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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 21


Page 21 of 36

Bright orange lichens can use their pigments as a ‘sunscreen’

Researchers have discovered that fungi in orange lichens can transport toxic pigments out of their cells, creating a 'sunscreen effect'. This mechanism allows the lichens to reflect harmful radiation while still allowing some solar radiation to pass through for photosynthesis.

SourceImperial College London·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 13, 2023

Low brain pressure could be a risk factor for developing glaucoma

A recent clinical study reveals a correlation between low intracranial pressure and impaired patient visibility, especially in the nasal zone. Higher translaminar pressure difference is estimated as a risk factor for normal tension glaucoma development.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalDiagnostics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Children use the same brain network as adults for tough problems

A study by Ohio State University found that children as young as 4 years old utilize a brain network, known as the multiple demand network, to tackle difficult cognitive problems. This network enables focus, memory management, and problem-solving skills, similar to those seen in adults.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

New study may help to explain smell challenges in individuals with autism

Researchers from New York Institute of Technology have made significant findings on how the sense of smell is impacted in individuals with autism. The study analyzed a mouse model of autism and found that scent processing was impaired at a later step, after signals were processed at the olfactory bulb input.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines and her research group uncovers new class of medicinal compounds that target RNA

A team of researchers led by Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines has uncovered a new class of compounds that can target RNA and disrupt its function. The discovery identified a chemical scaffold that could be used to develop RNA-targeted medicines for various diseases.

SourceOhio University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

Research aims to expand understanding of link between chronic stress and heart disease, among other age-related conditions

A University of Massachusetts Amherst epidemiologist is leading a team to better understand the effects of chronic stress on future health risks. They will examine metabolites in blood samples from a large, racially diverse population to identify potential biomarkers for heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateFeb 13, 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.

Neurosteroid deficits leads to depressed behavior

A study in mice found that chronic stress impairs allopregnanolone production, a key neurosteroid involved in regulating emotions. This finding suggests that synthetic neurosteroid analogs might exert a beneficial effect in individuals with depression.

SourceTufts University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2023

Does risk for heart disease start before birth?

Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 13, 2023

Creating 3D objects with sound

Researchers at Max Planck Institute and Heidelberg University have developed a technology to assemble matter in 3D using sound waves. They successfully printed microparticles, gel beads, and biological cells into three-dimensional shapes, paving the way for novel 3D cell culture techniques.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

For leaders, playing favorites can be a smart strategy

In well-structured teams, favoritism by leaders leads to decreased performance, while in less clearly structured teams, it improves coordination and overall performance. This research offers guidance for managers on how to optimize team dynamics and send clear signals about roles within the team.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Ingestible sensor could help doctors pinpoint GI difficulties

Engineers at MIT and Caltech have developed an ingestible sensor that can track its location as it moves through the digestive tract, revealing where slowdowns in digestion may occur. The sensor uses a magnetic field produced by an electromagnetic coil outside the body to calculate its position.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Nickel laden black gold converts CO2 to chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen

Researchers at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research developed a plasmonic black gold-nickel catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into chemicals using solar energy and green hydrogen. The catalyst shows a multifold increase in catalytic activity, achieving a high production rate of 2464±40 mmol g−1 h−1 with over 95% selectivity.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 13, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

European big cat population threatened with extinction as genetics show the population is near collapse

A genetic study reveals that the Eurasian lynx population in France is critically endangered, with a mere 38 healthy breeding individuals. The low genetic diversity poses a significant threat to the species' survival, and urgent action is needed to introduce new genetic material and protect the remaining population.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Tracking the happiness hormone

A team of scientists has created an implantable microsensor that can measure serotonin levels in the brain in real-time without deactivation. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The sensor uses galvanic redox potentiometry to detect serotonin concentrations over a broad range.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Oldest spinosaur brains revealed

Researchers have reconstructed the brains of two British spinosaurs, uncovering details about their sensory abilities and brain organization. The study suggests that early spinosaurs retained many aspects of common theropod brains, challenging previous assumptions about their semi-aquatic lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Anatomy·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Conundrum solved over HPV link with head and neck cancer

A major international trial found that patients with 'discordant' HPV test results, where the two types of tests show different results, have significantly worse outcomes than those who tested negative in both tests. The study also found that smoking status is a significant factor, with smokers at higher risk of worse outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 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.

