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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Forecasting flash floods an hour in advance

Researchers have developed a system to forecast localized flash floods based on rainfall radar data, taking into account regional flood characteristics. The system achieved an impressive 90.3% success rate in forecasting major flash floods about an hour in advance during pilot operations from 2019 to 2022.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateJun 28, 2023

What are the characteristics of foreshocks for large earthquakes?

Researchers identified global trends in foreshock sequences for large earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger. Foreshocks occur between 15-43% of mainshocks, and are more common along plate boundaries and reverse faults.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2023

Opioids no more effective than placebo for acute back and neck pain

A world-first trial by the University of Sydney found that opioids do not alleviate acute back and neck pain, but may cause harm. The researchers recommend updating treatment guidelines to advise against opioid use for this purpose.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Consumers tend to overuse shared products, such as hand sanitizer, study finds

A study by the University of California - Riverside found that consumers tend to overuse shared products like hand sanitizer when they think others will use them. To reduce waste, the study suggests making consumers believe they're sharing with family or friends, and increasing their identification with the product.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 2023

Vague language impacts perceptions of vaping risks, study finds

A Cornell University study found that e-cigarette warning labels with unclear language reduce risk perceptions among adults trying to quit smoking. The researchers tested 17 different warning statements on focus groups and found that specific risks were generally accepted, but uncertain language was confusing.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 2023

First observation of rubber-like elasticity in liquid glycerol

Researchers discovered a novel elastic behavior in liquid glycerol, which persists over long timescales and could be important for rapid engineering applications. The team proposes that high straining rates and confined thickness lead to collective molecular movements, stabilizing the elastic state.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Random networks of neurons can predict the timing stimulus

Researchers found that neural networks grown in a dish can predict future stimulus events, with higher prediction efficiencies in focally stimulated networks. Focal electrical stimulation induced long-term memory traces and reduced dependence on short-term memory.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 27, 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.

Vaping a gateway to smoking for non-smokers, research shows

A new study from the University of Otago found that vaping may be a gateway to smoking for non-smokers in New Zealand. The research analysed data from the 2018-2020 New Zealand Attitudes and Values survey, revealing frequent transitions between smoking and vaping.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

New study reveals best words for brand slogans

A new study from Bayes Business School and the University of Missouri has identified five linguistic properties that affect whether a slogan is liked or remembered. The researchers found that shorter, abstract words make slogans more likeable but less memorable, while longer, concrete words improve memorability but decrease likability.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJun 27, 2023

AI model could help improve outcomes of prostate cancer focal therapy

A new AI model has been developed to help doctors determine the extent of cancer within the prostate gland, improving the effectiveness of focal therapy. The model was found to be more accurate than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting tumor margins, reducing the chance of cancer recurrence.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEuropean Urology Open Science·DateJun 27, 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.

Magnetic bacteria point the way

Researchers found magnetotactic bacteria living on a hydrothermal vent chimney at 2,787 meters below the ocean's surface. The discovery provides clues to the early diversification of bacteria and offers insights into the environment that may support extraterrestrial life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Chemical communication between female rats exists, and is complex

A new study reveals that female rats utilize scent marks to convey information and coordinate behavior, particularly in terms of reproduction and social hierarchy. The research, led by Guadalupe Gómez Baena, demonstrates the complexity of female communication through scent marks and highlights the need for further study on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2023
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.

Slow walking could be sign of dementia in older dogs

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development

A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Developmental regulatory mechanism of limb loss in squamates

A study in squamates reveals the genetic mechanism behind limb loss, associating conserved non-coding elements and lineage-specific insertions with regulatory signals during early limb development. These findings provide insights into the importance of these regulatory elements in phenotypic evolution.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJun 27, 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.

New driver for shapes of small quark-gluon plasma drops?

