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Science News for August 9, 2024


HKUST engineering researchers enhance perovskite solar cells durability with first-of-its-kind chiral-structured “springy” interface

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, significantly enhancing reliability and power conversion efficiency. The new design retained 92% of its initial efficiency after 200 cycles, demonstrating improved durability under various conditions.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Researchers crack a key celiac mystery

A team of researchers at McMaster University discovered that the epithelium plays a crucial role in directing the inflammatory response to gluten in celiac disease. They found that this inner lining of the upper intestine is not just involved in absorbing nutrients, but also activates immune cells in response to gluten.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

PDO cheeses and milks harbor startling microbial diversity

French PDO cheese producers harbor a staggering array of microbial life in their dairy products, with over 820 bacterial species identified in the cheeses and nearly 1,230 in the milk sources. Regional artisanship plays a significant role in shaping these microbial assemblages.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalISME Communications·DateAug 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CMU researchers outline promises, challenges of understanding AI for biological discovery

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University propose guidelines for using interpretable machine learning methods in computational biology to tackle complex problems. The guidelines address pitfalls such as relying on a single method and cherry-picking results, emphasizing the need for multiple approaches and human-centric considerations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 9, 2024

Russian invasion of Ukraine could have lasting impacts on global economy, environment

Researchers project significant short-term impacts of the Russian invasion on global timber markets, but also warn of long-term effects on the economy and environment. The study predicts that some product markets may not recover from the invasion, leading to increased production in other countries and potential environmental harm.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForest Policy and Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2024

Vegan diet better than Mediterranean diet for weight loss and reducing harmful inflammatory dietary compounds, finds new research

A new study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that a low-fat vegan diet reduces advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 73%, associated with an average weight loss of 13 pounds. The reduction came mainly from excluding meat, added fats, and dairy products.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 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.

New material for optically-controlled magnetic memory discovered

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new material, MnBi2Te4, that can store and access computational data using light. The material's magnetic properties change quickly and easily in response to light, making it suitable for optical storage devices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 9, 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.

National study shows how internal medicine chief residency has changed over 20 years

A 20-year multicenter study found improvements in gender parity and career trends among internal medicine chief residents, with a significant increase in female participation and a rise in pursuing hospital medicine careers. The study also revealed new roles such as quality improvement and patient safety chief residents.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·DateAug 9, 2024

How did mental health parity laws affect new moms?

After two major health policy shifts, pregnant and postpartum women with depression and anxiety received slightly more psychotherapy and paid less out-of-pocket costs. Despite the positive trends, only about 10% of women with private insurance received psychotherapy in 2019 to 2020.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2024
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.

How farmers and tech teamed up to better test crops

Researchers developed a tricot approach to collaborate with farmers in testing new crop varieties, increasing collaboration and community engagement. The approach has been shown to be cost-effective, equitable, externally valid, and scalable, benefiting national programs and improving data value.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 9, 2024

Possibilities for the early diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This systematic review examines current methodologies and updates in early diagnosis practices for HNSCC, highlighting the need for effective screening methods. Effective early diagnostic practices will significantly impact patient outcomes, reducing the burden of HNSCC and enhancing quality of life.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateAug 9, 2024

Classical music lifts our mood by synchronizing our “extended amygdala”

A study published in Cell Reports found that Western classical music elicits positive effects on the brain by synchronizing neural oscillations between the auditory cortex and rewards circuit. Patients with treatment-resistant depression who received high music appreciation showed better antidepressant effects, while those with low mus...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2024

Discovery of the highest-energy gamma-ray line in the universe

A team of researchers has discovered a gamma-ray line with an energy of up to 37 million electron volts, making it the highest-energy spectral line observed in the universe. The study used data from two space gamma-ray monitors and found that the line energy and flux evolve as a power law function of time.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Physics Mechanics and Astronomy·DateAug 9, 2024
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.

Upcycling spent coffee grounds by isolating Mannan-rich Holocellulose nanofibers

Scientists at Yokohama National University successfully isolated Mannan-rich Holocellulose nanofibers (HCNFs) from spent coffee grounds using TEMPO-mediated oxidation. The resulting HCNFs exhibit desirable properties, including preservative-free long-term storage, volume reduction during transportation, and easy handling without solven...

SourceYokohama National University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications·DateAug 9, 2024

Synthetic polymers against fungal infections

Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2024

Retrotransposon DNA zip code for myeloma cell internalization

Researchers unveil retrotransposon-derived DNA zip codes that enable myeloma cell internalization, shedding light on cancer evolution and treatment response. The findings highlight the potential of zip-code technology in improving patient outcomes and advancing human health.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 9, 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.

Researchers make breakthrough in understanding species abundance

A team of researchers from the University of Arkansas has made a breakthrough in understanding species abundance by linking it to genome size. The study found that temperature and genome size are key drivers of diatom population growth rates, with body size still playing a role in colder latitudes.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2024

Looking to boost your heart health? Try a baked potato

A recent study by Neda Akhavan found that baked potatoes can help lower blood sugar and improve body composition in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study, which involved 24 participants, showed a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and improvements in waist circumference and resting heart rate.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 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.

