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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 29

The stomach bug that may raise your risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A study by McGill University researchers found that people with symptomatic H. pylori infection have an 11% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest a potential role for the bacterium in the development of the disease, opening avenues for future research and possible prevention strategies.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateDec 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Laser-driving a 2D material

Researchers at Columbia University paired laser light with crystal lattice vibrations to boost the nonlinear optical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a stable 2D material. The team achieved over a 30-fold increase in third-harmonic generation, generating new frequencies and efficiently producing optical signals.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2023

Light colour is less important for the internal clock than originally thought

A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the colour of light has a limited impact on the human internal clock and sleep. The researchers exposed volunteers to different coloured lights, including blueish and yellowish lights, to determine their effect on the body.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Reindeer sleep while chewing their cud

Researchers found that reindeer spend more time ruminating and less time in non-REM sleep, suggesting a possible restorative function of rumination. The study suggests that reindeer may be able to save time by resting during rumination, allowing them to cope with limited sleep time during the arctic summer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 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.

Texas A&M team develops polymers that can kill bacteria

A Texas A&M University-led collaboration has developed new polymers capable of killing bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance by disrupting their membrane. The researchers tested their polymers against two main types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with promising results.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Big impacts from small changes in cell

Researchers at Göttingen and Warwick Universities studied the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal networks composed of actin isoforms. The study found that gamma actin forms rigid networks near the cell apex, while beta actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with distinct organizational patterns.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Images hidden in noise revealed by a quantum-inspired method

Researchers developed a novel phase imaging technique using intensity correlation measurements that is immune to phase instability. This method can capture high-resolution images of transparent and optically thin samples, such as cell cultures, with improved accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 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.

Pandemic lessons: Insights into how mobility restrictions affect healthcare costs

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that increasing walking by over 70% reduces medical costs for lifestyle-related diseases, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public transit use also decreases medical costs, with a higher effect in metropolitan prefectures.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2023

Fewer hospital admissions when people are fitter

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2023

Novel ingestible devices developed to create the illusion of satiety

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a pill-size device called VIBE that creates the sensation of fullness by stimulating vagal nerve receptors when it comes into contact with gastric fluid. The device reduced food intake by an average of 31% in swine, and its effects were sustained for 30 minutes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Evolution of tuberculosis – in new light

Recent studies published in the Tuberculosis journal reveal the earliest confirmed presence of tuberculosis' causative agents in human remains, pushing the timeline back by tens of thousands of years. Researchers have also discovered evidence of TB infection in Neanderthal specimens from Hungary, dating back over 32,000 years.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTuberculosis·DateDec 22, 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.

Two types of CBT are equally effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia

A study published in PAIN found that exposure-based CBT and traditional CBT are equally effective in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. The study involved 274 participants with fibromyalgia and showed significant reductions in symptoms and functional impairment after 10-week treatment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPain·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2023

Engineers develop a vibrating, ingestible capsule that might help treat obesity

The researchers designed a capsule about the size of a multivitamin, powered by a small battery, which vibrates to activate mechanoreceptors in the stomach. This activation stimulates hormone release patterns similar to those following a meal, reducing food intake and slowing weight gain by 40 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2023

Trends in abdominoplasty: More outpatient surgery and concomitant liposuction

The study analyzed 16 years of data from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and found an increased rate of outpatient abdominoplasty without overnight hospital stays. Concomitant liposuction was also more commonly performed in recent years. Despite changes, abdominoplasty remains a safe and reliable procedure.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open·DateDec 22, 2023

Like kids in a candy store

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 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.

Major breakthrough in hypertension diagnosis could save Government billions

Researchers have discovered a way to predict which individuals will respond to blood pressure treatments that lower sodium in the body. This breakthrough could lead to a 25% reduction in hypertension prevalence, resulting in significant cost savings for the Australian government.

SourceHunter Medical Research Institute·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2023

Advanced computational tool for understanding quantum materials

Researchers developed a new computational tool, WEST-TDDFT, to study the behavior of atoms in quantum materials when absorbing and emitting light. The tool enables scientists to analyze larger systems, leading to potential breakthroughs in quantum technologies and material engineering.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 21, 2023

The future of canine stem cell therapy: unprecedented, painless, and feeder-free

Scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a non-invasive, pain-free method to reprogram canine stem cells from urine samples, creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) without feeder cells. This breakthrough aims to advance veterinary regenerative treatment and genetic disease research.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 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.

Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

KIMM develops real-time multimodal tactile detection system applicable to robots and wearable devices

Researchers at KIMM develop a real-time and multimodal tactile perception system capable of detecting various types of tactile stimuli in real-time. The system consists of four three-dimensionally stacked tactile sensors and has successfully distinguished between different surface textures and complex motion.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalSoft Robotics·DateDec 21, 2023

Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Enhancing coastal cities' flood resilience through smart city technologies

Researchers propose integrating smart-city technologies to boost flood resilience in coastal cities. They argue that emerging technologies like IoT, 5G, and big data can enable real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making, leading to more responsive and resilient urban environments.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 21, 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.

