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Science News Archive August 2023


Page 10 of 38

Light regulates structural conversion of chiral molecules

Researchers at the University of Münster develop a novel concept to regulate reactivity and selectivity in chemical reactions using light as an external energy source. The aluminum complex catalyst enables the selective conversion of chiral molecules into a single form, improving spatial control in organic chemistry.

Carbon offsets from forest conservation projects have been overestimated

A new analysis reveals that emission reductions from REDD+ programs have been overestimated, with most projects failing to significantly reduce deforestation. The study found that only a subset of projects have made substantial contributions to climate change mitigation, and many more credits are available than their actual value.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How large are corporate carbon damages?

A new US Securities and Exchange Commission proposal could unveil substantial corporate carbon damages due to varying industrial compositions across countries. The top four industries account for 89% of global damages, with energy-intensive sectors contributing the most.

A global observatory to monitor Earth's biodiversity

A new global biodiversity observing system (GBIOS) is proposed to combine technology, data, and knowledge from around the world to monitor biodiversity change and target conservation action. The system can provide the information needed at the pace required to support countries in achieving their biodiversity goals.

BU researchers describe rebuilding, regenerating lung cells

Researchers from the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. They successfully reconstituted the stem cell compartment of injured airways and alveoli using cells engineered from pluripotent stem cells, resulting i...

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.

AI helps robots manipulate objects with their whole bodies

Researchers at MIT developed a method to simplify the process of whole-body manipulation for robots, enabling them to reason efficiently about moving objects. The technique uses AI and smoothing to reduce the number of decisions required, making it possible for robots to adapt quickly in complex environments.

Math enables blending hydrogen in natural gas pipelines

A new study uses nonlinear partial differential equations to model the transportation of hydrogen-heterogeneous mixtures through pipeline systems, ensuring predictable operations. The research proposes injecting hydrogen gradually into existing natural gas pipelines to maximize their utility in reducing carbon-emitting fossil fuels.

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.

Women more severely affected by ME/CFS, study shows

The DecodeME study reveals that women are more severely affected by ME/CFS, experiencing more symptoms and co-occurring conditions than men. The study confirms a sex bias among ME/CFS patients, with women making up 83.5% of respondents.

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.

New pocket-sized device for clinicians could spot infected wounds faster

A new pocket-sized device uses heat signatures and bacterial fluorescence to identify infected wounds, providing a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The device achieved an overall accuracy of 74% in identifying different categories of wounds, with 100% accuracy in distinguishing between infected and non-infected wounds.

The swansong of African hydropower?

New study finds that up to 67% of future hydropower plants in Africa may not be worth the investment due to economic competition with solar and wind power. However, some new hydropower plants could still provide cheap power in the short-term and help integrate solar and wind energy.

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.

Pioneering treatment highly effective for rare kidney disease

A pioneering drug for a rare kidney disease, eculizumab, has been found to prevent 86% of patients from going into kidney failure. This breakthrough treatment is highly effective and improves patient outcomes without the need for dialysis or transplant.

New gene-editing technique offers path to precision therapies

A new gene-editing technique combines peptide nucleic acids and prokaryotic Argonautes to introduce targeted breaks in the genome. The approach, called PNP editing, offers advantages over CRISPR-based methods, including improved specificity and targeting.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The ‘treadmill conveyor belt’ ensuring proper cell division

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have discovered how proteins work together to regulate treadmilling, a critical mechanism in cell division. The discovery highlights the importance of protein KIF2A and its role in maintaining tension between chromosomes during cell division.

Gene therapy targeting the brain vasculature

Researchers have engineered an AAV vector to target brain vascular pericytes and smooth muscle cells, potentially treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. This breakthrough could revolutionize gene therapy by delivering genes directly to the brain's blood vessels.

The pressure is real for mums managing their children’s digital use

A new study by the University of South Australia finds that mothers are experiencing a relentless mental load linked to their children's digital use, impacting their physical and mental health. This 'digital care work' requires mothers to monitor and manage their kids' media use, adding an extra layer of complexity to modern mothering.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stormwater biofiltration increases coho salmon hatchling survival

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that biofiltration increased coho salmon hatchling survival by up to 87%, reducing mortality from stormwater runoff exposure. The method effectively removes contaminants, but implementation faces hurdles due to land requirements.

Fungi-eating plants and flies team up for reproduction

Researchers have discovered a novel nursery pollination system in which fungi-eating orchids and fruit flies engage in mutualistic symbiosis. The study found that the orchids offer their flowers to the flies in exchange for pollination, providing a breeding ground for the flies' larvae.

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.

Study shows technology boosts public health programs

A study published in Pediatrics found that texting can increase participation in public health programs, with 99% of staff having a valid cell phone number and fewer than 4% opting out. The SCALE-UP Counts program showed that texting can reach staff in K-12 schools to provide health screening messages.

Overlooked part of brain could play critical role in addiction recovery

A neglected brain region has been identified as a key player in addiction recovery. The supplementary motor cortex was found to be hyperexcitable in individuals with cocaine use disorders, even after withdrawal periods of 45 days. This discovery may lead to new treatment approaches using transcranial magnetic stimulation.

How pre-eclampsia accelerates aging in women

Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.

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.

The right combo: Getting the most health benefits from fruit smoothies

A study by University of California - Davis researchers found that blending certain ingredients in smoothies can influence nutritional absorption. Adding a banana to a blueberry smoothie decreased the level of flavanols in the body, with participants having 84% lower levels compared to those who consumed a flavanol capsule.

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.

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.

New study examines historical drought and flooding on the Amazon River

Researchers analyzed tree-ring data and historical records to reconstruct rainfall totals in the eastern Amazon. They found that recent extreme floods may not have exceeded natural hydroclimatic variability, but could still pose devastating consequences for a growing population living in high-risk areas.

Preterm babies given certain fatty acids have better vision

A study at the University of Gothenburg found that preterm babies given a supplement with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had improved visual function by age 2.5. The supplement also seemed to improve the brain's ability to interpret visual impressions.

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.

Study uncovers genetic risk factors for heart failure

A global team of scientists has identified 39 genetic mutations associated with heart failure and pinpointed seven druggable proteins that may prevent its onset. The findings could help physicians identify and treat at-risk patients before heart failure occurs.

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.

Sweet corn yield at the mercy of the environment, except for one key factor

A new study by the University of Illinois and USDA-Agricultural Research Service has identified the key factors influencing sweet corn yield. The analysis found that seed source is a significant variable, with processors having a choice over which hybrids to use, and high nighttime temperatures also impact yield.

Training immune cells to remove ‘trash’ helps resolve lung inflammation

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have discovered that trained immune cells can remove cellular debris and reduce inflammation in the lungs. This 'memory' or training allows these cells to respond better to subsequent infections, potentially leading to a cell therapy to prevent acute lung injury.

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.

Certain gut conditions may be early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease

Research suggests that certain gut problems, such as gastroparesis, dysphagia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may precede the development of Parkinson's disease. A nationwide medical record network study found a significant association between these conditions and an increased risk of Parkinson's diagnosis.