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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 31 of 37

How much cadmium is contained in cocoa beans?

A team of researchers has developed a highly sensitive imaging method to detect heavy metals like cadmium in cocoa beans. The study found that cadmium accumulates primarily in the outer shell of the bean and can be reduced through improved processing steps, which could minimize exposure.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

tRNA biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis enabled by new method

Researchers have developed a new method called Nano-tRNAseq to measure both the abundance and modification of tRNA molecules in a single step. This technology has significant advantages over conventional techniques, offering rapid, cost-effective, and high-throughput analysis with single-molecule resolution.

Study reveals the 3D structure of a protein involved in genome editing

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the 3D structure of TnpB, a protein involved in genome editing and a probable precursor to the CRISPR-Cas12 enzyme. The study reveals how TnpB recognizes and cuts DNA using a unique pseudoknot shape similar to that found in guide RNAs of Cas12 enzymes.

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.

Molecular biology: DNA packaging supports cell division

Researchers have discovered that a characteristic nucleosome structure is essential for replication initiation at certain genome locations. This regular chromatin arrangement allows the replication machinery to access the DNA, enabling cells to divide correctly.

Pancreatic lesions may occur more frequently than previously thought

Researchers analyzed 30 healthy pancreata from diverse donors and found PanIN lesions in 18 cases, which had distinct microenvironments compared to normal pancreatic tissue. The study suggests that PanINs may already possess features of malignant cells and challenges the long-held assumption that they always progress to cancer.

New study reveals design clues for silver-based superatomic molecules

Researchers from Japan have synthesized two di-superatomic molecules composed of Ag and evaluated the factors involved in their formation. The study found that a twist between the two icosahedral structures stabilizes the nanocluster by shortening the distance between them. Additionally, the presence of Pd and Pt central atoms was foun...

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.

Archaeology: Evidence of drug use during Bronze Age ceremonies

Researchers found evidence of ancient drug use in Europe using human hair analysis, revealing the presence of scopolamine, ephedrine and atropine in Bronze Age containers from Menorca. The substances may have been derived from nightshade plants used in shamanic rituals.

Defects can be good and help combat climate change

A novel Cu-based catalyst with improved catalytic performance for CO2 reduction has been developed by leveraging strong metal-support interactions and defect sites cooperativity. The DFNS/TiO2-Cu catalyst showed excellent activity and stability, outperforming other copper-based thermal catalysts.

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.

Blind dating in bacteria evolution

Researchers used ancestral sequence reconstruction to study protein interactions in cyanobacteria, finding that they can evolve independently of direct selection pressure. The discovery challenges classical evolutionary theory and suggests that fortuitous compatibility may be the basis for a significant fraction of cellular interactions.

Forest futures

A new study predicts US forests may lose significant carbon storage due to climate change, compromising their role as a climate solution. The researchers used multi-perspective modeling approaches to forecast changes in aboveground carbon storage in different regions.

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.

Hyenas die also in road accidents

A long-term study reveals that the risk of fatal collisions between vehicles and spotted hyenas in the Serengeti is influenced by road characteristics and the annual migration of large ungulate herds. Adult females are most frequently run over, likely due to their regular travel distances between dens and migrating prey herds.

Twinkling stars fuel interstellar dust

Research reveals connection between star brightness and dust concentrations, paving way for study of dust's role in planetary formation. The University of Tokyo's latest findings may help unravel the secrets of life's creation.

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.

Shedding light on mechanisms of electrochemical energy storage

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new method that combines UV-visible spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry to track ion movement in batteries and supercapacitors. This breakthrough could lead to the design of higher performing energy storage devices.

Implant treats dangerously low blood pressure in people with spinal cord injury

Researchers developed an implant that delivers electrical stimulation to specific spinal neurons to treat dangerously low blood pressure in people with spinal cord injuries. The treatment, called the neuroprosthetic baroreflex, has shown promise in clinical trials and could be used in hospitals and at home to monitor blood pressure.

Editorial: Share SARS-CoV-2 data immediately

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to share data on the origins of SARS-CoV-2 immediately. Scientists argue that early data from China could help prevent future pandemics by providing insights into the virus's transmission and potential animal sources.

