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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 179


Page 179 of 444

Developing a nonflammable electrolyte to prevent thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries. Nonfluorinated, nonflammable electrolytes present a viable route to achieving thermally stable high-performance batteries.

Researchers have developed a nonflammable electrolyte that can be used in lithium-ion batteries without catching fire at room temperature. The new electrolyte, bis(2-methoxyethyl) carbonate (BMEC), has a higher flash point and improved ionic conductivity than traditional electrolytes.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 1, 2023

A floating sponge could help remove harmful algal blooms

Researchers have developed a new method to remove harmful algal blooms by coating a floating sponge in charcoal-like powder. The technique successfully destroyed over 85% of algal cells, including toxin-producing cyanobacteria, without generating unwanted products.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateAug 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows social media usage negatively impacts schoolwork of students

Research shows that increased social media use leads to decreased academic achievement in early adolescents and young adults. The study, led by University of Delaware's Mellissa Gordon, found that 93-97% of 13-17 year-olds report using at least one social media platform daily.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalYouth & Society·TypeCase study·DateAug 1, 2023

GI symptoms persist in older female colorectal cancer survivors

A new study found that 81% of women report persistent GI symptoms years after diagnosis, with abdominal bloating and gas being the most common. The analysis also showed that severe GI symptoms are linked to poor quality of life, social activities, and body image satisfaction.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 1, 2023

Millions of long-term smokers have lung disease that defies diagnosis

A new study by UCSF found that half of participants with extensive tobacco exposure had persistently high respiratory symptoms, yet performed well in COPD tests. The study highlights a gap in effective care for tobacco-exposed individuals and emphasizes the need for broader definition of smoking-related lung disease.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Links between attention and conscious perception highlighted in frontoparietal networks

A recent study revealed that attention plays a crucial role in shaping our conscious experience of the world. Researchers found that manipulating attention can modify an individual's ability to consciously perceive visual stimuli, highlighting the intricate relationship between attention and conscious perception. By using advanced neur...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Earth’s most ancient impact craters are disappearing

Scientists have found evidence of impacts over 3.5 billion years ago but can't find the actual craters. Erosion and geological processes have erased mega-craters, leaving only a few remnants. Researchers studied the Vredefort crater, one of the oldest known impact structures, and found that even large craters can be swept away by erosion.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Multicyclic molecular wheels with polymer potential

Scientists have successfully created macro-rotaxanes with multicyclic wheels, which hold long molecular chains together to modify the properties of soft polymers. These new structures offer improved damping efficiency and potential applications in next-generation polymers and molecular computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Tennis anyone? Researchers serve up advances in developing motion simulation technology’s next generation

A machine learning system capable of learning diverse tennis skills from broadcast video footage has been created by a research team led by Simon Fraser University's Jason Peng. The system can generate long-lasting matches with realistic racket and ball dynamics between two physically simulated characters.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Scientists develop breath test that rapidly detects COVID-19 virus

Researchers at Washington University have developed a breath test that can quickly identify those infected with COVID-19, providing accurate results in under a minute. The device uses an electrochemical biosensor to detect the virus, which has potential applications for use in doctors' offices and public events.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Results of large pragmatic trial will help guide treatment of malignant bowel obstruction in patients with advanced cancer

A large clinical trial found that surgery does not increase the number of days patients with advanced cancer are alive and out of the hospital, but improves symptoms and quality of life. Patients who underwent surgery reported fewer bowel-related symptoms after leaving the hospital.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

THE LANCET ONCOLOGY: First randomised trial finds AI-supported mammography screening is safe and almost halved radiologist workload

A randomized trial involving over 80,000 Swedish women found AI-supported mammography analysis to be as accurate as two breast radiologists working together in detecting breast cancer. The technology also reduced the screen-reading workload by nearly half without increasing false positives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Cracking in lithium-ion batteries speeds up electric vehicle charging

Research at the University of Michigan shows that cracks in lithium-ion electrodes shorten battery lifespans but also reduce charge time. The study uses a neuroscience-inspired technique to measure the charging properties of individual cathode particles, revealing that cracked materials can charge faster due to increased surface area.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

The key to battling a pathogen hides in its genome

Biologists argue that building on genomic sequencing momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics. The technology improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain in global infrastructure and data sharing.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

E-cigarettes may be better than nicotine patches in helping pregnant women stop smoking and in reducing the risk of low birthweight

Research suggests e-cigarettes are more effective in helping pregnant smokers quit, resulting in better pregnancy outcomes. The study found fewer cases of low birthweight in the e-cigarette group compared to nicotine patches, likely due to reduced cigarette use.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Sea level rise shifts habitat for endangered Florida Keys species

A study found that the silver rice rat, an endangered Florida Keys species, shifted its habitat in response to sea level rise, moving to higher ground at a rate slightly greater than the observed rise in sea level. The rats' diet and environment are highly restricted, making them sensitive to changes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 1, 2023

While resolving a key asthma challenge, Hamilton researchers also create a new method to detect proteins in body fluids and other materials

Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Nanopore technology achieves breakthrough in protein variant detection

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a nanopore-based method to detect post-translational modification variants in proteins. The technique uses directional water flow and measures electrical current disruptions, enabling precise analysis of complex biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Fossil unveils leaf eating among earliest birds

The fossil discovery provides the earliest known evidence of birds consuming leafy greens from flowering plants. Analysis of microscopic residues in a 120-million-year-old bird skeleton reveals that Jeholornis was an herbivore, not a predator.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2023

