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Science News Archive May 2023


Page 14 of 40

Communities should reconsider walking away from curbside recycling, study shows

A new study suggests that curbside recycling can compensate for greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, providing a return on investment similar to or better than electric vehicles. The authors recommend restructuring programs to target high-value materials and implementing policies to relieve cost burdens on local governments.

Finding new ways to treat diffuse midline gliomas

Researchers have found that craniospinal radiation can control metastasis in diffuse midline gliomas, leading to improved treatment options for patients. The study suggests that this approach may lead to long-term survival and potentially curative effects for these children.

How intermittent feedback drives consumer impatience

Research finds that piecemeal feedback increases consumer impatience when provided at a fixed pace after specific behaviors. This association strengthens the connection between actions and outcomes, motivating consumers to pursue prompt results and leading to increased frustration.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Maximizing excitons as energy carriers

Researchers aim to understand and utilize quasiparticles called excitons, which can transport energy without a net electric charge. The goal is to design energy-efficient systems that detect and emit light across a wide range of frequencies.

A new molecule effectively eliminates 'zombie' cells

Researchers discover a molecule that destroys aged cells without affecting healthy ones, paving the way for delaying tissue ageing. Testing with animal models will now begin to explore its potential anti-cancer effects and improve life expectancy.

Researchers analyze THC in breath of cannabis smokers

A study by NIST and University of Colorado Boulder collected breath samples from participants before and after smoking high-THC cannabis, revealing that distinguishing between recent use and past use remains challenging. The research aimed to develop a reproducible protocol for breath measurements, which will help answer key questions ...

Importance of neuroscientific evidence for rape trials

Victims of sexual assault are often blamed for not fighting back, but neuroscientific research suggests this may be due to involuntary immobility. Thirty per cent of women experience sexual assault or rape in their lifetime, and 70% report being 'frozen' during the ordeal.

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.

Uncovering new mechanisms for wheat rust resistance

Researchers have cloned the wheat rust resistance genes Lr9 and Sr43, revealing that they encode unusual kinase fusion proteins. This breakthrough enables new options for addressing disease resistance in bread wheat and could lead to heat-resistant versions of the Sr43 gene to adapt to climate change.

Leadless pacemakers soon available for all patients

An international consortium led by Amsterdam UMC has developed an improved version of the wireless pacemaker, enabling placement in both the atrium and ventricle of the heart. This innovation expands treatment options for patients with slow heart rhythms, improving contraction and reducing the need for multiple mini pacemakers.

How the military could speed helicopter operations on the battlefield

Researchers developed a mathematical model that accounts for variables such as helicopter resources and operational range to optimize air movement tasks. The model can perform planning functions in under an hour, saving commanders three to five hours compared to traditional methods.

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.

Researchers examine cooling power plants with brackish groundwater

Brackish groundwater has the potential to replace fresh water for cooling coal- and natural gas-fired power plants, but treatment can be energy intensive. The study found that retrofitting power plants to use brackish water could nearly eliminate fresh water usage, but increase electricity generation costs by 8-10%.

Flexing crystalline structures provide path to a solid energy future

Researchers at Duke University have discovered a class of compounds called argyrodites that could lead to the development of safer and more efficient solid-state batteries. The materials' unique crystalline structures allow for fast ion conduction, making them promising candidates for energy storage applications.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Can charismatic robots help teams be more creative?

Researchers discovered that students working with a social robot featuring a charismatic voice produced more original and elaborate ideas compared to those who interacted with an identical robot using a flat voice. The study found that the charismatic robot's engaging tone increased team positivity, perceived effectiveness, and creativ...

Are you prone to feeling guilty? You may be less likely to take a bribe

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that guilt-prone people are less likely to accept bribes, especially when the act would cause obvious harm to other people. The study highlights the importance of assessing candidates' guilt proneness in personnel selection, particularly for leadership positions.

How plants use sugar to produce roots

Researchers at Heidelberg University have identified a molecular mechanism controlling root branching in plants, which involves the activity of the target of rapamycin (TOR) protein. The study found that glucose plays a crucial role in forming lateral roots, and TOR acts as a gatekeeper to regulate this process.

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.

Does hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock?

Researchers found that hydrocortisone was associated with a decrease in the need for vasopressor drugs and improvement in survival when used in combination with other corticosteroids. The study also suggests that combining fludrocortisone with hydrocortisone may provide a greater benefit in terms of survival.

