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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 259


Page 259 of 444

X-ray emissions from black hole jets vary unexpectedly, challenging leading model of particle acceleration

Researchers discovered that black hole jets exhibit surprising variability in x-ray emissions over short time scales, contradicting a long-held theory. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding particle acceleration in these jets and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

One-third of galaxy’s most common planets could be in habitable zone

New analysis reveals that two-thirds of planets around small stars could be sterilized by tidal forces, leaving one-third with potentially habitable zones. Hundreds of millions of promising targets have been identified for future studies.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2023

Men willing to pay more for chocolate than women

Researchers used EEG to study consumer behavior and found that men are willing to pay more for premium chocolate, especially if it's expensive. The study also showed that packaging can influence willingness to pay, with well-known brands increasing prices by 9.9%.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateMay 29, 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.

CSI Singapore researchers uncover potential novel therapeutic targets against natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

A team of researchers from CSI Singapore has identified a transcription factor, TOX2, as a potential target for treating Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma (NKTL), an Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancer with poor treatment outcomes. The study found that TOX2 is overexpressed in NKTL patients and negatively associated with patient survival.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateMay 29, 2023

What do we need to know about spatiotemporal vortices of light?

Spatiotemporal vortices of light feature azimuthal phase dependence and are associated with optical OAM. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding and controlling these phenomena for various applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMay 29, 2023

Study reveals underlying genetic risks for a type of heart attack largely affecting younger women

Researchers have identified 16 genes associated with an increased risk of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a type of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The study also found that patients with SCAD have some genetic protection from the risk of conventional coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 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.

New-look infrared lens shines a light on future technology and manufacturing

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new polymer material made from sulfur and cyclopentadiene, which can be used to make lenses for thermal imaging. This material has the potential to expand the use of thermal imaging to new industries, including space exploration and autonomous vehicle operation.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Using search algorithms to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles in dense city environments

A new algorithm was developed to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in dense city environments by finding near-optimal positions for the UAVs with guaranteed line-of-sight links. The algorithm achieved over 95% of the performance of exhaustive 3D search schemes, making it a potentially viable option for this technology.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 29, 2023

UCLA-led research suggests no difference in health outcomes, care costs for patients treated by traditional MDs or osteopaths

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2023

Bacteria are vital for the diversity and survival of insects

Bacteria play a crucial role in providing insects with vital nutrients like vitamin B, enabling them to survive on unbalanced diets and exploit new food resources. This has led to significant diversification of plant-feeding insect species.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 29, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

It’s time to classify plastics as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic pollutants

A team of researchers urges governments to manage plastic production, use, and recycling by categorizing plastics as persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT) pollutants. Plastics' long-lasting nature and accumulation in organisms pose significant environmental and health risks.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 29, 2023

Spinning into the future

Researchers have developed a new method for designing metasurfaces using photonic Dirac waveguides, enabling the creation of binary spin-like structures of light. This advances the field of meta-optics and opens opportunities for integrated quantum photonics and data storage systems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 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.

Vehicle stop study illuminates importance of officer's first words

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that officers' first 45 words during a vehicle stop with a Black driver can indicate how the stop will end. The study discovered a unique 'linguistic signature' that characterizes escalated stops, where officers give an order without stating the reaso...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

Study finds similar quality and cost of care for patients treated by an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physician

An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Significant presence of cesium-rich microparticles in an abandoned school close to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

Researchers have found significant amounts of highly radioactive cesium-rich micro-particles in an abandoned school building close to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, posing a potential health risk if inhaled. The study highlights the need for thorough cleaning and safety assessments when handling contaminated buildings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChemosphere·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2023
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.

Pan-cancer T cell atlas reveals new details of tumor microenvironment

A pan-cancer single-cell T cell atlas provides a detailed picture of the heterogeneity of T cells within the tumor microenvironment, revealing a previously undescribed stress response state that appears to be less effective at fighting cancer. This new discovery highlights the need for further understanding of how these states contribu...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity

A Japanese-led team used mapping techniques to quantify the impact of agriculture on high-priority conservation areas. The study found that commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans are often produced in high-conservation priority areas, while others like barley and wheat are sourced from low-priority areas.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity

The study found that about one-third of all farming occurs in high conservation priority areas, with certain staples like beef and soybeans tending to be produced there. Changing sourcing practices can help reduce the impact on biodiversity, according to researchers.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 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.

Even lawyers don’t like legalese

A new MIT study shows that lawyers prefer plain English contracts, which they find easier to understand and more appealing than traditional legal documents. The researchers found that while lawyers excel at reading and writing complex legalese, the style can be a barrier for non-lawyers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

A novel blood serum assay to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers developed a novel blood serum assay to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases by detecting abnormal α-synuclein. The assay, IP/RT-QuIC, can efficiently detect low concentrations of α-synuclein seeds and distinguish between Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

KRISS ushers in era of green hydrogen

KRISS demonstrates carrier transport mechanism of photoanode with protective film, enabling efficient and long-lasting green hydrogen production. The technology has the potential to enhance efficiency and lifespan of photoanodes and contribute to commercialization of green hydrogen.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 29, 2023

NSF CAREER Awardee advances lightweight, low-cost solar technology

Perovskite photovoltaics are promising for generating solar energy due to their ability to be printed like newspapers and require less material than traditional technologies. However, these materials exhibit instabilities that can cause them to degrade quickly, hindering their commercial viability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMay 29, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Optimal minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer: robotic versus laparoscopic techniques

A recent study compared robotic and laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer, finding that robotic surgery has superior short-term outcomes but comparable long-term results. The authors suggest considering 3D/4K displays over traditional 2D displays as a more favorable alternative for those without robotic capabilities.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalIntelligent Surgery·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 28, 2023

Study results prompt call for medicinal cannabis policy evaluation

A New Zealand study found that 96% of participants reported improved conditions after using cannabis therapeutically. The study suggests that medicinal cannabis products could have a role in treating chronic pain and other conditions refractory to treatment by conventional means.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalDrugs Habits and Social Policy·TypeSurvey·DateMay 28, 2023

Disc-on-a-chip technology promises new strides in back pain research

Biomedical engineers at UTS have developed an intervertebral disc-on-a-chip, a precision-engineered toolbox for low back pain studies. The device simulates the complex mechanobiology of native tissue, enabling accurate evaluation of experimental methods for treatment or regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 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.

