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Science News Archive August 2023


Page 1 of 38

Peering into nanofluidic mysteries one photon at a time

A team of researchers has developed an innovative approach to visualize individual molecule dynamics within nanofluidic structures using super-resolution microscopy and single-photon emitters. The study reveals new insights into the behavior of liquids on a nanometer scale, opening up exciting applications in optical imaging and sensing.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Watching a bimetallic catalytic surface in action

Researchers observed Ga-oxide islands embedded in the Cu surface and an ultrathin layer forming under CO2 hydrogenation reaction conditions. This finding exposes previously unconsidered catalytically active sites, providing insight into the reaction mechanism of methanol synthesis catalysts.

New insight for stabilizing halide perovskite via thiocyanate substitution

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to stabilize the α-phase of α-FAPbI3, a promising solar cell material. By introducing pseudo-halide ions like thiocyanate into its structure, the team has successfully stabilized the α-phase, reducing its transition temperature and increasing its energy band gap.

Better paths yield better AI

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University improved AI classification tasks by choosing the most influential path to the output, rather than learning with deeper networks. This approach can enhance existing architectures and pave the way for improved AI systems without additional layers.

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.

Digging deeper into how vaccines work against parasitic disease

Scientists have established the effectiveness of vaccines against leishmaniasis in animal studies, revealing specific molecular-level changes in host cells. The vaccines, created using mutated parasites, prompt distinct immune responses in hosts, offering new insights into their mechanisms and potential applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unprecedented gamma-ray burst explained by long-lived jet

A team of astrophysicists at Northwestern University has successfully simulated the process of a black hole-neutron star merger, which is believed to have produced the unprecedented gamma-ray burst GRB211211A. The simulation reveals that the post-merger black hole launches jets of material from the swallowed neutron star.

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.

Early ancestral bottleneck could’ve spelled the end for modern humans

A recent study using a novel method called FitCoal revealed a severe bottleneck in the human population that occurred approximately 117,000 years ago. This event led to a significant loss of genetic diversity, with an estimated 65.85% of current genetic diversity lost, but it also contributed to the formation of modern human chromosome 2.

Brigham researchers offer cohesive framework for evaluating biomarkers of aging

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a cohesive framework for evaluating biomarkers of aging, providing a robust classification system for the identification and validation of molecular markers. The framework highlights key criteria for evaluation, including age-sensitivity and generalizability across cell types, ...

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.

Newly discovered fungus helps destroy a harmful food toxin

A newly discovered fungus has been found to transform the toxic compound patulin into less harmful byproducts, offering potential solutions for controlling its presence in food products. The fungus, identified as Acremonium sp., was shown to degrade patulin into desoxypatulinic acid and other compounds, which are significantly less toxic.

New giant planet evidence of possible planetary collisions

Astronomers have found a Neptune-sized planet denser than steel, suggesting extreme planetary collisions that stripped away lighter atmosphere and water. The discovery provides new insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.

Early ancestral bottleneck could've spelled the end for modern humans

A recent study published in Science suggests that an early ancestral bottleneck may have pushed modern humans to the brink of extinction. The research, conducted by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters, analyzed ancient DNA samples and found evidence of a significant population decline around 200,000 years ago.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Discovery opens possibility of new ion channel-targeting drugs

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a unique site on BK channels that allows small molecules to selectively access the channel, potentially leading to the development of targeted drugs. This finding could help treat a range of diseases, including epilepsy and hypertension.

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.

The search for the super potato

Researchers at McGill University have developed a potato super pangenome, capturing the genetic diversity of nearly 300 varieties and their wild relatives. This extensive collection aims to identify key genetic traits for breeding more resilient, nutritious and disease-free potatoes.

Scientists detect and validate the longest-period exoplanet found with TESS

Researchers from University of New Mexico and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have detected two long-period giant planets orbiting an early K dwarf star. The exoplanets, TOI-4600 b and c, have orbital periods of 82.69 days and 482.82 days, respectively, making them the longest-period planets found by TESS to date.

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.

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.

Taking photoclick chemistry to the next level

A team of researchers has improved photoclick chemistry by engineering the phenanthraquinone triplet state, increasing photoreaction quantum yield and reaction rates. The study's findings pave the way for efficient photoclick transformations with unprecedented efficiency.

Burning candles and fumes from cooking is harmful for people with mild asthma

A new study from Aarhus University reveals that indoor air pollution from candle smoke and cooking fumes can cause irritation and inflammation in young individuals with mild asthma. The research found indications of DNA damage and signs of inflammation in the blood, highlighting the need for proper ventilation when cooking or burning c...

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.

Mutation rates in whales are much higher than previously reported

A team of scientists used a new method to estimate mutation rates in wild whale populations, revealing higher rates similar to smaller mammals. This led to a significant revision of previous estimates, suggesting that only 20,000 humpback whales remained in the North Atlantic before commercial whaling.

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.

Acting fast when an epidemic hits

A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.

Is digital media use a risk factor for psychosis in young adults?

A recent study by McGill University found that young adults who experience more frequent psychotic thoughts also spend more time on digital media. However, the study suggests that digital media use does not cause or exacerbate these experiences. Instead, it may be a factor in accessing mental health information and services.

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.

Breathe! The shape-shifting ball that supports mental health

A soft ball designed to support mental health has been invented, giving users a tangible representation of their breath to regulate emotions. The device, called PAWS, shows significant improvement in reducing anxiety and increasing protection against worry-induced thoughts, with an average 75% reduction in anxiety.

Gene therapy for brain tumor shows promising early results in humans

A new study from the University of Michigan Department of Neurosurgery and Rogel Cancer Center shows promising early results that a therapy combining cell-killing and immune-stimulating drugs are safe and effective in extending survival for patients with gliomas, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. The treatment improved survival...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new approach to stop cancer growth?

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a new function of the key protein LSD1 that leads to cancer and other diseases. They found that degrading LSD1 rather than just short-circuiting its catalytic activity could be more effective in slowing or stopping cancer growth.

Evolutionary imbalance explains global plant invasions

Research confirms the EIH hypothesis on a global scale using extensive data, showing that plants from vast, species-rich regions are most successful at naturalizing. Additionally, economic plants from these regions also show similar patterns of invasion and cultivation, suggesting interactions between biological and cultural systems.

Optics and AI find viruses faster

Researchers developed an automated viral plaque assay method combining time-lapse holographic imaging and deep learning to greatly reduce detection time. This technique can aid in developing new vaccines and antiviral drugs by expediting the testing process, allowing for faster response times to virus-induced health emergencies.

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.

A map to study the behavior of early pancreas cells

Researchers developed a methodology to link gene activity with cellular behavior in human pancreas cells, revealing the dynamic behaviors of pancreatic cells and their role in diabetes. The study shows that certain genes, such as NEUROG3, are active for short periods during development and have implications for therapeutic applications.