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Science News for February 19, 2024


New study of adolescents and young adults reveals that cognitive disabilities and major depressive episodes increase the risk of nicotine vaping

A new study found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities had a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. Major depressive episodes were also associated with an increased risk of vaping in this population.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Drug overdose deaths higher among American visitors to Florida than rest of US

Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.

SourcePenn State·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 19, 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.

To boost a preschooler’s language skills, consider reminiscing

A study by Florida Atlantic University finds that reminiscing with children elicits high-quality speech from parents, similar to book sharing. The activity was found to increase lexical richness and grammatical complexity in parent speech, benefiting children's language growth.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Genetic risk prediction for 10 chronic diseases moves closer to the clinic

A team of researchers at the Broad Institute has developed 10 polygenic risk scores for use in clinical research, optimizing them for diverse populations. The tests calculate a person's lifetime odds of developing diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and can help guide clinical decision-making.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 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.

Study shows value of donated breast milk for extremely premature infants

Researchers found that preterm infants fed donor milk had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and neurological development issues. The study's findings validate the use of donor milk in NICUs, providing evidence to support its benefits for extremely premature infants.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 19, 2024

Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon

A new species of giant anaconda, Eunectes akayima, has been discovered in the Amazon by a team of scientists led by Professor Bryan Fry. The anaconda measures up to 6.3 meters long and weighs around 500 kilograms, making it one of the largest known species of anacondas.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalDiversity·DateFeb 19, 2024

New study examines efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain

Researchers found that manual therapy provided a moderate and statistically significant reduction in disability among adults with sacroiliac joint pain syndrome. However, the efficacy of manual therapy for pain related to this syndrome is unclear at this time.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy·DateFeb 19, 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.

Husker team wins prize in contest to treat disease through gene editing

A Husker research duo has won a $25,000 prize in the NIH’s Targeted Genome Editor Delivery Challenge. They will advance development of universal milk exosomes capable of transporting gene editors to any location in the body, overcoming a significant challenge in using gene editing to treat disease.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·DateFeb 19, 2024

One step forward, no steps back: new study advances understanding of dopamine’s role in movement

Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Droughts may trigger HIV transmission increase among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa, study finds

Research at the University of Bristol found that droughts trigger behavioral changes leading to higher instances of HIV transmission among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly for women who rely on farming as their livelihood.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

A new glue, potentially also for you

Researchers create a simple method to instantly bond layers made of the same or different types of hydrogels using a thin film of chitosan. The new approach has potential to broadly advance new biomaterials solutions for multiple unmet clinical needs, including regenerative medicine and surgical care.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 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.

Promising development for breast cancer patients

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel monoclonal antibody targeting HER2-positive breast cancer cells, providing a new tool for treating this aggressive subtype. The antibody disrupts cell growth and proliferation while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2024

HKUMed achieves breakthrough in developing the PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine for over 6-year cART-free AIDS prevention and virologic control

Researchers at HKUMed developed a PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine that induces sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model. The vaccinated monkeys remained free of AIDS for six years without cART, demonstrating the potential of this strategy as a third-generation DNA vaccine for AIDS prevention and immunotherapy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

The YouTube algorithm isn’t radicalizing people

A new study from the Computational Social Science Lab at the University of Pennsylvania found that YouTube's recommendation system has a moderating effect on user behavior. Contrary to popular narratives, users' own political interests and preferences play the primary role in what they choose to watch.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 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.

Deciphering cell-to-cell conversations: AI predicts anti-cancer immunotherapy response

A recent study used AI trained on cell-to-cell communication networks to predict drug responsiveness in immunotherapy for cancer. The model demonstrated high accuracy in analyzing samples from 700 patients with four types of cancer, identifying key communication pathways related to responsiveness and resistance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 19, 2024

Turning one into eight

Researchers have developed a straightforward process to create all eight possible variants of polypropionate building blocks from a single starting material. This technique enables the production of high-purity, specific variants needed in drug manufacture, potentially leading to more effective medicines.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 19, 2024

Pollinator's death trap turns into nursery

Researchers found that fungus gnats lay eggs in the flowers, which then feed on decaying flowers to develop into adult gnats. However, some gnats may escape the trap, suggesting a nuanced interaction between plant and insect.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants People Planet·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Ethical burden, restricted resources and poor management cause home care workers to leave their jobs

A new study by University of Eastern Finland identifies four main drivers for home care worker turnover: mismatch between client needs and available resources, digital systems taking up time, inflexible work demands, and ethical burden. Home care workers seek personal management and consideration of employee and client needs.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Expressing workplace anger: Not the way to get ahead

Researchers found that people do not reward the expression of anger with more status, perceiving it as inappropriate and counter-instrumental for workplace goals. The study challenges previous research suggesting a positive correlation between expressing anger and achieving high status in the workplace.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalFrontiers in Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine researcher finds correlation between hookah use and postpartum depression

A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics found a correlation between hookah use and increased symptoms of postpartum depression. Pregnant women who used hookahs before or during pregnancy were more likely to experience depressive symptoms, particularly among mothers from historically marginaliz...

