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Science News Archive 2023


Page 338 of 444

Nanophysics: The right twist

Nanophysics researchers at LMU München discover that twisting ultrathin layers of semiconducting materials creates unique phenomena. The twist leads to moiré interference, affecting electron and exciton properties.

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.

Pulsed radiofrequency with steroid injection brings sciatica relief

A new study published in Radiology found that a minimally invasive procedure combining pulsed radiofrequency and epidural steroid injection treatment leads to better pain reduction and disability improvement. The results showed significant benefits at four, 12, and 52 weeks compared to steroid injections alone.

Pulsing ultrasound waves could someday remove microplastics from waterways

A team of researchers has created a two-stage device that uses acoustic forces to aggregate and remove microplastics from water samples. The device, made with steel tubes and pulsing sound waves, can remove over 70% of small plastics and 82% of large ones, making it a promising solution for removing microplastics from waterways.

NASA missions study what may be a 1-In-10,000-year gamma-ray burst

Astronomers analyzed data from numerous spacecraft and observatories to characterize the brightness of a gamma-ray burst detected on October 9, 2022. The burst, known as BOAT, was found to be 70 times brighter than any previously seen, occurring once in every 10,000 years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Redness of Neptunian asteroids sheds light on early Solar System

A team of astronomers discovered a population of reddish Neptunian asteroids, which are thought to have formed beyond the transition boundary between neutral-colored and redder objects. The red coloration suggests these asteroids contain more volatile ices, providing insight into the early Solar System's conditions.

Scientists see anti-aging potential in an invasive weed

Researchers found that cocklebur fruit extracts encouraged collagen production, sped wound healing, and exerted a protective effect against UVB radiation. However, high doses of the extract can be harmful and further research is needed to determine its safe use in cosmetic applications.

Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future

Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.

New method for fast, efficient and scalable cloud tomography

A new inverse rendering framework enables fast and efficient cloud tomography, allowing for accurate analysis of atmospheric dynamics and energy balance. The path recycling and sorting algorithm speeds up the process, overcoming computational limitations.

The role of our parks in the fight against climate change

A recent study led by BioFunLab found that urban parks store an equivalent amount of carbon in their soils as natural areas near cities, highlighting the importance of these green spaces in mitigating climate change. The research also revealed that soil microbes play a key role in regulating carbon sequestration in urban parks.

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.

New additives could turn concrete into an effective carbon sink

Researchers have found a way to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production by introducing a simple additive, sodium bicarbonate. This new process can sequester up to 15% of the total carbon dioxide associated with cement production, making concrete a more environmentally friendly material.

Molecular imaging offers insight into chemo-brain

A literature review published by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging reveals how nuclear medicine brain imaging can help evaluate biological changes causing chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment. The findings confirmed the impact of chemotherapy drugs on cognitive function and highlighted the utility of various SP...

Story tip: A wise tool for modifying microbes

Scientists have developed a DNA editing tool called SAGE that makes it easier and faster to engineer microbes for various applications. The technology revolutionizes the process of modifying microbes, allowing researchers to advance fundamental biology and bioengineering.

Detecting coral biodiversity in seawater samples

Researchers have developed a method to measure coral biodiversity by extracting environmental DNA from seawater samples, allowing for accurate detection of coral species without direct observation. The technique has been confirmed to work with over 91% accuracy and may indicate presence of corals difficult to detect by human eyes.

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.

Rural educators find solutions to support multilingual learners

A new study found that a professional development program helped rural teachers collaborate and identify innovative solutions to support multilingual learners. The program consisted of six hybrid graduate-level courses with onsite meetings, coaching, and classroom support. Researchers found that the collaboration among teachers led to ...

Retinal scans: A non-invasive, inexpensive method to track human aging

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track human aging using retinal scans, which are less expensive and more accurate than other aging clocks. The study found that changes in the eye can provide an actionable evaluation of gero-protective therapeutics, offering a new tool for tracking aging.

Study finds fish assess misinformation to avoid overreaction

Researchers found that fish in large schools are more willing to take risks and tune down their sensitivity to social cues, reducing the likelihood of responding to false alarms. This dynamic adjustment allows individuals to maintain control over their behavior, suggesting a potential evolutionary advantage in coping with misinformation.

Epigenetic fingerprint as proof of origin for chicken, shrimp and salmon

Scientists at DKFZ developed a new detection method that analyzes epigenetic fingerprints to determine animal origin. The method uses DNA sequencing to identify chemical markers on the genome, allowing researchers to distinguish between free-range organic chicken, factory-farmed chicken, and other species.

