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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 22


Page 22 of 40

First-in-human trial of oral drug to remove radioactive contamination begins

A Phase 1 clinical trial has started to test the safety and tolerability of an experimental oral drug called HOPO 14-1 in healthy adults. The study aims to determine how the drug removes radioactive contaminants from the body, which can occur after nuclear accidents or exposure to dirty bombs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateMay 15, 2023

Trace analysis of blood samples

A novel fluorescence probe successfully quantifies trace components like hydrogen sulfide in whole blood, overcoming autofluorescence interference. The probe uses a borodipyrromethene-based dye that quenches the interfering light, allowing for accurate measurements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023
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.

IU researchers find link between obesity and blood cancer

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine discovered a strong association between obesity and clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), a blood condition that increases the risk of blood cancer. The study found that obesity causes inflammation, which can lead to rapid growth of mutated blood cells.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 15, 2023

Astronomers discover first extrasolar radiation belt

Scientists have discovered the first-ever extrasolar radiation belt, orbiting the brown dwarf LSR J1835+3259. The discovery reveals that this magnetic structure is filled with extremely high-energy electrons and charged particles, sparking new questions about the universality of such phenomena.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 15, 2023

A new family of intercalation-type Li-free cathodes for all solid-state batteries with energy density of 554.3 Wh Kg−1

Researchers have designed a new intercalation-type Li-free cathode that achieves an energy density of >550 Wh kg−1, surpassing existing Li-free transition-metal-based electrodes. This breakthrough offers a solution to address energy density limitations and raw material availability concerns in all-solid-state batteries.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 15, 2023

Chipps appointed to federal Nuclear Science Advisory Committee

Kelly Chipps, a nuclear astrophysicist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been appointed to the Nuclear Science Advisory Committee. The committee provides official advice to DOE and NSF on issues relating to basic nuclear science research. Chipps brings extensive expertise in nuclear physics and leadership experience to this role.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 15, 2023

Can’t find your phone? There’s a robot for that

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a robot system that uses artificial intelligence to track objects, including medication and glasses. This technology has shown high accuracy in locating everyday items, potentially improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateMay 15, 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.

Chemists unravel reaction mechanism for clean energy catalyst

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab used pulse radiolysis to study a key class of water-splitting catalysts, revealing the direct involvement of ligands in the reaction mechanism. The team discovered that a hydride group jumped onto the Cp* ligand, proving its active role in the process.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

Simulation provides images from the carbon nucleus

Researchers simulated all known energy states of the carbon nucleus, providing insights into the puzzling Hoyle state and its configuration. The study reveals that protons and neutrons are clustered into groups, creating spatial formations with distinct shapes and energies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2023

CAR-NKT cell therapy shows promising results against neuroblastoma in phase 1 clinical trial

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report well-tolerated CAR-NKT cell therapy with strong antitumor activity in patients with stage 4 relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment, which targets a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, showed encouraging results in three patients with complete and partial responses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UArizona Health Sciences researchers unlocking new answers in the quest for safer, more effective opioid therapy

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have discovered a way to enhance pain relief with opioids while reducing side effects. By inhibiting heat shock protein 90, they found that AMPK can block or reduce pain relief by opioids, providing a new pathway for improved therapy.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water

A new study links disproportionate siting of PFAS sources near watersheds serving communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. The research suggests that regulating PFAS releases and ensuring safe drinking water is crucial in protecting public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

EPA's new PFAS rules don’t account for major source of drinking water contamination

A Harvard study reveals unmonitored PFAS build-up and last for centuries at military sites, contaminating groundwater supplies. The lack of regulation on precursor compounds poses significant risks to human health, emphasizing the need for effective remediation technologies.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 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.