New scheme for qubit control in multilevel system

Researchers have developed a new scheme for controlling qubits in multilevel systems, enabling high-fidelity gate operations and overcoming interference issues. The approach uses a shuttle state to achieve equivalent coupling between any two energy levels, allowing for efficient control of quantum states.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMay 27, 2023

New catalyst design for electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation

Researchers at USTC developed an undercoordinated Cu nanodots catalyst for electrocatalytic acetylene semihydrogenation, achieving over 90% Faradaic efficiency and continuous synthesis of polymer-grade ethylene. The catalyst outperforms traditional thermocatalytic methods with lower energy consumption and compact reactor design.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2023

Researchers reveal drug resistance mechanism of pathogen

A research team led by Prof. SUN Baolin revealed the mechanism of transcriptional regulation via S-nitrosylation for vancomycin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus. The study found that nitric oxide generated by NOS mediates the S-nitrosylation of transcription regulator MgrA, promoting vancomycin resistance.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2023

USTC makes breakthrough in electrooxidation of propylene

A USTC research team designed a novel Ag pyrazole molecular catalyst that enables the one-step electrooxidation of propylene into 1,2-propylene glycol. The catalyst's dynamically reversible interconversion structure breaks the scaling relation and enhances the reaction rate.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 27, 2023
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.

A Botox discovery that could save lives

Researchers have discovered how Botox, a deadly neurotoxin, enters brain cells, allowing for potential therapeutic targets to be identified. The study, published in the EMBO Journal, reveals that Botox hijacks a complex of receptors to interrupt communication between nerves and muscle cells, causing paralysis.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Gene therapy rescues hearing for the first time in aged mouse models

Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2023

Optimising outcomes for older adults

Researcher Micah Tan has been recognized for his work on older adults' health and wellbeing. His research focuses on developing holistic measures of wellbeing that can span economic, psychological, social, and mental dimensions. He aims to help more people age successfully by enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 26, 2023

Yeast screen uncovers genes involved in chromosomal mutation

Researchers at Osaka University identified two key genes, Srr1 and Skb1, involved in gross chromosomal rearrangement. These genes play a crucial role in preventing the formation of isochromosomes, a type of structural mutation in chromosomes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023
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.

Strategic city planning can help reduce urban heat island effect

A new study found that strategic city planning can reduce the urban heat island effect by using trees, taller buildings with shade-providing effects, and pavement with high albedo levels. These design strategies can help create more comfortable thermal conditions in cities, especially for low-income communities and vulnerable populations.

SourcePenn State·JournalBuildings·DateMay 26, 2023

Hydrogen sulfide in cancer treatment

A team of researchers found that a hydrogen sulfide donor adjuvant can disrupt mitochondrial respiration, suppressing heat shock protein production and making tumor cells more sensitive to photothermal therapy. This approach led to the eradication of tumors in laboratory mice with breast tumors within just a few days.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Promising building blocks for photonic quantum simulators

Researchers have created a new technology capable of processing vast amounts of information generated by quantum systems. This is achieved through the coupling of deterministic single photon light sources with specially designed integrated photonic circuits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 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.

Life through rose-coloured glasses

The study found that poison frog tadpoles developing in clear environments can visually discriminate between predators, while those in darker environments exhibit weaker responses. This research provides insight into the visual plasticity of animals in response to environmental change and its implications for habitat disturbance.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

Hybrid bound states in the continuum in terahertz metasurfaces

A new approach improves quality factors and robustness of symmetry-protected BICs, achieving high-quality factor resonances with enhanced light-matter interactions. The hybrid BIC lattice offers a simple and generalized method to achieve high-quality factor metasurfaces.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateMay 26, 2023

Developing a blueprint for mobile data visualisation

The research aims to optimize layout, zoom, and user selection on mobile devices to display enough data for users to make sense of it. The team will also explore the impact of speech, touch, and tilting modes on enhancing user readability of data visualizations.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 26, 2023

Fractons as information storage: Not yet quite tangible, but close

Researchers have modeled fractons, stationary quasiparticles, and found they are not visible even at absolute zero temperature due to quantum fluctuations. The team plans to develop a model to regulate these fluctuations, paving the way for experimental materials that could exhibit fractons.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2023
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.

Barren habitat for sows leaves imprint on piglets’ brains

Researchers found that piglets born to stressed sows in concrete stalls showed epigenetic changes in brain regions related to emotion, learning, and memory. The study highlights the importance of animal welfare and suggests that even small improvements can have significant effects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEpigenetics·DateMay 26, 2023

Effect of free medicine distribution on health care costs in Canada

A Canadian study found that eliminating out-of-pocket medication expenses for patients with cost-related nonadherence results in lower healthcare spending over three years. The analysis suggests that reducing medication costs could lead to significant savings in the overall healthcare system.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 26, 2023

Fibromyalgia changes the brain

Researchers found changes in grey matter volume in pain-processing areas of the brain, with decreased volume in regions responsible for inhibiting pain. The study also revealed altered signal transmission in the thalamus and correlations between brain structure and perceptional characteristics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 26, 2023