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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 7 of 37

Chemists tackle the tough challenge of recycling mixed plastics

Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new chemical strategy to deliver universal dynamic crosslinkers into mixed plastic streams, transforming them into viable new polymers that can be turned into higher-value materials. The method makes post-consumer plastics usable as a new kind of material with useful properties.

Diverse landscapes help insects cope with heat stress

A new study reveals that diverse landscapes and microhabitats play a crucial role in helping insects cope with heat stress caused by global warming. Insects that inhabit diverse environments exhibit different strategies to conserve energy, such as reducing activity or seeking shelter in cooler areas.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

BCG vaccine does not protect against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

A world-leading international trial has found that the BCG vaccine does not protect healthcare workers against COVID-19, despite boosting 'front-line' immunity in infants and protecting against respiratory infections. The research involved 3988 healthcare workers and showed a higher risk of symptomatic COVID-19 in the BCG group.

How evolution has influenced the shape of the brain

A MedUni Vienna study examining the connection between brain structure and function found that brain shape evolved parallel to its capabilities. The research analyzed 90 species of Euarchontoglires, revealing clusters of growth patterns linked to cognitive abilities.

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.

First ever sturgeon to be found in Africa

A fossil of a 'royal fish', estimated to be over 66 million years old, was discovered in Morocco, marking the first time a sturgeon has been found in Africa. This finding suggests that sturgeons may have been more widespread than previously thought, complicating models of their origin.

Inhaled ethanol may treat respiratory infections and stop pandemics

A new study found that inhaling low concentrations of ethanol vapor can inactivate the influenza A virus in mice without harmful side effects. The researchers believe this method could also treat similar viruses like Covid-19 and potentially stop pandemics. However, further evaluation is needed to ensure its efficacy and safety on humans.

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.

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.

Creating a tsunami early warning system using artificial intelligence

Researchers developed an AI-based early warning system that combines acoustic technology with artificial intelligence to classify earthquakes and determine potential tsunami risk. The system uses underwater microphones to measure acoustic radiation, which travels faster than tsunami waves and carries information about the tectonic event.

Study links nutrients, brain structure, cognition in healthy aging

A new study by University of Illinois researchers found associations between dozens of features that promote brain and cognitive health in older adults. The analysis combined data on nutrient intake, brain structure, and cognitive function, revealing clusters of traits that work together to support healthy aging.

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.

Near-universal T cell immunity towards a broad range of bacteria

A recent study has discovered a shared protein sequence among bacterial pathogens, recognized by human T cells in a conserved manner. This finding suggests that T cells may provide broad antibacterial immunity against a range of diseases, potentially informing the development of more effective vaccines.

Pesticides and neurodevelopment disorders

Exposure to pyrethroid pesticide deltamethrin during pregnancy and lactation causes reduced cognition, increased repetitive behaviors, and altered dopamine levels in mice offspring. These findings suggest that exposure to pyrethroid pesticides may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans.

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.

Pet rabbits need freedom to exercise, study finds

A new study finds that pet rabbits require daily freedom to exercise outside their home enclosure, even in larger hutches with access to an exercise area. The research highlights the importance of allowing pairs of rabbits to move freely throughout the day.

Ocean ecosystem: Mixotrophic microorganisms play key role

A team of researchers identified UBA868 as a significant player in the biogeochemical cycle of the deep ocean, regulating energy balance and fixing carbon dioxide. This finding challenges previous assumptions about the role of microorganisms in the marine ecosystem.

Investment in education in shrinking cities

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that social and educational indicators have a stronger impact on population decline rates than economic indicators. Increasing investment in education for children can help lower population decline rates, suggesting a potential solution to Japan's shrinking city problem.

Improving bloodstain pattern analysis with fluid dynamics

Researchers used fluid dynamics to model blood drop behavior during secondary atomization, finding smaller droplets are easier to sweep up by firearm gases. This discovery could explain how short-range shooters remain clean from blood stains.

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.

Autistic children exhibit aggression more frequently, study shows

Researchers found that autistic children exhibit higher levels of verbal aggression and disruptive behavioral intensity across three critical developmental periods. Autistic children also show more physical aggression in early childhood, but this gap closes as they age.

Enzymes from bacteria and fungi break down plastic

Researchers have developed enzymes that can efficiently break down plastic, reducing its environmental impact. However, over-reliance on these technologies may not address the root issue of excessive plastic production.

Treating polluted water with nanofiber membranes

Researchers in China developed a method to increase the efficacy of membrane separation technology using nanofibrous membranes with silver nanoparticles. The technology is up to 99% effective at separating oil from water, promoting a stable hydration layer that impedes oil droplets and enhances antibacterial properties.

Trends in buprenorphine initiation and retention

Monthly buprenorphine initiation rates in the US rose from January 2016 to October 2022, then plateaued prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests factors beyond the pandemic contributed to this trend.

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.

Using artificial intelligence to create a tsunami early warning system

A team at Cardiff University developed an AI-powered tsunami early warning system that uses real-time classification of underwater earthquakes to detect tsunamis more reliably and earlier. The system enables faster evacuation by identifying the size and scale of tsunamis through acoustic-gravity waves, reducing false alarms.

Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

Quantum sensing in your pocket

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have demonstrated a new chip-scale approach using OLEDs to image magnetic fields, offering a potential solution for portable quantum sensing. This technique enables small, flexible, and mass-producible sensing without requiring input from a laser or cryogenic temperatures.

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.

Climate change is already impacting stream flows across the US

Research by DRI researchers found that increased winter temperatures are driving more extreme variations in stream flow across the US. This is impacting floods, droughts, and ecosystems. The study examines over 500 watersheds and finds that snow-dominated watersheds are receiving more precipitation as rain than historically.

Age and sex influence health benefits of dieting, study suggests

A recent study found that males on reduced calorie diets showed greater fat loss and improvements in blood sugar levels compared to females in young adulthood. However, when dieting began at older ages, there was no significant difference in fat loss between sexes.

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.

Cancer cells may sense immune surveillance and actively adapt

Researchers propose a new theory on how cancer cells actively adapt to evade the immune system, losing and gaining tumor-associated antigens. This adaptation makes it difficult for immunotherapies to target cancer cells effectively, but may also create new vulnerabilities that can be therapeutically targeted.

Say ‘ahhh’: This ecofriendly tongue depressor checks vitals

Researchers developed an ecofriendly disposable sensor that can check levels of glucose and other biomarkers in saliva using a wooden tongue depressor. The device uses low-power diode lasers to create conductive electrodes, making it cheaper and easier to produce on-site at medical facilities.

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.

How do you define shyness? A new study analyzes shyness in children

A new study by researchers at McMaster University examined a child's behavioral, affective, and physiological responses to a speech task. The findings showed that approximately 10% of children may be characterized as temperamentally shy, while 25% may experience shyness as an emotional state in some situations.

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 to land on a planet safely

Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.

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.