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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 40

Understanding how couples integrate finances

Research from the University of Georgia found that moving in together is not enough to guarantee joint accounts, with factors like net worth, household growth, and income level playing a significant role. Couples who agree on spending and have open conversations about money are more likely to pool their finances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Family Therapy·DateMay 30, 2023

4,000-year-old plague DNA found – the oldest cases to date in Britain

Researchers discovered three 4,000-year-old cases of Yersinia pestis in human remains from mass burials in Somerset and Cumbria. The findings indicate the plague may have been easily transmitted across Britain, contradicting previous assumptions that it was brought by fleas.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023

Evolution driving improvements in racehorse speed, study shows

Researchers analyzed 692,534 race times to find genetic improvement accounts for 60% of speed increase in short-distance races, while heritability is low across all distances. The study suggests weaker selection or other factors limiting genetic progress, particularly over long distances.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHeredity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 30, 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.

Are we really foreseeing break-ups?

Researchers found that after learning about a couple's break-up, participants perceived the relationship as more obvious and negative. They also reported reinterpreting positive qualities as signs of an impending break-up.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 30, 2023

Predominance of young Asian men among large UK case series of laughing gas users

A large UK case series reveals a predominance of young Asian men among those with nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy, suggesting genetic or social factors. The study found that these patients often experienced severe symptoms such as pins and needles, bladder difficulties, and poor balance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023

Volunteering, health, and well-being of children and adolescents

Researchers found volunteering associated with higher odds of excellent health and flourishing in children and adolescents, as well as lower anxiety in adolescents and behavioral problems in children. The study used survey data from across the US to explore the relationship between volunteering and child and adolescent health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Humans evolved to walk with an extra spring in our step

A global team of scientists found that the recoil of a flexible human foot arch repositions the ankle upright for more effective walking and running. This discovery could help doctors improve treatments for present-day patients' foot problems, while also suggesting therapeutic avenues for people with rigid arches due to injury or illness.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 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.

Shedding light on the complex flow dynamics within the small intestine

Scientists developed a microfluidic system to study luminal flow around villi in the small intestine, revealing diverse flow behaviors and underlying mechanisms. The device uses air-driven balloon actuators to deform intestinal tissue, generating dynamic flows that can be observed with microscopic fluorescent beads.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Plastics circularity needs to become meaningful, inclusive, and practical

A new study emphasizes the need for a more precise definition of circularity beyond metrics and indicators. The researchers propose a product-centric circularity scorecard that captures aspects of a product's environmental sustainability, focusing on production, use, and end-of-life.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalWaste Management·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 30, 2023

Seshaiyer receives funding for Program MASTER: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation for the grand challenges through innovative Training, Education and Research - A SIAM Simons SITE (George Mason University)

Professor Padmanabhan Seshaiyer at George Mason University has received a $34,200 grant to support Program MASTER, a six-week research and learning program in applied mathematics and computational science. The program aims to foster a sense of belonging among students and mentors from across the US.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMay 30, 2023

Source-shifting metastructures composed of only one resin for location camouflaging

Researchers at Shinshu University developed high-performance source-shifters using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, employing inverse design and topology optimization. The optimized structures can reduce the difference between emitted pressure fields to as low as 0.6%, enabling effective acoustic location camouflaging.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 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.

That’s not nuts: Almond milk yogurt packs an overall greater nutritional punch than dairy-based

A University of Massachusetts Amherst food science major compared the nutritional values of plant-based and dairy yogurts, finding almond milk yogurt has a significantly higher nutrient density. Plant-based yogurts generally have less total sugar, sodium, and fiber than dairy, but less protein, calcium, and potassium.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateMay 30, 2023

New Jersey Health Foundation awards grants to Kessler Foundation to advance research in brain and spinal cord stimulation methods

Two Kessler Foundation scientists will conduct studies on upper extremity exercise after stroke and restoration of cardiovascular function in spinal cord injury populations. Dr. Shenoy Handiru's study combines transcranial electrical stimulation and wearable sensor-based exergaming to improve hand dexterity, while Dr. Einat Engel-Haber...

