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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 26 of 29

Toxicity at Wikipedia

A study by Ivan Smirnov and colleagues found that toxic comments on user talk pages lead to a reduction in editor activity, with newcomers being 1.8 times less likely to continue contributing. Toxicity may also contribute to the site's lack of diversity among Wikipedians.

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.

Eye scans provide crucial insights into kidney health, study finds

Researchers used 3D eye scans to detect changes in the retina and monitor kidney health, finding that thinner retinas correlated with declining kidney function. The technology has potential to support early diagnosis and aid lifestyle changes to reduce health complications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unlocking the secrets of the brain’s dopaminergic system

A new organoid model replicates the dopaminergic system's structure, connectivity, and functionality, shedding light on its intricate functionality and potential implications for Parkinson’s disease. The model also uncovers the enduring effects of chronic cocaine exposure on the dopaminergic circuit, even after withdrawal.

Prohibition may have extended life for those born in dry counties

A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that individuals born in dry counties due to Prohibition-era laws lived longer, with an average additional lifespan of approximately 1.7 years. This increase in longevity is equivalent to nearly 15% of the overall life expectancy improvements for those born between 1900-1930.

Glyphosphate: a silver-bullet weed killer no more

Decades of relying on glyphosate for weed control has led to the development of resistance in multiple weed species, compromising its efficacy. However, combining post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicides can provide consistent weed control, highlighting the need for diverse management programs.

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.

Harvesting water from air with solar power

Researchers have developed a promising new solar-powered technology to harvest water from air, capable of increasing daily water supply needs in dryland areas. The system uses a super hygroscopic gel to absorb and retain large amounts of water, with the potential for large-scale practical applications.

How to identify vintage wines by their chemical signature

Researchers from UNIGE and ISVV have successfully identified the chemical mark of red wines from seven major Bordeaux estates with 100% accuracy using artificial intelligence. The team analyzed gas chromatograms from 80 wines and applied dimensionality reduction techniques to develop a reliable model.

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.

Study proposes new explanation for California anchovy booms and busts

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the length of a food chain supporting newly hatched anchovies correlates strongly with population booms and busts. Shorter food chains are more efficient, resulting in more energy reaching anchovy larvae, while longer chains lead to less energy availability, causing busts.

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.

When do brains grow up?

Researchers have discovered that short-lived mice and longer-living primates develop brain synapses on the exact same timeline, sparking a reevaluation of human brain development. This finding challenges existing knowledge and may have significant implications for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Making table tennis accessible for blind players #Acoustics23

A team of researchers has created an audio feedback system that uses neuromorphic cameras and speaker arrays to provide real-time audio cues in three dimensions. The system enables blind players to track the ball and movements, allowing them to play table tennis with greater accuracy.

Newly identified biomarkers may detect early cognitive decline via blood test

A new study identified genetic indicators that can predict cognitive decline in people affected by extreme stressors like psychiatric disorders or childhood maltreatment. The research found accelerated biological aging to be a biomarker for cognitive decline, which may help create treatments to improve health outcomes.

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.

New study highlights COVID-19’s adaptive strategy for infection

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have discovered a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 varies its mode of infection in human cells. The study reveals that the virus can alternate between being highly infectious and avoiding detection by the immune system.

‘Friendly’ hyenas are more likely to form mobs

Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.

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.

Older organs accelerate aging in transplant recipients

Transplanting older organs from donors accelerates aging in younger recipients, leading to impaired physical capacity and cognitive decline. Senolytic treatments have shown promise in reducing these effects by inhibiting senescence-associated factors.

Diamonds and rust help unveil ‘impossible’ quasi-particles

Scientists have discovered magnetic monopoles in hematite, a type of iron oxide closely related to rust. The study uses diamond quantum sensing to observe swirling textures and faint magnetic signals, revealing the emergence of these isolated magnetic charges.

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.

Study identifies key ingredient for affordable fuel cell catalysts

Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.

Replacing bone saws with smart lasers

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a system that combines three functions: cutting bone, controlling depth, and differentiating tissue types. This autonomous system uses three lasers to make precise incisions with minimal human interference.

Glial tone of aggression

Researchers at Tohoku University found that Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellar vermis regulate the volume of aggression in mice. The study suggests that adjusting glial activity in the cerebellum could lead to therapeutic strategies for managing anger and aggression.

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.

Addicted to your phone? New tool identifies overuse of digital media

The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS) is a new tool that measures digital media addiction, providing clinically relevant scores across various domains. Researchers found that overuse is typically reported in one or a few domains only, with social media being a significant concern.

Chemists create organic molecules in a rainbow of colors

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to synthesize acenes, chains of fused carbon-containing rings that can emit different colors of light. The new approach improves the stability of acenes, making them suitable for use in organic light-emitting diodes and solar cells.

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.

Developing technology to place minute “marks” in the brain

Researchers create a method to deposit small metal oxide marks in deep brain regions using electrolysis, allowing for precise localization and high-resolution imaging of neurons. The technology enables the visualization of brain-wide distribution of neurons with specific functional characteristics.

Paradoxical role of white blood cells in breast cancer spread

A new study found that a type of white blood cell called tumour-associated macrophages can promote the formation of lymphatic vessels, facilitating cancer cell transport to other organs. However, these cells also reduce breast cancer spread to the lungs while increasing it to the lymph nodes.

Wearable ultrasound monitor can aid rehabilitation from injury #Acoustics23

Researchers have developed a wearable ultrasound system that can provide clinically relevant information about muscle function during dynamic physical activity. The device uses a patented approach to transmit long-duration chirps, allowing for real-time analysis of muscle dynamics and aiding in the rehabilitation process.

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.

Tracking undetectable space junk

Researchers propose a new method to track small pieces of space debris by detecting electric signals emitted when they collide. This approach could help protect satellites and spacecraft from damage, as tiny pieces of debris can cause significant harm at high orbital speeds.

Researchers awarded $1M to protect coastal communities, aquaculture industry

The BioSPACE project aims to provide farmers, environmental agencies, and water-reliant industries with portable sensors to rapidly detect germs that threaten marine and freshwater life. The economic burden caused by waterborne diseases exceeds $3 billion in direct health care costs each year in the United States.

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.

Recycling concrete using carbon can reduce emissions and waste

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to upcycle old broken concrete using graphene, producing strong and durable concrete. The approach is gaining traction as new graphene deposits are discovered and mined, bringing down costs and improving the environmental footprint of concrete production.

Leukemia cells activate cellular recycling program

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt has identified a mechanism that could be a suitable starting point for developing novel drugs against leukemia cells. The researchers discovered that the mutated NPM1 gene variant drives pro-autophagic activity, enabling cancer cells to recycle their structures and meet their needs.

No spike in overdoses with COVID-era expansion of methadone access

A new study by Columbia University researchers indicates that patients with expanded methadone access during the COVID pandemic are not more likely to overdose or drop out of care. The findings suggest that more flexible policies could help improve access to this life-saving treatment and close gaps in care.

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that military recruits who undergo longer training programs are less likely to suffer injuries compared to those with shorter training periods. The research also showed that female recruits and those with a high body mass index (BMI) were at higher risk of injury.

Primary care lessons for Canada from OECD countries

Canada faces a crisis in primary care, with 17% of people reporting no regular clinician before COVID-19. OECD countries have designed their systems for universal access to primary care, a lesson Canada can apply.

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.