Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 44

AI finds that first stars were clustered together

An international team used AI to analyze old star chemical abundances and found indications that the first stars formed in groups. The study suggests that first-generation stars must have been clustered together rather than isolated, offering a new constraint on the multiplicity of the first stars.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Without this, plants cannot respond to temperature

Scientists at UC Riverside identify microRNA as a key player in plant temperature responses and growth, revealing its essential role in sensing environmental changes. The discovery has significant implications for increasing crop yields in diverse environments and adapting to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2023

Housing plays key role in disaster preparedness

A new national study found that households facing housing insecurity score lower on disaster preparedness scales, highlighting the importance of secure housing for disaster resilience. Housing security is vital for people to be better prepared for disasters, according to researchers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023

Being fit partially offsets negative impact of high blood pressure

A 29-year study found that being fit reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men with high blood pressure. High fitness levels attenuate, but do not eliminate, the increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in individuals with elevated blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Tiny nanoparticle could have big impact on patients receiving corneal transplants

Corneal graft rejection can be as high as 10% due to poor patient compliance with medications, which require frequent eyedrop administrations. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University developed nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication, decreasing graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses. The approach reversed s...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

For stressed-out grad students, mindfulness makes big difference

A University of Wisconsin-Madison study found that regular mindfulness activities can improve engineering graduate student emotional well-being and resilience. Students who participated in a mindfulness training program reported significant improvements in emotional well-being, stress management, and focus.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Risk of cervical cancer twice as high in women with mental illness

A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that women with mental illness are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer due to low screening rates and increased incidence of precancerous lesions. Researchers highlight the need for proactive measures to address inequality in care.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Can insights from the soapbark tree change the way we make vaccines?

Researchers have discovered a new pathway to produce saponin-based vaccine adjuvants using the genome of the Chilean soapbark tree. This breakthrough could lead to more potent and affordable vaccines, with potential applications in COVID-19, shingles, and malaria prevention.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

UM School of Medicine researchers chart path forward on developing mRNA vaccines for infections beyond COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are using mRNA vaccine technology to combat various infectious diseases. A new clinical trial aims to test an mRNA-based vaccine against malaria, with hopes for a rapid adaptive response to virus evolution and the manufacture of combination vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oxytocin plays a role in the most basic form of empathy in zebrafish

A new study reveals oxytocin is essential for social fear contagion in zebrafish, a form of empathy that shares similarities with mammalian behaviors. The hormone's neural activity matches those found in mammals, indicating a conserved role in emotional contagion.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2023

Covid-19 vaccine not linked with period disruption, study finds

A recent study published in iScience has found that Covid-19 vaccination does not cause concerning changes to periods. Women who have been infected with the Covid-19 virus are at increased risk of menstrual changes such as missed or heavier periods.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournaliScience·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2023

Microplastics limit energy production in tiny freshwater species

A new study by the University of Exeter found that microplastic pollution reduces energy production in microscopic creatures like Paramecium bursaria. The microorganisms rely on algae for energy through photosynthesis, but severe contamination can lead to a 50% decline in net photosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAquatic Biology·DateMar 23, 2023

Simplified calculations reproduce complex plasma flows

A new mathematical model predicts turbulence and heat transport in fusion plasmas with high accuracy, approximately 1,500 times faster than conventional large-scale nonlinear calculations. This breakthrough accelerates fusion research and expands the range of applicability.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Alzheimer's early detection through biomarkers -

A new point-of-care testing kit will facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's Disease in primary clinics or home settings. The kit detects biomarkers in skin samples, enabling early identification of individuals at greatest risk of dementia.

SourceSwansea University·DateMar 23, 2023

Closed loop for circular economy: new polymer recycling strategy ensures both high stability and complete recyclability

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.

SourceShinshu University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Drought, heat waves worsen West Coast air pollution inequality

A new study found that droughts and heatwaves exacerbate air pollution inequalities in California, particularly for communities of color. Financial penalties for power plants can significantly reduce people's exposure to pollution, except during severe heat waves.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2023

Giant volcanic ‘chain’ spills secrets on inner workings of volcanoes

Researchers discovered that as magma production decreased, volcanoes became increasingly complex, with internal magma pockets and reservoirs forming. The study provides insights into volcanic eruption processes and can inform our understanding of active continental hotspot volcanoes globally.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

More support needed for children with disabilities using the Internet

New research highlights the need for extra support from professionals like teachers, youth workers, and speech therapists for children with disabilities when using the internet. The study found that these professionals often fail to provide adequate guidance on managing online risks, exacerbating existing digital inequalities.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2023

HKUMed invents a novel two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound-responsive antibacterial nano-sheets to effectively address bone tissue infection

A research team at HKUMed has invented a non-invasive technology to effectively reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in bony tissue. The novel antibacterial nano-sheets can release ROS subject to ultrasound stimulation, eliminating MRSA bacteria deeply seated in bony tissue with 99.72% efficacy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Black, Latinx Californians face highest exposure to oil and gas wells

A new study finds that Black, Latinx, and low-income people are disproportionately exposed to drilling-related pollution near active oil and gas wells in California. This exposure has been linked to various health issues, including asthma, preterm births, and other problems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalGeoHealth·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Researchers find a molecular mechanism involved in type 2 diabetes

A study published in Redox Biology found that decreased expression of mitochondrial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases leads to downregulation of OXPHOS subunits in type 2 diabetic muscle. Nitric oxide production is also increased, which could be used as a method for diagnosing the disease.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Artificial intelligence finds the first stars were not alone

A team of researchers used machine learning to analyze elemental abundances in over 450 extremely metal-poor stars. The study found that 68% of these stars have a chemical fingerprint consistent with enrichment by multiple supernovae, providing the first quantitative constraint on the multiplicity of the first stars. This challenges th...

