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Science News Archive May 2023


Page 7 of 40

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

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.

Running throughout middle age keeps ‘old’ adult-born neurons ‘wired’

A study by Florida Atlantic University and CINVESTAV found that long-term running maintains the connectivity of adult-born hippocampal neurons, which contribute to memory function during aging. Exercise may prevent or delay age-related memory decline by increasing the survival and modifying the network of these neurons.

Research offers clues for potential widespread HIV cure in people

Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have discovered how stem cell transplantation can kill the virus that causes AIDS. The study, published in the journal Immunity, reveals that two circumstances must co-exist for a cure to occur and documents the order in which HIV is cleared from the body.

Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease: progress in research

Scientists have discovered that increasing expression of the RIT2 gene reduces alpha-synuclein accumulation and protects neurons from cell death in Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough offers hope for developing a simpler intervention to reduce risk of the disease.

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.

An emergency department visit as part of a continuum of care

Researchers explore ED visits as a continuum of care, evaluating frailty in older adults and deprescribing medications. The studies aim to improve subsequent care through better communication between emergency departments and primary care doctors.

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.

Can sugar and fat influence immune cell responses?

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that MAIT cells can be tuned to fight different pathogens via their metabolism, with two distinct subtypes responding to sugar and fat. This discovery may inspire new vaccines and cell therapies to boost the immune response against specific pathogens.

International pandemic governance need not prioritize compliance and sanctions

Expert authors suggest a holistic approach to understanding compliance, considering legal and institutional aspects to generate trust among member states. They argue against one-size-fits-all solutions and formal sanctioning power, proposing a more nuanced approach to ensure effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

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.

How an ocean-fertilising bacterium forms aggregates

Researchers discovered that Trichodesmium filaments form aggregates through a simple behavioural strategy, controlling density and light penetration. This mechanism enables the formation of visible aggregates with unique shapes, providing essential nutrients for other marine organisms.

Keeping time: Understanding the master clock in the brain

A study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found a key molecule involved in sleep homeostasis also plays a critical role in circadian behavior. The SIK3-HDAC4 pathway modulates the length of the circadian period through NMS-producing neurons, contributing to the sleep/wake rhythm.

Long-duration energy storage: the time is now

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is crucial for US states with decarbonization goals to address variable energy generation and customer demands. LDES systems can store renewable energy until needed, providing a reliable solution for a decarbonized grid.

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.

Comparing the polarimetric properties of fresh and preserved brain tissue

Researchers found that formalin fixation does not significantly alter the polarimetric properties of brain tissue, making it suitable for training machine-learning models. The study suggests that formalin-fixed brain tissue specimens can provide high-quality data for rapid and accurate diagnostic imaging in surgery.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists target human stomach cells for diabetes therapy

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have successfully converted human stomach stem cells into insulin-secreting cells, offering a promising approach to treating type 1 and severe type 2 diabetes. The transplants reversed disease signs in mouse models, suggesting good durability.

River erosion can shape fish evolution, study suggests

A study suggests that river erosion can drive biodiversity in geologically quiet environments, such as the Appalachian Mountains. The research found that changing landscapes pushed a species of fish into different tributaries, leading to distinct genetic lineages.

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.

Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth

Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.

Making the structure of 'fire ice' with nanoparticles

Scientists at the University of Michigan have created a structure called 'fire ice' using nanoparticles, which harnesses a strange physical phenomenon to manipulate light. The finding showcases an unusual effect called entropy compartmentalization, where entropic forces stabilize even more complex crystals.

Plants remove cancer causing toxins from air

A study by University of Technology Sydney found that plants can remove 97% of toxic compounds, including cancer-causing pollutants, from indoor air in just eight hours. This breakthrough discovery highlights the critical role played by indoor plants and green walls in improving air quality.

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.

Cancers in distant organs alter liver function

Researchers found that distant cancers alter liver function by inducing fat accumulation and inflammation in liver cells. The process involves secretion of extracellular vesicles containing fatty acids, which reprogram the liver to resemble fatty liver disease.

Mapping the genetic history of French Canadians through space and time

A new study maps French Canadian populations using a unique dataset of over five million records spanning 400 years, revealing the complex relationship between human migration and genetic variation. The research shows that the genetic structure of French Canadians is encoded within its genealogy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Electricity cheaper than diesel for heavy goods vehicles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology show that electrifying heavy goods vehicles can be profitable, even for long-distance trips. The study compared two battery sizes and fast charging prices, concluding that electricity is a cheaper alternative to diesel in many cases.

Words matter: How researchers can avoid stigmatizing language

Researchers can reduce stigma in scientific literature by implementing practices such as referencing language guides, updating terminology, and connecting with the community. This change is crucial for promoting non-stigmatizing language and respecting preferred terms used by individuals living with HIV.

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.

Beetles in a bottle: a message from aliens to schools

A citizen science project in Italy involved 500 Italian students in trapping and identifying ambrosia beetles, resulting in new geographical records for two quarantine pest species. The students gained a greater understanding of the negative effects of invasive alien species and increased awareness of biological invasions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Identifying the gut bacteria that threaten neonatal babies

A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.

The metaverse can lead to better science

The metaverse has the potential to make scientists more effective by removing barriers, improving teaching and learning, and enabling new experimental environments. Researchers must also plan well and avoid potential pitfalls, such as ownership and privacy issues.

Artificial muscle fibers could serve as cell scaffolds

Researchers designed and tested textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle, showing promise for use as cell scaffolds. The findings suggest the fibers could be used to develop 3D models of living, moving systems in the human body.

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.

Certain cancers will likely rise exponentially due to COVID-19 screening delays

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a significant increase in cancer cases due to COVID-19 screening delays, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers most affected. The study found that missed diagnoses during the pandemic may lead to delays in treatment and upstaging of disease.

Saving our soil: How to extend US breadbasket fertility for centuries

The US has lost 57.6 billion tons of topsoil due to farming practices, but new research suggests no-till methods can drastically reduce erosion and extend fertility for centuries. No-till farming, currently practiced on 40% of Midwest cropland acres, can modelled to slow down soil loss.

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.