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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 27


Page 27 of 29

Rice engineers tackle hard-to-map class of materials

Researchers have developed a new technique to understand the relationship between atomic structure and electric polarization in 2D van der Waals ferroelectric materials. This discovery is expected to revolutionize domain engineering in these materials, positioning them as fundamental building blocks for advanced devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

American Eel as an emerging consumer target

Imports of American eel fry for aquaculture in East Asia have reached an all-time high, threatening the already endangered species. The surge is driven by Japan's demand for two-thirds of its eel consumption, with the US and Haiti being major exporters.

SourceChuo University·JournalMarine Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Earliest-known fossil mosquito suggests males were bloodsuckers too

The discovery of fossilized male mosquitoes in 30 million-year-old amber suggests that males were also hematophagous, feeding on blood. This finding helps narrow the 'ghost-lineage gap' for mosquitoes and complicates our understanding of the evolution of blood-feeding habits.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 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.

Placing nanoparticles in the palm of your hand

Professor Anne Bentley has developed innovative 3D-printed models to visualize nanoparticles, allowing students to grasp the material's special properties. Her research focuses on low-index shapes, which have catalytic properties and can convert carbon dioxide into fuel materials.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 4, 2023

In hotter regions, mammals seek forests, avoid human habitats

A study by the University of California, Davis, found that North American mammals consistently depend on forests and avoid cities, farms, and other human-dominated areas in hotter climes. This suggests that preserving forest cover will be increasingly important for wildlife conservation as the climate warms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

New wearable communication system offers potential to reduce digital health divide

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) system that enables wearables to transmit health data long distances without cell coverage. The system, called biosymbiotic, has the potential to improve remote monitoring in underserved communities and make digital medicine more accessible

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2023

Immune protein may induce dementia unrelated to high blood pressure

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that controlling high blood pressure may not prevent cognitive declines due to immune protein IL-17. Increased levels of IL-17 in the brain suppressed blood flow and induced cognitive impairment in a preclinical model.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Drug-resistant tuberculosis may be under-diagnosed, says genomic analysis in southern Mozambique

A genomic analysis in southern Mozambique found that new molecular tests are needed to detect a wider range of mutations conferring resistance to first-line TB drugs. The study identified high numbers of isoniazid-resistant cases, which were also missed by the Xpert/Ultra test.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Wildfires have erased two decades’ worth of air quality gains in western United States

A new study reveals that wildfires have worsened air quality in the western US, mainly due to increased frequency and ferocity of fires, resulting in a significant increase in premature deaths. The study found black carbon concentrations rose 55% annually in fire-prone areas, contributing to a decline in air quality.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Boiled bubbles jump to carry more heat

A team of researchers, led by Jonathan Boreyko, has engineered a surface that makes bubbles jump, carrying more heat and improving the efficiency of water-based cooling operations. The jumping bubbles are able to carry energy away from a heated surface more effectively than traditional boiling methods.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 4, 2023

Hard to drug: Protein droplets reveal new ways to inhibit transcription factors in an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered a new approach to targeting transcription factors in prostate cancer by exploiting the formation of protein droplets. This process can be used to inhibit androgen receptor activity, which is essential for the growth and survival of cancer cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 4, 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.

New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopedic surgery

A new implant coating made of Silver-Gallium nano-amalgamated particles has shown potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains in animal models. The technology, patented and developed by Flinders University researchers, could be easily applied to medical devices to protect them against infection.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

This is how protein aggregates can trigger neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers found that misfolded prion proteins can trigger the clumping of TDP-43 in nerve cells, leading to reduced splicing activity and altered protein expression. This study reveals a new mechanism of how disease-associated prion proteins affect physiological signaling pathways through cross-seeding.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

New rule for emergency departments to safely reduce use of CTs after falls in older patients

A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Updated: Antiphospholipid syndrome

The updated antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) classification criteria offer improved sensitivity and specificity, allowing for risk-stratified epidemiologic studies and clinical trials. The new system specifies an entry criterion of at least one positive aPL test within 3 years of clinical criterion identification.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateDec 4, 2023

Recent advances in the built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane

Recent advances in built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane focus on enhancing charge transfer dynamics and reducing greenhouse gases. The review article introduces fundamental reaction mechanisms, advantages, and potential photocatalytic materials for dry reforming application.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateDec 4, 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.

Decoding flavonoid metabolism: a closer look at plant-based diets

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have decoded the metabolism of three major flavonoids - naringenin, apigenin, and genistein - revealing how human enzymes modify them in a similar way to plants. This understanding may lead to improved health benefits associated with plant-based diets.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Infants are not startled by visual illusions

A recent study reveals that infants aged six months and older can perceive misbinding, a type of visual illusion where features are mistakenly integrated. In contrast, infants under six months do not exhibit this phenomenon, indicating they may perceive the external world more accurately than adults.

SourceChuo University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Researchers decode aqueous amino acid’s potential for direct air capture of CO2

Scientists have made a significant stride toward understanding a viable process for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study focused on aqueous glycine, an amino acid known for its absorbent qualities, and discovered that focusing solely on free energy barrier is an oversimplification that can lead to inaccur...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Pharmacy forecast identifies growing societal challenges expected to impact care

The ASHP/ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Forecast Report identifies growing societal challenges that will alter healthcare delivery, including the impact of ultra-high-cost drugs on service lines. Pharmacists' engagement is crucial to ensuring safe care for all patients, particularly in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2023

Brains of newborns aren't underdeveloped compared to other primates

Researchers found that humans are born with brains at a typical development level for similar primate species, but grow much larger and more complex after birth. This challenges the prevailing understanding of evolutionary human brain development.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 4, 2023

Interpreting the afterglow of a black hole’s breakfast

A team of astronomers has found that active black holes shine in microwave and X-ray light in the same way, regardless of their appetite, suggesting a new understanding of how these cosmic monsters consume matter. This discovery could provide a new method for estimating black hole masses, essential for understanding galaxy evolution.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Soil drought weakens forest microclimatic cooling

Forest microclimates are weakened by soil droughts, leading to hotter temperatures in forest understories. This can have devastating effects on small tree seedlings and forest biodiversity as a whole.