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New in-home AI tool monitors the health of elderly residents

The new system, built by researchers at the University of Waterloo, uses low-power radar technology to track activities and alert medical experts to potential health issues. It can detect decline in mobility, increased likelihood of falls, and onset of medical conditions without the need for wearable devices.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateMar 23, 2023

Getting around muscle aging

A new study found a protein that regulates macrophage function, clearing residues from regenerating muscle and recovering regenerative capacity in aged mice. The discovery holds promise for regenerative medicine and aging, potentially improving the success of current stem-cell based therapies.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Ending tuberculosis: European region set to miss the SDG target for 2030

The European Union and European Economic Area will likely fall short of the Sustainable Development Goals target for eliminating tuberculosis by 2030. To meet the goal, an annual decline of 11.7% is needed in TB incidence, whereas the current decline rate of 6.8% is insufficient.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

The “Stonehenge calendar” shown to be a modern construct

New research suggests the ancient monument of Stonehenge was not used as a giant calendrical device, but rather served as a symbolic representation of the solar cycle. The 'Stonehenge calendar' theory has been discredited due to forced interpretations and unsupported analogies.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalAntiquity·DateMar 23, 2023

Many genes are involved in “resurrection”

Researchers have discovered a complex network of genes in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum that enables it to tolerate extreme drought conditions. The study found that this ability is not due to a single 'miracle gene' but rather the result of a whole genome, with many genes present in higher copy numbers than in more ...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Where does your brain want to have lunch?

A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators has determined that the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) plays a primary role in weighing value-based choices, such as choosing which book to read or which slot machine to play. The discovery could help understand neurological disorders like addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 23, 2023

As the worm turns: New twists in behavioral association theories

A team of researchers developed a dynamical model that explains how animals learn over time, contradicting previous theories. The multi-dimensional model shows that learned associations are not mediated solely by strength but by multiple nearly independent pathways.

SourceEmory University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds

Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023

What really matters in multi-story building design?

Designing low-carbon multi-storey buildings requires focusing on efficient shapes, structural frames, limited window sizes, and ventilation with heat recovery. The study found that these elements can save up to six gigatonnes of carbon by 2050 and reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 28-44%.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 23, 2023

The evolution of a catalyst

A team of researchers used a genetic algorithm to discover an organic catalyst for the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction, which outperformed traditional catalysts. The computational method suggested new molecular structures that were not present in the initial population, leading to a novel discovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Researchers make breakthrough in high-pressure magnetic detection

Researchers developed a platform to study superconducting magnetic detection and phase transitions under high pressure using silicon vacancy defects. They successfully detected pressure-induced magnetic phase transitions in rare-earth magnets and measured the critical temperature-pressure diagram of a superconductor.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Dairy sector boasts 100 years of successful herd data collection

The National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program has successfully collected herd production data for 100 years, providing crucial input for cattle breeding and genetics. The program's cooperative structure, data interoperability, and governance model make it a unique example of how data collection benefits producers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeCase study·DateMar 23, 2023

Newly discovered cell in fruit flies is essential for touch sensation

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a new cell type, named F-Cell, that plays a crucial role in touch sensing in fruit flies. The study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals that F-Cells are recruited to tactile hairs and participate in sending signals to neighbouring epidermal cells.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Analysis of 3.6 million patient surgeries in England suggests it is safe to operate on patients 2 weeks after a positive COVID diagnosis, as long as they have recovered

A new UK study of 3.6 million surgeries found that operating within 2 weeks of a positive COVID test is safe for recovered patients, with lower mortality rates compared to current guidelines. The study suggests that delaying surgery might cause more harm than good, particularly in patients who have already waited longer for surgery.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Global natural history initiative builds groundbreaking database to address 21st century challenges

A global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2023

Cellular growth rate reshapes cell-fate-decision landscape

Researchers found that cellular growth rate influences gene expression response, leading to unbalanced phenotypic states and a growth-rate-dependent phase transition. The study proposes a mathematical model explaining the bifurcation arising from the relationship between growth rates and gene expression.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

Robotic system offers hidden window into collective bee behavior

Researchers developed a temperature-modulating robotic system to study honeybee behavior in winter, demonstrating its ability to influence movement and prolong colony survival. The system also revealed previously unreported dynamics and shed light on critical periods for bee development.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

New gene discovery points way to better alkaline tolerance in crops

Chinese scientists have identified a key gene involved in crop alkaline tolerance, which may greatly improve crop yield in sodic environments. The study found that the gene negatively regulates alkaline stress by modulating the efflux of H2O2 under environmental stress.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Sylvester cancer investigators find disparities in mesothelioma survival due to social determinants, limited access

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mesothelioma patients with timely treatment and access to specialized care have better outcomes. However, disparities in access to care are evident, with Black patients being 80% more likely to die than white patients.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.

THE LANCET: Largest US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals the driving forces behind variations in health, education, and economic performance

A comprehensive US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals wide variations in health, education, and economic performance across the country. States with higher poverty, lower educational attainment, and lower healthcare access experienced disproportionately higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 deaths.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Tools for more accurate obesity risk assessment based on sex, ethnicity

UConn researchers have developed simple measurements and equations that better predict fat distribution in individuals based on their sex and ethnicity. The tools account for differences in body composition between ethnic populations and women and men, providing a more accurate assessment of obesity-related health risks.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023

Use of melatonin linked to decreased self-harm in young people

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that melatonin prescription was associated with a lower risk of self-harm in young people with psychiatric disorders, particularly adolescent girls. The risk of self-harm increased before treatment initiation and decreased afterwards.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023