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Science News Archive 2023


Page 175 of 444

Winter storms over Labrador Sea influence Gulf Stream system

A recent study by GEOMAR researchers found that fluctuations in the Labrador Sea can significantly influence the strength of sinking processes east of Greenland. This phenomenon affects the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a crucial climate system that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe.

Current takes a surprising path in quantum material

Researchers discovered that electrons flow through the bulk of a special type of insulator, rather than at the edges, using magnetic imaging. This finding provides new insights into electron behavior in quantum Hall insulators and informs the development of topological materials for next-generation quantum devices.

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.

Past climate warming driven by hydrothermal vents

Researchers found that hydrothermal vents were active at shallow depths, releasing larger quantities of methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This discovery has significant implications for understanding past climate warming events.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Changes in gut microbiome alters rewarding effects of cocaine and cravings

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that changes in the gut microbiome significantly impact cocaine use and cravings after withdrawal. The researchers discovered that a depleted microbiome led to increased cocaine-seeking behavior and altered neurobiological markers in reward-related brain structures.

Editorial: Turning the tide on obesity?

Recent advances in medical treatments for obesity offer hope for a turning point in the disease. However, these new weight-loss drugs face challenges, including high costs and potential health disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

UT extension to help Tennessee farmers navigate labor management

The University of Tennessee Extension will host a series of workshops across the state to help agricultural producers navigate labor management. The workshop series aims to improve the economic sustainability of labor-intensive farming operations in Tennessee by reducing risks associated with attracting and retaining agricultural labor.

Displaying the design of DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University successfully demonstrated the use of MicroED to analyze a DNA crystal, overcoming limitations of X-ray crystallography. The technique, combined with cryo-FIB milling, enables work with smaller crystals, opening opportunities for understanding RNA structure and developing novel nanotechnologies.

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.

Robots cause company profits to fall – at least at first

Researchers found a U-shaped effect on profit margins due to the relationship between reducing costs, developing new processes, and innovating products. Initially, firms focus on cost reduction, but as robot adoption increases, they shift to product innovation, leading to higher profits.

A path to defeating crop-killing gray mold without toxic chemicals

Gray mold is a fungus that causes billions of dollars in crop losses each year, but researchers have discovered a way to control it without using toxic chemicals. The discovery reveals that gray mold uses lipid 'bubbles' to deliver RNA molecules that silence plant immune systems.

CAR-T immune therapy attacks ovarian cancer in mice with a single dose

Researchers successfully deployed CAR-T therapy in a mouse model of ovarian cancer, demonstrating strong anti-tumor effects even at late stages. The treatment was highly effective, shrinking or eliminating tumors after just one dose and continuing to work for months without major side effects.

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.

MSU scientists help discover the highest-energy light coming from the sun

A team of researchers, led by MSU's Mehr Un Nisa, used the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory to detect gamma rays emitted by the sun with unprecedented brightness. These high-energy particles, known as gamma rays, were found to be surprisingly abundant and have a energy level of 1 trillion electron volts.

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.

Tropical trees use social distancing to maintain biodiversity

Researchers discovered that adult trees in a Panamanian forest are much more far apart than expected, likely due to species-specific enemies and repulsion between trees. This finding helps bridge the gap between contrasting theories on how forests are shaped.

Social media algorithms exploit how humans learn from their peers

Researchers found that social media algorithms prioritize 'Prestigious, Ingroup, Moral, and Emotional' (PRIME) information, which can lead to extreme political content being amplified. To address this, the study proposes increasing user awareness of algorithmic biases and introducing more diverse content in feeds.

Better coaching to promote a person’s growth

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that traditional coaching approaches can hinder growth by focusing on immediate problems. Instead, they recommend helping individuals develop a clear vision of their ideal self, leading to increased positive emotion, openness to new ideas, and sustained intrinsic motivation.

Researchers strengthen defenses against common cyberattack

Scientists at PNNL developed a new technique to detect denial-of-service attacks, which improved detection accuracy by 90% compared to current methods. The technique focuses on the evolution of entropy, a measure of disorder in a system, and is automated, requiring minimal computing power or network resources.

