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Science News Archive August 2023


Page 34 of 38

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.

Tropical trees use social distancing to maintain biodiversity

Researchers discovered that adult trees in a Panamanian forest are much more far apart than expected, likely due to species-specific enemies and repulsion between trees. This finding helps bridge the gap between contrasting theories on how forests are shaped.

Social media algorithms exploit how humans learn from their peers

Researchers found that social media algorithms prioritize 'Prestigious, Ingroup, Moral, and Emotional' (PRIME) information, which can lead to extreme political content being amplified. To address this, the study proposes increasing user awareness of algorithmic biases and introducing more diverse content in feeds.

Better coaching to promote a person’s growth

A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that traditional coaching approaches can hinder growth by focusing on immediate problems. Instead, they recommend helping individuals develop a clear vision of their ideal self, leading to increased positive emotion, openness to new ideas, and sustained intrinsic motivation.

Researchers strengthen defenses against common cyberattack

Scientists at PNNL developed a new technique to detect denial-of-service attacks, which improved detection accuracy by 90% compared to current methods. The technique focuses on the evolution of entropy, a measure of disorder in a system, and is automated, requiring minimal computing power or network resources.

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.

Nanorings: New building blocks for chemistry

Researchers have successfully created nano-sized rings using sandwich complexes, which consist of two aromatic organic rings filled with a central metal atom. The new compound, called cyclocene, exhibits unique properties and is expected to expand the toolbox of organometallic chemistry.

Sustainable mobility planning supported by doughnut thinking

Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.

Compensation for damages can and should address social and cultural impacts

A mixed-method approach can help overcome challenges in determining compensation awards for Indigenous communities affected by resource developments, expropriation, and environmental accidents. The methodological approaches focus on quantifying social and cultural losses, addressing the neglect of these impacts in formal assessments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enhanced tumor modeling using Laponite bioinks for 3D bioprinting

Researchers create accurate tumor models using 3D bioprinting and a bioink made from Laponite, improving bonding and cross-linking capabilities. The study shows that Laponite enhances biological signaling in the tumor microenvironment, increasing cell viability and promoting anti-tumor drug development.

Geomagnetic field protects Earth from electron showers

Researchers at Tohoku University found that the geomagnetic field plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth's lower atmosphere from harmful effects of electron precipitation. The study reveals that the mirror force caused by the magnetic field deflects relativistic electrons upwards, reducing their impact on the ionosphere.

On-off switch for enzymes

A protein found in bacteria activates its enzymatic activity by up to 10,000 times when exposed to blue light, acting like an on-off switch. This discovery could lead to enhanced and optimized optogenetic tools and medical treatments.

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.

How the gut signals to the brain

Scientists have identified five distinct subtypes of sensory neurons in the colon that carry signals to the brain, with different subtypes responding to gentle and intense forces. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of gastrointestinal conditions and inform the development of more effective therapies.

Rural environment supports children’s immune systems

A new study has found that children raised in rural areas with plenty of outdoor time and animal exposure develop better-regulated immune systems than urban counterparts. Early life immune development is highly dependent on living environment and lifestyle factors, and researchers say this can have long-term consequences for disease risk.

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.

Sharing on Facebook reveals 2 very different news environments

A study examining 2.2 million news stories shared on Facebook found that low-credibility publishers focused on politics, while high-credibility ones covered a wider range of topics. The researchers discovered two distinct ecosystems: one for each type of publisher.

Turns out lowly thymus may be saving your life

A new Harvard-led research suggests that the thymus, often considered expendable in adults, actually plays a crucial role in maintaining adult immune health and preventing cancer. The study found that patients who had their thymus removed had a nearly threefold higher risk of death from various causes, including cancer.

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.

Ferroelectric material is now elastic

Researchers developed a precise crosslinking method to impart elastic recovery to ferroelectric materials. The new material combines elasticity with high crystallinity, offering broad application prospects in wearable electronics and smart healthcare.

New research casts doubt on role of fungus in driving pancreatic cancer

A study published in Nature found no link between the pancreatic microbiome and the development of pancreatic cancer, contradicting earlier findings that suggested a potential method for preventing the disease. The researchers reanalyzed data from an original study and used pancreatic cancer tissue samples to confirm their results.

Study highlights importance of mineral iron in ocean ecosystems

A new study published in Nature highlights the importance of mineral iron in regulating the cycling of this bio-essential nutrient in the ocean. The findings show that iron levels are largely controlled by the clustering of iron oxide colloids, rather than organic molecules called ligands.

Losing a founding member of your new venture doesn’t have to be a bad thing

The study found that team composition changes significantly affect a new venture's ability to innovate. After adjusting for lost and gained experiences, the findings suggest that turnover has a net positive effect on innovation. Reflective episodes during membership transitions can stimulate creativity and spur innovation.

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.

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.

Parasites of viruses drive superbug evolution

Researchers at NUS and Imperial College London have discovered a new way bacteria share genes, enabling rapid evolution. Lateral cotransduction enables SaPIs to transfer themselves intact with bacterial DNA, making them potent transducing agents.

Fastest neuromorphic, electric double layer transistor

Developed by NIMS and Tokyo University of Science, the new electric double layer transistor operates 8.5 times faster than existing transistors, enabling faster AI processing and potential applications in event prediction, image recognition, and more. The innovation sets a new world record for neuromorphic computing performance.

Study finds hallmarks of T cell exhaustion within hours of tumor exposure

Researchers found that immune system T cells become dysfunctional or 'exhausted' within six to 12 hours of encountering a tumor, challenging existing ideas about the process. This discovery has implications for cancer immunotherapies and may lead to new targets for preventing or reversing T cell exhaustion.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Butterfly-inspired films create vibrant colors while passively cooling objects

Researchers develop nanofilms that mimic the nanostructures of butterfly wings, creating vibrant colors without absorbing light. These films can be used on buildings, vehicles, and equipment to reduce energy consumption and preserve color properties, with potential applications in energy sustainability and carbon neutrality.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Novel proton-conductive membranes for automobile fuel cells

Scientists have synthesized proton-conductive membranes based on partially fluorinated aromatic ionomers, which exhibit high durability and ion conductivity. These membranes outperform existing ones in fuel-cell operation, chemical stability, and mechanical properties, paving the way for more powerful and affordable electric vehicles.

Dopamine controls movement, not just rewards

Researchers have identified a diverse range of dopamine neurons that control movement, contradicting the long-held assumption that they only respond to rewards. The study sheds new light on Parkinson's disease, which affects motor skills despite the loss of dopamine neurons.

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.

Single drop of ethanol to revolutionise nanosensor manufacture

Macquarie University engineers have developed a new technique to make nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, bypassing the need for high temperatures. The method improves efficiency and responsiveness, opening up new possibilities for the trillion-dollar global industry.

Childhood trauma may heighten subsequent risk of pregnancy complications

A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.

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.

Deep learning for new protein design

Deep learning methods significantly improved protein design success rates by 10-fold using AI-augmented pipelines and machine learning software tools AlphaFold 2 and RoseTTA fold. The study successfully generated accurate models of protein structures, paving the way for new discoveries in fields like cancer and COVID-19 research.

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.