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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 13 of 29

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Can you change a chicken into a frog, a fish or a chameleon?

A team of researchers developed a theoretical framework that can reproduce and predict the patterns associated with gastrulation in a chicken embryo. Small changes in cell parameters and behavior can have a dramatic impact on the resulting gastrulation patterns, which are seen in other species such as frogs, fish, and chameleons.

Cockroaches can transmit antimicrobial resistance genes between groups

A study on cockroaches reveals that they can transmit antimicrobial resistance genes to each other through direct contact and habitat interactions. The findings suggest that the transmission of AMR genes is not limited to antibiotic overuse, but also occurs between animals carrying genes in their microbiomes.

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.

Viking dentistry was surprisingly advanced

A study of Viking Age teeth from Varnhem in Sweden found that 49% of the population had one or more caries lesions, with children's milk teeth being entirely caries-free. The Vikings also underwent dental treatment, including filing front teeth and relieving pressure through holes drilled into molars.

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.

Animal behavior: Cats like to fetch when they’re feline playful

A survey of 924 cat owners found that 59% of cats who played fetch did so up to ten times per month, with cats initiating and ending games more often than their owners. Cats tend to control games of fetch with their owners and may continue play until owners end them.

A new force of nature is reshaping this planet

Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.

Cells move in groups differently than they do when alone

Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that a protein called RhoA triggers forces that move group of 140 cells called the primordium, using a different mechanism than single cells. This study has implications for stopping the spread of cancer and understanding cellular mechanisms.

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.

Scientists identify a key cause of female infertility

Researchers found that genetic variations in the Eif4enif1 gene lead to premature ovarian insufficiency and reduced egg production. The study suggests that restoring proper mitochondrial behavior could improve fertility in human patients with similar conditions.

Using deep learning to identify teens most in need of mental health support

A six-year study using deep learning identified five categories of adolescents at risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The 'discrepant' group, often overlooked by caregivers, was found to be the most vulnerable. Understanding these factors is key to supporting preventive efforts and early intervention.

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.

Very irregular sleep linked to higher risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology found that people with very irregular sleep patterns may have a higher risk of developing dementia. Researchers analyzed data from over 88,000 participants and found that those with the most irregular sleep were 53% more likely to develop dementia than those with regular sleep.

New study shows exercise can boost brain health

A new study found that regular physical activity is related to increased size of brain areas important for memory and learning. The study looked at MRI brain scans from 10,125 people and found those who engaged in activities like walking, running, or sports had larger brain volumes in key areas.

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.

The solar forest

A new study finds that building solar farms in arid regions can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making it a more viable solution for addressing the climate crisis. By contrast, natural forests have a limited impact on carbon dioxide absorption due to their low albedo and high energy absorption rates.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Large study presents evidence for behavioral sciences in policymaking

A new global study evaluates evidence since its publication supports behavioral concepts highlighted in a previous paper on COVID-19 policy recommendations. The study confirms the importance of interventions to combat misinformation and polarization for ensuring adherence to public health guidelines.

What happens in the brain while daydreaming?

A study in mice suggests that daydreams can shape the brain's future response to what it sees. Researchers found that patterns of activity during a mouse's first few daydreams predicted how the brain would respond to an image later, indicating a potential causal relationship between daydreaming and brain plasticity.

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.

Nanoprobe with a barcode

Scientists have introduced a new class of protease-activity sensors using gold nanoparticles equipped with peptide DNA, which can detect multiple active proteases in parallel. The method works at room temperature and does not require complicated sample preparation or elaborate instruments.

US DOT enlists UVA for key roadway safety research

The US Department of Transportation has awarded the University of Virginia's Center for Applied Biomechanics eight competitive research contracts totaling $4.1 million to further automotive safety research. The center will study demographic variations in injury risk, vehicle impact, and pedestrian fatalities.

A rare enzyme role change with bacterial defense system assembly

Scientists discovered that a bacterial defense system can induce self-destruction when bound to specific proteins, marking a new phenomenon in enzymatic function. This switch allows the bacteria to eliminate a vital molecule needed for survival, ultimately leading to their demise.

Decline in smoking in England has stalled since pandemic

A study by UCL researchers found that smoking prevalence in England has nearly ground to a halt since the start of the pandemic. Despite a significant increase in quit attempts, this was offset by a rise in people taking up smoking, particularly among advantaged social groups.

