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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 16 of 29

This Japanese 'dragon' terrorized ancient seas

A newly described mosasaur, the Wakayama Soryu (blue dragon), had a distinctive shark-like dorsal fin and massive flippers that defied classification. The specimen, discovered in Japan, is the most complete mosasaur skeleton found in the country, with features that challenge current understanding of its swimming abilities.

MIT researchers observe a hallmark quantum behavior in bouncing droplets

Researchers at MIT recreate a 'quantum bomb tester' using bouncing droplets, finding that the droplet's classical dynamics give rise to similar statistical behavior as predicted by quantum mechanics. The study bridges the gap between two realities, offering insight into quantum behavior from a local realist perspective.

The silent killer gets louder as high blood pressure risks trend upward

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that people admitted to the hospital for acute hypertension are increasingly likely to need urgent kidney dialysis or die in the hospital. The study's lead author notes that patients with certain traits, such as being younger, male, or overweight, are high-risk groups.

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.

Black Medicare patients less likely to be referred for home health care

A study published in Medical Care reveals that Black Medicare beneficiaries are less likely to be referred for home health care, even when they have similar readiness for discharge scores. The disparity appears greatest among those with low readiness scores, raising concerns about systemic injustice in healthcare settings.

First discovery of a tyrannosaur skeleton with well-preserved stomach contents

A breakthrough discovery has found a well-preserved juvenile Gorgosaurus skeleton with stomach contents that provide insight into the diet and ecological niches of Tyrannosauridae as they grow. The findings suggest that juvenile tyrannosaurs primarily preyed on small dinosaurs, differing from their adult counterparts.

Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines show robust boosting potential

Two Melbourne-made COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated strong boosting capabilities against SARS-CoV-2 variants in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The vaccines focus the immune response on the receptor binding domain, potentially providing a more efficient approach to boost immunity.

Study paves way for development of advanced quantum networks

Researchers at UNICAMP developed a new technology to create bridges between superconducting circuits and optical fibers, enabling efficient transmission of information in the electromagnetic spectrum. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of advanced quantum networks with potential applications in computing and communicat...

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.

Cervical cancer deaths could be more than halved by WHO screening guidelines

Studies published in Nature Medicine show that implementing updated WHO screening guidelines could reduce cervical cancer death rates by over 63% in low-to-middle-income countries. Women with HIV have a sixfold risk of developing cervical cancer, and primary HPV testing can save up to 38 women's lives for every 71 screened.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Silent carriers: long-standing SARS-CoV-2 RNA in respiratory vesicles

Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in extracellular vesicles of patients with negative PCR tests, suggesting a potential source for recurrent infections. The discovery may aid in identifying individuals with persistent or recurrent COVID-19 infections and offer new avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Civilian attacks and Ukrainian resistance

A recent survey of Ukrainian civilians found that those who have been more victimized by Russian violence are more willing to resist, particularly in military combat. The study suggests that the Russian strategy of targeting civilians is unlikely to deter Ukrainian resistance and may even strengthen it.

Mental health care gaps for women veterans - report

The report found that women veterans face multiple barriers to accessing veteran-specific mental health services, including feelings of exclusion, lack of understanding by clinicians, and inadequate visibility in service branding. The study suggests improving clinician knowledge, increasing visibility of women's experiences, and provid...

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.

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

Equity in cannabis research

The article proposes a way forward for cannabis research by acknowledging the history of discrimination and proposing actions to increase diversity and inclusion. The authors suggest passing equity-focused legislation, supporting scientists of color, and implementing inclusive recruitment practices.

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.

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.

You can always become a better reader

Girls tend to excel in reading skills compared to boys, mainly due to differences in vocabulary development and parental engagement. Boys face greater challenges in reading comprehension, particularly if they lack exposure to books and interactive conversations.

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.

