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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 43


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Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

Seabirds in the eye of the storm

Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Can Mediterranean diet help people with MS preserve thinking skills?

A preliminary study found that people with multiple sclerosis who follow a Mediterranean diet have a lower risk for problems with memory and thinking skills. The study involved 563 participants and found that those who more closely followed the diet had a 20% lower risk for cognitive impairment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·DateMar 1, 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.

‘Swarmalators’ better envision synchronized microbots

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new model called swarmalators, which can simulate swarming behaviors and synchronized timing in microrobots. The model mimics diverse emergent phenomena, such as aggregation, dispersion, and vortices, and can be used for precision medicine and drone applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2023

Oldest human genome from southern Spain

Researchers analyzed ancient DNA from Cueva del Malalmuerzo in southern Spain, uncovering the oldest known human genome from this region. The study found a direct genetic link between the new genome and earlier populations in Belgium and beyond, shedding light on the Iberian Peninsula's role as an Ice Age refuge.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 1, 2023

Argonne drops data on the question of efficient drone use for e-commerce deliveries

A new Argonne study compares drone energy usage to diesel trucks and electric vehicles, finding that drones consume as much energy as either on average windy days. The models are based on regional energy consumption and facility costs of direct delivery drones under various wind speed scenarios.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMar 1, 2023

Artificial Intelligence from a psychologist’s point of view

GPT-3 performs nearly on par with humans in decision-making but struggles with causal reasoning and information search. The language model's limitations may be due to its passive information-gathering approach, highlighting the need for active interaction with the world to achieve human-like intelligence.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Older Black men are likelier to die after surgery than others, particularly following elective procedures, new UCLA research suggests

Researchers found that Black men have a higher mortality rate after surgery compared to other groups, with a 50% higher risk of death after elective procedures. The study suggests that structural racism, poor pre-operative care, and exposure to toxins may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may help people live longer

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2023

When election winners are announced, their Twitter supporters respond quicker, are more engaged and use less toxic language than supporters of the losing candidate, according to analysis in the US, UK, Brazil and Argentina

Analysis in the US, UK, Brazil, and Argentina shows that winners' Twitter supporters respond faster and engage more positively than losers' supporters. The study found reduced toxicity levels among winners' supporters, suggesting a correlation between winning and increased social media engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2023

Alzheimer’s study links cholesterol and toxic protein clusters

Researchers found that cholesterol increases the toxicity of a peptide implicated in Alzheimer's progression, altering its secondary structure and forming small, toxic clusters called oligomers. A diet rich in cholesterol may contribute to Alzheimer's disease development by changing the lipid composition of neuronal membranes.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·DateMar 1, 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.

Hubble captures movie of DART asteroid impact debris

The Hubble movie reveals surprising hour-by-hour changes as dust and chunks of debris were flung into space. The dynamic interaction within the binary system starts to distort the ejecta pattern, forming rotating pinwheel-shaped features tied to the gravitational pull of Didymos.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Reexamining time from breast cancer diagnosis to surgery

A case series study of 373,000 patients found that time from diagnosis to surgery over eight weeks was associated with worse overall survival. This delay may be linked to disadvantageous social determinants of health, suggesting the importance of timely surgical interventions in breast cancer care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 1, 2023

Janelia releases 74,000 fruit fly brain images

The Janelia FlyLight Project Team has released over 74,000 images of fruit fly brain neurons, generated from more than 5,000 different genetically modified fly strains. These images are now freely available for scientists to quickly and easily find the neurons they need to test theories about the nervous system.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournaleLife·DateMar 1, 2023

A groundbreaking study reveals the carbon stocks of 10 billion trees in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 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.

