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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 31


Page 31 of 44

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

New stem cell model developed for research into a life-threatening malformation of the newborn lung

Researchers have created a new patient-specific cell model to investigate the cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and explore potential treatments. The study found that inflammation alters stem cells in affected lungs, but drug therapy can restore functionality.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 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.

Ozone pollution is linked with increased hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease

A three-year study found that exceeding ozone limits is associated with substantial increases in hospital admissions for heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Ozone pollution harms the heart and blood vessels, particularly in older people, who may be vulnerable to its adverse effects.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2023

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Study examines heart inflammation after COVID vaccine

A small number of patients with acute myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination showed signs of heart muscle inflammation, while asymptomatic patients had normal cardiac tissue. The study suggests that symptoms alone are a poor indicator of myocardial injury after vaccination.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology Cardiothoracic Imaging·DateMar 9, 2023

Arctic river channels changing due to climate change, scientists discover

Researchers found that Arctic rivers are not moving as quickly as predicted under climate change, with vegetation along the banks becoming more stable. This challenges long-held assumptions about the impact of warming on river dynamics.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2023

Insular dwarfs and giants more likely to go extinct

Researchers from iDiv and MLU found that species with extreme body size shifts have a higher risk of extinction on islands. The study analyzed over 1,200 extant and extinct island mammals and found a correlation between human colonization and increased extinction rates.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new score card for progress in sexual health

A new study proposes a set of 23 indicators to measure long-term outcomes in sexual health, aligned with the World Health Organization definition. These indicators focus on increasing knowledge, behaviors, and services, while decreasing adverse health outcomes.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 9, 2023

A novel mechanism may be effective in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and prior episodes of acute pancreatitis

A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

The world’s atmospheric rivers now have an intensity ranking like hurricanes

A new study introduces a scale to measure atmospheric river intensity, enabling the identification of hotspots for the most intense events worldwide. The scale helps communities prepare for both beneficial and destructive effects of these storms, with AR-5 events occurring only once every two to three years.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateMar 9, 2023

Nirogacestat, a new desmoid tumor treatment, improves outcomes for people with sarcoma

A new clinical trial has shown promising results for nirogacestat, a targeted drug that blocks the Notch protein. In the Phase 3 trial, 41% of patients' tumors significantly shrank after taking nirogacestat, with no growth in over 75%. The most common side effects were fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and skin rashes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2023

Large-scale study enables new insights into rare eye disorders

Researchers used UK Biobank image and genomic data to uncover insights into rare retinal dystrophies, a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. The study identified new genetic associations with the thickness of photoreceptor cell layers, offering new avenues for research and diagnosis.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

New class of drugs may prevent infection by wide range of COVID-19 variants

Researchers have identified a new target for COVID-19 treatment: the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. Disrupting this complex's activity blocks ACE2 receptor production, making cells resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This approach offers a promising novel method for combating drug-resistant variants.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 9, 2023

Deconstructing Lignin

A team of scientists led by Michelle O'Malley proves that tough lignin can be broken down in an anaerobic environment using anaerobic fungi. This discovery opens up new possibilities for biofuels and commodity chemicals from plant biomass.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 9, 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.

Nutrition educators support nutrition incentives for food and nutrition security programs to promote increased intake of fruit and vegetables

A study explores how nutrition educators work with incentive programs like GusNIP to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition educators play a unique role in providing participant-centered education, navigating food environments, and culturally adapting programming to meet diverse audience needs.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers describe hands-on treatments for patients with low back pain after lumbar spine surgery

A recent study found that spinal manipulation is a gentle therapy used to treat low back pain in patients after previous lumbar spine surgery. The study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compiled data from over 100 patients and reported most cases were done using a potentially gentler method.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies·DateMar 9, 2023

USC research identifies existential threats to the iconic Nile River Delta

The Nile River Delta faces significant environmental threats from heavy metal pollution and coastal erosion, impacting 60 million people in Egypt. The study highlights the need for conservation measures to slow degradation and recover the ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEarth s Future·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 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.

Underused satellite, radar data may improve thunderstorm forecasts

A new technique combining underused satellite and radar data in weather models may improve thunderstorm predictions by capturing a more accurate picture of initial conditions in the boundary layer. This technique showed promise in improving forecasts of convection initiation, several hours before the thunderstorms occurred.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Development of a photonic dispersion solver

The team has developed a coupled dipole method-based photonic dispersion solver (CDPDS) online, enabling fast computation and accessibility to general users. The CDPDS provides band dispersions and topological phases of one-dimensional and two-dimensional photonic crystals, making it suitable for rapid simulations and modeling.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalComputer Physics Communications·DateMar 9, 2023

Pusan National University researchers use calcium materials to reduce arsenic availability in agricultural soil

A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 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.

