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Science News Archive January 2023 - Page 14


Page 14 of 35

Physical effect also valid in the quantum world

Physicists at the University of Bonn have experimentally proven the applicability of the fluctuation-dissipation theorem to Bose-Einstein condensates made of photons. The study reveals a direct relationship between fluctuation and sensitivity, enabling precise temperature determination in complex photonic systems.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

How Huntington’s disease affects different neurons

Researchers identify vulnerable cell populations in the striatum, which contributes to loss of motor control and early mood disorders. Damage to striosomes may be responsible for mood disorders, while degeneration of matrix neurons likely contributes to motor decline.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 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.

Nab-paclitaxel does not extend biliary tract cancer survival, but may benefit some

A phase 3 trial found that adding nab-paclitaxel to a standard gemcitabine plus cisplatin regimen did not significantly extend median overall survival for patients with advanced biliary tract cancers, but provided benefits for subsets of patients. The treatment also showed improved response rates and progression-free survival times.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2023
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.

What makes brown rice healthy? Decoding the chemistry of its nutritional wealth

Researchers at Okayama University have identified cycloartenyl ferulate as the main contributor to brown rice's health-promoting effects. The compound's antioxidant properties help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to benefits such as weight reduction and improved cholesterol levels.

SourceOkayama University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Towards highly conducting molecular materials with a partially oxidized organic neutral molecule

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a single purely organic neutral molecule with an incomplete oxidation state for the first time. The new molecule exhibits multi-step phase transitions and crossover caused by intra- and intermolecular electronic interactions, leading to unique strongly correlated electron properties.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Why Asia-Pacific tropical seas flourish with marine life

A new study reveals that transient wind events trigger significant phytoplankton blooms near tropical reef islands, creating a large network of marine ecosystems. This process, driven by coastal winds, fuels the production of phytoplankton and supports critical feeding habitats for migratory marine species.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Oceanography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 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.

Relationship between superconductivity and strange-metal state in FeSe revealed by ionic-liquid gating

Scientists have discovered a quadratic relationship between the coefficient of T-linear resistivity and transition temperature in FeSe, indicating that spin fluctuations may play a common role in unconventional superconductors. This finding provides insight into high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 19, 2023

DNA from domesticated chickens is tainting genomes of wild red junglefowl

A recent study found that DNA from domesticated chickens has been introgressing into the genomes of wild red junglefowl, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. The researchers estimate that wild birds have inherited 20-50% of their genomes from domestic chickens, which could make them less resilient to environmental changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2023

Manufacturing advances bring material back in vogue

Lithium niobate (LN) is being developed to harness its exceptional properties for diverse future applications. LN photonic chips can transform industries beyond optical fibre communications by detecting signals in the infrared part of the spectrum.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mother’s health and lifestyle during pregnancy shape neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children

A new study conducted at the University of Turku found that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus may have unfavourable effects on the neurodevelopment of 2-year-old children. A healthy diet during pregnancy supports child's neurodevelopment, while higher maternal body fat percentage is associated with weaker cognitive and motor skills.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPediatric Research·DateJan 19, 2023

Massive fuel hungry black holes feed off intergalactic gas

A research team from the University of Southampton discovered that supermassive black holes are fueled by gas clouds from neighboring galaxies. The study found a link between misaligned gas and active supermassive black hole activity, suggesting that galaxy interactions provide a source of fuel for these phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2023

Protein Sirtuin 7 suppresses heat production in brown adipose tissue

Researchers found that Sirtuin 7 regulates brown adipose tissue functions, leading to suppressed energy expenditure and thermogenesis. The study reveals a molecular pathway involving protein deacylation and mRNA binding, which will have implications for treating hypermetabolic conditions like cancer and obesity.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Stopping a rare childhood cancer in its tracks

Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have found a way to reprogram cells causing Ewing sarcoma to behave like normal connective tissue cells. By blocking the protein ETV6, cancer cells can be forced to take on a new identity and grow less aggressively.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 19, 2023

A blood test for cancer shows promise thanks to machine learning

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a machine-learning model that detects cancers at an early stage by analyzing fragments of cell-free DNA in plasma. The technique, which uses readily available lab materials, distinguished people with any stage of cancer from healthy individuals 91% of the time.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 19, 2023

National Institutes of Health grant to fund Alzheimer's research

Researchers at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology will use a unique combination of MRI and mass spectrometry imaging techniques to study Alzheimer's disease on an unprecedented scale. By capturing detailed chemical information, they aim to understand the molecular-level changes that occur in aging brains and develop ...

