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Science News for January 5, 2024


Can we fight back against Parkinson’s disease? These research volunteers hope so

Researchers at Boston University's Center for Neurorehabilitation have made two important advances that may help people with Parkinson's disease walk more smoothly. Wearable soft robotic apparel and a music-based technology were tested in studies, showing promising results in increasing walking duration and distance.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2024

Getting a better look at tumors

A new MRI-based method uses CEST technology to detect water cycling across cellular membranes, providing a non-invasive way to assess tumor malignancy and treatment effectiveness. The technique sheds light on tumor phenotype and offers a promising tool for personalized cancer diagnosis and therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 5, 2024

UC Davis Health creates road map to diversify health care workforce

UC Davis Health has developed a holistic outreach and local recruitment plan that has proven effective in increasing workforce diversity. The institution's Anchor Institution Mission (AIM) initiative targets outreach to local Sacramento neighborhoods of concern to reduce disparities in the long term.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNEJM Catalyst·TypeCase study·DateJan 5, 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.

JNM publishes procedure standard/practice guideline for FES PET imaging of breast cancer

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published a new procedure standard/practice guideline for estrogen receptor imaging of breast cancer patients using FES PET. The guideline aims to promote the appropriate use of FES PET and enhance research, providing advantages in assessing tumor ER expression and predicting re...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 5, 2024

A new approach can address antibiotic resistance to Mycobacterium abscessus

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new version of the drug spectinomycin that overcomes efflux, a key mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in Mab infections. The modified compound, eAmSPCs, shows enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and works well with various classes of antibiotics.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024

Using berry phase monopole engineering for high-temperature spintronic devices

Scientists have engineered a non-magnetic material called tantalum silicide to achieve efficient spin Hall effect at high temperatures through Berry phase monopole engineering. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultrafast, low-power and high-temperature spintronic devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Inhalable sensors could enable early lung cancer detection

Researchers developed nanosensors that can be inhaled and detected in urine, offering a potential alternative to CT scans for early lung cancer detection. The diagnostic system shows high specificity and sensitivity in detecting stage 1 or 2 lung tumors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2024

New study reveals crucial 'housekeeping' genetic elements and their potent role to fight cancer

A new study reveals around 11,000 housekeeping cis-regulatory elements (HK-CREs) that play a crucial role in maintaining cellular stability and function. These elements were found to have potential as essential housekeeping tumor suppressors, with reduced activity in diverse cancer subtypes.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Hearing loss increases the risk of dementia

A major new study has found a significant link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. People with severe hearing loss are at a higher risk, with a 20% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Protected areas for elephants work best if they are connected

A new study published in Science Advances suggests that protected areas for elephants are most effective when connected to allow populations to stabilize naturally. This approach, known as 'connecting parks,' enables herds to move freely and absorb immigrants, reducing the need for human intervention.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Researchers identify why cancer immunotherapy can cause colitis

Cancer immunotherapy can cause severe colitis due to hyper-activated immune T cells and deleted regulatory T cells. Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified a new mouse model that develops colitis after treatment with antibodies used for tumor immunotherapy, revealing the mechanism behind this side effect.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Mysterious missing component in the clouds of Venus revealed

Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified iron-bearing sulfate minerals as the cause of the mysterious UV absorption feature on Venus' clouds. The discovery was made possible by synthesizing and analyzing minerals under extreme chemical conditions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 5, 2024

A leap forward in women's health: unlocking genetic clues to gestational diabetes

A recent genetic study has made a significant leap forward in understanding gestational diabetes by identifying nine novel genetic regions linked to the condition. The study, conducted on over 12,000 patients and 131,000 female controls, has nearly tripled the number of known genetic areas associated with gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 5, 2024

After COP28 “insider” climate activists will become increasingly important, study suggests.

A new study suggests climate activists are increasingly adopting 'insider' activist roles, working within their own organizations to drive meaningful change. Researchers identify different types of activists, including those who seek to undermine or challenge organizations, highlighting the growing importance of collaborative and conte...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

Hainan's quest for pristine air: Charting a course to global air quality leadership by 2035

A comprehensive approach has been developed to create Hainan's own ambient air quality standards, tailored to the province's specific conditions. The new standards aim to reduce common pollutants and improve health outcomes, with estimates suggesting thousands of premature deaths could be prevented annually.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 5, 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.

