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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 12 of 37

International team of physicists explore microscopic filament behavior

An international team of physicists creates a material with ultra-low density by controlling the three-dimensional shape of rigid microscopic filaments. The study shows that shape can be used to create materials with novel properties, such as glass-like behavior even in high water content suspensions.

Scientists discover three new hydrothermal vent fields on Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A multidisciplinary team discovers three new active hydrothermal vent fields over a 434-mile stretch of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, revealing rich biological communities and vast marine life. The discovery highlights the need for more research to understand the effects of deep-sea mining on these unique ecosystems.

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.

FSU researchers develop new test for detecting cancer biomarkers

A team of FSU chemists has developed a new test for detecting biological markers related to several types of cancer. The sensing platform uses gold nanoparticles and peptides labeled with a dye, emitting light when the enzyme MMP-14 is present, allowing researchers to generate data on cancer marker levels

Too much insulin can be as dangerous as too little

A new study has identified a metabolic enzyme called FBP1 that acts as a safety valve to prevent insulin shock. Researchers found that FBP1 inhibits protein kinase AKT, which is the primary conduit of insulin activity, and developed a peptide derived from FBP1 that can reverse insulin resistance and restore normal glycemic control.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Neighborhood disadvantage and breast cancer–specific survival

A study of 5,000 patients with breast cancer found that women from disadvantaged neighborhoods had shorter breast cancer-specific survival rates compared to those from advantaged areas. The findings suggest potential unaccounted mechanisms, including social determinants of health and access to care.

What makes someone likely to be a first-gen college grad? Money

A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.

The right sports bra may increase your running performance by 7%

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that greater breast support during running is associated with increased knee joint stiffness, altering the lower body biomechanics of female runners. High support sports bras can improve running performance by up to 7% for women.

Nanowire networks learn and remember like a human brain

Researchers at University of Sydney demonstrated nanowire networks can exhibit short- and long-term memory, mirroring human brain function. The network outperformed in tasks requiring recognition and recall, showcasing its potential to enhance robotics and sensor devices.

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.

How and when do athletes seek mental health support?

A review aims to consolidate existing knowledge on athletes' help-seeking for mental health, highlighting the need to understand their attitudes and experiences with services. Athletes face challenges in accessing support, with lower rates of help-seeking compared to the general population.

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.

Using solar farms to generate fresh desert soil crust

ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.

Researchers reveal early results in sky-brightness measurements in Antarctica

The researchers used the Near-Infrared Sky Brightness Monitor (NISBM) to collect data on sky brightness in Antarctica. The results show that the background intensity of the sky is not influenced by the Sun at a specific inflection point, and the NISBM detected significantly lower brightness in the Ks band compared to other locations.

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.

Polar ice sheet melting records have toppled during the past decade

The seven worst years for polar ice sheet melting and losing ice have occurred during the past decade, with 2019 being the worst year on record. Global heating is driving up sea levels and coastal flooding around the world, with melting ice sheets accounting for a quarter of all sea level rise.

From pathogens to fads: Interacting contagions

A workshop at the Santa Fe Institute explores the complex interplay of contagions, including infectious diseases, social phenomena, and online behavior. Researchers aim to develop new tools to study interactions between different types of contagion.

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.

IU cancer researchers identify new target for breast cancer therapy

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified a new target for breast cancer treatment, the gene TONSL, which can make breast cells proliferate indefinitely. The study found that TONSL is amplified in about 20% of breast cancers and more than 30% of metastatic breast cancers.

Surgery most effective treatment of metabolic liver disease

A new study published in The Lancet shows that metabolic surgery is more effective than medications and lifestyle interventions in treating advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The trial compared three active treatments and found that surgery reversed inflammation and improved liver fibrosis, leading to better overall health ben...

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Making better measurements of the composition of galaxies

Astronomers have developed a more accurate method to measure the composition of galaxies using data from telescopes on Earth and in space. By correcting for temperature fluctuations, researchers found that the result from collisionally excited infrared lines is still 50% less than that from recombination line method.

Wearable patch can painlessly deliver drugs through the skin

Researchers create patch that uses ultrasound to deliver drugs directly to the site of need, reducing systemic toxicity and improving local drug delivery. The device shows promise for treating a range of skin conditions and could also be adapted for hormone delivery and cancer treatment.

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.

Chicken breeding in Japan dates back to fourth century BCE

Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.

Children’s language development doesn’t just happen through words

Research by Professor Mila Vulchanova reveals associations between language development and cognitive skills in children. Non-verbal tests show that severity of language difficulties can be predicted based on cognitive markers, supporting the importance of measuring both verbal and non-verbal skills.

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.

Jefferson Lab stays gold by staying green

Jefferson Lab achieves gold-level GreenBuy Award for fiscal year 2022, attaining superior recognition for its sixth consecutive year. The lab prioritizes environmental sustainability through initiatives such as electric vehicle charging stations and reusable water fountains.

Sugar rush: scientists discover key role of glucose in brain activity

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons consume and metabolize glucose, a process crucial for maintaining normal energy levels. The study found that neurons rely on glycolysis to break down glucose, and its disruption can lead to severe learning and memory problems in mice.

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.

Separating mining explosions from earthquakes in South Korea

A recent study identified over 182,000 small seismic events in South Korea, with 135,000 related to mining explosions. The researchers used machine learning techniques to analyze data from 421 seismic stations and found distinct patterns that allowed them to distinguish between microseismic events and earthquakes.

Researchers reveal a map to study novel form of cell-to-cell communication

A team of researchers has created a new map of candidate extracellular RNA binding proteins and their associated RNAs in various bodily fluids. This resource was developed using computational analyses and validated experimentally, providing a foundation for understanding exRNA biology and its potential use in liquid biopsies.

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.

Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies

A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.

Defying gravity

Researchers from University of Warsaw and Utrecht University observed the Brazil nut effect in a mixture of charged colloidal particles without external energy. The phenomenon involves heavier particles rising to the top due to repulsion forces, with potential applications in geology, soft matter physics, and industry.

FAU gets $6 million to increase mental health counselors in Florida schools

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) WAVES program aims to address the shortage of mental health service providers in high-need schools. With a five-year, $6 million grant from the US Department of Education, FAU will train 119 school counselors to reduce barriers to degree completion and improve student outcomes.

Protecting the vision of premature babies

Researchers have found a new target and drug combination that appears to stop the destruction of vision in premature newborns. By blocking ACAT1, an enzyme that converts cholesterol into smaller pieces, scientists can prevent the formation of leaky blood vessels and inflammation in the retina.

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.

Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

A study published in Communications Biology suggests that gut bacteria's digestion of fucose sugar may be behind weaker immune responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Individuals with lower T-cell responses had higher expression of genes FOS and ATF3, which are part of a larger group controlling T-cell survival and activity.

Study finds new pathway for clearing misfolded proteins

A new study at Stanford University found a previously unknown cellular pathway for clearing misfolded proteins from the nucleus. This pathway could be a target for therapies of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Cells use this pathway to manage misfolded proteins in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.