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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Argonne’s self-driving lab accelerates the discovery process for materials with multiple applications

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a self-driving laboratory called Polybot, which automates electronic polymer research and frees scientists' time to work on tasks only humans can accomplish. The tool combines AI and robotics to streamline experimental processes and accelerate discovery.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 25, 2023

Top 100 fitspiration influencers: more talk than walk when it comes to body image

Researchers at the University of South Australia analyzed Instagram fitspiration accounts, finding nearly two-thirds published dubious fitness information. Hyper-sexualized content, objectification, or nudity was present in around a quarter of accounts, promoting unhealthy body shapes and driving body image issues.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeCase study·DateApr 25, 2023

Medium-sized black holes eat stars like messy toddlers

Astrophysicists have discovered that intermediate-mass black holes eat stars in a series of violent passages, ejecting the leftovers across the galaxy. The star's remains create a signature that might help astronomers pinpoint these elusive objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Bioengineering a better adeno-associated virus vector for gene therapy

Researchers have developed a bioengineered AAV3B capsid variant with improved transduction to human liver cells and reduced seroreactivity to human serum samples. The variant, AAV3B-V04, demonstrates enhanced hepatocyte tropism and immune evasion, making it a promising candidate for gene therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Connecting the brain’s hot zone

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that nitrous oxide, LSD, and ketamine induce similar changes in brain connectivity, particularly in the cortical 'hot zone' where conscious experience is determined. This common biology may hold the key to using psychedelics as therapeutics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Researchers 3D print a miniature vacuum pump

MIT researchers developed a miniature vacuum pump for portable mass spectrometers, overcoming design limitations of traditional pumps. The 3D-printed pump can create and maintain lower pressure vacuums, increasing the device's lifetime and enabling its use in remote locations and space exploration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 25, 2023

Research links common insecticide to neurodevelopmental disorders

A UToledo-led study found early exposure to pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and developmental disorders in mice. The researchers discovered behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, which are similar to symptoms seen in human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 25, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Reduced access to TAVR to treat aortic stenosis in Canada compared to the US may affect mortality risk, potentially threatening lives

A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

‘Smart’ tech is coming to a city near you

Smart city technologies track foot traffic, driving patterns, and air quality, raising concerns about community impact. Americans worry that smart city tech may contribute to racial disparities in policing and negatively affect low-income neighborhoods.

SourceDuke University·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Q & A with Shanna van Trigt, Vrije Universiteit author of “Autistic Traits and Self-Conscious Emotions in Early Childhood” Child Development

A new study finds that children with more autistic traits exhibit shame-like avoidance after transgressions, rather than less guilt and embarrassment, contradicting previous assumptions. This association is not fully explained by lower Theory of Mind abilities.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2023

Study: Treatment for opioid addiction lags despite policies designed to increase it

A new study finds that buprenorphine initiation rates and six-month retention rates remain flat despite policy changes aimed at increasing access to the medication. Only 22% of patients who started treatment kept refilling their prescriptions for at least six months, highlighting barriers to prescribing enough of the life-saving drug.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

New motion blur restoration approach for improved weed detection in crop fields

Researchers developed a new deep learning algorithm that restores motion-blurred images and improves crop and weed segmentation. The WRA-Net method outperformed other databases in terms of segmentation accuracy, making it a promising solution for efficient weed control.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biomarker pattern found in kids with COVID 19-linked inflammatory syndrome

A study funded by the NIH found that children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) have unique biochemical indicators of cell injury and death. The researchers developed a method to distinguish MIS-C from other conditions, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for these patients.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateApr 25, 2023

CO2 recycling: What is the role of the electrolyte?

Researchers have developed an electrolyte to improve the efficiency of CO2 conversion into useful hydrocarbons. The study found that controlling the concentration of the electrolyte is crucial in regulating product formation, with too much potassium leading to clogage and reduced selectivity.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Sizing them up! An algorithm to accurately quantify rapeseed silique morphology

Researchers developed an algorithm to accurately extract rapeseed silique morphology from 3D imaging data, achieving high accuracy in yield estimation and phenotyping. The new approach can differentiate between various branching patterns and has the potential to support global oilseed rape breeding operations.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

BSC develops pioneering artificial intelligence method to fight urban air pollution

The Barcelona Supercomputing Center's new AI method combines CALIOPE-Urban predictions with urban data to provide accurate air quality maps and predict pollution limit exceedances. The study identifies the Eixample district as the worst-affected area in Barcelona, highlighting the need for effective policies to improve air quality.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateApr 25, 2023

First ‘gene silencing’ drug for Alzheimer’s disease shows promise

A new genetic therapy, BIIB080, has been shown to safely lower levels of the harmful tau protein in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The trial found a greater than 50% reduction in tau protein concentrations after 24 weeks in treatment groups.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 25, 2023

Better social drinkers don’t earn more

A study of working men in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea found that alcohol-tolerant individuals do not earn more than their intolerant colleagues. Despite the cultural pressure to drink, better social drinkers did not experience a wage premium in terms of working hours or earnings.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHealth Economics·TypeSurvey·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Mysterious underwater acoustic world of British ponds revealed in new study

Researchers at the University of Bristol collected 840 hours of underwater sound recordings from five ponds in England, revealing clear daily acoustic activity cycles. The study provides insights into the health of freshwater ecosystems and the potential for assessing species presence without disturbing the environment.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFreshwater Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2023

$1.6 million grant awarded to develop open-source software toolkit

A team of researchers from University of Missouri and University of Nebraska-Omaha are working on a three-year, $1.6 million grant to make open-source software tools more accessible and understandable to a wider range of people and tech companies. The project aims to identify what OSS projects are good to invest in for commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateApr 25, 2023

