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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 15 of 29

New research lays groundwork for personalized dietary supplements

A groundbreaking study by David Berry and Alessandra Riva at the University of Vienna discovered that a wide range of gut bacteria can bind to inulin, a widely used prebiotic. The researchers developed an innovative method to track the interaction of inulin with gut bacteria, yielding surprising results.

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.

Pacific Northwest snowpack endangered by increasing spring heatwaves

A Washington State University study reveals that high-elevation snow in the Pacific Northwest is melting earlier due to frequent and intense heatwaves. The researchers found that these heatwaves have doubled in frequency and intensity since the mid-1990s, posing a significant threat to the region's water supply.

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.

This adaptive roof tile can cut both heating and cooling costs

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara developed an adaptive roof tile that can switch between heating and cooling modes based on temperature. The device, powered by a wax motor, has been shown to reduce energy consumption for cooling by 3.1x and heating by 2.6x compared to conventional devices.

Mice possess natural gene therapy system

A team of researchers at Hokkaido University has discovered a new role for 4.5 SH RNA in mice, which plays a crucial role in regulating alternative splicing and may be the first identified member of a new class of regulatory RNAs.

The A+ team tackles AI and quantum computing hardware

Researchers from Jefferson Lab, imec, and Cornell University collaborate to develop ultra-energy-efficient Superconducting Digital electronics for emerging AI and quantum computing technologies. The project aims to improve energy efficiency by 100X and enable both classical and quantum computing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Understanding the risk of cell therapy for heart repair

A recent study found that human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes interact negatively with myofibroblasts, leading to electrical instability and arrhythmogenic potential. Blocking Interleukin-6 signalling reduced these negative effects, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for safe regenerative treatments.

Making probiotics more widely applicable through ‘CRISPR’ engineering

Recent progress in CRISPR-Cas editing enables tailored probiotic organisms to promote gut health, support immune systems, and enhance metabolism. Genetically modified probiotics have shown potential in preventing or mitigating diseases, such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease.

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.

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.

Rare sleep disorder more prevalent than previously thought

A new study has found that idiopathic hypersomnia, a rare sleep disorder, is more common than previously thought, affecting approximately 1.5% of the population. People with this condition experience excessive daytime sleepiness, despite getting sufficient sleep at night.

Scientists unveil first complete cellular map of adult mouse brain

Researchers unveiled an atlas cataloging the location and type of every cell in the adult mouse brain, revealing a complex relationship between genetic identity and spatial position. The map, which charts over 5,300 cell types, provides a detailed 'parts list' for the brain and could pave the way for precision treatments for diseases.

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.

The shape of dogs' heads affects their sleep

Research by Hungarian researchers found that flat-faced dogs, like French Bulldogs, sleep more due to increased daytime sleepiness and longer REM sleep phases. Their EEG patterns showed signs of white matter loss and distorted brain function.

NASA: some icy exoplanets may have habitable oceans and geysers

A NASA study suggests that 17 exoplanets could have subsurface oceans beneath their icy surfaces, potentially harboring life. The team estimated geyser activity on these planets, predicting that some may exhibit cryovolcanic eruptions, which could be detected using powerful telescopes.

New embryo-like model simulates early human blood production

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a novel embryo-like model, heX-Embryoid, which replicates key features of early human development, including blood cell generation. The model has been shown to produce structures similar to blood islands and detect progenitors of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells.

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.

Workplace gossip can benefit employees and employers

A new study from Binghamton University School of Management found that positive workplace gossip can reduce employee turnover and improve an organization's effectiveness. Employees who engage in positive gossip with coworkers may experience social gains, including reduced negative feelings towards their workplace.

NASA's Webb identifies tiniest free-floating brown dwarf

Astronomers used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to identify the new record-holder: a tiny, free-floating brown dwarf with only three to four times the mass of Jupiter. The discovery provides clues about the star-formation process at very small masses and sheds light on the properties of exoplanets.

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.

Trees are in trouble

A new study reveals that trees growing in wetter regions are more sensitive to drought, with up to 50% of species' ranges expected to become drier by 2100. Climate change models predict these areas will experience rapid drying, exposing trees to conditions beyond their adaptive capacity.

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.

Wildfires also impact aquatic ecosystems

Research from the University of California San Diego finds that wildfires transform lakes and aquatic ecosystems, storing more carbon and emitting less CO2. The study suggests a shift in the role of aquatic systems in the global carbon cycle, with potential consequences for aquatic health and fisheries.

How a drought led to the rise of skateboarding in 1970s California

A cross-disciplinary study from the University of Cambridge reveals that a drought in southern California in the mid-1970s led to the explosive rise of professional skateboarding culture. The authors argue that small environmental changes can have profound effects on human behavior, stimulating cultural and technical innovation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Daily singing workout keeps songbird males attractive

Male songbirds need daily singing to exercise their vocal muscles and produce attractive songs. Regular practice is necessary to maintain social bonds and attract females, which can also hear the difference in a male's voice after exercise.

Scientists find new, better way to develop vaccines

Scientists have developed a new system to display epitopes in mammal cells for immunization studies, potentially speeding up the immunization process. This method allows for targeted immune responses against specific viral proteins without the need to purify antigens.

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.

Mammogram rates increase when patients schedule themselves

Researchers found that patients who scheduled their own mammograms through an online patient portal had a 13 percentage point increase in screening completions. This simple intervention doubled the number of mammogram completions, resulting in approximately 4,500 more people getting screened.

In a new light – new approach overcomes long-standing limitations in optics

A multi-institutional research team, including Osaka University, has developed a new approach to enhance the efficiency of Mie scattering, which could lead to significant advancements in meta-photonics and applications like all-optical transistors. The researchers found that misaligning the incident laser on a nanometer scale can induc...

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.

COVID-19 symptoms and economic hardship among US families

A study found that persistent COVID-19 symptoms and previous severe cases were associated with increased odds of pandemic-related economic hardship. Families with lower incomes before the pandemic were disproportionately affected, experiencing more employment disruptions and earnings losses.

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.

USTC develops chiral boryl radical catalysts in asymmetric catalysis

Researchers at USTC developed novel chiral boryl radical catalysts for asymmetric catalysis, achieving high reaction efficiency and selectivity. The catalysts exhibit exceptional capabilities in constructing chiral functional molecules through a precision-controlled catalytic cycle.

Key to predicting heat events in Central Europe

A GEOMAR study found that low North Atlantic sea surface temperatures are responsible for heat events on land. The researchers discovered a link between cold ocean temperatures and European heat waves, which contributes to the formation of high pressure systems and clear skies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New computer tools can reconstruct 3D brain from biobank photos

Researchers developed a suite of free tools for analyzing vast amounts of brain dissection photographs, enabling the extraction and integration of quantitative information. The tools allow for the reconstruction of 3D brain images from biobank photos, providing valuable insights into neurodegenerative diseases.