Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2023


Page 1 of 37

Life on land and water teeters between haves and have-nots

A new study reveals that high-income countries made more progress than low-income ones in ocean conservation after the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Despite positive results on land, particularly in biodiversity hotspots, the ocean's sustainability progress slowed, causing further global inequality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Slowing down in your old age? It may be a dementia warning sign.

Research from Edith Cowan University found that lower grip strength and slower timed-up-and-go tests were significant risk factors for presenting with dementia. The study suggests that incorporating muscle function tests into dementia screening could help identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from primary prevention programs.

Urologists to perform world’s first bladder transplant

Keck Medicine of USC has launched a clinical trial to perform the world's first human bladder transplant. The procedure involves removing the patient's diseased bladder and replacing it with a healthy one from a deceased donor. This could be a historic step in improving lives for those with debilitating bladder conditions.

In-scent-ive to avoid danger

Research at Kyoto University found that spider mites avoid caterpillar traces due to a repellent effect, lasting days. This discovery may lead to the development of a safer and longer-lasting spider mite repellent derived from natural substances.

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.

Scientists create high-resolution poverty maps using big data

A team of researchers from the Complexity Science Hub and Central European University created more-detailed poverty maps for Sierra Leone and Uganda, identifying poor areas with greater accuracy. The maps use a combination of survey information, satellite imagery, and social media data to provide a more accurate picture of wealth distr...

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.

Transgender women are still at risk for prostate cancer

A first-of-its-kind study has estimated that transgender women taking estrogen are at a higher risk for prostate cancer, with 14 cases per 10,000 people. The study found disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial groups.

Mushrooms and their post-rain, electrical conversations

Scientists discovered that electrical signals in Laccaria bicolor mushrooms increased after rainfall, demonstrating signal transport among closely spaced mushrooms. The post-rain electric potential showed directionality and strengthened connectivity between spatially close fungi.

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.

How solid air can spur sustainable development

A new paper proposes solidifying air as a medium to reduce energy consumption and costs in transporting hydrogen by sea. The process, called Solid Air Hydrogen Liquefaction (SAHL), has the potential to lower energy consumption for liquefying hydrogen by 25-50%.

Shocking implications of electric fishes’ tailless sperm

Researchers at Michigan State University are investigating a type of fish that produces sperm with no tails but an electric-powered mating call. They hope to understand the energy-saving mechanism behind this trait and its implications for human health, particularly in relation to a genetic disorder called primary ciliary dyskinesia.

Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

IVI begins clinical development of DuoChol oral cholera vaccine

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has started clinical development of DuoChol, a new oral cholera vaccine in capsule form. This innovation offers improved thermostability, reducing storage challenges, while making vaccines more accessible to those who need them most.

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

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.

Scientists identify antivirals that could combat emerging infectious diseases

Scientists have discovered potential broad-spectrum antivirals that target multiple families of RNA viruses, which pose a significant threat to future pandemics. The new agents showed promise in preventing and mitigating viral arthritis caused by Chikungunya virus and rescuing cells from harmful effects of other viruses.

Texas A&M research redefines mammalian tree of life

The study reveals that mammals diversified before the K-Pg extinction, driven by continental drifting and stability following the mass extinction. This led to the rich diversity of mammal lineages, including carnivores, primates, and hoofed animals.

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.

Comparing physician and AI chatbot responses to patient questions

A study comparing physician and AI chatbot responses found chatbots excelled in both quality and empathy, while physicians were preferred for their nuanced understanding. The findings suggest that integrating chatbots into clinical settings could improve response quality and reduce clinician burnout.

MIT engineers “grow” atomically thin transistors on top of computer chips

Researchers at MIT have successfully grown layers of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide materials directly onto silicon chips at low temperatures, paving the way for denser and more powerful computer chips. This new technology allows for faster and more uniform growth of these materials, enabling larger-scale integration.

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.

Fallow land promotes bird diversity

A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.

Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New study looks at role of sleep disruption in dogs with dementia

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.

Deep-learning system explores materials’ interiors from the outside

A new MIT deep-learning system can analyze the internal structure and properties of materials based solely on their surface conditions. The technique uses vast amounts of simulated data to generate reliable predictions, offering a promising solution for engineers seeking non-invasive insights into material properties.

When employees leave their jobs, coworkers call it quits: UBC study

A UBC study found that employee layoffs have a strong impact on voluntary turnover among remaining employees, especially when high performers are let go without clear justification. The research suggests that organizations should prioritize clear communication and compassionate decision-making to avoid destabilizing their workforce.

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.

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.

Chest e-tattoo boasts major improvements in heart monitoring

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed an ultrathin, lightweight electronic tattoo for continuous, mobile heart monitoring. The device provides two key measurements: electrocardiogram and seismocardiogram, giving clinicians a better chance to catch red flags for heart disease early.

ATAD3A: A molecular determinant favoring head and neck cancer development

Researchers have identified ATAD3A as a molecular determinant that favors the development of head and neck cancer. The protein is involved in various cellular processes, including energy metabolism and apoptosis. Targeting ATAD3A could offer a novel approach to developing effective anti-cancer therapeutics.

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.

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.

Structural insight into process of gene regulation

Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how Mot1 enzyme displaces TBP from DNA, shedding light on the process of gene regulation. The discovery uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize structural details in 3D models.

Researchers monitor real-time single-breath exhaled hydrogen cyanide profiles

A new method has been developed to detect hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in exhaled breath, which is associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients. The flow-assisted photoionization mass spectrometry method enables real-time tracking of HCN concentrations, allowing for early screening and diagnosis.

Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production

Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.

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.

Breakthrough in waste heat to green energy: Materials boost record efficiency

Scientists at Penn State have developed a unique materials design that can push the conversion efficiency of thermoelectric devices up to 15%. This breakthrough could transform the design and development of next-generation thermoelectric devices, making them more efficient and competitive with other power generation technologies.

Review article on asymmetric synthesis using arynes

Researchers seek high stereoselectivity in aryne reactions due to their reactivity and instability. Professor Ken Kamikawa's review article explores various asymmetric reactions, outlining their characteristics and prospects.