Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2023


Page 1 of 44

Ultracool dwarf binary stars break records

Astronomers have discovered the tightest ultracool dwarf binary system ever observed, consisting of two stars that orbit each other in less than one Earth day. The newly discovered LP 413-53AB system is estimated to be billions of years old, similar to our sun, and has an orbital period three times shorter than previous discoveries.

New type of friction discovered in ligand-protein systems

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a new type of friction in proteins called anisotropic friction, which depends on direction. The discovery was made using single molecule experiments and simulations, revealing that friction increases with the pulling angle applied to a ligand from a protein.

Strike (aging) when the iron is hot

Scientists at SENS Research Foundation have discovered a new class of broad-spectrum senolytic drugs that target the key vulnerability in destructive aging cells. These drugs are effective against both primary and secondary senescent cells, making them a promising approach for treating age-related diseases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What caused the record-low Antarctic sea ice in austral summer 2022?

Researchers found record-low Antarctic sea ice in austral summer 2022 due to stronger positive sea surface temperature anomalies and unprecedented ozone reduction. The anomalies triggered the deepening of an Amundsen Sea Low, leading to sea ice retreat via horizontal wind anomalies.

New UNC Chapel Hill study quantifies $562M in financial risk from Hurricane Florence using novel modeling approach that evaluates risk of mortgage default and property abandonment

A new study published by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill estimates $562 million in previously unquantified financial risks arising from property value changes and uninsured flood damages in eastern North Carolina. The research team developed a new modeling framework using data on homes sales, mortgage loa...

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Risk of sudden cardiac arrest rises sharply in Ventura county

A study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found a 38% increase in sudden cardiac arrest among all Ventura County residents and a 77% increase among Hispanic residents during the first two years of the pandemic. Overall survival from sudden cardiac arrest declined from 15.3% to 10%.

Mathematical model provides bolt of understanding for lightning-produced X-rays

A Penn State-led team has discovered a new physical mechanism explaining naturally occurring X-rays associated with lightning activity in the Earth's atmosphere. The researchers developed a mathematical model that explains how electric fields amplify electrons, driving the phenomenon of relativistic runaway discharges in air.

Harnessing nature to promote planetary sustainability

The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.

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.

At the end of the dry season: CO2 pulses over Australia

Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered CO2 pulses in Australian atmosphere at end of dry season, triggered by soil microorganisms activated by heavy rainfall. This finding suggests dry regions have a significant influence on the global carbon cycle, contributing to climate modelling and understanding.

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.

Can cities make room for woodpeckers?

Researchers found that corridors with abundant mature trees and deadwood help pileated woodpeckers adjust to urban landscape fragmentation. The Little Miami River corridor is one of the best places for these birds in Hamilton County, Ohio.

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.

Engineered E. coli delivers therapeutic nanobodies to the gut

Researchers engineered a strain of E. coli to secrete proteins that block inflammation and inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha, showing efficacy comparable to injected antibodies in mice with inflammatory bowel disease. The engineered bacteria offer a potential treatment for intestinal-based diseases with reduced side effects.

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.

ORNL’s Lee named Materials Research Society Fellow

Ho Nyung Lee, a condensed matter physicist at ORNL, has been elected a Fellow of the Materials Research Society for his distinguished accomplishments in advancing materials research. He is recognized for his leadership and service to the community, particularly in precision synthesis and complex oxide thin films.

Plastic transistor amplifies biochemical sensing signal

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new technology that boosts weak biochemical signals by over 1,000 times using plastic transistor amplification. This enables real-time health diagnostics and disease monitoring without complex electronics.

Hope for salamanders? Illinois study recalibrates climate change effects

Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual preteens spend 4 more hours on screens daily

A new study found that LGB preteens ages 10-14 reported 10.4 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was nearly four hours more than their straight peers. The researchers argue that parents should regularly talk to their children about screen usage and develop a family media use plan.

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.

Uneven Indian Ocean warming unlocked

A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.

Study examines how social rank affects response to stress

Researchers at Tulane University found that social rank affects the stress response in adult female mice, particularly in how they respond to chronic social stress. The study revealed differences in brain areas activated by social encounters based on social status, with higher-ranking mice more susceptible to social isolation and lower...

