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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 317


Page 317 of 444

Durability of bivalent boosters against Omicron subvariants

Researchers found bivalent boosters to be 67% effective in preventing hospitalization and death, with effectiveness waning after four weeks. The boosters also reduced the risk of infection and death against newer omicron strains.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2023

How did the Andes Mountains get so huge? A new geological research method may hold the answer

Researchers used a novel method to study tectonic plate movement, finding two significant slowdowns in the South American plate over the past 15 million years. These events may have contributed to the widening of the Andes mountain range by causing unstable material to tear free and sink into the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Coral-eating fish poo may act as ‘probiotics’ for reefs

Scientists discovered that feces from coral-eating fish contain beneficial microbes that help coral thrive, while feces from algae-eating fish cause damage. The study suggests that corallivores may contribute to natural dispersal of 'coral probiotics', promoting reef health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Indigenous people in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are three to six times more likely to be hospitalized for influenza than non-Indigenous people, according to meta-analysis

A meta-analysis found that Indigenous populations in these countries face significantly higher rates of influenza-related hospitalizations compared to non-Indigenous individuals. The study highlights the increased vulnerability of Indigenous populations to severe influenza outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateApr 13, 2023

Data can now be processed at the speed of light!

Researchers developed a nano-excitonic transistor that controls excitons to process massive amounts of data at the speed of light with minimal heat energy loss. This technology has potential applications in optical computing and realizing an era of data explosion driven by AI.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 13, 2023

First-in-Canada clinical RNA sequencing platform may improve rare disease diagnostics in pediatrics

A new clinical RNA sequencing platform at SickKids is helping researchers understand complex genetic conditions and improve diagnosis for patients with rare diseases. The platform has been validated to be used in the clinical space, providing valuable diagnostic information that complements genome sequencing.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateApr 13, 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.

Virtual fitting rooms can be a double-edged sword

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that virtual fitting rooms can have a negative impact on consumers with a high body mass index (BMI), leading to decreased self-esteem and lower product evaluations. However, the technology appears to enhance sales for shoppers with a low BMI, highlighting the need for marketing...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Laser light hybrids control giant currents at ultrafast times

Researchers at Max Born Institute have developed a hybrid laser pulse that controls ultrafast light-induced currents in giant materials. This breakthrough enables the creation of valley-currents and spin-currents, vital for future valleytronics technology.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 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.

M87 in 3D: New view of galaxy helps pin down mass of the black hole at its core

Astronomers have mapped the M87 galaxy's 3D structure and determined its supermassive black hole has a mass of 5.37 billion times that of the sun. The galaxy's asymmetrical shape allows for more precise measurements, including the rotation rate of 25 kilometers per second around an axis 40 degrees from the long axis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

The potential and challenges of mucosal COVID-19 vaccines

Researchers recognize the need for improved COVID-19 vaccines to prevent transmission and infection. Mucosal vaccines targeting the respiratory tract could be effective in blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission and reducing disease burden.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateApr 13, 2023

Researchers find earlier intervention leads to greater improvements in young children on the autism spectrum

Researchers found that starting early intervention coaching at 18 months old led to greater gains in language, social communication, and daily living skills compared to waiting until 27 months. The study provided high-quality evidence for earlier intervention and highlights the importance of screening for autism at 18 months.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 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.

New AI tool predicts colon cancer survival, treatment response

A new AI model, MOMA, accurately predicts colon cancer survival, treatment response and disease recurrence for patients. It can guide clinicians to follow up more closely or consider aggressive treatments for patients with worse predicted prognoses.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 13, 2023

Hairs that help fish feel–and humans hear

Researchers discovered how zebrafish use their hair cells to detect movement, a discovery that sheds light on the mechanisms of human hearing and balance. The study's findings suggest that the structure and function of zebrafish hair cells are nearly identical to those found in humans.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2023

New look at climate data shows substantially wetter rain and snow days ahead

Research finds extreme precipitation days will become more frequent, with up to 20-30% increase in moisture release. The LOCA2 climate projections cover the lower 48 US states, southern Canada, and northern Mexico, providing granular-level information for local planners.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateApr 13, 2023

