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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 10


Page 10 of 29

Time to move on from ‘doctor knows best’, say experts, as study finds clinicians rank patient views as least important in diagnosis

A study of over 1,000 patients and clinicians found that patient self-assessments were undervalued, with clinicians ranking them lowest in diagnostic decisions. Experts call for a more collaborative approach valuing patients' 'lived experiences', citing potential benefits including improved diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRheumatology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 17, 2023

Narrow-band imaging at low magnification can detect lesions overlooked by white-light imaging

A recent study published in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy found that narrow-band imaging at low magnification can detect lesions missed by white-light imaging. Annual endoscopic examinations using LM-NBI revealed a threefold higher detection rate of neoplastic lesions compared to conventional magnifying endoscopy.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGastroenterology & Endoscopy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2023

New discovery could aid regenerative heart therapies

Researchers have discovered a new control mechanism that drives the maturation of human stem cell-derived heart muscle cells, providing fresh insight into cardiac regenerative therapy and disease modeling. The study identifies RBFox1 as a key intrinsic regulator of heart muscle cell maturation.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2023
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.

Production of marmoset eggs and embryos from xenotransplanted ovary tissues

Scientists at Niigata University successfully produced marmoset eggs and embryos from xenotransplanted ovaries, offering a new method for generating genetically modified marmosets. The novel egg production system is expected to facilitate research into human diseases and contribute to regenerative medicine.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2023

Learning label-specific features for decomposition-based multi-class classification

The research team proposed learning label-specific features for each decomposed binary classification problem to consider the specific characteristics in its positive and negative examples. Experiments validate the effectiveness of this approach, showing superiority over original features.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2023

Scientists construct a synthetic yeast genome

Researchers from National University of Singapore have synthesised a redesigned yeast chromosome XV, comprising 1.05 million base pairs. The novel technology, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mitotic recombination with endoreduplication (CRIMiRE), speeds up the assembly process, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the synthetic chromosome.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalCell Genomics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 17, 2023

Electrocatalytic CO2 conversion toward large-scale deployment

Researchers have made significant progress in developing CO2 conversion technology, addressing challenges such as low conversion rates and stability issues. The study highlights the importance of optimizing the technology from a comprehensive perspective, focusing on catalysts, interfaces, electrolyzers, and cell stacks.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateDec 17, 2023

Study provides insights into diets of early primates

A University of Otago-led study found that early primates primarily consumed soft fruits, as indicated by dental chipping patterns and cavities. The research, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, analyzed fossils from the Fayum Depression in Egypt and compared them to data from living primates.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAmerican Journal of Biological Anthropology·DateDec 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Enhanced antioxidant activities unveiled in diverse water-soluble lignin-carbohydrate complexes

A recent study discovered enhanced antioxidant potential in water-soluble lignin-carbohydrate complexes, with polysaccharide content significantly correlated to antioxidant activity. The investigation revealed diverse structural characteristics and a nuanced relationship between structure and function dynamics.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 17, 2023

Microbiome insights found in poop help predict infections in liver transplant patients

Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and postoperative infections in liver transplant patients. The study found that metabolites in fecal samples could predict infection risk with high accuracy, providing a potential diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

Deadly chicken disease: ancient DNA reveals evolution of virulence

A team of scientists has decoded the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus, a fatal disease in chickens, using ancient DNA from up to 1,000-year-old chicken bones. The study found that the virus was already widely distributed over 1,000 years ago and became increasingly aggressive due to global chicken farming and vaccine use.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

From PIC to probe

A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 15, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Toward more precise and flexible targeted spectroscopy measurements in the retina

Researchers develop a versatile imaging system for targeted spectroscopy in the eye fundus, allowing for continuous color imaging and spectral measurements. The system enables users to select targets and move them to any location within the eye fundus region without realignment or fixation changes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateDec 15, 2023

Navigating climate challenges: UVA engineers and environmental scientists aid Virginia’s eastern shore

A team of UVA civil and environmental engineers and environmental scientists have developed a web-based decision-support tool, called the Climate Equity Atlas, to help residents deal with the challenges caused by climate change. The tool combines historical environmental data and socioeconomic data to create a sophisticated predictive ...

