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Science News Archive January 2023


Page 22 of 35

Synthetic genes for flu test

A new method for rapid and specific antibody detection has been introduced, using programmable gene circuits, cell-free transcription, and electrochemical detection. The system can detect antibodies in complex samples such as blood serum and is adaptable for a wide variety of other antibodies.

Preterm birth linked to chemicals found in the vagina

A new study links spontaneous preterm birth to chemicals in vaginal products, revealing a potential source of the condition. Researchers discovered that metabolites from cosmetics and hygiene products were associated with preterm births, offering hope for early diagnostics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Swarm intelligence caused by physical mechanisms

Researchers at Leipzig University developed an experimental model of microswimmers that exhibit properties of natural swarm intelligence. The swimmers' internal states and navigation rules can be controlled, allowing for the observation of complex collective behaviors.

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.

Evolution of uniquely human DNA was a balancing act, study concludes

Researchers found that many changes to human DNA had opposing effects, with some variants making enhancers stronger while others made them weaker. This discovery has implications for understanding human evolution and the potential link between human DNA variations and psychiatric diseases.

Study identifies potential new approach for treating lupus

A study published in Science Immunology has discovered a potential new approach for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) by targeting iron metabolism in immune system cells. Blocking the iron uptake receptor reduced disease pathology and promoted anti-inflammatory regulatory T cell activity in a mouse model of SLE.

Feathered robotic wing paves way for flapping drones

Researchers created a robotic wing that can flap more efficiently than previous robots, mimicking the upstroke of birds. This study could lead to more efficient flapping drones for various applications, including deliveries.

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.

The world in grains of interstellar dust

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a new pathway to forming presolar grains, which could help scientists better understand the interstellar environment and develop more efficient nanoparticles. The study suggests that these grains formed through a non-classical nucleation pathway, involving three distinct steps.

Financial strain and material deprivation linked to increased child behavioural difficulties More nuanced measures of economic hardship required to help address cost-of-living crisis and its effects on children

A new study by researchers at Trinity College Dublin found that financial strain and material deprivation are associated with higher child behavioral difficulties. The study suggests that more nuanced measures of economic hardship are required to accurately understand the effects of economic hardship on households and their children.

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.

Corpus callosum found to switch off right hemisphere during speech

Researchers at the HSE Centre for Language and Brain found that a thicker corpus callosum is associated with less lateralization of language functions to the right hemisphere. The study used advanced neuroimaging methods, including fMRI, to measure brain activity while participants completed a sentence completion task.

One-pot reaction creates versatile building block for bioactive molecules

Chemists at the University of Groningen have developed a simple one-pot reaction to produce chiral Z-alkenes, previously inaccessible molecules. This method uses a phosphine molecule as a starting point, reducing the need for purification and allowing for the creation of complex functionalised alkenes.

HRT could ward off Alzheimer’s among at-risk women

A new study suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could help prevent Alzheimer's disease in women who are carriers of the APOE4 gene. The research found that HRT use is associated with improved memory and larger brain volumes among at-risk women. Early introduction of HRT during perimenopause may be particularly beneficial.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

World first test to detect diabetics at risk of kidney disease

A world-first study has identified genetic markers for people with diabetes at risk of developing kidney disease. The findings could lead to the development of a predictive test that can detect adults with Type 1 diabetes at risk before symptoms appear, allowing for early-stage interventions.

Managing emotions better could prevent pathological ageing

Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.

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.

A star’s unexpected survival

A team of physicists has proposed a model for a repeating partial tidal disruption event, revealing the capture of a star by a supermassive black hole and its repeated stripping of material. The study provides unprecedented insight into the existence of supermassive black holes and the orbital dynamics of stars in galaxy centers.

Strong, recyclable plastic

Researchers have created a strong and recyclable biodegradable polyester that breaks down fully to its starting materials using mild chemical or biological processes. The new material has similar crystallinity to high-density polyethylene and retains beneficial mechanical properties.

Study: Bilingual kids could lead in ocean environmental action

A recent study from North Carolina State University suggests that participation in environmental education programs can motivate children across diverse language groups to act responsibly toward the environment. Bilingual or multilingual students saw bigger gains on average compared to students who spoke English primarily at home.

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.

Machine learning method improves cell identity understanding

A research team at Carnegie Mellon University has developed a machine learning method called SPICEMIX to analyze spatial transcriptomics data. The tool helps identify and understand gene expression patterns in cells, revealing new insights into brain cell types.

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.

OU-led group improves ability to identify and study algae species

A new genome-based taxonomy has been developed to characterize ecological niches of Microcystis, including nutrient requirements and seasonality. This will aid in the control of harmful Microcystis blooms and reduce health risks associated with water quality management.

AI improves detail, estimate of urban air pollution

Researchers developed machine learning models to accurately calculate fine particulate matter in urban air pollution using AI and traffic data. The models provide a high-resolution estimation of city street pollution surface, enabling transportation and epidemiology studies to assess health impacts.

Health insurance as a fuel for medical progress

A study finds that increasing health insurance coverage explains 63% of increased healthcare expenditure and boosts medical patent registrations by 57%. Health insurance expansion also increases life expectancy by 1.2 years due to stimulation of medical progress.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists take another step toward building a better opioid

Researchers used cryoEM technology to solve detailed structures of the entire human opioid receptor family, providing a comprehensive framework for designing safer drugs. The study aims to overcome side effects and overdose deaths associated with current opioid pain relievers.

Press registration open for the hybrid ACS Spring 2023 meeting

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is hosting a hybrid Spring 2023 meeting with over 10,000 presentations on various topics, including agriculture, energy, health, and sustainability. Press registration is available for qualified journalists and public information officers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

DARPA grant will fund hunt for drug that can keep people warm

Researchers aim to develop a drug that enhances brown adipose tissue response to cold exposure, potentially treating hypothermia and arctic exploration challenges. The new screening method could also optimize drug development for diseases and infections, reducing costs and time.

Faster knee for better walking

Researchers found that knee extension velocity, not quadriceps strength, is a strong predictor of walking performance in elderly patients after total knee arthroplasty. This study suggests that training to enhance knee extension velocity could be effective in recovering gait function.

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.

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.

Plate tectonics in the twenty-first century

This study by Prof. Yong-Fei Zheng examines the operation of plate tectonics, focusing on divergent-convergent coupling systems and their impact on material movement and energy transfer at plate margins. It highlights two key processes for the onset of plate tectonics: subduction initiation and lithospheric rifting.

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.

Empowering digital twins with eXtended reality collaborations

Researchers introduced a framework to support human collaborative intelligence in digital twins using augmented reality. The HCLINT-DT framework showed good adaptability levels in various use cases, including family photo albums and industrial electrical engineering contexts.

Martian meteorite contains large diversity of organic compounds

The Martian meteorite Tissint has revealed a rich inventory of organic compounds, offering insights into Mars' habitability. The study, published in Science Advances, discovered an unprecedented diversity of organic molecules, including magnesium compounds not previously seen on the planet.

QUIJOTE maps the structure of our galaxy’s magnetic field

The QUIJOTE experiment has provided detailed maps of the galaxy's microwave emission processes, characterizing synchrotron emission with unprecedented accuracy. The new data also enable the study of anomalous microwave emission and offer insights into dark matter decay processes.

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.