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Science News for September 27, 2024


Using satellite images to understand changes in river flow

Researchers used satellite images to derive a global dataset of river width data, expanding the understanding of at-a-station hydraulic geometry. The study found that a 1% increase in discharge leads to a median 0.2% increase in river width worldwide, with weaker responses in areas with cohesive soil and high forest coverage.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 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.

UCLA at ASTRO: Predicting response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, 2-year outcomes of MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, impact of symptom self-reporting during chemoradiation and more

UCLA investigators presented data on chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and symptom self-reporting during treatment. Researchers developed a predictive model to identify patients most likely to respond to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Children in foster care with disabilities face significant challenges

Research on children in foster care with disabilities found that they are less likely to achieve a positive outcome like adoption or guardianship, and have a higher risk of mortality. Children with specific disabilities, such as intellectual disability, physical disability, and emotional disturbance, were particularly vulnerable.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 27, 2024

Distant relatedness in biobanks harnessed to identify undiagnosed genetic disease

A new method using shared segments within the genome has identified undiagnosed cases of Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The approach was developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and applied to a DNA biobank to detect carriers of rare disease-ca...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

ABM releases position statement on breastfeeding in emergency situations

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2024

Longer orbital repeats of satellite altimetry may provide better understanding of inland waters

Researchers found that satellite altimetry missions with longer orbital repeats can provide a clearer understanding of regional and global hydrological cycles. This is because these missions sample lakes several times more frequently, revealing broader perspectives on lake variations across entire regions.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 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.

Clean energy transition: Increasing global equity with finance

A new study by CMCC scientists investigates how financial policies can ensure a just transition to clean energy. The research finds that fair-financing policies can reduce inequality in per-capita renewable energy generation by 2-4% and make electricity cheaper by an average of 10%.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 27, 2024

Breaking the chain of intergenerational violence

A study by researchers from the University of Tokyo found that people with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit physical or verbal abuse against older adults. The study, which analyzed over 13,000 responses in Japan, revealed that psychological factors were a key contributor to this behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Autonomous vehicles can be imperfect — As long as they’re resilient

A team of researchers aims to improve autonomous vehicle safety by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in software and hardware. They plan to use knowledge gained from a $926,737 NSF award to design protection mechanisms that can be applied selectively to ensure safety while maximizing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateSep 27, 2024

Large variation in how girls grow after their first period

A study of 793 girls found significant variation in height growth after their first period, with most not reaching the expected 6-8 cm. Early onset of menstruation is linked to greater growth, while late onset is associated with shorter final height. Childhood BMI also plays a role in determining menarche age and subsequent growth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 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.

Clinical cancer research in the US is increasingly dominated by pharmaceutical industry sponsors, study finds

A recent study reveals that pharmaceutical industry sponsors dominate US cancer research, with a substantial increase in industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past decade. Federally funded studies have been underinvested and have missed opportunities for scientific advancements.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

An ultrasound-activated hydrogel for steady, sustained drug delivery

Researchers at Michigan Medicine develop a composite hydrogel capable of steady, sustained drug release using ultrasound as a trigger. The fibrin hydrogel matrix vaporizes an emulsion upon exposure to ultrasound, releasing the encapsulated drug in a zero-order release process, providing consistent levels over time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Black infants with heart abnormalities more likely to die in first year

Research reveals that Black infants with congenital heart disease are 40% more likely to die in the first year than white infants, despite overall death rates decreasing for both groups. The American Academy of Pediatrics study found a significant disparity in mortality rates between Black and white infants born with heart abnormalities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 27, 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.

