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Science News Archive 2023


Page 143 of 444

Mutation rates in whales are much higher than previously reported

A team of scientists used a new method to estimate mutation rates in wild whale populations, revealing higher rates similar to smaller mammals. This led to a significant revision of previous estimates, suggesting that only 20,000 humpback whales remained in the North Atlantic before commercial whaling.

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.

Acting fast when an epidemic hits

A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

A recent study by McGill University found that young adults who experience more frequent psychotic thoughts also spend more time on digital media. However, the study suggests that digital media use does not cause or exacerbate these experiences. Instead, it may be a factor in accessing mental health information and services.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Breathe! The shape-shifting ball that supports mental health

A soft ball designed to support mental health has been invented, giving users a tangible representation of their breath to regulate emotions. The device, called PAWS, shows significant improvement in reducing anxiety and increasing protection against worry-induced thoughts, with an average 75% reduction in anxiety.

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.

Gene therapy for brain tumor shows promising early results in humans

A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...

A new approach to stop cancer growth?

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new function of the key protein LSD1 that leads to cancer and other diseases. They found that degrading LSD1 rather than just short-circuiting its catalytic activity could be more effective in slowing or stopping cancer growth.

Evolutionary imbalance explains global plant invasions

Research confirms the EIH hypothesis on a global scale using extensive data, showing that plants from vast, species-rich regions are most successful at naturalizing. Additionally, economic plants from these regions also show similar patterns of invasion and cultivation, suggesting interactions between biological and cultural systems.

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.

Optics and AI find viruses faster

Researchers developed an automated viral plaque assay method combining time-lapse holographic imaging and deep learning to greatly reduce detection time. This technique can aid in developing new vaccines and antiviral drugs by expediting the testing process, allowing for faster response times to virus-induced health emergencies.

A map to study the behavior of early pancreas cells

Researchers developed a methodology to link gene activity with cellular behavior in human pancreas cells, revealing the dynamic behaviors of pancreatic cells and their role in diabetes. The study shows that certain genes, such as NEUROG3, are active for short periods during development and have implications for therapeutic applications.

Scientists unpick how lung cells induce immune response to influenza

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have made significant discoveries on how lung cells respond to influenza viruses, identifying two key molecular pathways that trigger the release of cytokines and cell death. These findings hold promise for treating people affected by such viruses.

Control of behavioral decisions is similar in insects and mammals

Researchers found that insects like American cockroaches use the mushroom body to encode behavioral decision-making based on sensory information. The study challenges the prevailing view of insect cognition, suggesting a more complex brain function than previously thought.

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.

Breakthrough: Peering into nanofluidic mysteries one photon at a time

Scientists have developed a new approach to study molecular behavior in confined spaces, allowing for real-time tracking of individual molecules within nanofluidic structures. This breakthrough enables the use of single-photon emitters as nanoscale probes, providing unprecedented insights into molecular properties and behaviors.

Using artificial methods for growing crops could help solve global food security

A new study from the University of Surrey found that artificial methods for growing lettuce produce twice the amount of the crop as traditional field-based methods. This leads to increased yields with CEA systems producing double the yields compared to field-based agriculture, and up to 300% faster production rates in summer periods.

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.

Observation of nonlinear disclination states

Researchers have experimentally observed nonlinear photonic disclination states in waveguide arrays, which can enhance nonlinear effects and enable stable lasing. These findings may lead to new ideas for developing compact optical functional devices.

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.

Antioxidants stimulate blood flow in tumors

Researchers found that antioxidants activate a mechanism forming new blood vessels in tumor cells, which can help them grow and spread. The study suggests that dietary supplements containing antioxidants may accelerate tumour growth and metastasis in cancer patients.

A global observatory to monitor Earth's biodiversity

A new global observatory is needed to guide conservation efforts due to unprecedented biodiversity loss. The Global Biodiversity Observing System (GBIOS) aims to combine technology and data from around the world to foster collaboration and share urgently needed data.

Infrared avalanche photodiodes from bulk to 2D materials

Researchers have developed infrared avalanche photodiodes using bulk and 2D materials, offering improved detection efficiency and flexibility in heterostructure design. The devices exhibit exceptional capabilities such as mechanical flexibility and strong light-matter coupling.