The evolution of photosynthesis better documented thanks to the discovery of the oldest thylakoids in fossil cyanobacteria

Researchers have identified the oldest thylakoid membranes, 1.2 billion years older than previously known, in 1.75 billion-year-old fossil cyanobacteria. This discovery provides a new approach to understand the early diversification of life and the role of cyanobacteria in the Great Oxygenation Event.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Maternal diabetes and overweight and congenital heart defects in offspring

A study of 620,000 children found that maternal type 1 diabetes was associated with increased risk for most types of congenital heart defects in offspring. Obesity and overweight were linked to increased risk for complex defects, such as outflow tract obstruction, while decreasing the risk for ventricular septal defects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 5, 2024

nTIDE December 2023 Jobs Report: People with disabilities maintain strong employment levels through end of year, staying at historic highs

In December 2023, people with disabilities in the US maintained their employment-to-population ratio near historic highs. The labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities also remained steady around 40% throughout the last half of 2023. In contrast, those without disabilities experienced slight declines in both rates.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateJan 5, 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.

Monitoring the well-being of reservoir water through an uncrewed surface vehicle

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an uncrewed surface vehicle to measure nitrate concentration and water depth in a reservoir. The study reveals seasonal variations in nitrate levels and the importance of considering timing and weather conditions in water quality assessments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalWater Resources Research·DateJan 5, 2024

Ancestors of primates lived in pairs

A study published in PNAS found that 70 million years ago, primates' ancestors mostly lived in pairs, with only 15% opting for solitary lifestyles. This flexible pair-living ancestor likely offered benefits such as easier reproduction and thermoregulation.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024

UofL study shows nicotine in e-cigarettes may not be harmless, as some claim

A new UofL study shows that nicotine salts in pod-based e-cigarettes can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias. The research found that these aerosols stimulate the same receptor that is inhibited by beta blockers, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 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.

Global scientific network highlights plant genera named for women

Researchers have identified over 700 plant genera named for women, representing a significant increase in the number of genera linked to women. The dataset provides valuable information on the contributions of women to botany and can be used by other researchers to build upon this work.

SourceMissouri Botanical Garden·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Hypertension's hidden hand: pressure-driven foam cell formation revealed as key driver of arterial disease, paving the way for new therapies

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which elevated blood pressure transforms muscle cells into 'foam cells' that form the building blocks of plaque buildup in arteries. This finding provides crucial insights for developing new therapies to control or reverse arterial disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 5, 2024

PTSD, depression, and anxiety nearly doubles in Israel in aftermath of Hamas attack

A nationwide prospective study found a sharp increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in Israelis following the October 2023 Hamas attack. The study nearly doubled the prevalence of these conditions, which were already higher than those reported in previous studies on terrorist events.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

Soil fungi may help explain the global gradient in forest diversity

Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, improving juvenile survival and promoting species diversity. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi may play a role in driving global patterns of forest tree diversity associated with latitude.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 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.

Arctic cold snap transforms into a blessing

A recent study suggests that the Arctic cold snap significantly contributes to the heightened uptake of carbon dioxide by the East Sea. The research found that the internal circulation along the East Coast strengthened due to the Arctic cold wave, leading to a surge in carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon presents a promising sol...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 5, 2024

Novel compound protects against infection by virus that causes COVID-19, preliminary studies show

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a novel compound that can protect against COVID-19 infection by targeting the virus's 'landing gear'. The stapled lipopeptide, which acts as a nasal spray, has shown promise in preventing infection and could potentially be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2024

Logging and climate change threaten montane birds

Researchers found that logged forests have higher average temperatures and lower humidity, hastening the transition of bird species to higher elevations. Small bird species colonize logged forests better due to temperature tolerance, while larger species remain in primary forests.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateJan 5, 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.

Study shows weed makes workouts more fun, but it's no performance enhancer

A recent study published in Sports Medicine found that cannabis users reported increased enjoyment and euphoria during exercise, with CBD seemingly having a greater impact on mood than THC. However, the use of cannabis before exercise was found to have no significant effect on performance.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2024

African One Health network launched to prevent disease

The ADAPT project is a new initiative to prevent antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing biological-medical and socio-cultural factors, the network aims to enhance policy-makers' technical expertise and increase efficiency in disease prevention.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Blood flow changes in the eyes could influence visual symptoms of migraines

Researchers used OCTA to visualize retinal blood vessel changes in migraine patients during and between attacks. Blood flow decreases were found, with asymmetrical flow correlated to headache pain side.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHeadache The Journal of Head and Face Pain·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 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.

Asbestos: the size and shape of inhaled nanofibers could be exclusively responsible for the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Research reveals that inhaling asbestos or similar nanofibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to their inability to be fully encapsulated by macrophages. The study found that fibers over 15 microns in length cause leaked secretions harmful to alveolar walls, leading to repeated pulmonary lesions and potential fibroma development.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 5, 2024