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Science News Archive November 2022


Page 6 of 39

Why steamed hay can lead to protein deficiency in horses

Steaming hay kills harmful microorganisms, but damages proteins making them less digestible for horses. This can lead to impaired muscle development and nutrient deficiencies, affecting growth and coat health. Horses can be enriched with protein-rich feedstuffs to mitigate this risk.

Dr. Fauci reflects on the perpetual challenge of infectious diseases

Dr. Fauci highlights the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines as a significant success in responding to emerging infectious diseases. He emphasizes the need to improve capabilities for established diseases like malaria and tuberculosis while addressing new threats.

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.

Mandatory alcohol information virtually invisible online

A study found online alcohol retailers in NZ under-provide mandatory health information and warnings, while UK retailers do better despite not being required to. This lack of visibility impacts consumers' ability to make informed purchase decisions.

Chemotherapy could increase disease susceptibility in future generations

Research found that male rats exposed to ifosfamide during adolescence had offspring and grand-offspring with increased incidence of diseases, including kidney and testis problems. The study's epigenetic analysis revealed changes passed down through sperm and ova, indicating a potential risk for future generations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Machine learning gives nuanced view of Alzheimer’s stages

A Cornell-led collaboration used machine learning to predict Alzheimer's progression in cognitively normal and mildly impaired individuals. The modeling showed that MRI scans are most informative for asymptomatic cases, while PET scans are more effective for those with mild cognitive impairment.

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.

Astrophysicists hunt for second-closest supermassive black hole

Researchers suggest using ancient red giant stars' winds as a potential source of material for observing the supermassive black hole. This could provide the accretion rate needed to detect the black hole, which is currently undetectable due to its low activity.

Why silly distractions at work can actually be good for you

A new study from Trinity College Dublin and WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management found that brief positive interventions, such as watching a funny video, can help employees overcome daily challenges like annoying emails or unloved tasks. This leads to increased effectiveness at work, including better engagement, creativity, and beh...

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.

A crystal shape conundrum is finally solved

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to predict the shapes of crystals that lack symmetry by assigning arbitrary latent energies to their surfaces. This approach uses closure equations with arbitrary parameters to mimic nature's solution, allowing for accurate crystal shape predictions.

Ancient Iowan superpredator got big by front-loading its growth in its youth

Fossils of Whatcheeria, a six-foot-long lake-dwelling creature, revealed that it grew big by front-loading its growth in its youth. Contrary to the slow-and-steady growth pattern seen in many modern reptiles and amphibians, Whatcheeria's rapid growth as a juvenile provided a competitive advantage as a top predator.

Caffeine Gets You to The Finish Line Faster, Reveals New Study

Researchers found that caffeine supplementation reduces sprint time by 0.14 seconds in the 100-meter dash, with increased explosive acceleration in the early stage of the race. Caffeine's ergogenic effects support World Athletics recommendations for athletes seeking a competitive edge.

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.

Study finds that big rains bring big algae blooms … eventually

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that while phosphorus is a key ingredient for algae blooms, other factors like calm winds, warm surface waters, and low zooplankton populations can delay or prevent blooms. Drastically reducing phosphorus use on land may be the only option to head off future blooms.

COVID lockdown did not lead to a rush on opioid prescriptions

New York State opioid prescriptions declined during the COVID-19 lockdown, with only a small transient increase in early refills. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) prescriptions remained steady, thanks to policies ensuring their availability.

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 take first step towards controlling photosynthesis using mirrors

A research team at Lund University has successfully used mirrors to enhance light interaction with antenna complexes in photosynthesis. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy transfer processes and eventually be used to produce fuel from carbon dioxide, a promising solution for the climate crisis.

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.

Organ donations, transplants increase on days of largest motorcycle rallies

A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that organ donations and transplants increase by 21% during the week of large motorcycle rallies, with 26% more transplant recipients per day. The surge in donations does not alleviate the critical shortage of donor organs, highlighting the need for improved safety protocols.

Mom’s dietary fat rewires male and female brains differently

Researchers found that excess fat triggers immune cells to overeat serotonin in the brain of developing male mice, leading to depression-like behavior. Female mice are not affected in the same way, with higher levels of oxytocin linked to social withdrawal.

