Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 36

Crafting molecular puzzles: A strategic approach to developing robust porous molecular crystals

Researchers developed a stable, porous molecular crystal using triptycene as a building block, leveraging noncovalent interactions to create a flexible material with high solubility and self-healing capabilities. The synthesized PMC exhibits excellent thermal and chemical resistance, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

A new Achilles heel of the bacterial cell wall

Researchers discovered a central regulator, DipM, controlling multiple autolysins and promoting cell constriction in Caulobacter crescentus. The study reveals DipM's role in coordinating bacterial cell wall remodeling and division processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate science is catching up to climate change with predictions that could improve proactive response

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Center have made significant advancements in predicting droughts and food shortages in the Eastern Horn of Africa, enabling agencies to take effective actions and provide humanitarian assistance. These early warnings have helped prevent devastating famines and saved millions of people f...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEarth s Future·DateJul 20, 2023

DARPA-funded project develops AI system to identify social norm violations

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed an AI system to identify social norm violations using GPT-3 and zero-shot text classification. The system characterized ten social emotions, including competence, politeness, and trust, with empirical success on massive datasets.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 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.

Engineering plants for a changing climate

The PLOS Biology special issue explores plant engineering to combat climate change, from ancient breeding techniques to genome engineering. The collection highlights strategies for enhancing climate-resilience in crops, including microbiome manipulation and synthetic biology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 20, 2023

Palm oil plantations and deforestation in Guatemala: Certifying products as 'sustainable' is no panacea

A University of Michigan-led study found that transnational conglomerates' palm oil supply chains contribute to deforestation in Guatemala. Seven Key Biodiversity Areas and 23 protected areas are impacted by oil palm expansion. Environmental certification programs like RSPO do not effectively mitigate deforestation risk.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 20, 2023

New advances in integrating mechanisms of multiple stress response in conifers

Researchers discovered a key transcription factor mediating abiotic stress tolerance in conifers. The study found that the NAC transcription factor PtNAC3 is induced by various stresses and enhances unified abiotic stress tolerance without growth penalty.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Fathers’ psychiatric diagnosis increases risk of preterm birth

A new analysis of Swedish birth records found that fathers' psychiatric diagnoses increase the risk of preterm birth, with risks higher for infants whose parents have both diagnoses. The study suggests that additional social support and prenatal care may help mitigate this risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 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.

Dreaming in technicolor

De-Stijl, a machine learning-based tool, suggests color palettes and demonstrates their impact in different distributions. It removes tedious guesswork from graphic design, facilitating creativity.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateJul 20, 2023

Wide field-of-view metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar technology

Researchers have proposed an innovative solution to address limitations of lidar technology, enabling imaging in low SNR environments. The novel technique uses a high-scanning speed AOD and metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar, extending ambiguity range by up to 35 times.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 20, 2023

Could early induction of labor reduce inequities in pregnancy outcomes?

A new study found that inducing labor at 39 weeks can reduce adverse perinatal outcomes for women from socioeconomically deprived areas. The analysis of over half a million births in England showed a small benefit from induction, with increased uptake associated with reduced inequities in pregnancy outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 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.

Powerhouse proteins protect heart cells from chemotherapy damage

Scientists identified a process by which enzymes help prevent heart damage in chemotherapy patients. Enzymes normally found in mitochondria move to the nucleus, keeping cells alive. This discovery suggests new methods for testing individual patient responses and potentially preventing heart damage from chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2023

New findings show private equity investments in healthcare may not lower costs or improve quality of care

A systematic review found that private equity investments in healthcare are generally associated with higher costs to patients and payers. The study also suggests that private equity ownership has mixed effects on healthcare quality, while its impact on health outcomes and operator costs is inconclusive.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalBMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 20, 2023

Hobbies and healthy habits surged during the pandemic

A Rutgers study found that people turned to hobbies and health-conscious activities to cope with pandemic-related stresses, increasing physical activity, exercise, and social connections. The study suggests that individuals adapted to negative impacts by adjusting behavioral lifestyle habits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 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.

A ‘toolbox of biocatalysts’ improves control over free radicals

Researchers have developed a set of biocatalysts that enable precise control over free radical reactions, solving a decades-old challenge in asymmetric catalysis. The metalloenzymes can selectively convert chiral compounds into desired products, opening up new possibilities for the synthesis of bioactive molecules and everyday polymers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 20, 2023

Purdue Innovates Startup Foundry awards $200,000 in equity investment to Aerovy Mobility and Uniform Sierra Aerospace

Aerovy Mobility, a cloud solutions provider for electric aviation, received $140,000 from the Startup Foundry investment. The company plans to use the funds to launch its live operations tool, VEMS, at vertiports and airports worldwide. Uniform Sierra Aerospace, a drone manufacturer for public safety departments, also benefited from th...

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 20, 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.

Artificial rocks from macroplastics threaten ocean health

A new study reveals that artificial rocks from macroplastics, known as plastiglomerates, pose a significant environmental risk to coastal ecosystems. These 'rocks' are made up of plastic waste held together by coral fragments and can release toxic pollutants into the environment.

SourceKiel University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 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.

Researchers reveal why obesity makes ovarian cancer more deadly

Researchers discovered that obesity affects ovarian cancer by altering the tumor's immune microenvironment and stiffening surrounding tissue. This change impairs treatment response to chemotherapy, leading to poorer survival rates among patients with high body mass index (BMI).

