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Science News Archive October 2022


Page 14 of 37

Chimpanzees synchronise their steps just like humans

Researchers observed chimpanzees exhibiting unintentional synchronisation in their steps when walking next to each other, suggesting a shared human trait. The study found that chimps showed inter-individual coordination in walking, with 79% of cases mirroring each other's movements within 0.5 seconds.

Snacking on almonds boosts gut health

Researchers at King's College London found that eating almonds increases butyrate production, promoting gut health and potentially alleviating constipation. The study also showed improved nutrient intake and a positive impact on the gut microbiome.

Alligators exposed to PFAS show autoimmune effects

A recent study found that alligators in the Cape Fear River basin have elevated levels of PFAS chemicals in their blood serum, leading to clinical and genetic indicators of immune system effects. The research team detected a significant association between PFAS exposure and autoimmune-like phenotypes in the affected alligators.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trends in emergency department use after sexual assault

This study found a significant increase in sexual assault emergency department visits from 2006 to 2019, surpassing the growth of law enforcement reports. Meanwhile, admission rates for sexual assault patients decreased during this period.

Completing Einstein’s homework on special relativity in electromagnetism

Researchers at Osaka University have demonstrated the relativistic contraction of an electric field produced by fast-moving charged particles, as predicted by Einstein’s theory. This effect, corresponding to Lorentz transformation of electromagnetic potentials, has been observed using ultrafast electro-optic measurements.

New data transmission record

Researchers from Technical University of Denmark and Chalmers University of Technology have achieved a world record in data transmission by transmitting 1.8 petabits per second using only a single laser and optical chip, significantly reducing power consumption and climate footprint.

Where political views and fundamental beliefs intersect

A new study from The Primals Project at the University of Pennsylvania challenges the long-held assumption that conservatives see the world as more dangerous than liberals. Instead, researchers found that both conservatives and liberals view the world as similarly dangerous, with a hierarchical worldview playing a significant role in s...

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.

A ‘door’ into the mitochondrial membrane

A new study has discovered that MTCH2, a protein essential in various cellular processes, acts as a 'door' for proteins to access the mitochondrial membrane. The finding opens up potential avenues for cancer treatments by harnessing apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism.

Monkeypox: High vaccine acceptance among users of European gay-dating apps

A survey among European gay-dating app users found a 82% crude vaccination acceptance rate. Willingness to vaccinate increased with factors like perceived severity of monkeypox, transmission risk, and existing health links. Higher acceptance rates were seen in northern and western Europe compared to southern and eastern regions.

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.

Gel-like, radioactive tumor implant obliterates pancreatic cancer in mice

Researchers at Duke University have developed a novel treatment that combines internal radiation and chemotherapy to eliminate tumors in 80% of mice with pancreatic cancer. The approach uses a gel-like depot implanted with radioactive iodine-131, which deposits beta radiation directly into the tumor without affecting surrounding tissue.

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.

Breakthrough in protecting bananas from Panama disease

Scientists have discovered a way to control Panama disease in bananas using specialized anti-fungal chemistries, providing hope for the global banana supply. The study's findings reveal that these chemistries can suppress the disease and maintain plant health, opening new avenues for efficient control strategies.

Chew on this: Personalized health care for mountain gorillas

Scientists used a noninvasive tool of chewed plants to monitor mountain gorillas for human herpesviruses, finding no evidence of infection among the free-ranging gorillas. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of personalized health care for endangered mountain gorillas using this relatively new technique.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

MIT engineers develop sensors for face masks that help gauge fit

The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

New: Points to consider to help people with an RMD stay in work

The new EULAR points-to-consider support individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) by acknowledging the benefits of staying in work, including increased self-worth and financial independence. These principles aim to optimise work-life balance and support physical and mental health.

