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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 10 of 37

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.

Understanding the long-term impact of climate change on Indian crops

A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.

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.

Cryo-imaging lifts the lid on fuel cell catalyst layers

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel imaging technique using cryogenic transmission electron tomography and deep learning to visualize the nanostructure of platinum catalyst layers in fuel cells. This breakthrough reveals the heterogenous thickness of ionomer, a crucial component that influences catalyst performance.

‘BeerBots’ could speed up the brewing process

Researchers develop self-propelled 'BeerBots' that ferment sugar faster than traditional yeast cells, reducing fermentation time and making separation of yeast from beer easier. The BeerBots were found to be active for up to three more brewing cycles after the initial fermentation process.

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.

Monolayer hexagonal boron nitride can extend plasmonic enhancement limit

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered that monolayer hexagonal boron nitride can block electron tunneling, extending the ultimate plasmonic enhancement limit. This breakthrough enables potential novel applications in quantum plasmonics, providing insights into quantum mechanical effects.

Unveiling a fast and efficient method for detecting microRNAs

Researchers have created a new method for fast miRNA amplification and detection that reduces the time required to detect micro-RNAs. The technique combines rolling circle amplification (RCA) with CRISPR-Cas12a, resulting in improved sensitivity and specificity, and can be completed in just 70 minutes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sanghera receives funding for pilot project

Kamaljeet Sanghera has received funding to design a summer program for high school students to learn about AI development and its ethical impact. The pilot project will utilize IBM AI kits to provide hands-on experience and technical skills training.

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.

A panoramic view on lithium-mediated electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction

The review summarizes the recent progress of Li-eN2 RR, covering reaction mechanisms, catalysts developed, and electrolytes involved. It highlights the challenges and possible resolving strategies in the field. The study also discusses the importance of rational design of electrocatalysts and electrolytes for efficient NH3 production.

Protecting big trees for wildlife also benefits climate

A new analysis reveals that protecting large trees in old-growth forests can sequester significant amounts of carbon and promote biodiversity. The study concludes that policy initiatives aligning conservation with climate change mitigation priorities are crucial for preserving these natural carbon sinks.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibody use and COVID-19 infection outcomes

A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.

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.

US and allies can learn from military medical lessons in Ukraine

The US military medical system is not ready to handle major conflicts with near-peer adversaries, who possess similar military capabilities. Prolonged field care training and strong patient data are crucial to address the challenges of evacuating wounded soldiers and providing specialized surgical care.

For birds, blending in may result in more diversity

A study reveals that birds in multispecies flocks from Southeast Asia converge on similar appearances, blurring species distinctions. This phenomenon may contribute to diversity by allowing birds to adapt and evolve distinct traits within a species.

Iron is an important regulator of neurodifferentiation

This study found that iron deficiency impairs neural differentiation, leading to reduced Pax6- and Sox2-positive neuronal precursor cells and Tuj1 fibers. Iron supplementation restores normal differentiation, suggesting ferrodifferentiation as a new therapeutic approach for neurological diseases.

Researchers design battery prototype with fiber-shaped cathode

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a zinc-ion battery prototype with a fiber-shaped cathode, which can power a wrist watch. The team used graphene oxide and manganese dioxide materials to create a yarn-shaped battery that is strong, flexible, and electrically conductive.

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.

Characterizing the contaminated couriers of omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants

New research found that temperature and original viral concentration affect the persistence of Omicron variants on shipping materials. The study reveals that lower temperatures and higher viral concentrations increase stability, while room temperature poses a risk. Safety protocols for shipping goods can be improved with this knowledge.

Vaccine printer could help vaccines reach more people

Researchers at MIT have created a vaccine printer that can produce hundreds of vaccine doses in a day, using microneedle patches that can be stored long-term at room temperature. The printer can be deployed anywhere vaccines are needed, providing on-demand vaccine production.

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.

New tool for genetics and cultivating high-quality rice

A custom SNP array containing over 56,606 genetic markers has been created to help breeders select high-quality rice varieties. The Rice3K56 chip demonstrated impressive accuracy in identifying relevant genome and provided more genetic variability information than other previously developed arrays.

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.