Blueprint for blueberry improvement: genetic and epigenetic discoveries

Researchers uncover significant genetic and epigenetic variations in blueberries, highlighting gene introgression's role in adaptation to subtropical climates. Key genes like VcTBL44 are identified for regulating fruit firmness, offering valuable insights for future breeding programs.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 9, 2024

Black employees more likely to experience depression after workplace mistreatment

A study by Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that Black employees are more likely to attribute workplace mistreatment to racial prejudice and make a pessimistic attribution. This leads to higher rates of depression compared to white employees. Organisations must create an inclusive workplace to reduce workplace mistrea...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2024

New technology uses light to engrave erasable 3D images

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a technique using light to imprint 2D and 3D images inside any polymer containing a photosensitive chemical additive. The technology enables the creation of erasable 3D displays with high resolution, applicable in surgeries, architectural designs, education, and art.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Spectral measurements capable of estimating nutrient content of forest tree leaves

Researchers developed a new method using spectral measurements to accurately estimate forest tree leaf nutrient content, offering a faster and larger-scale alternative to traditional methods. The method improved accuracy when accounting for soil type and tree genus, showing promise for informing forest management decisions.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateAug 9, 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.

Organic farms certified by peers display higher product diversity

A study in São Paulo state found that peer-to-peer certified organic farms had an average of 58.8 organic items, while conventionally certified farms had only 22.2. This greater diversity includes native and medicinal species, contributing to a more sustainable and biodiverse organic farming system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalOrganic Agriculture·DateAug 9, 2024

How do butterflies stick to branches during metamorphosis?

Researchers found that butterflies spin unique silk structures, including hook-and-loop fasteners and multi-strand safety tethers, to secure their chrysalises to branches. Despite being thinner and weaker than silkworm silk, these structures provide a stable anchor for the butterfly's transformation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateAug 9, 2024

3D laser printing with bioinks from microalgae

A research team at Heidelberg University has successfully developed a new generation of biocompatible materials for additive manufacturing using microalgae. The materials were extracted from the raw materials of diatom and green alga species and proved to be suitable as inks for high-resolution 3D laser printing.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 9, 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.

A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics found a new mechanism for shaping animal tissues through collective, programmed cell behaviors. This discovery could help understand how tissues form in animals and provides a new approach to studying tissue-shaping processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2024

Universal free school meals and school and student outcomes

A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 9, 2024

Unlocking the genetic secrets of strawberries for superior fruit quality

A new study identifies key genetic markers and candidate genes controlling fruit quality traits in strawberries. The research paves the way for more precise breeding strategies to create juicier, more vibrant, and longer-lasting strawberries.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 9, 2024

Experts provide further proof of role testosterone plays in preventing severe Covid

A new study published in Andrology has found that patients with lower testosterone levels tend to have short little fingers, which is associated with an increased risk of severe Covid-19. The research suggests that testosterone may reduce inflammation in the lungs and other organs, providing a protective effect against severe illness.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAndrology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 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.

Faster detection of pancreatic cancer

A new method for detecting pancreatic cancer has been introduced using glycopeptide probes that selectively detect specific antibodies in blood samples. These probes mimic tumor-associated antigens and show promise for early detection screenings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Detroit research team to investigate fear of falling in MS patients

A Wayne State University research team led by Taylor Takla is studying the neural, motor, cognitive and psychological factors underlying fear of falling in multiple sclerosis patients. The goal is to break the cycle of falls, reduced physical activity and social isolation, ultimately improving quality of life for MS patients.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateAug 9, 2024

Memory problems in old age linked to a key enzyme, study in mice finds

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024
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.

The heightened importance of EZH2 in cancer immunotherapy

EZH2 plays a multifaceted role in cancer biology, influencing both tumor and immune cells. Its inhibition has shown synergistic effects with various immunotherapies, offering new avenues for treating resistant cancers. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the mechanisms of EZH2 modulation and develop targeted inhibitors.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateAug 9, 2024

Researchers discover new mechanism to cool buildings while saving energy

A new mechanism uses common building materials to absorb or radiate heat, reducing the need for air conditioning and heaters. This passive approach can save energy and is particularly beneficial for low-income communities with limited access to cooling and heating systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

VA’s Disrupted Care National Project discovers vascular surgery rates still decreasing since COVID-19 pandemic

The study analyzed 21,031 vascular surgeries and found that the number of procedures has continued to decrease, particularly for younger and minority patients. The drop in vascular surgeries has been attributed to various factors, including elective surgery cancellations and resource scarcity during the pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 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.

From fungi to pharmaceuticals: a milestone for the production of eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an efficient method to synthesize eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C, two compounds with potential therapeutic properties. The new approach improves yields and simplifies synthesis steps, enabling further research into their pharmacological effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAsian Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Quantum leap: breakthrough for secure communication with ‘artificial atoms’

A team of scientists has successfully established the first intercity quantum key distribution experiment using semiconductor quantum dots as single-photon sources. This breakthrough enables fast and stable transmission of secret keys over long distances, paving the way for a secure 'quantum internet'.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 9, 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.

New ancient marine crocodile from time of dinosaurs provides insight into the groups lifestyle and diversity

A newly discovered species of ancient marine crocodile, Enalioetes schroederi, has provided fresh insight into how metriorhynchids evolved during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil, with a remarkably preserved skull and internal anatomy, shows adaptations to an increasingly marine lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2024

Unlocking the potential of rapeseed: CRISPR edits for hybrid efficiency

Researchers have developed a novel approach using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create male-sterile lines in rapeseed, simplifying the hybrid seed production process. The BnDAD1 gene targeting disrupts the jasmonic acid pathway, enabling controlled and efficient method for creating hybrids that can significantly boost vegetable oil output.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 9, 2024