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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 14 of 37

Is Deep Learning a necessary ingredient for Artificial Intelligence?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have discovered that efficient learning on artificial shallow architectures can achieve the same classification success rates as deep learning architectures, but with less computational complexity. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of unique hardware and advanced GPU t...

USTC realizes light-driven programmable colloidal self-assembly

The USTC team has successfully developed a light-driven, programmable system for colloidal self-assembly. Through the cooperative reorganization of nanomotors, they can transport and reconfigure colloidal assemblies in various ways. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing micromachines and smart materials.

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.

Even worms get the munchies

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that worms become even more attracted to high-quality food when exposed to anandamide, a molecule in marijuana. This phenomenon is similar to human 'hedonic feeding' behavior, where people crave certain foods after consuming cannabis.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When an earthquake strikes, how do Mexico city hospitals respond?

Research shows that Mexico City hospitals follow well-established earthquake early warning (EEW) protocols, which have significantly reduced the risk of injuries to staff and patients. The protocols include protective actions such as evacuation procedures, drop-cover-hold, and turning off equipment, with reinforced drills helping to pr...

Research team publishes review study of interfacial solar evaporation systems

The research team offers five recommendations for enhancing practical solar evaporation performance: introducing new energy sources, exploring novel photothermal materials, and designing innovative evaporators. They also emphasize the importance of large-scale ISE systems for practical applications like seawater desalination.

Diatoms provide an attractive habitat for bacteria

A new study reveals that different species of bacteria colonize specific areas on diatoms, reflecting their metabolic properties. The findings provide insight into the complex interactions between algae and bacteria in marine environments.

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.

X-file cracked: mini-key determines DNA shape

Researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute discovered a molecular key that locks cohesin rings, determining DNA shape and chromosome structure. This finding has broader implications for cell behavior, suggesting a universal mechanism for controlling DNA.

Good news for patients waiting for stoma reversal surgery

A recent study led by Dr Rachael Rigby from Lancaster University found that delays in stoma reversal surgery do not impact on risk of complications or commensal microflora loss, atrophy, or scarring. However, a higher degree of microflora loss is associated with an increased risk of complications.

How bee-friendly is the forest?

Researchers found that honeybees use forests less than expected, with colonies traveling long distances to find food due to limited tree species diversity. A more diverse forest with insect-pollinated trees and shrubs can provide a balanced food supply throughout the season.

Hungry eyes: Spiders lose vision when they're starving

Biologists found that underfed jumping spiders lose photoreceptors, key to their vision. The study suggests nutrition affects retinal and neuronal health, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating macular degeneration.

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.

Study gives insight into cause of severe inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified a genetic variant associated with increased risk of developing perianal Crohn's disease, a debilitating manifestation of Crohn's disease. The study highlights the importance of targeting the alternative complement pathway and Complement Factor B (CFB) in treating this condition.

New lung immuno-oncology therapeutic strategy identified

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a new therapeutic approach to treating non-small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting immune system molecule TREM2 and enhancing natural killer cells. The strategy, which involves blocking TREM2 activity using an antibody, has been shown to significantly reduce lung tumor growth in mice.

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.

Reinforcement learning: From board games to protein design

Researchers successfully applied reinforcement learning to protein design, creating proteins with improved antibody generation and accurate nano-structures. The approach may lead to more potent vaccines and novel applications in regenerative medicine.

Ultra-miniaturized non-classical light sources for quantum devices

The researchers developed a method to create ultracompact photonic crystal cavities that can generate entangled photons. The discovery is crucial for the development of quantum computing and sensing applications. By controlling the cavity's properties, they can efficiently convert pump power into coherent light.

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.

African penguins: climate refugees from a distant past?

The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.

Researchers introduce blue light to nanoscale microscopy

Brown University researchers have developed a new microscopy technique using blue light to measure electrons in nanoscale materials. This breakthrough overcomes a longstanding problem, allowing for more efficient semiconductors and electronics.

