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Science News Archive January 2023


Page 34 of 35

Cheap, sustainable hydrogen through solar power

A new solar panel technology has achieved 9% efficiency in converting water into hydrogen and oxygen, mimicking natural photosynthesis. The technology uses a self-healing semiconductor that withstands high temperatures and concentrated light, reducing the cost of sustainable hydrogen.

Climate warming reduces organic carbon burial beneath oceans

A new study reveals that climate warming can reduce the burial of organic carbon beneath the ocean, leading to increased atmospheric carbon release. Researchers analyzed over 50 years of seafloor sediment cores, finding a significant decrease in organic carbon burial during certain periods, particularly during the mid-Miocene era.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers detect fluoride in water with new simple color change test

A cross-disciplinary team at Northwestern University has developed a sensor platform that can detect environmental contaminants like fluoride in real-world samples. The team used an established riboswitch to build a biosensor for fluoride, encapsulating the sensor inside a fatty membrane to protect it from contaminants.

Can diet combined with drugs reduce seizures?

A modified Atkins diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates has been shown to reduce seizures by more than half when combined with standard drug therapy. The study involved 160 adults and adolescents with drug-resistant epilepsy, finding significant improvements in quality of life and behavior.

Easy fabrication of next-generation, super-flexible electronic circuits

Researchers from Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a straightforward means of fabricating high-quality soft semiconductors for advanced electrical circuits. The new method offers superior control over the resulting semiconductor film morphology, critical to its electrical properties.

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.

Effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza on canids investigated

A study found that Ezo red foxes and Japanese raccoon dogs infected with HPAI virus had different outcomes due to varying diets. The fox died, while the raccoon dog survived but suffered damage to its eyes. The findings suggest that monitoring programs should be expanded to understand HPAI ecology and identify risk factors.

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.

New method helps understand the global organic carbon cycle

Researchers developed a new approach to determine the rate of organic carbon burial in marine sediments, using data from deep-sea drilling sites. This method provides more accurate results than traditional isotope calculations, revealing higher rates of carbon sequestration during warm periods and lower rates during cooling intervals.

Using machine learning to forecast amine emissions

A group of scientists developed a machine learning approach to predict amine emissions from a carbon capture plant. They analyzed data from a stress test at a German power plant and found that two amines respond in opposite ways, increasing or decreasing emissions. This new method has the potential to change the way chemical plants ope...

‘Jumping genes’ help fungus kill salamanders

A fungus infecting salamanders has evolved to contain multiple copies of jumping genes, which contribute to its increased virulence. The 'copy and paste' mechanism allows the fungus to amplify skin-destruction genes, making it more deadly.

Gut bacteria may play a role in diabetes

Researchers found that people with higher levels of Coprococcus tended to have higher insulin sensitivity, while those with Flavonifractor had lower insulin sensitivity. The study aimed to understand the relationship between microbiome composition and diabetes development.

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.

Antibiotic residues in water a threat to human health

Research from Karolinska Institutet found high levels of antibiotic residues in waterways, including wastewater and drinking water, in regions such as China and India. The study suggests these residues contribute to antibiotic resistance, a global threat to human health.

New articles for Geosphere posted online first

Researchers used zircon U-Pb geochronology to analyze Cenozoic strata in California, developing a new age model for the Amargosa Valley Formation. In Mexico, they investigated mantellic degassing of helium in an extensional active tectonic setting.

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.

USTC synthesizes monometallic endohedral azafullerene

Researchers at USTC synthesize pristine MEAF La@C81N, revealing unique electronic properties and demonstrating skeletal modification's potential to regulate metallic endohedral fullerenes' behavior. This breakthrough tackles a long-standing challenge in synthesizing MEAF.

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.

Examining stroke treatment for people with disabilities

A University of Cincinnati researcher is leading a study to examine the effectiveness of a stroke treatment for patients with a pre-stroke disability, which are often overlooked in clinical trials. The study, funded by PCORI, will enroll over 1,100 patients across the US and collect data on outcomes such as disability, function, and qu...

