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Science News for January 2, 2024


Demystifying a key receptor in substance use and neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers uncovered insights into TAAR1's mechanism of action, highlighting significant differences between human and rodent models. The study suggests species-specific differences in drug-receptor interactions, paving the way for improved medications targeting substance use disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Elusive cytonemes guide neural development, provide signaling ‘express route’

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have visualized how cytonemes transfer signals across vast distances during neural development, establishing an 'express route' for communication between cells. This discovery provides insights into the complex process of mammalian nervous system development and highlights the crucia...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is oxygen the cosmic key to alien technology?

A new study by Adam Frank and Amedeo Balbi suggests that high levels of atmospheric oxygen are necessary for the emergence of advanced technology on distant planets. They propose the concept of an 'oxygen bottleneck,' which implies that only planets with significant oxygen concentrations can develop technospheres, leaving detectable te...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 2, 2024

Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons

Growth hormone influences regulation of anxiety via a specific group of neurons, according to researchers at the University of São Paulo. The study identified somatostatin-expressing neurons as key players in modulating GH's anxiolytic effect, with increased anxiety observed in mice lacking these neurons.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJNeurosci·DateJan 2, 2024

How big data transforms the insurance sector

A new study found that big data helps insurance companies understand risks better, offer fair prices and keep customers happier. However, there are also concerns about privacy and ethics when using large amounts of data.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 2, 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.

Cultivated kelp can now be as good as wild kelp

Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to extract better alginate from cultivated kelp by using epimerases. This breakthrough allows for cost-effective production and opens up new market opportunities, benefiting both the kelp farmers and the industry.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Continuous glucose monitoring

Researchers developed a battery-independent fluorescent nanosensor for continuous, reversible, and non-invasive bioimaging of glucose levels in body fluids and tissues. The sensor uses an inactive form of the glucose oxidase enzyme, eliminating toxic byproducts and enabling reliable detection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

New research shows “Juvenile T. rex” fossils are a distinct species of small tyrannosaur

Researchers have found evidence that Nanotyrannus lancensis is a separate species from Tyrannosaurus rex, with narrower jaws, longer legs, and bigger arms. The new analysis suggests these animals were nearly full-grown when they died, with estimates suggesting they reached 900-1500 kilograms and five metres in size.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFossil Studies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Influencers’ vulnerabilities: a double-edged sword

A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cultural Studies·DateJan 2, 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.

Study on extremely preterm infants provides important healthcare knowledge

A large clinical study led by Linköping University found no difference in the risk of severe complications between breast milk-based and cow's milk-based enrichment for extremely preterm infants. The study included 228 infants and found that both groups had a similar incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis, and death.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2024

Evolution might stop humans from solving climate change, says new study

A new study by University of Maine researchers reveals that human evolution's core processes might prevent humans from resolving global environmental problems like climate change. The study found that cultural adaptation to the environment, which has driven human evolution, accelerates due to a positive feedback process, making it chal...

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 2, 2024

Subsidence risk on the U.S. East Coast

The US East Coast is experiencing subsidence rates of up to 5 mm/year, affecting 2.1 million people and 867,000 properties. Rising groundwater extraction and sediment compaction are common causes, while some areas like the Chesapeake Bay experience differential subsidence, posing significant risks to structures.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 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.

Reducing inequality is essential in tackling climate crisis, researchers argue

Tackling inequality is vital to mitigate climate change effectively, as wealthy individuals often have greater ability to reduce their carbon footprint. Deep-rooted inequalities restrict people's capacity to switch to lower-carbon behaviours, making it essential for policymakers to provide equal opportunities across all income brackets.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateJan 2, 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.

First dive survey of Lake Tahoe’s lakebed finds high amounts of plastic and other litter

A recent study published in Applied Spectroscopy reveals that Lake Tahoe's lakebed is contaminated with high amounts of plastic and other litter. The researchers collected 673 pieces of plastic from just a small fraction of the lake, including food containers, bottles, and toys. This data can help scientists better understand the sourc...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalApplied Spectroscopy·DateJan 2, 2024

Perceived time has an actual effect on physical healing

New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Calcium channel blockers key to reversing myotonic dystrophy muscle weakness, study finds

Researchers found that calcium channel blockers can reverse symptoms of myotonic dystrophy in animal models, a potential new treatment for the disease. The study suggests that targeting the calcium channel could improve muscle function and health, offering hope for patients with this debilitating condition.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 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.

Ants recognize infected wounds and treat them with antibiotics

Matabele ants can recognize infected wounds and effectively treat them with their own produced antibiotics, drastically reducing mortality. The ants' sophisticated healthcare system has medical implications for humans, as the primary pathogen in ant wounds is also a leading cause of infection in humans.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Predicting COVID-19 variant waves with AI

A machine-learning enabled risk assessment model detects 72.8% of variants causing over 1,000 cases per million people within a week, increasing to 80.1% after two weeks. The model identifies key factors such as variant spike mutations and early infection trajectories.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 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.

Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years

A recent study found a significant decline in bioluminescent beetle diversity in the Brazilian savanna over the past three decades. The researchers recorded 51 species, mostly fireflies, click beetles, and glow worms, which have declined sharply due to agricultural expansion and artificial lighting.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 2, 2024

Deciphering molecular mysteries: new insights into metabolites that control aging and disease

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a novel family of metabolites called acylspermidines that are linked to sirtuin activity. These compounds were found to influence lifespan in C. elegans and cell proliferation in mammals, providing new insights into the physiological functions of spermidine and sirtuins.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Combine mindfulness with exercise for mental health boost in 2024 – study

A new study from the University of Bath suggests that combining mindfulness with exercise can increase its benefits for mental health and wellbeing. The research found that mindfulness can help motivate people to start exercising, reduce worry and stress, and promote healthier lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMental Health and Physical Activity·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 2, 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.

