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Science News Archive 2023


Page 285 of 444

Recurrent brain trauma may increase Alzheimer’s risk

Research published in Radiology suggests that exposure to recurrent brain trauma, such as explosions, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-beta protein accumulation was detected in six out of nine military instructors who were exposed to subconcussive blast injuries.

Dark clouds on the horizon

The study improves the accuracy of black carbon's refractive index, revealing it may contribute up to 16% to atmospheric warming, affecting climate models. The method developed can be applied to other particles in the atmosphere and ocean.

Fast and accurate protein structure search with Foldseek

Researchers developed Foldseek, a protein structure search tool that reduces search time from months to seconds while maintaining sensitivity. The tool uses sequence search tools instead of direct 3D structure comparison, making it an invaluable asset for life science fields.

Variants of MRTFB gene linked to novel neurodevelopmental disorder

The study identifies two patients with a novel neurodevelopmental disorder linked to MRTFB gene variants, which disrupt the protein's ability to regulate other genes. The mutations result in altered wing development in fruit flies and are associated with intellectual disability, difficulty speaking, and other symptoms.

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.

Potential found to counter depression by restoring key brain rhythm

A study found that restoring gamma oscillations in brain regions processing smells can counter depression, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The research involved mice and rats, who showed increased depressive behaviors when gamma signals were suppressed, but returned to normal after receiving amplified signals.

Cover crop management: trade-off between carbon benefits, crop yield

Researchers used an advanced ecosystem model to assess the impacts of winter cover cropping on soil organic carbon accumulation. They found that growing cover crops can increase SOC by 0.33 megagrams per hectare per year and that SOC benefits can be improved through increasing cover crop biomass.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Uniformity of prey can yield spider-eat-spider world

Researchers found that wolf spider species in Nebraska exhibited similar diets, with many eating the same types of prey. This suggests a complex food web where predators are not just competing for resources, but also engaging in cannibalism to regulate their populations and stabilize the ecosystem.

Low oxygen weight loss trial at Pennington Biomedical open to participants

The 'Low Oxygen and Weight Status' study will investigate the effects of low oxygen levels on weight loss and health outcomes in adults with obesity. Participants will be randomized to sleep in an altitude tent or normal conditions, while following a weight loss diet. The study aims to inform new strategies for improving metabolic health.

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.

Evolution of the largest of the large dinosaurs

A new Adelphi University study provides insights into how sauropod dinosaurs achieved their record-breaking sizes over time. Researchers found that sauropods reached their exceptional sizes early in their evolution and that with each new sauropod family to evolve, one or more lineages independently reached superlative status.

How aggression-promoting brain peptide works in fruit flies

Researchers found that a specific neuropeptide affects two separate groups of neurons, promoting aggressive behavior in fruit flies. This discovery provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of neuronal communication using neuropeptides.

Nose shape gene inherited from Neanderthals

A new study led by UCL researchers finds that a particular gene affecting nose shape is inherited from Neanderthals and may have been influenced by natural selection. The study used data from over 6,000 volunteers and identified 33 genome regions associated with face shape.

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.

LMU study shows: Covid-19 pandemic has had long-term impact on families

A recent LMU study found that the Covid-19 pandemic had a predominantly negative impact on families' emotional well-being, despite temporary recoveries. Parental stress was a major factor in this decline. Conversely, a strong parent-child relationship acted as a resilience factor to mitigate these effects.

Symmetric graphene quantum dots for future qubits

Scientists at Forschungszentrum Juelich develop bilayer graphene quantum dots with near-perfect symmetry, allowing for efficient long-distance coupling and robust spin-state detection. This breakthrough has significant implications for the realization of large-scale quantum computers.

Detailed image of the human retina

Researchers have created a detailed map of human retinal organoid development, revealing information on cell types, proteins, and gene expression. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize multiple proteins simultaneously and provides insights into retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa.

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.

Warmer climate could cause Puerto Rico’s frogs to croak #ASA184

A study found that the coqui frog's calls have changed over a 23-year period due to rising temperatures, with higher-pitched calls at higher elevations. This shift may indicate a mini-migration of frogs up the mountain as temperatures increase, posing a threat to their survival.