C-reactive protein reduces the immune response in inflammatory disease

Researchers at Linköping University found that C-reactive protein has a beneficial function in systemic lupus erythematosus, reducing interferon activity and promoting milder disease. The study's findings suggest new treatment strategies to reduce immune complexes and elevated interferon levels.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Autoimmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Mass General Brigham researchers uncover metabolic secrets of anaerobes and identify new strategies to treat c. difficile infections

The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2023

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, March 2023

The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST·DateMar 9, 2023

People don’t know what a preprint is. Here’s why that matters

A new study found that most people don't understand the difference between preprints and published academic journal articles. Researchers suggest that frequent reporting of scientific preprints could lead to public distrust in science, as findings may change after peer review.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

3D battery imaging reveals the secret real-time life of lithium metal cells

A team from Chalmers University of Technology has developed a method to observe the formation of lithium microstructures in real-time using X-ray tomographic microscopy. This breakthrough aims to improve the safety and capacity of lithium metal batteries, which could replace traditional lithium-ion batteries in the future.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Study shows New York City rats carry SARS-CoV-2

A new study found that New York City rats are susceptible to Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. The researchers also demonstrated a possible link between the virus and rat populations in the city's sewer systems.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Ontario sees big jump in amphetamine-related emergency visits

A dramatic rise in unregulated amphetamine use has been observed in Ontario's emergency departments, with a nearly 15-fold increase in ED visits between 2003 and 2020. Individuals accessing EDs for amphetamine-related concerns grew from 233 to 4,146 annually by 2020.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Tireless microbial killers in new nanocomposites

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences have developed new nanocomposites that spontaneously and continuously kill microorganisms. The composites use silver ions or copper ions to destroy cell membranes and oxidative shock, respectively, providing a durable and safe solution for biocidal materials.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalMolecules·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers examine drought resistance traits in beans using hyperspectral remote sensing

A research team from the USA used hand-held and tower-based equipment for phenotyping common and tepary beans. They assessed physiological and ground- and tower-based hyperspectral remote sensing measurements to evaluate drought response in 12 common bean and 4 tepary bean genotypes across three field campaigns.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·DateMar 9, 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.

Presenting a synapse-by-synapse map of an insect’s brain

A team of researchers has created the first-ever insect whole-brain connectome for a Drosophila larva, mapping 3016 neurons and 548,000 synapses. The detailed analysis reveals extensive multisensory integration and cross-hemisphere interaction, with some neural structures resembling those found in machine learning networks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2023

CBD oil doesn't reduce pain after common treatment for urinary stones

A randomized trial found that CBD oil did not reduce pain scores after surgical treatment and stent placement for patients with urinary stones. The study involved 90 patients who received either CBD oil or a placebo, with no significant difference in pain reduction or opioid use between the two groups.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMar 9, 2023

McMaster researchers trial potential hemophilia treatment

A global study involving McMaster University researchers has trialled a potential new treatment for hemophilia A, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. Once-weekly injections of efanesoctocog alfa can prevent bleeding and promote near-normal activity by the clotting agent factor VIII.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Nearby food stores affect results after weight-loss surgery

Studies found an association between living close to higher-quality food stores and better weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. Living near low-diversity stores was linked to less sustained weight loss, while moderate- or high-diversity stores had no effect.

SourceOhio State University·JournalObesity Surgery·DateMar 9, 2023

Like a flexible Lego railway track: How stable microtubules form within cells

Scientists discovered the molecular basis of CAMSAP3's role in stabilizing microtubules, which is critical for cell survival and various cellular processes. The findings provide a key concept to understanding how microtubule dynamics control cellular phenomena.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Diverse approach key to carbon removal

A new study suggests that a mix of carbon dioxide removal technologies is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The effective path requires multiple methods, including restoring deforested lands and enhanced weathering, to remove necessary amounts of CO2 annually.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 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.

What if California didn’t close down during the pandemic?

Researchers developed an economic-epidemiological model to assess the impact of no closures. The study found that California's unemployment rate would have been lower, but deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19 would have increased significantly, exacerbating current inequities.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

‘All work, no independent play’ cause of children’s declining mental health

Researchers say parents' well-intentioned efforts to protect children from harm have inadvertently deprived them of independence and opportunities for self-directed play. This decline in 'child's play' is linked to rising anxiety, depression, and suicide rates among school-aged children.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 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.

Ever wonder why brits sound so smart?

British and American English speakers use the word “right” in distinct ways. In everyday conversations, Brits use “right” to signal that what they hear is informative and relevant. This linguistic difference might contribute to the stereotype that British people are smarter due to their sophisticated accent.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pragmatics·DateMar 9, 2023

Trends in the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity among adults

The prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) has been found to increase significantly among U.S. adults over the past two decades, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The research highlights the need for effective strategies to improve metabolic health status and prevent obesity-related complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 9, 2023

Social signal learning enhances a honey bee’s waggle dance performance

Research shows that social learning significantly enhances a honey bee's ability to perform the complex waggle dance, which communicates food source location. Inexperienced bees who observed older bees learn from them and improve their dance accuracy over time.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2023

Grade inflation lures parents to new locations, inflating real estate prices

A study by University of Maryland researchers found that lenient standardized test evaluators led to grade inflation, drawing wealthier residents to neighborhoods and driving up housing prices. As a result, amenities like shops and services followed, leading to gentrification and improved school quality.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023
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.