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Science News Archive March 2023


Page 27 of 44

Extra pounds put kids at higher risk for hypertension

A Kaiser Permanente study of over 800,000 children aged 3-17 found that youth with higher BMI were at a 26% increased risk of developing hypertension. The study highlights the importance of preventing hypertension in young people to avoid irreversible organ damage.

Light and milling balls for greener chemical processes

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum develop a new process using ball mills and light to produce chemical compounds without solvents. This method reduces reaction times by up to 56% and uses 98% less solvent than conventional methods.

New model provides improved air-quality predictions in fire-prone areas

Researchers developed a deep learning model that provides improved predictions of air quality in wildfire-prone areas, distinguishing between wildfires and non-wildfires. The ST-Transformer model uses sparse attention to prioritize relevant information and captures trends associated with wildfires.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Looking at a cellular switch

Scientists analyzed the lysine riboswitch in Bacillus subtilis to understand its dynamics with secondary ligands like potassium, cesium, and sodium. They found that these ligands can interact cooperatively with lysine, suggesting a more complex regulatory mechanism than previously thought.

New malaria study is good news for pregnant women

A new study published in The Lancet found that an existing drug, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, protects pregnant women from sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections. Researchers tested this drug alongside a promising new treatment, dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, which showed unique ability to prevent malaria.

Common dry cleaning chemical linked to Parkinson’s

A widely used dry cleaning chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE), may be fueling the rise of Parkinson's disease. Exposure to TCE has been linked to an increased risk of developing the condition, particularly among individuals who worked with or lived near contaminated sites.

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.

Innovative approach opens the door to COVID nanobody therapies

A new study describes an optimized method for isolating and identifying nanobodies targeting SARS-CoV-2, which could lead to the development of effective therapies. The approach uses a yeast display method, reducing costs and time required for screening nanobody libraries.

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.

British public back ban on selling junk foods at checkouts study shows

A study found that the British public largely supports a ban on selling junk foods at checkouts, which is part of the UK government's efforts to tackle obesity. The legislation aims to create healthier shopping environments and reduce calorie consumption among children and adults alike.

Brain cells inspire new computer components

Researchers developed memristors based on halogenated perovskite nanocrystals for more powerful and energy-efficient computing. Inspired by the human brain's synapses, these components combine data storage and processing, reducing energy consumption.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Tracking lithiation with transmission electron microscopy

The study employs cryo-TEM to visualize Li ion diffusion and reconstruction of Li dendrite morphology, providing deeper understanding of electrode degradation mechanisms. Emerging methods like liquid-cell technique and machine learning are also explored to simplify data analysis.

Robust billing and coding system needed for psychedelic therapies

A new article proposes a de novo billing code approach to address psychedelic therapy reimbursement concerns. Research using adult female rats suggests that psilocybin produces long-lasting normalization of pattern separation and forced swim test activities, indicating potential therapeutic benefits.

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.

Air pollution impairs successful mating of flies

Ozone exposure destroys pheromones essential for fly mating, leading to abnormal behavior and reduced female attraction. The study's findings highlight the devastating impact of air pollution on insect populations.

Future cargo ships could be powered by wind to fight climate change

A pioneering project aims to retrofit large vessels with ultramodern wing-sails to cut carbon emissions from the maritime sector. The research, funded by Innovate UK, will create software tools to predict fuel savings and support further investment in the UK's marine technology sector.

Discovery of a potential therapeutic target for ALS

A study published in Neurobiology of Aging journal reveals that switching off the SCFD1 gene in fruit flies triggers ALS symptoms, mirroring patient development. The discovery holds promise for developing new therapies targeting a broad spectrum of ALS patients.

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.

Tim Michalski selected as Jefferson Lab’s engineering manager

Jefferson Lab has appointed Tim Michalski as its new Engineering Division Manager, overseeing the division's 200 staff members supporting key projects. With extensive experience in engineering and management, Michalski aims to incorporate best practices from previous organizations to drive success.

Mindsets can influence the course of childbirth

A study by the University of Bonn found that women who view childbirth as a natural process are less likely to need pain medication or a caesarean section. The mindset can also impact postpartum depression and mother-child bonding. The research highlights the importance of psychological factors in childbirth.

Researchers discover way to reverse infertility by reducing HDL cholesterol

Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.

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.

