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Science News Archive 2023


Page 249 of 444

To prevent future pandemics, leave bats alone

A new study emphasizes the importance of letting bats live undisturbed to prevent zoonotic diseases. Bats are natural reservoirs for a range of viruses that can infect humans, including COVID-19. By preserving their habitats and reducing human-bat interactions, we can lower the risk of another pandemic.

Shining light on densely interwoven nerve fibres inside the brain

A new imaging technique called SLI allows scientists to study densely packed nerve fibres in the brain with high precision. This breakthrough offers a more accessible, cheaper, and faster alternative to existing methods like SAXS and dMRI, enabling researchers to better understand brain function and dysfunction.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists verify trap-release-amplify model

Researchers verified the 'Trap-Release-Amplify' (TaRA) model by reproducing Martian whistler-mode chorus waves using data from the MAVEN mission. The study found that both Mars and Earth exhibit similar frequency sweeping phenomena triggered by nonlinear processes and background magnetic field inhomogeneity.

‘Heat highways’ could keep electronics cool

Researchers have developed a new nanocomposite film using electrospinning that can dissipate heat more efficiently, potentially keeping tiny electronics cool. The film's unique design acts as a 'highway' to direct heat away from the device.

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.

Does multimorbidity impact chronic disease treatment?

Researchers analyzed data from 120 clinical trials and found no evidence that treatment efficacies differ depending on the number of comorbidities. The study suggests that modest levels of comorbidities do not affect treatment outcomes, providing valuable insights for clinicians to make informed recommendations.

To increase women in STEM jobs, increase female leadership

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that more women in supervisory positions can improve representation of women in federal STEM jobs. However, research also found that women continue to quit their STEM jobs at a disproportionately high rate, highlighting the need for support and role models.

Order in chaos: Atmosphere’s Antarctic oscillation has natural cycle

Scientists at Rice University found a natural 150-day cycle in the north-south oscillation of atmospheric pressure patterns, influencing hemispheric-scale precipitation and ocean surface wind stress. This discovery challenges conventional wisdom about atmospheric organization and has implications for climate modeling.

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.

Computational model mimics humans’ ability to predict emotions

Researchers at MIT have designed a computational model that can predict other people's emotions, including joy, gratitude, and regret. The model uses insights into human intuition, incorporating factors such as desires, expectations, and observation of actions to make predictions.

More complex than expected: Catalysis under the microscope

Scientists at TU Wien use microscopy techniques to observe chemical reactions on catalysts, revealing a wealth of detail that challenges previous understanding. The study shows that even simple catalytic systems are more complex than expected, with different scenarios prevailing on the micrometer scale.

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.

The evolutionary origins and advantages of masturbation

New research finds masturbation serves an adaptive function in primates, increasing reproductive success and aiding pathogen avoidance. The study, based on nearly 400 sources, reveals masturbation's evolutionary history and its co-evolution with multi-male mating systems.

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.

Unraveling brood parasitism in predatory mites

Researchers found that predatory mite species prefer to lay eggs near guarded host eggs when egg predators are present, increasing offspring survival. However, this comes at a cost for the host, which faces increased risk of thrip egg predation by the adult female parasite.

Optimizing the properties and microstructure of bulk superconductors

Japanese researchers develop improved ternary superconductor bulks from liquid sources, demonstrating enhanced performance and microstructural analysis shows significant reductions in secondary phase particle size. The findings have huge potential for applications in magnetic levitation, electric motors, and energy systems.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A lung injury therapy derived from adult skin cells

Researchers have developed a therapy using nanocarriers engineered from adult skin cells that curb inflammation and tissue injury in damaged mouse lungs. The treatment has shown promise for treating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition that leads to respiratory failure and puts patients on ventilators.

Factors fomenting Bellandur lake’s infamous foam

A team from IISc has identified three key factors contributing to the lake's foaming: untreated sewage, surfactants that don't decompose, and heavy rainfall that churns up surfactant-laden sludge. The researchers propose removing accumulated sludge before rains and proper disposal to address this issue.

Finding clues about the process of cell plasticity

A University of Michigan research team has discovered a mitochondrial loop that allows cells to retreat up the path of differentiation, enabling cell plasticity. This finding challenges traditional views on cell differentiation and has implications for tissue regeneration and cancer treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study discovers that tumor mutation burden predicts survival outcome

Researchers discovered that tumor mutation burden is a fundamental predictor of survival, independent of clinical presentation metrics. Survival was better at both low and high extremes of mutation burden, contradicting previous assumptions about the relationship between mutation burden and survivability.

