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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

How did ancient extreme climate affect sand in the deep sea?

Researchers found a signal of extreme climate change from 50 million years ago in turbidite deposits, which are evidence of ancient rapid submarine water currents. This suggests that extreme weather events and exacerbated global climatic conditions can amplify delivery of sand into the deep ocean.

SourceStanford University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2023

Nicotine exposure during pregnancy may increase risk of sudden infant death

A comprehensive registry study found that infants whose mothers used snus during pregnancy were three times more likely to experience sudden infant death. Quitting snus early on lowered the risk, highlighting the need for women to avoid all types of nicotine products during pregnancy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPediatric Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

UK Scientists make major breakthrough in developing practical quantum computers that can solve big challenges of our time

Researchers from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum have successfully connected quantum microchips, enabling powerful quantum computers. The breakthrough demonstrates a modular approach to scaling up quantum computing and unlocking its applications in industries such as medicine, materials science, and climate crisis solution.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 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.

Footprints of galactic immigration uncovered in Andromeda galaxy

Researchers used the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument to study the motions of nearly 7500 stars in the inner halo of the Andromeda Galaxy. They found telltale patterns that revealed how these stars began their lives as part of another galaxy, shedding light on galactic immigration events.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Researchers decode 95.6% of the genome of Nicotiana benthamiana

A research group at Nagoya University has sequenced 95.6% of the Nicotiana benthamiana genome using next-generation sequencing technology. The findings provide insight into the plant's ability to perform grafting, a rare phenomenon in plants.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 8, 2023

Study: Preschool gives a big boost to college attendance

A new MIT study finds that attending preschool at age 4 significantly increases the likelihood of going to college and graduating from high school. Preschool-educated students were also more likely to take the SAT and had fewer behavioral issues, including suspensions and legal-system problems.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateFeb 8, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Red at first sight but these mites are alright

A study by researchers from Hosei University and Kyoto University found that the red velvet mite's bright red pigment is primarily composed of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. This high concentration of antioxidants helps protect the mites from harsh environments caused by UV radiation and heat.

SourceHosei University·JournalExperimental and Applied Acarology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Scientists find unlikely pairs of DNA elements and regulator proteins make small plant stem cells destined to become tiny mouths

Researchers have elucidated a mechanism that makes tiny plant stem cells destined to give rise to stomata, cellular valves of plants. The discovery reveals two DNA codes and regulator proteins working together to lock in the fate of a plant cell.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Harnessing good fats to relieve MS symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that a fish oil derivative called DHEA can reduce inflammation and disease severity in mice with multiple sclerosis. By supplementing the diet of mice with DHEA, researchers noticed a decrease in MS-like disease symptoms and an improvement in the immune system's response.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 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.

Uncovering bacteria survival strategies

Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2023

Fish schools work a bit like the brain

Researchers at Technische Universität Berlin demonstrated that fish schools operate at criticality, a state of optimal alertness similar to the brain. This allows them to process external stimuli and transmit information over long distances, enabling coordinated responses.

SourceTechnische Universität Berlin – Science of Intelligence·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Tracking ocean microplastics from space

A new technique tracks ocean microplastics by monitoring changes in wave activity caused by surfactants, not the plastics themselves. This method could improve microplastic tracking and predict their movement through waterways.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 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.

Current microbiome analyses may falsely detect species that are not actually present

A study published in PLOS ONE found that common microbiome analysis techniques can yield erroneous results due to incomplete DNA databases. The researchers used computer simulations to test the consistency of current methods, showing that a large number of detected species are not actually present in the community.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Researchers developed an app that will train post-stroke care

Researchers developed an interactive training app called 'iTrain' to teach caregivers how to provide post-stroke care. The app uses real-life data and simulations to assess the user's knowledge and improve their skills in providing optimal care, leading to a significant positive effect on anxiety among carers and stroke victims.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalInformation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Protein droplets may cause many types of genetic disease

A team of researchers discovered that a mutation in the HMGB1 protein causes a rare disorder with severe malformations, suggesting a link between protein droplets and genetic disease. The study's findings could have implications for understanding congenital malformations, common diseases, and cancer.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 2023

Study finds underperforming organ procurement organizations contribute to nationwide shortage

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that underperforming organ procurement organizations significantly impact the nation's organ supply. The research analyzed data from 13 hospitals and identified large gaps between potential and actual donors, highlighting the need for improved oversight and performance standards.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 8, 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.

