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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 4


Page 4 of 29

Better prosthetics: $3M to develop more natural robotic leg control

A University of Michigan project aims to create a smoother experience for robotic prosthetic leg users, with renewed support from the National Institutes of Health. The team has developed a continuous modeling framework that mimics biomechanical impedance, enabling the leg to move seamlessly between different activities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateDec 21, 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.

New tool unifies single-cell data

A new tool, CellHint, has been developed to unify different single-cell data, creating harmonized datasets. Researchers applied CellHint to reveal underexplored connections between healthy and diseased lung cell states and identified potential interests for future research in adult human hippocampus.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCell·DateDec 21, 2023

Tsinghua launches inaugural issue of Energy Materials and Devices

The first issue of Energy Materials and Devices features articles on lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalysis. The journal aims to bridge the gap between high-level research and industrial technologies, promoting the industrialization of scientific research results.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateDec 21, 2023

One of the keys to healthy sleep and blood sugar has been found

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a link between the rare D-form of the amino acid alanine and the circadian clock's influence on glucose metabolism in the kidney. The study found that D-alanine regulates gluconeogenesis, a process that creates new glucose to maintain energy levels, and is mediated by the protein Cry2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalKidney360·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pioneering diamond manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and precision with energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 21, 2023

Urology treatment studies show increased reporting of harmful effects

Recent urology treatment studies have improved the reporting of harms in randomized trials, addressing adverse events, side effects, and complications. The analysis found a significant increase in reporting harms criteria from 2012 to 2020, with more than three-fourths of items addressed by 2020.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 21, 2023

Location, location, location: The hidden power of intracellular neighborhoods

Researchers found a code directing mRNAs to specific neighborhoods for translation, revealing the cytoplasm's compartmentalization. This discovery sheds light on fundamental cellular biology and holds promise for increasing or altering protein production in mRNA vaccines and therapies.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023
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.

Where you live matters: A first-of-its-kind study illustrates how racism is interrelated with poor health

Researchers found strong associations between neighborhood prevalence of chronic conditions like CKD, diabetes, and hypertension and structural racism indicators. The study used data from Durham County, North Carolina, to explore the interplay between racism and poor health outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Bugs that help bugs: How environmental microbes boost fruit fly reproduction

Researchers from Osaka University and University of Hawaii found that environmental microorganisms boost fruit fly reproduction by modifying hormone levels and increasing the production of germline stem cells. This discovery could lead to new avenues for improving reproductive health and fertility treatments.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study reveals spatial neglect occurs after brain injury as well as stroke

A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The two (country) sides of forests

University of Bonn researchers analyzed satellite data to find that national policies have a significant impact on forest coverage. Strict policies and their effective implementation are critical to achieving positive changes in tree populations along country borders.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateDec 21, 2023

The key mechanism to cell growth has been elucidated

Cysteine is sensed by a protein called Pib2 and binds with it to activate TORC1, promoting cell proliferation. The study found that all 20 amino acids differently affect TORC1 using two pathways: Pib2 and Gtr.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Sleep deprivation makes us less happy, more anxious

A comprehensive review of 50+ years of research on sleep deprivation and mood found that disrupted sleep leads to fewer positive emotions and increased anxiety symptoms. The study's findings suggest that even short periods of sleep loss can negatively impact emotional functioning.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 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.

Inside the matrix: Nanoscale patterns revealed within model research organism

Scientists have deciphered the assemblage of apical extracellular matrices in roundworms at the nanoscale using advanced microscopy. Defects in struts result in unnatural layer swelling, and the researchers found that collagens play a crucial role in maintaining matrix structure.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Trauma survivor support reduces return trips to hospital

A new study found that trauma survivors who received comprehensive mental health support after discharge had significantly lower hospital readmission rates. Researchers analyzed data from 171 patients and found that those receiving standard care had nearly twice as many readmissions as those with the intervention.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 21, 2023

New insights revealed on tissue-dependent roles of JAK signaling in inflammation

Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the nuanced roles of JAK inhibitors in inflammation across various cell types and tissues. The study reveals that activating JAK1 signaling has tissue-specific effects, including an unexpected immunoregulatory role in lung sensory neurons, which suppresses lung inflammation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateDec 21, 2023

Brain cell discovery sparks hope for fertility treatments

Researchers found that kisspeptin neurons with dynorphin receptors are crucial for hormone secretion and ovulation. The study provides new insights into the central mechanism underlying reproduction and may lead to treatment of ovarian disorders.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 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.

Organic compounds in asteroids formed in colder regions of space: study

Researchers from Curtin University analyze polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from Ryugu and Murchison meteorites, revealing that certain PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars. This discovery offers valuable insights into the history and chemistry of celestial bodies like asteroids and meteorites.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 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.