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 15, 2023

Revolutionizing forestry: 'CountShoots' unveils advanced UAV and AI techniques for precise slash pine shoot counting

A new study introduces the Slash Pine Shoot Counting Network (SPSC-net) using a feature pyramid module for accurate new shoot detection in slash pines. SPSC-net outperforms other models like YOLOX and Efficientnet, achieving the lowest MSE and MAE in density regression.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Parents underestimate the importance of guided play in education, finds US study

A recent US study found that parents overestimate the value of free play in children's learning, while undervaluing guided play. Guided play is more effective for teaching skills like mathematics, language, and STEM subjects. By educating parents on this approach, they can create engaging 'learning' moments during everyday activities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023
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 shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

Novel therapeutic target overcomes resistance to radiation therapy

Researchers discovered a novel therapeutic target BAMBI that suppresses immune cells, reducing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and inducing therapy resistance in cancer patients. BAMBI's expression is associated with improved survival rates, suggesting it as a promising approach to overcome radiation therapy resistance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Unstable ‘fluttering’ predicts aortic aneurysm

Researchers developed a physics-based metric to predict aortic aneurysm development, measuring 'fluttering' in blood vessels. The 'flutter instability parameter' forecasted abnormal growth three years prior to occurrence with 98% accuracy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Revolutionary seaweed and carbonated water based hydrogel for treating skin wounds

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using seaweed extract that prevents wound expansion and promotes healing. The hydrogel demonstrates significantly lower adhesion and swelling compared to conventional hydrogels, making it an excellent alternative for treating skin wounds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

New method paves the way for new antibiotics

Researchers at NTNU have developed a new method to study how bacterial signaling proteins react to treatment, paving the way for effective killing of MRSA. The method has shown a combination of two substances kills MRSA more effectively than when used separately.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

A mathematical framework for evo-devo dynamics

A mathematical framework for evo-devo dynamics integrates age progression, explicit development, and evolutionary dynamics to describe the evolution of developmental phenotypes. The framework recovers evolutionary dynamic equations in gradient form, showing that genotypic and phenotypic evolution must be followed simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalTheoretical Population Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

UMSOM researchers discover first ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development

Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

A new tool to better model future wildfire impacts in the United States

Researchers at Ohio State University are testing the use of Synthetic Aperture Radar to help with wildfire detection and improve first responders' ability to predict and respond to deadly forest fires. The new tool has potential for tracking wildfires from start to finish, monitoring soil moisture, and discerning flame-prone areas.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 15, 2023

Pesticides and adjuvants disrupt honey bee’s sense of smell

Researchers found that pesticide-adjuvant combinations used in almond orchards can interfere with honey bee communication. The study suggests that these chemicals can alter the antennal responses to brood and alarm pheromones, potentially disrupting colony function.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Blood testing identifies biomarkers of suicidal thoughts

A UC San Diego study found biomarkers in blood that can help identify individuals at high risk of becoming suicidal, offering a new approach to personalize mental health care. The researchers also discovered sex-based differences in how depression impacts cell metabolism and identified potential targets for future drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Prone to abandoning New Year’s resolutions? Bayes’ research suggests blaming money worries rather than being time-poor

Research by Dr Janina Steinmetz found that people are more likely to see others as having good self-control if they blame a lack of money rather than time for abandoning New Year's resolutions. Studies involving around 1,200 participants showed that excusing financial constraints leads to better perceptions of self-control.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023

Coevolution helps Santa's reindeer feast after flight

Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.