Sex pheromone of moths is a precise mix of ingredients

Researchers identified a precise mix of ingredients in male moths' pheromones that increases mating chances. The discovery reveals the role of plant-derived substances, such as methyl salicylate, in attracting females.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

Spirit mediums could help unlock tourism secrets – study

A study reveals that spirit mediums can teach tourism researchers to challenge traditional Western approaches to creating knowledge. By adopting a selfless epistemology, researchers can foster a more inclusive approach to knowledge production and promote the inclusion of marginalized knowledge systems.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Irregular sleep patterns associated with harmful gut bacteria

Researchers at King's College London found irregular sleep patterns are associated with lower overall diet quality, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower intakes of fruits and nuts. This is linked to differences in gut microbiome composition, with certain species having 'unfavourable' associations with health.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2023

North Atlantic Oscillation contributes to ‘cold blob' in Atlantic Ocean

A new study finds changes in atmospheric circulation may play a significant role in the formation of the 'cold blob' in the North Atlantic. The North Atlantic Oscillation influences wind patterns, which can cool ocean surface temperatures, and may have contributed to the region's unusual cooling trend.

SourcePenn State·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

First comprehensive maps of infant brains reveal clues to neurodevelopment

Researchers created comprehensive fine-grained functional maps of infant brain networks, providing unprecedented details on brain development from birth to two years old. The study revealed novel insights into when different brain functions develop during infancy and provided valuable references for early brain developmental studies.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateAug 1, 2023

Using gemstones’ unique characteristics to uncover ancient trade routes

Researchers employed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze gemstones from the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The study distinguished natural gems from synthetics and isolated elements contributing to their quality, shedding light on ancient trade routes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 1, 2023

New insights into heterotopic ossification: Progenitor cells play a key role in aberrant bone formation

Researchers identified Tppp3+ tendon progenitor cells that actively participated in the formation of ectopic bone in vivo. These cells possess primitive progenitor properties and may regulate heterotopic ossification by releasing soluble molecules promoting osteogenic differentiation.

SourceWest China Hospital of Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Drinking kombucha may reduce blood sugar levels in people with type-two diabetes

A small pilot study found that drinking kombucha for four weeks reduced fasting blood glucose levels in people with type-II diabetes. The fermented tea drink was shown to lower average blood sugar levels by 48 milligrams per deciliter, with no significant difference between the group consuming kombucha and those consuming a placebo.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Absence of universal topological signatures in high harmonic generation

The study investigated high harmonic spectroscopy as a method to observe topology in materials. Despite thorough analysis, the researchers found that non-topological aspects of the system dominated its response, suggesting that topology may play a minor role.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 1, 2023

Organoids revolutionize research on respiratory infections

Researchers developed AirGels, bioengineered models of human lung tissue, to study airway infections in a more realistic manner. They found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces contraction of the host's mucus using type IV pili, contributing to biofilm formation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

Higher the health literacy, the more appropriate the use of over-the-counter drugs

A study found that adults with higher health literacy are more likely to comprehend OTC drug package inserts and respond appropriately in case of adverse reactions. This suggests the importance of pharmacists and healthcare providers in promoting health literacy to ensure safe self-medication.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth as much as sixfold

Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Soil Science·DateAug 1, 2023

Immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more “human capital” compared to American-born nurses, MU researcher finds

A new study by MU researcher Roy Thompson found that immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more 'human capital' than their American-born counterparts, including language skills and additional certifications. This diversity can improve patient health outcomes and create a more equitable workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

California’s winter waves may be increasing under climate change

A new study using nearly a century of seismic data suggests that the average heights of winter waves along California's coast have increased as climate change has heated up the planet. This could amplify the effects of sea-level rise, leading to significant coastal impacts and erosion.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Study characterizes unique immune response in patients who experience inflammatory arthritis as side effect of cancer therapies

Researchers identified a specific type of CD8 T cell that characterizes inflammatory arthritis induced by ICI therapies. A unique population of CD8 T cells was found to promote joint inflammation and persist in the bloodstream, explaining why ICI-arthritis continues after therapy is discontinued.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023
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 new approach to intelligent decision-making in reinforcement learning

Researchers propose leveraging high-value information to overcome statistical and computational challenges in reinforcement learning. By accessing valuable observations, agents can improve strategies without trial and error, making the learning process more efficient and effective.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateAug 1, 2023

Deadly fungus beaten with new type of treatment

Researchers have discovered a new way to combat fatal fungal infections by blocking the production of fatty acids, a major component of fats. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against species-resistant fungi.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 31, 2023

Scientists solve ‘enigma’ of pygmy right whales’ feeding habits

Pygmy right whales do not migrate across oceans like other baleen whales, instead staying in mid-latitude waters off southern Australia where they breed and feed on specific prey. This unique behavior puts them at risk due to climate change, which is warming their temperate ocean habitats.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

Plant-based protein intake may reduce kidney disease risk

A recent study found that higher plant protein intake is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The UK Biobank study data revealed that participants consuming more plant-based protein had a reduced risk of developing CKD.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJul 31, 2023

Structural insights illuminate the arms race between crop plants and fungal pathogens

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have characterized the structures of several powdery mildew effectors, revealing a common scaffold that allows them to evade recognition by plant immune receptors. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular arms race between plants and fungal pathogens.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023