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Science News Archive August 2023


Page 24 of 38

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

China’s oldest water pipes were a communal effort

A new study reveals a 4,000-year-old system of ceramic water pipes in China demonstrates that neolithic people were capable of complex engineering feats without a centralised state authority. The discovery challenges earlier understanding in archaeological fields.

New model for the drinking water market in Jordan

A new computer model quantifies the black market for drinking water in Jordan, revealing that 91% of traded water is extracted illegally. The study predicts a significant increase in household dependence on private water suppliers due to decreasing public water supply infrastructure.

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.

Pandemic weight gain in kids influenced by family income

A study found that adolescents from low-income families gained more weight during the pandemic, with girls experiencing accelerated weight gain. The researchers tracked over 400 low-income Hispanic families and compared their weight gain to a cohort of wealthier families.

Inoue receives funding for Mason CARES Plus

Megumi Inoue received funding for Mason CARES Plus to assess the impact of Stress Busting Program (SBP) and Music and Memory program on reducing care partner stress. The study aims to identify effective strategies for improving care partner engagement with M&M program.

Chromium replaces rare and expensive noble metals

Chemists at the University of Basel have developed chromium compounds that can replace osmium and ruthenium in luminescent materials and catalysts. The new materials are nearly as effective as some osmium compounds and are about 20,000 times more abundant and cheaper than their noble metal counterparts.

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.

Self-driving cars can make traffic slower

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that connected vehicles improve travel time through intersections, but automated vehicles without connectivity actually increase wait times. The study suggests that incorporating vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is crucial for optimizing traffic flow.

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.

UC study focus: faster, more accurate way to diagnose lung infections

A new imaging method developed by UC researchers can identify specific lung infections in real time, reducing diagnosis time from 2-3 days to hours. The method uses injectable probes that light up under a nuclear imaging machine, enabling faster treatment for critically ill patients.

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.

Can AI help hospitals spot patients in need of extra non-medical assistance?

A new study shows that a rule-based natural language processing tool successfully identified patients with unstable access to transportation, food insecurity, social isolation, financial problems, and signs of abuse or exploitation. The tool performed better than deep learning algorithms in identifying these social determinants of health.

Bear-human coexistence rethought

A new study by Paula Mayer proposes a practical tool for identifying areas of high human-bear conflict in the Abruzzo region. The model considers factors such as habitat suitability, migration corridors, and human-made food resources to inform local measures promoting coexistence.

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.

Stem-cell derived organoids secrete tooth enamel proteins

Researchers successfully created stem-cell derived organoids from human stem cells that secrete three essential enamel proteins. These proteins form a matrix that undergoes mineralization to create a hardened enamel structure. The breakthrough offers hope for developing novel treatments to repair and regenerate teeth.

The anatomy of memory: new mnemomic networks discovered in the brain

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences have identified distinct cortical networks associated with subregions of the human medial temporal lobe. The study used precision neuroimaging to explore the distributed anatomy of the MTL, overcoming previous challenges in studying this region.

Making plant-based meat alternatives more palatable

Researchers at the University of Leeds have created plant protein microgels that transform dry plant proteins into hydrated ones, mimicking the sensation of fat. The breakthrough could lead to the development of healthier, palatable, and sustainable plant-based foods.

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.

Transforming flies into degradable plastics

Researchers have successfully transformed black soldier fly carcasses into degradable plastics through a process of extraction and purification. The resulting bioplastics can absorb water and potentially address drought situations, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.

Source of hidden consciousness in ‘comatose’ brain injury patients found

Researchers have identified patterns of brain injury that underlie hidden consciousness, a phenomenon where brain-injured patients appear unconscious despite having some level of awareness. The study found that all patients with hidden consciousness had intact brain structures related to arousal and command comprehension.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New directions in microbiomes

A new open-access journal, eGastroenterology, has been launched to accelerate research in gastroenterology and hepatology. The journal focuses on applying real-world data to guide clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Lifestyle factors in the association of shift work and depression and anxiety

A large study of 175,000 participants found that shift work significantly increases the risk of depression and anxiety. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and social connections, partially mediate this association, highlighting the need for public health interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among shift workers.

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.

Study shows promise of gene therapy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.

`Forever chemicals’? Maybe not

A proof-of-concept study reveals that 'forever chemicals' in soil from firefighting foam can be degraded through a simple and cost-effective method called ball milling. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize the cleanup of contaminated sites worldwide, addressing a significant environmental concern.

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.

Glucagon receptor structures uncover new arrestin interaction mechanism

The study determined the cryo-electron microscopy structures of class B glucagon receptor bound to β-arrestin 1, revealing a unique tail conformation that differs from previously known arrestin-bound GPCR structures. This new mechanism may enable the development of novel biased ligands with pathway selectivity.

3D-printed vegan seafood could someday be what’s for dinner (video)

Researchers have developed a new approach for creating vegan seafood mimics that taste good while maintaining the healthful profile of real fish. They used 3D printing technology to create calamari rings from microalgae protein and mung bean protein, which were found to have an acceptable taste and promising texture properties.

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.

USTC develops new catalysts for CO2 electroreduction

Researchers at USTC have developed a novel catalyst that achieves high electrochemical performance in both neutral and alkaline media. The asymmetric dinitrogen-coordinated nickel single-atomic sites enhance the intrinsic activity of the sites, resulting in a high turnover frequency of over 274,000 site−1 h−1.

Mosquito hearing could be targeted by insecticides

A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.

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.

Hidden moles in hidden holes

Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.

Researchers reveal mechanism triggering Arctic daily warming

A new study reveals the connection between Arctic daily warming and equator region as well as Atlantic storms, shedding light on the impact of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on the phenomenon. The research provides a new perspective on weather and climate changes in the Arctic.

Social media use interventions alleviate symptoms of depression

A systematic review found that social media use interventions improved mental wellbeing in over a third of studies, with significant improvements in depression. Therapy-based interventions were most effective, with 83% improvement rates compared to limited or no social media use.

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.

Playing football may increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers found a significant link between playing tackle football and the risk of parkinsonism or PD diagnosis, even after accounting for known risk factors. Players who played at higher levels of competition experienced increased odds for having a reported diagnosis of PD.

Researchers discover quasar-driven superbubble pairs

Researchers have discovered quasar-driven superbubble pairs, providing evidence for the outflow mechanism in galaxy evolution. These pairs, which extend over 60,000 light-years, are generated by quasars driving gas into intergalactic space.