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Science News Archive 2023


Page 384 of 444

New chip for mobile devices knocks out unwanted signals

MIT researchers have developed a receiver chip that targets and blocks unwanted signals without hurting device performance. The chip uses a mixer-first architecture and block digital filtering to remove harmonic interference, enabling it to handle high-power signals effectively.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Better tools needed to determine ancient life on Mars

Researchers found microorganisms in Martian rocks that are difficult to detect with current instrumentation. The team suggests more powerful tools or bringing samples to Earth to conclusively address whether life existed on Mars. A European Mars rover expected to launch in 2028 will carry a drill capable of analyzing sediments deeper, ...

Biochar offers new promise for climate-smart agriculture

Researchers synthesized global data from nearly 600 studies on biochar to analyze its potential as a climate-smart agricultural practice. Biochar acts like a sponge, improving soil's capacity to hold water and nutrients, making it more resilient to droughts and sustaining crop yields.

A new way for quantum computing systems to keep their cool

Researchers developed a wireless communication system that enables quantum computers to send and receive data using high-speed terahertz waves, reducing power consumption and error-causing heat. The system uses a transceiver chip and tiny mirrors to transmit data wirelessly, making it suitable for large-scale quantum systems.

Preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth

A new study examines the associations between preconception blood glucose levels and the risk of preterm birth. Women with preconception diabetes or prediabetes were found to be at increased risk of preterm birth, with elevated HbA1c levels linked to a higher risk among those without stable healthcare coverage.

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.

Building better enzymes – by breaking them down

Researchers developed an algorithm that uses physics-based protein design calculations and machine learning to generate thousands of active enzymes, achieving a tenfold increase in success rate over traditional methods. The new method, CADENZ, has the potential to transform industries by providing green alternatives for processes such ...

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.

Pill for skin disease also curbs excessive drinking

Researchers identified apremilast as an incredibly promising treatment for alcohol use disorder, reducing consumption by more than half in a clinical trial. The medication, approved for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, triggers increased activity in the brain's nucleus accumbens to control alcohol intake.

Conifer-killing beetles use smell of beneficial fungus to select host trees

Researchers found that conifer-killing beetles can detect the smell of a beneficial fungus through specialized neurons in their antennae, allowing them to identify infected trees. This detection system enables the beetles to locate fungi-produced compounds in tree resin, which may serve as cues for feeding and breeding.

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.

Enhanced arsenic detection in water, food, soil

Scientists developed a sensitive nanostructured silver surface to detect arsenic in water, food and soil using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The new technique is more sensitive and easier to produce than existing methods, making it ideal for on-site field assays.

Study supports evidence ivermectin is ineffective at treating COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Oxford-affiliated researchers found that high doses of ivermectin are ineffective in treating COVID-19. The study used the PLATCOV trial to compare the rates at which different drugs reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2, and the results suggest that ivermectin does not have measurable antiviral activity.

Sensing phase with quantum light and a single pixel detector

Scientists have created a method to detect phase in objects using quantum light and a single pixel detector, revealing internal structure and thickness information. This technique has potential applications in biological imaging, quantum metrology, and LIGO-like detection of gravitational waves.

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.

Solid-state thermal transistor demonstrated

A research team at Hokkaido University has created a stable and effective solid-state electrochemical thermal transistor that can control heat flow with electrical signals. The device outperforms current liquid-state thermal transistors in terms of stability and efficiency.

Carrots: Good for your eyes … and for degradable polymers

Researchers have created a biodegradable polymer using carotenoids from carrots, which can be selectively broken down with acid and sunlight. The resulting material exhibits electrically conductive properties, making it suitable for energy storage and biomedical applications.

Potential treatment target for rare form of infant epilepsy identified

A new study from Tufts University School of Medicine and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences suggests that the timing of inhibitory neuron cell death may be a key factor in infantile spasms syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment could potentially prevent significant impairments associated with the condition, offering hope for f...

