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Science News Archive 2023


Page 115 of 444

Ocean acidification makes ecologically important seaweed species fragile

A study found that ocean acidification reduced the strength and density of fleshy seaweed tissues, making them more fragile and susceptible to damage. The research suggests that this could have drastic effects on coastal ecosystems, leading to a decrease in seaweed coverage and negatively impacting organisms dependent on these habitats.

Genetic code of rare kidney cancer cracked

Researchers have identified a specific error in the NOTCH1 gene that causes rare kidney cancer reninoma. The study found that using existing drugs targeting this gene could serve as an alternative treatment for patients where surgery is not recommended.

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.

Antiviral drug linked to SARS-CoV-2 mutations

Researchers have found a link between the antiviral drug molnupiravir and a pattern of mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study used global sequencing databases to map mutations over time, identifying a mutational signature associated with individuals who took molnupiravir.

Light and sound waves reveal negative pressure

Scientists have developed a tiny, simple setup to make precise pressure measurements using light and sound waves. This method enables exploration of extreme thermodynamics in nanolitre volumes, revealing new properties in unique thermodynamic states of materials.

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.

Depression, anxiety may be among early signs of MS

A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that people with multiple sclerosis are nearly twice as likely to experience mental illness before symptoms appear. The research found higher rates of psychiatric conditions in patients with MS compared to the general population.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glaciers becoming smaller and disappearing, PSU inventory finds

A new inventory from Portland State University researchers reveals that some glaciers have disappeared entirely, while others have shrunk to tiny sizes. The loss of these natural regulators has significant impacts on streamflow, drought susceptibility, and sea level rise.

Uncovering novel mechanisms of endocytosis and intracellular trafficking

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have uncovered a novel mechanism for sorting endocytic cargo, revealing a specific compartment within the trans-Golgi network that determines the fate of cargo. This discovery has implications for understanding basic life processes and diseases caused by disruptions in endocytosis.

Naming and shaming can be effective to get countries to act on climate

A new UC San Diego study suggests that the transparency rules in the Paris Agreement can keep many countries on track to meet their climate goals. The study found that naming and shaming is particularly effective for countries with strong democratic institutions and ambitious climate commitments.

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.

Drug discovery on an unprecedented scale

A recent study published in the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling presents a significant breakthrough in accelerating giga-scale virtual screens using machine learning. The researchers successfully reduced processing time by 10-fold for 1.56 billion drug-like molecules, identifying top-scoring compounds in under ten days.

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

Four novel receptors may link endometrial cancer to PCOS

Researchers identified four novel receptors potentially linking endometrial cancer with polycystic ovary syndrome, highlighting a major pathway involved in the increased EC risk in PCOS. The PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is consistent with a link between PCOS and EC.

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.

September/October Annals of Family Medicine 2023 tip sheet

A qualitative study explores the challenges transgender people face when sharing health information with clinicians, including risk of substandard care. The authors argue that improving medical culture, policies, and data collection tools are necessary to enhance quality and safety of clinical care for transgender individuals.

Exercise-mimicking drug sheds weight, boosts muscle activity in mice

A new exercise-mimicking drug, SLU-PP-332, has shown promising results in obese mice, leading to weight loss and increased muscle activity without increasing physical activity. The drug works by boosting a natural metabolic pathway, making the body act like it is training for a marathon, resulting in faster metabolism of fat.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Modelling of adhesive technology sheds new light on prehistoric cognition

A study using computational modelling reveals that Neanderthals required advanced cognitive traits to produce birch bark tar, including understanding, information processing, and communication. The findings suggest that prehistoric tar making likely involved complex upscaling techniques and group collaboration.

UC Irvine scientists reveal what fuels wildfires in Sierra Nevada Mountains

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found that decades-old remains of large trees are a major contributor to fire severity in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. This discovery could help improve the state's wildfire management efforts through targeted fuel treatments and prescribed burns.

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.

Distinct immune, hormone responses shed light on mysteries of long COVID

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine identified distinct immune and hormonal responses in people with long COVID, which may help scientists develop new diagnostics and therapies. The study found increased circulation of antibodies that fight non-COVID-19 viruses and lower levels of cortisol, a steroid hormone released during stress.

Machine learning unravels mysteries of atomic shapes

Researchers used machine learning to expand and accelerate work on 'atomic shapes,' fundamental pieces of geometry in higher dimensions. The breakthrough identifies shapes and their properties, such as dimension, accelerating new insights across Pure Mathematics.

Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon

Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.

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.

PSU study examines how weather patterns will change in the future

A PSU study examines how atmospheric patterns influencing the weather won't necessarily become stronger or more frequent by the end of the century. Instead, warmer temperatures will lead to an increase in rainfall over the Pacific Northwest in most seasons except summer.

A model explaining the changes in air radiation dose rate due to rainfall

A model has been developed to estimate the changes in air radiation dose rates caused by rainfall, enabling accurate quantification of long-term decreasing trend of air dose rates. The study found that increased soil moisture content provides enhanced radiation shielding effect, leading to post-rainfall decrease in air dose rates.

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.

Automatic weighing without grabbing chickens

A real-time and accurate weight monitoring system was developed based on perching behavior, achieving an average accuracy of 99.5% and a variance in line with standard weights. The system demonstrated stability across different growth stages and rearing seasons.

Flat-faced dogs may seem more helpless and infant-like to owners

A study found that flat-faced breeds like English and French bulldogs rely more heavily on humans during problem-solving tasks, leading to lower task success rates. This trait may contribute to the strong social bond between owners and these breeds, but the study's findings do not confirm a genetic predisposition.

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.

Wildlife mitigating measures no help for Ottawa’s freshwater turtles

A new study by uOttawa and Trent University found that the development of Terry Fox Drive in Ottawa has led to a 70% decline in Blanding's turtle populations despite wildlife fencing and new wetlands. The researchers predict that the turtle will reach quasi-extinction threshold within the next few years.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds connection between gut microbiome and bone density

Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, were associated with lower bone density and microarchitecture in older adults. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could lead to better bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

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.

Re-wetting is key for boosting CO2 storage in southern peatlands

Re-wetting southern peatlands along the US south Atlantic coast could significantly boost carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new Duke University study reveals that maintaining water levels between 20-30 cm below the local water table can increase CO2 storage by up to 90%.

Jellyfish shown to learn from past experience for the first time

Scientists demonstrated that Caribbean box jellyfish can acquire the ability to avoid obstacles through associative learning, a process in which organisms form mental connections between sensory stimulations and behaviors. The study suggests that combining visual and mechanical stimuli is required for associative learning in jellyfish.

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.