How does dopamine regulate both learning and motivation?

A recent study by the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience found that dopamine release is sustained during operant conditioning, a task requiring motivation to earn rewards. This suggests a possible connection between dopamine signaling and motivation, bridging the gap between two schools of thought on the neurotransmitter's function.

Study deciphers the biosynthetic pathway of the antidepressant orcinol glucoside from the plant Curculigo orchioides and engineers the production of orcinol glucoside in the biotech-friendly yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, with yields over 6,400-fold higher th

Researchers have deciphered the biosynthetic pathway of orcinol glucoside from Curculigo orchioides and successfully engineered its production in Yarrowia lipolytica. The resulting yields are significantly higher, exceeding 6,400-fold that of natural plant extraction.

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.

Recent papers in ACS Measurement Science Au

Researchers developed a colorimetric method to detect volatile organic compounds at low levels using a printable glass-based detector. Additionally, strategies are outlined to overcome the single-molecule concentration barrier in fluorescence detection, enabling observations in high-concentration environments. An electrochemical test f...

Workplace harassment, cyber incivility, and climate in academic medicine

A survey of clinician-researchers found concerning rates of sexual harassment and negative perceptions of climate in academic medicine, with a significant impact on mental health. Minoritized groups were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to transform culture.

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.

Magnetic microrobots with folate targeting for drug delivery

Researchers developed magnetic microrobots with folate targeting for enhanced cancer cell targeting and inhibition. The system consists of biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl-based ABF microhelix and FA-loaded Fe@ZIF-8 nanoparticles, which can deliver therapeutic drugs like DOX into cells via receptor-ligand-mediated endocytosis.

F. Ömer Ilday comes to Ruhr University

F. Ömer Ilday brings ultrafast lasers expertise to Ruhr University, focusing on materials science and complex laser-matter interactions. He aims to establish a new center for interdisciplinary collaborations and promote start-ups.

When pigeons dream

Birds experience flight-like sensations in their dreams during REM sleep, suggesting emotional content, while cerebral spinal fluid flow is disrupted. The study reveals similarities between bird and human sleep patterns, highlighting the importance of sleep for brain health and cognition.

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.

Older trees accumulate more mutations than their younger counterparts

A study of tropical tree species found that older, slower-growing trees accumulate more somatic mutations, which can be transmitted to seeds, increasing genetic variation and adaptation. The rate of mutations per year is similar between the two species, suggesting a clock-like accumulation of mutations with age.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Smart in-memory light sensors perform image recognition

Researchers at KAUST developed smart digital image sensors that can recognize images with high accuracy, using a charge-trapping 'in-memory' sensor sensitive to visible light. The devices have an extremely long-lived retention time of up to 10 years and can perform optical sensing, storage, and computation.

Ba2LuAlO5: A new proton conductor for next-generation fuel cells

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new proton conductor, Ba2LuAlO5, which shows high proton conductivity even without modifications. The material's unique structure and water absorption properties make it ideal for protonic ceramic fuel cells, promising a bright future for sustainable energy generation.

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.

How the gut microbiome responds to antibiotics

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria respond to repeated antibiotic disruptions, finding that they evolve antibiotic-resistant variants and adapt through slowing of cell growth. The study reveals the complex response of the microbiome to antibiotics, including ecological effects and induction of prophages.

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.

UW research shows real-world value of strategy courses for MBA students

A University of Washington study examines the effects of strategy courses on MBA students' decision-making abilities, industry concerns, and mental representations. The results show that strategy courses improve accuracy, increase attention to broader details, and boost confidence among students.

Revolutionizing optical control with topological edge states

Researchers have developed an innovative approach to efficiently manipulate topological edge states for optical channel switching. By exploiting the finite-size effect in a two-unit-cell optical lattice, they achieved dynamic control over topological modes and demonstrated robust device performance.

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.

Turning up the heat

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory discovered a method to press solid electrolytes, eliminating air pockets that block ion flow and increasing conductivity by nearly 1,000 times. This breakthrough enables unprecedented control over internal structure, paving the way for industrial-scale processing and more reliable batteries.