New measurements from RHIC's STAR detector suggest the shape of small quark-gluon plasma drops is influenced by the substructure of smaller projectile nuclei. This contradicts previous findings from PHENIX detector, which attributed QGP shape to larger-scale positions of nucleons. The results may deepen understanding of properties and ...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 27, 2023

Monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers with Si photonic circuits

Scientists have successfully integrated monolithic semiconductor lasers onto Si-photonics chips, overcoming a longstanding challenge. The approach uses III-V material deposition on a Si-PIC design, achieving high coupling efficiency into passive photonic devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 27, 2023

COVID-19 vaccines produce antibody response in the nasal mucosa

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination produces a robust immune response in the nasal cavity, with higher levels of antibodies promoting neutralization. The study suggests targeting the S2 region for intranasal vaccines may increase nasal mucosal levels of IgA and viral neutralization.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Global·DateJun 27, 2023

Why Saudi Arabia's "The Line" isn’t a revolution in urban living

Researchers argue that 'The Line' should not be a showcase for future cities due to its unfeasible urban design, including extremely high population density and limited mobility. The city's planned 60-minute average commute times highlight the importance of efficient transportation systems in urban planning.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 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.

Air pollution speeds snowmelt

A recent study found that air pollution, particularly particulate matter, accelerates snowmelt in the Himalayas. Reduced anthropogenic pollutant emissions during the Indian lockdown in 2020 prevented 27 Mt of ice and snow melt, highlighting the impact of decreasing pollution on combating climate change.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 27, 2023

Follow the leader: Researchers identify mechanism of cancer invasion

A Penn State-led research team has revealed how a leader cell emerges to coordinate the invasion of cancer cells, enabling the prediction of tumor invasiveness. The study found that MALAT1, a gene associated with metastasis in various cancers, plays an essential role in regulating leader cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

This patch uses nanomagnets to detect muscle movement through the skin

Scientists have invented a smart textile that can sense and measure body movements using nanomagnets. The device is self-powered, stretchy, durable, waterproof, and can be made with a sewing machine for under $3. It converts muscle activities into quantifiable electrical signals sent wirelessly to phone apps.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

New model provides unprecedented window into human embryonic development

A groundbreaking model of human embryonic development has been created, offering a unique look at the molecular and cellular processes that occur during gastrulation stages. The model includes both embryonic and extraembryonic components, allowing researchers to study their interaction and potential new insights into pregnancy failures...

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 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.

Gravity and dark matter, a bond beyond distances

A recent study from SISSA suggests that dark matter interacts with gravity in a non-local way, providing a fresh perspective on its nature. The new model, which employs fractional calculus, accurately describes the motion of stars in smaller galaxies.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Light or moderate alcohol consumption does not guard against diabetes, obesity

A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 27, 2023

Dual-use rechargeable battery

Researchers have developed a hybrid battery system that stores electricity and produces valuable chemicals, such as furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. The new battery increases the cost efficiency of the battery system, making it a step towards improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of rechargeable batteries.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

High accuracy AI improves lung cancer detection

A study published in Radiology found that AI algorithms with high diagnostic accuracy improved radiologists' detection of lung cancers on chest X-rays. High-accuracy AI led to more frequent changes in reader determinations, suggesting increased human trust in AI.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 27, 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.

Black families growing up on either side of the tracks have same economic outcomes

Researchers found that Black families, regardless of neighborhood, experience similar economic circumstances in adulthood. Latino families, on the other hand, showed positive growth in adult earnings when removed from disadvantaged neighborhoods. The study suggests that structural change is needed to address racial income gaps.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCity and Community·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Bigger bottles keep champagne bubbly for decades

Researchers found that larger champagne bottles retain gas substantially better, with 3-liter bottles lasting up to 132 years. The study estimated a shelf life of 40 years for standard 750-milliliter bottles and developed a formula to calculate a bottle's shelf life based on its size.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateJun 27, 2023

Relationship between groundwater cadmium and vicinity resident urine cadmium levels in Hunan Province——a region that is both the heartland of Chinese non-ferrous mining and the home of fish and rice

A study found a positive correlation between groundwater cadmium levels and urinary cadmium levels among residents near non-ferrous metal smelting sites. Higher groundwater cadmium concentrations were associated with higher urinary cadmium levels, indicating the need for stronger prevention measures against groundwater pollution.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 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.