A new workflow to standardize fossil pollen datasets for ecological research

A new guide has been created to standardize fossil pollen datasets, enabling researchers to compile and analyze large-scale syntheses of palaeoecological data. The FOSSILPOL workflow and R-package provide a step-by-step process for handling data preparation, ensuring good data quality and minimizing erroneous interpretations.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateMay 15, 2023

Apochromatic X-ray focusing

Researchers developed apochromatic X-ray lenses with sub-micrometer accuracy, achieving focus over an X-ray energy range from 7 to 12 keV. The technology holds promise for laboratory and accelerator-based applications in materials science, energy sciences, and biology.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateMay 15, 2023

‘A smarter kinder approach to treatment’ for anal cancer

A recent clinical trial, PLATO, demonstrated that lowering the dose and duration of radiotherapy treatments for anal cancer reduces side effects without compromising cancer cure rates. The treatment involves intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), which allows for personalized doses to be applied to visible tumors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 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.

Melts in the light, not in your hand: novel crystal compound melts under ultraviolet light

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a novel material that transitions from a crystal to a liquid when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, enabling a detailed understanding of the crystal-melting process. The material exhibits changes in luminescence during melting, indicating molecular-level changes in shape.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Automated agricultural machinery requires new approaches to ensuring safety

Researchers identified three main topics: environmental perception, risk assessment and mitigation, and human factors and ergonomics in automated agricultural machines. The study highlights the need for improved sensors and safety standards to address the challenges posed by dynamic environments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSafety·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023

Paper-based packaging has a good eco-image

A study by the University of Bonn found that paper-based packaging received significantly better environmental scores than bioplastics, but respondents were skeptical about its practicality. Meanwhile, conventional plastic packaging scored worst on eco-friendliness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 15, 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.

Tetris reveals how people respond to unfair AI

A Cornell University-led study using the Tetris game found that players who receive fewer turns perceive their partner as less likable, regardless of whether a human or AI allocates the turns. The researchers also discovered that machine allocation behavior can lead to worse performance and gameplay when fairness is not guaranteed.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 15, 2023

Superconductivity with Tc as high as 32 K was found in borides

Researchers at ShanghaiTech University and Renmin University of China discovered superconductivity up to 32 K in MoB2 under pressure, exceeding previous records. The findings highlight the role of transitional metals in borides' superconductivity and pave the way for exploring high-Tc superconductors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 15, 2023

Crushed clams, roaming rays: acoustic tags reveal predator interactions

A longitudinal study using acoustic telemetry monitored rays in clam leases, finding that rays spent more time near sites than reported, but not necessarily preferring them. The study highlights the need to understand if clam leases are part of rays' natural foraging habitats and if they interact with the clams.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 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.

Tiny proteins found across the animal kingdom play a key role in cancer spread

Researchers at McGill University discovered that phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are overexpressed in some cancers, making cells more metastatic and driving disease progression. The study sheds light on PRLs' role in binding magnesium transporters, a common pathway among all studied species.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 15, 2023

New algorithm can predict diabetic kidney disease

Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2023

From theory to experiment, multi-site turbulence observation is no longer limited by the assumptions of steady-state turbulence, horizontal uniform turbulence flux and constant flux layer

Researchers have developed a method to analyze regional turbulence structure and estimate turbulence spectra using long time series data from four-site observations. This approach overcomes previous assumptions of steady-state turbulence, horizontal uniform turbulence flux, and constant flux layer, providing more representative results.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

Smartphone use goes up in city parks, but down in forests

A study of 700 participants found that time outdoors doesn't always reduce smartphone screentime. However, visits to nature reserves or forests saw significant declines in screentime compared to urban locations. Participants who visited wilder areas spent more time disconnected from their smartphones and regained attention.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Coastal lights trick coral reefs into spawning earlier than they should

A new study found that coastal light pollution causes corals to spawn one to three days closer to the full moon, reducing the likelihood of fertilized eggs surviving and producing new adult corals. This disrupts the natural spawning cycle, which is critical for reef recovery after mass bleaching events.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023

Socio-economic development on the West African coast is a key factor for increasing flood risks

A recent study finds that socio-economic development is a key driver of increasing flood risks in West African coastal regions, surpassing the impact of rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for regional coordination to address this issue through conservation and reforms to socio-economic development.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

Great inequality in international athletics

Athletes from less affluent countries face significant barriers in preventing injuries due to lack of health education and medical expertise. A new study reveals stark inequalities in support resources between international competitors.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 15, 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.