A new birthplace for asteroid Ryugu

Researchers discover that asteroid Ryugu, a carbon-rich meteorite, shares a rare ingredient with material formed at the outer edge of the Solar System. The findings challenge previous ideas about the formation of asteroids and require a rethinking of the origin of the CI chondrites group.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Drug overdose deaths take a growing toll on U.S. children

As of 2019, over 1.4 million US children have lost a family member to a drug overdose, according to a USC Dornsife study. The trend shows younger children are increasingly affected, with 5-year-olds experiencing loss at the same rate as 10-year-olds 15 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Caregivers underestimate suicide as the leading cause of firearm death: study

A study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference found that Colorado caregivers with children in the home significantly underestimated the risk of firearm-related suicide. The research also highlighted a lack of awareness about preventing suicide, particularly among caregivers living in households with firearms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 27, 2024

Deep underground flooding beneath arima hot springs: A potential trigger for the 1995 Kobe (Hyogo-Ken Nanbu) earthquake

A study found that a significant increase in plate-derived water beneath Arima Hot Springs occurred before the 1995 Kobe earthquake, potentially weakening the fault and triggering the quake. This phenomenon is similar to increased chloride ions and radon in groundwater, which have been reported as precursors to earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 27, 2024

Automatic speech recognition learned to understand people with Parkinson’s disease — by listening to them

Researchers trained an automatic speech recognizer on recordings from people with dysarthria related to Parkinson's disease, achieving a 30% accuracy improvement. The study, led by Mark Hasegawa-Johnson, provides valuable data for improving voice recognition devices.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

MD Anderson at ASTRO: Research Highlights Special Edition

Recent advances in radiation therapy have improved breast cancer outcomes with reduced side effects. Researchers at MD Anderson have demonstrated the benefits of hypofractionation in reducing lymphedema risk and improving treatment tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2024

Ancient sunken seafloor reveals earth’s deep secrets

Researchers discovered a mysterious subduction zone deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, reshaping our understanding of Earth's interior structure. The team found an unusually thick area in the mantle transition zone, suggesting the presence of colder material that slows down oceanic slabs as they sink through the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Orbitronics: New material property advances energy-efficient tech

Researchers have discovered chiral topological semi-metals that possess properties making them suitable for generating currents of orbital angular momentum (OAM) flows. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of energy-efficient devices in orbitronics, a potential alternative to traditional electronics.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Commonly used drug could transform treatment of rare muscle disorder

Researchers found lamotrigine to reduce stiffness in non-dystrophic myotonias by around the same amount as mexiletine, offering a new treatment option. The trial results have direct implications for patient care and provide more 'real-world' options for patients with this life-changing muscle disorder.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2024

Discovery of 3,775-year-old preserved log supports ‘wood vaulting’ as a climate solution

A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Return of the elephants seals: From a few to thousands

Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

How climate change affects deer

Climate change affects deer populations by altering their physiology, behavior, and distribution. As temperatures rise, some species adapt to milder winters, while others struggle with heat stress and parasites.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 27, 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.

Forest loss forces langur species to interbreed

Research in north-eastern Bangladesh found Phayre's langurs and capped langurs interbreeding, with genetic confirmation of hybridization. The study highlights the urgent need for forest protection and research to develop suitable conservation strategies.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateSep 27, 2024

Study highlights complex ocean conditions facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine

Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Research findings offer a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers propose a better understanding of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, identifying an early pathogenic macrophage cell/gene signature that shapes the inflammatory environment. This discovery offers a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 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.

The Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä has measured more detailed data on the "magic" N=50 neutron shell closure

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä have measured more detailed data on the magic N=50 neutron shell closure in the silver isotope chain. The new information improves state-of-the-art theoretical models, benefiting the global description of the atomic nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Estimated long-term benefits of finerenone in heart failure

Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 2024

Unraveling the role of tRNA modifying enzyme in brain function

A groundbreaking study reveals how TRMT10A deficiency disrupts protein synthesis, synaptic structure, and function in the brain, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. Researchers found a significant decrease in specific tRNA levels, particularly those essential for initiating protein synthesis.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 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.

Addressing global water security challenges: New study reveals investment opportunities and readiness levels

A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Preterm births are on the rise, with ongoing racial and economic gaps

A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

New addition to standard-of-care treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer patients has potential to increase progression-free survival

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting enhanced survival outcomes for NSCLC patients with novel treatment combinations. The model neutralizes the negative effects of miR-155, boosting standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 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.

