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Science News Archive March 2023


Page 35 of 44

Plastic containers can contain PFAS — and it’s getting into food

A new study reveals that fluorinated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic containers can leach PFAS into food, particularly when exposed to temperature changes. The research highlights the potential for significant exposure to hazardous chemicals linked to various health issues.

Study finds perception of time linked to heartbeat

Researchers found that the heart influences our sense of time, causing it to stretch or shrink with each heartbeat. The study used electrocardiography to measure heart activity and showed that temporal wrinkles in time perception are synchronized with heartbeats.

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.

Does current shellfish anti-predator gear curb ‘crunching’ rays?

Researchers found that current anti-predator gear can reduce clam mortality by four- to tenfold, with double-layered treatments showing the highest survival rates. However, rays were still capable of interacting with the gear for prolonged periods, potentially diverting them from other natural habitats.

Soil bacteria as biocatalysts

Soil bacteria have been used to produce prodrugs by selectively epoxidating indole and indene. This breakthrough enables the sustainable biocatalysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients with high purity.

Exercise could help with common sexual complaint

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that physical activity and pelvic floor exercises can effectively increase latency time in men with premature ejaculation. The research suggests exercise as a promising non-pharmacological treatment option, potentially reducing the reliance on drugs with side effects.

Evidence for the health benefits of consuming more live microbes

A new study found that increased consumption of live dietary microbes is linked to better health outcomes, including lower waist circumference and body mass index. The research suggests that a higher intake of fermented foods, raw fruits, and vegetables may support immune function and increase the diversity of microbes in the gut.

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.

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.

Children at risk for autism struggle to notice mismatched audio and video

A study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that infants at risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty perceiving audio-visual synchrony, a skill typically developed by typically developing children. This finding suggests that an audio-visual test could be used to diagnose ASD earlier than current methods.

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.

Muffins that could be good for your health

Researchers developed a new muffin recipe using Hibiscus sabdariffa extract, which provides high levels of antioxidants like phenolics. The muffins also have improved nutrition, containing less sugar, saturated fat, and white flour, making them a healthier option.

Synchronizing to a beat predicts how well you get ‘in sync’ with others

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals who synchronize their pupil dilation patterns to a simple rhythmic beat also exhibit higher levels of synchrony with other minds, such as attending to the same story. This suggests an underlying mechanism uniting different forms of synchrony.

Elegantly modeling earth’s abrupt glacial transitions

Stefano Pierini proposes a new paradigm to simplify the verification of the Milankovitch hypothesis, combining physics concepts to link orbital parameters and glacial cycles. The deterministic excitation paradigm correctly predicts the timing of recent glacial terminations, offering insights into climate predictability.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gender targets miss the mark for women in leadership

New research reveals that gender targets in the Australian public service do not lead to expected improvements in gender equity for women in leadership. The study suggests that effective policies, such as having at least two women on shortlists and leadership training, are crucial to increasing female representation in senior roles.

Complex oxides could power the computers of the future

Scientists from the University of Groningen develop complex oxide devices for energy-efficient computing, including magneto-electric spin-orbit and memristive devices. These materials have potential applications in novel computing architectures, such as random number generators.

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.

FDA rule lowering drug dose is associated with less liver injury

A new study by Weill Cornell Medicine found that the FDA's mandate to limit opioid-acetaminophen combinations resulted in significant reductions in liver injuries. The mandate, implemented in 2014, limited the dosage of acetaminophen in these drugs, leading to a decline in hospitalizations and acute liver failure cases.

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.

IU School of Medicine researchers develop blood test for anxiety

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have developed a blood test for anxiety that can help identify biomarkers associated with the disorder. The test has been validated by three independent cohorts and shows promise in matching patients to effective treatments, such as medications and nutraceuticals.

Grassroots data vital for reducing deadly bird-window strikes

A new study highlights the importance of grassroots data collection in reducing bird-window collisions, which kill an estimated 365 million to nearly one billion birds annually. The study emphasizes the need for better data collection methods and increased funding to support citizen science efforts.

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.

Revolutionary new bone cancer drug could save children’s lives

A new drug called CADD522 blocks a gene associated with driving bone cancer's spread, increasing survival rates by 50% in mice implanted with human bone cancer. The breakthrough treatment shows promise in all main bone cancer subtypes and has the potential to save lives and reduce disability.

WormAtlas expanding beyond C. elegans with support from NIH

The Center for C. elegans Anatomy is receiving $2.6 million in funding from the NIH to expand WormAtlas, a resource for researchers studying C. elegans and other nematodes. The expansion aims to incorporate new nematode species into the atlas, enabling comparisons between C. elegans and less-studied species.

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.

Scientists discover new lead in hunt for myeloma drug

Researchers found that FABP5 is linked to more aggressive disease and poorer survival in multiple myeloma. Patients with higher FABP5 expression had significantly shorter time to disease progression and overall survival.

Novel porous materials are ideal for metal-air batteries, researchers report

Researchers have reviewed novel porous materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for their potential to advance metal-air batteries. These frameworks exhibit unique molecular structures that enable high porosity with uniform distribution of catalytic sites, making reactions more predictable.

Cited1 links sex and metabolic hormones to protect against obesity

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered a new protein called Cited1 that plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and sensitivity to satiety hormones. The study found that females are better protected against obesity due to their higher levels of estrogens, which regulate energy metabolism through the hypothalamus.

An internal thermometer tells the seeds when to germinate

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that seeds have an internal thermometer-like mechanism to delay or block germination if temperatures are too high. This mechanism is implemented by the endosperm tissue, which controls germination and seedling growth.

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.

COVID-19 infections raise risk of long-term gastrointestinal problems

Researchers found that COVID-19 infections are linked to an increased risk of developing liver problems, acute pancreatitis, and other GI disorders. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and estimated that SARS-CoV-2 infections have contributed to over 6 million new cases of GI disorders in the US.

Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.

Aquatic animals provide critical coastal ecosystem protections

A new study found that mussels, considered ecosystem engineers, play a critical role in protecting coastal systems from sea-level rise. They contribute to marsh accretion through sediment deposition, helping these ecosystems persist in the face of climate change.

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.

Newborn chicks are attracted to objects that move upwards

Researchers found that newborn chicks prefer stimuli moving upward against gravity, even without prior experience. This innate preference suggests that animals are born with a predisposed knowledge of sensitivity to simple features guiding behavior from birth.

Researchers create mutant mice to study bipolar disorder

Mutant mice lacking FADS1/2 genes exhibit bipolar swings in behavior, featuring phases of abnormally low activity and hyperactivity. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and a mood stabilizer reverse behavioral changes, suggesting these mice as a valuable model for studying BD.

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.

Plant roots fuel tropical soil animal communities

A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.

How does the immune system react to altered gravity?

Researchers found no significant changes in defensive capacity of blood cells and aggregation processes after parabolic flight. The study aimed to investigate the effects of microgravity on the human immune system with short-term exposure.

Association of stress with cognitive function among older adults

A recent study of 24,000 participants aged 45 or older found a significant independent association between perceived stress and both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment. The study's findings highlight the need for regular screening and targeted interventions to address stress in older adults.

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.