Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2023


Page 37 of 37

Moderate exercise safe for people with muscle pain from statins

Researchers found that statin users can engage in moderate-intensity exercise without exacerbating muscle injury or symptoms. The study's findings are reassuring for people experiencing muscle pain or fatigue from statins and provide important guidance for maintaining physical activity and heart health.

Molecules precursors to life discovered in the Perseus Cloud

Scientists have detected various prebiotic molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and fullerenes, in the Perseus Molecular Cloud. The presence of these molecules near forming planets could contribute to the formation of complex organic molecules, potentially supplying ancient micro-organisms with the genetic code.

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.

Illegal trade and poor regulation threaten pangolins in China

A new study published in Nature Conservation found that pangolin scales are widely available in Chinese hospitals and pharmaceutical shops, despite a lack of effective regulation. The research reveals that 46% of surveyed hospitals and 34% of surveyed shops were selling pangolin scale products illegally.

Nasal vaccine to prevent COVID-19 passes first tests

A new live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered through the nose has shown better immunity than injected vaccines in hamster models, reducing transmissibility. The vaccine stimulates local immunity by activating antibody immunoglobulin A and memory T cells, providing early protection against COVID-19.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

RAPID imaging provides numerous opportunities with deep learning

Researchers developed a new reconstruction method for 3D imaging using integrated circuits, enabling non-destructive nanoscale imaging. The approach uses X-ray ptychographic tomography and deep learning to reduce acquisition time and improve fidelity, with potential applications in IC imaging, biology, and material science.

Satellites reveal hotspots of global river extent change

Researchers analyzed decades' worth of Landsat imagery to globally attribute recent river regime changes to morphological or hydrological signals. Global-scale prioritization guidance is provided for future river protection and restoration efforts under the UN 2030 Agenda.

Speedy and highly accurate prediction of flow phenomena

Researchers developed a high-speed prediction model combining physical simulations and machine learning, achieving high accuracy without compromising computation time. The technology uses correspondence between input physical conditions and abstract data space handled by machine learning algorithms.

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.

Understanding why BRCA2 is linked to cancer risk

A new study reveals the mechanism of BRCA2's DNA repair function, understanding its role in breast and ovarian cancer development. The findings also provide insights into developing targeted cancer therapies by inhibiting DNA repair mechanisms.

New research shows that bacteria get “hangry," too

Researchers discovered genetically identical bacterial cells have different functions, with some producing toxins. Nutrient-rich conditions reduce toxin levels and bad actor cells. This finding could lead to alternative antibiotic treatments for animals and humans.

Using artificial intelligence to design innovative materials

Max Planck scientists explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence in materials science, discussing how combining physics-based modeling with AI can unlock complex material designs. The research focuses on overcoming limitations of traditional methods and handling sparse, noisy data.

NC State researchers assemble pathogen ‘tree of life’

Researchers have developed an online tool, the 'Tree-Based Alignment Selector (T-BAS) toolkit', to identify and monitor plant pathogens, including Phytophthora species responsible for devastating plant diseases. The tool provides a living 'tree of life' with genetic sequence data, evolutionary history, and relationships within groups.

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.

Study reveals insights on pandemic-related drinking and mental health

A comprehensive study found that individuals who maintained their drinking habits during the pandemic had lower prevalence of mental health issues compared to those who abstained or experienced changes. The research also identified groups with stronger associations between alcohol consumption and mental health outcomes.

More U.S. prostate cancer patients choosing active surveillance

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that more US prostate cancer patients are choosing active surveillance, a preferred treatment option for low-risk cancers. The study also highlights disparities by race, ethnicity, income, and rurality in receiving active surveillance.

New research could spur broader use of 2D materials

Researchers have overcome a significant barrier to using 2D materials by designing covalent organic frameworks that retain their mechanical properties even when stacked into multiple layers. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including filtration and battery technology.

Remember me? Gender, race may make you forgettable

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out in memory, but also increases the likelihood of confusion when others share similar attributes. The findings suggest that biases in memory may contribute to discrimination and have significant implications for career adv...

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.

Higher lithium levels in drinking water may raise autism risk

Researchers have linked higher lithium levels in drinking water to a moderately higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in offspring. The study found that mothers living in urban areas had a slightly stronger association between lithium exposure and autism risk.

Ocean warming intensifies viral outbreaks within corals

A recent study found that ocean warming triggers dinoRNAV infections in coral colonies, intensified in unhealthy colonies. This is the first empirical evidence of reef-wide dynamics of viruses infecting coral symbionts during heat waves.