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJul 20, 2023

#BodyPositivity: More diversity in body shapes

Exposure to body-positive content on social media broadens women's concept of ideal body weight, increasing the number of body shapes considered ideal. Body-positive content also leads to increased sense of well-being in one's body and reduces weight perception.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

The largest study of its kind shows a need for improvement in esophageal cancer screenings

A large international database analysis found nearly a quarter of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients had normal endoscopies but were still diagnosed within a year. The study suggests using high-quality equipment, rigorous sampling protocols, and future research on biomarker panels to improve screening effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalGastroenterology·DateJul 20, 2023

Surveying public tolerance of lethal wildlife management in Japan

A survey of 1,000 Japanese respondents found that people's attitudes towards lethal wildlife management (LWM) were more species-specific than previously thought. Largemouth basses, crows, and wild boars were deemed most acceptable for LWM, while carp, parrots, and monkeys were considered the least acceptable. The study also revealed no...

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJul 20, 2023

Scientific breakthrough harnesses mRNA technology to develop powerful malaria vaccine

A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 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.

Male killer whales protected by post-menopause mothers

New research shows that post-menopause female killer whales protect their sons from fights with other whales, reducing the incidence of socially inflicted injuries. This unique behavior suggests that females prioritize helping their male offspring, who have more genetic potential for passing on their mother's genes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Bats struggle during organic farming transition

Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJul 20, 2023

SwRI-led team finds ancient, high-energy impacts could have fueled Venus volcanism

A Southwest Research Institute-led team modeled the early impact history of Venus to explain how it maintains a youthful surface despite lacking plate tectonics. The findings suggest that higher-speed, higher-energy impacts created a superheated core that promoted extended volcanism and resurfaced the planet.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

UBC Okanagan researchers investigate new use for plastic bottles

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new method to incorporate used plastic bottles into clay soil stabilization in landfills, strengthening the soil and preventing pollutants from escaping. This innovative approach has the potential to divert millions of metric tons of plastic waste from landfills each year.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWaste Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 20, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Draining 401(k) accounts when changing jobs: the hidden time bomb undermining retirement savings

New research reveals that 41.4% of departing employees withdraw their 401(k) savings, resulting in a significant loss of retirement savings. The study found that psychology and administrative factors contribute to this phenomenon, with employers often unaware of the issue.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeObservational study·DateJul 20, 2023

Hitting reset to start a new embryo

Researchers identified OBOX genes as master regulators of zygote genome activation, enabling the newly formed embryo to develop according to its own genetic program. The study found that these genes facilitate Pol II locating to the correct genes, allowing for the activation of transcription factors and subsequent development.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

The malnutrition paradox: Adolescent obesity in Zimbabwe

Adolescents in Zimbabwe exhibit rising rates of obesity, contrary to traditional perceptions of malnutrition and health. A study found that 15.8% were obese or overweight, with girls more affected, and low obesity awareness prevalent among girls, attributed to poor eating habits and lack of formal education.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNutrients·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 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.

The power of flowers: New Zealand researchers discover that dahlia flowers have antidiabetic properties by targeting the brain as a key regulator of blood sugar

Researchers at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand discovered a dahlia extract that improves blood sugar regulation without reported side effects in humans. The extract targets the brain's function required for blood sugar regulation by enhancing insulin function.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

How eelgrass spread around the world

An international team reconstructed eelgrass colonisation history, tracing Pacific to Atlantic migrations around 243,000 years ago. Genetic diversity in Atlantic populations is lower due to past ice ages, raising concerns about adapting to a changing climate.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 20, 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.

New catalyst could dramatically cut methane pollution from millions of engines

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that can remove up to 90% of unburned methane from natural-gas engine exhaust at low temperatures, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could lead to lower exhaust emissions and mitigate global warming.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Politecnico di Milano experimenting with fibre optics against water wastage

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano used fibre optic sensors to monitor water pipelines and detected pressure anomalies caused by water leaks. The study's results confirm the possibility of identifying and localizing small water leaks, offering a potential solution to global water wastage.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalSensors·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 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.

Catalyst can control methane emissions in natural gas engines

Researchers have developed a single-atom catalyst that efficiently removes methane from engine exhaust at low temperatures, even when the engine is starting. The catalyst uses every atom of precious metals and maintains reaction stability at higher temperatures.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 20, 2023

How do the world-largest water striders jump on the water?

Researchers found that giant water striders break the water surface when their legs push downward during a jump. They then quickly move downward surrounded by air caught within and around long hairs on their legs, generating upward force due to drag.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Sending the shoes back? How about this lovely gift card? Cross-selling can help retailers avoid lost revenue from returns

Researchers found that customers tend to consider money spent as already lost, making it easier for retailers to cross-sell products. However, customers are less likely to buy an item outside their original category when expecting to return it.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 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.

Fueled by new chemistry, algorithm mines fungi for useful molecules

A new algorithm has been created to search fungal genomes for clusters of genes likely to result in interesting biological compounds. The algorithm, trained on a newly described type of chemistry in fungi, has discovered over 1,300 fungal species with biosynthetic gene clusters centered on isocyanide chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 20, 2023

New theory better explains how the brain stores memories

Researchers propose a new mathematical neural network theory that consolidates memories to the neocortex if they improve generalization. This view contradicts the classical understanding of systems consolidation, which assumes all memories move from the hippocampus to the neocortex over time.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 20, 2023