Playing hide and seek with planets

An international team of astronomers has discovered an exoplanet using a combined approach of direct imaging and precision measurements of a star's motion on the sky. The newly found planet, HIP 99770 b, is 14-16 times more massive than Jupiter and orbits just over three times further from its star.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Improving the accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence in cardiovascular imaging

Researchers develop a new technique to measure blood attenuation using a fluorophore-coated guidewire, improving the accuracy of near-infrared fluorescence in cardiovascular imaging. The method provides accurate information on vessel walls and outperforms existing correction methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateApr 13, 2023

When electrons dress up in light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover that exciting electrons with strong light leads to exotic quantum effects, enabling new functions on demand. The team made an unforeseen discovery: Floquet bands form after a single optical cycle, paving the way for ultrafast electronics and tailored quantum functions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2023

Why orchid bees concoct their own fragrance

Researchers have solved the mystery of why orchid bees concoct their own fragrance. The bee fragrance serves as a sex attractant and increases the reproductive success of males. The study found that the females are attracted to the scent and that it triggers mating behavior in them.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2023

Private lands stalling Brazil’s conservation efforts

A new study reveals that a Brazilian forest policy aimed at restoring natural vegetation has been less effective on private lands than in all conservation areas, resulting in the loss of 14.6 million hectares of agricultural land and 2.5 gigatonnes of carbon sequestration potential.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 13, 2023
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.

Where did the first sugars come from?

Origin-of-life chemists suggest glyoxylate reaction scenario could have yielded simple sugars without drawbacks of formaldehyde-based reactions. The researchers aim to demonstrate this hypothesis in the laboratory and explore potential commercial applications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalChem·DateApr 13, 2023

Experts examine the safety of probiotics

A comprehensive review by experts confirms probiotics are generally safe for healthy individuals, but require careful evaluation for vulnerable populations. The review provides guidance on assessing probiotic safety, including genetic makeup analysis to identify potential risks.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalGut Microbes·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 13, 2023

PPPL hosts workshop on fusion energy and nonproliferation

A two-day workshop hosted by PPPL discussed the risks and benefits of fusion energy, including concerns about nuclear proliferation and energy justice. Experts emphasized the need for open discussion and regulation to ensure safe and equitable deployment of fusion power.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateApr 13, 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.

A rechargeable battery made from food

A team of researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia has developed a totally edible and rechargeable battery cell, utilizing riboflavin and quercetin as anode and cathode. The battery can provide current for small electronic devices and may have applications in health diagnostics, food quality monitoring, and edible soft robotics.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

A simple, portable sensor monitors paracetamol levels in saliva in real time for personalized treatment

Researchers developed a simple sensor to monitor paracetamol levels in saliva in real-time, enabling personalized treatment and reducing toxic side effects. The device is low-cost, portable, and uses non-invasive collection methods, making it an attractive alternative for therapeutic drug monitoring.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSmall·DateApr 13, 2023

How a virus causes chromosomal breakage, leading to cancer

Researchers discovered how the Epstein-Barr virus exploits genomic weaknesses to cause cancer by cleaving human chromosome 11, triggering a cascade of genomic instability. The study highlights the potential risk factors for EBV-associated diseases and suggests that blocking EBNA1 binding can prevent their development.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2023

*Free* JWST imaging and spectroscopy of compact galaxy at redshift 9.5 determine some of its physical properties

A recent study using JWST observations of a compact galaxy at redshift 9.5 has provided insights into its physical properties. The analysis reveals that the galaxy has a remarkably small radius of 16.2 parsecs, suggesting high density star formation and an abundance of oxygen and hydrogen.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 13, 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.

Good news! Only a modest reduction in added sugars consumption is needed to achieve the Healthy People 2030 target

A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that reducing added sugars consumption by an average of 14 to 57 calories per day is sufficient to meet the Healthy People 2030 target. This represents just less than half of a 12-ounce soft drink, and requires minimal changes to dietary habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Study casts doubt on causal link between cognitive ability and obesity

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that existing associations between cognitive ability and body mass index may be due to confounding by family factors. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 siblings and found a significantly smaller association when comparing siblings within families.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023

Wildfires and animal biodiversity

A new study suggests that wildfires can actually increase species richness and biodiversity among birds and mammals in ecosystems where fire is a natural occurrence. The research found that the negative effects of fire on plant productivity are outweighed by its positive effects on animal diversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateApr 13, 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 sharper look at the M87 black hole

A machine learning technique called PRIMO has been used to reconstruct a sharper image of the M87 black hole using Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) data. The new image reveals more detailed information about the bright accreting gas and a larger, darker central region.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 13, 2023

Research Brief: Genetic background, social rank identified as factors in aging and lifespan in animals

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that genetic background and social rank are critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in animal models. They discovered that low social status corresponds to a shorter lifespan, but with varying effects depending on the individual's genetic predisposition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 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.

