Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2023


Page 18 of 38

Alarm as FDA fast-tracks first antipsychotic drug for agitation in dementia

The FDA approved brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, for treating agitation in elderly patients with dementia, despite trials showing it failed to provide a clinically meaningful benefit and increased the risk of death. The decision may reverse efforts to reduce off-label use of antipsychotics in care homes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Collecting clean water from fog

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method that collects and purifies water from fog simultaneously, rendering it safe for use in densely populated urban centers. The technology uses a close-mesh lattice coated with polymers and titanium dioxide to break down organic pollutants.

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.

Study observes sudden acceleration of flow, generates new boundary layer

Aerodynamic researchers at University of Illinois create wind tunnel experiment to study internal boundary layers and their impact on flow behavior. They identify a new internal boundary layer that changes the flow's behavior, providing insights into aerodynamics physics and improving turbulence models for complex designs.

Powerful imaging technology used to investigate renal disease

Imaging mass cytometry showcases odd numbers of proteins in kidneys of lupus patients, identifying novel markers for disease. The study found decreased and increased disease markers pointing to renal disease, with potential enlargement of glomeruli in some patients.

Old brains, new tricks: Surprising plasticity in adult vision

Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.

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.

Pollutants are important to biodiversity’s role in spread of wildlife diseases

Research found that increased biodiversity can either help or hinder disease outbreaks in wildlife, depending on environmental conditions. Environmental pollutants like road salt changed the susceptibility of amphibian species to parasites, with higher biodiversity communities experiencing a dilution effect when exposed to pollutants.

New breast cancer susceptibility genes

A large-scale international collaborative study has identified new genes associated with breast cancer, which could lead to better risk prediction and improved clinical management. The study found evidence for at least four new breast cancer risk genes, with many others showing suggestive evidence.

Application of base editors in organoids opens new doors for cancer research

Researchers used base editors to introduce specific combinations of activating and inactivating mutations into healthy organoids, creating realistic models for various types of cancer. This allows for further investigation into the development and treatment of cancer, with potential applications including testing new drugs.

Heredity and environment account for people’s love of nature

Research from the University of Gothenburg reveals that both innate factors and environmental influences contribute to an individual's attitude towards nature. The study suggests that a wide range of factors shape how people express their love for nature, and emphasizes the importance of considering these variations in urban planning.

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.

NIH establishes Maternal Health Research Centers of Excellence

The NIH has established 10 research centers to develop innovative approaches to reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths. These efforts aim to address disparities in maternal health outcomes by racial and ethnic group, age, education, socioeconomic status, and geographic region.

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.

LRT, REM, mass transit projects and their fuzzy reality

New research from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management suggests that managing public transit projects requires a comprehensive approach considering rational, psychosocial, and political dimensions. This involves engaging stakeholders, including non-users, to ensure societal impact and cost-effectiveness.

America’s wealthiest 10% responsible for 40% of US greenhouse gas emissions

A new study from the University of Massachusetts Amherst found that the wealthiest 10% of Americans are responsible for 40% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that policymakers adopt taxes focused on shareholders and the carbon intensity of investment incomes to equitably meet climate goals.

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 to explore 3D printing medication tailored to pediatric patients

A Texas A&M University team is exploring 3D printing to create tailored medication dosage and tablet size for young children, addressing the need for greater flexibility in administering medications. The project aims to maintain drugs' integrity and effectiveness while advancing the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters

The article discusses measurement techniques for aspheric surface parameters, including general fitting and center-of-curvature-based methods. These methods assess the quality of aspheric surfaces and provide direction for processing and suitable targets for processing.

Anxious people use less suitable section of brain to control emotions

Researchers found that anxious individuals rely on a less efficient section of the forebrain for emotional control, making it difficult for them to choose alternative behavior. This leads to avoidance of social situations and prevents them from learning that they are not as negative as they think.

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.

La Brea megafaunal extinctions driven by fires 13,000 years ago

A new study found that large-scale fires in an ecosystem made increasingly vulnerable by climate change and human impacts led to the extinction of two-thirds of Earth's large mammals in Southern California. The findings, based on radiocarbon chronology of fossils from the La Brea tar pits, suggest that fire was the primary cause of reg...

