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Science News Archive January 2023 - Page 21


Page 21 of 35

20,000 premature US deaths caused by human-ignited fires

A study published in Environmental Research Letters finds that human-ignited fires are responsible for over 67% of small smoke particles called PM2.5 in the US, leading to 20,000 premature deaths annually. The research highlights the need for ignition-focused management plans to reduce human-ignited fires and minimize health impacts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 16, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tens of thousands of feasible catalysts on the diameter of a hair

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum develop a technique to create complete five-element material systems on a carrier roughly the size of a human hair. This enables them to efficiently search for new catalysts with high catalytic activity, crucial for environmentally friendly energy conversion processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Pressured coaches try to get sports psychologists to gossip

Research shows pressure from coaches and management forces sports psychologists to share confidential conversations with players, leading to mistrust. To build trust, sports psychologists can work as clients, use case formulation, or establish a built-in consent process.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Sport Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2023
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.

Astronomers capture radio signal from distant galaxy

Researchers detect radio signal from record-breaking distance galaxy, measuring gas composition and gaining insights into the early universe. The signal was amplified by a factor of 30 using gravitational lensing, allowing scientists to study a previously inaccessible region.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 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.

Homo sapiens or insapiens? A new insect species from Kosovo cries for help

A new species of aquatic insect, Potamophylax humoinsapiens, has been discovered in the Sharr Mountains of Kosovo. The species was named to raise awareness about human activities that have degraded habitats and led to extinction. Researchers hope this naming convention will make insects 'talk' to humanity's collective consciousness.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJan 16, 2023

Marriage in Minoan Crete

Researchers analyzed 100 ancient genomes to understand kinship and marriage rules in Minoan Crete and Mycenaean Greece. They found that cousin marriages were common, with over 90% of sons marrying within their own family's hamlet.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 16, 2023

Calling patients after heart failure may save lives

Researchers found that patients with low comorbidity groups who received more frequent phone calls had improved outcomes, including reduced mortality and longer hospital stays. The intervention involved regular calls from nurses to monitor patient response and address any unusual symptoms.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateJan 16, 2023

Deflecting lightning with a laser lightning rod

A European consortium has successfully guided lightning using a high-power laser installed at the top of Mount Säntis in Switzerland, increasing the radius of protection from 120m to 180m. The Laser Lightning Rod (LLR) works even in poor weather conditions, such as fog.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Photonics·TypeNews article·DateJan 16, 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.

Researchers produce first-ever toolkit for RNA sequencing analysis using a ‘pantranscriptome’

A new toolkit enables researchers to map individual RNA data to a more diverse 'pantranscriptome', addressing reference bias and increasing the accuracy of gene expression mapping. This approach builds on pangenomics, allowing for the comparison of an individual's genome to genetically diverse cohorts of reference sequences.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 16, 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.

From octopus to elephant: a molecular zoo of epigenetics

Scientists have mapped and analyzed DNA methylation profiles in 580 different animal species, providing insights into the evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. The study reveals that DNA methylation constitutes a cancer-protective mechanism in large animals with long lifespans, contradicting Peto's paradox.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2023

New smartphone app designed by University of Toronto researchers shown to significantly improve memory recall

Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Leonardo da Vinci’s paradox cracked

Researchers from the University of Seville and Bristol have discovered a mechanism to explain the unstable movement of air bubbles rising in water. The simulations closely match high-precision measurements, revealing that bubbles deviate from straight-line motion when their spherical radius exceeds 0.926 millimeters.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Developing weak-acid washing strategy for layered nickel-rich cathode

Researchers developed a novel, efficient, and low-cost strategy to eliminate surface impurity phases in layered nickel-rich materials. The use of acidic treatments with boric acid has been shown to improve the electrochemical performances and reduce capital costs.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

Cancer biology: Some cancer cells can lose their capability to migrate

Research at Kanazawa University reveals that certain cancer cells lose metastatic potential due to negative selection, which eliminates cells with detrimental traits. These eliminated cells often have reduced growth and survival rates, and are unable to form tumors in healthy mice.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCancer Science·DateJan 16, 2023

How the last 12,000 years have shaped what humans are today

The shift from foraging to farming led to increased conflict, violence, and infectious diseases. Humans adapted genetically to dairy consumption around 5,000 years ago, while early agricultural communities faced social challenges, including limited diets and kinship organization.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 16, 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.

Dog breeds differ from each other in their cognitive traits

A study of 13 dog breeds found breed differences in cognitive traits like social cognition, problem-solving ability, and inhibitory control. The results suggest that different breeds excel in specific tasks, highlighting the complexity of canine cognition.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Frequent visits to green space linked to lower use of certain prescription meds

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that frequent visits to urban green spaces were associated with lower use of prescription meds for depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and asthma. The frequency of green space visits was linked to a significant reduction in medication use, particularly am...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2023

Political parties formed by existing MPs are significantly more likely to be die

Research by Nicole Bolleyer and colleagues found that parties formed by existing parliamentarians are more likely to dissolve. Parties with social organization roots are less likely to dissolve early or late in their life cycle. The study analyzed data on 204 political parties in 22 democracies between 1968 and 2016.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJan 16, 2023

New strategy for cryopreservation of mouse follicles

Researchers developed a low-concentration cryoprotective agent vitrification method to preserve mouse preantral follicles, improving survival rates by 1/3. The approach integrated microencapsulation and physical heating techniques for enhanced cell protection.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 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.