Is it safe? Why some animals fear using wildlife crossings

Researchers studied deer and elk behavior around a wildlife tunnel, finding they were less likely to use the crossing after displaying a 'vigilant' response to passing vehicles. The study suggests designers should focus on animals' perceptions of their environment when building wildlife crossings.

COVID-19 vaccine for children after MIS-C appears safe

A multicenter study found that COVID-19 vaccination following multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) is safe, with mild reactions and no serious complications. The study included 385 patients aged 5 years or older, all of whom received at least one vaccine dose without any reports of myocarditis or MIS-C reoccurrence.

New role of small RNAs in Salmonella infections uncovered

Researchers discovered that small RNAs regulate Salmonella's virulence genes by stabilizing mRNA stability through the hilD 3' untranslated region. The study found that Spot 42 and SdsR sRNAs are crucial for controlling SPI-1 expression, leading to improved understanding of Salmonella's pathogenicity.

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.

An overlooked phenomenon

Phosphate ions in water alternate between a hydrated state and a mysterious 'dark' state, evading direct detection. The discovery has implications for understanding biocatalysis, cellular energy balance, and biomaterials formation.

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.

A brain game may predict your risk of infection

Researchers found that subtle variations in daily cognitive performance can signal changes in brain states increasing the risk of illness. The study used a digital self-test to measure cognitive function and found a strong association between cognitive variability and immune performance.

Time-restricted eating reshapes gene expression throughout the body

Researchers found that time-restricted eating synchronizes circadian rhythms across multiple systems in mice, activating genes involved in specific diseases like cancer. Nearly 40% of genes in the adrenal gland and pancreas were affected by time-restricted eating, offering guidance for managing diseases.

Tipping points complicate the evaluation of complex climate models

Researchers warn that commonly used methods for estimating equilibrium climate sensitivity in complex climate models may be underestimating temperature rise. The study highlights the need for longer simulations to account for potential late tipping points, which could significantly influence global warming.

Fewer moths, more flies

Research reveals dramatic shifts in pollinators across the last century, with hoverflies and moths becoming less frequent visitors to flowers, replaced by flies of the genus Thricops. The findings suggest that plants may be able to compensate for these losses, but changes in insect communities could lead to reduced pollination services.

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.

A stem cell's sense of touch

Embryonic cells use mechanical cues, known as the cell's sense of touch, to make collective decisions during tissue formation. The study reveals that cells perceive the stiffness and confinement of a 'living foam' structure, which changes its properties at the moment of differentiation.

To identify a voice, brains rely on sight

A new study suggests that the brain's ability to identify a voice is linked to its ability to recognize faces, with a common brain center processing both visual and auditory information. This finding has important implications for understanding disorders where voice or face recognition is compromised.

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.

When doctors know each other

Research from Harvard Medical School finds that specialists who trained with patients' primary care physicians report treating patients with a more concerned manner and clearer explanations. Patients also experience greater engagement in shared decision-making and improved medication-prescribing behavior.

Generous parental leave is protective against poorer mental health

A systematic review of 45 studies found that generous parental leave is protective against poorer mental health, including depressive symptoms and burnout, particularly among mothers. The benefits are associated with longer duration of leave and paid/unpaid leave schemes, continuing into later life for mothers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microprotein increases appetite in mice

Researchers at Salk Institute discover thousands of previously unknown microproteins in brown and white fat tissue, finding that one, Gm8773, increases feeding activity in mice. This discovery could lead to the development of a therapeutic to promote weight gain in certain disease situations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Pandemic put more parenting stress on mothers

A new study reveals that mothers working from home during the pandemic took on significantly more supervisory parenting responsibilities than fathers, often spending an extra two hours managing childcare duties. The researchers also found that women were more likely to adapt their work schedules to accommodate changing family needs.

Berkeley Lab scientists develop a cool new method of refrigeration

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.

Taming Overactive mTOR in Renal Cell Cancer

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a novel mechanism of tumor formation in kidney cancers, highlighting the role of overactive mTORC1 signaling pathway and loss of the TSC tumor suppressor gene. Activation of microphthalmia transcription factors (MITF) family by unopposed mTOR signaling may lead to abnormal cell gr...

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.