Bronze Age well contents reveal the history of animal resources in Mycenae, Greece

A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed a Bronze Age debris deposit in Mycenae, Greece, revealing the types of animals that lived there and how they were used as a source of subsistence. The analysis of animal remains and associated artifacts provides clues to the social dynamics of ancient settlements and responses to natural disasters.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

How patterns emerge in salt deserts

Researchers have discovered that convection of saline water beneath the surface is responsible for the formation of hexagonal honeycomb patterns in salt deserts. The consistent size and shape of these patterns can be attributed to the unique combination of temperature, salinity, and groundwater flow.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Quantum chemistry: Molecules caught tunneling

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured tunneling reactions in molecular chemistry, confirming a precise theoretical model. The experiment used hydrogen and deuterium isotopes to demonstrate the quantum mechanical tunnel effect in a slow ion-molecule reaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Review finds fledgling chronic back pain therapy needs more rigorous study

A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 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.

Study reinforces potential use of zika virus to combat prostate cancer but points to possible side-effect

Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 1, 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.

Gut bacteria are crucial for liver repair

A study by researchers at TUM found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in liver regeneration. The microbiome produces short-chain fatty acids, which are essential for liver cell growth and division. In mice treated with antibiotics, liver regeneration was delayed or not possible, but a

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Emerging field of evolutionary medicine could address range of health conditions

UCLA researchers say an emerging field of study could help tackle intractable human diseases by studying evolution of disease-resistant traits. Insights from ecology and evolution can inform biomedical research, public health measures and clinical care to develop new treatments and improve public health policy.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalFrontiers in Science·DateMar 1, 2023

New fluorescent chiral-selective receptor system represents a breakthrough in molecular detection with potential for applications in diabetes management

Researchers have developed a novel fluorescence recognition method for detecting D-glucose in water, showing excellent D-glucose chiral selectivity. The system consists of cyclodextrin and monoboronic acid-based receptor complexes, which can detect glucose concentrations with low limits of detection.

SourceSophia University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Resurrected supernova provides missing-link

Researchers have discovered a supernova that exhibits unusual rebrightening at millimeter wavelengths, offering insights into the evolution of massive stars. The study suggests that interaction with an intermediate-distance binary companion created a hollow shell of circumstellar medium, leading to the observed rebrightening.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 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.

Chemotherapy alters immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer

A new study found that chemotherapy alters the immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer, reducing checkpoint molecules and increasing tumor growth. The research suggests that this may lead to resistance to subsequent immunotherapy, highlighting the need for further study on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Glacier National Park could provide climate haven for Canada Lynx

A recent study found that Glacier National Park is home to an estimated 1.28 lynx per 100 square kilometers of terrain, exceeding initial expectations and providing a potential climate haven for the species. The research used camera trapping and coat marking analysis to estimate lynx density in specific areas of the park.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 1, 2023

Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

A study published in NEJM Evidence found that seizures can be predicted at least 35 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for developing more effective therapies for this common seizure disorder, which affects over 50 million people globally.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNEJM Evidence·DateMar 1, 2023

Study: More paid sick leave results in more cancer screenings

A Tulane University study found that areas with paid sick leave mandates experienced significant increases in breast cancer (4%) and colorectal cancer (6-8%) screenings among private sector employees. The findings suggest that non-monetary barriers to healthcare access can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes.

SourceTulane University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss

A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Research·DateMar 1, 2023

Pediatricians’ interactions with infant formula companies

A new study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that pediatricians' interactions with infant formula companies can influence their advice on exclusive breastfeeding. The study also revealed that these interactions were more common in private practices and higher-income areas with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateMar 1, 2023

New NASA DART data prove viability of asteroid deflection as planetary defense strategy

The DART mission successfully demonstrates the feasibility of redirecting near-Earth objects like asteroids to prevent large-scale destruction. The spacecraft's impact on Dimorphos, a small asteroid moon, resulted in an orbital change that confirms the viability of asteroid deflection as a planetary defense strategy.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 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.

