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Science News Archive July 2023


Page 1 of 36

Deadly fungus beaten with new type of treatment

Researchers have discovered a new way to combat fatal fungal infections by blocking the production of fatty acids, a major component of fats. The breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments against species-resistant fungi.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 31, 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.

Scientists solve ‘enigma’ of pygmy right whales’ feeding habits

Pygmy right whales do not migrate across oceans like other baleen whales, instead staying in mid-latitude waters off southern Australia where they breed and feed on specific prey. This unique behavior puts them at risk due to climate change, which is warming their temperate ocean habitats.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Plant-based protein intake may reduce kidney disease risk

A recent study found that higher plant protein intake is associated with lower risk of chronic kidney disease. The UK Biobank study data revealed that participants consuming more plant-based protein had a reduced risk of developing CKD.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJul 31, 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.

Structural insights illuminate the arms race between crop plants and fungal pathogens

Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research have characterized the structures of several powdery mildew effectors, revealing a common scaffold that allows them to evade recognition by plant immune receptors. This discovery provides new insights into the molecular arms race between plants and fungal pathogens.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

The Lancet: New study reveals global anemia cases remain persistently high among women and children. Anemia rates decline for men.

A new study reveals that nearly 2 billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with women and children disproportionately affected. Anemia rates have declined among men, but progress has been slow for women and children, driven by factors such as access to nutrition, socioeconomic status, and unmet need for contraception.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 31, 2023

New study findings underscore the importance of timely newborn screenings in early care for cystic fibrosis

A new study by Dr. Stacey Martiniano found that late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis due to delays in evaluation after a positive newborn screen test results in poorer long-term nutritional outcomes, including reduced weight-for-age and height-for-age. Early initiation of CF care is essential to improve health outcomes in infants with CF.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 31, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New clues on the source of the universe’s magnetic fields

Scientists have long debated the source of magnetic fields in the universe. New research by Columbia University researchers suggests that turbulent plasma can spontaneously generate these fields, which then amplify and spread across vast distances.

SourceColumbia University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

Study raises possibility of immunotherapy treatment for ALS

Researchers at OHSU identified a type of monoclonal antibody that can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by modulating immune cells. The study used a mouse model and confirmed results in human brains affected by ALS, revealing a promising potential treatment for this fatal neurodegenerative disease.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Lignin separation method could make renewable material profitable

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method to extract lignin from wheat straw, producing a color-neutral, odorless, and homogenous material. This breakthrough could make lignin a more viable candidate for developing high-value products and biobased materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2023

Why you shouldn’t declaw tigers or other big cats

Researchers found that declawing larger cat species results in significantly lighter muscle density and mass, particularly in the deep digital flexors, leading to reduced strength and functionality. This study highlights the cruelty of declawing practices on exotic animals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimals·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 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 demonstrates efficacy of new short-term resistant TB treatment

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine successfully treated four patients with resistant TB using a six-month regimen of bedaquiline, pretomanid and linezolid. This novel approach achieves superior outcomes with less side effects in a shorter period, improving health equity for MDR TB patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2023

Genome data rewrite the story of oat domestication in China

Genome analysis reveals that hulled and naked oat varieties were domesticated independently around 51,000 years ago. The study found higher genetic diversity in naked oat compared to hulled oat, contradicting the long-held assumption of a recent mutation.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Stick-to-itiveness: Pitt engineers show self-organization of sticky micron-to-mesoscale 3D structures in confined fluids

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that uses fluid mechanics and chemo-mechanical processes to autonomously assemble hierarchical 3D structures. The system utilizes sticky bonds to drive self-organization, allowing for the construction of complex devices with minimal external intervention.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 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.

CABBI develops eco-friendly enzyme to create key chemical building blocks

Researchers at CABBI develop photoenzymatic system to efficiently synthesize chiral amines, crucial chemical building blocks with wide applications. The team's new method addresses a longstanding challenge in synthetic chemistry and offers a promising platform for biomanufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Researchers discover method to overcome antimicrobial resistance

A team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma has made a groundbreaking discovery in overcoming antimicrobial resistance by developing a new class of molecules that inhibit efflux pumps. These inhibitors work as 'molecular wedges' targeting the area between bacterial cell membranes, increasing the effectiveness of antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

AI-based wastewater sampling predicts COVID hospital admissions

Researchers developed an AI-based system using wastewater data from US counties to predict COVID-19 hospital admissions. The model achieved accurate predictions, allowing public health officials to prepare for and manage pandemic waves.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

Women and men react differently to strain and stress

A study of 2,900 participants found that anxiety is a key factor in the mental health impacts of the pandemic, with women coping better when supported by friends and family. Men experience higher psychological stress due to job insecurity and unemployment.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2023

How to distinguish slow and fast earthquakes

Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Stanford University analyze slow and fast earthquakes, showing that their magnitudes vary with time. The study confirms the scaling law for slow earthquakes, which defines the relationship between magnitude and duration, and reveals physical processes governing events.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

New UArizona study links brain waves directly to memory

A new study from the University of Arizona has found that remembering events can trigger theta oscillations in the brain's hippocampus region, suggesting that memory is a strong driver of these rhythmic signals. This discovery could lay the foundations for cognitive impairment therapy and improve memory.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 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.