Fighting intolerance with physics

A complex system economic model shows that inequality boosts intolerance, but redistribution of wealth can prevent its spread. Economically disfavored individuals from minority groups may prioritize helping wealthy individuals over their own group when discriminated against.

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.

How new multi-sport facilities can be used after major events

Researchers found that well-designed facilities with diverse programming, cross-sector partnerships, and community needs analysis can promote long-term participation. Effective location choices and stakeholder engagement also contribute to facility productivity post-event.

Calcium: A key player for a promising and safe brain treatment?

A recent study found that the side effects of treating brain diseases with antisense oligonucleotides are related to altered calcium balance. By modulating calcium levels, researchers hope to reduce neurotoxicity and improve treatment outcomes for various neurological diseases.

Extreme nighttime pollution in New Delhi air explained

Researchers found that wood burning is the trigger for high particulate matter levels in New Delhi at night, producing a unique mixture of gases. These gases condense and form particles when temperatures drop, contributing to the city's notorious smog.

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.

A new and better way to create word lists

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub have developed an algorithm that can be applied to different languages and expand word lists significantly better than others. The new method, called LEXpander, outperforms previous algorithms in German and English, especially in sentiment analysis tasks.

Mediterranean diet associated with decreased risk of dementia

A new study found that individuals who followed a Mediterranean-like diet had up to 23% lower risk for dementia than those who did not. The research analyzed data from 60,298 individuals and suggested that even those with higher genetic risk could benefit from a better diet.

Biological network in cells helps body adapt to stresses on health

Scientists at the University of Utah Health have discovered a complex network of protein-metabolite interactions within cells that enable them to respond to environmental cues and maintain homeostasis. The study, published in Science, highlights the importance of these interactions in regulating metabolic processes and preventing disease.

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.

Gut microbiome plays key role in response to CAR-T cell cancer immunotherapy

Researchers found that a healthy gut microbiome can predict the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in patients with B-cell lymphomas. The study identified specific microbiome features associated with improved treatment outcomes, but highlights the need for further investigation into the causal nature of this relationship.

Wastewater study discovers virtue and vice in community diet

Researchers at Arizona State University used wastewater-based epidemiology to monitor dietary behavior in a small residential district. The study found significant spikes in phytoestrogen levels and human gut metabolites associated with changes in diet, such as increased isoflavonoid consumption from soy-based foods.

Mental fatigue can impair physical performance - study

A study by University of Birmingham's School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences found that mental fatigue impairs physical exercise performance. Researchers measured cognitive tasks on a group of 16 men and women, showing increased exertion during physical exercise among mentally fatigued participants.

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.

Too little sleep could make vaccination less effective

A new meta-analysis found that sleeping fewer than six hours per night after COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a weakened antibody response. The study highlights the need for simple behavioral interventions like sufficient sleep to improve vaccine efficacy during the pandemic.

Crop yields reduced by climate extremes

Wheat yields decline by 4% due to extreme heat and drought, with regions like Russia and China experiencing greater losses. Maize yields also drop by 3%, with North America and Eastern Europe seeing more severe reductions.

Detect, bind and cut: Biomolecular action at the nanoscale

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize CRISPR-Cas9's DNA binding and cutting dynamics. They discovered a selective, long-range interaction involving hydrophobic forces, which challenges the current understanding of target DNA identification.

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 research writes the rules on CRISPR activation

Researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute have established a system to report CRISPR activation effectiveness in stem cells, revealing key features influencing its efficiency. The study found that bivalent genes can be robustly activated by CRISPRa and that cell state and gene location impact its success.

How much open space does an urban area need?

A new study found that US metropolitan areas lack sufficient preserved open space, leading to increased land values and improved social well-being. The researchers suggest that this is due to limited public funds, competing demands, and the perception of open space as a luxury rather than a necessary service.

Transgender telemedicine use in the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that telemedicine services for transgender and gender diverse youth did not worsen demographic disparities in access to gender-affirming care. Telemedicine encounters were more likely to be completed and less likely to be canceled compared to in-person encounters.

Diabetes and toothlessness together worsen cognitive decline

A growing connection between diabetes, oral health, and dementia highlights the importance of dental care and diabetes management as we age. Older adults with both poor oral health and diabetes experience accelerated cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for regular dental visits and adherence to diabetes treatment.

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.