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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

Webb study reveals rocky planets can form in extreme environments

A team of astronomers used Webb to observe water and molecules in a highly irradiated disk in one of the most extreme environments in our galaxy. The results suggest that terrestrial planet formation conditions can occur in a broader range of environments than previously thought.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 30, 2023

Climate: why disinformation is so persistent

A study by UNIGE researchers found that six psychological interventions had a small and temporary impact in preventing the spread of climate misinformation. The interventions targeted factors such as trust in climate scientists, transparency, and accuracy, but only one group showed a slight advantage in resisting disinformation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeNews article·DateNov 30, 2023

This gross mixture has big benefits for the study of bacteria

Researchers have developed a new mixture, organ agar, that enables them to screen bacteria more efficiently than traditional methods. This innovation allows for the testing of over 1,700 mutants of the UTI-causing bacteria Proteus mirabilis using only a quarter of the mice typically required.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInfection and Immunity·DateNov 30, 2023

Riding the whims of the wind

Researchers develop a mathematical model that analyzes the future survival of plants in a changing climate by studying how far wind can carry seeds. The model provides fast and reliable predictions of seed movement, considering factors like seed type, plant height, and wind speed.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEcological Modelling·DateNov 30, 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.

Scientists find gene therapy reduces liver cancer in animal model

Researchers at UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center have shown that inhibiting galectin 1 protein using gene therapy can shrink liver cancer in mice, improving the anti-cancer immune response and increasing killer T cells. This approach has potential as a treatment for HCC prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

TPL for photonic packaging: a promising solution

A team of scientists has developed new packaging technologies using TPL to address the challenges of photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The technology offers several unique advantages, including high-resolution 3D structures and customizable connections, which relax the alignment tolerance during PIC assembly.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateNov 30, 2023

EU/EEA: HIV diagnoses rise for the first time in a decade

New HIV diagnoses rose by 31% in the EU/EEA in 2022, with migrants accounting for 49% of cases. Ukrainian refugees made up a significant proportion of new diagnoses, with women disproportionately affected. The increase highlights the need for tailored early testing and treatment approaches to address this growing public health threat.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 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.

Harnessing the power of a parasite that can stop pain

Researchers analyzed leishmaniasis lesions on mouse skin to detect metabolic signaling pathways that differed from uninfected mice. They found pathways with pain-relief properties tied to the brain's endocannabinoid system, which is involved in a host of physiological processes, including the pain response.

SourceOhio State University·JournaliScience·DateNov 30, 2023

ORNL supports executive order for safe, secure and trustworthy AI

The executive order promotes safe, secure and trustworthy AI by establishing standards, tools and tests to regulate the field. ORNL's AI Initiative connects subject matter experts with resources to develop secure, trustworthy and energy-efficient AI for scientific discovery and national security applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeNews article·DateNov 30, 2023

Gladstone team uncovers why maternal diabetes predisposes babies to heart defects

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have identified cells and molecules that go awry in the developing hearts of fetuses in women with diabetes, leading to higher levels of retinoic acid activity. The study could eventually lead to interventions to lower heart malformations risk in babies born to women with diabetes.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateNov 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.

HRS-AKI treatment options could be expanded

A new study provides an updated assessment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), a potentially reversible but often fatal condition. The study's findings highlight the importance of early recognition and standard pharmacological treatment, with only 40%–50% of patients experiencing restored kidney function.

SourceFirst Hospital of Jilin University·JournaleGastroenterology·DateNov 30, 2023

Protected droplets a new transport route for medicines

Temperature-sensitive emulsions offer a new method to control when droplets dissolve, enabling precise targeting of medicines to specific areas in the body. The discovery could revolutionize methods of delivering medication in higher concentrations to diseased areas.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 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.

Low-cost microscope projection photolithography system for high-resolution fabrication

Scientists have developed a low-cost and user-friendly technique called UV-LED-based microscope projection photolithography (MPP) for rapid high-resolution manufacturing of optical elements. MPP can fabricate microfluidic devices, biosensors, and other optical devices with feature sizes down to 85 nm.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateNov 30, 2023

Research suggests sentinel warning calls may be universally understood across continents

A recent study found that flocks of birds in North America, Europe, and Asia responded equally strongly to the alarm call of an unfamiliar dusky-throated antshrike. This suggests that sentinel calls may contain a universal signal that allows birds to recognize them across different species and continents.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Why you should be vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19

Researchers found that vaccination increases immune cell production and antibody levels effective against all tested variants of SARS-CoV-2, including Omicron. Convalescent plasma therapy research provides insight into how the body fights COVID-19 variants.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Researchers reveal new process for making anhydride chemical compounds

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and Eastman have developed a new process for making anhydride chemical compounds using nickel as a catalyst, promising cost savings and sustainability. The new process offers a potential alternative to traditional methods that rely on expensive precious metal catalysts.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 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.