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

How pancreatic cancer defies treatment

Researchers at UC San Diego describe how pancreatic cancer stem cells leverage SMARCD3, a protein that normally suppresses tumors, to boost resistance to treatments and drive growth. Deleting SMARCD3 reduces tumor growth and improves survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2023

CABBI team achieves first precision gene editing in miscanthus

The CABBI team successfully demonstrated precision gene editing in miscanthus, a promising perennial crop for sustainable bioenergy production. The results will accelerate efforts to tap the huge potential of this highly productive but genetically complex grass as a source for biofuels, renewable bioproducts, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Better understanding cancer and heart disease

A Canadian-led research team has discovered how the protein PCSK9 degrades LDL receptors, leading to increased cholesterol levels. HLA-C plays a critical role in this process, which could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Metabolism·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Paper: California's proposal to manufacture insulin could curb prices, improve public health

A new paper by a University of Illinois legal scholar suggests that California's CalRx Biosimilar Insulin Initiative could lower insulin prices, saving uninsured patients up to $4,000 per year. The proposal faces regulatory and logistical challenges, including FDA approval and state budgeting issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 19, 2023

Analyzing sweat via microelectronic fibers for non-invasive health monitoring

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a microelectronic fiber that can analyze electrolytes and metabolites in sweat, enabling wearable bioelectronics for monitoring biochemical signatures. The breakthrough smart fabric has the potential to provide greater versatility in functions, larger sensing areas, and greater comfort.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

An innovative approach reveals a novel strategy for engineering root nodule symbiosis into important crops for more sustainable agri-food systems

Researchers developed a novel strategy to engineer root nodule symbiosis in legumes and cereals using nanobodies. This approach, tested in barley and Lotus plants, initiates nodulation by bringing receptors together, revealing the core complex involved in symbiotic signaling.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Using cancer cells as logic gates to determine what makes them move

Purdue University researchers employ a cellular signal processing system to analyze the migration of cancer cells, identifying the impact of chemical cues and fluid flow on cell movement. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding cancer metastasis and the development of more effective treatments.

SourcePurdue University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Reducing water flow model uncertainty

Researchers connected global climate modeling with local hydrological data to improve water flow models. They found that using smaller tree samples and younger trees yielded better model validation results.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2023

‘Living medicine’ created to tackle drug-resistant lung infections

Researchers have designed a treatment that uses a modified bacterium to target and dissolve biofilms caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a leading cause of hospital mortality. The treatment has shown significant efficacy in mice, reducing lung infections and doubling survival rates.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Visibility of stars in the night sky declines faster than previously thought

A worldwide Citizen Science project has collected data on light pollution over eleven years, revealing a faster decline in star visibility than previously thought. The rate of change is attributed to increased sky brightness, with dramatic consequences for stargazing and astronomy.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2023

THE LANCET: Experts call for greater cooperation between human, animal and environmental health organisations to protect against future public health crises

A new Lancet Series argues that a 'One Health' approach is needed to prevent, monitor, and respond to public health emergencies globally. The series calls for greater investment in preventive and preparedness interventions, as well as greater representation of environmental organisations.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Testing of plane wastewater showed ‘failure’ of COVID-era air travel measures

Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 virus in almost all plane wastewater at three UK airports during a period of COVID restrictions. The study suggests that wastewater testing could be used to monitor the general health of passengers on flights entering the country, potentially capturing 8-14% of SARS-CoV-2 cases.

