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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 38


Page 38 of 38

THE LANCET ONCOLOGY: First randomised trial finds AI-supported mammography screening is safe and almost halved radiologist workload

A randomized trial involving over 80,000 Swedish women found AI-supported mammography analysis to be as accurate as two breast radiologists working together in detecting breast cancer. The technology also reduced the screen-reading workload by nearly half without increasing false positives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Cracking in lithium-ion batteries speeds up electric vehicle charging

Research at the University of Michigan shows that cracks in lithium-ion electrodes shorten battery lifespans but also reduce charge time. The study uses a neuroscience-inspired technique to measure the charging properties of individual cathode particles, revealing that cracked materials can charge faster due to increased surface area.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The key to battling a pathogen hides in its genome

Biologists argue that building on genomic sequencing momentum is critical in society's response to future pandemics. The technology improved during the COVID-19 pandemic, but gaps remain in global infrastructure and data sharing.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

E-cigarettes may be better than nicotine patches in helping pregnant women stop smoking and in reducing the risk of low birthweight

Research suggests e-cigarettes are more effective in helping pregnant smokers quit, resulting in better pregnancy outcomes. The study found fewer cases of low birthweight in the e-cigarette group compared to nicotine patches, likely due to reduced cigarette use.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalHealth Technology Assessment·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Sea level rise shifts habitat for endangered Florida Keys species

A study found that the silver rice rat, an endangered Florida Keys species, shifted its habitat in response to sea level rise, moving to higher ground at a rate slightly greater than the observed rise in sea level. The rats' diet and environment are highly restricted, making them sensitive to changes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 1, 2023

While resolving a key asthma challenge, Hamilton researchers also create a new method to detect proteins in body fluids and other materials

Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Nanopore technology achieves breakthrough in protein variant detection

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a nanopore-based method to detect post-translational modification variants in proteins. The technique uses directional water flow and measures electrical current disruptions, enabling precise analysis of complex biological processes.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 1, 2023

Fossil unveils leaf eating among earliest birds

The fossil discovery provides the earliest known evidence of birds consuming leafy greens from flowering plants. Analysis of microscopic residues in a 120-million-year-old bird skeleton reveals that Jeholornis was an herbivore, not a predator.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Sex pheromone of moths is a precise mix of ingredients

Researchers identified a precise mix of ingredients in male moths' pheromones that increases mating chances. The discovery reveals the role of plant-derived substances, such as methyl salicylate, in attracting females.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

Spirit mediums could help unlock tourism secrets – study

A study reveals that spirit mediums can teach tourism researchers to challenge traditional Western approaches to creating knowledge. By adopting a selfless epistemology, researchers can foster a more inclusive approach to knowledge production and promote the inclusion of marginalized knowledge systems.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Irregular sleep patterns associated with harmful gut bacteria

Researchers at King's College London found irregular sleep patterns are associated with lower overall diet quality, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened beverages, and lower intakes of fruits and nuts. This is linked to differences in gut microbiome composition, with certain species having 'unfavourable' associations with health.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateAug 1, 2023

North Atlantic Oscillation contributes to ‘cold blob' in Atlantic Ocean

A new study finds changes in atmospheric circulation may play a significant role in the formation of the 'cold blob' in the North Atlantic. The North Atlantic Oscillation influences wind patterns, which can cool ocean surface temperatures, and may have contributed to the region's unusual cooling trend.

SourcePenn State·JournalClimate Dynamics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

First comprehensive maps of infant brains reveal clues to neurodevelopment

Researchers created comprehensive fine-grained functional maps of infant brain networks, providing unprecedented details on brain development from birth to two years old. The study revealed novel insights into when different brain functions develop during infancy and provided valuable references for early brain developmental studies.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateAug 1, 2023

Using gemstones’ unique characteristics to uncover ancient trade routes

Researchers employed laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze gemstones from the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The study distinguished natural gems from synthetics and isolated elements contributing to their quality, shedding light on ancient trade routes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 1, 2023

New insights into heterotopic ossification: Progenitor cells play a key role in aberrant bone formation

Researchers identified Tppp3+ tendon progenitor cells that actively participated in the formation of ectopic bone in vivo. These cells possess primitive progenitor properties and may regulate heterotopic ossification by releasing soluble molecules promoting osteogenic differentiation.

SourceWest China Hospital of Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Drinking kombucha may reduce blood sugar levels in people with type-two diabetes

A small pilot study found that drinking kombucha for four weeks reduced fasting blood glucose levels in people with type-II diabetes. The fermented tea drink was shown to lower average blood sugar levels by 48 milligrams per deciliter, with no significant difference between the group consuming kombucha and those consuming a placebo.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 1, 2023

Absence of universal topological signatures in high harmonic generation

The study investigated high harmonic spectroscopy as a method to observe topology in materials. Despite thorough analysis, the researchers found that non-topological aspects of the system dominated its response, suggesting that topology may play a minor role.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Organoids revolutionize research on respiratory infections

Researchers developed AirGels, bioengineered models of human lung tissue, to study airway infections in a more realistic manner. They found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa induces contraction of the host's mucus using type IV pili, contributing to biofilm formation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 1, 2023

Higher the health literacy, the more appropriate the use of over-the-counter drugs

A study found that adults with higher health literacy are more likely to comprehend OTC drug package inserts and respond appropriately in case of adverse reactions. This suggests the importance of pharmacists and healthcare providers in promoting health literacy to ensure safe self-medication.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice·DateAug 1, 2023

Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth as much as sixfold

Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Soil Science·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more “human capital” compared to American-born nurses, MU researcher finds

A new study by MU researcher Roy Thompson found that immigrant nurses in long-term care facilities often have more 'human capital' than their American-born counterparts, including language skills and additional certifications. This diversity can improve patient health outcomes and create a more equitable workforce.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Nursing Regulation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

California’s winter waves may be increasing under climate change

A new study using nearly a century of seismic data suggests that the average heights of winter waves along California's coast have increased as climate change has heated up the planet. This could amplify the effects of sea-level rise, leading to significant coastal impacts and erosion.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Oceans·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Study characterizes unique immune response in patients who experience inflammatory arthritis as side effect of cancer therapies

Researchers identified a specific type of CD8 T cell that characterizes inflammatory arthritis induced by ICI therapies. A unique population of CD8 T cells was found to promote joint inflammation and persist in the bloodstream, explaining why ICI-arthritis continues after therapy is discontinued.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A new approach to intelligent decision-making in reinforcement learning

Researchers propose leveraging high-value information to overcome statistical and computational challenges in reinforcement learning. By accessing valuable observations, agents can improve strategies without trial and error, making the learning process more efficient and effective.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateAug 1, 2023