SourceDartmouth College·Journali-Perception·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Outsize benefit seen in trial of drug for kidney disease

A clinical trial found that an experimental drug, BI 690517, reduced albuminuria in 70% of patients when paired with a standard-care medication. The study also showed that the combination of the two drugs mitigated the risk of hyperkalemia.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2023

Less social media makes you happier and more efficient at work

A study found that cutting daily social media use by 30 minutes per day improves job satisfaction, mental health, and reduces stress. Participants who reduced their social media time reported feeling less overworked, more committed to their jobs, and experiencing decreased Fear of Missing Out.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Positive tipping points must be triggered to solve climate crisis

A recent study published in One Earth suggests that triggering positive tipping points is crucial for mitigating the effects of climate change. The research highlights examples like Norway's rapid transition to electric vehicles as evidence of human systems exhibiting positive tipping points, which can help achieve decarbonisation goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalOne Earth·DateDec 15, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Exploring the effects of vascularization strategies on brain organoids

A study by Waseda University explores the effects of different vascularization strategies on brain organoids, improving cell differentiation and transcriptome profiles. Vascularized cerebral organoids exhibit a gene expression profile closer to fetal human brains than non-vascularized ones.

SourceWaseda University·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Trip or treat?

Scientists at Medical College of Wisconsin create biased agonists that reduce hallucinogenic effects while preserving therapeutic potential. These compounds, designed to selectively activate serotonin receptors, show promise in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Stalled progress toward eliminating child marriage in India

Child marriage declined nationally in India, but one in five girls and nearly one in six boys remain married as children. The practice has become more prevalent in some states/union territories, with a significant increase observed between 2016 and 2021.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

Wnt pathway dysfunction influences colorectal cancer response to immunotherapy

Researchers found that Wnt signaling pathway dysfunction can lead to increased immune infiltration and activation, resulting in a heightened responsiveness to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with mismatch repair deficiency. This study suggests a potential new strategy for treating MSI-positive CRC patients.

SourceChongqing Medical University·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Study identifies Florida’s potential invasive species threats

A team of experts led by Deah Lieurance evaluated 460 species and ranked them according to their likelihood of invasion and potential ecological, economical, and human health impacts. The top 40 species pose the greatest threat to Florida's natural areas, with some, like the crab-eating macaque, already established in the state.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalEcosphere·DateDec 15, 2023

Bringing quantum computing to light

Researchers explore quantum optical technology to solve scalability and accuracy issues in quantum computing, aiming to develop new drugs faster and more efficiently. Photon-based systems offer a solution by reducing physical components, increasing opportunities for scaling and stability.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 15, 2023

Rembrandt broke new ground with lead-based impregnation of canvas for The Night Watch

Researchers discovered a previously unknown layer of dispersed lead in the ground layer of Rembrandt's The Night Watch, using advanced analytical techniques. This finding sheds light on the artist's inventive approach to painting and highlights his efforts to improve the durability of his masterpieces.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Scientists measure the distance to stars by their music

Researchers from EPFL and University of Bologna used asteroseismology to calculate star distances, providing accurate measurements and validating Gaia's parallax data. The study analyzed over 12,000 oscillating red giant stars, measuring their vibrations and oscillations to determine stellar properties.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

IU researchers fill the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence and gain insights into gene regulatory mechanisms relevant to humans

Researchers at Indiana University have completed the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence, revealing how ribosomal RNA genes are organized and regulated. The study found that one NOR is nearly completely silenced in growing plants, while the other accounts for almost all ribosomal RNA gene activity in its central region.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 15, 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products including tampons, pads, and liners

A study by George Mason University researchers found endocrine-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products, including phthalates and parabens. The review of 15 papers revealed a lack of research on newer products like menstrual cups and discs, highlighting the need for further investigation into their potential health impacts.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2023
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.

Guiding principles to address bias in healthcare algorithms

A technical expert panel provides guiding principles to avoid algorithmic bias in healthcare, aiming to reduce healthcare disparities and promote health equity. The principles aim to identify biases before implementation and mitigate their impact through conscious decisions by developers, users, and regulators.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 15, 2023

Childhood sedentariness causes elevated cholesterol but light physical activity may neutralize it

A new study found that increased childhood sedentary time significantly increases cholesterol levels in young adulthood. However, light physical activity (LPA) has been shown to completely reverse this effect, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may also reduce cholesterol levels but with diminished impact due to body f...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

Pollinators make a big impact on edamame marketability

A recent UMD study reveals that cross-pollination significantly improves the quality and quantity of soybean pods, with open-pollinated flowers producing more grade-A beans. The research also suggests that a greater biodiversity near fields can lead to increased yields by attracting beneficial pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pollination Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023