An unprecedented view of gene regulation

Researchers create high-resolution maps of the 3D genome, revealing interactions between enhancers and promoters that weren't previously seen. The findings suggest many genes interact with dozens of regulatory elements, opening possibilities for studying gene regulation and potentially understanding diseases.

Compact high-resolution spectrometer with flat optics

A team of researchers has proposed a new method for dispersion control using a single metasurface device, enabling an ultra-thin spectrometer with nanometer resolution. The device uses gold nanorods with spatially variant orientations to accurately map wavelengths to different positions on the focal plane.

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.

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution

A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...

Automated detection of embryonic developmental defects

Researchers developed EmbryoNet, an automated image analysis software that uses AI to detect and classify developmental defects in fish embryos. The software outperforms human experts in terms of speed and accuracy, making it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms of drug action and studying embryonic development.

Mathematical model based on psychology predicts who will buy trendy products

A new study developed a mathematical innovation model grounded in psychology to predict adoption trends for new products. The model divides people into four categories: innovator, early adopter, majority, and laggard, and suggests that each group looks for specific properties of adoption trends to inform their purchasing decisions.

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.

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.

Microbubble macrophages track tumors #ASA184

Scientists have created a new way to image and track macrophages in the body using ultrasound-enhanced immune cells. This method has potential for early cancer detection and monitoring of therapeutic efficacy. The technique involves attaching microbubbles to macrophages, allowing for high-resolution tracking images.

Beyond necessity, hearing aids bring enjoyment through music #ASA184

Researchers have found that hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of music when using their hearing aids. However, some manufacturers' music programs have improved significantly. The team tested 200 recordings and found that two brands stood out in terms of music quality.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New immunotherapy targeting tumour macrophages to tackle lung cancer

Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy targeting tumour macrophages, which are immunosuppressive cells that weaken the immune system. The treatment, RImAb, reduces tumour growth and modifies the tumour microenvironment, offering potential for a new line of treatment for lung cancer patients.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tiny microbes could brew big benefits for green biomanufacturing

Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.

New probe aids novel findings on cell functions

Researchers developed a new probe to measure pH levels in cells, revealing a constant conversion rate from endosomes to lysosomes. The probe's ability to track pH changes enables faster diagnosis and potential treatments for lysosomal diseases.

Galactic bubbles are more complex than imagined, researchers say

Researchers at Ohio State University found that the shells of galactic bubbles are more complex than previously thought, with unexpected temperature and chemical properties. The study suggests that these bubbles were formed by intense star-formation activity rather than supermassive black hole activity.

Port of Miami corals remarkably persistent, new study finds

Researchers found that corals within the Port of Miami's highly urbanized environment exhibit remarkable persistence despite poor water quality, excess nutrients, high temperatures, and low pH levels. The study demonstrates surprising resilience that can teach us about the future of coral reef ecosystems.

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.

Plastic can drift far away from its starting point as it sinks into the sea

Researchers used computer modeling to simulate the movement of lightweight plastic particles in the Mediterranean Sea. Their results suggest that these particles can drift up to 175 miles laterally from their point of origin before sinking. This discovery highlights the potential for long-distance interactions between plastic waste and...

Air pollution from oil and gas production responsible for $77 billion in annual US health damages, contributes to thousands of early deaths, childhood asthma cases nationwide

A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

AI helps create better, simpler hepatitis, COVID-19 tests

Researchers used AI tools to simplify a test for hepatitis C and SARS-CoV-2, achieving 97% accuracy for SARS-CoV-2 and 95% accuracy for the most prevalent version of hepatitis C. The team plans to refine the test, improve its ability to distinguish between strains, and potentially develop at-home tests in the future.

Drug industry’s carbon impact could be cut by half

A new study from Cornell University found that the pharmaceutical industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact. The study analyzed the full life cycle of the HIV antiretroviral drug Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and found that energy usage is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for up to 45% of t...

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mirror, mirror: A new way to recognize reverse-image molecules

Researchers have developed a modular system to recognize chiral molecules, which could lead to more effective methods of separating enantiomers in drugs. The system uses metallopolymers with chirality to sense two enantiomeric molecules through electrochemical interactions.