FAST finds missing link in evolution of spider pulsar system

Researchers have discovered a binary pulsar with a 53-minute orbital period, filling the gap in the evolution of spider pulsar systems. The finding confirms the existence of an intermediate state between redback and black widow spiders, a long-held theory.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2023

Algorithm finds sperm in infertile men faster and more accurately than doctors

A new AI tool can identify sperm in severely infertile men in seconds, compared to the hours it takes scientists. The algorithm improves antiquated approaches and increases the chance of a couple conceiving their own biological children while reducing stress on sperm and increasing efficiency.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Novel radiotracer demonstrates high diagnostic efficacy for obese patients with coronary artery disease

A novel PET perfusion radiotracer, 18F-flurpiridaz, demonstrates high diagnostic efficacy for obese patients with coronary artery disease, outperforming traditional imaging methods. The study showed improved sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing significant CAD, even at lower radiation doses.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 27, 2023

Fiber optic smart pants offer a low-cost way to monitor movements

New smart pants based on fiber optic sensors can track various types of physical activities in the clinic or at home, detecting signs of distress. The sensing approach achieved 100% accuracy in classifying activities and has several advantages, including low-cost and reliability.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJun 27, 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.

Health is where the home is: study shows pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity. The study showed that three times as many children in the treatment group had a clinically meaningful reduction in body mass index (BMI), resulting in improved cardiometabolic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2023

Seasonal specialization in butterflies determine responses to a changing climate

Two closely related butterfly species have evolved distinct adaptations to cope with changing seasons. The small white butterfly is a 'summer specialist,' reproducing well but struggling in winter, while the green-veined white butterfly is a 'winter specialist,' thriving in cold conditions.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 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.

Human embryo-like models created from stem cells to understand earliest stages of human development

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo, allowing for the experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy. This breakthrough could help understand why and how pregnancies fail, and potentially lead to new treatments for genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Chocolate can be fruity or flowery — if you skip the roasting step

Research published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that unroasted, 'raw' chocolate features compounds responsible for fruity flavors and sour tastes. Volatile flavor compounds were more pronounced in the roasted samples, but others with fruity or flowery aromas remained noticeable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 27, 2023

Surface-enhanced vibrational circular dichroism for chiral mixture sensing

Researchers created an enhanced VCD sensing platform using chiral metamaterials to improve detection of chiral molecules in mixtures. The technology achieved a 6-magnitude enhancement and demonstrated high selectivity for protein secondary structures.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 27, 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.

New venom discovery from deadly cone snails

Researchers discovered crucial differences in venoms across the lifecycle of cone snails, using a new laboratory aquarium system to study juvenile stages. The findings reveal unique adaptations for hunting and venom composition, offering potential new drugs for pain medication and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Keeping your backdoor secure—in your robust machine learning model

Researchers developed AEGIS, the first technique to detect backdoor attacks in robust machine learning models. It improves the trustworthiness of artificial intelligence by analyzing robust models and detecting mixed input distributions for poisoned classes.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalComputers & Security·DateJun 27, 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.

Chemists are on the hunt for the other 99 percent

Scientists at PNNL are developing a new way to identify unknown chemical compounds using high-resolution instruments, gaining important information faster and more accurately. The technique applies to ions, making them easier to control and detect using mass spectrometry.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Unsafe feeding methods spiked during infant formula shortage

During the 2022 infant formula shortage, nearly half of parents used unsafe feeding practices, including watering down formula and sharing human milk. The study emphasizes the need for policy changes to provide families with access to safe alternatives and supports.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalBMC Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateJun 27, 2023

Easier access to opioid painkillers may reduce opioid-related deaths

A Rutgers study found that restricting access to prescription opioids can lead people to seek out unregulated opioids, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses. Restoring easier access to opioid pain medications may protect against fatal overdoses, according to researchers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023