Are diamonds GaN’s best friend? Revolutionizing transistor technology

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University fabricated GaN transistors using diamond substrates, achieving more than twice the heat dissipation of SiC-based transistors. This novel technology has the potential to revolutionize power and radio frequency electronics with improved thermal management capabilities.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

How technology and economics can help save endangered species

Researchers at Ohio State University explore how technology and economics can be used to protect endangered species. By leveraging tools like camera traps and smartphone apps, scientists can monitor populations more efficiently. Additionally, economists can develop policies that protect species before they become threatened, reducing t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 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 type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.

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

An integrated approach to discovering stable and low cost electrocatalysts

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed an integrated approach to discovering stable and low-cost electrocatalysts, using data mining to accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The study identified 68 promising metal oxide electrocatalysts under specific conditions, including Sb2WO6 for oxygen reduction.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 21, 2023

Emissions and evasions

A new study found that fossil fuel companies rarely respond to online discussions about extreme weather, but instead engage with sustainability initiatives and corporate efforts. Climate misinformation can fuel denialism and delay action, emphasizing the need for understanding how it's designed and spread.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·Journalnpj Climate Action·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Connection between light levels and mental health – climate change could also have an impact in the future

A study found a clear connection between light levels and mental health in Finland, with more sick days taken due to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders during autumn and winter. Climate change may worsen these conditions, while brighter summers could alleviate some symptoms of bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 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.

Same and different: A new species of pit viper from Myanmar

A new species of pit viper, the Ayeyarwady pit viper, has been discovered in central Myanmar, exhibiting a blend of characteristics between its sister species. The discovery reveals that this species is highly variable, with varying degrees of morphological features.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 20, 2023

Millions of mysterious pits in the ocean decoded

Researchers at Kiel University discovered that porpoises and sand eels create shallow pits in the North Sea seafloor when hunting for buried sand eels. The findings have significant global implications, suggesting that scouring of sediments by vertebrates could modulate the seafloor on a global scale.

SourceKiel University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 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.

$6 million National Science Foundation award to Binghamton will accelerate research translation into broader societal benefits

Binghamton University will receive $6 million from the NSF to translate cutting-edge research into real-world applications and promote regional entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to increase the university's capacity for translational research, providing students with practical training and career development opportunities.

SourceBinghamton University·DateDec 20, 2023

The color of dragonflies changes throughout the year

Researchers discovered that dragonflies change their average coloration seasonally, with darker colors absorbing heat and lighter colors protecting against overheating. This adaptation allows them to regulate their body temperature in response to changing solar radiation conditions.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2023

Traces of sunscreen agents in the snow at the North Pole

Researchers discovered traces of sunscreen agents in Arctic snow, with highest concentrations found in winter. The study suggests these contaminants are transported from lower latitudes via atmospheric circulation.

SourceUniversità Ca' Foscari Venezia·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 20, 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.

Perspective on management of LDCT findings on low-dose computed tomography examinations for lung cancer screening

The IASLC Early Detection & Screening Committee published a perspective outlining key components of LDCT screening regimens. The report emphasizes the need for data-driven management systems, quality assurance assessments, and multi-disciplinary clinical management to maximize benefits of early detection and treatment.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2023

Artificial general intelligence for radiation oncology

Recent review highlights the potential of AGI in radiotherapy, enabling advanced auto-segmentation, tumor staging, and treatment planning. The fusion of vision data with large language models creates powerful multimodal models that elucidate nuanced clinical patterns.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalMeta-Radiology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 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.

Tree plantations can get better with age – but original habitats are best

Research from the University of Surrey found that older tree plantations tend to be more biodiverse than younger ones. However, even the oldest plantations cannot match the natural diversity of original habitats. The study aims to promote responsible tree planting practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

Giving video games this Christmas? New research underlines need to be aware of loot box risks

A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 20, 2023

A framework in your brain for organising the order of things

Researchers at NTNU's Kavli Institute identified a pattern of activity in the medial entorhinal cortex that serves as a template for building sequential experiences. This discovery provides new insights into how our brain organizes experiences into meaningful memories.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 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.

Scientists uncover link between the ocean’s weather and global climate

A team of scientists has found evidence linking oceanic weather systems to climate on a global scale, revealing that these interactions require the mediation of the atmosphere. The study used mechanical analysis to understand energy transfer across different patterns in the ocean and atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2023

A system designed at the UMA estimates the speed of vehicles driving on the same road

A computer vision system developed by University of Malaga engineers estimates vehicle speeds in real time using a single camera, reducing complexity and costs. The algorithm, published in Neurocomputing, aims to improve vehicle safety and has potential applications in autonomous driving and driver assistance.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNeurocomputing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2023