Study finds active galactic nuclei are even more powerful than thought

A new study reveals that active galactic nuclei are even more powerful than previously believed, with their far ultraviolet light dimmed by a large factor due to dust. This discovery implies that these objects are putting out an order of magnitude more energy than thought in the ultraviolet range.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 15, 2023

COVID calculations spur solution to old problem in computer science

A researcher at the University of Copenhagen solved a 30-year-old problem in computer science by applying Petri nets to forecast COVID epidemic development. The breakthrough enables individual-oriented modeling, which can be used in epidemiology and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of the ACM·DateJan 15, 2023

New study questions whether toddlers choose to help dogs impulsively

A team of scientists from the USA conducted a study on toddlers' behavior towards helping dogs. The researchers found that children aged 2-3 years were twice as likely to help a dog reach a treat or toy when it showed interest, with factors such as the dog's liveliness and the object being a treat increasing the likelihood of assistance.

SourceCABI·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2023

2D interaction takes researchers by surprise

The study, published in Physical Review X, demonstrates the quantum properties of 2D Cherenkov radiation and reveals a record-breaking electron-radiation coupling strength. Every electron emitted radiation, improving the interaction efficiency by over two orders of magnitude.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2023
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.

Computers reimagined

Prof. Shahar Kvatinsky's neuromorphic chip integrates storage and processing functionalities, achieving 97% handwritten letter recognition accuracy with low energy consumption. The chip's design enables potential applications in camera sensors, eliminating the need for digital image enhancement.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2023

CO molecular tilting detected by red-shifted TERS

Researchers use red-shifted TERS to track tip-induced molecular configurational changes of a single CO molecule on Cu(100) surface, revealing the weakening of C−O bond and tilting angle.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateJan 15, 2023

At-home bowel cancer tests could help reduce colonoscopies

A new study found that multiple negative faecal immunochemical tests can significantly reduce the risk of advanced neoplasia in a colonoscopy surveillance program. This could lead to longer intervals between screenings for people at above-average risk, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Chronic pain management program delivered by ‘coaches’ improves outcomes

A new study from Flinders University found that a telehealth program delivering individualized coaching improves self-management and reduces suffering for people with chronic pain. The program, called Rethinking Pain, provides access to care and support for those living in rural areas who face long wait times for specialist care.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPain and Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2023

Scientists discover secreted protein helps both repair and grow muscles

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered a protein called PDGF-B that not only promotes muscle growth but also enhances myotube maturation, leading to increased contractile strength. The findings offer a game-changing approach to treating muscle injuries and atrophy.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJan 14, 2023

Researchers create smaller, cheaper flow batteries for clean energy

A new compact flow battery cell configuration reduces size and cost by 75%, increasing volumetric power density and enabling more efficient energy storage. The technology could revolutionize residential and commercial energy systems, with potential applications in electrolysis and fuel cells.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 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.

When migrating birds go astray, disturbances in magnetic field may be partly to blame

Researchers found a strong correlation between birds captured outside their expected range and geomagnetic disturbances. The study suggests that birds rely on magnetoreceptors for navigation, which can be affected by solar activity and other factors. This knowledge can help scientists understand threats to birds and the ways they adapt.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2023

Support from others in stressful times can ease impact of genetic depression risk, study suggests

A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2023

A strong ethnic identity can buffer or bolster the effects of online sexual racism in Black men

A recent study found that strong ethnic identity can buffer feelings of depression and low self-worth when Black men experience sexual objectification by white men online. Conversely, a strong commitment to ethnicity intensified feelings of low self-worth when rejected by those of their own race.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 13, 2023

AI discovers new nanostructures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 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.

Scientists achieved phonon and photon lasing in optomechanical cavities

Researchers successfully fabricated one-dimensional optomechanical crystals to enable simultaneous phonon and photon lasing, narrowing the linewidth by four orders of magnitude. The findings pave the way for silicon-based photonic and phononic lasers to meet new technologies' demands.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·DateJan 13, 2023

Breathing supercapacitor

Researchers have created a supercapacitor that combines high power and energy density using a 'breathing' electrode with chlorine gas. The new device achieves rapid charge separation and mass transfer, increasing its energy storage capacity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Politics seep into daily life, negatively affecting mental health

Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that following daily political news can negatively impact people's mental health and well-being. Disengaging from politics also comes with a cost, as it reduces motivation to take action on political causes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 13, 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.

A precision arm for miniature robots

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a device that uses ultrasound to automate laboratory analysis tasks. The device combines microfluidics and robotics, allowing for the mixing, pumping, and trapping of tiny amounts of liquid. This innovation enables the automation of previously custom-designed systems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 13, 2023

How your mood affects the way you process language

A study by the University of Arizona found that when participants were in a negative mood, they were more careful and analytical, scrutinizing what was stated in a text. In contrast, a happy mood led to a less analytical state, with participants relying on default world knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Breakthrough in fighting Legionnaires’ disease

A new study found Legionella bacteria in 41% of samples - with Flinders University researchers making a key connection between the pathogen's co-existence with a 'host' microorganism in all samples tested. The study highlights the need for improved management of water distribution systems to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2023