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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 36

Multidisciplinary team reduced hypothermia in NICU babies during and after surgery

A multidisciplinary team implemented a quality improvement project to reduce hypothermia in NICU babies before, during, and after surgery. The project resulted in significant decreases in intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of standardized temperature monitoring and thermal support.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPediatric Quality and Safety·DateJul 13, 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.

New material could hold key to reducing energy consumption in computers and electronics

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created a thin film of a unique semimetal material that can generate more computing power and memory storage while using significantly less energy. The study, published in Nature Communications, has important findings about the physics behind its unique properties.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Longevity biotech startup Gero demonstrates the power of quantum computing in drug design

A hybrid quantum-classical machine-learning model was used to generate novel chemical structures for potential drugs, suggesting unique compounds with biologically active properties. The system successfully proposed 2,331 novel molecules with high novelty, paving the way for a dramatic acceleration of drug discovery.

SourceGero·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 13, 2023

Butterflies and moths share ancient ‘blocks’ of DNA

Researchers have identified 30 basic units of 'synteny' that exist in all butterflies and moths, dating back to their common ancestor with caddisflies. This study improves understanding of chromosome evolution in Lepidoptera and may provide insights into other animal or plant groups.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·DateJul 13, 2023

Tau-based biomarker tracks Alzheimer’s progression

A new biomarker, MTBR-tau243, tracks Alzheimer's disease progression by measuring levels of a specific form of tau in cerebrospinal fluid. The finding has major implications for diagnosing and staging the disease, and could accelerate the development of effective treatments.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 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.

Development of new p38 protein inhibitors with therapeutic potential for some heart diseases

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have developed new p38 inhibitors that selectively impair one of the activation pathways of the protein, allowing it to perform many of its normal functions. The inhibitors show therapeutic potential for heart diseases such as cardiac cell death and cardiotoxicity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Improving high-temperature stability of perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a technique to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells by using fluorinated aniliniums, avoiding progressive ligand intercalation. This approach achieved a certified quasi-steady-state power-conversion efficiency of 24.09% for inverted-structure PSCs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2023

Women’s soccer rated as highly as men’s

Researchers investigated whether people rate women's and men's soccer differently based on player gender. They found that biased perceptions of female athletes' talent and toughness exist, affecting how we perceive their performance quality. The study suggests that women's soccer hasn't yet reached its full economic potential.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSport Management Review·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The economic life of cells

A team from the University of Tokyo combines economic theory with biology to understand how natural systems respond to change. They use the Slutsky equation to discover that different metabolic systems share previously unknown universal properties, which can be understood using tools from other academic fields.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Engineering dual carriageways for signals

Researchers have developed a new class of systems that exploit interference to create quadrature nonreciprocity, allowing for unidirectional signal transmission without breaking time-reversal symmetry. This enables the creation of dual carriageways for signals, with potential applications in quantum information processing and sensing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 13, 2023

Palaeontology: New ancient Asian alligator species identified

A new species of ancient alligator, Alligator munensis, is described from a fossilized skull in Thailand. The species is closely related to the Chinese alligator and has unique features such as a broad snout and large tooth sockets, suggesting it ate hard-shelled prey.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 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.

Quantum vortices of strongly interacting photons

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered quantum vortices in strongly interacting photons. These vortices exhibit unique properties that can be used to study the behavior of photons and their interactions with matter.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2023

Red pill or blue pill? The critical decision to control the superbugs

A study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection reveals that pharmacist-led multi-faceted interventions can optimize antimicrobial prescriptions in dental clinics, reducing the incidence of serious infectious diseases. The intervention increased penicillin usage and decreased the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateJul 13, 2023

Drexel’s titanium oxide material lets sunlight drive green hydrogen production

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a photocatalytic titanium oxide nanofilament material that can harness sunlight to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source. The material outperforms current methods and is stable for months, offering a sustainable and affordable path to creating hydrogen fuel.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Central component of infection revealed in people living with HIV