New study offers clues to how cancer spreads to the brain

Researchers used microfluidic devices to track what happens to cancer cells as they migrate and take root in the brain. They found that Dkk-1 triggers cancer cell migration, and reducing its levels near tumor cells may disrupt crosstalk between brain niche cells and cancer cells.

Path to net-zero carbon capture and storage may lead to ocean

A novel copper-containing polymeric filter can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into sodium bicarbonate that can be released harmlessly into the ocean. The technology has garnered international attention and could be powered by renewable energy in the future.

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.

Study: ChatGPT has potential to help cirrhosis, liver cancer patients

A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators found that ChatGPT can provide easy-to-understand information about basic knowledge, lifestyle, and treatments for cirrhosis and liver cancer. The AI system has the potential to play a role in clinical practice and empower patients with knowledge about their disease.

Yak milk consumption among Mongol Empire elites

A study co-led by a University of Michigan researcher provides direct evidence for the consumption of yak milk, as well as horse and ruminant blood proteins. The discovery was made possible by the preservation of ancient DNA in permafrost, revealing intriguing protein sequences.

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.

Danish researchers discover birds with neurotoxin-laden feathers

Two new species of poisonous birds have been discovered in New Guinea's rainforest, containing a neurotoxin similar to that found in South American poison dart frogs. Genetic changes in these bird species allow them to tolerate and store the toxin in their feathers, potentially serving as a defensive mechanism.

Status epilepticus: New inflammatory markers to improve patient care

A new study identifies several cytokine markers associated with poor prognosis in New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) patients. The researchers found that the concentration of these inflammatory proteins was higher in NORSE patients than controls, and their increase was correlated with short-term and long-term neurological ...

The untold history of the horse in the American plains

A recent study published in Science reveals that domestic horses transformed human life in North America following their reintroduction. The research used archaeological materials, historical sources, and Indigenous knowledge to understand when, why, and how horses were integrated into Native Nations' lifeways.

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.

Making more sustainable decisions based on data

A pilot study in Eritrea demonstrates the importance of mapping and assessing ecosystems and their services for sustainable policy and decision-making. The research team recommends making information on ecosystem services available to stakeholders and the public to enable responsible decision-making.

Childhood asthma declines during COVID-19 pandemic

A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.

Bringing angular momentum to holograms and metasurfaces

Researchers develop unique method for applying angular momentum holography for information multiplexing, enabling unprecedented capacity for optical information processing. The new paradigm allows for spatially modulating waveforms and offers additional security locks, revolutionizing existing optical encryption schemes.

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.

Study reveals new insights into body salt handling

A new study led by Marshall University researchers has revealed that the Xie model for NKA receptor/signaling is a key player in regulating sodium balance. The study found that NKA signaling tonically inhibits sodium reabsorption in the renal proximal tubule, shedding light on a novel mechanism of body salt handling.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hospitals with the most vulnerable maternity patients understaffed with nurses

A recent study found that hospitals serving more vulnerable childbearing populations tend to have inadequate nurse staffing levels, which can lead to poor maternal health outcomes. The researchers surveyed 3,471 registered nurses from 271 hospitals and discovered inconsistencies in nurse-to-patient ratios with national staffing standards.

Scallop eyes as inspiration for new microscope objectives

Researchers have developed a new type of microscope objective inspired by the eyes of scallops, which can capture images in various immersion media, including liquids. This innovative approach uses a mirror instead of lenses and has been shown to provide excellent image quality in homogeneous fluids as well as in air.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

This is your brain on everyday life

Researchers used functional MRI scanners to monitor brains of subjects watching real-life videos, finding that different parts of the brain work together to understand and remember situations. The study suggests the brain creates mental sketches of people that can be transposed from one location to another.

Study finds high rates of burnout across healthcare professions

A national survey by Brigham researchers identified high levels of burnout, intent to leave the profession, and work overload among healthcare workers. Burnout was most prevalent among nurses (56%) and other clinical staff (54.1%), with 41% of nurses reporting intent to leave.