SourceBangor University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 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.

Reforming the Chinese Academy of Sciences to manage large-scale research

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is reorganizing its institutes into four categories to focus on basic research, applied science, and regional development. However, concentrating resources on creating centers of big-science research infrastructure may bring more distinct competitiveness to the CAS.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2023

Baboons ‘crouch and sprint’ to take standing up in their stride

Researchers discovered that baboons employ an efficient strategy to transition from quadrupedal to bipedal walking by 'crouching' their hindlimbs and 'sprinting' them forward under their torso. This process enables the animals to maintain a natural gait while standing upright, requiring minimal energy expenditure.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Moffitt researchers develop tool to measure patient health and well-being after radionuclide therapy

Researchers developed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Radionuclide Therapy (FACT-RNT) questionnaire to identify key symptoms and side effects associated with radionuclide therapy. The tool aims to improve patient-centered care and guide treatment decisions for prostate cancer patients.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2023

Following pandemic, educators are not all right, but meditation could ease burden

A recent study from UW's Center for Healthy Minds found that COVID-19's impact on K-12 schooling took a toll on educators' mental health, with 78% reporting clinically meaningful anxiety symptoms. Meditation-based interventions showed promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among school system employees.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Marine biology: The genes that made whales gigantic

A new study in Scientific Reports identifies four genes associated with whales' massive size, including GHSR, IGFBP7, NCAPG, and PLAG1. These genes promote large body sizes while mitigating potential drawbacks like increased cancer risk.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 19, 2023

Stars disappear before our eyes, citizen scientists report

A new study by Globe at Night reveals that artificial lighting is dulling the night sky more rapidly than satellite measurements indicate. The loss of visible stars has alarming implications for human health and wildlife.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2023

All in the mind – decoding brainwaves to identify the music we are listening to

Researchers at the University of Essex have developed a new technique that uses non-invasive brain wave monitoring to accurately identify the music someone is listening to. The method has been successfully tested on a dataset of simple piano music and shows promise for decoding language signals from the brain in the future.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 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.

Scientists advise a major shift in chemicals management in the U.S. and Canada

Scientists propose an 'essential use approach' to eliminate harmful chemicals from daily use and exposure, benefiting public health and the environment. This approach advocates for restricting the use of chemicals only where necessary for health or societal functioning, with feasible alternatives available.

SourceGreen Science Policy Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 19, 2023

Squirrels that gamble win big when it comes to evolutionary fitness

In a new study, red squirrels that gamble with their reproductive strategy outperform those that play it safe, especially during mast years. Despite short-term costs, female squirrels that increase litter sizes in low-food years experience greater lifetime fitness if they get to experience a mast year.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2023

Active matter theory explains fire-ant group behavior

Fire ants exhibit activity cycles and waves that propagate upwards in high-density conditions, driven by social attraction and collective motion. The study reveals the importance of density in determining these behaviors, which are similar to those observed in flocks of birds and schools of fish.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023

Dartmouth-led study finds that team-based coaching reduces risks of acute kidney injury after heart procedures

A Dartmouth-led study found that team-based coaching significantly improves the risk of acquiring post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to other interventions. The Collaborative with Surveillance intervention reduced the odds of AKI by 46 percent, making it a promising approach to address this prevalent adverse event.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2023
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.

Polymer p-doping improves perovskite solar cell stability

Researchers developed a technique that introduces a phosphonic acid-functionalized fullerene derivative and a redox-active radical polymer to strengthen the perovskite crystal structure and increase conductivity. This approach improved the stability of perovskite solar cells, achieving efficiencies comparable to traditional solar cells.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2023

How habanero peppers respond to stress

Researchers found that metabolite changes were most evident in ripe fruit, with nitrogen deficiency increasing some compounds and phosphorus deficiency decreasing diversity. Salinity threshold above which metabolites change was identified, which could impact harvested pepper resistance to pathogens.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateJan 19, 2023