SourceStockholm University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Supercomputing training at Argonne National Laboratory

Fatima Bagheri, a UTA postdoc, attended an intensive program on supercomputing at Argonne National Laboratory to expand her knowledge of exascale computers and learn methods to advance her research into exoplanets. The training provided hands-on sessions with supercomputers and expertise from world experts.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 4, 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.

Wind of (climate) change

Researchers discovered that rising temperatures trigger katabatic winds in Himalayan glaciers, cooling the air and preserving surrounding ecosystems. The team used climate models to demonstrate this phenomenon across the Himalayan range, suggesting that some glaciers may have a chance to 'save' themselves by reacting to global warming.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Learning from Nature: How a fungus makes a hard job easier

Researchers discovered the PanH enzyme, which catalyzes the selective epoxidation of cyclohexenones, a challenging reaction to achieve through chemical synthesis. The study shows that this enzyme can produce a large library of substances with improved and more specific activities in biomedical research.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 4, 2023

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 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.

Decades after blood pressure-related pregnancy complications, Hispanic/Latina women can have changes in heart structure and function

A National Institutes of Health-supported study found that Hispanic/Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are more likely to have abnormalities in their heart structure and function decades later. The study suggests that having high blood pressure later in life contributes less to these changes than the his...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalHypertension·DateDec 4, 2023

AI helps us better understand (and protect) forests

Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2023

Consistency key to corporate expressions of racial solidarity

Research by Cornell University experts found that companies must demonstrate long-term commitment to diversity and racial equity to convey allyship to Black Americans. Costly actions alone are insufficient, with consistency being the key factor in perceived authenticity.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 4, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Mathematics supporting fresh theoretical approach in oncology

A study by the University of the Basque Country uses game theory to establish that tumours with less cellular heterogeneity are more aggressive. The work suggests a fresh theoretical approach for new therapeutic strategies, focusing on preserving high intratumour heterogeneity.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateDec 4, 2023

Dietary environmental factors shape the immune defense against Cryptosporidium infection

Researchers discovered that dietary indoles, such as those found in broccoli, can activate the immune system to fight off Cryptosporidium infection. This protection was seen in mice, including those with weakened immune systems and newborns, suggesting a potential way to prevent recurring infections in children.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 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.

About 20% of patients listed as alive in their electronic health records were actually deceased according to California data

A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Unveiling a new era of imaging: Boston University engineers lead breakthrough microscopy techniques

Researchers create new methods to visualize and understand samples with increased accuracy and sensitivity. The development of photothermal microscopy, also known as VIP microscopy, enables scientists to probe specific chemical bonds in a specimen, allowing them to map molecules at low concentrations without dye labeling.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

New theory unites Einstein’s gravity with quantum mechanics

A new theory unifies gravity and quantum mechanics by preserving Einstein's classical concept of spacetime, proposing random fluctuations in spacetime that can be verified experimentally. The theory challenges the pursuit of a quantum theory of gravity, offering an alternative approach to reconcile the two fundamental theories.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 4, 2023

Study shows how ethical brands fare in a recession

A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that during a UK recession, consumers tend to keep up more expensive ethical purchases like fair trade products. The study found that the amount spent on organic products declined, while fair trade product sales increased.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 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.

Race adjustment in clinical algorithms and other clinical decision-making tools

The use of race and ethnicity in clinical algorithms can lead to biased treatment plans and perpetuate health inequities. Researchers explored the effects of race-based medicine on patient outcomes, revealing a self-fulfilling prophecy of racial reasoning that reinforces ideas about racial differences.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·TypeCase study·DateDec 4, 2023

Applications open for School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateDec 4, 2023

Strange burn: new research identifies unique patterns in Utah wildfires

Researchers analyzed satellite data on medium-sized and large wildfires in Utah from 1984 to 2022, finding that medium-sized fires had significant impacts despite smaller size. The study suggests that looking at these 'hidden' fires can help inform decisions on prescribed burns and predict future fire behavior

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFire·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

More than a meteorite: New clues about the demise of dinosaurs

A new study published in Science Advances challenges the long-held theory that a meteorite was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Researchers from McGill University and around the world found evidence of massive volcanic eruptions in Western India, which may have triggered a global drop in temperature and made life diffic...

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Brain implants revive cognitive abilities long after traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a new technique using deep brain stimulation that restored cognitive abilities in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. The study, published in Nature Medicine, exceeded expectations and showed promise against long-lasting impairments from brain injuries.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Watching electrons at work

The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

The risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by eating more oily fish

A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Advancing food safety: Natural alternatives for meat preservation

Researchers from Zhejiang University conclude that natural preservatives, including phages and their endolysins, bacteriocins, and plant-derived substances, demonstrate significant potential in mitigating pathogenic bacteria in meat products. The study highlights the need for streamlined methodologies to transition these natural preser...

SourceZhejiang University·JournalFood Quality and Safety·DateDec 4, 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.

ECHO research examines nutrition data's value from pregnancy to adolescence in understanding child health

Researchers now have access to a large amount of diet information collected from over 33,000 pregnancies and 31,000 children. This de-identified data, available through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's DASH Hub, will help answer important questions about nutrition and child health.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateDec 4, 2023