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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

Secondary forests more sensitive to drought than primary forests

A new study from Lund University found that secondary forests in Sweden were more affected by the 2018 drought than primary forests. The research team analyzed satellite images and vegetation indexes to compare the impact of drought on both forest types.

SourceLund University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·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.

Study reveals long-debated makeup of the molecules that help organize your cells

A new study from the University of Chicago has laid out the internal structure of polyelectrolyte complexes, a special kind of molecular assembly that helps cells keep themselves organized. The researchers used a combination of simulations and neutron scattering to determine the precise structure of these molecules, which could lead to...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2023

Multi-level international study explores anxiety, concerns of families with a child with a neurodevelopmental condition during the COVID-19 pandemic

A global study analyzed data from over 6,600 families with a child with a neurodevelopmental condition to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their anxiety levels. The results show that anxiety increased for parents and children at the beginning of the pandemic, but decreased for children as they returned to pre-pandemic levels.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Global Health·DateJul 31, 2023

Nuclear spin's impact on biological processes uncovered

A new study by Prof. Yossi Paltiel and colleagues reveals that nuclear spin significantly affects oxygen dynamics in chiral environments, particularly in transport. This finding challenges long-held assumptions and opens up possibilities for advancements in biotechnology and quantum biology.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·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.

Way cool: UVA professor developing ‘freeze ray’ technology for the Air Force

UVA professor Patrick Hopkins is developing a 'freeze ray' technology to cool electronics in spacecraft and high-altitude jets, which can't be cooled by nature due to the vacuum of space. The technology uses heat-generating plasma to create localized cooling, and has been granted $750,000 by the Air Force.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

Modifications to amino acids in sperm could be behind infertility

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers reveals that modifications to amino acids in sperm may be linked to infertility. The team analyzed the molecular sequence composition of protamines, finding non-arginine amino acids with unexpected post-translational modifications that affect sperm shape and function.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJul 31, 2023

When electrons slowly vanish during cooling

In certain metals, phase transitions occur gradually due to exotic laws of quantum mechanics, allowing new insights into the quantum world. Researchers at the University of Bonn and ETH Zurich have directly observed this effect, enabling a better understanding of critical slowing down in fermions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 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 create novel approach to control energy waves in 4D

Researchers at the University of Missouri have engineered a synthetic metamaterial to direct mechanical waves along a specific path, adding innovative control to 4D reality. This breakthrough discovery has potential applications in civil engineering, micro-electromechanical systems, and national defense.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

ACP issues updated guidance for colorectal cancer screening of asymptomatic adults

The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for asymptomatic adults with average risk. The guideline aims to balance benefits and harms of screening in this population. Screening in younger adults may not offer significant net benefit due to lower incidence rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·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.

Analysis of court transcripts reveals biased jury selection

Researchers used NLP tools to analyze court transcripts and found significant differences in questioning tactics for Black and white jurors, indicating attempts to shape responses. The study proves that AI can identify biased jury selection, paving the way for real-time monitoring and diversifying juries.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateJul 31, 2023

BU commentary: Including sexual and gender minority populations in medical research guarantees the health and well-being of all

A recent commentary emphasizes the importance of including sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations in medical research to ensure their health and well-being. Researchers have found that SGM adults experience higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, and HIV diagnosis compared to non-SGM adults.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 31, 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.

The universal sound of black holes

Researchers predict that two black holes producing chirp signals preferentially occur in two universal frequency ranges, providing insights into black hole formation and stellar explosion mechanisms.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

New optimization strategy boosts water quality, decreases diversion costs

Researchers develop Dynamic Water Diversion Optimization (DWDO) to improve water quality in Lake Dianchi, China's largest eutrophic freshwater lake. DWDO significantly reduces total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations while minimizing annual water diversion costs.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·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.

Men AND women who are vegetarian face increased risk of hip fracture

A large-scale study found that vegetarians face a 50% greater risk of hip fracture than meat-eaters, regardless of sex. The study also identified low BMI as a key factor in the increased risk, and highlighted the importance of ensuring a balanced diet with enough protein for vegetarians.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2023

Cities no place for Australian eagles but smaller raptors are adapting

A recent study found that 13 of 24 Australian raptor species have higher tolerance for living in urban areas than the larger-bodied species. The Eastern Barn Owl, Brahminy Kite, and Australian Hobby were among the most tolerant species, while the Brown Falcon and Wedge-tailed Eagle were the least tolerant.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

Human senescent fibroblasts cause lung fibrosis in mice

Researchers found that human senescent fibroblasts trigger progressive lung fibrosis in immunodeficient mice by inducing paracrine senescence and pro-fibrotic activities. The study also suggests that senolytic compounds like navitoclax can ameliorate lung fibrosis induced by senescent human fibroblasts.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023

New genetic clues uncovered in largest study of families with multiple children with autism

Researchers found seven potential genes linked to increased autism risk, including rare inherited variations and polygenic scores. Children with language delays had a higher likelihood of inheriting these genes, suggesting a link between genetic risk and language delay.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 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.

The magic number: How many days a week you need to exercise to see real benefit

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that exercising three days a week can significantly improve muscle strength, with smaller increases seen in two-day groups. Daily exercise is recommended for greater benefits, but muscles still need rest to adapt and improve strength.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 30, 2023

Researchers develop “on-demand” whole tumor cell vaccine against cancer

Researchers created a flexible and potent 'on-demand' whole tumor cell vaccine (TCV) that responds to near-infrared laser irradiation, boosting the immune response and effectively suppressing tumor growth. The TCV was tested in various murine xenograft models and showed promising therapeutic efficacy.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2023

Helping agriculture be smart and precise

Researchers developed a smart agrochemical delivery platform using biomimetic mineralization, which improves crop yield and fruit zinc content. The platform, named MiZIFs, uses zeolitic imidazolate frameworks to encapsulate a synthetic growth regulator, promoting plant growth and stress tolerance.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 30, 2023

Professor Kunsong Chen's team in Zhejiang University has made a new progress in strawberry fruit flavor quality

A study published in Horticulture Research found that DNA methylation affects furanone accumulation through regulation of QUINONE OXIDOREDUCTASE in strawberries. This discovery provides new insights into the metabolic regulation network of plant volatiles and offers a basis for improving fruit flavor quality.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 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.

