Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 4, 2024


New molecule can mimic the effects of fasting and exercise

Researchers have developed a molecule called LaKe that can mimic the metabolic response to regular exercise and fasting by increasing lactate and ketone levels in the blood. This molecule has the potential to alleviate concentration difficulties, treat brain trauma, Parkinson's, and dementia, and improve overall health.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Addressing climate change and inequality: A win-win policy solution

A new study published in Nature Climate Change examines the distributional impacts of climate policies and climate risks. Implementing ambitious climate policies can reduce inequality by redistributing carbon revenues, lowering the Gini index by nearly 2 points.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 4, 2024

Multiple sclerosis: early warnings in the immune system

A study of identical twins found that CD8-positive T cells play a key role in the early stages of multiple sclerosis. The researchers discovered that these cells exhibit increased migration ability, promote inflammation and show activation markers, suggesting they are already embarking on their journey to the central nervous system. Th...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 4, 2024

Bacteria-fighting viruses team up to treat drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers have developed a mixture of phages that can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in mice. However, the effectiveness of these phages can vary depending on the bacteria's genetic factors and the presence of other phages and bacteria in the human body.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 4, 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.

Researchers seek to improve advanced pain management using AI for drug discovery

Researchers used AI to repurpose FDA-approved drugs for chronic pain treatment. The LISA-CPI framework identified compounds that can bind to specific pain receptors and modulate signaling effects. Studies are underway to validate these compounds in the lab, offering a promising approach to advanced pain management.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 4, 2024

When dogs and humans find a common language

Researchers found that dogs slow down their speech rate when addressed by humans, while humans' speech rhythms meet in the middle. Dogs process human language only within the delta band (1-3 Hz) and with phonological content, debunking myths about prosody sensitivity.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

‘Pac-Man effect’ offers precise control for advanced materials design

Rice researchers use a rapidly alternating magnetic field to create direction-dependent structures from superparamagnetic beads, offering precise control over material properties. The study reveals the importance of magnetic relaxation time in controlling particle interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Antarctic ‘greening’ at dramatic rate

The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced a dramatic increase in vegetation cover over the last four decades, with satellite data showing an acceleration of 30% in recent years. This 'greening' trend is attributed to climate change and has significant implications for the region's ecosystem and environmental future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 4, 2024

Federal government may be paying twice for care of veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans

Researchers at Brown University found that the federal government may be paying more than $78 billion annually to care for U.S. military veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, raising questions about federal overpayments to those private plans. The study suggests that dual enrollment of some veterans could result in more federa...

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2024

Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents likelier than white adolescents to be tested for drugs, alcohol at pediatric trauma centers

A study by researchers at UCLA found that Black, Hispanic, and American Indian adolescents are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol than white adolescents at pediatric trauma centers. The study suggests that clinician biases may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 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.

Researchers propose a new paradigm for economic performance and sustainability

Researchers introduce the 'prosocial market economy' as a model embedding cooperation, ethical behavior, and sustainability into organizational practices. This approach prioritizes collaboration and collective well-being, fostering long-term economic success and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalQualitative Research in Accounting & Management·DateOct 4, 2024

Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to understand what happens when people lose their balance

Virginia Tech researchers publish real-time data to better understand what happens when people lose their balance. The study uses wrist-worn voice recorders to capture immediate, self-reported data from participants, providing a more reliable understanding of the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 4, 2024

Moffitt study unveils the role of gamma-delta T cells in cancer immunology

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute analyzed gamma-delta T-cell receptor landscape across 11,000 tumors, providing insights into their role in patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. The study's findings suggest that diversity and clonality of gamma-delta T cells can significantly impact patient survival.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Pterosaurs needed feet on the ground to become giants

A University of Leicester study has found that the ability to walk efficiently on the ground played a crucial role in determining how large pterosaurs could grow. Early pterosaurs were adapted for climbing, but later species developed changes to their hands and feet that allowed them to thrive on land, leading to some becoming gigantic.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2024

