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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 20


Page 20 of 40

Exposure to air pollution in utero may affect reproductive system development

Research from Rutgers University found that air pollution during critical periods of prenatal and early infant development may negatively alter anogenital distance, a measure of hormone exposure. Higher levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) were associated with shorter anogenital length at birth and in males at age one.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 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.

Engineering bacteria to biosynthesize intricate protein complexes

Researchers developed an innovative bioengineering approach using genetically modified bacteria to incorporate protein cages around protein crystals. This method efficiently produces highly customized protein complexes for specialized applications. The resulting crystals have a core-shell structure with a cubic PhC core covered in five...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

New laser setup probes metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses

Engineers at MIT have developed a new laser-based technique to probe metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses, enabling the dynamic characterization of microscale metamaterials. The LIRAS system excites and measures vibrations in hundreds of miniature structures within minutes, accelerating the discovery of optimal materials for a...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

How could global food production break down?

A new analysis by Aalto University reveals that industrial agriculture is highly sensitive to shocks in agricultural inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The study models the impacts of these shocks on crop yields and food availability globally, identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Food·DateNov 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai secures $5 million NIH grant for cutting-edge cancer target discovery and development center

The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has been awarded a $5 million NIH grant to establish a state-of-the-art center dedicated to discovering and developing novel therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. The Center will utilize cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations to accelerate the translation of scientif...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateNov 15, 2023

Genetic discovery promises high-iron vegetables and cereals

Researchers identified genetic mutations in peas that enable high iron accumulation, opening doors for biofortification of staple crops like wheat and barley. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce iron deficiency anaemia globally.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Novel workflow closes the gap in detecting 5q-spinal muscular atrophy

A novel workflow has been developed to identify patients with 5q-SMA, a common type of spinal muscular atrophy, more accurately. The new approach uses a bioinformatics pipeline that masks the paralogous regions of the SMN1 gene, allowing for more precise detection of genetic variants.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Neuromuscular Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 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.

Pain scores, age can help identify patients more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that younger patients and those with no prior experience with opioids are more likely to use few or no opioids after surgery. The researchers used data collected through automated text messages sent to 3,600 patients who underwent common surgical procedures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgery Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Multiple evolutionary trajectories in aquatic crocodiles

Researchers at the University of Liège used 3D modeling to analyze the evolutionary trajectories of thalattosuchians and dyrosaurs, two species that colonized marine environments independently. The study reveals significant differences in adaptations and functional capacities between these groups and present-day crocodiles.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPalaeontology·DateNov 15, 2023

Researchers identify the variants responsible for a rare and serious disorder

A research team identified two different RAD50 variants in a patient with progressive bone marrow failure and immunodeficiency, leading to loss of function of the MRN complex. The findings suggest that RAD50 deficiency/Nijmegen breakage syndrome-like disorder is characterized by growth retardation and microcephaly.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateNov 15, 2023

Surveilling wetlands for infectious bird flu — and finding it

Researchers developed a detection method for infectious bird flu virus in wetlands frequented by waterfowl. The method successfully detected HPAI virus strains in four out of four wetland sites in April, but not from a lake, highlighting the need for improved RNA detection techniques.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 15, 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.

More than 10% of samples from a stool-based colorectal cancer test may be unsatisfactory

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that over 10% of fecal immunochemical tests used for routine colorectal cancer screening contained unsatisfactory samples. This led to fewer than half of patients completing follow-up testing within 15 months. The authors suggest potential solutions to improve comp...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateNov 15, 2023

7 countries, 1.3 million lives lost – the devastating impact of tobacco revealed

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that smoking tobacco causes 20.8 million years of life loss each year, with four preventable risk factors contributing to over 30 million years of life lost annually. The study suggests that action on a global scale could save millions of lives from preventable cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

New deep learning AI tool helps ecologists monitor rare birds through their songs

A new deep learning AI tool called ECOGEN has been developed to generate lifelike bird sounds, enhancing the samples of underrepresented species. This allows for improved bird song classification accuracy and contributes to the conservation of endangered bird species.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 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.

