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Science News Archive August 2023


Page 12 of 38

Rare kidney disease is genetically decoded

Researchers have identified genetic variants and structural patterns that contribute to the development of Bartter syndrome type 3, a rare kidney disease. The study's findings may lead to better diagnostic and treatment options for affected individuals.

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.

Longevity gene from naked mole rats extends lifespan of mice

Scientists successfully transfer a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and a 4.4% increase in median lifespan. The gene enhances cellular repair and protection, reducing inflammation and cancer risk, paving the way for potential human longevity benefits.

Scientists release the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome

The team successfully completed the sequencing of the Y chromosome using long-read sequencing technology and innovative computational assembly methods. This achievement adds 41 additional protein-coding genes and provides crucial insight into reproduction, evolution, and population change.

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.

Looking out for kids: a case for better pediatric trauma interventions

Researchers found a significant increase in pediatric trauma admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic, with younger patients and falls from moderate heights being more common. Blood alcohol levels were also higher in patients aged 14-18 years old, suggesting targeted interventions to curb alcohol use may be needed

Does deafness alter brain circuits supporting social skills?

New research published in Human Brain Mapping indicates that deafness does not affect the mechanisms and brain circuits supporting social skills. Deaf individuals show greater activation in regions involved in processing visual inputs like signs and lip reading.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene therapy study identifies potential new treatment for liver cancer

A new gene therapy study has identified microRNA-22 as a potential treatment for liver cancer, achieving better survival outcomes and reducing inflammation compared to the current FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The treatment was administered via a single intravenous injection and showed no observable toxicity.

Do measurements produce the reality they show us?

Researchers from Hiroshima University found that measurements shape observable reality, suggesting a context-dependent understanding of quantum superpositions. This approach resolves the paradox of conflicting results in quantum experiments and provides evidence against reducing reality to material building blocks.

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.

Graphene: More magic starts when flatness ends

Researchers have solved the long-standing puzzle of graphene's proton permeability using ultra-high spatial resolution measurements. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles, proving that perfect graphene crystals are permeable.

Adding immunity to human kidney-on-a-chip advances cancer drug testing

A new immune-infiltrated human kidney organoid-on-chip model enables the assessment of on-target, off-tumor effects of immunotherapeutic T cell bispecific antibody drugs. The study's findings provide important insights into which cells are targeted by a given TCB and what, if any, off-target damage arises.

Fungus gnats as pollinators not pests

A new study reveals that fungus gnats are crucial pollinators of certain Euonymus plant species with red-petaled flowers. The unique traits of these flowers, such as their yogurt-like scent and short stamens, have evolved to attract the fungus gnats, highlighting the importance of Diptera in plant diversity and evolution.

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.

Buffalo slaughter left lasting impact on Indigenous peoples

The mass slaughter of bison by European settlers led to devastating economic shock for Indigenous peoples, with adult height dropping by over an inch within a generation. The study also found that child-mortality rates were higher and occupation reporting lower among bison-reliant nations compared to non-bison reliant nations.

Insights from fully sequencing 43 human Y chromosomes

Researchers have assembled the complete sequences of 43 human Y chromosomes from around the globe, revealing extensive complexity and variation. The study provides an unprecedented understanding of the Y chromosome's structure and function, shedding light on its role in human health and disease.

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.

Which is better—casts or surgery—for older adults with arm fractures?

A recent study found that cast immobilization is as effective as surgery in treating older adults with arm fractures. After one year, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of disability or range of motion. The study included 276 patients aged 70–89 years who suffered a distal radius fracture.

How a cup of water can unlock the secrets of our Universe

A recent study by Queen Mary University of London reveals a range of fundamental physical constants that can vary, allowing for the viscosity needed for life processes to occur within and between living cells. This discovery sheds light on the origin of these constants and their impact on life as we know it.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

National parks support wildlife inside and outside their borders

Research from the University of Montana found that national parks enhance bird diversity within their borders and support higher diversity of birds and mammals in nearby protected and unprotected areas. The study's findings suggest that massive expansions of global protected area coverage can help achieve the UN's 30 by 30 goal.

A new targeted treatment shows promise for select patients with stomach cancer

A new targeted treatment called zolbetuximab has been shown to extend survival for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer that overexpresses a specific biomarker. The treatment significantly increased progression-free and overall survival, with improved results compared to standard chemotherapy.

Researchers assemble the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome

A team of researchers has generated the first complete sequence of a human Y chromosome, uncovering important genomic features with implications for fertility. The new sequence reveals factors in sperm production and provides insights into medically relevant regions, such as the azoospermia factor region.

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.

Blink and you'll miss these plants shooting their seeds

Researchers found that witch hazel species with heavier seeds can fling them just as fast as lighter ones due to their spring-loaded fruits. The plants' unique mechanism involves the seed capsule drying out and deforming, releasing elastic energy to propel the seed forward.

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.

Malaysian rock art found to depict elite–Indigenous conflict

Researchers uncover charcoal drawings at Gua Sireh Cave, dating back to the 1600s and 1800s AD, depicting Indigenous resistance to frontier violence. The site's unique artwork sheds light on the region's complex history of colonization and territorial violence.

Biodiversity protects against invasions of non-native tree species

A global study reveals that proximity to human activity and native biodiversity are crucial factors in determining the likelihood and severity of non-native tree invasions. Native species help buffer the intensity of these invasions by filling available niches, making it harder for non-native trees to spread.

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.

Graphene discovery could help generate hydrogen cheaply and sustainably

Researchers from The University of Warwick and The University of Manchester have solved the long-standing puzzle of why graphene is permeable to protons. Protons are strongly accelerated around nanoscale wrinkles in perfect graphene crystals, which could lead to more sustainable hydrogen production.

2024 Hertz Fellowship application now open

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is accepting applications for the 2024 Hertz Fellowship awards. The five-year fellowship program provides funding, flexibility, and independence to pursue research and advance national security and economic vitality. Past recipients include Nobel laureates and leaders in various scientific disciplines.

New dual-arm robot achieves bimanual tasks by learning from simulation

Researchers at the University of Bristol developed a novel Bi-Touch system enabling robots to perform manual tasks with human-like dexterity. The system uses simulation-based training for AI agents, which are then applied to real-world scenarios, achieving precise sensing, gentle interaction, and effective object manipulation.

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.

How artificial intelligence gave a paralyzed woman her voice back

Researchers at UCSF and UC Berkeley have developed a brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows a woman with severe paralysis from a brainstem stroke to speak through a digital avatar. The system can decode brain signals into text at nearly 80 words per minute, making it a vast improvement over commercially available technology.

Human activities appear to drive insect declines in Europe

A review of 82 studies found human activities influencing insect habitats, leading to declines in Central and Western Europe. Agricultural activities, urbanization, and climate change are identified as primary drivers of observed changes in insect populations.

New modeling method helps to understand extreme heat waves

A new climate modeling method called ensemble boosting can simulate a large set of extreme but plausible heat waves, providing a worst-case scenario for planning and preparation. This method helps prepare for the potential loss of tens of thousands of lives in extreme heat waves.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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