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.

KICT develops a ground & structure collapse detection sensor

The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed a smart sensor that detects subtle changes in slope and triggers an LED warning light to alert those in the situation room. The sensors can be installed at high-risk areas and are expected to help prevent and respond to collapses.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

‘Chemical cube’ tools for building new drugs and agrochemicals

Researchers have developed a cubic molecule platform that can improve the properties of hydrocarbons like cubane, which was previously overlooked due to limited synthesis. This breakthrough enables the incorporation of nitrogen atoms, facilitating biologically desirable interactions and expanding options for chemists.

Review: Multiple ways to address telehealth barriers for stroke survivors

A review from UTHealth Houston identifies key benefits of telehealth in addressing health disparities among stroke survivors. The study suggests that telehealth can expand access to care and treatment while minimizing barriers related to digital literacy, physical limitations, and limited English proficiency.

How dogs are used impacts how they are treated

A global study found that dogs' functions are a good predictor of how they are treated by their owners, with more functions leading to closer relationships. The research also found that not all dog jobs influence treatment equally, with herding increasing positive care and hunting increasing personhood.

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.

Marijuana-derived compounds could reverse opioid overdoses

Researchers have identified marijuana-derived compounds that can reverse fentanyl overdoses by reducing its binding to opioid receptors and boosting naloxone's effects. These compounds, derived from cannabidiol (CBD), demonstrate a synergistic effect when combined with naloxone.

Tax on sugary drinks helps health during pregnancy

A new study by UC San Francisco found that taxes on sugary drinks lower the risk of gestational diabetes, unhealthy weight gain, and small-for-gestational-age babies. The study analyzed over 5 million pregnant women and found a significant reduction in these health risks.

Modern origami method creates glass shapes by folding

Chemical engineers have created a new technique for shaping glass into intricate 3D forms using origami and kirigami. By combining folding and heating, they can produce transparent glass with complex shapes and layered textures.

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.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Revolutionary battery technology to boost EV range 10-fold or more

Researchers have developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that can increase the current EV range at least 10-fold. The new polymer utilizes hydrogen bonding and Coulombic forces to control volumetric expansion, resulting in a thick high-capacity electrode and maximum energy density.

Cooking up plasmas with microwaves

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created stable plasmas using microwaves, a key step towards harnessing nuclear fusion's massive energy potential. The team identified three crucial steps in plasma production and used Heliotron J to generate the dense plasmas.

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 soil sensor may improve efficiency of crop fertilization

A new soil sensor has been developed to accurately measure temperature and nitrogen levels in soil, enabling farmers to optimize fertilizer use and reduce environmental pollution. The sensor can decouple temperature and nitrogen signals, allowing for precise monitoring of crop health and growth.

COVID pandemic highlighted the need for more school nurses

A study of UK school nurses found that the pandemic led to a shift towards reactive approaches, increased workloads, and challenges in providing holistic care. The research emphasizes the importance of sufficient numbers of school nurses to respond to emerging health needs.

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.

Using bacteria to target cancer treatment

Scientists have engineered a unique strain of probiotic bacteria to over-express a metal transporter that binds and concentrates copper, facilitating the delivery of radionuclide therapy to cancer cells. This approach targets tumors without relying on specific receptors, making it potentially effective against treatment-resistant cancers.

March/April 2023 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

Researchers investigated perspectives of Black patients on shared decision making (SDM) during medical appointments. They identified preferences for humanistic communication, the need for doctors to account for family members' roles in decision-making, and a growing mistrust in doctors. The study's findings offer insights for adapting ...

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.

COVID vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients

Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination generates robust T cell responses in haematology patients, on par with healthy individuals. The study provides key insights for future immunisation strategies and shows that mRNA vaccines can elicit strong T cell immunity in patients with co-morbidities.

New grant to reveal tillage effects on crop yield, farmland sustainability

Researchers will use satellite data, airborne sensors, and supercomputers to evaluate the impact of tillage practices on corn and soybean yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic carbon in the Midwest region. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the effects of tillage across a large region.

Dominating over junk food on social media

Researchers found that healthier foods require more photographic staging to gain popularity, but using warm colors, repetition, and clean backgrounds can increase audience engagement. This study aims to help health communication and practitioners create visually appealing content that garners higher social media engagement.

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.

Prepare for landing: making airports more efficient

A study uses statistical physics to analyze hourly plane landing volumes, estimating airport operations' efficiency. The model demonstrates that airport operations become more random after the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating changes in aircraft interactions.