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Science News Archive March 2023


Page 37 of 44

Higher trust in public health agencies during COVID-19 driven more by beliefs that agencies led with clear, science-based recommendations and provided protective resources, than by beliefs that agencies controlled outbreak

Researchers found that trust in federal, state, and local public health agencies was driven by beliefs in scientific expertise and provision of direct care, not control of outbreaks. Lower trust was related to concerns about conflicting recommendations and perceived political influence.

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.

Deep-learning-based anatomical landmark identification in CT scans

A novel AI architecture, relational reasoning network, accurately identifies anatomical landmarks in CT scans for orthodontic treatments. The model learns spatial relationships between landmarks without explicit image segmentation, achieving accuracy comparable to conventional methods.

New insights into the development of Alzheimer's disease

The study found that oxidized membranes accelerate the aggregation of certain peptides associated with Alzheimer's disease, while others are prevented from aggregating. The research provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying peptide aggregation near lipid membranes.

Assessing the risk of excess folic acid intake

A recent study published in Cell Discovery found that high levels of folic acid supplementation may increase DNA mutation rates and impair DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers discovered a 'Goldilocks Effect' where too little or too much folic acid is detrimental to human health.

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.

The positive outlooks of studying negatively-charged chiral molecules

Researchers at Fritz Haber Institute develop a new technique to analyze negatively-charged chiral molecules using PECD spectroscopy. The method offers improved sensitivity and ability to distinguish between enantiomers, enabling the study of isolated molecules at low concentrations.

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.

Drones detect moss beds and changes to Antarctica climate

Researchers used drones to map large areas of Antarctica, capturing unprecedented high-resolution imagery of vegetation and biodiversity in protected areas. The vision identified areas with moss and lichen not previously picked up by satellite, providing valuable insights into the fragile ecosystem.

Greater gender equality helps both women and men live longer

A global study has found that greater gender equality is associated with longer life expectancy for both women and men. The study, published in the lead up to International Women's Day, suggests that addressing longstanding gender inequality can help extend longevity for all genders.

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.

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to prevent concussions in football? Better helmets

Researchers found that no single helmet design consistently reduced concussion incidence, with the back of the helmet showing vulnerabilities. The study suggests combining lab tests with field-based impact tracking could provide better protection for athletes.

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.

Eradicating polio will require changing the current public health strategy

Global virus network experts propose changes to global polio eradication strategy, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage and adaptable policies. They suggest using both inactivated and live, weakened vaccines, as well as reconvening a scientific advisory group to respond to new data and public health emergencies.

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI chatbot ChatGPT mirrors its users to appear intelligent

Researchers explore how AI language models like ChatGPT understand and respond to user input, mirroring their users' intelligence. The Reverse Turing Test reveals that chatbots reflect the intelligence level of their interviewers, incorporating their biases into responses.

Frequent socialising linked to longer lifespan of older people

A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.

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.

Does more money correlate with greater happiness?

A new study by researchers from Penn and Princeton reveals that, on average, larger incomes are associated with ever-increasing levels of happiness. However, an unhappy cohort within each income group shows a sharp rise in happiness up to $100,000 annually before plateauing.

HRL Laboratories silicon encoded spin qubits achieve universality

HRL Laboratories has demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits using a novel silicon-based qubit device architecture. The achievement offers a strong pathway toward scalable fault tolerance and computational advantage in quantum computing, with potential applications in materials development, drug discovery, and mitigating ...

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Quantifying genetic variations in bacterial cultures the qSanger way

A novel methodology called qSanger can easily quantify DNA and identify genetic variations in cultured bacteria, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The approach uses amplitude ratios of aligned electropherogram peaks from mixed Sanger sequencing reads to measure plasmid DNA ratios.

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

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.

A Pitt lab shows phage attacks in new light

A Pitt lab discovery sheds light on how a specific mutation in the lsr2 gene helps bacteria resist phage infection. The team developed new tools to visualize phages attacking bacteria, revealing critical insights into the mechanisms of phage resistance.

Can artificial intelligence help find life on Mars or icy worlds?

Researchers used AI to map sparse life hidden in salt domes, rocks, and crystals at Salar de Pajonales, a Martian analog. The study found that microbial life is concentrated in patchy biological hotspots linked to water availability, and AI can detect biosignatures up to 87.5% of the time.

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.

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

Are you chasing your dreams or running from your fears?

A new Edith Cowan University study found that individuals with fear-based motives are more likely to experience emotion regulation difficulties, leading to depression and anxiety. Understanding underlying motives is crucial for protecting mental health.

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

Geisinger study supports genetic testing for people with cerebral palsy

A Geisinger study supports genetic testing as a standard of care for people with cerebral palsy, similar to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The analysis found similar genetic diagnostic yield for CP and NDD, suggesting earlier identification of genetic changes and potential treatment through genetic testing.

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.

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

Chip-scale spectrometry using a photonic molecule

A team of scientists developed a ground-breaking method for chip-scale spectrometry that surpasses the traditional resolution-bandwidth trade-off. By leveraging a pair of tunable micro-ring resonators, the proposed scheme achieves high spectral resolution of 40 pm throughout a bandwidth of 100 nm.

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.

Biomolecular sliding at the nanoscale

Researchers used high-speed atomic force microscopy to visualize the dynamics of H2A.Z nucleosomes, revealing a spontaneous sliding process along DNA strands. This finding may lead to better understanding of gene expression mechanisms.

Juggling morality while we learn

Participants learned to distinguish between actions benefiting themselves and others, adapting their choices despite the absence of monetary rewards. Brain activity revealed a 'juggling' of moral learning, where participants processed objective pain but weighted it differently based on personal gain.

Hardy health plant a hero ingredient to help manage obesity

The study found that phenolic extracts from roselle inhibited fat cell formation by 95%, while hydroxycitric acid had no effect. Researchers hope the plant's antioxidants can be used in health food products to manage obesity without side effects.