Digital gift cards are easy to use, hard to lose – but givers still avoid them

Research by Julian Givi and colleagues found that givers tend to avoid digital gift cards due to concerns about violating social norms. However, recipients prefer digital gift cards for their ease of use and lower risk of loss. The study suggests that retailers can promote digital gift cards through occasion-based promotions.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateFeb 13, 2023

Chiral phonons create spin current without needing magnetic materials

Chiral phonons convert waste heat into spin information, promising energy-efficient devices for computing and data storage. Researchers created a spin current at room temperature without magnetic materials, opening the door to cheaper, more accessible spintronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

NYUAD researcher and colleagues develop novel “smart pills” that improve the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

Researchers have developed a new system to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders. The ingestible 'smart pill' tracks movement through the GI tract using magnetic fields, allowing for more accurate and efficient diagnosis and targeted therapeutic interventions.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could survive into the 2060s, new study finds

A new study found that some coral reefs in the Eastern Pacific could maintain high coral cover into the 2060s by shuffling symbiotic algae communities. The reefs predominantly built by corals in the genus Pocillopora and hosting heat-tolerant alga Durusdinium glynnii are better equipped to survive and maintain high levels of coral cover.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023
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.

Smart necklace to help you stop smoking

A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateFeb 13, 2023

A sense of purpose may have significant impact on teens' emotional well-being

Adolescents who feel a stronger sense of purpose tend to be happier and more satisfied with their lives, according to a recent study. The research also found that daily fluctuations in feelings of purposefulness have a significant impact on teens' emotional well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 13, 2023

A more healthful, gluten-free flour made from sweet potatoes

Researchers have developed a new gluten-free flour made from orange sweet potatoes that is rich in antioxidants and has potential uses in fermented products and baked goods. The team found that grinding the flour at different temperatures and methods produced distinct properties, with single-grind flours ideal for breads and double-gri...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateFeb 13, 2023

Telemedicine reduces hospital transfers for very ill kids at rural, community emergency departments

A new study by UC Davis Health confirms that pediatric critical care telemedicine consults result in significantly fewer interfacility transfers for critically ill children. The study found that 84% of patients assigned to telemedicine were transferred, compared to 90.6% for those with telephone consultations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 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.

Asphalt volcano communities

Researchers document diverse assemblage of fish species living on asphalt volcanoes in the Santa Barbara Channel, characterized by low densities and high diversity rates. The team's findings highlight the unique nature of these habitats and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect them.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBulletin of Marine Science·DateFeb 13, 2023

Microbes that co-operate contribute more carbon emissions

Research from Imperial College London and University of Exeter reveals that cooperative microbial communities release more carbon dioxide than competitive ones, contributing significantly to climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding the impact of temperature changes on global carbon cycles.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 13, 2023

AI supports doctors’ hard decisions on cardiac arrest

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed three AI-based decision support systems for cardiac arrest care, which can help doctors identify key factors affecting patient outcomes. The tools are based on large datasets and provide accuracy rates of up to 95% in predicting patient survival or death.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2023

Blood cancer manipulates immune cells in order to survive

Researchers have found that blood cancer tumours use signals to attract certain types of immune cells and instruct them not to attack. High concentrations of these cell clusters predict treatment failure, but a different microenvironment is associated with treatment success.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

What’s your gut telling you?