New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells

Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 2023

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Mayo Clinic researchers used genetic sequencing to study the measles virus's spread in a human brain. The study found that the virus acquired distinct mutations that drove its spread from the frontal cortex outward. This knowledge may help develop effective antiviral drugs to combat SSPE, a rare and lethal brain disease caused by measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2023
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.

Doxycycline prophylaxis use low and did not prevent STIs among cisgender women

A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2023

Role of enzyme SMYD3 clarified in prostate cancer progression

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the enzyme SMYD3's involvement in prostate cancer's progression to a more aggressive stage. The study found that adding methyl groups to the MAP kinase protein is likely SMYD3's role in driving metastasis, and compounds that can inactivate SMYD3 are already available

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Insects already had a variety of defense strategies in the Cretaceous

Researchers have discovered that insect larvae already used various anti-predator strategies, such as spines, hairs, and camouflage, in the Cretaceous period. These findings provide insights into the evolution of defense mechanisms in insects and shed light on the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournaliScience·DateDec 21, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Pancake stack of films on a balloon most accurate gamma-ray telescope

Kobe University researchers have developed a pancake stack of films on a balloon that takes the world's most accurate picture of a neutron star's gamma ray beam. The setup uses a novel, automated data capture and analysis process to track the trajectory of particles produced by gamma rays, achieving an accuracy of 1/10,000 millimeters.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Delivering the bad news right: report says Parkinson’s disease diagnoses must include a message of hope

A new report by UCLA neurologist Dr. Indu Subramanian recommends that doctors delivering Parkinson's diagnoses use correct terminology and provide guidance on treatment options, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies to give patients hope and agency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 2023

A KAIST team develops selective transfer printing technology for MicroLEDs​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a micro-vacuum assisted selective transfer printing (µVAST) technology to improve the transfer of microLED chips. The technology uses laser-induced etching to create micro-hole arrays on glass substrates, allowing for precise alignment and higher adhesion switchability.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2023

New study reveals perfluoroalkyl acids accelerate DNA degradation, highlighting potential ecological risks

A new study reveals that perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) significantly expedite the enzymatic degradation of DNA, even at low concentrations. The findings have critical implications for understanding the ecological risks posed by PFAAs and highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive environmental monitoring.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateDec 21, 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.

Moisture-resistant hairstyling agent

Researchers at NIMS and L'Oréal K.K. create a new hairstyling agent that resists humidity, using hydrogen bonding between PVA and cellulose microcrystals to maintain hair shape in high humidity conditions.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Henan Agricultural University researchers review on jujube witches’ broom, fruit tree disease associated with phytoplasma

Jujube witches' broom disease is a fruit tree disease caused by phytoplasma, leading to altered plant development and severe yield loss. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between phytoplasma effectors and plant target proteins to develop effective prevention and cure strategies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFruit Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study of cognitive fatigue across different tasks and populations provides new insights

Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Artery calcification more common in night owls

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk

Researchers used ALMA to study the motion of gas in ancient spiral galaxy BRI 1335-0417, detecting seismic waves that reveal the galaxy's dynamic growth. The findings suggest that gas was streaming into the galaxy or colliding with smaller galaxies, fueling star formation at a rate hundreds of times faster than modern galaxies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 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.

Growing pains? SFU research tracks 100 years of salmon adaptation to climate change

A new Simon Fraser University-led study tracks 100 years of salmon growth and finds that juvenile salmon are growing larger due to climate change. The study suggests maintaining freshwater habitats can help salmon adapt to warming temperatures, with relatively deep lakes becoming more important.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

First high mountain settlers at the start of the Neolithic already engaged in other livestock activities apart from transhumance

Researchers analyzed animal remains and isotopes to understand livestock practices in high mountain regions during the Early Neolithic. The study found that flocks were small and used for meat and milk production, with pigs gaining economic importance during this period.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

JCEHP supplement aims to disrupt assumptions about continuing professional development

A new supplement in JCEHP examines conceptual shifts in continuing professional development, proposing a person-focused, practice-informed approach that considers context, subjectification, and socio-material dimensions. This approach aims to generate meaningful advancements and transform the health professional-as-a-person.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·DateDec 21, 2023

Structures of Parkinson’s disease-linked proteins offer a framework for understanding how they work together

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have determined the complex structure of Parkinson’s disease-related proteins LRRK2 and Rab29, revealing how they work synergistically to cause the disease. The structures provide an atomic-scale map to trace how different mutations affect function within this complex, with implicatio...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 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.

Can cryptocurrencies be legal tender? A case study from El Salvador

The study found that digital payments and Bitcoin use declined after its introduction as legal tender, with the wealthy and financially literate being the primary users. The findings suggest that policies incentivizing cryptocurrency adoption may not be effective unless populations trust digital currencies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2023
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.

Researchers discover key to epithelial cell growth

Australian researchers at Monash University have discovered a new way that epithelial cells form tissues of the right size and shape by adhering to each other through basal spot junctions. This finding is crucial for understanding human diseases, including cancers, where Hippo signalling plays a key role.

SourceMonash University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Wireless tracking system could help improve the XR experience

A new wireless tracking system, developed by UC San Diego engineers, enables accurate localization of objects in dynamic environments. The system overcomes camera-based limitations and provides centimeter-level accuracy, opening up new possibilities for enhanced XR experiences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 21, 2023