‘Antibiotic culture’ permeates US hospital ICUs

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found a significant 'antibiotic culture' in US hospital ICUs, with up to 70% of patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics. The preference for antibiotics is driven by urgency, hierarchy, and uncertainty, leading to increased use despite antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

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.

Neuroscientists identify cells especially vulnerable to Alzheimer’s

Researchers have identified a subset of neurons in the mammillary body that are most susceptible to neurodegeneration and hyperactivity in Alzheimer's disease. These findings suggest that this region may contribute to early symptoms of the disease, making it a potential target for new drugs.

Study finds equitable heart failure care, but challenges remain

A new study found that quality of heart failure care is equitable for 11 of 14 evidence-based clinical care measures, with no disparities in care between Black and white patients. However, the study highlights areas for improvement, including gaps in care quality and social determinants of health.

A second chance for a healthy heart

Using mice, researchers successfully converted scar tissue back into functioning cardiac muscle using RNAs and exosomes, offering new hope for reversing heart attack damage. The study also sheds light on the aging process's impact on cellular reprogramming.

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.

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.

Brain games reveal clues on how the mind works

Researchers developed a new framework for modeling task-switching, mimicking human behavior. The framework revealed two regions of the model's 'brain' doing each task, explaining the switch cost and potential benefits of splitting tasks.

New USGS-FEMA report updates economic risk from earthquakes

A new report by the USGS and FEMA estimates that earthquakes cost the nation an average of $14.7 billion annually in building damage and associated losses. The report's updated estimate is twice the previous annual figure due to increased building value and improved hazards analysis.

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.

Study shows human tendency to help others is universal

A new study found that people of diverse cultures, including those from England, Italy, Poland, and Russia, tend to help others in everyday life. The researchers analyzed video recordings of social interactions in 350 individuals from eight languages and cultures and found that the human tendency to help others is a universal principle.

Grambank shows the diversity of the world's languages

The Grambank database provides an unprecedented level of detail on language structure, showcasing the diversity of human languages. Researchers found that languages exhibit greater similarity to their common ancestors than those they are in contact with, highlighting the importance of genealogical constraints on linguistic diversity.

Study explores prosocial behavior within, between religious groups

A study involving over 4,700 people from diverse ethnoreligious populations found that participants showed increased generosity when prompted to think about God. The researchers discovered that belief in God may promote positive intergroup relations and cooperation across religious divides.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Human rights a thing of the past? Google says: No

Researchers analyzed Google Trends data to understand interest in human rights globally, finding steady demand across the globe. Key findings suggest that people in countries like Uganda and Guatemala frequently search for information on human rights, with relative rates surpassing those of other important concepts like malaria.

Older adults may achieve same cognition as undergrads

A recent study found that learning multiple new tasks improves cognition in older adults, with scores increasing by two to three times. The study, which had six and 27 participants aged 66 and 69, showed that cognitive abilities continued to grow over time, reaching levels similar to those of undergraduates.

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.

Stab-resistant fabric gains strength from carbon nanotubes, polyacrylate

Researchers have developed a new composite fabric that combines conventional aramid with carbon nanotubes and polyacrylate to create puncture-resistant materials. The new material outperforms existing fabrics in simulated stabbing tests and could be useful in military and civilian applications.

Drinking alcohol while breastfeeding impacts health of newborns

A UC Riverside study found that breastfed infants exposed to alcohol through their mother's milk experience reduced body and brain weights, as well as decreased cortical lengths. The research suggests sex-specific differences in the effects of lactational ethanol exposure on infant development.

Study finds extreme mortality rate in Central African Republic

A nationwide survey in the Central African Republic found a severe health emergency with a 5.6% mortality rate, four times higher than UN estimates, and widespread malnutrition, food insecurity, and violence, with 82.3% of households reporting adults ate ≤1 meals per day

Cognitive function in people with familial risk of depression

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that individuals with a family history of depression exhibit reduced cognitive abilities. The research highlights the potential impact of genetic and environmental factors on brain development and aging, as well as modifiable lifestyle factors.

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.