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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Self-folding origami machines powered by chemical reaction

Researchers created microscale origami machines that can self-fold and operate in dry environments, paving the way for autonomous devices. The machines use a chemical reaction to deform and bend, acting as a 'hinge' to achieve motion.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2023

Study finds gender pay differences begin early, with the job search

Researchers found that women tend to accept job offers earlier and are more likely to accept lower-paying offers compared to men. The study suggests that risk tolerance and salary expectations may account for a significant proportion of the observed gender difference in earnings.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 2, 2023

Fresh hope for Australians living with chronic back pain

Researchers found dramatic reductions in pain and disability among almost 500 people seeking help for four years of chronic back pain. The treatment, Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), improved social and emotional health, saving over $5,000 per person.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine translation for cuneiform tablets

A new machine learning model can automatically translate Akkadian text written in cuneiform into English, with the first version using Latin transliteration achieving satisfactory results. The program is effective for translating short sentences and can be used as part of a human-machine collaboration to correct and refine its output.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 2, 2023

How hallucinogenic substance in psilocybin mushrooms works on the molecular level

Researchers at University of Southern Denmark discovered that psilocin binds stronger than serotonin to a specific receptor, leading to antidepressant effects. The study's findings have potential implications for treating conditions like severe depression and substance addiction.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics·DateMay 2, 2023

Could wearables capture well-being?

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital developed a machine learning model to analyze wearable device data, identifying an individual's degree of resilience and psychological well-being. The study found that heart rate variability and resting heart rate metrics collected from Apple Watches were predictive of resilience states.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMIA Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 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.

Air pollution may increase risk of dementia, complicated by genetics

Exposure to air pollution is associated with worse verbal fluency and episodic memory in individuals with the APOE-4 allele. Higher levels of PM2.5 and NO2 are linked to increased cognitive decline over time, highlighting the importance of early identification and modification of modifiable risk factors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMay 2, 2023

“Zero plant extinction” is possible, says plant ecologist

A plant ecologist proposes a multi-faceted approach to preventing all future land plant extinctions. Training more plant experts and creating an online 'metaherbarium' with digitized records of species are key components, alongside building microreserves and increasing funding.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 2, 2023

Fossil find in California shakes up the natural history of cycad plants

A new fossil discovery in California has rewritten the scientific understanding of cycad plants, revealing a more dynamic evolutionary history than previously thought. The 80-million-year-old pollen cone found in Silverado Canyon is distinct from modern cycads, with differences in morphology and anatomy.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMay 2, 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.

UMass Chan scientists deliver siRNA therapy to lung

Researchers successfully delivered stabilized divalent siRNA molecules to animal models that blocked SARS-CoV-2 and prevented infection. The technology is adaptable for other pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis and respiratory viruses.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023

Trust, strong family ties, and effective leadership in pre-K can mitigate inequality for Black, Latine children

A positive school climate characterized by effective leadership and strong family ties can reduce disparities in emotional support and classroom organization for Black and Latine preschoolers. However, instructional support remains a concern despite improved school climate.

SourceNew York University·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

New ACS report finds smoking rates, alcohol use, physical inactivity decreased during COVID-19; worsening trends in obesity, cervical cancer screening

While smoking rates, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption declined, obesity prevalence increased, and cervical cancer screening declined between 2019 and 2021. Disparities by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status persisted, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateMay 2, 2023

Openseize: A novel open-source software to analyze large-scale digital signals

Openseize breaks down massive datasets into smaller fragments for efficient analysis, extracting important biomarkers like frequency densities and spike rates from one-dimensional digital signals. The software has wider applicability beyond brain signal analysis, potentially exploring biomedical data in various fields.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Open Source Software·DateMay 2, 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.

