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Science News Archive November 2023


Page 1 of 40

Consensus needed on when global warming reaches 1.5°C

Researchers propose a new approach to measure global warming, combining the last ten years of temperature observations with projections for the next decade. The current level of global warming is around 1.26°C, with an uncertainty range of 1.13°C to 1.43°C.

Pickier dogs have pickier brains

A new study found that pickier dogs exhibit distinct brain responses when rewarded with higher-quality food, which influences their motivation. The research used behavioral observations and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between food quality and dog behavior.

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.

Scientists use A.I.-generated images to map visual functions in the brain

Researchers used AI-selected natural images and synthetic images to probe visual processing areas of the brain, finding that predicted maximal activator images significantly activated targeted areas. The study suggests individualized models for each subject can improve understanding of visual system organization across populations.

What makes sustainable consumption so difficult

Environmental and social factors greatly influence individual behavior, according to Professor Wilhelm Hofmann of Ruhr University Bochum. Traditional approaches focus on personal autonomy but neglect structural factors, leading to ineffective decisions.

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.

Rare ant species rediscovered in North Carolina trees

Researchers have discovered a rare ant species in North Carolina's tree canopies, documenting an entire colony for the first time. The species, Aphaenogaster mariae, has a distinctive arboreal lifestyle, with queens being smaller than other ant queens and males previously unknown to science.

Sea fireflies synchronize their sparkle to seek soulmates

Researchers discovered that male ostracods create distinct patterns of bioluminescence to attract females, which are then mirrored by other males, creating a spectacular underwater display. The synchronized swim occurs after sunset at nautical twilight and is used to entice groups of females.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Thomas Fire research reveals that ash can fertilize the oceans

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered that wildfire ash adds nutrients to marine systems, benefiting microbes and plankton growth. Ash enriched seawater with nitrogen sources, metals, and silicic acid, promoting primary production in coastal ecosystems.

Snake skulls show how species adapt to prey

Researchers studied dipsadine snake skulls to understand how species adapt to their habitats and food sources. The study found strong correlations between skull shape and ecology, indicating that habitat use and diet preferences drive cranial evolution in these snakes.

Progress toward improved vaccines

A research team has introduced a spectrum of potential adjuvants, including α-GalCer analogs with improved activity. The new compounds trigger stronger immune responses in mice, with some demonstrating better adjuvant properties than previously optimized variants.

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.

Straining memory leads to new computing possibilities

Researchers at University of Rochester developed a new form of computing memory by straining materials to create hybrid phase-change memristors. This approach combines the benefits of memristors and phase-change materials, overcoming limitations of existing forms of memory.

New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions

Researchers developed a new framework to predict how microbes interact with each other in unique compositions. Most microbes had minimal impact on the final outcome, with only select few playing crucial roles. The model has potential applications in personalized medicine and understanding microbiome assembly.

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.

Two teosintes made modern maize

A new study has clarified the origin of modern maize by revealing evidence of wild admixture during its initial domestication and dispersal. The findings suggest that a wild relative of teosinte, Zea mays mexicana, contributed genetic traits beneficial for domestication, including photoperiodicity and flowering time.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Lower voltage and reduced carbon input for cleaner energy in the works

Researchers at Tsinghua University Press have developed a non-precious metal electrocatalyst for water splitting, achieving stable oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). The FeSnCo Sx Oy /NF catalyst shows promise in reducing carbon-based energy sources and producing more energy than gasoline.

High altitude training shows promise for patients ahead of surgery

A new study found that simulated high altitude exposure can increase haemoglobin levels in older patients, potentially benefiting their physical health before surgery. The research suggests that 'altitude prehabilitation' could be a useful approach to improve fitness and reduce complications in patients at risk.

Who supports Putin? Men, older generations and traditionalists, study shows

A study published in Political Geography reveals that Putin's autocratic leadership appeals to people with close-minded personalities who value tradition and don't trust science. The research found consistent support for Putin across six neighboring countries, with men and older generations showing higher approval rates.

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.

Illuminating the benefits of marine protected areas for ecotourism, and vice versa

A new study by researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute found that marine protected areas (MPAs) have a significant impact on the scuba diving industry in Southern California. Ecotourism activities such as underwater wildlife viewing and photography tend to occur within MPAs, while recreational lobster fishing prefers...

A novel targeted molecular therapy for drug-resistant biliary tract cancer

Researchers from Japan have discovered a novel targeted molecular therapy using microRNA-451a to suppress the progression of gemcitabine-resistant biliary tract cancers. The study found that miR-451a significantly diminished cell proliferation, induced cell death, and reduced chemoresistance in cancer cells.

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.

Air Force awards UTEP Grant to safeguard assets in space

The University of Texas at El Paso is leading a research effort to detect and study Unresolved Resident Space Objects (URSOs) using spectroscopy. The team aims to extract properties such as material composition and structural health to monitor the health of government-owned and commercial space assets.

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.

Inoculation against diseased fields

Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi can significantly improve crop yields by up to 40% in fields with high levels of fungal pathogens. The inoculation was most effective when the soil had already been contaminated with pathogens, serving as a protective shield against further damage.

Shedding light on the synthesis of sugars before the origin of life

A new study reveals a nonenzymatic chemical network that could have produced pentoses on early Earth, providing clues about primitive biochemistry. The proposed pathway relies on chemical transformations reminiscent of the pentose phosphate pathway, bringing us closer to understanding the emergence of life.

Children who play baseball risk elbow injury

A study at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that 20-40% of youth baseball players (ages 9-12) experience elbow pain. Skeletally immature children are more prone to injuries, including growth plate fractures and osteochondritis dissecans.

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.

Polarization-independent liquid-crystal phase modulators

Researchers have developed a new approach to polarization-independent liquid-crystal phase modulation using a light-controlled azimuth angle (LCAA) process. This process creates single-layer, multi-microdomain, orthogonally twisted structures with precise alignment, enabling high phase retardation and low polarization dependence.

A mixed origin made maize successful

A new study published in Science reveals that modern maize originated from a hybrid of two teosintes created around 5000 years ago in central Mexico. The hybridization event led to the spread of maize across the Americas and later worldwide, becoming one of the world's most important crops.

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 patch of protection against Zika virus

A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.

2D material reshapes 3D electronics for AI hardware

Researchers developed a novel approach to integrate multiple functions into a single chip using monolithic 3D integration of layered 2D materials. This technology offers unprecedented efficiency and performance in AI computing tasks, enabling faster processing, less energy consumption, and enhanced security.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Regular screening mammograms significantly reduce breast cancer deaths

A study published at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that attending regular mammograms can lower breast cancer mortality rates by up to 72%. Women who missed a scheduled mammogram had a significantly reduced survival rate, emphasizing the importance of adherence to screening schedules.