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Science News Archive November 2023


Page 10 of 40

Clonal fish: Same genes, same environment – different fitness levels

Researchers found that genetically identical Amazon mollies exhibit differences in offspring size and reproductive output, indicating varying levels of biological fitness. The study suggests that epigenetics, stochasticity, and micro-environmental factors play a role in the emergence of individuality.

Uncovering measurement-driven topological transitions

Researchers observe measurement-driven topological transitions in quantum systems, finding that imperfections affect the transition's location and shape. The discovery has potential applications in sensing and characterization of optical elements.

Innovating optoelectronic components with phosphorus

Scientists have created a new method to produce azaphospholes, a class of compounds previously difficult to synthesize. The technique enables control over electronic and optical properties, opening up possibilities for future applications in optoelectronics.

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.

RNA trickery disarms the antiviral CRISPR defenses of bacteria

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen discovered that phages use small RNAs to disarm bacterial CRISPR-Cas immune systems, making them vulnerable to infection. This finding has significant implications for phage therapy and could lead to more specific and controlled CRISPR-Cas treatments.

Boosting PET recycling with higher standards for laboratory experiments

Researchers establish new standards for laboratory experiments to improve PET recycling efficiency. Four engineered enzymes were tested, with LCC-ICCG outperforming the others in terms of depolymerisation rate and enzyme requirement. The study aims to accelerate the development of industrial-scale solutions for PET waste management.

‘Strange metal’ is strangely quiet in noise experiment

Rice physicists find that a 'strange metal' quantum material exhibits greatly suppressed shot noise, suggesting unconventional charge transport mechanisms. The study provides direct empirical evidence for the idea that electricity may flow through strange metals in an unusual liquidlike form.

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.

How do plants determine where the light is coming from ?

Researchers discovered that plants create a directional light signal through air-filled channels, allowing them to position their organs for optimal light capture. This mechanism is crucial for photosynthesis and survival, and provides insights into the formation of air-filled intercellular channels with multiple functions.

Leaving on a jet plane in genes

A team of researchers from Kyoto University found that the pituitary vasopressin system is crucial for building a robust circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. This discovery has led to the development of potential treatments for jet lag, which currently target only the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

I eat what you eat

A study at the University of Bonn found that primary school children are more likely to choose unhealthy snacks when buying with friends or classmates. Conversely, they opted for healthier choices when purchasing alone. This highlights the importance of understanding how social factors influence children's purchasing decisions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When baby stars fledge

A team of astrophysicists discovered that two methods for determining the age of stars measure different things, with a 5.5 million-year difference in age determined by dynamic tracking versus isochronous measurement. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of star formation and stellar evolution.

Quick as a snail

Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.

Morphology-based gross classification system for HCC stratification

A new study has found that different gross subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have significantly different prognoses and molecular characteristics. The study suggests that gross classification may be valuable for developing individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for HCC, with potential implications for patient outcomes.

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.

How a pitcher plant evolved with tenfold genomic wealth

Researchers have identified a decaploid genome structure in the Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plant, revealing subgenome dominance that contributes to evolutionary innovation. Recessive subgenomes are enriched with novel genes, particularly those related to unique traits like dioecy and carnivory.

Plant proteins: influence by imitation

Researchers discovered plant proteins (MDL) that resemble human MIF protein in both amino acid sequence and spatial structure. These MDL proteins can bind to MIF receptors, activating immune-relevant signaling pathways and potentially modulating the human immune system.

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.

20 minutes of exercise can boost your brain after a bad night’s sleep

A study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance in people who are sleep-deprived and have low oxygen levels. The research found that even when participants were exposed to hypoxia, exercise continued to enhance their ability to perform mental tasks.

Extremely energetic cosmic ray detected, but with no obvious source

A team of researchers has detected an extremely energetic cosmic ray with an energy exceeding ~240 exa-electron volts (EeV), but its arrival direction shows no obvious source. The detection was made by the Telescope Array experiment's surface detector, which is located in Utah, USA.

Cell catalogue of genetic developmental disorders

Scientists have identified 77 main cell types and around 650 cell subtypes in a single experiment, enabling research on embryonic malformations. The new approach reduces the number of animals used for analysis and allows for faster and more accurate study of genetic disorders.

Study provides fresh insights into antibiotic resistance, fitness landscapes

A recent study published in Science has found that 75% of possible mutations in E. coli protein lead to high antibiotic resistance, contradicting the longstanding fitness landscapes theory. This discovery has significant real-world implications for understanding antibiotic resistance and evolutionary processes.