Researchers capture first atomic-scale images depicting early stages of particle accelerator film formation

Scientists have captured the first atomic-scale images of tin on niobium during the growth process of next-generation particle accelerators, revealing potential for greater control over superconducting Nb3Sn films. The study aims to optimize fabrication of next-generation accelerator cavities and reduce cryogenic infrastructure costs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 25, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Luring the virus into a trap

Heidelberg researchers have identified key proteins that can prevent the formation of fusion pores, allowing viruses like influenza A and Ebola to be trapped in a lipid membrane. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for preventing infections with these highly infectious viruses.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Study identifies a new building block in the navigation system of fish; boundary vector cells in central telencephalon of goldfish enable unique encoding of position, documented here for the first time in the largest group of vertebrates

Researchers identified boundary vector cells in goldfish central telencephalon that encode spatial information for the first time in a vertebrate. These cells enable unique positioning and represent a significant discovery in understanding fish navigation systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Inclusive authorship reduces barriers to participation

A new framework for collaboration, developed by Elizabeth Borer and her NutNet colleagues, overcomes key barriers to meaningful contributions from all authors. The approach ensures substantive contributions by all co-authors, promoting a more inclusive authorship model.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateApr 25, 2023

New insight into dying cells in Parkinson's disease

Scientists found that dopamine-containing nerve cells from Parkinson's patients have poorer ability to form extensions, leading to severe dopamine deficiency. Researchers also discovered a medication that makes these cells better at forming nerve extensions.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Water pollution complaints decline during COVID 19 outbreak

A study by Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) analyzed water pollution complaints in Alabama and found a significant decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team used AI methodologies to examine sentiment changes and correlations with climatic extremes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Clean Water·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Higher rates of HIV diagnoses found amongst mental health service users

Research at King's College London found a higher prevalence of HIV diagnoses among people who use mental health services in South London. The study suggests that there is a complex relationship between HIV and mental illness, with potential risks for both acquiring HIV or developing mental illness.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Estimated 6.5 million Californians know someone at risk of harming themselves, others

A new study finds that an estimated 6.5 million Californians are concerned about a friend or family member who may harm themselves or others due to substance misuse, history of violence, or firearm access. The survey shows that 85% of respondents who knew someone at risk took actions to reduce the risk, but few addressed firearm access.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Mixing theory, observation to envision warmer world

Researchers combine theory and observation to understand damselfly responses to warming temperatures, discovering a more realistic predator-prey simulation model. This work provides groundwork for understanding how other species will adapt to a warmer world, particularly species like mosquitoes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Woodpecker guides post-fire forest management

A new online tool predicts the potential abundance of Black-backed Woodpeckers after fire by incorporating pyrodiversity into forest management decisions. This helps balance human and wildlife needs in post-fire landscapes.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2023

Two-component system could offer a new way to halt internal bleeding

A two-component system designed by MIT engineers has shown promising results in stopping internal bleeding in mouse models. The system, which mimics the body's natural clotting process, uses a nanoparticle and polymer to recruit platelets and form blood clots at injury sites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateApr 25, 2023

Gene that confers seed tolerance to salinity identified

Researchers have identified a gene that enables plants to tolerate salinity stress by regulating hormone signaling. This breakthrough could lead to crop improvements with larger seeds that germinate well in adverse environments, solving limitations on productivity due to soil salinization.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·DateApr 25, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Even as SARS-CoV-2 mutates, some human antibodies fight back

Researchers discovered a 'cocktail' of human antibodies that show promise in fighting severe SARS-CoV-2 infections, including Omicron variants. The study revealed how the original Moderna vaccine could prompt the body to produce these broad-spectrum antibodies.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

A simple paper test could offer early cancer diagnosis

Researchers have designed a new nanoparticle sensor that can detect cancer with a simple urine test. The sensors use DNA barcodes to analyze urine samples, which can reveal distinguishing features of a particular patient's tumor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 25, 2023

Jellyfish-like robots could one day clean up the world’s oceans

Researchers have developed a jellyfish-like robot capable of collecting and transporting waste particles in the ocean without causing harm to marine species. The robot uses electrohydraulic actuators to swim and create currents, allowing it to trap objects along its path and transport them to the surface for recycling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Lead vocal tracks in popular music go quiet

An analysis of popular song recordings from 1946 to 2020 found a significant decrease in the lead vocal to accompaniment ratio, indicating that lead singers are getting quieter. Changes in music technology appear to be behind this trend until 1975.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateApr 25, 2023

Researchers Identify a New Genetic Culprit in Canine Bladder Cancers

Researchers have discovered a new genetic culprit in canine bladder cancers, with implications for early detection and targeted treatments. The study found that 13 out of 28 cases had a different type of mutation, which could lead to more precise treatment options.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

Presenting information about mental health in a second language could help counter cultural norms against treatment

Bilingual individuals from cultures where mental health is stigmatized may be more open to treatment when presented with information in their second language. Studies found participants recommended therapy more strongly in English compared to Chinese, suggesting a potential counteractive effect of cultural norms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Metamaterials: Time crystal gives light a boost

Scientists at KIT have created a two-dimensional photonic time crystal, which amplifies electromagnetic waves and can be used to build more powerful and efficient wireless transmitters and receivers. This breakthrough discovery also enables surface wave amplification, improving communication efficiency in integrated circuits.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023

Scientists build human lungs in a dish to test medicines

Researchers have developed advanced human lung models in the lab, allowing for accelerated discovery of new drugs and reduced reliance on animal testing. The mini lungs can be personalized to individual patients and tested for a range of reactions, including toxicity from pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBiomaterials Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 25, 2023