Study: From NYC to DC and beyond, cities on the East Coast are sinking

A new study reveals that major cities on the US Atlantic coast are experiencing rapid subsidence, with areas like New York City and Baltimore sinking up to 5 millimeters per year. The research highlights the risks of land subsidence to critical infrastructure and populations, particularly in high-density areas.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 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.

New method illuminates druggable sites on proteins

The new method reveals critical information about how to target proteins with small molecules, identifying over a thousand new locks and corresponding keys. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective therapeutics for nearly any human disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJan 2, 2024

Re-calibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences

A team of authors from the University of Hawaii at Manoa identifies gaps in programs aimed at increasing participation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences. They highlight successful programs like the SOEST Maile Mentoring Bridge and The MEGA Lab, which prioritize culturally centered spaces and community involvem...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalOceanography·TypeCase study·DateJan 2, 2024

Designing the ‘perfect’ meal to feed long-term space travelers

A team of researchers has designed a fresh and nutritious vegetarian salad as the ideal 'space meal' for astronauts on long-term missions. The salad combines soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sweet potato, and sunflower seeds to meet the nutritional needs of male astronauts while minimizing farming inputs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateJan 2, 2024

New AI tool brings precision pathology for cancer and beyond into quicker, sharper focus

The iStar tool uses advanced techniques to capture both detailed views of individual cells and broader tissue patterns, enabling doctors to diagnose cancers that might otherwise go undetected. It also predicts gene activities at near-single-cell resolution, paving the way for molecular disease diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 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.

Ga-68 FAPI PET improves detection and staging of pancreatic cancer

A new study found that Ga-68 FAPI PET imaging can effectively detect and stage pancreatic cancer, outperforming existing methods. The imaging modality also showed potential for future targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 2, 2024

Deep learning for phase recovery

Researchers reviewed various deep learning methods for phase recovery, highlighting their potential and limitations. They suggest combining physical models with deep neural networks for improved results.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 2, 2024

Researchers identify new coding mechanism that transfers information from perception to memory

A new study has identified a neural coding mechanism that allows for the transfer of information between perceptual and memory regions of the brain. This discovery challenges traditional understanding of brain organization and suggests that memory areas encode visual information in a 'photographic negative' format.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 2, 2024

Monetized evaluation of landscape resources of national parks based on the willingness to pay of multiple interest groups

This study found that external groups are more willing to pay for landscape resources than internal groups, with higher payment rates for ecological environment improvement. Demographic factors also influence payment rates, while attitude factors have a greater impact on landscape resource value than demographic or environmental factors.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateJan 2, 2024

Analyzing how cancer mutations interact may improve targeted therapies

A new method from Yale University offers a way to analyze how cancer mutations interact with each other, potentially leading to more effective targeted therapies. The approach characterizes the genetic trajectory of individual patients and can help determine appropriate treatments.

SourceYale University·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateJan 2, 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.

First step towards synthetic CO2 fixation in living cells

Researchers at the Max-Planck-Institute have developed a synthetic biochemical cycle that directly converts CO2 into Acetyl-CoA using three modules implemented in E.coli. The THETA cycle has shown promising results with improved acetyl-CoA yield through optimization and in vivo feasibility testing.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 2, 2024

Pioneering study indicates a potential treatment for corneal endothelial disease, reducing the need for corneal transplants

A pioneering study published in The American Journal of Pathology reveals the cytoprotective and proregenerative effects of neuropeptide α-MSH in promoting corneal healing after eye injury. The treatment has shown impressive therapeutic potential in reducing the need for corneal transplants.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Single-emitter super-resolved imaging of radiative decay rate enhancement

Researchers developed a method to measure enhanced light interaction at the nanoscale using single molecules as probes, achieving a 30-fold enhancement in radiative decay rates. This breakthrough provides precise control of bright single-photon emission sources and deepens understanding of nanophotonic interactions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 2, 2024

High adolescent BMI increases risk of early chronic kidney disease, according to JAMA study by Hebrew University researchers

High adolescent BMI significantly increases the risk of developing early chronic kidney disease in young adulthood, according to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers emphasize the need for preventive measures and management of risk factors associated with CKD in adolescents with elevated BMI.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 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.

How tomato plants use their roots to ration water during drought

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, reveals that tomato plants produce a water-repellent polymer called exodermal suberin to cope with drought. Without it, tomato plants are less able to withstand water stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Chicken whisperers: humans crack the clucking code

A University of Queensland study found humans can correctly identify the emotional context of chickens' clucks, with 69% accuracy. The ability to detect emotional information from vocalisations could improve the welfare of farmed chickens.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 2, 2024

Memory, brain function, and behavior: exploring the intricate connection through fear memories

Researchers examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments, shedding light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain. The study reveals that fear memories are linked to pathological states like PTSD and generalized anxiety, with direct translational relevance for disorders involving dysregulated fear responses.

SourceBoston University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Greener and feasible production: Enzymatic methods for mono- and diacylglycerol synthesis in the food industry

The review highlights the advancements in enzymatic production of MAGs and DAGs, emphasizing their role in revolutionizing industry standards. Enzymatic methods are expected to meet global demand, but further research is needed to overcome challenges like reaction efficiency and large-scale application.

SourceHenan University of Technology·JournalGrain & Oil Science and Technology·DateJan 2, 2024

Understanding climate mobilities: New study examines perspectives from South Florida practitioners

A recent study assesses the perspectives of 76 diverse South Florida climate adaptation professionals, highlighting a growing consensus on the inevitability of climate mobilities. The study reveals concerns about distributional inequities, socio-cultural disruptions, and financial disparities arising from climate-driven relocations.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalOxford Open Climate Change·TypeSurvey·DateJan 2, 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.