A recent study led by Professor Simona Stäger identified a molecular imprint that predisposes memory CD4+ T lymphocytes to cell death in people living with HIV. The discovery could have implications for other chronic infectious diseases and may lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 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’ sweeping discovery shows how kidney cells self-renew

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a previously unknown self-renewal mechanism in kidney cells that allows them to rejuvenate themselves and remain healthy. This process is fundamentally different from other regenerative processes, such as cell division, and enables kidneys to function normally for life.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Researchers establish criterion for nonlocal quantum behavior in networks

A new theoretical study provides a framework for understanding nonlocality in quantum networks, which are essential for performing operations inaccessible to standard technology. The researchers determined the conditions necessary for creating systems with strong, quantum correlations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 13, 2023

Genetic editing of wood for sustainability

CRISPR editing improves wood properties by increasing the carbohydrate-to-lignin ratio up to 228% in poplar trees, enabling more efficient fiber pulping. This breakthrough could bring unprecedented bioeconomic opportunities and environmental benefits to sustainable wood fibers production.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2023

App helps identify autistic children in India – study

A new app called START has been shown to accurately identify autistic children in India, with a success rate of 86% for neurodevelopmental disorders and 78% for autism. The low-cost tablet screening tool uses simple games and questions to measure social preference, sensory interests, and motor skills.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalAutism·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 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.

3D glasses for topological materials

Scientists have successfully visualized the topology of electrons in topological quantum materials using '3D glasses,' a technique that uses circularly polarized X-ray light. This breakthrough enables the characterization of quantum materials topologically, paving the way for energy-saving electronics and high-tech advancements.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 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.

Structural biology: Molecular scissors caught in the act

Researchers have successfully visualized the three-dimensional structure of human tRNA splicing endonuclease TSEN, a crucial enzyme in tRNA maturation. The study reveals how TSEN recognizes and excises introns from precursor tRNAs, shedding light on its role in neurodegenerative disorders like pontocerebellar hypoplasia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

Advancing causal inference in clinical neuroscience research: a call for clarity

Researchers emphasize the importance of clear causal assumptions and sensitivity analysis to evaluate results' robustness. They advocate for adopting transparent practices in conducting and reporting causal analyses, leading to better understanding of causal relationships and evidence-based decision-making.

SourceWest China Hospital of Sichuan University·JournalPsychoradiology·DateJul 13, 2023

How businesses can cultivate wisdom

Research by Monika Ardelt and Bhavna Sharma found that wise organizations prioritize supervisor support, autonomy, competence, and relatedness to foster employee connection, job fulfillment, and overall well-being. This approach enables businesses to thrive in the long term while making a positive impact on their communities.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalBusiness and Professional Ethics Journal·DateJul 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.

Low-dose atropine eye drops vs placebo for myopia control

A randomized clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops did not slow myopia progression or axial elongation in US school-age children. The results suggest that atropine, 0.01%, eye drops are not effective for controlling myopia in this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 13, 2023

Special Issue: A machine-intelligent world

Recent AI advancements in healthcare and animal behavior pose unique ethical concerns and policy challenges. Meanwhile, generative AI technologies raise questions about copyright and training data, while task automation via AI innovations could reduce income inequality. These pieces explore the benefits and risks of machine intelligence.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 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.

Building a better forest tree with CRISPR gene editing

Researchers at North Carolina State University used CRISPR gene-editing to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, while improving their wood properties. This breakthrough could make fiber production for paper, diapers, and other products more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

The timekeeper within: New discovery on how the brain judges time

Scientists found that cooling or warming the striatum region slows down or speeds up activity patterns, which correlates with rats' timing judgements. This provides evidence for the 'population clock hypothesis', suggesting that brains use decentralized and flexible sense of time.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

In historic procedure, donor liver protects heart transplant

In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·TypeCase study·DateJul 13, 2023

Skin lightening products can be dangerous, but users don’t know risks

A new study found that 21.3% of respondents used skin lightening agents, often for conditions like acne or hyperpigmentation, but most users were unaware of potential toxic ingredients and risks. The study highlights the need for cultural mindfulness in dermatology care to ensure safe and effective treatment across all communities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalInternational Journal of Women’s Dermatology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 13, 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.

