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Science News Archive May 2023


Page 30 of 40

Beetles and their biodiversity in dead wood

Researchers found that beetles in dead wood diversity is influenced by energy types depending on their position in the food chain, with bottom-dwelling species benefiting from stored energy and top-dwellers responding to solar radiation.

Researchers track endangered Nassau grouper eggs with underwater microscope

Scientists tracked fertilized Nassau grouper eggs using an underwater microscope, finding that they stayed local in some years but drifted to nearby islands in others. The study reveals the importance of local reproduction and ocean currents in boosting populations and providing spillover benefits for neighboring islands.

Air pollution worsens movement disorder after stroke

A study found that air pollution, especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, increases neuroinflammation and worsens movement disorders in mice with ischemic strokes. This suggests that air pollution may be a contributing factor to decreased prognosis in stroke patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI helps understand learning processes

Researchers used AI to study how the hippocampus produces varied replay types efficiently and their purpose. The model showed that sequences are prioritized stochastically according to familiarity and reward positions.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria contaminates whole ICU - study

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) contaminated the entire ICU, with samples detected on bed units, ventilators, and equipment. The researchers highlight the urgent need for targeted infection prevention and control measures to stem the global...

Water warming study shows unexpected impact on fish size

A 24-year study of freshwater fish exposed to warm water pollution found changes in growth rates, death rates, and size. Despite expectations, the study revealed that warmer waters led to larger fish, contradicting general predictions of global warming's effects on natural ecosystems.

Synthetic sRNAs to knockdown genes in medical and industrial bacteria​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a new sRNA tool that can effectively inhibit target genes in various bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The BHR-sRNA system was shown to suppress pathogenicity in antibiotic-resistant pathogens and improve industrial strains for high-value-added chemical production.

A key protein for repairing broken nerves

A study explores the role of dynamin protein DYN-1 in axonal fusion, revealing its ability to guide injury-induced reparative responses. Researchers found that DYN-1 regulates levels of fusogen, a transmembrane glycoprotein essential for physical repair of damaged axons.

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.

Extracting the best flavor from coffee

A study published in Physics of Fluids reveals that uneven extraction in coffee brewing can result in weaker espresso and affect its taste. The researchers found that a positive feedback loop between flow and extraction leads to more bitter flavors, making it essential to understand the origin of uneven extraction.

New Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown opens for patients on May 9

The new Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown offers a unique patient-centered, multidisciplinary cancer care model integrated with innovative research. The $200 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation enabled the construction of a state-of-the-art facility featuring five 'care communities' and 80 inpatient beds.

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.

City, University of London technologists develop FatNet algorithm

Researchers at City, University of London have developed the FatNet algorithm, which enables efficient integration of deep learning models into optical accelerators. This breakthrough has significant implications for medical diagnoses, autonomous vehicle technology, and future computing.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Boosting the capacity and voltage of zinc-air batteries

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a zinc-air battery with an open circuit voltage of over 2V, overcoming the major bottleneck for metal-air batteries. By arranging acidic/alkaline electrolytes in tandem, they were able to generate a higher voltage and improve output power density.

Data compression scheme facilitates measurement of blood flow to the brain

Researchers develop innovative data compression scheme to facilitate multispeckle diffuse correlation spectroscopy with high pixel resolutions, enabling non-invasive measurement of brain blood flow. The scheme uses field-programmable gate array compression to alleviate computational burdens and expand the use of SPAD cameras in biomedi...

Change in breast density over time linked to cancer risk

Researchers found that women with denser breasts who developed cancer had slower declining density over time. The study suggests using past history of density in addition to current estimates to better understand risk levels and potentially identify which breast is at risk.

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.

A new theory of what drives partisan conflict and hostility

Researchers propose that societies flourish by both amassing and distributing resources, with conservatives focusing on accumulation and liberals prioritizing redistribution. The divide between these perspectives has led to growing hostility and disrespect between political opponents.

Routine screening for three genetic conditions is cost-effective, study shows

A new study finds that one-time genomic screening of adults aged 20-60 for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia is cost-effective based on quality-adjusted life-year measures. The study suggests that this approach could improve disease management and reduce healthcare costs.

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.

Customizing T cell-based immunotherapies in a ‘SNAP’

University of Pittsburgh researchers created a universal receptor system allowing T cells to recognize any cell surface target. This enables highly customizable CAR T cell and other immunotherapies for treating cancer and diseases, with potential applications in solid tumors.