Groundbreaking wastewater treatment research led by Oxford Brookes targets global challenge of toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at Oxford Brookes University have developed a groundbreaking method to tackle the global challenge of toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies. The new machine uses bubbles to remove these harmful substances, showing promising results with nearly a 36% degradation rate in just 30 minutes.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Gut bacteria engineered to act as tumor GPS for immunotherapies

Scientists engineered E. coli bacteria to express immune-activating cytokines, which induced potent immune responses in tumors. The bacteria acted as a 'tumor GPS' for mesothelin targeting CAR NK cells, enhancing treatment efficacy. Multiple hard-to-treat tumors responded well to this approach.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 4, 2024

Life on Earth was more diverse than classical theory suggests 800 million years ago, a Brazilian study shows

A Brazilian study published in PNAS suggests that life on Earth was more diverse than classical theory suggests 800 million years ago, with multiple lineages of amoebae and ancestors of plants, algae, and animals already established. The study's findings challenge the long-held paradigm for the Neoproterozoic period and provide new ins...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2024

Experts propose key criteria to classify prebiotics

A new framework outlines essential criteria for establishing prebiotic status, emphasizing selective utilization, measurable health benefits, and safe use. The proposed guidelines aim to promote clarity and informed decision-making around prebiotic products.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 4, 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.

Political parties in South America relied on will of the people to implement major economic reforms, analysis shows

A study by University of Exeter researcher Dr Pedro Perfeito da Silva explores the impact of popular resistance and union support on economic policies in Ecuador and El Salvador. The findings suggest that administrations reliant on strong public backing implemented stricter capital controls, while those with less support adopted more n...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalReview of International Political Economy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Liver X receptor beta: a new frontier in treating depression and anxiety

Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.

SourceGenomic Press·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 4, 2024

Pharmacology: Venomous crustacean from Mayan underwater caves provides new drug candidates

A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Large artificial intelligence language models, increasingly unreliable

Recent studies have found that large AI language models are becoming increasingly unreliable, failing to match human expectations on task difficulty. The models excel in complex tasks but struggle with simple ones, leading to a mismatch between human perception and model performance.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2024

Glimmers of antimatter to explain the "dark" part of the universe

A recent study suggests that the observation of antihelium nuclei in cosmic rays may be consistent with the existence of WIMP particles, which could make up dark matter. The detection of two distinct isotopes, antihelium-3 and -4, is particularly intriguing as heavier nuclei are unlikely to be produced through natural processes.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2024

Research points to potential new treatment for aggressive prostate cancer subtype

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a new subtype of aggressive prostate cancer and identified a potential degrader to target it. The study found that a genetic alteration in the CDK12 gene drives cancer development, and a degrader targeting this gene shows promise in destroying cancer cells.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Studies examine growing US mental health safety net

A new study by NYU researchers reveals that more than 60% of the US population has access to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The clinics are expanding crisis mental health services, including mobile crisis response teams and stabilization.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 4, 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 therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias emerges

A new study identifies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as a key regulator of the SK2 channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac ion channels and heart rhythm. The research provides critical translational insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2024

How cells recognize and repair DNA damage

A new mechanism of DNA damage response has been identified, involving an RNA transcript that regulates genome stability. The study found that NEAT1, a long non-coding RNA transcript, plays a crucial role in recognizing and repairing DNA double-strand breaks.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

How much do avoidable deaths impact the economy?

Two new papers estimate economic value of reducing avoidable deaths worldwide, finding 40 million deaths in 2019 were avoidable. The economic value is equivalent to 23% of annual global income, suggesting health improvements could lead to substantial economic benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 4, 2024

Almost half of persons who inject drugs (PWID) with endocarditis will die within five years; women are disproportionately affected

A Canadian study finds that treatment for vulnerable people with endocarditis includes in-hospital addiction support and community care, with special attention to the needs of marginalized young women. Women who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by endocarditis and have higher long-term mortality rates than men.

