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Science News Archive December 2022


Page 18 of 31

Does throwing my voice make you want to shop here?

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba discovered a phenomenon where moving a virtual assistant's voice closer to users increases customer rapport, contrasting with traditional ventriloquism effects. This 'mouth-in-the-door' effect can be used to enhance user experience in virtual commerce scenarios.

SwRI study describes first ultraviolet imaging of Sun’s middle corona

Researchers have observed long, web-like plasma structures in the Sun's middle corona, which discharge particles into space through interactions within the structures. This innovative observation method could lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's origins and its interactions with the rest of the solar system.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earth’s inner core may be oxygen-rich

Scientists discovered that Fe-rich Fe-O alloys can exist in Earth's inner core under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. The study found stable oxygen layers between iron layers, suggesting the presence of oxygen in the solid inner core.

Hummingbird flight could provide insights for biomimicry in aerial vehicles

Researchers used a novel modeling method to study hummingbird wing movement, revealing previously unknown principles of actuation. They found that hummingbirds' primary muscles pull wings in three directions: up and down, back and forth, and twisting. This discovery has implications for technological development of agile aerial systems.

Rice flashes new life into lithium-ion anodes

Researchers have developed a new process to recycle and recondition graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries, reducing environmental impact. The 'flash' Joule heating process recovers critical metals and enhances the performance of recycled anodes.

A handy lesson about pain and the brain in stroke survivors

A world-first study found that chronic pain in stroke survivors can alter body perception, increasing accident risk. Researchers discovered that nearly three times as many stroke survivors with chronic pain experience altered body perception compared to those without.

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.

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

Washington state quinoa can make a better cookie

Researchers at Washington State University found that two types of quinoa bred specifically for the Pacific Northwest climate worked well as a high-fiber, high-protein additive flour in commercial cookies. Preliminary results show people preferred sugar cookies with 10% quinoa flour over traditional wheat flour cookies.

Pathogenic sensor’s surprising capabilities revealed

Researchers developed a new way to study the sensory system used by pathogenic bacteria to infect humans. They screened thousands of peptides against a bacterial sensor and discovered 13 new human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that activate the sensor. The findings suggest an arms race between humans and bacteria, with each evolving ne...

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.

Ingestible biobatteries could allow new view of digestive system

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed ingestible biobatteries that utilize microbial fuel cells with spore-forming Bacillus subtilis bacteria to power sensors and Wi-Fi connections. The biobatteries can generate up to 100 microwatts per square centimeter of power density, enough for wireless transmission.

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.

COVID infection, and vaccination, linked to heart condition

A recent study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research found a link between COVID-19 and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), with patients infected five times more likely to develop the condition. Vaccination was also linked, but at a lower risk, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in reducing POTS.

Newly discovered scorpionfly genus with bizarre appearance

A new genus of scorpionflies has been discovered in Nepal, characterized by a spindly and extremely elongated abdomen. The males have long grasping pincers for mating, while the females lack these distinctive features, making classification more challenging.

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.

CRISPR technology improves Huntington’s disease symptoms in models

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a CRISPR-based therapy that targets and destroys mutant RNA molecules causing Huntington's disease. The approach improved motor coordination and reduced toxic protein levels in mouse models, suggesting a potential new treatment direction.

Microparticles could help prevent vitamin A deficiency

Researchers have developed a way to encapsulate vitamin A in a protective polymer, preventing its breakdown during cooking or storage. The technology has shown similar bioavailability when consumed as bread fortified with encapsulated vitamin A compared to eating vitamin A on its own.

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.

Gold-based passive heating for eyewear

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a gold-based transparent coating that absorbs infrared radiation selectively, heating up to 8 degrees Celsius. The coating is thinner, pliable, and more efficient than traditional antifogging methods, requiring minimal gold material costs.

