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Science News Archive June 2023


Page 13 of 40

Studying herpes encephalitis with mini-brains

Researchers at Max Delbrück Center developed a new model of the brain using human stem cells, which showed promise in treating HSV-1 induced encephalitis. By combining an anti-viral with an anti-inflammatory drug, they were able to prevent tissue damage and promote recovery.

When soft spheres make porous media stiffer

Adding up to 20% soft rubber spheres improves packings' effective stiffness, while exceeding 30% reduces it. This behavior is explained by the length of force chains and coordination numbers of glass particles.

Carotene-rich diet linked to lower fat levels in arteries

A study of 200 people aged 50-70 found that higher carotene levels in the blood were associated with lower atherosclerosis and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in carotenes, may help lower the risk of heart disease.

Einstein and Euler put to the test at the edge of the Universe

Researchers from UNIGE have developed a new method to test the validity of Einstein and Euler's theories on the accelerating Universe expansion and dark matter. The study uses time distortion as a never-before-used measure, allowing for differentiation between the two equations.

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.

The ACMG Releases 2023 Update to Secondary Findings Gene List; SF v3.2

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released its updated Secondary Findings Gene List (SF v3.2) with three new cardiovascular genes added, including CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3. The list provides guidance on reporting incidental findings in clinical exome and genome sequencing.

Research links increase in depression, COVID diagnosis in student-athletes

Incoming collegiate student-athletes who reported prior COVID diagnosis showed significantly higher depression scores, while most participants had mental health scores within established diagnostic thresholds. The study highlights the importance of monitoring mental health in this population after COVID recovery.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Surprise! Weaker bonds can make polymers stronger

Researchers discovered a way to strengthen polymers by introducing weaker bonds, increasing resistance to tearing up to tenfold. The approach doesn't alter other physical properties and can be used to improve the toughness of other materials like rubber.

Significant progress in small-cell lung cancer research

Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Department of Thoracic Surgery have made key findings in small-cell lung cancer, including the identification of tumor subgroups associated with varying clinical behaviors. They also propose promising therapeutic strategies for patients with characteristic molecular profiles.

Stellar demolition derby births powerful gamma-ray burst

Astronomers discovered a new way to destroy stars, generating powerful gamma-ray bursts in the process. The study found that stellar collisions in dense environments surrounding supermassive black holes can create these explosive events.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Mystery of how leaf-cutting ants gauge leaf portion size revealed

Researchers discovered that leaf-cutting ants use the position of their hind legs gripping the leaf edge and head position to guide cutting trajectory. The ants adapt their technique to cut smaller elliptical portions when faced with thick leaves, using a combination of sensory information.

Do hummingbirds drink alcohol? More often than you think

A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologist Robert Dudley found that hummingbirds happily sip from sugar water with up to 1% alcohol by volume, without being repelled by it. The research suggests that birds are likely consuming ethanol produced by natural fermentation in flowers and nectar-filled feeders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Model blood-brain barrier could improve newborn meningitis treatment

Researchers developed a model of the blood-brain barrier to prevent newborn meningitis treatment, with a 50% mortality rate in developing countries. The organ-on-a-chip platform enables rapid and accurate testing of drugs for safety and efficacy, promising to improve treatment outcomes.

Are viruses keeping sea lice at bay in wild salmon?

Researchers have identified over 30 previously unknown RNA viruses in sea lice, suggesting they may play a role in controlling sea-lice populations. The viruses' ability to rapidly replicate and weaken their hosts maintains balance in nature.

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.

More positive outcomes when elderly are treated locally

A recent study found that elderly patients treated in local intermediate care units have lower mortality rates and fewer hospital readmissions. The research suggests that Norway's healthcare system has improved with the introduction of these units, providing better integrated services adapted to individual users.

Researchers make major strides toward an all-purpose biosensor chip

The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.

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.