Insolation affected ice age climate dynamics

A recent study by German and Austrian researchers used stalagmites to document the impact of summer insolation on ice age climate dynamics. The findings suggest that warm phases appeared primarily during peak Northern Hemisphere summer insolation, with model simulations confirming these results.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJul 31, 2023

When cheating pays – survival strategy of insect uncovered

Researchers have discovered a 'cheating' strategy used by an insect in New Zealand to avoid being eaten. The Zelandoperla fenestrata stonefly mimics the appearance of a cyanide-producing species to deter predators. However, this strategy may not be effective in regions where the toxic species is rare, and can backfire if the mimicry st...

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 31, 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.

Social media marketing most effective when it prompts consumers to start posting

Researchers found a positive and significant ripple effect of firm-generated content on movie sales. This effect is indirectly driven by user-generated content that spreads through social media word of mouth. Firms can improve marketing efforts by sparking conversations among followers with hashtags and creative posts.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJul 31, 2023

Nanoneedles formed on an electrocatalyst improve hydrogen production

Researchers created nanoneedle structures on a nickel-cobalt phosphide catalyst, improving its performance and efficiency in producing hydrogen. The unique microstructure enhances electron transfer and releases hydrogen bubbles, making it suitable for large-scale hydrogen production.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJul 31, 2023

Researchers find little evidence of cheating with online, unsupervised exams

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that individual student scores were slightly higher but consistent with in-person, proctored exams when taking online, unsupervised exams. The results hold true across different academic disciplines, class sizes, and test styles, indicating the validity of these assessments.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

Luzio, who lived in São Paulo 10,000 years ago, was Amerindian like Indigenous people now, DNA reveals

A study analyzing genomic data from 34 fossils, including the famous sambaquis shell mounds, found that Luzio, São Paulo's oldest skeleton, was a descendant of the ancestral population that settled the Americas at least 16,000 years ago. The research also revealed differences between coastal and inland communities, suggesting two disti...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 31, 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.

New algorithm ensnares its first ‘potentially hazardous’ asteroid

A team of researchers has successfully tested a new asteroid detection algorithm, HelioLinc3D, which identified its first 'potentially hazardous' asteroid, 2022 SF289. The discovery confirms the algorithm's effectiveness in finding near-Earth asteroids with fewer and more dispersed observations than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Washington·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2023

Elusive pygmy right whale is a homebody hiding in our waters

A new study led by UNSW Sydney reveals the pygmy right whale's behavior is quite different from its larger relatives, with no long-distance migrations to Antarctic waters. The whales instead remain in mid-latitude waters off southern Australia, feeding on krill and copepods throughout the year.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 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.

Wang conducting finite temperature simulation of non-Markovian quantum dynamics

Fei Wang is conducting research on developing efficient quantum algorithms to simulate condensed phase quantum dynamics on quantum computers. The project aims to show quantum acceleration and demonstrate practical applications of quantum computing in materials design and environmental sustainability. The researcher will explore various...

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJul 31, 2023

Hydrogen sulfide shows promise as healthy ageing therapeutic when specifically targeted within cells

Targeting tiny amounts of hydrogen sulfide to specific areas of cells in adult worms improved health and activity as they aged, according to a University of Exeter study. The research found that H2S improved the integrity of mitochondria, kept muscles active, and extended lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Music therapy team increases collection of patient-reported outcomes to improve clinical research and practice

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center implemented a quality improvement initiative to improve documentation consistency and increase the capture of patient-reported outcomes. The findings show that music therapists' rates of capturing PROs increased significantly, with notable improvements in stress, pain, anxiet...

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJMIR Human Factors·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

Are quantum computers the future of genome analysis?

A Japanese research team has developed a technique that could lead to a new paradigm for genomic analysis using quantum computers. The breakthrough involves identifying single nucleotides, a crucial step toward creating a molecular sequencer of DNA.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

Frosty hydrogen as target

A new technique uses frozen hydrogen as a target for high-power laser pulses, improving proton acceleration efficiency and paving the way for advanced tumor therapy concepts. The method generates multiple proton bunches per second and optimizes the process through AI algorithms.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Nuisance vegetation removal in Senegalese waterways reduces the overall prevalence of parasitic infections and increases local food production

Removing nuisance aquatic vegetation from waterways reduces parasitic infection prevalence by up to 124%, while generating feed and compost for local farmers. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for schistosomiasis endemic areas, with implications for global health.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJul 31, 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.

Hole in one, not hole from sun

A new study from the University of South Australia reveals that golfers have a higher lifetime prevalence of skin cancer compared to the general population. The research highlights the importance of sun protection strategies for golfers, who spend extended periods in the sun.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 31, 2023

Rio Pará contributes high trace metal concentrations to the Amazon estuary

New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

Researchers find an epigenetic key that unlocks common deadly cancers

Scientists have identified the mechanisms behind how SOX9, a pioneer factor, reprograms adult epidermal stem cells to form cancerous tissues. By activating SOX9, researchers can induce basal cell carcinoma-like structures and study the underlying epigenetic processes.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 31, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Researchers use geospatial mapping to assist burn patients

Burn injury survivors face unique challenges, including infection, disfigurement, and disability, which can hinder their reentry into society. Researchers are using geospatial mapping techniques to identify barriers and hotspots for targeted support.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateJul 31, 2023