Unique modulator could change mid-infrared photonic systems for the better

A new MIR all-optical modulator based on an acetylene-filled hollow-core fiber has been developed, enabling gas sensing and medical diagnostics in the mid-infrared range. The device utilizes the photo-thermal effect to achieve phase modulation, allowing for ultra-broadband modulation devices from NIR to MIR.

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.

Large-area and high-precision fabrication of aspheric micro-lens array

Scientists have developed a novel fabrication method for large-area and high-precision aspheric micro-lens arrays via single beam exposure DLWL, enabling high flexibility in design. The approach produces AMLA with dimensions of 30 × 30 mm² within 8 hours, exceeding 100 mm²/h writing speed.

Scientists call for better long-term groundwater controls in Australia

A study led by Flinders University has identified 18 challenges in Australia's sustainable use of groundwater, citing over-extraction and unregulated pumping as major contributors. The report calls for improved regional-scale volumetric water extraction limits and better stakeholder communications to address these challenges.

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.

Northern Red Sea reefs resist bleaching in warming seas

Researchers have found that corals in the northern Red Sea have not experienced mass bleaching despite high heat stress due to their acquired temperature tolerance around 7,000 years ago. The region's reefs are expected to be among the last standing by the end of the century under projected warming scenarios.

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.

FAST reveals unprecedented details of the Milky Way

The FAST telescope has detected unprecedented detail about the distribution of neutral hydrogen gas in the Milky Way, revealing fine structures across 88 square degrees. The team also found evidence for magnetic field reversals along spiral arms and confirmed shell-type supernova remnants.

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.

Extending chemo slashes risk of aggressive childhood leukemia coming back

A new treatment protocol has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of aggressive childhood leukemia returning after chemotherapy. The ALL-11 protocol, which includes an extra year of maintenance chemotherapy for children with specific genetic mutations, has improved five-year survival rates and quality of life for these patients....

Researchers realize contactless electrocardiogram monitoring

Researchers from USTC achieved contactless ECG monitoring through a millimeter-wave radar system, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability for diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. The new method showed a median timing error of less than 14 milliseconds and a morphology accuracy higher than 90% compared to conventional ECGs.

USTC scientists nominated 2022 Gordon Bell Prize

USTC scientists made a significant breakthrough in ab initio computing simulation of complex metallic heterostructures with 2.5 million atoms. This achievement is expected to be applied in the construction of 2D-materials-based transistors.

Study reveals recommended anticoagulant therapy for COVID patients

An international study found that an intermediate level of anticoagulation had a high probability of being better than low dose anticoagulation, with no increased risk of bleeding. The study's findings inform WHO guidelines and provide evidence for a middle ground in COVID treatment.

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.

Researchers probe paleoelevation history of northern Tibet plateau

Researchers used pollen records from four montane conifers to estimate past elevation of northern Tibet Plateau, revealing rapid uplift during the Middle to Late Miocene epochs. The study supports prevailing theoretical models of Tibet Plateau formation and highlights its impact on atmospheric water vapor transport and rainfall patterns.

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.

Dinosaur teeth reveal what they didn’t eat

Researchers used dental microwear texture analysis to infer feeding habits of large theropods, including T. rex and Allosaurus. The study found that these dinosaurs did not eat bones as frequently as thought, with juveniles having a different feeding behavior.

LJI researchers find missing piece of the asthma puzzle

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found that the inflammatory molecule LIGHT leads to airway remodeling and long-term breathing issues in severe asthma. Therapeutics targeting LIGHT could reverse airway and lung damage, offering a potential long-term treatment for asthma.

Uncanny valley for interactive social agents: an experimental study

This study evaluates the uncanny valley theory through human interactions with four human-like entities: a voice assistant, child-sized robot, virtual human, and life-sized humanoid robot. The results show that anthropomorphic robots are most liked, while the 'uncanny valley' effect is not observed.

RADepthNet: Reflectance-aware monocular depth estimation

RADepthNet separates depth-related features from irrelevant information and incorporates boundary features for better depth prediction results. The proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance in monocular depth estimation on two datasets, including a newly built soccer video dataset.