SourceKessler Foundation·DateMay 30, 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.

Association between heart attack and cognition

A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMay 30, 2023

Scientists observe hypernuclei collective flow in heavy-ion collisions

Researchers have observed significant directed flow of hypernuclei in heavy-ion collisions, offering a new direction for studying Y–N interactions. The experiment extracted slopes of directed flow of hypernuclei and light nuclei, suggesting a similar mass number scaling.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 30, 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.

Extracting a clean fuel from water

A low-cost catalyst developed by Argonne National Laboratory can produce clean hydrogen from water at a lower cost, making it an ideal choice for replacing fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The new catalyst uses cobalt instead of expensive iridium, significantly reducing the cost and increasing efficiency.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2023

Genetic risk information may help people avoid alcohol addiction

Researchers found that individuals understood genetic risk scores and reported intentions to reduce their drinking if they had high-risk scores. However, the study's authors caution that receiving genetic feedback is just the first step in behavior change, and connecting individuals to resources and support is crucial.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

UK cardiology societies issue joint policy statement to stamp out bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the specialty

The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 30, 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.

Webb Telescope finds towering plume of water escaping from Saturn moon

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered a massive plume of water vapor on Saturn's moon Enceladus, stretching over 6,000 miles. This finding has significant implications for the search for life beyond Earth, as it suggests that Enceladus may have the necessary ingredients for habitability.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023

Shrimp from Finding Nemo could help keep your white bread white

Ben-Gurion University researchers have discovered a new principle in optics using the Pacific Cleaner Shrimp, leading to the creation of an ultra-thin and highly efficient whitening material. The study found that the shrimp's unique arrangement of molecules creates birefringent nanospheres with brilliant whiteness.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Photonics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 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.

Genetic change increased bird flu severity during U.S. spread

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how the current H5N1 avian influenza virus gained new genes and greater virulence as it spread across North America. The researchers found that the virus could severely infect the brains of mammalian research models, a notable departure from previous related strains.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Dual-wavelength lasing: a new tool for steering High-harmonic generation

Researchers have developed a method to generate mid-infrared pulses with dual-wavelength spectral shaping, enabling flexible tunability in both temporal and spectral domains. This allows for enhanced High-Harmonic generation (HHG) control, opening new possibilities for applications such as electron dynamics and light-matter interaction.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

An algorithm for sharper protein films

Researchers have developed an algorithm that can be used to evaluate measurements at X-ray free-electron lasers, improving the precision of protein film analysis. The new method, called low-pass spectral analysis (LPSA), mitigates errors in protein movement reconstruction, allowing for more detailed information to be extracted from data.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023
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.

Study finds 107-million-year-old pterosaur bones are oldest in Australia

Researchers have confirmed that 107-million-year-old pterosaur bones are the oldest found in Australia, providing insights into these flying reptiles' lives among dinosaurs. The fossils belonged to two different individuals, including a juvenile pterosaur and a larger species with a wingspan over two metres.

SourceCurtin University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateMay 30, 2023

Hidden in plain sight: Windshield washer fluid is an unexpected emission source

Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2023

Lung infection may be less transmissible than thought

Researchers found genetic similarities among strains of Mycobacterium abscessus that cannot be explained by direct person-to-person transmission. Instead, they suggest the pathogen is acquired from environmental exposures, with implications for hospital precautions and public health.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2023

Women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have increased risk of cardiovascular mortality

A study from the University of Bergen reveals that women with a first normal weight offspring and a small second offspring have an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, also found reduced risk if the second offspring was large.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 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.