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.

AI predicts the function of enzymes

A new AI method accurately predicts enzyme-substrate pairs, opening doors for efficient drug discovery and biotechnology. The ESP model, developed by a team of researchers, can work with any combination of an enzyme and over 1,000 substrates.

A multiomics approach provides insights into flu severity

Researchers used a multiomics approach to analyze changes in transposable elements after influenza A virus infection, identifying transcription factors contributing to individual responses. The study provides insights into the variable severity of illness among individuals infected with the same virus.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain signatures for chronic pain identified in a small group of individuals

Researchers have recorded pain-related data from inside the brains of individuals with chronic pain disorders, identifying an area associated with chronic pain and objective biomarkers. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, represent a step towards developing novel methods for tracking and treating chronic pain.

Data from wearables could be a boon to mental health diagnosis

A team of researchers developed a deep-learning model called WearNet that uses Fitbit data to detect depression and anxiety. The study found that WearNet performed better than state-of-the-art machine learning models in detecting these conditions, producing individual-level predictions.

What marsupials can teach us about brain development

Researchers discovered that marsupial brains exhibit region-specific patterns of cortical activity during early development. This finding provides valuable information about human brain development and may inform strategies for improving cognitive function in humans.

Researchers modify drug to enter cells and treat pain

A team of researchers at NYU College of Dentistry has successfully modified an existing anti-nausea drug to target the endosomes within cells, thereby providing a more prolonged analgesic effect. The modified netupitant showed improved pain-relieving properties compared to its original form and other drugs targeting similar receptors.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New insights into the complex neurochemistry of ants

Researchers have developed a new method to study ant brain chemistry, revealing differences in neuropeptide distribution between two species. The approach integrates 3D chemical data with high-definition anatomical models, providing unbiased visualization of neurochemistry.

California declares May 17 NEC Awareness Day

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day is now recognized by California, thanks to advocacy efforts led by the NEC Society. The state's declaration aims to accelerate prevention and treatment options for this devastating disease affecting medically fragile infants.

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.

Married people who cheat don’t regret it

A recent study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that married individuals who cheat report high levels of sexual and emotional satisfaction, but low levels of regret. The survey of over 2,000 Ashley Madison users revealed that fundamental problems with the relationship are often less cited as motivations for infidelity.

Fluorine-based new drug synthesis at lightning speed

Researchers developed a rapid mixing reaction method to synthesize trifluoromethyl intermediate from fluoroform, taking less than a second. The new technique allows for improved yield of fluoride-based compounds and introduces a robust synthesis method for fluorine-based drugs.

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.

AI-enabled forecasting model predicts nearly two years of ENSO events

A new AI-enabled forecasting model can predict ENSO events for up to 22 months, overcoming the limitations of previous models. The Spatio-Temporal Information Extraction and Fusion (STIEF) model uses deep learning to extract space and time features and fuse them together, providing a more accurate prediction length.

Study linking mucus plugs and COPD mortality could help save lives

A retrospective analysis of patient data suggests that targeting mucus plugs in the lungs may help prevent deaths from COPD. The study found that patients with mucus plugs had a higher mortality rate compared to those without, with significant associations across different disease phases.

Molecular ferroelectrics drive two-dimensional thin film solar cells

Researchers fabricated 2D perovskite solar cells based on molecular ferroelectrics, achieving the highest open circuit voltage and best efficiency among 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cells. The introduction of ferroelectricity improved charge transport and device performance.

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.

New supply chain model to empower seabound hydrogen economy

A new supply chain model has been developed to guide the transportation of hydrogen and its embodied energy, enabling more efficient exports of renewable energy. The model suggests that methanol shows great promise as a chemical carrier for exporting renewable energy from Australia at low costs.

Nonlocal interactions enhanced biexciton emission of quantum dots

Researchers discovered nonlocal effects in large semiconductor nanocrystals, reducing Auger recombination rate exponentially, achieving high biexciton efficiency of up to 80% in CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. This discovery provides a guideline for fabricating advanced quantum emitters.

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.

SCAI announces 2023-24 SCAI-WIN CHIP Fellowship Recipient

Njambi Mathenge has been selected as the recipient of the SCAI-WIN CHIP Fellowship, offering her additional year of advanced training focusing on complex and high-risk coronary intervention. She will pursue her fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

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.