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Science News Archive January 2023


Page 12 of 35

Mid-life moderate + vigorous physical activity quota associated with brain power

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that daily moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with mid-life brain power. However, replacing these activities with just 6-7 minutes of sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive performance. The study analyzed data from over 4,4...

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.

Microbes could be used by farmers as natural fertilizer for poor soil

Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.

Agriculture linked to changes in age-independent mortality in North America

A new study by a Penn State-led research team found that the intensification of crop use led to changes in age-independent mortality rates in pre-colonial North America. The first stage of agricultural intensification coincided with lower age-independent mortality, while the second stage was associated with a rise in it.

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.

Origins of pleasurable touch traced from skin to brain in mice

Researchers have identified a full pathway from skin neurons to brain pleasure centers, revealing the neurobiological basis of pleasurable social touch. The study suggests that touch-based therapies may alleviate anxiety, stress, and depression, with potential applications for autism and other conditions.

Click beetle-inspired robots jump using elastic energy

Researchers have developed insect-sized jumping robots capable of navigating tight spaces, with a new study demonstrating two configurations that can successfully jump without manual intervention. The robots use a dynamic buckling cascade process to store and release elastic energy, allowing them to propel themselves upward.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Bisexuals use cannabis more frequently for coping, enhancement

A recent study found that bisexual individuals use cannabis more frequently than their straight counterparts, with a greater likelihood of using it to cope with mental health issues. The researchers also discovered that bisexual people are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression and social anxiety.

Meat import ban in Africa hurts local population

Researchers analyzed Ghana's chicken market, finding that EU imports depress local prices, harming poor and smallholder households. Higher tariffs would increase domestic prices, but benefits few, while cheap imports improve nutrition for low-income groups.

More effective protected areas needed to halt biodiversity loss

A new study found that protected natural areas of the UK are failing to stop declines in insects and spiders, despite being richer in species. The results suggest that while these areas conserve valuable habitats, they need more assistance to tackle wider threats posed by climate change, pollution, and invasive species.

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.

Importance of selectively targeting the mode of action of IL-15

Researchers review approaches to inhibit IL-15 and its receptor, exploring effects on inflammatory autoimmune diseases, transplantation, infectious diseases, and cancer. Clinical testing of humanized anti-IL-15 monoclonal antibodies reveals promising therapeutic potential.

January/February 2023 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

Primary care physicians and patients expressed concerns about digital detection surveillance of infectious diseases, including ambiguity over consent and potential discrimination. High-quality primary care was associated with reduced hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Our memory for objects might be better than we think

A study found that people can recall the location of over 100 objects on a grid with high accuracy, even after removing all images. Additionally, participants localized 60-80% of old items to within +/-10% of their correct time.

Dogs show things to humans but pigs do not

Researchers found that companion dogs, but not pigs, would show their owners the location of a food reward out-of-reach. This suggests that directing humans' attention to interesting locations may not be a universal ability among domestic animals. Dogs and other visually communicative species were more likely to use this behavior.

Scientists have named regional factors that can affect the spread of COVID-19

Researchers found that regional factors such as ambient humidity, temperatures, population mobility, and household incomes significantly impact COVID-19 mortality rates. The study revealed that high humidity, low average temperatures, intensive migration, and higher incomes are associated with increased mortality.

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.

Can elephants save the planet?

A recent study reveals that elephants play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and storing atmospheric carbon in African rainforests. The loss of forest elephants would lead to reduced carbon sequestration, amplifying planetary warming. With critically endangered populations, conservation efforts must prioritize protecting these...

How a 3 cm glass sphere could help scientists understand space weather

Researchers have successfully replicated the type of gravity that exists on or near stars and planets using a glass sphere measuring 3 cm in diameter. This achievement could help scientists understand and predict how solar weather affects spacecraft and satellite communications systems.

Pheasants at risk on unfamiliar ground

Researchers found that pheasants are more likely to be killed by predators on unfamiliar ground, with 40% of the birds meeting their demise. The study suggests that experience within an area plays a critical role in determining survival rates.

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.

New tool uses ultrasound ‘tornado’ to break down blood clots

Researchers developed a new tool using vortex ultrasound to break down blood clots in the brain, which eliminated clots more quickly than existing techniques. The approach works by inducing shear stress on the blood clot, reducing risk of hemorrhage in the brain.

Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD, elected president of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

Thomas E. MacGillivray, MD, was elected President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, emphasizing the importance of long-term outcomes and the value of surgery for patients compared to competing therapies. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. MacGillivray has published extensively on aortic diseases and adult congenital heart disease.

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.

Access to health care in Canada a focus for CMAJ

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) is focusing on access to healthcare as a major concern. The organization recognizes the need for big ideas and radical changes to ensure Canadians' health needs are met and access is maintained for all.

Researchers uncover novel amyloidosis

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered a novel amyloid protein, α-S1 casein, which can cause disease in humans. The study found that overexpression and N-terminal truncation of α-S1-casein led to its formation as an amyloid protein.

Annals of Family Medicine - Holroyd

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with primary care practitioners and patients to document experiences with digital surveillance of infectious diseases. The study identified five frequently-mentioned concerns, including ambiguity around informed consent and the potential for discrimination against certain groups.

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.

There’s something fishy about flake sold in South Australia

Researchers at the University of Adelaide analyzed DNA samples from over 100 retailers across South Australia and found four threatened shark species being sold as flake. The study highlights the need for clearer national guidelines or labelling laws to build trust across the supply chain.

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.

Environment law fails to protect threatened species

Research by University of Queensland finds that the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act is not effectively protecting threatened habitats. Projects deemed 'significant' or 'not significant' have resulted in similar habitat destruction, highlighting inconsistencies in referral decision-making processes.

DNA sequencing method lifts ‘veil’ from genome black box

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method, Chem-map, which can precisely map where drugs bind to the genome. The technique enables detection of small molecule-genome interactions and provides insights into how life-saving drugs work in cancer treatment.

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.

New brain map reveals secrets of camouflage

Researchers from the University of Queensland created a detailed outline of the cuttlefish brain structure and neuronal network, shedding light on their camouflage abilities. The study reveals that the cuttlefish's brain adaptations reflect their daily life requirements and ecology.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solo exercise is good for older brains, but exercise with others is even better

A study published in Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that exercising alone twice or more weekly decreased the risk of developing cognitive impairment by 15.1%, while those who exercised with others showed a 29.2% decrease. Regular social exercise may be beneficial for preventing age-related cognitive disorders.

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.

Virus plus microplastics equal double whammy for fish health

A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.