SourceLawson Health Research Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2024

Bacterial breakthrough:

Scientists have found a way to pinpoint single bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, making it easier to choose the right treatment. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with Staphylococcus aureus infections.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

Revolutionizing cardiovascular risk assessment with AI

A recent study explores the potential of AI in ophthalmology to detect elevated HbA1c levels, a marker for high blood sugar and cardiovascular disease. The research highlights the importance of developing trustworthy AI models and addressing challenges in clinical adoption.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 4, 2024

Scientists uncover auditory “sixth sense” in geckos

Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Donors enable 445 TPDA awards to Neuroscience 2024

The Society for Neuroscience is supporting 445 neuroscience trainees to attend Neuroscience 2024 through the Trainee Professional Development Award program. The 2024 recipients include a record-high representation of non-U.S. and female trainees, with funding provided by numerous donors and foundations.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 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.

Extensive afforestation and reforestation can brake global warming

Research by LMU scientists suggests that large-scale afforestation and reforestation could significantly influence the climate, reducing peak temperature by 0.08°C and end-of-century temperature by 0.2°C. The study also finds that AR can shorten the time during which global temperature overshoots the 1.5-degree target by 13 years.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2024

Early release from NEJM Evidence

Researchers have developed a new treatment for deep diabetic foot ulcers, using intact fish skin grafts to promote healing. The study found that this innovative approach showed promising results in improving wound closure and reducing infection rates.

SourceNEJM Group·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateOct 4, 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.

Experimental blood test improves early detection of pancreatic cancer

A new experimental blood test, combining CA199.STRA and CA19-9 biomarkers, improves accurate detection of pancreatic cancer in a lab setting by 27%, according to a recent study published in Cancer Letters. The test's effectiveness in a clinical lab setting is crucial for approval as a potential diagnostic method.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalCancer Letters·DateOct 4, 2024

Paralleled and multiplexed all-optical logic operation

Researchers developed a novel optical computation architecture called diffraction casting, which leverages spatial parallelism of light to perform computations. This method overcomes limitations of previous techniques by using wave optics, enabling scalable and parallel logic operations with high flexibility and integration capability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Drier winter habitat impacts songbirds’ ability to survive migration

A new study reveals that poor winter habitat conditions in the Caribbean can lead to reduced survival rates during spring migration and the breeding season for migratory songbirds. Climate change is expected to further exacerbate these effects, underscoring the need for conservation measures to protect vulnerable species.

SourceSmithsonian National Zoological Park·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Innovative catalyst produces methane using electricity

Researchers at the University of Bonn and Montreal developed a new catalyst that produces methane out of carbon dioxide and water in a highly efficient way using electricity. The process has an efficiency of over 80 percent and produces few side products.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 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.

How future heatwaves at sea could devastate UK marine ecosystems and fisheries

Marine heatwaves in UK waters have been characterized for the first time, revealing regional variability and seasonal differences. The southern North Sea and English Channel tend to experience longer and moderately intense heatwaves, while the eastern North Sea has shorter but more intense heatwaves.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2024

Cilta-cel found highly effective in first real-world study

A study published in Blood reported high response rates of 89% and complete responses of 70% among patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received cilta-cel infusions. The results were comparable to those seen in clinical trials, suggesting the therapy's effectiveness in real-world settings.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateOct 4, 2024

Research by UVA faculty member could help prevent organ transplant rejection

Researchers have made breakthroughs in creating nanoparticles that can modify the immune system to accept transplanted organs without compromising it. This new approach has potential implications for treating diabetes, cell therapy, and autoimmune disorders, offering hope for patients who currently face rejection.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 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.

Are auditory magic tricks possible for a blind audience?

A new article investigates whether auditory magic tricks can be created for a blind audience, finding that the brain processes visual and auditory information differently. This study underscores the importance of making magic more inclusive for people with blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 4, 2024

Advance in breast cancer treatment

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug, trastuzumab deruxtecan, which significantly extends the lives of breast cancer patients with advanced HER2-positive disease and brain metastases. The treatment has been shown to increase survival times substantially, with over 90% of patients alive one year after treatment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 4, 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.