Fighting racial bias in next-gen breast cancer screening #ASA184

Researchers developed a virtual framework to investigate the effectiveness of optoacoustic tomography for breast cancer screening in people with darker skin. The results confirmed that tumors can be harder to locate in individuals with darker skin, highlighting the need to optimize imaging systems to mitigate racial bias.

McMaster researchers find best treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness

A systematic review of 14 clinical trials found solriamfetol to be the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Anti-fatigue medications like solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant also showed promise in combating fatigue.

Program Announced for NUTRITION 2023 to be held July 22–25 in Boston

NUTRITION 2023 will cover the latest developments in nutrition science, with over 1,800 original research studies submitted for presentation. The event brings together nutritional professionals from around the globe to discuss key topics such as sustainable diets and their impact on health.

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.

No need for a leaky mode at the picometer level for microtapers

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a compact spectrometer that integrates multiple taper tips for hyperspectral imaging. The spectrometer utilizes complex leaky modes speckles projected from a curved microfiber taper tip to uniquely determine the wavelength of the input signal.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Strong link between bone biomarkers and prostate cancer survival

A new study found a strong link between bone biomarkers and survival rates in men with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy. The research, published in European Urology, analyzed results from a large clinical trial and found that elevated bone biomarkers were associated with an increased risk of death.

McMaster researchers find best treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness

Researchers at McMaster University have found that solriamfetol is the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A systematic review of 14 clinical trials and analysis of data from various databases revealed solriamfetol to be the best option.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Not all statins are created equal

Researchers used computational tools and medical record analysis to investigate the effects of statin drugs on COVID-19 patients. They found that only certain statins, including simvastatin and atorvastatin, reduced mortality risk in COVID-19 patients, while others had no effect.

Tracking whales as they cruise the Arctic

Scientists have successfully tracked fin whales using fibre-optic cables in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The system, called Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), allows for simultaneous location and tracking of whales over an 1800 km² area with relatively low infrastructure investment.

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.

Researchers publish findings from ‘super-resolution’ imaging technology

A team of researchers from the University of Oklahoma and Yale University has developed a super-resolution imaging platform technology to visualize nanoparticles within cells. The technique, called expansion microscopy, enables 3-D imaging with resolutions as low as 10 nanometers, allowing for safer and more efficient nanomedicines.

Recurrent brain trauma may increase Alzheimer’s risk

Research published in Radiology suggests that exposure to recurrent brain trauma, such as explosions, may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-beta protein accumulation was detected in six out of nine military instructors who were exposed to subconcussive blast injuries.

Dark clouds on the horizon

The study improves the accuracy of black carbon's refractive index, revealing it may contribute up to 16% to atmospheric warming, affecting climate models. The method developed can be applied to other particles in the atmosphere and ocean.

Fast and accurate protein structure search with Foldseek

Researchers developed Foldseek, a protein structure search tool that reduces search time from months to seconds while maintaining sensitivity. The tool uses sequence search tools instead of direct 3D structure comparison, making it an invaluable asset for life science fields.

Variants of MRTFB gene linked to novel neurodevelopmental disorder

The study identifies two patients with a novel neurodevelopmental disorder linked to MRTFB gene variants, which disrupt the protein's ability to regulate other genes. The mutations result in altered wing development in fruit flies and are associated with intellectual disability, difficulty speaking, and other symptoms.

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.

Potential found to counter depression by restoring key brain rhythm

A study found that restoring gamma oscillations in brain regions processing smells can counter depression, suggesting a potential new treatment approach. The research involved mice and rats, who showed increased depressive behaviors when gamma signals were suppressed, but returned to normal after receiving amplified signals.

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.

Cover crop management: trade-off between carbon benefits, crop yield

Researchers used an advanced ecosystem model to assess the impacts of winter cover cropping on soil organic carbon accumulation. They found that growing cover crops can increase SOC by 0.33 megagrams per hectare per year and that SOC benefits can be improved through increasing cover crop biomass.

Uniformity of prey can yield spider-eat-spider world

Researchers found that wolf spider species in Nebraska exhibited similar diets, with many eating the same types of prey. This suggests a complex food web where predators are not just competing for resources, but also engaging in cannibalism to regulate their populations and stabilize the ecosystem.

Low oxygen weight loss trial at Pennington Biomedical open to participants

The 'Low Oxygen and Weight Status' study will investigate the effects of low oxygen levels on weight loss and health outcomes in adults with obesity. Participants will be randomized to sleep in an altitude tent or normal conditions, while following a weight loss diet. The study aims to inform new strategies for improving metabolic health.

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.