New research: FAPI PET imaging superior for diagnosing multiple types of cancer, with potential for targeted treatment

A new study has shown that FAPI PET imaging is superior to standard FDG PET in evaluating multiple types of cancer. A newly designed FAP-targeted treatment also suppressed tumor growth in several common cancers, suggesting a powerful tool for the field of clinical nuclear medicine.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMay 2, 2023

Progressive climate change: desertification threatens Mediterranean forests

Scientists analyzing fossil pollen and geochemical data reveal that Mediterranean forests are susceptible to transformation into steppes under natural conditions. Rising atmospheric CO2 levels may lead to a significant decrease in precipitation, triggering such a shift in the near future if protection measures are not taken.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2023

New study shows non-optimal temperature is a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease burden globally

A new study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology reveals that non-optimal temperatures have a significant impact on global cardiovascular disease burden, contributing to nearly 1.2 million CVD deaths and 22 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 2, 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.

More than 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals released from consumer products every year inside homes and workplaces

A new study by Silent Spring Institute and University of California, Berkeley found over 100 product types contain Prop 65 VOCs, posing significant health risks. The analysis revealed more than 5,000 tons of toxic chemicals are released from consumer products in homes and workplaces every year.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

NIH Statement on World Asthma Day 2023

The National Institutes of Health recognizes World Asthma Day and highlights innovative research on asthma, its causes and treatments. Several NIH institutes conduct and support asthma-related research, including NIEHS, NHLBI, and NIAID.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·DateMay 2, 2023

Study identifies a new potential target for treating vascular disease

Researchers found that when FXR1 is absent, vascular smooth muscle cells proliferate more slowly, become senescent, and scar tissue development is reduced. This suggests that drugs targeting FXR1 may treat vascular proliferative diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, and abdominal aortic aneurysm.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Toys demonstrate how biological machines move

Scientists develop elastoactive chains with self-oscillatory, self-synchronizing, and self-snapping behavior, mimicking biological machines. The study explores material properties and potential applications in autonomous robot development.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 2, 2023

Fish thought to help reefs have poop that’s deadly to corals

Researchers found high levels of coral pathogens in fish that graze on algae and detritus, while those that eat coral had beneficial bacteria in their feces. These findings suggest that corallivore feces could act as a 'coral probiotic,' potentially benefiting coral reefs.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023

Researchers discover that the ice cap is teeming with microorganisms

Researchers from Aarhus University have discovered thousands of microscopic organisms thriving on glaciers, including a black algae that darkens the ice and accelerates melting. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial life in extreme environments to better comprehend climate change.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGeobiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023
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.

Oil and gas infrastructure hurting nesting birds in globally important breeding area in arctic Alaska

A WCS-led study found that nest survival decreased significantly near high-use oil and gas infrastructure, impacting millions of migratory bird species. Factors associated with industrial development, including habitat degradation, noise, air pollution, and increased predator populations, contributed to the negative effects.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Blocking a tiny RNA may forestall age-related bone and muscle loss, inflammation

Scientists discovered that inhibiting microRNA-141-3p can reduce chronic inflammation, muscle loss, and bone degradation in aged mice. By blocking this tiny RNA, researchers found improvements in the spleen's immune response, lower levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, and a more youthful profile in bones and muscles.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAging and Disease·DateMay 2, 2023

AI bias may impair radiologist accuracy on mammogram

A study published in Radiology found that AI-based decision support systems can impair radiologist accuracy on mammograms, particularly for less experienced radiologists. Even highly experienced radiologists were adversely impacted by the system's judgments, highlighting the need for safeguards to mitigate automation bias.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMay 2, 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.

Endovascular treatment more likely to avoid amputation or death for limb-threatening artery disease

A randomized controlled trial shows that a best endovascular treatment first revascularisation strategy is more effective in preventing major amputation and death than a vein bypass first strategy for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. The study, BASIL-2, recruited 345 patients from the UK, Sweden, and Denmark and found ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 2, 2023

The nocebo effect may influence the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine

A study found that psychological factors, such as beliefs and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, significantly contribute to the onset and severity of adverse effects. The researchers investigated how fear, trust, and expectations affect side effects and explained 30% of the intensity of symptoms.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 2, 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.