Exciting the brain could be key to boosting maths learning, says new study

Researchers used electrical noise stimulation to improve mathematical skills in participants with lower brain excitability, but found no benefits for those with high excitement levels. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique may be more effective for individuals who need extra stimulation to learn.

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.

Striking gold with molecular mystery solution for potential clean energy

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a molecular mechanism that enables efficient hydrogen spillover, which could lead to the development of new clean energy technologies. The breakthrough provides insight into how hydrogen activation and storage can be achieved without significant energy losses.

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.

Redo transcatheter aortic valve replacement proven effective, safe

A novel study published in The Lancet finds that redo TAVR with balloon-expandable valves is both safe and effective for select patients who require a repeat procedure. The study, led by Cedars-Sinai, showed no difference in death or stroke rates between redo and first-time TAVR at 30-day and one-year marks.

Hunting for supermassive black holes in the early universe

A team of researchers used the Subaru Telescope to discover 162 quasars in the early universe, including 22 that lived less than 800 million years old. The observation provides insights into the origin of supermassive black holes and their relationship with galaxies.

Sepsis – as common as cancer, as deadly as a heart attack

A recent study reveals sepsis is as prevalent as cancer, with a staggering 20% of cases resulting in death within three months. The researchers advocate for enhanced diagnostic methods and increased public awareness to address the growing epidemic.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Student engagement improves calculus class outcomes among undergraduates

A randomized trial involving 811 undergraduate students found that collaborative learning and student engagement significantly improved calculus concept understanding and grades. The study, conducted over three semesters, used an engagement model that cultivates mathematical habits of mind, resulting in a 11% increase in pass rates.

An ‘introspective’ AI finds diversity improves performance

A new study by North Carolina State University found that artificial intelligence performs better when it chooses diversity over lack of diversity. The AI was able to increase its accuracy up to 10 times more than conventional AI in solving complicated problems.

New project to make data curation accessible

A new project by JooYoung Seo at the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences aims to make data curation more accessible for everyone, regardless of abilities. The three-year grant will connect multimodal data representation with day-to-day reproducible workflows, enriching understanding and offering multiple perspectives.

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.

Radiologists must monitor novel Alzheimer’s treatment side effect

A new article published in RadioGraphics warns of a potential side effect of novel Alzheimer's treatments: amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). ARIA can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain and may be asymptomatic. Radiologists must monitor for ARIA to plan image monitoring per established guidelines.

How does “MAD” accretion form around a black hole?

Researchers discovered magnetic field transport in accretion flow and MAD formation near a black hole, resolving long-standing mysteries. The study reveals the first direct observational evidence for a magnetically arrested disk (MAD) through multi-wavelength observations.

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.

Food supplementation with coconut oil can cause obesity, study shows

Researchers at State University of Campinas found that coconut oil supplementation led to significant alterations in food intake, weight gain, and anxious behavior in mice. The study suggests that long-term consumption of coconut oil can contribute to the development of obesity and associated comorbidities.

Do ‘forever chemicals’ increase breast cancer risk?

Researchers at UMass Amherst are investigating the connection between PFAS chemicals and breast cancer. They will examine data from postmenopausal women to determine if PFAS concentrations are associated with less breast tissue involution, which may increase breast cancer risk.

How little things can reduce hip fractures

A new Australian study found that implementing simple bone-strengthening strategies throughout the community can lead to a substantial decrease in hip fractures. The study analyzed data from over 3000 individuals aged 60+ and showed a 45% decline in hip fractures despite only a 3% increase in bone mineral density.

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.

Analog and digital: The best of both worlds in one energy-efficient system

Researchers at EPFL developed a novel system integrating 2D semiconductors and ferroelectric materials to create faster, more efficient electronics with brain-inspired operations. The technology enables significant energy reduction and advanced functionalities, including synaptic neuron function within the same device.

Evolving chemical system changes its environment

Researchers from the University of Groningen created a synthetic system that exhibits eco-evolutionary dynamics, where replicators adapt to their environment and undergo natural selection. The system consists of two different ring sizes that compete for a common building block, with one replicator emerging as dominant in certain enviro...