SourceOhio University·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Eating too much protein is bad for your arteries, and this amino acid is to blame

Researchers discovered that consuming over 22% of daily calories from protein can lead to increased activation of immune cells contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Leucine, an amino acid found in animal-derived foods, plays a disproportionate role in driving pathological pathways linked to atherosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 19, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Efficient oxidation of hydrophobic aromatic organic substrates in water

The team developed a 'catch-and-release' mechanism to oxidize hydrophobic compounds, selectively and efficiently producing hydrophilic products under mild conditions. This breakthrough enables the selective two-electron oxidation of anthracene and aromatic compounds from mixtures, solving a long-standing challenge.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalACS Catalysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Study reveals five common ways in which the health of homeless pet owners and their companions is improved

A rapid scoping review found that homeless pet owners and their pets benefit from interventions such as free veterinary clinics, interdisciplinary relationships, and pet-friendly lodging. The study highlights the need for a more comprehensive care package that addresses the unique challenges facing this population.

SourceCABI·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 19, 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.

Understanding the relationship between our sleep, body clock and mental health

Recent research suggests that problems with sleep and internal body clock can trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms, and mental health, which could lead to new preventative measures and therapies.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2024

Frozen shoulder holds the key to understanding fibrosis resolution

Researchers at NDORMS identified how cells work to resolve frozen shoulder, opening up potential new targets for treatment. The study found that distinct populations of macrophages in the shoulder capsule promote tissue remodelling and reduce inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Researchers conducted a first-ever comprehensive review on the preparation of MOF-based flame retardants through coordination bond cleavage

MOFs-based flame retardants have gained attention due to their physicochemical properties and tunable composition. Post-synthesis strategies, including coordination bond cleavage, have increased their application scope. The review highlights the importance of design and structure modification in improving flame retardant efficiency.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 19, 2024

Revolutionizing lithium metal batteries: Asymmetric fire-retardant electrolytes ensure safety and stability

The development of asymmetric fire-retardant electrolytes in lithium metal batteries has shown significantly enhanced safety performance and cycling stability. The novel quasi-solid polymer electrolyte meets the stringent requirements of high-voltage LMBs, addressing safety concerns and improving overall battery performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 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.

“I’m gonna get totally and utterly X-ed.” OR: Can you really use any English word to mean ‘drunk’?

A study published in the Yearbook of the German Cognitive Linguistics Association investigated over 500 English synonyms for 'drunk'. The researchers found that these words mainly occur in specific combinations, such as "too/so/very drunk", and are often used to express drunkenness in a humorous or indirect way. The study suggests that...

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalYearbook of the German Cognitive Linguistics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Study identifies increase in antibiotic-resistant typhoid

Researchers found an association between the number of ciprofloxacin prescriptions and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. Typhi isolates with QRDR mutations. The study suggests that increased antimicrobial use contributed to the emergence of resistance, highlighting the need for better diagnostics and vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Studies find flu vaccines were effective in 2022-2023 flu season

Flu vaccines significantly reduced the risk of both moderate and severe disease for children and adults in the US during the 2022-2023 flu season. Vaccination effectiveness was found to be around 40-45% for all age groups, with greater reductions in younger populations.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 19, 2024

Worsening distress among Latinos in the United States

A study by Lehigh University researchers found an increase in psychological distress among Latinos in the US from 2011-2018, with the deportation threat impacting both citizens and noncitizens. The research highlights the need for policy change and cultural practices of inclusion to address this issue.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2024
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.

Nature is behaving strangely and researchers don’t know why

A study of 8,859 samples from Danish meadows and pastures reveals a decline in plants with large seeds and thin leaves, contradicting theoretical expectations. The data suggests that nature is changing and acting unexpectedly, with fewer weeds and less grazing, despite the expected increase in heavy-seeded species.

SourceAarhus University·JournalFlora·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 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.

Potassium depletion in soil threatens global crop yields

A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 19, 2024

MSU researchers create more realistic synthetic human mini hearts, gain worldwide recognition

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed highly accurate synthetic human mini hearts that can be studied in a dish. This advancement is facilitating the development of new therapies and pharmaceutical drugs to treat various heart-related diseases. The mini heart organoids are becoming increasingly complex and realistic, ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 19, 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.

Researchers achieve breakthrough in silicon-compatible magnetic whirls

Researchers from Oxford University have developed a breakthrough in creating and designing magnetic whirls in membranes that can be seamlessly integrated with silicon. The findings reveal the existence of a robust family of magnetic whirls in free-standing layers, which could enable ultra-fast information processing.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 19, 2024

Playing video games may improve attention and memory, new research finds

A study published in British Journal of Psychology found that regular gamers performed better on tasks measuring cognitive functions such as attention and memory. They were able to complete number-letter tasks and maze activities faster than non-gamers, with no significant difference in cognitive fatigue experienced.