NIH renews training grant for $3.9 million

The T32 program has trained 110 fellows in research on aging over the past 25 years, leading to faculty positions, biotech jobs, and scientific publications in top journals. The grant renewal highlights the program's success in increasing human healthspan and its impact on the Bay Area aging community.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·DateMay 15, 2023

Mass General Brigham investigators identify new genetic variant protective against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a new genetic variant in the Reelin gene that provides protection from Alzheimer's disease. The variant was identified through clinical assessments, genetic and molecular studies, and neuropathological analysis of two patients with a similar genetic predisposition to developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Managing menopause: Hormone therapy is back

Menopausal hormone therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment for women without risk factors, offering relief from hot flashes and other symptoms. Non-hormonal therapies can also help alleviate symptoms in those with risk factors or preferring alternative options.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023
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.

Astronomers observe the first radiation belt seen outside of our solar system

Researchers have imaged a double-lobed structure resembling Jupiter's radiation belts around an ultracool dwarf, revealing the presence of high-energy electrons trapped in its magnetic field. This discovery provides a new method for assessing the shapes of magnetic fields on brown dwarfs and exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2023

New study finds the placenta, not only the brain, plays a central role in genetic risk of schizophrenia

A new study found that over 100 genes linked to schizophrenia risk are associated with the placenta, not just the brain. This could lead to new prevention strategies targeting placenta biology, allowing for early interventions and potentially changing the course of developmental disorders.

SourceLieber Institute for Brain Development·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Understanding crop pest evolution may boost biocontrol

Scientists have discovered an ancestral olfactory receptor in the Egyptian cotton leafworm that recognizes the female sex pheromone blend. This finding may lead to the development of new biocontrol methods by targeting specific receptors and blocking pheromone activation.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

How old are your bones?

Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 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.

Seeing electron orbital signatures

Researchers have directly observed the signatures of electron orbitals in two different transition-metal atoms, iron and cobalt, using atomic force microscopy. The study validated that the observed experimental differences primarily stem from the different electronic configurations in 3d electrons near the Fermi level.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

'Love hormone' guides young songbirds in choice of 'voice coach'

A new study by Emory University neuroscientists reveals that oxytocin plays a key role in male zebra finches' learning to sing by imitating their elders. The hormone influences young birds' preference for certain 'voice coaches', shedding light on the neural underpinnings of social vocal learning.

SourceEmory University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Assessment of sociodemographics and inflation-related stress

A recent study found that inflation has become a major source of stress in the US, particularly among women and those with lower socioeconomic status. The analysis of census data revealed a significant link between rising inflation and increased stress levels.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 15, 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.

Effects of zoledronic acid on senescence and SASP markers

Researchers tested zoledronic acid's effects on cellular senescence using multiple approaches. The study found that zoledronic acid killed senescent cells with minimal effects on non-senescent cells and reduced circulating SASP factors, including CCL7, IL-1β, TNFRSF1A, and TGFβ1.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

New priming method improves battery life, efficiency

Researchers at Rice University developed a new priming method to optimize prelithiation in silicon anodes, improving battery life cycles by up to 44% and energy density. The method uses stabilized lithium metal particles with surfactants, enabling more stable SEI layer formation and reduced lithium depletion.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Numerical experiments reveal initial wind field structure as crucial factor in determining tropical cyclone size and intensity

Researchers analyzed wind field structure of tropical cyclones to understand their size and intensity relationship. Vortexes with larger radius of maximum wind expand more under the same level of intensity increment, highlighting the importance of paying attention to incipient storms with large RMW.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 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.

EU research program to increase shelf-life of berries

A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateMay 15, 2023