New bottlenose dolphin sense discovered: they feel electricity

Researchers discovered bottlenose dolphins' ability to detect weak electric fields, which helps them search for fish hidden in sediment. This newfound sense also enables dolphins to navigate the globe using magnetic maps by sensing the planet's magnetic field at varying speeds.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Brain waves usually found in sleep can protect against epileptic activity

Researchers at University College London have discovered that slow waves typically present during sleep can also occur during wakefulness in people with epilepsy, potentially protecting against increased brain excitability. These 'wake' slow waves decrease the impact of epileptic spikes on brain activity and may protect against seizures.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Structural racism and lung cancer risk

A new study finds that structural racism is a significant contributor to unequal lung cancer risk factors, affecting different racial and ethnic groups differently. The research highlights the need for tailored preventive interventions to address these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateNov 30, 2023

INU researchers develop novel deep learning-based detection system for autonomous vehicles

A new deep learning-based detection system has been developed by INU researchers to improve the detection capabilities of autonomous vehicles. The system, aided by IoT technology, generates bounding boxes and confidence scores for visible obstacles using point cloud data and RGB images as input.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 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.

ROP signaling: Origin at dawn of multicellular plant life

Researchers found that ROP proteins evolved during the transition from unicellular to multicellular plant life. ROP proteins are highly conserved between land plants and streptophyte algae, excluding certain species. The study suggests that ROP signaling may have contributed to the evolution of multicellularity in plants.

SourceGregor Mendel Institute of Molecular Plant Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Hurricanes boost cone production in longleaf pine

Research by The Jones Center at Ichauway found that hurricanes increase cone production in longleaf pine by 31% and 71% two years after the event, suggesting a possible explanation for the masting phenomenon. This discovery sheds light on the role of weather conditions in triggering seed germination.

SourceThe Jones Center at Ichauway·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 30, 2023

Hope for autoimmune skin disorder sufferers with new immunotherapy strategy

Researchers discovered distinct mechanisms controlling different types of immune cells and found a way to selectively eliminate 'problematic' cells driving autoimmune disorders. This breakthrough offers precise targets for potential treatment strategies, potentially revolutionizing the way we treat skin conditions.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 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.

Scientists build tiny biological robots from human cells

Researchers created multicellular bots from human tracheal cells that move across surfaces and promote healing of damaged neurons in a lab dish. The discovery could lead to new therapeutic tools for regeneration, healing, and disease treatment using patient-derived biobots.

SourceTufts University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Women may struggle more than men in involuntary temporary employment, with 12.8% increases in mental health drug prescriptions for Danish women in this work for at least 18 months, but no such change for men

A study in Denmark found that women experience a significant increase in mental health medication use after involuntary temporary work, but men do not. The research suggests that women may struggle more with the emotional and psychological impacts of temporary employment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 30, 2023

Platoon control of connected vehicles with heterogeneous model structures considering external disturbances

A hierarchical platoon control framework is designed to address the influence of external disturbances on CV platoons. The ISM controller eliminates disturbance effects, ensuring stability and string stability in the platoon. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the control strategy.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

HIV: Thwarting a protein in the hope of a better quality of life

Scientists identify a link between HIV's gp120 protein and chronic inflammation, leading to premature aging and comorbidities. A clinical trial aims to test the effect of Fostemsavir on reducing cardiovascular diseases and improving quality of life for women living with HIV.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 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.

Aging modulates extracellular vesicles of epidermal keratinocytes

Researchers found a significant increase in extracellular vesicles released by aged keratinocytes, which were also enriched with specific microRNAs. These EVs impaired young keratinocyte proliferation and organogenesis, mimicking aged skin defects.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2023

Loss of auditory nerve fibers uncovered in individuals with tinnitus

A new study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers reveals that individuals with tinnitus experience auditory nerve loss not detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery provides a better understanding of the origins of tinnitus and offers hope for future treatments and potential cures.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Carbon dioxide becomes more potent as climate changes, study finds

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that carbon dioxide becomes more potent as climate changes, increasing its heat-trapping effect. This means that future CO2 increases will provide a more potent warming effect on climate than past increases.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Using public incentives for negative emissions increases economic inequality

A new study finds that public incentives for negative emissions can exacerbate economic inequality, especially in countries with concentrated equity ownership and expensive mitigation options. Researchers propose alternative policy provisions to mitigate the increase in inequality while ensuring decarbonization at reasonable cost.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 30, 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.

Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC scientist identifies a connection in the brain between stress and emotional eating

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a key brain molecule responsible for triggering overconsumption of comfort foods after stressful events. The lateral hypothalamic proenkephalin neuron plays a crucial role in driving threat-induced eating associated with negative emotional states.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Commonly used pesticides are still harming bees

A new study confirms that pesticides commonly used in farmland significantly harm bumblebees. Data from 106 sites across 8 European countries shows that bumblebees encounter multiple pesticides, resulting in fewer offspring and reduced colony performance.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 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.

Structural racism persists in radiotherapy

Outdated medical tools cause delayed recognition and management of adverse reactions in patients of color, leading to significant distress. A more inclusive approach is urgently needed to address structural racism in radiotherapy treatment and education.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 30, 2023

Unsafe lead levels in school drinking water: new UMass Amherst study IDs building risk factors

A UMass Amherst study identifies building age as key factor in elevated lead levels; facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s are at greatest risk. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recommends achieving lowest lead levels possible, with a goal of 1 ppb or less.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Water Works Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Taking antibiotics back in time

A team of researchers successfully synthesized a 1.5-million-year-old antibiotic called paleomycin, which displays potent properties against human pathogens. By tracing the evolutionary path of glycopeptide antibiotics, the team gained insights into the development of new drugs and uncovered a common precursor molecule.

SourceCluster of Excellence “Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections” (CMFI)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 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.

Early body contact develops premature babies' social skills

Researchers found that early skin-to-skin contact with parents significantly improves premature babies' social skills at four months old. The study also showed that fathers play a more important role than previously thought in developing their infants' social skills.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2023

New study offers cautious hope about the resilience of redwoods

Researchers found that coast redwood's massive carbon reserves fueled growth of new leaves after a catastrophic fire, allowing the forest to begin regenerating. However, many trees did not survive, and it may take centuries for the ecosystem to fully recover.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Plants·DateNov 30, 2023

Modular chimeric cytokine receptors improve CAR T–cell therapy for solid tumors

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a highly adaptable system to improve the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy for solid tumors. By adding modular chimeric cytokine receptors to CAR T cells, the therapy can target multiple types of cancer without generating significant toxicity.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 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.

‘Bone biographies’ reveal lives of medieval England’s common people – and illuminate early benefits system

Researchers analyzed skeletal remains from medieval Cambridge to recreate everyday lives of residents, revealing diet, activities, and bodily traumas. A new study investigates the hospital's inhabitants, showing how a medieval benefits system operated, with selection criteria based on material want, politics, and spiritual merit.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAntiquity·DateNov 30, 2023

Developing a superbase-comparable BaTiO3−xNy oxynitride catalyst

A team of researchers developed a hexagonal BaTiO3−xNy oxynitride catalyst with basicity comparable to that of superbases. The substitution of nitride ions and oxygen vacancies into face-sharing Ti2O9 dimer sites increases the electron density, resulting in a highly basic catalyst.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Armed to the hilt: Study solves mystery behind bacteria’s extensive weaponry

Researchers discovered that short- and long-range weapons perform differently depending on the competition scenario, with long-range toxins becoming effective at high density and low initial numbers of competing bacteria. This study could help engineer beneficial microorganisms to out-compete pathogenic strains.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 30, 2023

Innovative gel offers new hope for treating gastrointestinal leaks

Researchers developed an adhesive gel to seal and heal challenging gastrointestinal tract-to-skin connections, showing promising results in studies. The gel's unique composition ensures it can effectively seal fistulas, preventing further complications and aiding in healing.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 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.

CityU researchers tackle a century-old teletraffic challenge to enhance medical and public service efficiency

A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel performance evaluation method called Information Exchange Surrogate Approximation (IESA) to calculate blocking probabilities in queueing systems with overflow. IESA provides ways to allocate limited resources better, enhancing resource allocation and capacity plannin...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023