Plastic pollution on coral reefs increases with depth and mostly comes from fishing activities, Nature study finds

Researchers found that plastic debris on coral reefs increases with depth, largely stemming from fishing activities, and is correlated with proximity to marine protected areas. The study, which surveyed over 1,200 reefs across 14 countries, highlights the need for increased protections to address this growing threat.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2023

Neutering practices for owned UK cats significantly influence feral, stray populations

A mathematical model of UK cat populations suggests that neutering of owned cats affects not only their own population but also those of feral, stray, and shelter subpopulations. The model shows that lower rates of neutering of female owned cats lead to population booms within the other subpopulations, especially for stray cats.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

A new tactic to take on leprosy

Researchers have identified a unique role for certain immune receptors in leprosy infections, which could lead to new treatments. The study found that targeting a specific glycolipid and its interaction with an immune receptor may offer an alternative approach to current antibiotic-heavy treatment.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 12, 2023

DNA element with a murky past is borrowing cell’s repair machinery

A Duke University team has found that retrotransposons use the cell's DNA repair function to create a ring-like shape and then produce a matching double strand. This discovery challenges long-held theories about retrotransposons being byproducts of bad gene copying.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 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.

Gene mutations linked to hereditary kidney cancer predisposition but potential Achilles' heel identified

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center confirmed genetic variants of unknown significance are verified mutations that increase the risk of kidney cancer. The findings could lead to new treatment options for people with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC).

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 12, 2023

Secrets of Egyptian painters revealed by chemistry

An international team of scientists used nondestructive chemical analysis to uncover subtle changes in ancient Egyptian funerary paintings, including reworked motifs and pigments. The discovery sheds new light on the creative process and intellectual identities of pharaonic artists, revealing a more dynamic and complex artistic tradition.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 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.

A novel biosensor for detecting neurogenerative disease proteins

EPFL researchers have created a novel biosensor, ImmunoSEIRA, to detect misfolded protein biomarkers linked to Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The sensor employs AI-powered neural networks for disease stage quantification and features gold nanorod arrays with antibodies for specific protein detection.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2023

Highly directional single-photon source

Researchers have developed a novel approach to generate highly directional single photons using a quantum emitter in a one-dimensional waveguide. This design improves extraction efficiency and reduces emission time uncertainty by exploiting the Purcell effect, offering a promising solution for quantum technologies.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNanophotonics·DateJul 12, 2023

Bacterium associated with disease found in NC chiggers

Researchers detected Orientia bacteria in chiggers at high frequency in North Carolina recreational parks. The bacterium causes a disease similar to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can be fatal if left untreated.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2023

EMBARGOED: In preclinical study, Sylvester researchers target treatment-resistant prostate cancer with oral chemotherapy that works 2 ways

Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers developed a first-of-its-kind orally administered drug Platin-L to disrupt prostate cancer cells' metabolism and deliver cisplatin directly into treatment-resistant cancer cells. The study showed that Platin-L is safe and effective in shrinking treatment-resistant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 12, 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.

Historical medicine suggests a new way to use modern treatments

Researchers discovered that combining honey and vinegar can effectively kill bacteria in biofilms, making it a potential treatment for persistent infections. The study found that using both honey and acetic acid was more effective than using either substance alone.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalMicrobiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 12, 2023

Blood pressure patterns in the first half of pregnancy improve early prediction of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

Researchers identified six distinct blood pressure trajectories in the first half of pregnancy that accurately predicted preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. These early predictions worked equally well across different racial groups, with three patterns identifying 74% of patients at risk.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 12, 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 uncover signal needed for blood-brain barrier

A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals that a signal produced by neurons is essential for the proper formation of the blood-brain barrier during embryonic development and helps maintain its integrity throughout adulthood. The findings could lead to more effective ways of delivering cancer or psychiatric medicines into the ...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 12, 2023