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Science News for November 23, 2023


‘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.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAppetite·DateNov 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The environmental education of two generations of Andalusians is assessed

The study highlights the need for a whole-school approach to environmental education for sustainability, involving students and teachers as agents of change. Teachers also express concerns about burnout and lack of recognition, emphasizing the importance of training and motivation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEnvironmental Education Research·TypeCase study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournalGut·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 23, 2023
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.

Where DNA copying into RNA starts could determine whether cancer cells are receptive to treatment

Researchers found that cancer cells are more vulnerable to radiotherapy when using the less common 'YC' first-base-cytosine site instead of the usual 'YR' adenine or guanine start sites. This discovery enables further understanding of gene regulation in cancers and potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPhysiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Lübeck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

A fifth higher: Tropical cyclones substantially raise the Social Cost of Carbon

A new study found that accounting for long-term impacts of tropical cyclones raises the global Social Cost of Carbon by more than 20%. The increase is mainly driven by projected rise of tropical-cyclone damages to major economies, particularly India, USA, China, Taiwan, and Japan under global warming.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023
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.

'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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

Premature death of autistic people in the UK investigated for the first time

A new UK study confirms autistic people have a reduced life expectancy, but the actual difference may be lower than previously claimed. The research found that autistic men and women without learning disabilities had average estimated life expectancies of 74.6 and 76.8 years respectively.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

“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.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 23, 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.

Study reveals how shipwrecks are providing a refuge for marine life

A new study reveals that shipwrecks are providing a sanctuary for fish, corals, and other marine species in areas open to destructive bottom towed fishing. Marine life density is significantly higher within wreck sites than in control areas.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

Research shows infants exposed to certain biologics during pregnancy can safely receive rotavirus vaccine

A Canadian study found that infants exposed to biologic agents during pregnancy have normal immune development and can safely receive the rotavirus vaccine. The study, involving 191 infants across six sites in Canada, aimed to change vaccination guidelines to protect more babies from severe illness.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 23, 2023

An adaptive representation model for geoscience knowledge graphs considering complex spatiotemporal features and relationships

The paper proposes an adaptive representation model for geoscience knowledge graphs that can efficiently represent complex spatiotemporal features and relationships. The model uses a unified spatiotemporal ontology to automatically adopt an adaptive tuple structure based on the association of spatiotemporal information.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateNov 23, 2023

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...

SourceSwedish University of Agricultural Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateNov 23, 2023

Experts finetune testing of dust as potential for latest crime scene forensic tool

Researchers from Flinders University have found that dust contains distinct chemical and biological signatures that can be used to link a crime scene. The study, published in Forensic Science International Genetics, suggests that dust could be a valuable tool in forensic intelligence gathering.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalLinguistics Vanguard·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 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.

Mortality burden of air pollution from coal-burning power plants has been underestimated

A new study estimates that over 460,000 US deaths were attributed to air pollution from coal-burning power plants between 1999 and 2020. The findings highlight the increased mortality risks from coal electricity generation, while also showing that emission-reduction policies have been effective in preventing excess death.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023

Fractional COVID-19 booster vaccines produce similar immune response as full-doses

A new study found that a half-dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine elicited a non-inferior immune response to a full dose in Mongolian adults, with fewer side effects. The study suggests that fractional dosing may improve booster acceptability and reduce costs.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2023

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.

SourceAalto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 23, 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.

Researchers identify molybdate transporter genes for improving soybean yield

Scientists have identified two genes, GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2, that control natural variation in molybdate uptake and transport in soybeans. These genes are involved in molybdenum uptake in the roots and root-to-shoot transport of molybdenum, leading to improved molybdenum utilization and soybean yield.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2023

Marine biota births new atmospheric particles in the South Pacific Ocean

Researchers from Tampere University discovered that marine organisms can form new atmospheric particles in the South Pacific Ocean, which could help explain climate change predictions. The study found that these particles were formed at night and were accompanied by signs of nitrogenous compounds.

SourceTampere University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2023

Limits for quantum computers: Perfect clocks are impossible

The research team created a mathematical model showing that no clock can have both infinite energy and perfect time resolution, setting limits to quantum computer capabilities. This realization impacts the speed and reliability of quantum computers, as current accuracy is limited by other factors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 23, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

LHCb: Correlations show nuances of the particle birth process

Researchers analyzed proton-proton collisions to understand the hadronization process, a phenomenon critical to our understanding of physical reality. The study found that quark-gluon plasma can be produced in single proton collisions and that correlations between particles are influenced by angles with respect to the beam axis.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of High Energy Physics·DateNov 23, 2023

Tapered fiber-a potential candidate for delivering high-energy ultrafast lasers with high beam quality

Researchers have successfully developed a tapered fiber-based system that can deliver high-energy ultrafast lasers with near-diffraction-limited beam quality. The system achieved pulse energies of up to 126 μJ and peak powers of 207 MW, representing the highest reported values from a monolithic fiber laser.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2023

Dolomite crystals require cycles of saturation conditions to grow

Researchers have discovered that dolomite crystal growth requires cycling of saturation conditions, resolving the 'dolomite problem' that has puzzled scientists for nearly two centuries. This process can speed up dolomite growth by up to 10 million times, which may be crucial for producing large amounts of dolomite on Earth's surface.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2023