Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2023


Page 42 of 44

Robot provides unprecedented views below Antarctic ice shelf

A research team led by Britney Schmidt deployed an underwater robot, Icefin, to explore the Kamb Ice Stream in Antarctica. The robot's findings reveal unprecedented views of ice, ocean, and sea floor interactions, which can improve models of sea-level rise.

'We cannot change the human body, but we can change the environment'

A new research agenda aims to apply evolutionary principles to modern diseases, emphasizing the role of environmental factors. By studying natural world adaptations, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent and treat disease, such as adopting antimicrobial approaches inspired by hyenas' ability to thrive on carrion.

Researchers bioengineer an endocrine pancreas for type 1 diabetes

A team at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to transplant pancreatic islets onto the omentum, a fatty tissue, and demonstrated its effectiveness in reversing type 1 diabetes in nonhuman primates. The approach normalizes blood glucose levels and restores insulin secretion.

Moose can play a big role in global warming

A new study reveals that moose can reduce carbon storage in clearcut sites equivalent to 60% of annual fossil fuel carbon emissions from a region. Moose consumption of biomass daily during summer represents 10% of what the Norwegian forest industry itself harvests, leading to increased carbon emissions.

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.

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.

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reassessment of Storegga event: Second major landslide recognized

Researchers from GEOMAR discover a second major landslide on the Norwegian shelf, 12,000 years earlier than previously thought. The Nyegga landslide, named after its discovery site, has been found to be responsible for about one-third of the material displaced during the Storegga event.

Colorectal cancer surgery: Gut microbiota helps healing

Researchers at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre identified two bacterial strains that can either increase or decrease the risk of intestinal leakage after surgery. Modifying patients' gut microbiota before surgery may reduce postoperative complications and improve recovery.

A new bioinspired earthworm robot for future underground explorations

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.

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.

Real AI will need biology: Computers powered by human brain cells

Researchers have developed a new type of computer using human brain cells, which could lead to significant advances in computing speed and data efficiency. The technology uses small clusters of brain cells grown from stem cells and aims to increase the number of neurons to surpass electronic computers.

Wasps harness power of pitcher plants in first-ever observed defense strategy

Researchers discovered that wasps lower the pH level of their developing gall to acidic levels similar to those found in pitcher plants, potentially using it as a defense mechanism against predators. The study reveals a novel manipulation of host-plant chemistry, where malic acid accumulation and low pH levels deter enemies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Toilet paper is an unexpected source of PFAS in wastewater, study says

Researchers found that toilet paper is a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in wastewater systems, particularly in North America. The study detected diPAPs, which can convert to more stable PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid, in toilet paper rolls and sewage sludge samples.

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.

DART successfully deflected the orbit of an asteroid, but by how much?

The DART mission successfully deflected the orbit of asteroid Dimorphos by 33 minutes. The team's calculations showed that the momentum transferred to Dimorphos was significantly enhanced by the recoil created from streams of particles produced by the impact, exceeding initial expectations.

Deforestation in the tropics linked to a reduction in rainfall

Research reveals a clear link between tropical forest loss and reduced rainfall, with potential consequences for agriculture, hydropower plants, and local communities. The study estimates that continued deforestation in the Congo could lead to a 8-12% reduction in rainfall by the end of the century.

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.

Unique alcohol avoidance program is associated with lower death rates

A RAND Corporation study found that participating in a 24/7 sobriety program can lower the risk of death for individuals arrested for drunk driving. The program, which combines frequent testing with certain punishment, was associated with a 50% lower mortality rate compared to non-participants.

Crocodiles could save us from deadly infections

A new study by La Trobe University researchers reveals how crocodiles resist fatal fungal infections using a unique pH sensing mechanism. The findings provide a model for understanding the anti-microbial activity of other defensins, including those in humans.

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.

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

New method can provide rapid detection of food adulteration

Scientists at the University of Missouri have developed a novel method to detect food adulteration using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The technique can identify vegetable oil adulterants in hard cheese products with high accuracy, leading to improved consumer safety and product authenticity.

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.

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy improves outlook in high-risk melanoma

Patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those receiving adjuvant therapy only. The study found improved event-free survival rates in the neoadjuvant group, suggesting that starting immunotherapy before surgery generates better outcomes.

Special Selection

A team of global experts discovered new signals of natural selection in humans, focusing on the Tsimane and Moseten populations living in the Bolivian Amazon. They found 21 regions in the genome that underwent positive selection for immunity-related traits and metabolic functions.

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 UCF project seeks to advance human understanding of AI reasoning

Researchers seek to develop algorithms providing meaningful explanations for AI decision-making, enabling higher human trust and adoption in fields like science. The project focuses on symbolic reasoning and estimating explanation accuracy, addressing the need for transparent AI systems.

High blood pressure during pregnancy linked to thinking problems later

A study published in Neurology found that high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of cognitive problems later in life. Those with preeclampsia may face a higher risk of cognitive decline compared to those with gestational high blood pressure.

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.

Checklist Prompters Support ICU Rounds

A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that a single trained observer serving as a checklist prompter can accurately assess whether multidisciplinary rounds addressed key elements of the ABCDEF bundle. This approach enables customized, shorter checklists to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

Pregnant Shark birth tracking technology provides key data for species protection

A new technology developed by Arizona State University researchers allows scientists to remotely track the location and time of birth for shark pups, enabling them to protect critical habitats. The device, called Birth-Alert-Tags (BAT), has yielded remarkable results, revealing previously unknown birth sites for certain shark species.

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.

Flamingos form cliques with like-minded pals

A study by the University of Exeter found that flamingos form groups based on their individual personalities, with birds of similar traits spending more time together. This complex social behavior could help improve the welfare of captive flocks and provide insights into the evolution of bird societies.

The Future of Touch

A new study reveals that holographic haptic displays create diffuse and faint tactile sensations due to widespread vibration patterns in the skin. The researchers discovered a phenomenon known as constructive interference that amplifies shock waves, leading to reduced spatial precision and clarity.

Dutch healthcare system isn't prepared for pregnant transgender men

A recent study by Amsterdam University Medical Center found that transgender men face significant barriers in accessing maternity care due to a lack of understanding and guidance from healthcare providers. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive care and guidelines to support pregnant transgender men, addressing their uni...

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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.