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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 34


Page 34 of 36

Probing researchers strike gold to stop the trots in pigs

Researchers have developed a gold nanoparticle probe to detect porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV), a devastating disease causing severe diarrhoea and high death rates. The new tool promises fast, affordable diagnosis on-site, critical for preventing future outbreaks and protecting the industry from economic losses.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBiosensors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2023

The key to healthier employees could be a quieter – or louder – office space

A new study suggests that office noise levels between 50 decibels can boost physiological well-being, while loud noises above 50 decibels decrease it. Researchers found that even low sound levels trigger a higher stress response, highlighting the need for optimal acoustics in workplace design.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Metalloradical catalysis guides new cobalt-based system that exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction

Researchers at Boston College have developed a new catalytic approach that enables concurrent control of multiple convergences and selectivities in intermolecular amination of allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds in alkenes. The cobalt-based system exploits unique features of homolytic radical reaction to form desired amine products in a high...

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Black youth aren’t isolated in segregated neighborhoods

A study published in the American Journal of Sociology found that urban Black youth living in segregated neighborhoods spent a substantial amount of time in areas with mostly white residents. They often traveled to predominantly white neighborhoods to access better-resourced schools, stores, and organizations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Preparing Europe for the next pandemic: Building the European Health Union

The European Health Union aims to detect, prepare, and respond collectively to future health threats. The EU Health Security Framework has been reinforced to learn from lessons learned during the pandemic, with a focus on close collaboration among ECDC, EMA, and HERA.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 2, 2023

Astronomers observe light bending around an isolated white dwarf

A team of astronomers has directly measured the mass of a dead star using gravitational microlensing, a phenomenon predicted by Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The measurement, made for an isolated white dwarf called LAWD 37, provides new insights into star evolution and testing current theories of how white dwarfs evolve.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 2, 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.

Evolution of wheat spikes since the Neolithic revolution

Researchers study evolution of wheat spikes from ancient Mesopotamia to understand its adaptability to different environmental conditions. The study found that awned and awnless wheat varieties exist globally, with the latter dominating arid regions.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2023

Digital revolution inspires new research direction in ecosystem structural diversity

Purdue University researchers are developing new applications for 3D technologies, including lidar and drone-mounted sensors, to measure ecosystems and analyze their structural diversity. The research has the potential to inform land management decisions and improve ecological theories.

SourcePurdue University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 1, 2023

Despite concerns over antimicrobial resistance, global antimicrobial use in animals could increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger restrictions are not applied worldwide

A new study predicts global antimicrobial use in food-producing animals will increase by 8% by 2030 if stronger regulations are not implemented worldwide. The findings highlight the need for stricter controls on antimicrobial use, which has raised concerns over antimicrobial resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateFeb 1, 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.

Chess players face a tough foe: air pollution

A study by MIT researchers found that chess players perform worse and make more errors when exposed to high levels of fine particulate matter in the air. The probability of error increases by 2.1 percentage points, while the magnitude of those errors rises by 10.8%. Cleaner air leads to clearer heads and sharper thinking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 1, 2023

New Geology articles published online ahead of print

The new articles explore the dynamics of slow and fast plate subduction, slab damage, and backarc opening in the central Mediterranean region. Another article examines mantle serpentinization and associated hydrogen flux at North Atlantic magma-poor rifted margins.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Illinois Tech professors’ paper challenging classical view of muscle contraction could lead to new cardiac treatments

Researchers discovered that myosin motor proteins must be activated before muscles can contract, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating inherited cardiac conditions. This new understanding could lead to medical remedies for diseases like dilated cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

‘Ghostly’ neutrinos provide new path to study protons

Researchers from the University of Rochester and MINERvA collaboration used beams of neutrinos at Fermilab to investigate proton structure. This technique offers a new view on measuring protons using neutrino scattering, providing insights into nuclear effects and improving future measurements of neutrino properties.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 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.

Engineers invent vertical, full-color microscopic LEDs

The team developed a way to stack red, green, and blue light-emitting diodes to create vertical, multicolored pixels, enabling higher-resolution displays. This technique could enable fully immersive virtual reality experiences and improve digital screens' sharpness and resolution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 1, 2023

Surgery for torn meniscus still too often unnecessarily performed

Researchers found no subgroup of patients who benefit from surgery for a torn meniscus, suggesting it should only be performed in cases of obvious complaints. A personalized approach focusing on prevention and physiotherapy is recommended to save healthcare costs and improve quality of life.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Molecular machines could treat fungal infections

Researchers at Rice University have developed light-activated nanoscale drills that can kill pathogenic fungi, providing a potential new treatment option for fungal infections. The molecular machines target the mitochondria of fungal cells, disrupting cellular metabolism and leading to cell death.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Boosting anti-cancer antibodies by reducing their grip

Researchers from the University of Southampton have discovered that changing how tightly an antibody binds to a target can improve cancer treatments. By reducing affinity, immunomodulatory antibodies can effectively fine-tune the antibody to the desired level and activity.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

A new strategy for microbial nutrient acquisition under reduced oxygen

Researchers discovered a trade-off relationship between microbial CUE and specific extracellular enzyme activities under reduced oxygen, regardless of N and P levels. This relationship can advance understanding of microbially mediated C and nutrient cycling in anaerobic ecosystems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeCase study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Reading out RNA structures in real time

Scientists have developed a technique to detect RNA structures in live cells, shedding light on the role of G-quadruplexes in neurodegenerative diseases. The method uses fluorescent spectroscopy and resolves existing limitations in studying these structures in real-time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Is poorer blood sugar control associated with a reduced capacity to lose heat during exercise in hot conditions for people with type 2 diabetes?

