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Science News Archive December 2023


Page 6 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.

A trillion scents, one nose

Researchers discover a previously undetected mechanism in mice that explains how each sensory cell in mammalian noses becomes tailored to detect a specific odor chemical. The study reveals the genetic molecule RNA plays a crucial role in this process, with RNA winnowing down receptor genes to a single winner.

How does the inability to burp affect daily life?

The inability to burp, known as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), significantly impacts daily life, causing symptoms like abdominal bloating, flatulence, and difficulty vomiting. Participants reported feeling embarrassed, anxious, and depressed due to R-CPD, highlighting the need for increased awareness and identification.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Natto consumption suppresses arteriosclerosis

A study revealed that natto consumption significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesions in mouse models, altering intestinal microflora and regulating cytokine production. High vitamin K2 natto showed the most significant effect, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 production.

Slimming significantly alters your microbiome and brain activity

A study of 25 obese Chinese individuals reveals that intermittent energy restriction (IER) alters the gut microbiome and brain activity, leading to significant weight loss and reductions in obesity-related comorbidities. The changes are coupled over time, suggesting a complex relationship between the gut microbiome and brain.

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.

City living can pose developmental risks

A new study highlights the wide range of urban exposures during early childhood that can influence growth and development, including air and noise pollution, overcrowding, and limited green space. The first 2000 days of life are a critical period for physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health outcomes.

“Honey, I shrunk the cookbook” – New approach to vaccine development

Researchers have developed a new method for identifying epitopes that promise safe immunization across broad populations, enabling the creation of targeted vaccines. By exploiting epitope overlaps, they were able to integrate significantly more epitopes into their vaccine candidates, covering over 98% of the world population.

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.

Probing for THz radiation directly at the source

A new THz detection method has been developed to measure terahertz radiation directly at the plasma source as it is produced. This method uses nonlinear optics to double the frequency of an optical beam in the presence of a THz wave, providing efficient measurement and characterization of the radiation.

AIBS announces winners of 2023 Faces of Biology Photo Contest

The American Institute of Biological Sciences has selected three winners in its 2023 Faces of Biology Photo Contest. The competition aims to communicate the process of scientific research through photography and showcase biological research in various forms and settings.

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.

Unconventional magnets: stress reduces frustration

A Vienna University of Technology team successfully changed the type of magnetism in a single crystal by applying pressure, reducing frustration and increasing temperature of magnetic phase transition. This discovery could lead to novel materials for secure data storage and quantum computers.

New brain-like transistor mimics human intelligence

Researchers developed a synaptic transistor capable of higher-level thinking and performing associative learning, categorizing data, and retaining information at room temperature. The device operates fast, consumes low energy, and is ideal for real-world applications.

Researchers uncover on/off switch for breast cancer metastasis

A Stanford University study reveals that ENPP1 is produced by both cancer cells and healthy cells around tumors, with high levels linked to immunotherapy resistance and metastases. Researchers found that targeting ENPP1 could improve patient responses to existing medicines and help clinicians better predict patient outcomes

Innovation in development of dermatologic drugs approved by the FDA

The number of new dermatologic drug approvals by the FDA increased significantly between 2012 and 2022, with nearly half considered first in class or indication. This surge in approvals was deemed clinically useful or to have high added therapeutic benefit by health technology assessment organizations.

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.

Information sharing and cooperation

In a study, participants in groups that could share information contributed more than those who couldn't. Sharing info about low contributors increased future contributions among exposed players.

A PEM fuel cell inspired by the structure of a lung

Researchers at the University of Seville have developed a bioinspired PEM fuel cell design that improves the distribution of liquid water inside these batteries. This approach has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and durability of PEM fuel cells, leading to more efficient and sustainable energy systems.

Pandas active posters on social media

A new study reveals that pandas are more socially active than previously thought, using scent-marking trees to exchange information about their lives. In non-mating seasons, they primarily hang with family members, but branch out during mating seasons.

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 neuromuscular model for drug development

Scientists have created a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells to study complex neuromuscular diseases. The 2D and 3D cultures mimic the physiological situation, allowing researchers to perform high-throughput drug screening for novel treatments.

Can we decode the language of our primate cousins?

Researchers discovered that humans can differentiate between primate vocalizations based on acoustic similarity to human speech. The study suggests that the human brain processes primate calls more efficiently when they are closer in frequency to human language, not just phylogenetically close.

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.

Study uncovers major hidden human-driven bird extinctions

A new study reveals that humans have driven the extinction of 1,430 bird species, with many becoming extinct before written records. The research suggests that major human-driven extinctions occurred in the 14th century and ninth century BC, with ongoing threats including climate change and invasive species.

Genetic diversity of wild north American grapes mapped

A team of researchers has decoded the genetic diversity of nine species of wild North American grapes, revealing critical traits that could accelerate grape breeding efforts. The research identifies key genes responsible for important traits such as salt tolerance, drought resistance, and defense against Pierce's disease.

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.

A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon

A new map showing all above-ground biomass in the Brazilian Amazon has been published, derived from a study combining airborne laser scanning, satellite imagery, and forest inventories. The results show an average of 174 metric tons of biomass per hectare and a maximum of 518 tons per hectare.

MSU research suggests pandas are active posters on ‘social media’

A new study suggests that giant pandas are active users of 'social media' in the form of scent-marking trees. The research team analyzed DNA from fresh panda poop to determine which bears were close to each other and used this information to explore their social network. The findings reveal that during non-mating seasons, pandas tend t...

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.

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.

Promising new treatment for a common hereditary nerve disease

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University develop a genome-editing technique that decreases PMP22 protein levels in patient cells, potentially reversing CMT-related changes. The study aims to improve myelination abilities and reduce symptoms in patients with CMT type 1A.

Artificial intelligence unravels mysteries of polycrystalline materials

Researchers at Nagoya University used AI to analyze image data of polycrystalline silicon and discovered staircase-like structures that cause dislocations during crystal growth. The study sheds light on the formation of dislocations in polycrystalline materials, which can affect electrical conduction and overall performance.

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.

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.

Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells

Researchers develop molecular jackhammers that use aminocyanine molecules to create plasmons, which rupture melanoma cell membranes with high efficiency. The method showed a 99% success rate against lab cultures of human melanoma cells and cured half of the mice with melanoma tumors.

JMIR Medical Education accepted for MEDLINE indexing

JMIR Medical Education has been accepted for inclusion in MEDLINE, the US National Library of Medicine's premier bibliographic database, following a thorough review by the Literature Selection Technical Review Committee. This achievement validates the journal's commitment to exploring innovative and unusual ideas in medical education.

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.

Disparities in preoperative goals of care documentation in veterans

A study of 13,000 patients reveals few completed preoperative life-sustaining treatment documentation, with gaps in rates based on patient characteristics. The disparity affects veterans from different racial, ethnic, and rural backgrounds, as well as those with access to high-volume facilities.