How to increase diversity in medical residency programs

A UC Davis study analyzed more than two dozen residency programs across the country, identifying data-driven approaches to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The study provides a comprehensive list of strategies for GME programs to diversify their physician workforce.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 8, 2023

New dual-phase imaging protocol reduces costs and radiation exposure for cognitively impaired patients

A novel nuclear medicine imaging protocol, dual-phase amyloid PET, can assess both amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration with a single tracer injection, cutting costs and radiation exposure. The protocol was shown to be comparable in distinguishing patients with neurodegenerative diseases from controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2023

Killer whale moms forgo future offspring for benefit of full-grown sons

A new study reveals that killer whale mothers sacrifice their own reproductive success to care for their adult sons, with a cost of over 50% reduction in new calf births. This life history strategy offers evolutionary benefits to females when their sons reproduce successfully.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

New research suggests drought accelerated empire collapse

Researchers at Cornell University have found that severe drought, lasting three consecutive years, likely accelerated the collapse of the Hittite Empire in ancient Anatolia. The team analyzed tree ring and isotope records to pinpoint this period of severe dryness, which matches the timeline of the empire's disappearance.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateFeb 8, 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.

We still don’t know which factors most affect cognitive decline as we age

A new analysis of 7,068 elderly Americans found that only 41% of cognitive decline can be statistically accounted for by dementia. Personal education, race, household wealth and income were the biggest contributors to population-level variation, but all factors accounted for only 5.6% of age-related change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

U of I online social work degree programs address diversity needs

The University of Illinois' online social work degree programs aim to increase diversity and accessibility by catering to non-traditional students with family and work obligations. The iBSW program enables students to complete a BSW degree solely through online classes, increasing the possibility of earning a baccalaureate degree.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Social Work Education·TypeCase study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Breathing muscles remain stronger even after weeks of no training: preserved health gains could improve physical endurance and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions

Researchers found that breathing muscle strength persisted for five weeks after training stopped, suggesting potential benefits for physical endurance and quality of life in individuals with chronic lung conditions. Inspiratory muscle training also reduced the metaboreflex, allowing for improved exercise endurance.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 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.

Caribou have been using same Arctic calving grounds for 3,000 years

Researchers found that female caribou shed their antlers within days of giving birth, leaving behind a record of their annual travels across Alaska and Canada's Yukon. The study demonstrates how important the area is for an animal that native Alaskans and Canadians still depend on for sustenance.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence, study suggests

A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Wear and forget: an ultrasoft material for on-skin health devices

Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 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.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Spending on consumer advertising for top-selling prescription drugs in U.S. favors those with low added benefit

A new study found that the majority of top-selling prescription drugs in the US have low added benefit, with consumer advertising favoring these products. The analysis revealed a significant shift in promotional spending to direct-to-consumer ads, which may drive patient demand for less effective treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 7, 2023

Dental service use falls, oral health worsens after people become eligible for Medicare

A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 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.

Asteroid impact in slow motion

Scientists at the University of Jena have solved a decades-long puzzle by studying quartz samples under extreme pressure. They discovered that characteristic lamellae, which are often used to detect asteroid impacts, form when quartz transforms into a more tightly packed phase under high pressure.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Researchers discover new class of stomatal opening inhibitors

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified 2,6-dihalopurines as a new class of stomatal opening inhibitors, potentially involving LRX3-5 and RALF peptide. This discovery may lead to the development of new agrochemicals and chemical biology research applications.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalACS Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

What do medical students learn from family medicine clerkships?