Researchers found that poorer blood sugar control, as measured by haemoglobin A1c, was associated with higher core body temperature and increased heart rate during exercise in a heated chamber. This suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may be at greater risk of heat-related stress and heat-related injuries.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Soil tainted by air pollution expels carbon

New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 1, 2023

Deep-learning filter improves precision of cell mutation detection, accuracy of cancer diagnoses

A new deep-learning based filter, DeepFilter, was proposed to effectively sift through false positive variants generated by VarDict, improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The experimental results showed promising outcomes, outperforming other filters in terms of false positive variant filter tasks.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalTsinghua Science & Technology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Immunocompromised patients remain at higher risk of COVID-19 death in hospital

A UK study using data from over 150,000 hospitalized patients found that immunocompromised individuals had a 44% higher risk of death compared to those with normal immune systems. The gap in mortality rates widened for immunocompromised patients over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as antiviral treatments an...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Communities that suffered rapid manufacturing job losses fare worse on sustainability

A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Uncovering the secrets of electron-eating microorganisms

Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 1, 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.

Climate change may cut US forest inventory by a fifth this century

Climate change may lead to significant declines in US forest inventories, particularly in the South, resulting in reduced timber production and increased costs. The study projects losses of up to 23% by 2100, with potential gains in some regions driven by climate-adaptive species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForest Policy and Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2023

Matrix multiplications at the speed of light

Researchers have developed a compact silicon photonic compute engine capable of computing tiled matrix multiplications at a record-high 50 GHz clock frequency. This achievement promises to contribute significantly to data center cybersecurity and enables real-time threat detection for malicious packets.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Oncotarget | Mivavotinib for Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Lymphoma (Updated)

Researchers report an updated analysis from a phase I study of mivavotinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphoma. The study showed a 45% overall response rate and median duration of response of 28.1 months in the overall cohort.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Wildfires are increasingly burning California’s snowy landscapes and colliding with winter droughts to shrink California’s snowpack

A new study shows that midwinter dry spells accelerate snowmelt in burned areas, as wildfires increase sun exposure and reduce the snowpack's ability to reflect sunlight. This can lead to earlier snowmelt, affecting water availability and forecasting, with cascading impacts on hydrology.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 1, 2023

Plasma-Structural Coloring: A new colorful approach to an inkless future

Scientists at Shinshu University have created a new method for achieving structural coloring through plasma irradiation of graphite, eliminating the need for harmful color dyes. The technique produces erasable and stable colors that can be manipulated using various factors, offering a sustainable solution for the art world.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

UQ research may provide clues to sensory brain disorders

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered two distinct processes in the human brain when exposed to prolonged or repeated sensory inputs. These findings could provide clues for understanding and treating sensory brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

New articles for Geosphere posted online first

Two new articles discuss the Mojave Desert, Obsidian Dome, California, and Appalachian Inner Piedmont, North Carolina. Researchers use discordant U-Pb zircon data to re-evaluate the El Paso terrane's origin and indicate sinistral-oblique relative plate motion during Permian arc initiation.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateFeb 1, 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.

The quail could be the unknown reservoir of Tuscany and Sicilian viruses

A new study found neutralizing antibodies to TOSV and SFSV in wild quail birds, suggesting they could be the unknown reservoir of these viruses. The viruses are mosquito-borne pathogens that can infect domestic animals and cause disease in humans, with symptoms including fever, headache, and neurological signs.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Lubricants for stainless steel

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles can significantly reduce friction on stainless steel surfaces. The nanoparticles adhere strongly to metal surfaces due to chemical adsorption, leading to a notable reduction in friction. This finding has potential implications for next-ge...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Earlier detection and treatment of tuberculosis

Researchers investigated TB screening effectiveness in Germany and globally, finding mandatory programs may increase participation but don't deliver better results. Voluntary programs are considered more effective, ethically and legally justifiable.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Babies remember faces despite face masks, UC Davis study suggests

A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that 6- to 9-month-old babies can form memories of masked faces and recognize those faces when unmasked. The study used eye tracking to examine how masks influence infants' facial recognition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalInfancy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Academic medical centers are linked to better health outcomes at neighboring hospitals, researchers find

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients treated at non-teaching hospitals had lower mortality and more healthy days at home when care was provided in markets with academic medical centers. The presence of AMCs was associated with a spillover effect, improving outcomes for neighboring community hospitals.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 2023

Medicines that modify the circadian clock might help heal scars more cleanly

Scientists have discovered compounds that target the circadian clock and collagen synthesis to improve scar healing. These compounds, which include Dwn1 and Dwn2, modulate cell migration and collagen synthesis without damaging fibroblasts, leading to faster healing times and reduced scarring.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems

New research computes first step toward predicting lifespan of electric space propulsion systems by developing a model that bridges scales between molecular dynamics simulations and experiments. The model resolves limitations and uncertainties in experimental data, gaining insight into critical phenomenon and surface morphology over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalCarbon·DateFeb 1, 2023

Looking beyond microplastics, Oregon State researchers find that cotton and synthetic microfibers impact behavior and growth of aquatic organisms

A new study from Oregon State University found that both cotton and synthetic microfibers have negative impacts on the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, suggests that increasing awareness and control over fiber release can help mitigate these effects.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 1, 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.

Sepsis increased risk of heart failure and rehospitalization after hospital discharge

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 1, 2023