Physicist identifies how electron crystals melt

Eun-Ah Kim and Michael Matty identified a phase in between solid and liquid for electron crystals, revealing their behavior under certain conditions. In this intermediate phase, electrons arrange themselves into tiny strips that can move around and orient themselves.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCLA-led research unearths obscure heat transfer behaviors

Researchers found that boron arsenide's thermal conductivity decreases at extremely high pressures, breaking the general rule of pressure dependence. This discovery may lead to novel materials for smart energy systems with built-in 'pressure windows'.

Novel sex-determination mechanism revealed in mammals

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a novel sex-determination mechanism in the Amami spiny rat, a species lacking the Y chromosome and Sry gene. The mechanism involves the upregulation of Sox9 gene on chromosome 3, induced by a new regulatory element similar to Enh14.

A life-inspired system dynamically adjusts to its environment

The new system consists of two gels with different properties that respond homeostatically to environmental changes. Researchers have created a feedback loop using lasers and mirrors, allowing the system to regulate its temperature in response to external stimuli.

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.

Chinese and New Zealand scientists dive to one of the ocean's deepest regions

Scientists from China and New Zealand have made the first crewed visit to explore the Scholl Deep in the Kermadec Trench. Using a manned submersible, they collected deep-sea water samples, sediments, rocks, and biological specimens. The expedition provides new insights into the biodiversity of New Zealand's deepest marine environment.

Cell division enzyme earmarked as potential new cancer therapeutic target

Researchers have identified a potential new cancer therapeutic target in the cell division enzyme TTLL11. Microtubule polyglutamylation by TTLL11 is crucial for faithful chromosome segregation. In cancer, TTLL11 levels are significantly downregulated, leading to unstable microtubules that favor aneuploid cells.

Legalization of recreational cannabis linked with increased alcohol drinking

Research found that states legalizing recreational cannabis saw a slight increase in alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults and men. The study suggests that targeted public health messaging and policy interventions can mitigate problem drinking. However, the impact of long-term effects on binge or heavy drinking is unclear.

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.

Cognitive flexibility enhances mathematical reasoning

A study by the University of Geneva finds that adopting multiple perspectives on mathematical problems enhances proportional reasoning. Students who received lessons based on this approach outperformed those in traditional classes, regardless of socio-economic background.

Researchers realize high-speed uni-traveling-carrier photodiode

A research team from USTC has designed a novel photodiode that achieves low dark current, high bandwidth, and improved responsivity. The device uses plasmonic resonance to enhance absorption efficiency, leading to increased signal quality for high-speed optical communication networks.

USC works with Polaris Dawn to study in-flight space medicine

Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine are collaborating with Polaris Dawn to develop a novel method for collecting X-rays in outer space. They aim to harness ambient radiation to create images using analog X-ray film, which could improve medical care on long-duration spaceflights.

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.

Seagrass crucial to stemming the tide of coastal erosion

A new study has shown that seagrass can reduce cliff erosion by up to 70% in sandy sediments due to its root mats binding the sand. The researchers also found that replanting seagrass in areas where it has disappeared is essential for mitigating coastal erosion.

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 explains formation of rich mammal diversity in Asia

Researchers analyzed 3,114 mammal species across Asia and adjacent continents to understand the origin and timing of its rich biodiversity. The study found that tropical forests are a major center of diversity, while Himalayan and Hengduan Mountains are accumulation centers with lineages migrating from other regions.

Americans would rather harm their own political cause than help an opposing one

A University of California San Diego study found that both Democrats and Republicans would rather take away funding from their party than give money to the other party. This preference was also seen in gun rights and reproductive rights issues, with participants willing to hurt their own cause over supporting an opposing side. The stud...

Engineers improve electrochemical sensing by incorporating machine learning

A Penn State research team developed a novel analytical platform using machine learning to selectively measure multiple biomolecules, saving space and reducing complexity. The sensor can detect small quantities of uric acid and tyrosine, important biomarkers associated with various diseases, in saliva and sweat.

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.