A new study reveals that medical students learn valuable lessons from Family Medicine clerkships, including the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and clinical skills. The research also identifies a hidden curriculum area for improvement: acknowledging the difficulties of primary care practice. This finding has implications ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalFamily Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 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.

Strata Oncology announces publication of study validating clinical utility of pan-tumor predictive biomarker for checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy benefit

The study validated the clinical utility of Strata Oncology's proprietary pan-solid tumor predictive biomarker, Immunotherapy Response Score (IRS), which predicts response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. IRS captures tumor biology and microenvironment by combining tumor mutation burden with quantitative expression of PD-L1, PD-1, ADAM...

SourceStrata Oncology·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

A faster, more accurate 3D modelling tool recreates a landscape’s digital twin down to the pixel level

The new automated method, called HybridFlow, uses large-scale aerial images to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes and landscapes. This technology has potential applications in natural disaster risk assessment and mitigation, enabling informed decision-making and evaluation of risk-mitigating factors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Glacial flooding threatens millions globally

A global assessment identifies areas most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, highlighting the need for targeted risk management actions. The study reveals 9.3 million people in High Mountain Asia are at highest risk, with India and Pakistan accounting for nearly half of the global total.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2023

Distortion-free structured light

Scientists develop eigenmodes of structured light that remain undistorted even in turbulent channels, enabling robust transmission through noisy media. This breakthrough paves the way for future work in quantum light communication and imaging through complex systems.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 7, 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.

Novel method to design new peptide therapeutics pioneered

Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Study finds public opinion on ivory in China shifts over two decades

A Yale University-led study reveals that Chinese public opinion on ivory became more negative after the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) allowed the sale of African ivory to China. The research used machine learning techniques to analyze public opinion from Chinese media coverage b...

SourceYale University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeNews article·DateFeb 7, 2023

Machine learning could help kites and gliders to harvest wind energy

Researchers used Reinforcement Learning to enable kites and gliders to adjust their orientations in real-time, accounting for turbulence. This improvement could significantly enhance the performance of airborne wind energy devices, expanding the reach of wind power to poorer communities.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 7, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

AI can predict the effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy

Engineers at the University of Waterloo developed AI technology to predict breast cancer treatment effectiveness, allowing doctors to prescribe personalized treatments and reduce unnecessary side effects. The new algorithm uses synthetic correlated diffusion imaging images to forecast patient responses to chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateFeb 7, 2023

Brain structural differences observed in children with conduct disorder with and without childhood maltreatment

A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Cannabis has same effect on adolescents and adults, and CBD doesn’t dampen effects

A new study by UCL and King's College London researchers found that vaporized cannabis has the same short-term effects on adolescents (16-17 years old) as on adults (26-29 years old), regardless of CBD levels. The study also showed that CBD does not reduce the psychoactive effects of THC in cannabis.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 7, 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.

Forest management will have a stronger effect than climate change on the supply of ecosystem services

Researchers from University of Jyväskylä found that forest management has a stronger effect on the supply of ecosystem services than climate change. The study suggests that forest management planning should account for biogeographic diversity, and climate change mitigation measures are particularly suited for northern Finland.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Uncovering sexual health topics for parents to address with their adolescent-aged GBQ male children

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that parents' early developmental discussions are critical for GBQ adolescent males' sexual health. The study suggests age-appropriate and inclusive conversations at home throughout adolescence, even in elementary school. This approach can reduce vulnerability to p...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 7, 2023

This Valentine's Day, explore the neuroscience of pleasurable touch

A recent study published in Cell explores the neural mechanisms underlying pleasurable touch, finding that touch neurons are involved in dopamine release and sexual arousal. The research sheds new light on the intricate connections between touch, pleasure, and human behavior.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Resilience to HIV-related stigma may be key to ending the AIDS epidemic

A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2023