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.

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.

Hip muscle exercises could help amputees improve functional mobility

Researchers found that strengthening hip abductor muscles can provide effective compensation for weaknesses in knee extensor muscles, leading to improved mobility in people with below-the-knee amputations. The study tested the hypothesis in eight military personnel who had undergone a lower limb amputation and showed promising results.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Improving the performance of satellites in low Earth orbit

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new phased array receiver strategy to reduce radiation degradation and power consumption in small satellites. The approach uses on-chip distributed radiation sensors and current-sharing techniques, achieving less than 10% gain variation and lowest reported power consumption.

Nanoparticles self-assemble to harvest solar energy

Researchers have designed a solar harvester with enhanced energy conversion capabilities using self-assembling nanoparticles. The device achieves high absorbance and suppressed thermal emissivity, enabling the transformation of sunlight into thermal energy.

How to compensate for loss of gene function? Think alternative splicing

Scientists discovered how alternative splicing enables the compensatory increase of MBNL2 protein in response to MBNL1 loss-of-function. This mechanism, found in animal models and potentially applicable to human patients, may help explain disease variability and offer new therapeutic avenues for Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1.

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.

Double treatment stores salmon and strawberries for later

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a two-step process that cuts food waste by reducing microbial growth. The treatment, which combines UV-C irradiation and vacuum sealing, extends shelf life by 67% for animal products like salmon, and up to 124% for strawberries.

Cellular senescence plays a significant role in cerebral tumors

Glioblastoma patients have a median survival time of 15 months due to the rapid infiltration of brain tissue. Cellular senescence, previously thought to be only a marker of aging, is now linked to cancer progression, with senescent cells promoting tumor growth and immune evasion.

Black patients more prone to dialysis graft failure

Researchers identified a higher rate of premature arteriovenous graft failure among African American patients undergoing dialysis access interventions. The study, published in Radiology, found that these patients were more vulnerable to experiencing early dialysis access dysfunction and failure.

Noble false widow spider found preying on pygmy shrew

Scientists at University of Galway have discovered that the noble false widow spider feeds on the endangered pygmy shrew. The study highlights the invasive spider's potent venom and complex hunting behavior, raising concerns about its impact on native species in Ireland and Britain.

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.

How can the metaverse improve public health?

The metaverse can be used to investigate the effectiveness of large-scale interventions before implementation, saving time and money. It also provides a platform for people with limited access to natural environments to experience green spaces, reducing negative mental health effects.

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.

Rewiring blood cells to give rise to precursors of sperm

Scientists have successfully transformed blood cells into sperm precursors in marmoset embryos using a step-by-step process. The study, published in eLife, opens up new avenues for studying primate biology and developing novel assisted reproductive technologies.

Advocacy by LGBTQ+ school clubs may help combat student depression

A new study found that LGBTQ+ school clubs, particularly those with strong advocacy efforts, can reduce disparities in depressive symptoms between LGBQ+ and heterosexual students. The study suggests that GSA-led advocacy activities can promote well-being among LGBTQ+ youth across the wider school population.

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.

Shrinking from the heat

Researchers at Aalto University have developed new textiles that change shape when heated, providing adjustable aesthetics and potential applications in health monitoring and thermal insulation. The innovative fabrics use liquid crystalline elastomers, which can respond to heat, light, or other stimuli.

Locking and unlocking molecular structures on demand

Researchers from Kanazawa University developed a new approach to control the formation and dissociation of rotaxanes, which can be used as building blocks for molecular machines. The new strategy uses accelerators like bromine ions to speed up the processes, opening up possibilities for tunable functionality.

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.

A new model of palliative care to empower communities in Africa

A culturally appropriate model of end-of-life care is being developed in Ghana to address the scarcity of palliative care in low-resource communities. COMPASS Ghana aims to provide universal end-of-life care by the end of the decade, utilizing a compassionate community approach that involves patients and caregivers in care provision.