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.

New test could help identify type 2 diabetes risk

Researchers used DNA methylation data alongside traditional risk factors to improve prediction accuracy for type 2 diabetes. The study, involving over 14,600 participants, found that the new approach correctly predicted an extra 449 individuals, leading to potential preventative measures and reduced health burden.

A hidden viral world within us: What is the impact on our health?

Researchers discovered multiple virus types persisting within organs such as kidneys and brain, challenging our understanding of the human microbiome. The findings suggest viruses may contribute to chronic diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders, while also playing a role in immune system regulation.

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.

UNLV, SNWA study makes case for Candida auris wastewater surveillance

Researchers in Southern Nevada have detected Candida auris genetic material in untreated sewage samples from seven wastewater treatment facilities. The fungus was also found in nearly 80% of untreated sewage samples, indicating its spread in the region. Wastewater surveillance may provide an early warning system for public health actio...

Omicron appears more deadly than seasonal influenza, study suggests

Adults hospitalized with Omicron had a higher death rate than those with seasonal influenza, even though Omicron is considered less virulent. The study found patients hospitalized with Omicron were older and had more underlying illnesses, which may contribute to the higher mortality rate.

Respiratory virus plagues SA but new vaccine for pregnant moms saves babies

The MATISSE study found that administering the Pfizer Bivalent Prefusion F Vaccine in pregnancy reduces severe RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection by 82% in infants aged six months old. This vaccine is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of RSV illness is highest.

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.

Fully recyclable printed electronics ditch toxic chemicals for water

Researchers at Duke University have produced the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics that replace hazardous chemicals with water in the fabrication process. The demonstration points to a path towards reducing environmental footprint and human health risks in the electronics industry.

Gene scissors find target for testicular cancer therapy

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn used CRISPR gene scissors to identify NAE1 as a driver of cisplatin resistance in testicular cancer. Inhibiting this protein with MLN4924 restores cisplatin's effectiveness and has an additional killing effect on tumor cells, offering new treatment options.

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.

Obstructive sleep apnea may directly cause early cognitive decline

Researchers found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can cause premature cognitive decline in middle-aged men, including poorer executive functioning and social cognition. The study suggests that OSA itself is sufficient to cause these deficits, rather than being solely attributed to co-morbidities.

Disparities identified among patients receiving advanced pulmonary support

A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society has identified disparities in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment for severe respiratory illness. Men and those with private health insurance are more likely to receive ECMO, while women and Medicaid recipients are less likely.

Gender and energy key to sustainable development goals

Research highlights gaps in knowledge about the relationship between gender and energy, limiting policymakers' actions and exacerbating inequality. Women's access to finance, education, and household bargaining power can increase adoption of efficient cooking technologies and cleaner fuels.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How our brain makes new decisions

Researchers discovered how our brain makes new decisions by applying stored knowledge to novel situations. The study found that individuals use both spatial and temporal relationships learned from past experiences to inform their choices.

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.

Simple but revolutionary modular organoids

Scientists at RIKEN have developed a new technique for creating complex 3D organoids using a cube-like structure made of hydrogels. This innovation enables researchers to control the environment around cells, allowing for the creation of tissues with faithful reproduction of asymmetric genetic expression. The technology has the potenti...

Model simulates variable flap stiffness for the best lift

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has developed a bio-inspired model that simulates variable stiffness flaps on an airfoil to improve lift. The study used reinforcement learning to optimize the stiffness levels, resulting in significant improvements compared to traditional single-stiffness models.

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 to overcome noise in quantum computations

Researchers have derived a formula predicting the effects of environmental noise on quantum computing. By incorporating redundancy in quantum messages, scientists can now quantify how much redundancy is needed to protect against dephasing noise.

Optimizing sepsis treatment timing with a machine learning model

A new machine learning model estimates optimal treatment timing for sepsis, taking into account vital signs and lab test results to predict patient survival. The model was trained on a dataset of over 14,000 individuals with sepsis and showed improved outcomes when actual treatment matched the recommended timeline.

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.