Metabolism: not the limiting factor in prokaryotic endosymbiosis

Research team used genome models to test viability, persistence, and evolvability of prokaryote endosymbioses, finding that more than half were viable but often less fit and adaptable than their ancestors. The study suggests metabolic network compatibility is unlikely the limiting factor in prokaryotic endosymbiosis.

Webb reveals early-universe prequel to huge galaxy cluster

Astronomers have confirmed a protocluster of seven galaxies at a distance of 650 million years after the Big Bang, which will grow into a massive galaxy cluster resembling the Coma Cluster. The James Webb Space Telescope's spectrographic data revealed high velocities and dark matter halo characteristics.

Debunking false beliefs requires tackling belief systems

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers found that biased prior beliefs played a significant role in how people from both political parties updated their fraud beliefs after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The study used a probability-based computational model to analyze survey data and found that Democrats and Republicans te...

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.

Future doctors and nurses feel unprepared for disasters

A University of Gothenburg study found that future doctors and nurses in Sweden consider their disaster medicine knowledge inadequate. Students who have been conscripts or have experience in rescue services scored higher on a self-assessment questionnaire, suggesting 40 hours of education is reasonably adequate.

Mudskippers could be key to understanding evolution of blinking

A team of researchers studied mudskippers to understand the evolution of blinking, a crucial behavior for eye health and communication. They found that blinking emerged as an adaptation to life on land, with three main functions: wetting, cleaning, and protecting the eye.

120-year-old storm’s secrets key to understanding weather risks

Researchers have recovered old weather records from the 1903 Storm Ulysses, revealing it was one of the strongest storms in British history. The digital data analysis shows that similar storms would be rare today, highlighting the risks and potential damage they could cause.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hidden RNA repair mechanism discovered in humans

Researchers have identified a new human RNA ligase protein that plays a protective role against cellular stress and oxidative damage. The enzyme, C12orf29, links the ends of RNA strands in three characteristic steps and protects cells from menadione-induced oxidative stress.

Better superconductors with palladium

Researchers have found a material, palladium, that is optimally suited for creating superconductors with high transition temperatures. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize electricity generation and transportation by enabling materials to conduct electricity without loss at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Maternal and early-life high-fat diets result in a taste for salty food

A study published in Scientific Reports found that rats exposed to high-fat diets during pregnancy and early life developed a preference for salty taste. This preference was linked to increased levels of AT1 protein in the taste buds, which can lead to higher sodium intake and potentially contribute to obesity and diet-linked diseases.

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.

Portable electrochemical sensor designed for lead ion detection

A portable electrochemical sensor has been developed for lead ion detection using cobalt-doped Prussian blue combined with MXene material. The sensor exhibits a linear detection range of 1-200 nM, ultra-low detection limit of 0.97 nM and high accuracy in detecting lead ions in different water samples.

Fear not the deadlines, new research finds

Researchers found high sympathetic activation while working, regardless of deadlines, but factors like smartphone use and reading/writing can exacerbate this. The study revealed that researchers instinctively adjust break frequency to regulate stress, providing fresh insights into their behaviors.

No need to load up on extracurricular activities, study finds

Researchers at Ohio State University found that students who participated in one school sport and one other non-sport extracurricular activity were more likely to attend college and attend more selective colleges. Participating in two or more extracurricular activities gave no advantage over taking part in just one.

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Landmark Malawi trial boosts iron levels in pregnant women

A landmark Malawian trial has found a single iron infusion can significantly reduce iron deficiency in pregnant women, compared to daily tablets. The treatment, Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), reduced iron deficiency by around 60% and showed promise for addressing anaemia in resource-poor nations.

Creating universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for japonica rice

A team of researchers from China created universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for 10 Japonica rice cultivars using machine learning methods. The study found that parameters a and b vary with cultivar, year, site, and N fertilizer quantity and ratio. Three universal N C curves were obtained using different approaches, which accur...

Long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services utilization

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on healthcare services utilization in mainland China, with a 32% reduction in hospital visits and a negative impact on bed utilization rates two years later. Regional differences were observed, highlighting the need for targeted primary healthcare services and resilient health systems.

Researchers conduct whale fall studies in the South China Sea

A team of researchers conducted simulated whale fall experiments using cow carcasses in the South China Sea, revealing a strong dissimilarity between whale fall communities at different ocean depths. The study highlights the importance of whale falls as unique biodiversity hotspots for sustaining deep-sea life.