Cleveland researchers reveal how oxygen is delivered to tissues, open door to new class of drugs

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center discovered that S-nitrosohemoglobin senses areas with insufficient oxygen and restores blood flow for oxygenation. This breakthrough opens up a new line of drug development to correct poor tissue oxygenation, including peripheral artery disease and sickle cell disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

How to generate new neurons in the brain

Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL have discovered the importance of cell metabolism in reactivating quiescent neural stem cells, increasing new neurons in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to potential treatments for conditions like depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2023

Woodcocks have the brightest white feathers ever measured

Researchers discovered that woodcock tail feathers reflect up to 55% of light, 30% more than any other bird feather, due to their unique structure and arrangement. This enhanced reflectance allows them to attract attention in dimly lit environments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 1, 2023

Testing universality of Feynman-Tan relation in interacting Bose gases using high-order Bragg spectra

The study demonstrates the universality of the Feynman-Tan relation for describing elementary excitation spectra of strongly interacting Bose gases, including those with large mass imbalances. High-order Bragg spectra are used to measure the resonance frequency shift in moderate interaction regions.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMar 1, 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.

Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method for incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements, which reduces energy consumption by moderating temperature fluctuations. The process increases the thermal inertia and compressive strength of construction materials while making them more resilien...

SourcePurdue University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMar 1, 2023

Study compares third-trimester sound exposures in fetuses, premature infants

Researchers found a fivefold increase in nearby language exposure per day for fetuses relative to preterm infants, highlighting the need to provide similar sound exposures to premature babies. The study also revealed differences in silence and noise levels, with premature infants often exposed to prolonged periods of silence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Immunotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes of patients with melanoma

Researchers found that adding immunotherapy before surgical removal of stage III-IV melanoma significantly improved event-free survival compared to standard-of-care treatment. The study showed that neoadjuvant therapy is superior to the same therapy given in the adjuvant setting.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 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.

Study finds social bird species may be less competitive

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that more social bird species tend to be weaker competitors. However, when present in groups, these species exhibit increased competitiveness and displace less social birds from feeders.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

Mulching time of forest meadows influences insect diversity

A study by Dr. Maria M. Georgi and colleagues found that mulching times of forest meadows have a negative impact on both insect larvae and flower-visiting insects. Mulching in September was shown to protect the latter, while mulching in June had a negative effect.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalInsect Conservation and Diversity·DateMar 1, 2023

$4M grant helps expand LibreTexts open education platform

The $4 million grant from the California Education Learning Lab will help expand LibreTexts' open homework system ADAPT, designed to provide students with agency in their learning experience. The platform aims to reduce equity gaps in STEM education and increase access to high-quality resources for low-income students.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateMar 1, 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.

Coral-friendly sunscreen provides better UV protection than existing options

Researchers developed a coral-reef-friendly sunscreen by using polymerization to create large molecules that block UV radiation without penetrating skin or coral. The new filter was found to be more effective at preventing sunburn in mice than existing sunscreens, while also being safe for coral and algae.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Physical activity can help mental health in pre-teen years

Research suggests regular physical activity can improve adolescents' mental health and help with behavioral difficulties. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity at age 11 was associated with better mental health between ages 11-13.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMental Health and Physical Activity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Review of studies finds disparity in presumptive chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment rates despite CDC guidelines

A review of studies found that rates of presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea vary widely, with some areas treating up to 84% of patients while others treated less than 4%. The disparity highlights the need for standardized treatment guidelines and consideration of social determinants of health.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateMar 1, 2023

Traumas in children and adolescents can be treated effectively

A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Tracking data reveals how seabird species adopt different strategies to cope with extreme storms

Researchers investigated how seabird flight characteristics vary among different species in response to cyclone-strength winds. Birds living in windier environments are faster fliers, while tropical species use strategies to cope with extreme events. Some albatrosses even avoid strong winds by flying into the eye of the storm.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 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.

Rare quasar triplet forms most massive object in universe

A rare quasar triplet formed a massive black hole with a mass of 10 billion solar masses, according to recent simulations. The triple system, composed of three galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers, is believed to be the progenitor of ultra-massive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023