Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 27, 2023


Volcano-like rupture could have caused magnetar slowdown

A study published in Nature Astronomy suggests that a volcano-like rupture on the surface of a neutron star could have caused its sudden slowdown. The research used X-ray data from orbiting telescopes to analyze the magnetar's rotation and found evidence supporting this theory.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Online forums help those with dementia find missing support and companionship

A new study found that online forums provide a sense of community and hope for people with dementia, filling an important gap in their support after diagnosis. The forums allow users to share experiences and receive emotional support from others going through similar experiences, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 27, 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.

Measles virus 'cooperates' with itself to cause fatal encephalitis

Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.

SourceKyushu University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Additional anesthesiology residency positions may help hospitals save costs, address projected workforce shortages of anesthesia care professionals

A study suggests that adding extra anesthesiology residency positions can be financially beneficial for hospitals, with cost savings ranging from $440,000 to $1.9 million over three years. This expansion may help address the projected shortage of anesthesia care professionals and reduce staffing costs.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·DateJan 27, 2023

Non-invasive neurotechnology reduces symptoms of insomnia and improves autonomic nervous system function

A new study using closed-loop, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology shows significant improvements in sleep quality and autonomic nervous system function in adults with insomnia. The intervention, called CR-SOP, was found to reduce insomnia symptoms and improve heart rate variability and baroreflex sensitivity.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 27, 2023

Researchers map the effects of dietary nutrients on disease

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute created a comprehensive map of metabolic pathways in mice, then gathered data to put into a model predicting diet effects on liver cancer. The study found specific changes in metabolism associated with unhealthy diets promote cancer cell growth.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournaliScience·DateJan 27, 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.

KIMM develops the world’s first electrode design for lithium-ion battery that improves smartphone·laptop battery performance

A joint research team developed a new battery technology using a bilayered anode to enhance reliability and performance. The design allows for high energy density and uniform reaction stability even in thick electrodes, benefiting electric vehicles and electronic devices.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2023

New company launches ultra-light, low carbon ‘aerogel’ insulation materials

A team from the University of Bath has developed ultra-light aerogel insulation materials with tuneable acoustic properties and other functional properties like thermal and electromagnetic shielding. The technology aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 50% in aircraft fleets, contributing to the government's net zero strategy.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeNews article·DateJan 27, 2023

Mercury helps to detail Earth’s most massive extinction event

A team of researchers has found a definitive link between mercury isotopes and the Latest Permian Mass Extinction, the largest extinction event in Earth's history. The study suggests that massive volcanic eruptions in Siberia led to rapid warming and climate change, which contributed to the extinction event.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Columbia researchers find link between serotonin and heart valve disease

A new study led by Columbia researchers discovered a link between serotonin and heart valve disease, specifically degenerative mitral regurgitation. The study found that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were more likely to develop severe mitral regurgitation and require surgery at a younger age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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 way to identify stresses in complex fluids

Purdue University researchers have discovered a new mathematical framework that measures stress and stretching field topologies for complex fluids. This breakthrough applies to polymeric fluids used in groundwater remediation and other industries, enabling more accurate predictions of fluid transport.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2023

Ancestral variation guides future environmental adaptations

Early plasticity in coastal plants like sea campion enables rapid adaptation to new environments, including toxic substances. The research found that beneficial plasticity in ancestral plants increases the likelihood of gene reuse during parallel adaptation.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Prairie voles without oxytocin receptors can bond with mates and young

Research reveals that prairie voles can form enduring pair-bonds and provide parental care without oxytocin receptor signaling, contradicting previous studies. While mutant voles lack milk release, they still nurse and rear pups to weaning age, suggesting species-specific roles of oxytocin receptor signaling.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

COVID calculations lead to unexpected solution to long-standing problem in theoretical computer science

A UAB researcher discovered a new definition of Petri nets that reconciles two longstanding mathematical approaches, allowing for the reconciliation of geometric and algebraic semantics. This breakthrough has been used in epidemiological modeling, including COVID-19 research.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalJournal of the ACM·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 27, 2023

New study debunks the assumption that menstrual cycles disqualify women from exercise research

A new study from Brigham Young University researchers found no variability in endurance thresholds or performance among women across their menstrual cycles. Women's performance was consistent with men's, challenging the long-held assumption that hormonal changes during menstruation affect exercise capability.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Motile sperm and frequent abortions in spreading earthmoss

A study by the University of Freiburg has found that auxin influences the fertility of spreading earthmoss, with PINC protein playing a crucial role. The research reveals that sperm swim better without PINC and that its absence leads to increased abortions in Physcomitrella moss.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJan 27, 2023

Afternoon chemotherapy proved to deliver more desirable results for female lymphoma patients

Researchers found that female lymphoma patients who received afternoon chemotherapy had a 12.5 times reduced mortality rate and a 2.8 times decreased cancer recurrence rate compared to morning treatment. This is due to the body's natural circadian rhythm, which affects white blood cell counts and bone marrow proliferation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJCI Insight·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Spinal cord injury: Can brain and nerve stimulation restore movement?

A new therapy, called spinal cord associative plasticity (SCAP), is showing promise in animal studies by enabling rats with spinal cord injuries to regain function of their arms. The treatment targets the nervous system connections spared by injury and causes lasting change in synapses or neurons.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Stability of perovskite solar cells reaches next milestone

Researchers have developed a chemical variation that significantly improves the stability of perovskite thin films in solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 24.6%. The new coating, b-pV2F, wraps around individual microcrystals like a soft shell, reducing thermal stress and increasing efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Meteorites reveal likely origin of Earth’s volatile chemicals

Researchers at Imperial College London found that around half of Earth's zinc inventory came from asteroids in the outer Solar System, contributing to the emergence of life on Earth. The study suggests that this material supplied other important volatiles like water, crucial for sustaining life.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·DateJan 27, 2023

Artificial intelligence used to predict space weather

Researchers at Northumbria University are developing artificial intelligence to forecast space weather and predict serious space storms. The technology aims to protect the Earth's power grid and communication systems from disruptions caused by solar eruptions.

SourceNorthumbria University·DateJan 27, 2023

Small, convenient mosquito repellent device passes test to protect military personnel

A new, portable mosquito repellent device has been tested successfully in a four-week semi-field study, showing effectiveness in preventing multiple species of mosquitos from entering the testing site. The device uses transfluthrin as a spatial repellent and eliminates the need for applying topical repellents or insecticides.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCurrent Research in Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 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.

Looking back at the Tonga eruption

A new analysis of seismic data recorded after the Tonga eruption has revealed two distinct sequences of events, including quasi-periodic explosions and a massive final event. The study used back-projection techniques to tease out details from teleseismic P waves, shedding light on the volcano's internal dynamics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 27, 2023

Gum infection may be a risk factor for heart arrhythmia, researchers find

A study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found a significant correlation between periodontitis and fibrosis in the left atrium, which can lead to atrial fibrillation. Researchers suggest that periodontal care could aid in comprehensive management of atrial fibrillation.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateJan 27, 2023