Caregiving can be stressful, but it could also lower risk of depression

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that depression in adult caregivers is mostly driven by having a loved one experiencing serious health problems. Conversely, becoming a caregiver was associated with fewer symptoms of depression. The research suggests that caregiving may have a protective effect on mental health.

Preapproval requirement for oral anticancer drugs may interfere with treatment

A new study from Harvard Medical School researchers found that prior authorizations for oral cancer drugs can lead to significant delays in patients' obtaining the medication, increasing the likelihood of discontinuation. The analysis of Medicare Part D claims data revealed an average delay of 10 days in refilling prescriptions after a...

Long dormant volcanoes can erupt rapidly and explosively

New research reveals signs before a volcano erupts after tens of thousands of years of dormancy, including changes in magma composition and crystal formation. The study found that water-rich recharge magmas played a key role in triggering explosive eruptions, with amphibole being a critical indicator.

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.

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.

Fat flies live longer on a diet at any age

Researchers found that switching fruit flies to a low-calorie diet extends their lifespan, even in old age. This study suggests that obese humans may benefit from reducing calorie intake in old age, as it can dramatically change their metabolisms and extend their lives.

Novel early-detection method aims to stem disease spread in animal trade

Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to quickly detect the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans in shipments and captive settings. The new approach tests environmental DNA for Bsal DNA to assess the pathogen's prevalence, providing a way to make an essentially invisible pathogen visible.

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.

Drought and the rapid rise of skateboarding

A severe drought led to a surge in professional vertical skateboarding in Los Angeles, influenced by cultural, commercial, and environmental changes. The development of polyurethane wheels and sport-specific media contributed to the growth of the sport.

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.

Migratory bats can detect the Earth’s magnetic field

A study found that migratory bats are sensitive to the angle of magnetic inclination and use it for navigation. The soprano pipistrelle bat species calibrated its internal compass at sunset, taking into account both the horizontal component and inclination of the Earth's magnetic field.

$7.55 million grant to take LHSC-developed technology global

Lawson Health Research Institute's AI-led technology can diagnose rare genetic diseases with a blood test, taking its development global thanks to a $7.55 million grant. The technology has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing an accurate and non-invasive diagnostic tool for these complex diseases.

Is age linked to the picture of the perfect partner?

A large international sample of single women aged 18-67 years was surveyed on their ideal partner characteristics, revealing links between age and preferences. Most attributes were consistently important across ages, but higher age correlated with a preference for confident partners and greater acceptance of younger partners.

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 test predicts risk of cognitive dysfunction in older surgery patients

A simple EEG before surgery can detect a signal of cognitive vulnerability, predicting which patients are at risk of post-operative confusion and attention problems. Researchers found that this test successfully detected disordered arousal or attention in older adults, helping identify the degree to which they'd experience problems.

Heavy metals in our food are most dangerous for kids

Two studies found moderate to high risk scores for cancers and non-cancer health effects associated with lead, arsenic, and cadmium exposure. Exposure to these heavy metals through contaminated food is linked to increased risks of various types of cancer, including lung, bladder, skin, and prostate cancers.

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.

One in three men open to having more than one partner, study shows

A new study by Swansea University found that nine percent of men and five percent of women in the UK are open to sharing a partner or being shared with someone else. This suggests a significant disparity between men's and women's attitudes towards non-monogamous relationships.

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.

Cannabis exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes related to placental function

A multicenter observational cohort study found that cannabis exposure was associated with a higher risk of small-for-gestational-age birth, medically indicated preterm birth, stillbirth, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The risk was particularly pronounced among those who continued to use cannabis beyond the first trimester.

Archaeologists unearth one of earliest known frame saddles

The discovery sheds light on the underappreciated role of ancient Mongolians in spreading horse riding technology, which had a profound impact on mounted warfare and culture. The saddle is believed to have originated from local craftsmen in Mongolia, who created it using birch wood and wooden nails.

Smoking causes brain shrinkage

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.

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.