Race-based variations in gut bacteria emerge by 3 months of age

A study reveals that racial differences in gut microbiome composition arise after 3 months of age and persist through childhood. Early social and environmental exposures play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome, with research suggesting that environmental and social factors contribute to health disparities.

Researchers find walkable communities are healthier for both mom and baby

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that pregnant women living in walkable areas engage in more physical activity and have fewer issues with pregnancy complications. The study also suggests that walking can have health benefits beyond exercise, such as social interactions and community engagement.

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.

Is data justice the key to climate justice?

Biased AI can limit climate predictions and misguide governments due to missing information from under-represented communities. Human-in-the-loop design can fill these 'data holes' by offering a sense check on used data and context.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Can children recognize sick faces?

A new study found that children as young as 4-5 years old can avoid and recognize sick faces, while adults are more accurate. The study's findings add to the growing body of knowledge on humans' sensitivity to illness in faces, suggesting a behavioral immune system that improves with age.

Largest genetic study of brain structure identifies how the brain is organised

A new study published in Nature Genetics has identified over 4,000 genetic variants linked to brain structure, revealing how the brain's organization is shaped by genetics. The research found that different sets of genes contribute to folding and size of the cortex, with some genes linked to larger or smaller head sizes.

Policies favoring high-volume hospitals may disadvantage rural cancer patients

Patients with cancer who live in rural Pennsylvania counties are more likely to receive complex surgeries at high-volume hospitals due to their perceived better outcomes. However, for less complex surgeries, rural patients are less likely to opt for high-volume hospitals despite potential benefits from centralization.

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.

The scale of emissions inequality in U.S. society

A new study links US household income to greenhouse gas emissions, revealing that the top 1% of households generate 40% of total emissions. This income-based carbon tax could incentivize decarbonization and provide revenue for climate finance, addressing emissions inequality.

Quantum physicists simulate super diffusion on a quantum computer

Researchers successfully simulated super diffusion in a system of interacting quantum particles on a quantum computer, resolving a complex challenge. The breakthrough, achieved using IBM's quantum computer, verifies the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equation and sheds light on condensed matter physics and materials science.

New type of star gives clues to mysterious origin of magnetars

Researchers have uncovered a living star, HD 45166, that is likely to become a magnetar, marking the discovery of a new type of astronomical object - massive magnetic helium stars. The star has an incredibly strong magnetic field, 43,000 gauss, and will end its life as a compact core with a magnetic field of around 100 trillion gauss.

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.

Diagnosis of voice condition from call audio

Researchers developed a new method to estimate vocal cord vibrations pitch from call audio, leading to more accurate dysarthria diagnoses in telemedicine. The method integrates feature quantities extracted from amplitude and phase spectra, demonstrating robustness against background noise.

Scientists find ‘concerning’ flaw in malaria diagnostics

A study by Cornell University researchers found that current methods for measuring malaria parasite multiplication rates vastly overestimate the actual rates, which has significant implications for vaccine efficacy and understanding of drug resistance.

Anti-obesity drug improves associative learning in people with obesity

Researchers found that liraglutide improves associative learning in people with obesity by restoring brain activity to normal-weight levels. The study showed that participants with obesity had reduced ability to associate sensory stimuli and decreased brain activity compared to those with normal weight.

Positive metabolic effects of gastric bypass disappear quickly

A new study from Lund University in Sweden found that the biggest metabolic changes following gastric bypass surgery occurred immediately after the procedure. However, one year later, the concentration of metabolites and fats had returned to nearly pre-surgery levels.

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.

Stabilizing precipitate growth at grain boundaries in alloys

Researchers have identified a novel pathway to stabilize nanoscale precipitates in alloys by utilizing nonequilibrium processes, stopping coarsening and resulting in stable nanostructures. This approach has potential applications in materials used for nuclear applications, batteries, and other industries.

To improve solar and other clean energy tech, look beyond hardware

A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.

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.