Immune cell discovery could lead to improved chronic worm treatment

Researchers discovered a protective immune feature lacking in people chronically infected with intestinal worms, leading to potential human vaccines and treatments. The study used animal models and found that blocking the T follicular helper response impaired worm clearance and promoted chronic infection.

SourceMonash University·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2023

Half the population to have a mental health disorder by 75

A global study led by researchers from the University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School found that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime. The study analyzed data from over 150,000 adults across 29 countries and found that 50% of the population develops at least one disorder by age 75.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 30, 2023

To spread or slide? Scientists uncover how foams are spread on surfaces

Researchers found that foam spreading changes with scraping speed and surface affinity, leading to different patterns on hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. The study's findings apply to various soft materials, including foams, paints, and coatings.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJul 29, 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.

New study shows saltwater intrusion is wreaking havoc on farms throughout Delmarva

A new study shows that saltwater intrusion has become a visible threat to farmers in the Delmarva region, with large salt patches appearing on cropland. The research highlights how this phenomenon can lead to significant economic losses and crop yield declines, particularly for corn and soybean farms.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2023

Blood test may reduce risk of disability in kids

Researchers developed a blood test to detect nerve injury in MS and found it works for children, even when symptom-free. The test measures neurofilament light chain levels, which reflect nerve cell injury.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJul 28, 2023

Trends in alcohol-related deaths by sex

A recent study found a significantly higher rate of increase in deaths among female individuals due to alcohol-related causes. The findings underscore the importance of investigating specific factors contributing to this trend.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2023

New method enabling therapeutical targeting of lactate transporters

Scientists have developed a new assay system to target lactate transporters SLC16A1 and SLC16A3, associated with certain cancers and diseases. The method enables the discovery of highly selective inhibitors, providing a potential new approach for cancer treatments.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 28, 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.

It worked in the Caribbean – What about here?

Researchers from dfusion, West Virginia University and UMass Chan Medical School develop a customizable digital platform to deliver an effective sexual health education program tailored to Caribbean youth in the US. The adapted program, FOYC+ImPACT U.S., will be scalable across diverse Caribbean community settings.

SourceDfusion (United States)·DateJul 28, 2023

Cell biology: How cellular powerhouses call for help when under stress

A team of researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt has discovered a central switch point in the mitochondrial signaling chain under misfolding stress. The mitochondria send two chemical signals to the cell when protein misfolding stress occurs, triggering a protective response that reduces misfolded proteins and stabilizes membranes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Last experiments of the Aeolus satellite for TROPOS before re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere

The Aeolus satellite is conducting a controlled reentry, involving extensive scientific experiments led by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS). Key findings include tests on vertical winds and the ATLID lidar, which will be replicated on the EarthCARE satellite.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 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.

Redefining treatment for mild cognitive impairment

A new phase II clinical trial will investigate the effectiveness of an accelerated course of transcranial magnetic stimulation in improving symptoms for patients with mild cognitive impairment and depression. The study aims to identify the optimal dose of stimulation needed to improve both depression and thinking difficulties in MCI, w...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateJul 28, 2023

Researchers identify a potential therapeutic target against cirrhosis and liver inflammation

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered a new therapeutic target, RNF41 protein, which plays a crucial role in controlling chronic liver disease. The study found that enhancing RNF41 expression in macrophages can reduce fibrosis and liver inflammation, leading to improved liver regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Gene editing improves grain quality and reduces heat stress in rice

Researchers at the University of Arkansas successfully used gene editing to reduce 'chalkiness' in rice, a condition caused by heat stress. The modified rice lines showed a significant improvement in grain quality, with increased starch granule compactness and reduced chalkiness.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 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.

Total recall on HIV

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Unlocking a mystery of fetal development

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalToxics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2023

Circadian clock gene helps mice form memories better during the day

Researchers found that Period 1 gene becomes more active in memory-forming region of brain in daylight hours after learning, playing crucial role in consolidating memories. Mice exhibit improved daytime memory performance compared to nighttime.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

New record of highest elemental superconducting transition temperature achieved

A research team at USTC has achieved a new record high superconducting transition temperature of 36 K in elemental materials under high pressure. The study reveals that the structure of Scandium plays a crucial role in its high Tc, which is closely related to its phase diagram at high pressures.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 28, 2023

Uncovering how the Golgi apparatus impacts early postnatal neuron development

The study found that the Golgi apparatus plays a crucial role in initiating dendritic refinement through neuronal activity, particularly with the NMDAR receptor. The researchers observed changes in Golgi polarity and dendrite shape when NMDAR signal or Golgi polarity was interrupted.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 28, 2023

NASA research on sustainable aviation receives phase 2 funding

Researchers developed novel power, energy, and configuration systems for a zero-emissions aviation future using cryogenic liquid hydrogen as an energy carrier. They achieved efficiency of over 98% and demonstrated the feasibility of superconducting technology at ultra-low temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateJul 28, 2023

A divide & conquer approach to leads-to model checking for large-scale systems

Researchers developed a divide & conquer approach to leads-to model checking, mitigating the state explosion problem and improving performance. The technique, DCA2L2MC, divides the reachable state space into smaller sub-state spaces, making it feasible for large-scale systems.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology·DateJul 28, 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.