60 years later, high school quality may have a long-term impact on cognition

A study found that high school quality is linked to better late-life cognition, particularly for those with more experienced teachers. Attending higher-quality schools may influence life trajectory and lead to better cognitive outcomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

Deep neural network provides robust detection of disease biomarkers in real time

A deep neural network developed by researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz has been shown to accurately classify particle signals with 99.8% accuracy in real-time. The system can identify weak or noisy signals and pinpoint their source, making it suitable for point-of-care applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 2, 2023

Quantum entanglement of photons doubles microscope resolution

Researchers at Caltech have developed a technique that uses quantum entanglement to create biphotons, which can be used to image cells with a resolution twice that of traditional microscopes. By harnessing the properties of quantum entanglement, scientists can now visualize tiny structures within living cells with unprecedented precision.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2023

Chemotherapy drug reaches brain in humans for first time

Scientists successfully opened the blood-brain barrier using a novel ultrasound device, delivering chemotherapy to treat glioblastoma patients. The treatment increased drug concentrations by 4-6 times and was safe and well-tolerated.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 2, 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.

Key to fighting chronic inflammation in severe COVID

Researchers have discovered that most immune cells contributing to chronic inflammation in severe COVID-19 are not infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Instead, these uninfected macrophages detect damage and trigger a strong inflammatory response, leading to excessive collateral damage.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2023

Swedish research about different forms of type 2 diabetes is relevant for Indian people

Researchers at Lund University have identified five subgroups of type 2 diabetes in India, characterized by genetic differences and varying levels of severity. The study suggests that early life undernutrition may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in India, while vitamin B12 deficiency is also a significant factor.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia·DateMay 2, 2023

“Golden” fossils reveal origins of exceptional preservation

Researchers found that golden fossils from Germany's Posidonia shale are primarily made up of phosphate minerals, hinting at the presence of oxygen in the environment. The discovery suggests that oxygen played a crucial role in driving chemical reactions needed for fossilization.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateMay 2, 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.

Forced water-use cuts made California more waterwise

A study found that California's mandatory water-use cuts in 2015 and 2016 resulted in ongoing water efficiencies, with higher-end water users adopting technology and achieving smaller rebound effects. Lower-end users, however, resumed watering their lawns after the mandate was lifted, contributing to a modest increase in water use.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2023

Video-based smoking cessation program helped HIV-positive smokers quit tobacco

A video-based smoking cessation program developed by a University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has helped nearly 40% of HIV-positive smokers in Nepal quit tobacco. The program, which includes 11 video sessions and is accessible via smartphone app, was found to be highly effective in promoting abstinence among participants.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

GAME-Net: a graph neural network for fast evaluation of the adsorption energy in heterogeneous catalysis

Researchers developed GAME-Net, a graph neural network that rapidly evaluates adsorption energy for large molecules like plastics and biomass. The model achieves accuracy comparable to density functional theory (DFT) while utilizing simple molecular representations.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2023

Crossroads: The role of biomarkers in the management of lumps in the breast

Researchers discuss the importance of biomarkers in breast lump management, enabling patients to make informed decisions between proactive treatment and watchful waiting. The development of biomarkers could provide personalized risk assessments and guide treatment strategies for women with breast lumps.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 2, 2023

Boxing can take the fight to Parkinson’s Disease

A new study published by Edith Cowan University found that boxing programs can improve symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, including fatigue and sleep, in early-stage patients. The program combined elements of exercise, computerized cognitive training, and socialization into a single activity.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 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.

Study questions long term beta blocker use to curb further heart attack risk

A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Dementia and self-harm: why it's crucial to support patients in first year after diagnosis

A large study found that people with dementia are at higher risk of self-harm within the first 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers emphasize the importance of providing psychosocial and mental health supports to patients upon diagnosis, particularly men, who are more likely to develop dementia after self-harm.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 2, 2023

New Family Heart Foundation study reveals systemic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 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.

World tour for model boat inspiring citizen science against environmental pollution

A model sailing boat representing a key part of the Flipflopi project, which recovered 135 tonnes of post-consumer plastics, is on a global tour to highlight plastic pollution and its impact. The exhibition aims to inspire communities, governments, and businesses to take action against environmental pollution.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeSurvey·DateMay 2, 2023