SourceLero·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Flexible geothermal power approach combines clean energy with a built-in ‘battery’

A Princeton-led study found that flexible geothermal power can provide over 100 gigawatts of clean energy in the western US, surpassing the existing nuclear fleet. By leveraging enhanced geothermal's energy storage properties, plants can generate electricity on demand, complementing intermittent sources like solar and wind.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 19, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Surge in gonorrhoea cases in Denmark: up by 46% between 2021 and 2022

A 46% increase in gonorrhoea cases in Denmark has been reported, particularly among younger women and men who have sex with women. Genomic analysis reveals distinct clones driving the increase, which may be more susceptible to treatment and have higher transmissibility.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Chameleons inspire new multicolor 3D-printing technology

Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2024

HKUMed researchers uncover key genetic clue in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Researchers identified rare variants in the SLC6A9 gene linked to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), disrupting glycine uptake and leading to aberrant glycinergic neurotransmission. The study suggests sodium benzoate as a potential preventive therapy, paving the way for targeted treatments and personalized medicine.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalClinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

NTRK gene fusion in papillary thyroid cancer: A clinicogenomic biobank and record linkage study from Finland

Researchers identified NTRK gene fusion in 1.5% of Finnish papillary thyroid cancer patients, with notable co-occurring genetic alterations and favorable treatment outcomes. The study highlights the potential for biobank samples linked to electronic health records to describe patient characteristics and outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 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.

HKU Engineering researchers achieve breakthrough in quantum sensing that leads to new opportunities of applications in monitoring dynamic processes in biological systems

HKU Engineering researchers developed a groundbreaking quantum sensing technology using neuromorphic vision sensors, improving speed and resolution in widefield sensing. This breakthrough holds potential for various applications in fields like monitoring dynamic processes in biological systems.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Chromatin Accessibility: A new avenue for gene editing

Chromatin accessibility is a vital process that allows specific proteins to access DNA fragments. Researchers from Nano Life Science Institute identified new pathways and individual players involved in this process, including the protein TFDP1. Suppressing TFDP1 increased chromatin accessibility and made gene editing easier.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 19, 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.

HKUST neuroscientists develop highly accurate universal diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment

Researchers have developed a blood test that accurately detects Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with high accuracy rates of over 96% and 87%, respectively. The test measures multiple biomarkers and is applicable across ethnic populations, offering a global solution for diagnosis and management.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Insulin resistance in shift workers not affected by melatonin treatment

A new study from the University of Surrey found that melatonin treatment significantly improved sleep quality in night shift workers, but had no effect on insulin resistance or glucose tolerance. The research suggests that alternative methods to improve insulin resistance and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes may be needed.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPharmacological Research·DateFeb 19, 2024

Birds have been adapting to human activity for millennia

A new study finds that Neolithic peoples' wetland management created a habitat for birds, allowing them to stay year-round and breed in the area. This suggests that human activities can have a positive effect on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalJournal of Archaeological Method and Theory·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Women may realize health benefits of regular exercise more than men

A study found that regular exercise lowers women's risk of premature death by 24%, while men experience a 15% reduced risk. Women can reap benefits from moderate aerobic activity as little as 140 minutes per week, compared to 300 minutes for men.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 19, 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.

Taking spatial omics into the next dimension

Researchers have published novel spatial omics algorithms and tools in GigaScience and GigaByte journals to analyze biological data-based spatial information. These new methods enable the discovery of spatial domains, improvement of data quality, and better clustering of cells.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Why two prehistoric sharks found in Ohio got new names

Two prehistoric shark species, previously named the same, were given new names based on their discovery location. A wealth of fossil fishes discovered during the renaming process had been stored at an Ohio State museum for years but were largely forgotten.

SourceOhio State University·JournalZooKeys·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Are American voters really as polarized as they seem? Rice research suggests yes

A new study by Rice University researchers found that mainstream Americans are feeling increasingly polarized, despite a decline in survey response rates. The study used the General Social Survey to gauge polarization and found that people's negative feelings toward the other party have increased over time.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 19, 2024

Bridging diet, microbes, and metabolism: Implications for metabolic disorders

Recent research by scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute reveals that a specific fatty acid produced by gut bacteria directly influences fat metabolism in animals. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host metabolic health.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 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.

Mapping potential pathways to MND treatment

Scientists have mapped out the proteins involved in motor neurone disease (MND) across its trajectory, identifying potential therapeutic pathways for further investigation. The study found that a protein-folding factor called DNAJB5 is elevated early on in MND, sparking curiosity about its role in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2024

Women get the same exercise benefits as men, but with less effort

A new study found that women receive greater cardiovascular gains from exercise compared to men, with women achieving similar benefits from exercising just under 2.5 hours per week versus five hours for men. Women also gain more benefit from muscle-strengthening activities when doing fewer sessions per week.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 19, 2024