Researchers have created a tiny pill-like electromagnetic device that can provide medical professionals with diagnostic information about the inner workings of the gastrointestinal tract. The device, when swallowed, delivers data to a smartphone as it passes through the body using electromagnetic technology similar to MRI machines.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Chicken of the sea

A study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that 95% of the cumulative environmental footprint of farmed chicken and salmon is concentrated on less than 5% of the planet, with 85.5% spatial overlap between the two products due to shared feed ingredients. This highlights opportunities for promoting sustainability in the food system.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 13, 2023

Mother’s blessing: microbiota from mothers regulates lung immunity in newborns

A new study discovered that maternal γδ T cells influence the transfer of microorganisms during birth and nursing, impacting lung immune response in newborns. This discovery highlights the role of gut microbiota in modulating lung immunity and has implications for understanding the first breath response.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Discovery could lead to new fungicides to protect rice crops

Researchers at UC Berkeley discovered that a fungus secretes an enzyme that punches holes in rice leaves, making it vulnerable to chemical blockers. The team is now screening chemicals to find ones that block the enzyme's ability to digest plant cell walls.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Surrey Space Centre lands £400k UK Space Agency award to boost space-related enterprise in Surrey and Hampshire skills and facilities as part of the Space South Central regional program

The University of Surrey's Surrey Space Centre has secured funding to enhance its facilities, train dedicated engineers, and support the development of space-related technology. The initiative aims to address skills gaps in the region's thriving space industry, fostering collaboration between academia and businesses.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·DateFeb 13, 2023

Moffitt researchers discover new pathways to activate dendritic cells, produce strong anti-tumor immunity

Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute discovered a new way to activate dendritic cells, which can produce strong anti-tumor immunity. The approach uses an oncolytic virus expressing CD40 ligand and IFNβ, reducing tumor size and activating immune cells in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

How brains synchronize during cooperative tasks

Researchers employed computer vision to extract social behaviors and linked them to brain synchronization patterns in a novel approach. During cooperative play, brain synchronization was strongest when participants shared gaze, while individual play showed increased within-brain synchronization.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateFeb 13, 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.

How to make hydrogen straight from seawater – no desalination required

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to produce hydrogen directly from seawater, skipping the need for desalination and reducing carbon emissions. The new approach uses a special catalyst that can be manufactured cost-effectively and has promise to significantly reduce the cost of electrolysers.

SourceRMIT University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Heart failure places a great strain on healthcare

A multinational study of over 600,000 heart failure patients found that the disease is relatively fatal, with an average annual death rate of 13%, and results in high healthcare costs. The study also identified new treatment opportunities for heart failure with preserved left ventricular function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Chromo-encryption method encodes secrets with color

Researchers developed a new encryption method that encodes secret messages using brilliant colors created by silver nanostructures reacting to polarized light. The method's unique chiral response makes it more secure than traditional binary codes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Previously unknown cell mechanism could help counter cancer and aging

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new mechanism, called H2A-H2B mediated epigenetic memory, that helps cells preserve their information and functionality during division. This discovery could lead to new treatments for cancer and aging by modulating cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Certain environmental pollutants increase the risk of developing COVID-19

A recent study has linked high levels of certain chemical pollutants to an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. The research found that individuals with higher blood concentrations of specific pollutants were more likely to become infected and develop the disease.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2023

Lung cancer study finds new target for treatment resistance after EGFR inhibitors

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified CD70 as a novel therapeutic target for eliminating drug-resistant cancer cells in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. CD70 targeting strategies showed significant anti-tumor activity, eliminating resistant cells in laboratory models.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 13, 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.

New funding proposal aims to reduce bottlenecks on Upper Mississippi River

A new funding proposal for a major rehabilitation of the 27 locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River suggests a public-private partnership to finance the project. The plan, proposed by Iowa State University's Yoshinori Suzuki, could pay off in the long run and reduce delays and bottlenecks for shippers.

SourceIowa State University·JournalTransportation Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

Let them eat cake?: Study reveals grandparents spoil grandchildren with sugar-loaded foods and drinks

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that grandparents often spoil grandchildren with sugary foods and drinks, increasing the risk of oral and overall health issues. The study highlights the importance of having 'treats in moderation' conversations with grandparents to promote healthy habits.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2023

DNA damage levels similar in vapers and smokers, study finds

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that vaping and smoking both cause significant DNA damage in oral epithelial cells. The frequency and duration of vaping were associated with increased levels of DNA damage, which is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Why men are at higher risk from COVID-19

Researchers at Osaka University found that male patients with COVID-19 have a faster loss of circulating Treg cells, leading to dysregulated antibody responses. Females, on the other hand, have higher levels of these cells, which may help protect them from infection.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2023