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.

Telescope Array detects second highest-energy cosmic ray ever

The Telescope Array has detected the second-highest energy cosmic ray ever observed, with an energy equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height. The Amaterasu particle deepens the mystery of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, which may follow particle physics unknown to science.

Separating out signals recorded at the seafloor

Researchers separate out microbial and environmental controls on marine sedimentary pyrite sulfur isotope ratios, revealing local processes that dominate the record. This breakthrough refutes previous hypotheses and offers a new framework for interpreting ancient signals.

New therapy can treat rare and hereditary diseases

Researchers at NTNU are developing a new therapy for rare hereditary diseases like DOOR syndrome using mini-brains grown in the lab. The treatment involves injecting a virus with a healthy OXR1 gene to produce the missing protein, which may help stop or reverse the disease.

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.

Potential new target and drug candidate for Barth syndrome

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a potential new target for treating Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disease with devastating consequences. They identified a molecular culprit that could be targeted to potentially reverse the disease course and developed a small-molecule drug candidate to correct genetic tafaz...

'Dolomite Problem': 200-year-old geology mystery resolved

Researchers successfully grow dolomite in laboratory using new theory developed from atomic simulations. The breakthrough resolves the 'Dolomite Problem,' which had puzzled scientists for 200 years. By removing defects in mineral structure, researchers can promote crystal growth of modern technological materials.

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.

Artificial intelligence finds ways to develop new drugs

Scientists at ETH Zurich used AI to analyze data from 1,380 borylation reactions and predict optimal synthesis methods for new drugs. The model was tested on six known drug molecules and showed a success rate of five out of six cases.

Measuring earthquakes and tsunamis with fibre-optic networks

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a novel method to measure seismic tremors using fibre-optic networks' active noise suppression systems. The technique enables accurate earthquake measurements even on the ocean floor and in regions with limited resources.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

“Amaterasu” particle: a new cosmic mystery

Researchers detect ultra-high-energy cosmic ray with an energy level comparable to the 'Oh-My-God' particle, raising questions about its origins. The Amaterasu particle's unusual properties are being further investigated through upgraded experiments and next-generation observatories.

AI recognizes the tempo and stages of embryonic development

Researchers at the University of Konstanz developed an AI-powered method to objectively characterize embryonic development tempo and stages. The Twin Network trained on over 3 million zebrafish embryo images accurately identified developmental stages, temperature dependence, and malformations.

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.

In the lead up to COP28, amid a growing push to restore degraded and deforested lands as natural climate solution, a new peer-reviewed study shows better outcomes when Indigenous, local communities are in charge

A new peer-reviewed study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that forests managed by Indigenous and local communities have improved outcomes for carbon storage, biodiversity, and rural livelihoods. The research supports calls for securing tenure for Indigenous peoples as a strategy for overcoming obstacles in forest restoration...

Y-chromosome and its impact on digestive diseases

The complete decoding of the human Y chromosome sheds light on its role in sex determination and its potential impact on digestive diseases. This discovery provides a comprehensive reference for identifying genetic variations that may contribute to digestive diseases.

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.

Pregnancy remodels the brain: stem cells shape the sense of smell in mothers

During pregnancy, distinct pools of stem cells in the adult brain are activated, giving rise to specific types of olfactory bulb neurons that enable mothers to recognize their own pups. These new neurons are temporarily formed and disappear after birth, highlighting the brain's ability to adapt to specific needs.

Materials scientist finds clue to treat deadly hereditary illness

Researchers have discovered a root cause of Barth syndrome, a deadly metabolic illness, by analyzing faulty cardiolipin molecules and their interaction with cytochrome c. The study used solid-state NMR technology to demonstrate the structural changes that lead to toxic oxidation in mitochondrial membranes.

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.

May the “Star Wars” vocabulary be with us

A study by Prof. Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer shows that Star Wars words and constructions are increasingly used in digital English text corpora. The study reveals that these words have reached the highest level of integration into the English language, with many uses referencing tangible objects like toy lightsabers.

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.

Making sense of bacterial Babel

The study analyzed 170 known bacterial languages, grouping them into clusters based on molecular structure. Bacteria can understand related languages, but not those with vastly different languages. This understanding will aid in refining treatment approaches and developing biotechnology applications.