Research sheds light on large-scale cosmic structures

A new study identifies regions where gravity dominates, such as the Sloan Great Wall and Shapley Supercluster, suggesting that our Milky Way likely resides in the larger Shapley basin. The research provides an unprecedented look into the gravitational landscape of the local Universe.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Fruit juice offers a fresh take on kombucha

Researchers have successfully fermented fruit juices, including apple and passion fruit, using a SCOBY to create kombucha-like beverages with boosted antioxidant levels. The resulting drinks showed promise as an alternative to traditional kombucha, with the apple juice variant ranking high in taste testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateSep 27, 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.

Menopausal hormone therapy use among postmenopausal women

A cross-sectional study found that menopausal hormone therapy use has decreased significantly over the past two decades among US postmenopausal women. Notably, women from racial and ethnic minority groups had lower rates of menopausal hormone therapy use compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 27, 2024

Opioid poisoning in children increasing alongside adult misuse

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics found a four-fold increase in opioid poisoning cases among children under 2 years old, with fentanyl being the leading cause. Non-Hispanic Black children were particularly affected, experiencing an 11-fold increase in overdose cases between 2019 and 2023.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 27, 2024

Our cosmic neighborhood may be 10x larger

A team of researchers has made groundbreaking findings that suggest our cosmic neighborhood may be far larger than previously thought. The study, which analyzed the movements of 56,000 galaxies, reveals a potential shift in the scale of our galactic basin of attraction.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 27, 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.

Period poverty research finds 1 in 3 teens lack access to menstruation products

Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference finds that 30% of adolescents face difficulties accessing menstruation products. The study highlights the need for public health programs and policy changes to ensure youth have access to necessary products, avoiding negative impacts on health and engagement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 27, 2024

Global warming leads to higher nitrogen requirements - New wheat varietys can contribute to food security

Researchers found that new wheat cultivars achieve 16% higher yields under current climate conditions, but overall nitrogen needs will increase with global warming. The team recommends a systemic approach to food security, combining agricultural science, environmental aspects, and policy makers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Temporarily apart

Researchers induced fast switching between electrically neutral and charged luminescent particles in an ultra-thin, two-dimensional material. The result opens up new perspectives for optical data processing and flexible detectors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Penn Medicine at the 2024 ASTRO Annual Meeting

Leading researchers from Penn Medicine will showcase clinical trial results and new data on FLASH radiation therapy. The institution is one of the world’s leading academic medical centers, with a proud history of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateSep 27, 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.

Role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in escherichia coli

In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Challenge of weight gain in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer

Early-stage HR+ breast cancer survivors experience weight gain, particularly those with healthy BMI or overweight at diagnosis. Black women have higher rates of obesity and related comorbidities compared to White women, leading to a 40% higher breast cancer mortality rate.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeNews article·DateSep 27, 2024

Low Vitamin D levels in pediatric patients linked to slow healing process

Research presented at American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition found that low Vitamin D levels correlate with longer healing times in pediatric fracture patients. Patients with low Vitamin D levels took up to two months longer to show signs of healed fractures, compared to those with normal vitamin D levels.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateSep 27, 2024

How are pronouns processed in the memory-region of our brain?

A new study has shown that individual brain cells in the hippocampus respond to pronouns, enabling us to understand language. By analyzing patient responses to trick questions with pronouns, researchers found that these cells track who the pronoun refers to in a dynamic way.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2024

NIH grant supports research to discover better treatments for heart failure

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are studying the molecular mechanisms of coagulation factor XII as a contributor to heart failure with reduced ejection. The goal is to develop better preventive and treatment options for this irreversible condition, which affects millions of Americans.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·DateSep 27, 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.

Estrogens play a hidden role in cancers, inhibiting a key immune cell

A new study finds that estrogens decrease the ability of immune cells to attack tumors and reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapies, including in triple-negative breast cancers. Anti-estrogen drugs have been shown to reverse these effects, restoring potency to immunotherapies and slowing tumor growth.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 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.