Gene mutations in tumors impact radiation sensitivity

A new Northwestern Medicine study identifies common and rare gene mutations that impact radiation resistance and sensitivity. This information will allow clinicians to better calibrate radiation doses based on genetic mutations, improving treatment efficacy while reducing toxicity.

eLife ends accept/reject decisions following peer review

eLife is ending its practice of making accept/reject decisions following peer review, instead publishing every paper it reviews as a Reviewed Preprint. This new model restores control to authors, promoting the assessment of scientists based on their research output rather than publication venue.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why late-night eating leads to weight gain, diabetes

Research at Northwestern University finds that eating during the daytime is ideal for dissipating energy as heat, while nighttime eating disrupts this process. This study's findings have broad implications for dieting, sleep loss, and patient nutrition, particularly in cases of Type II Diabetes.

Can smartphones predict mortality risk?

Researchers used data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants to develop predictive models of mortality risk using only 6 minutes of steady walking collected by smartphone sensors. These models achieved similar accuracy to traditional measures of gait speed and walk pace.

Study: Stock purchases by senators generate abnormal returns for firms

A new study by University of Arkansas researchers found that the firms experiencing greater returns around the date of senator's purchase disclosure have direct jurisdiction over them through a committee assignment or sponsorship. This suggests investors' perception of senators trading on inside information may be inaccurate over time.

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.

Rice lab advances water-splitting catalysts

Engineers at Rice University have discovered a method to make oxygen evolution catalysis in acids more economical and practical. They replaced rare and expensive iridium with ruthenium, a far more abundant precious metal, as the positive-electrode catalyst in a reactor that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.

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.

Disadvantaged children missing out on meals in childcare

A study by the University of Queensland found that 65% of childcare centers in rural areas provide meals, while those in disadvantaged communities face significant challenges. The provision of high-quality food is essential for children's learning and development, yet many families struggle to afford nutritious meals.

Two drugs reverse key pancreatic cancer step in the lab

Scientists at the University of Florida have identified two small molecules that inhibit precancerous cell progression and reverse a key process involved in pancreatic cancer progression. This discovery could lead to earlier treatments and improved survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

Hands in people with diabetes more often affected by trigger finger

A study published in Diabetes Care found that trigger finger is more prevalent among individuals with diabetes, particularly those with poorly regulated blood sugar. The risk of trigger finger increases with poor HbA1C levels, highlighting the potential link between blood sugar dysregulation and this condition.

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.

Engineers record neurons to pinpoint synaptic links

Researchers created a 3D electrode array that maps the locations and activity of up to 1 million potential synaptic links in living brains. The system uses recordings of millisecond-scale evolution of electrical pulses in tens of thousands of neurons, allowing for dense and accurate mapping of brain circuits.

New window into brain’s computational function

The study found that human neocortical pyramidal neurons have a more elaborate structure than other mammals, with larger and more complex dendritic trees. This enhancement may contribute to the brain's increased processing power. The research has implications for understanding how the brain is affected in diseases such as epilepsy.

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.

Dating profile text perceived as more original may spark more attraction

A new study found that profiles perceived as more original spark more attraction, with owners also scoring higher on intelligence and humor. The researchers analyzed 308 anonymized dating profiles to identify features contributing to originality, including metaphors and concrete personal information.

Warmer climate causing acidification of the Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean's pH is decreasing at a rate 3–4 times faster than in other oceans, with acidification impacting marine life. Sea butterflies, a key food source for whales, may face reduced availability due to increased carbon dioxide uptake.

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.

Clear as mud

A team of researchers used clear mud to study turbulence in water flows, discovering that low clay concentrations alter the structure of turbulent dynamics. This finding has implications for understanding sediment transport and predicting flow behavior in natural environments.

Trapping polaritons in an engineered quantum box

Australian researchers have engineered a quantum box for polaritons in a two-dimensional material, achieving large polariton densities and a partially 'coherent' quantum state. The novel technique allows researchers to access striking collective quantum phenomena and enable ultra-energy-efficient technologies.

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.