Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2023


Page 368 of 444

Frequent socialising linked to longer lifespan of older people

A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.

Does more money correlate with greater happiness?

A new study by researchers from Penn and Princeton reveals that, on average, larger incomes are associated with ever-increasing levels of happiness. However, an unhappy cohort within each income group shows a sharp rise in happiness up to $100,000 annually before plateauing.

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.

HRL Laboratories silicon encoded spin qubits achieve universality

HRL Laboratories has demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits using a novel silicon-based qubit device architecture. The achievement offers a strong pathway toward scalable fault tolerance and computational advantage in quantum computing, with potential applications in materials development, drug discovery, and mitigating ...

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

Quantifying genetic variations in bacterial cultures the qSanger way

A novel methodology called qSanger can easily quantify DNA and identify genetic variations in cultured bacteria, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The approach uses amplitude ratios of aligned electropherogram peaks from mixed Sanger sequencing reads to measure plasmid DNA ratios.

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.

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

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.

A Pitt lab shows phage attacks in new light

A Pitt lab discovery sheds light on how a specific mutation in the lsr2 gene helps bacteria resist phage infection. The team developed new tools to visualize phages attacking bacteria, revealing critical insights into the mechanisms of phage resistance.

Can artificial intelligence help find life on Mars or icy worlds?

Researchers used AI to map sparse life hidden in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales, a Martian analog. The study found that microbial life is concentrated in patchy biological hotspots linked to water availability, and AI can detect biosignatures up to 87.5% of the time.

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

Are you chasing your dreams or running from your fears?

A new Edith Cowan University study found that individuals with fear-based motives are more likely to experience emotion regulation difficulties, leading to depression and anxiety. Understanding underlying motives is crucial for protecting mental health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

Geisinger study supports genetic testing for people with cerebral palsy

A Geisinger study supports genetic testing as a standard of care for people with cerebral palsy, similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis found similar genetic diagnostic yield for CP and NDD, suggesting earlier identification of genetic changes and potential treatment through genetic testing.

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

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.

Chip-scale spectrometry using a photonic molecule

A team of scientists developed a ground-breaking method for chip-scale spectrometry that surpasses the traditional resolution-bandwidth trade-off. By leveraging a pair of tunable micro-ring resonators, the proposed scheme achieves high spectral resolution of 40 pm throughout a bandwidth of 100 nm.

Biomolecular sliding at the nanoscale

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the dynamics of H2A.Z nucleosomes, revealing a spontaneous sliding process along DNA strands. This finding may lead to better understanding of gene expression mechanisms.

Juggling morality while we learn

Participants learned to distinguish between actions benefiting themselves and others, adapting their choices despite the absence of monetary rewards. Brain activity revealed a 'juggling' of moral learning, where participants processed objective pain but weighted it differently based on personal gain.

Hardy health plant a hero ingredient to help manage obesity

The study found that phenolic extracts from roselle inhibited fat cell formation by 95%, while hydroxycitric acid had no effect. Researchers hope the plant's antioxidants can be used in health food products to manage obesity without side effects.

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.

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.

'Giant' ant fossil raises questions about ancient Arctic migrations

Researchers find first Canadian specimen of extinct ant Titanomyrma, sparking debate on how it dispersed across the Northern Hemisphere. The discovery challenges previous theories on hyperthermals and suggests a more complex picture of ancient climate and migration patterns.

A warmer world will make heatwaves more frequent: Study

Researchers predict heatwaves similar to the 2021 WNA heatwave will occur more frequently due to increased extreme temperatures and shortened return periods. A warmer climate will also lead to a larger area breaking temperature records in the region.

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.

'Good autoantibodies' could help against long Covid

Researchers have identified a new class of 'good autoantibodies' that neutralize chemokines, reducing inflammation and promoting a favorable disease course in patients with long Covid. The discovery is linked to a lower risk of prolonged symptoms and a milder illness.

Depression linked to deadly inflammation in lung cancer patients

Lung cancer patients with moderate to severe depression are 2-3 times more likely to have inflammation levels that predict poor survival rates, according to a new study. The results suggest depression may be as important or even more important than other factors in determining lung cancer outcomes.

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.

Some ‘allies’ don’t want gay neighbors

A new study by Northwestern University found that the absence of legal protections for sexual minorities increases stigma among both allies and those who reject homosexuality. Even fully accepting individuals may reject their gay neighbors, highlighting the importance of legal inclusion in reducing prejudice.

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.

Scientists twist chemical bonds beyond their limits

Researchers from Durham University and University of York successfully twisted molecules to their breaking point, exploring how far the chemical bonding in an aromatic ring can be twisted before its aromatic bonding breaks. The study reveals a balance point where the ring jumps between aromatic structure and two smaller rings.

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.

Novel method developed to stabilize zinc-ion batteries

Researchers developed a method to stabilize zinc-ion batteries by adding 1,4-dioxane molecules to the electrolyte, which promotes Zn (002) texture growth and improves reversibility and cycling stability. The new system achieved long-term cycling stability of 1000 h and high coulombic efficiency of 99.7%.

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.

Tracing 13 billion years of history by the light of ancient quasars

Researchers studying ancient quasars have discovered a rapid increase in warm carbon around 13 billion years ago, potentially linked to the 'Epoch of Reionisation' and large-scale heating of gas. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of the universe's chemical composition.

Graphene quantum dots show promise as novel magnetic field sensors

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have discovered that graphene quantum dots can detect magnetic fields at the nano scale with high spatial resolution. The unique properties of graphene electrons, which behave like massless particles, create highly sensitive current loops that respond to external magnetic fields.

How do microbes live off light?

Researchers at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology found that many aquatic microbes use a complex light-to-energy conversion mechanism involving rhodopsin proteins and carotenoid antennas. This process allows for more efficient energy production and increases the amount of energy entering the food chain.

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.