The clue is in the glue - Nature’s secret for holding it together

A study by John Innes Centre researchers has revealed how plants avoid cracking under stress by using a growth hormone called brassinosteroid to loosen the straitjacket effect on their skin. The findings, published in Science, have implications for our understanding of plant development and potentially improve crop yields.

Is the U.S. ready for an African swine fever outbreak?

A new study models the spread of African swine fever in US swine farms, finding that control actions can reduce secondary infections by up to 79% but an outbreak could still be persistent and costly. The model suggests that between-farm movements are the primary route of transmission.

SEB Centenary Conference 2023

The SEB Centenary Conference 2023 features over 800 talks on advances in animal, plant and cell biology. The conference marks the Society's 100th anniversary with special events and projects celebrating historically marginalised scientists.

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.

Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease: the link finally established

Researchers establish a direct link between Covid-19 and Alzheimer's disease, attributing the connection to RAS overactivation caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. This dysfunction leads to increased b-amyloid protein accumulation, impairing brain cell synaptic connections and cognitive functions.

Now, every biologist can use machine learning

BioAutoMATED is an all-in-one AutoML platform designed for biologists, enabling easy analysis and interpretation of biological sequences. The platform uses three existing AutoML tools to generate models that can predict biological functions from sequence information.

Cancer drugs show potential in fight against malaria

Researchers have identified anti-malarial properties in cancer drugs, offering a potential solution to the growing crisis of drug-resistant malaria. The study found that certain protein kinase inhibitors exhibited strong anti-malarial effects, highlighting a new approach to accelerating drug discovery.

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.

Discovery of novel primitive xeno nucleic acids as alternative genetic polymers

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology explore co-polymerization of glycol nucleic acid monomers with dicarboxylic acids to produce branched and linear xeno nucleic acid polymers. These findings suggest that diverse prebiotic organic molecules could have led to population-level differences in abundance of genetic polymers.

Even "safe" air pollution levels can harm the developing brain, study finds

Research from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that everyday air pollution can alter brain development patterns in adolescents, linked to changes in brain connectivity over time. Exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was associated with increased or decreased functional connectivity between brain regions.

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.

In sensory perception, brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed

A new study reveals that the brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed in sensory perception. Initial visual processing is faster but less accurate compared to other parts of the brain. The findings contradict the efficient coding hypothesis, suggesting that the brain can process sensory inputs quickly with small errors.

Brain activity helps predict restaurant sales

Researchers used fMRI to analyze brain activity in response to restaurant menu photos, finding a correlation between neural activity and dish sales. The study suggests restaurants can design menus based on predicted consumer preferences.

Rain gardens could save salmon from toxic tire chemicals

A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Could bamboo be the next source of renewable energy?

Research suggests that bamboo can be converted into bioethanol and biogas, offering an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The chemical composition of bamboo varies across species, highlighting the need for further research on selecting optimal species for biomass production processes.

Photonic integration: Transforming the future of chip-scale applications

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking photonic integrated circuit chip that combines light source, modulator, photodiode, waveguide, and Y-branch splitter on a single substrate. The GaN-on-silicon platform reduces fabrication complexity and cost, enabling compact and high-performing devices.

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.

Wildfire smoke downwind affects health, wealth, mortality

Research from Cornell University estimates that wildfire smoke can cause between 4,000 and 9,000 premature deaths and cost between $36 to $82 billion per year in the United States. Metropolitan regions near fire sources are likely to experience a large health burden and economic loss.

Can humor help treat depression and anxiety?

A study published in Brain and Behavior found that humor therapy reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in participants from various countries. The analysis included 2,964 participants and nine different countries, suggesting that humor therapy may be a feasible complementary alternative for clinicians, nurses, and patients.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scientists discover mechanism affecting heart development in Down syndrome

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have discovered a molecular mechanism contributing to congenital heart defects in infants with Down syndrome. The study found that an abnormal interferon response inhibits key molecular events required for heart development, leading to impaired cardiogenesis.