NYHA class.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2024

New species of Antarctic dragonfish highlights its threatened ecosystem

A new species of Antarctic dragonfish, Akarotaxis gouldae, has been identified in waters off the western Antarctic Peninsula. The discovery highlights the fragile state of the Antarctic ecosystem and raises concerns about the impact of commercial fishing activities on this vulnerable species.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalZootaxa·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide reduces COVID-19 related deaths in patients with obesity and CVD

A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 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.

Upcycling excess carbon dioxide with tiny microbes

Researchers rewired a microbe to convert CO2 into mevalonate, a valuable pharmaceutical building block. The newly engineered microbes produced significantly more mevalonate than control strains, offering a promising solution for carbon capture and utilization.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateAug 30, 2024

Novel chemical tool aims to streamline drug-making process

A team of chemists has developed a novel tool to streamline the drug-making process, enabling researchers to create new molecules quickly and efficiently. The discovery of stable nickel complexes can help reduce the time to market for life-saving medicines while increasing drug efficacy and reducing side effects.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 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.

CNIC scientists discover a new cardiovascular risk factor and identify a drug able to reduce its effects

Researchers at CNIC discover clonal hematopoiesis as a new cause of atherosclerosis, while identifying the ancient medication colchicine as a potential treatment. Clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with no influence on the progression of mutated blood cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

How stressed are you? Nanoparticles pave the way for home stress testing

Researchers have developed a cost-effective and easily reproducible point-of-care testing device that can accurately measure cortisol levels in the blood. The device uses iridium oxide nanoparticles to improve stability, sensitivity, and selectivity, allowing for commercial use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalTalanta·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide improves heart health outcomes beyond weight loss

New studies show semaglutide reduces all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death in people with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease. The medication also improves heart failure symptoms and physical limitations in those with obesity-related HFpEF, regardless of sex.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 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.

NASA, ESA missions help scientists uncover how solar wind gets energy

Scientists have discovered how the Sun's supersonic solar wind receives energy, thanks to a lucky alignment of NASA and ESA spacecraft. The fastest solar winds are powered by magnetic switchbacks, which deposit enough energy to account for heating and acceleration in the solar wind.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateAug 30, 2024

Cancer tool “unable to accurately predict” toxicity levels in UK patients

A UK study found that a widely-used cancer treatment tool is unable to accurately predict toxicity levels in older adults. The Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) score was developed to estimate severe chemotherapy-related side effects but failed to provide reliable results in this population. In contrast, frailty screening tools showed...

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBMJ Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024

Quantifying the economic impacts of climate change

A study by Weikai Li aims to quantify the economic impacts of climate change on business and financial markets in Singapore. The research explores how carbon pricing policies affect firm profitability and market value, as well as their potential to support a low-carbon economy through increased costs, government revenue recycling, and ...

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 30, 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.

What is the impact of segment disclosure on equity-based compensation?

The study reveals that segment disclosure and reporting increase the implicit motivation for managers to act in shareholders' interests. Equity-based compensation incentives decrease following the introduction of SFAS 131, with a more pronounced effect in volatile market environments and firms with weak operations monitoring.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateAug 30, 2024

Non-Hermitian skin effect in all dimensions tied to point-gap topology

Researchers found a way to systematically account for energy spectra and skin effects across various lattice geometries using virtual gauge transformations. This approach reveals how different geometries correspond to different momentum bases, allowing for the manipulation of skin modes through lattice tailoring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

Doughnut-shaped region found inside Earth’s core deepens understanding of planet’s magnetic field

Scientists from Australian National University have discovered a doughnut-shaped region in the liquid core, providing new clues about the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field. The region sits parallel to the equator and has low seismic speeds, indicating a high concentration of light chemical elements.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2024

New Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS) Guidelines expand diagnostic tools and ways to prevent major adverse events and enhance quality of life

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

COVID-19 vaccination mandates boosted uptake among health care workers

A new study from Tulane University found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates increased vaccine rates among health care workers by 3-4%, with improvements seen in states that required vaccinations without opt-outs. The policy was particularly effective among health care workers between the ages of 25-49 years.

SourceTulane University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2024

How hope beats mindfulness when times are tough

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that hope is more beneficial than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged. The study found that hopeful individuals experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStress and Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

AI tool maps out cell metabolism with precision

A team of researchers created RENAISSANCE, an AI-based tool that simplifies the creation of kinetic models to accurately depict metabolic states. The tool successfully generated models that matched experimentally observed metabolic behaviors in Escherichia coli, simulating how the bacteria would adjust their metabolism over time.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Catalysis·DateAug 30, 2024

Metal foil as 3D scanner for electron beam

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a novel method to measure the structure of microbunched plasma-wakefield-accelerated electron beams using metal foil. This technique enables precise control over the electron bunches, leading to brighter and more stable light in free-electron lasers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

New ESC Hypertension Guidelines recommend intensified BP targets and introduce a novel elevated blood pressure category to better identify people at risk for heart attack and stroke

The new guidelines recommend intensified BP targets, introducing a novel elevated blood pressure category to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated recommendations also focus on 'frailty' rather than chronological age and introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

Brigham-led study finds weight loss drug semaglutide reduced COVID-19 related deaths during the pandemic

A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

Like people, vultures get set in their ways and have fewer friends as they age

As griffon vultures age, they tend to establish fewer but stronger social bonds with a core group of friends, while their movement routines become more routine. This shift in behavior is linked to the birds' increasing loyalty to familiar food sources and roosting sites.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

Study combines data, molecular simulations to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new method to increase speed and success rates in drug discovery by combining data from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures with targeted docking simulations. This approach can accelerate the drug research process, identifying potentially effective compounds more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

Promising antibiotic candidates discovered in microbes deep in the Arctic Sea

Researchers have identified two compounds with strong antivirulence activity from actinobacteria in the Arctic Sea, targeting EPEC bacteria that cause severe diarrhea. The compounds inhibit virulence factor formation and binding to host cells, reducing disease severity and potential for resistance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

Long-term conditions could delay lung cancer diagnosis, new study finds

Patients with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and asthma may experience delays in being diagnosed with lung cancer due to obscured early symptoms. The study found significant delays in patients with comorbidities that provide alternative explanations for lung cancer symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

New ESC Guidelines combine peripheral arterial and aortic diseases for first time, emphasising interconnectivity of whole arterial system

The new guidelines evaluate PAAD as part of the same cardiovascular system, acknowledging the interconnectedness between aortic and peripheral vascular diseases. The updated recommendations focus on chronic management, screening, and comprehensive treatment strategies to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

It’s worth challenging that troubling medical bill, study finds

A new US study found that most people who challenged problematic medical bills received financial relief, including 74% of those who reported a billing error and 76% of those who sought financial assistance. However, those who may struggle most with medical debt, such as those without college degrees or lower financial literacy, were l...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 30, 2024