Methamphetamine detected in first test in Oceania for airborne drug pollution

A study in Auckland, New Zealand has detected methamphetamine and other substances in the air for the first time in Oceania. The largest concentration of methamphetamine was found to be 104 picograms per cubic meter, highlighting the need for better air quality monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalAtmospheric Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Decade-long project by Baylor researcher and collaborators pushes back the prehistoric timeline in Africa by more than 10 million years

Researchers found evidence of C4 grasses in eastern Africa dating back to around 15 million years ago, contradicting the long-held idea that open habitats proliferated later. The findings suggest that early apes lived in a variety of habitats and that C4 grasses played a significant role in shaping their evolution.

SourceBaylor University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

British woman infected with dengue in the south of France

A British woman was infected with dengue while visiting family in the south of France in September 2022. The case report presents an outbreak of over 30 locally transmitted cases in France, highlighting the rapidly changing epidemiology of dengue.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 13, 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.

Less painful, more convenient antibody treatments

Researchers have developed a biodegradable skin patch that can deliver multiple doses of antibodies over several weeks, reducing pain and infection risks. The patch uses a stabilized powder of antibody, which is slowly released into the bloodstream as it degrades.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalMolecular Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023

Antimicrobial stewardship programs essential for preventing C. difficile in hospitals

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America recommends hospitals establish antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infections, which cause difficult-to-treat diarrhea, longer hospital stays, and higher costs. The updated guidance provides evidence-based strategies for identifying and...

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 12, 2023

Time out: We all need a three-day weekend

A study of 308 adults found that people displayed more active and healthy behaviors during a three-day holiday, with increased physical activity and decreased sedentary behavior. The extra time off also led to improved sleep patterns, with participants gaining an average of 21 minutes of sleep per day.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeCase study·DateApr 12, 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.

Dancing in the mud: Cut cable puts an end to bacterial party

Researchers at Aarhus University discovered that cable bacteria form a dance-like connection with diverse aerobic bacteria in the anoxic seabed. The small bacteria benefit by transferring electrons to the cable bacteria, forming an electrical lifeline to oxygen.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023

Researchers reveal quantum interference in inter-layer coulomb drag

Researchers observed quantum interference effect in inter-layer Coulomb drag for the first time, revealing significant deviations from classical drag resistance. The discovery relies on superimposing inter-layer diffusion paths and impurity potential scatterings from intermediate insulating layers.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2023

Study predicts poor survival rates if Ebola infects endangered mountain gorillas

A study published in Scientific Reports predicts that less than 20% of endangered mountain gorillas would survive more than 100 days past the first confirmed case of Ebola infection. Vaccination strategies are suggested to increase survival rates, with at least half of habituated gorillas vaccinated within three weeks of confirmation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 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.

Critical observations of sinking coasts

A team led by Virginia Tech's Manoochehr Shirzaei has developed high-resolution digital maps to monitor land subsidence and sea-level rise, revealing vulnerable areas along the Atlantic East Coast. The data supports flood risk management and informs climate change projections, helping to refine models for hurricanes and storms.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2023

Selenium as a predictor of metabolic syndrome in middle age women

Researchers found that higher selenium levels were associated with lower blood pressure and HDL concentration in middle-aged women. The study suggests that selenium may moderate the effect of genetic variants on MetS components, such as waist circumference.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2023

Research leads to new data on number of victims of terrorist group

Researchers at Northumbria University have established a comprehensive database of ETA's activities, revealing 1,047 attacks and 957 confirmed fatalities between 1959 and 2010. The study's findings suggest the total number of victims could be significantly higher than previously acknowledged.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalCritical Studies on Terrorism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2023