Computational method uncovers the effects of mutations in the noncoding genome

Researchers developed a computational approach to identify causal noncoding variants affecting blood cell trait changes. The study identified 69 mutations impacting transcription factor PU.1 binding, with 51 altering its site, suggesting a link between these variants and disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Researchers confirm the protective effect of hydrogen inhalation on declining brain function under hindlimb unloading conditions and disclose the underlying mechanism

Researchers confirm hydrogen inhalation improves brain function and alleviates pathological damage caused by hindlimb unloading. The study suggests a potential protective measure for astronauts during spaceflight, involving changes in PGC-1α and BDNF expression.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2023

Obesity increases risk of mental disorders throughout life

A recent study published in Translational Psychiatry found that obesity significantly increases the likelihood of developing mental disorders, including depression and anxiety, across all age groups. Women were found to be at a higher risk for most diseases compared to men.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2023

Trials will investigate if rock dust can combat climate crisis

Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 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.

Astronomers discover planets in NASA Kepler's final days of observations

A team of astrophysicists and citizen scientists have identified three potentially habitable exoplanets discovered during NASA's Kepler space telescope's final days of operation. The planets, including K2-416 b and K2-417 b, are between the size of Earth and Neptune and orbit their stars closely.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 30, 2023

Mitigating climate change through restoration of coastal ecosystems

Restoring blue carbon ecosystems like seagrasses and mangroves can remove additional carbon from the atmosphere while combating ocean acidity. This process, known as inorganic carbon capture, is potentially more durable than organic carbon burial.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 30, 2023

Novel approach significantly improves access, decreases wait times for autism screening

A new training program for primary care pediatricians significantly reduces wait times for autism screening, making it more accessible to children. The developmentally trained clinicians assess patients in a streamlined referral process, resulting in a decrease in average days to initial developmental assessment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2023
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.

Junk food may impair our deep sleep

A new study from Uppsala University found that consuming junk food can lead to shallower deep sleep, which can impact hormonal release and brain activity. The researchers monitored the sleep patterns of healthy participants who followed a healthier diet and an unhealthier diet in a randomised order.

SourceUppsala University·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 30, 2023

Symmetry breaking by ultrashort light pulses opens new quantum pathways for coherent phonons

Researchers at Max Born Institute find that ultrafast mid-infrared excitation of electrons in bismuth reduces crystal symmetry, opening new quantum pathways for coherent phonon excitation. This leads to bidirectional atomic motions and oscillations with a frequency different from low-excitation levels.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Educational program helps medical students better understand the relationship between health and society

A University of Tsukuba program aims to enhance medical students' comprehension of social determinants of health. Over three years, student reports showed progressive improvement in their ability to focus on various aspects of SDH. This study emphasizes the need for increased integration between medical and social science education.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMC Medical Education·DateMay 30, 2023

Specifically designed diets demonstrate a “powerful ability” to prevent tumorigenesis, delay tumor growth and improve existing cancer treatments, CNIO researchers say in a review paper

CNIO researchers review the anticancer effects of various diets, including caloric restriction, ketogenic diet, and intermittent fasting. They argue that precision nutrition can be used to treat specific cancers based on tumor metabolism and patient characteristics.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 30, 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.

How insects track odors by navigating microscale winds

Researchers found near-surface wind direction is highly variable over timescales of less than 10 minutes, especially in urban areas. They hypothesize an optimal range of wind speed and environmental surface complexity helps insects locate odor sources.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

New study challenges common perceptions of Victorian register office weddings

A new study analyzed data from 286 register office weddings between 1837 and 1901 and found that older couples, particularly those in their 40s, made up a significant proportion of these unions. Many of these marriages were also remarriages, with 16.7% of all marriages being stated as such.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFamily & Community History·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 30, 2023

Biomarkers for the progression of Type 2 diabetes identified

Researchers have discovered molecules in 3,000 diabetic patients that could help predict and monitor disease progression. The study identified 20 biomarkers associated with rapid disease progression, including a protein called NogoR.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers design an innovative strategy to fight obesity through gene therapy

A team of scientists has developed an ex vivo gene therapy approach to treat obesity and diabetes in mice by implanting cells expressing the CPT1AM protein, which plays a key role in metabolic diseases. The study shows promising results, reducing weight, fatty liver, cholesterol, and glucose levels in obese mice.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateMay 30, 2023