Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive January 2023


Page 23 of 35

How do rocky planets really form?

A new theory proposes that rocky planets form in a narrow band of the protoplanetary disk, where silicate vapors condense to form solid pebbles. This process creates a ring of material that constitutes the building blocks for planet formation, resulting in uniform systems of rocky super-Earths.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mind your Qs: polyQ-binding protein 5 scaffolds the nucleolus

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University found that PQBP5/NOL10 is a core structural element of the nucleolus, forming a meshwork that supports other nucleolar substructures. It remains in the nucleolus under osmotic stress conditions and anchors reassembly of the nucleolar structure.

An ecofriendly way to convert blue light into UVB

A new system upconverts blue LED light into high-energy Ultraviolet B (UVB) light without toxic materials. The development opens the door for more sustainable and eco-friendly uses of UVB in various applications such as disinfection, photochemical reactions, and wastewater treatment.

Fall rate nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia

A new study reveals that falls are nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and health-related risk factors. Key findings highlight the need for tailored screening and prevention interventions specifically designed for this high-risk population.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Placebo reduces feelings of guilt

Researchers at the University of Basel found that placebos can significantly reduce feelings of guilt in healthy subjects. Participants who received open-label placebos showed a significant decrease in guilt, even when they knew they were receiving a placebo.

Enzyme “atlas” helps researchers decipher cellular pathways

Scientists have mapped out over 300 protein kinases and their targets, which could yield new leads for cancer drugs. The comprehensive atlas helps researchers identify signaling pathways that differ between normal and cancerous cells, or between treated and untreated cancer cells.

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.

Noise from urban environments affects the color of songbirds’ beaks

A Florida Atlantic University study found that urban noise exposure during development affects the color of songbirds' beaks, which influence social interactions and mate choice. Males developed less bright beak coloration, while females developed brighter orange coloration than untreated birds.

Improving perovskite solar cell resistance to degradation

Researchers identify the (100) facet as prone to degradation, while the (111) facet is more stable and resistant to moisture and heat. By using facet engineering, they develop strategies to grow the stable (111) facet, leading to exceptionally stable perovskite films.

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.

Novel design helps develop powerful microbatteries

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel design for powerful microbatteries that can power tiny devices with high voltage and energy density. The batteries, which are hermetically sealed and compact, use innovative packaging technology and dense electrodes to achieve unprecedented performance.

Falling birth rate not due to less desire to have children

A new study suggests that young Americans' concern about the future and difficulties in achieving their goals of having children are delaying parenthood. Despite consistent childbearing goals since the 1960s, unintended births have declined, but people are not having as many children as they say they want, especially at earlier ages.

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.

Molecular Tumor Board provides useful assist in cancer precision medicine

A multidisciplinary team reviews genomic test results and recommends treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, identifying clinical trials suitable for most patients. The program has been successful in providing expert treatment guidance for over 500 patients and can be a model for other cancer centers.

New spin control method brings billion-qubit quantum chips closer

Engineers at Diraq and UNSW Sydney discovered a new way to precisely control single electrons in quantum dots using electric fields, which is less bulky and requires fewer parts. This breakthrough technique can help achieve the goal of fabricating billions of qubits on a single chip for commercial production.

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.

Fossils reveal dinosaurs of prehistoric Patagonia

A study in Patagonia has uncovered fossils of theropod dinosaurs, including megaraptors with large sickle-like claws, and bird species from two distinct groups. These finds shed light on the diversity of ancient life in Patagonia before the mass extinction event.

Fish-hunting and eating behaviors confirmed in Japanese macaques

Researchers have documented cases of Japanese macaques hunting and eating fish in the Kamikochi region of Japan, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh winter conditions. The behavior appears to be an extension of existing feeding habits on vegetation and aquatic plants, with potential implications for future generations.

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.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing for cardiac protection

A new CRISPR-Cas9 approach targets a detrimental signaling pathway in the heart to confer protection from ischemia/reperfusion injury. This gene editing therapy has shown promise in repairing cardiac damage after a heart attack, with potential applications for treating a range of patients with heart disease.

Study identifies cause for mysterious cases of epilepsy in children

Researchers have identified genetic somatic mosaicism as a cause of mysterious cases of epilepsy in children. The study found 69 different genes carrying somatic brain mutations that disrupt cellular function and stimulate epileptic seizures. These findings could lead to new molecular classifications for MCD disease and personalized th...

Mature ‘lab grown’ neurons hold promise for neurodegenerative disease

Researchers have created highly mature human neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells using 'dancing molecules.' These mature neurons demonstrate enhanced signaling capabilities and branching ability, making them suitable for studying neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. The breakthrough technique opens new opportuni...

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.

Common brain network for psychiatric illness discovered

Researchers identified a common brain network underlying several psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia and depression. The transdiagnostic network shows gray matter decreases in specific brain regions across most studies.

Rx for prolonged sitting: A five-minute stroll every half hour

A study by Columbia University exercise physiologists found that taking a five-minute walking break every 30 minutes can significantly lower blood sugar and blood pressure, while also reducing fatigue and improving mood. This regimen provided the most benefits, with only one minute of walking per hour providing modest benefits.

Genetically engineered bacterium enables biosynthesis of melanin nanoparticles

A genetically engineered bacterium has enabled the biosynthesis of melanin nanoparticles with excellent biocompatibility, stability, and photothermal conversion efficiency. The resulting nanoparticles showed strong absorption in the near-infrared region and high antitumor efficacy for photoacoustic imaging-guided photothermal therapy.

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.

Australian scientists closer to finding new lung cancer treatments

Researchers at Australian National University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre found that targeting the Menin protein can reactivate dormant genes, making cancer cells visible to the immune system. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for lymphoma and lung cancer by combining Menin inhibitors with existing therapies.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Realtime monitoring with a wearable device reveals IBS-related changes

Researchers used a wearable device to track autonomic nervous system activity in IBS patients and healthy subjects. The study found that IBS patients' sympathetic nervous systems were activated before defecation and persisted after, leading to greater abdominal pain and lower quality of life.

Why chocolate feels so good – it is all down to lubrication

A team of scientists at the University of Leeds has decoded the physical process behind chocolate's sensation in the mouth. They found that fat plays a key role in creating the smooth emulsion, and by understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop healthier luxury chocolates with the same feel and texture.

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.

Introducing COSMOCAT

COSMOCAT proposes using cosmic rays to transport random numbers, eliminating the need to send decryption keys and enhancing local device and network security. The system can be used alongside current wireless technologies, offering faster speeds and limited distance capabilities.

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.

Team streamlines DNA collection, analysis for wildlife conservation

A new DNA-collection approach allows scientists to capture genetic information from wildlife without disturbing the animals. The protocol tested on elephant dung yielded enough DNA to sequence whole genomes not only of the elephants but also of associated microbes, plants, parasites and other organisms.

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.

*Free* Insect farming for livestock feed and human consumption

Farming edible insects could improve food security by reducing resource intensity and increasing protein content. Insects have the potential to replace conventional livestock feed, offering unique nutrients and health benefits for animals, while transforming low-value agricultural waste into high-quality feed.