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.

Warming Arctic draws marine predators northwards

Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.

PANDORA test could pave the way for better oral cancer detection

Researchers developed a non-invasive diagnostic test called PANDORA that accurately identified patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and pre-cancerous conditions. The test, which measures dielectrophoresis in cells, shows over 92% accuracy in detecting oral cancer.

Strong ultralight material could aid energy storage, carbon capture

Researchers engineered a lightweight material by fine-tuning interlayer interactions in 2D polymers, retaining desirable mechanical properties even as a multilayer stack. The material's strong interlayer interaction is attributed to hydrogen bonding among special functional groups.

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.

How do we know if our brain is capable of repairing itself?

A new study from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience proposes a roadmap to solve the controversy surrounding the human brain's ability to regenerate. Researchers critically discussed and re-analyzed previously published single-cell transcriptomics datasets, revealing that markers used in mouse studies may not be suitable for hum...

Cold is beneficial for healthy aging

Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.

Tiny eye movements are under a surprising degree of cognitive control

Researchers discovered that ocular drifts, tiny jitters in the eyes, can be influenced by prior knowledge of expected visual targets, indicating a surprising level of cognitive control. This study adds to our understanding of how vision is controlled and directed by cognitive processes.

Smart watches could predict higher risk of heart failure

A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

Fast light pulse triggers charge transfer into water

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have observed a sudden change in pH value after a proton is released from pyranine molecules excited by light. The study used new technology to capture the process in real-time, revealing an oscillation that subsides over time and promotes excited-state proton transfer.

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.

Can investigators use household dust as a forensic tool?

A North Carolina State University-led study found that household dust can contain DNA from residents and non-occupants over 90% of the time. This could aid investigators in finding clues in difficult cases, particularly in establishing ancestry and physical characteristics.

Silk confirmed as a promising material for repair of injured nerves

Researchers used silk from silkworms and spiders to create nerve conduits that successfully repaired severed nerves in animal models. The study found that the porous walls of silkworm silk tubes allowed for nutrient exchange, while spider silk threads served as a guiding structure for regenerating tissue.

Team finds major storage capacity in water-based batteries

Texas A&M researchers have found a significant increase in energy storage capacity of water-based battery electrodes, paving the way for safer and more stable batteries. The discovery could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which are facing material shortages and price increases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length clarified

A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.

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.

Spike protein implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, Brazilian study finds

A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.

Forgive or forget: what happens when robots lie?

A study on robot deception found that participants were overly trusting of AI and required explicit admission of lying in apologies to repair trust. Apologies that did not admit to deception were more effective at repairing trust, suggesting a need for designers to understand the ramifications of their design choices.

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.

Smells influence metabolism and ageing in mice - research

Exposure to female odours causes weight loss and extends the life spans of mice, potentially influencing human metabolism and ageing. The study found that male mice exposed to female odours experienced increased energy expenditure and reduced body fat levels.

Simulating a secure future

A recent project at KAUST has reported multifunctional logic gates that offer users a range of hardware security advantages, including tamper protection and watermarking. The gates use spintronic devices called magnetic tunnel junctions, which can be easily switchable and obscure their layout, making them hard to reverse engineer.

UCC and Columbia University develop new method to improve climate policy

Researchers at UCC and Columbia University have developed a new machine learning approach called TrebuNet to accurately estimate future transport demands, which collectively account for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The new method achieves superior performance compared to traditional regression methods and neural networks, pr...

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Researchers designed a mechanism for peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grids

Researchers designed a mechanism for peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grids using a blockchain-based environment and an Arrow-d’Aspremont-Gerard-Varet (AGV) system to ensure security, efficiency, and transparency. The study found that the AGV mechanism is Bayesian incentive-compatible and budget-balanced under weak participation re...

Late HIV diagnosis still an issue in Aotearoa

A University of Otago study finds that 40% of people diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa were diagnosed late, highlighting the need for improved awareness and access to testing services. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and preventing transmission to sexual partners.

A printable multi-energy X-ray detector with high sensitivity

A printable multi-energy X-ray detector made from perovskite thin films has been developed with enhanced flexibility and sensitivity. The detector can operate in a broad energy range, from 0.1 KeV to tens of KeV, making it suitable for real-time detection and imaging applications such as disease diagnosis and explosives detection.

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.

Can AI be used to predict ocean waves?

A team of scientists has developed an AI model that can accurately predict ocean wave sizes, reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming numerical methods. The ConvLSTM model outperforms existing methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency, paving the way for real-time ocean forecasting.