Unlocking hydrogen’s potential for renewable energy storage, transport

A new NSF-supported collaboration aims to improve liquid organic hydrogen carriers and use AI to identify novel approaches for a global renewable energy supply chain. The team is developing a new class of molecules, chemistries, and chemical processes to better store and transport green energy across the globe.

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.

Infection with stomach bacteria may increase risk of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori infection can increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 11-24% in people over 50, potentially due to inflammation and damage to the brain. The study analyzed data from over four million people and considered the time interval between infection and increased risk.

Scientists unveil complete cell map of a whole mammalian brain

The study maps over 32 million cells in the mouse brain, describing their type, location, and molecular information. This atlas paves the way for a greater understanding of the human brain and development of precision therapeutics for mental and neurological disorders.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Epigenetic changes can cause type 2 diabetes

A new study by Lund University researchers confirms that epigenetic changes can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The study identified 5584 sites with differing epigenetic changes in individuals with and without the disease, as well as a key gene RHOT1 involved in insulin secretion.

NASA’s Webb identifies tiniest free-floating brown dwarf

Astronomers have identified a tiny, free-floating brown dwarf with only three to four times the mass of Jupiter using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. The discovery provides clues about the star-formation process and helps better understand exoplanets.

Use of e-cigarettes and cigarettes during late pregnancy among adolescents

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 10,000 US adolescents and found a significant increase in e-cigarette use during late pregnancy. However, the study revealed no statistically significant association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of small-for-gestational-age birth among adolescents.

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.

Vikings in Sweden suffered from tooth decay

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that Vikings in Sweden had a high prevalence of tooth decay, with many exhibiting severe caries and other dental pathologies. The findings provide insights into the lives of these ancient Scandinavians and their attempts to treat dental issues.

Cell types in the eye have ancient evolutionary origins

Researchers found that most cell types in the retina are ancient and conserved across species, indicating a complex retina in the last common ancestor of all mammals. The study suggests that some cell types have been remodeled or repurposed over time to adapt to different visual needs.

Deep neural networks show promise as models of human hearing

A new study from MIT shows that computational models trained on auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to the human auditory cortex. Models trained on diverse tasks and background noise more closely mimic brain activation patterns.

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.

Highly resolved precipitation maps based on AI

The researchers developed an AI-based generative neural network called GAN that can generate highly resolved radar precipitation films from coarsely resolved maps. This higher resolution is required to better forecast heavy local precipitation and the resulting natural disasters in future.

Machine learning sees into the future to prevent sight loss in humans

Researchers developed a machine-learning model to predict the risk of visual impairment in people with severe shortsightedness. The study used a dataset of 967 Japanese patients and found that the logistic regression-based model performed well at predicting visual impairment at 5 years.

Ultra-hard material to rival diamond discovered

Scientists have solved a decades-long puzzle and unveiled ultra-hard materials that rival diamond in toughness. The breakthrough could lead to multifunctional materials for industrial applications such as protective coatings and high-endurance cutting tools.

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.

Interactive screen use reduces sleep time in kids, researchers find

Researchers found that interactive screen use, such as texting and playing video games, before bed delayed sleep onset by up to 30 minutes, while passive activities had no significant impact. The study suggests that limiting interactive screen time in the hour before bed can help protect teens' sleep and overall health.

Mapping the mouse brain helps reveal what makes us human

Researchers created a comprehensive map of the mouse brain using artificial intelligence and analyzed over 2.3 million individual brain cells. The findings help understand how genes are switched on and off to form different cell types, shedding light on human diseases like multiple sclerosis and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Wistar scientists enhance cell-based therapy to destroy solid tumors

Researchers successfully tested a simple intervention that boosts T cells' ability to destroy human tumors using fenofibrate. The treatment improves the efficacy of CD8+ T cell therapy for melanoma by providing an alternative energy source, thereby enhancing cancer-killing power.

Enzymes can’t tell artificial DNA from the real thing

Researchers have found that RNA polymerase can recognize and transcribe artificial base pairs in the same manner as natural ones, paving the way for custom protein design. This breakthrough could revolutionize medicine by creating new medicines through designer proteins.

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.