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.

Nanorings: New building blocks for chemistry

Researchers have successfully created nano-sized rings using sandwich complexes, which consist of two aromatic organic rings filled with a central metal atom. The new compound, called cyclocene, exhibits unique properties and is expected to expand the toolbox of organometallic chemistry.

Sustainable mobility planning supported by doughnut thinking

Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.

Compensation for damages can and should address social and cultural impacts

A mixed-method approach can help overcome challenges in determining compensation awards for Indigenous communities affected by resource developments, expropriation, and environmental accidents. The methodological approaches focus on quantifying social and cultural losses, addressing the neglect of these impacts in formal assessments.

Enhanced tumor modeling using Laponite bioinks for 3D bioprinting

Researchers create accurate tumor models using 3D bioprinting and a bioink made from Laponite, improving bonding and cross-linking capabilities. The study shows that Laponite enhances biological signaling in the tumor microenvironment, increasing cell viability and promoting anti-tumor drug development.

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.

Geomagnetic field protects Earth from electron showers

Researchers at Tohoku University found that the geomagnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth's lower atmosphere from harmful effects of electron precipitation. The study reveals that the mirror force caused by the magnetic field deflects relativistic electrons upwards, reducing their impact on the ionosphere.

On-off switch for enzymes

A protein found in bacteria activates its enzymatic activity by up to 10,000 times when exposed to blue light, acting like an on-off switch. This discovery could lead to enhanced and optimized optogenetic tools and medical treatments.

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.

How the gut signals to the brain

Scientists have identified five distinct subtypes of sensory neurons in the colon that carry signals to the brain, with different subtypes responding to gentle and intense forces. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal conditions and inform the development of more effective therapies.

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

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.

Sharing on Facebook reveals 2 very different news environments

A study examining 2.2 million news stories shared on Facebook found that low-credibility publishers focused on politics, while high-credibility ones covered a wider range of topics. The researchers discovered two distinct ecosystems: one for each type of publisher.

Turns out lowly thymus may be saving your life

A new Harvard-led research suggests that the thymus, often considered expendable in adults, actually plays a crucial role in maintaining adult immune health and preventing cancer. The study found that patients who had their thymus removed had a nearly threefold higher risk of death from various causes, including cancer.

Ferroelectric material is now elastic

Researchers developed a precise crosslinking method to impart elastic recovery to ferroelectric materials. The new material combines elasticity with high crystallinity, offering broad application prospects in wearable electronics and smart healthcare.

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.

New research casts doubt on role of fungus in driving pancreatic cancer

A study published in Nature found no link between the pancreatic microbiome and the development of pancreatic cancer, contradicting earlier findings that suggested a potential method for preventing the disease. The researchers reanalyzed data from an original study and used pancreatic cancer tissue samples to confirm their results.

Study highlights importance of mineral iron in ocean ecosystems

A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of mineral iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. The findings show that iron levels are largely controlled by the clustering of iron oxide colloids, rather than organic molecules called ligands.

Losing a founding member of your new venture doesn’t have to be a bad thing

The study found that team composition changes significantly affect a new venture's ability to innovate. After adjusting for lost and gained experiences, the findings suggest that turnover has a net positive effect on innovation. Reflective episodes during membership transitions can stimulate creativity and spur innovation.

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.

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.

Parasites of viruses drive superbug evolution

Researchers at NUS and Imperial College London have discovered a new way bacteria share genes, enabling rapid evolution. Lateral cotransduction enables SaPIs to transfer themselves intact with bacterial DNA, making them potent transducing agents.

Fastest neuromorphic, electric double layer transistor

Developed by NIMS and Tokyo University of Science, the new electric double layer transistor operates 8.5 times faster than existing transistors, enabling faster AI processing and potential applications in event prediction, image recognition, and more. The innovation sets a new world record for neuromorphic computing performance.

Study finds hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within hours of tumor exposure

Researchers found that immune system T cells become dysfunctional or 'exhausted' within six to 12 hours of encountering a tumor, challenging existing ideas about the process. This discovery has implications for cancer immunotherapies and may lead to new targets for preventing or reversing T cell exhaustion.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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