How bacteria recognize viral invasion and activate immune defenses

Researchers at Rockefeller University have discovered that bacteria sense phages via the CBASS system, which detects viral RNA to initiate an immune response. This finding may help counter antibiotic resistance. The discovery sheds light on how core immune functions are shared across distantly related domains of life.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

Study: People with obesity burn less energy during day

Researchers discovered that individuals with obesity expel more energy at night compared to those with a healthy weight. During the day, people with obesity have higher insulin levels, indicating their body is working harder to process glucose.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalObesity·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Why it’s important to improve communication of unanticipated genomic findings to patients with late-stage cancer

A qualitative study by City of Hope highlights the importance of proper patient preparation for unanticipated, inheritable genetic findings prior to tumor sequencing. The research emphasizes the need for scalable educational interventions that facilitate informed consent, such as online tools and applications.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2023

UK diabetes prevention program may have global impact

A nationwide UK diabetes prevention program has been shown to improve glycemic control and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in adults. The program, which refers high-risk individuals to lifestyle counseling, has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 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.

Neurotoxin BMAA found in dust from Great Salt Lake

Researchers have identified BMAA, a chronic neurotoxin linked to ALS and Alzheimer's, in dust particles from the Great Salt Lake. This dust poses an environmental health risk due to its inhalation potential.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalToxins·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Researchers halt progression in Parkinson's disease mouse model

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have made a groundbreaking discovery that inhibiting a specific enzyme can halt the progression of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. The findings suggest that reducing USP30 may slow or prevent PD progression, paving the way for novel therapeutics.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2023

With unprecedented flares, stellar corpse shows signs of life

Astronomers confirm that a stellar corpse is the source of repeated energetic flares observed after a distant star's explosive death. The team detected at least 14 irregular light pulses over a 120-day period, likely driven by processes such as rapid rotation or strong magnetic fields.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 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.

Scientists 3D-print hair follicles in lab-grown skin

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully created hair follicles in human skin tissue using 3D-bioprinting techniques. This innovation has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug testing, and understanding the complex interactions between skin and topical products.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation

Researchers developed 'tension-activated repair patches' that release anti-inflammatory molecules, helping discs regain tension and reverse herniation. The patch uses natural biomechanical movement to activate its release, offering a potential early intervention for preventing worsening pain related to disc degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 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.

A bi-directional iterative approach to Android automated testing

A new research proposes an Iterative Android Automated Testing (IAAT) method that automatically records and integrates User Operation Processes (UOPs) from manual testing. The IAAT method shows a significant improvement in test coverage compared to traditional automated testing methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

The liking gap is real for second language English speakers, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found that second language English speakers underestimate how much they are liked by others, with females underestimating their speaking skills even more. This 'liking gap' can limit beneficial interactions and hinder meaningful relationships, potentially affecting students' academic and social integration at universities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalLanguages·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

A novel system for slip prevention of unmanned rovers

A novel system for slip prevention of unmanned rovers has been developed by researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology. The system uses strain displacement data to detect the traveling state of the rover and prevent slipping incidents. It also detects environmental obstacles, such as rocks and stones.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Shape-shifting immune cells offer new insights into cancer immunotherapy

A recent study by Harvard researchers provides an engineering approach to understanding the failure of macrophages in cancer therapies. The team found that different phenotypes exhibit different penetration into tumors, with M0 macrophages showing improved transport efficiency.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 15, 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.

Cancer: Discovery of the mechanisms regulating cancer formation

A study by Bansaccal et al. reveals that oncogene-expressing cells in the ear epidermis undergo vertical invasion to form invasive basal cell carcinoma, whereas those in the back skin expand laterally without invading the dermis. The team found that the extracellular matrix composition, particularly collagen density, plays a crucial ro...

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

Focus groups can work without a moderator, shows research

A novel 'remotely-moderated' focus group method has been developed and tested, where questions are posed on a screen and moderated by an off-site researcher. This approach encourages participants to go beyond their usual role and engage in frank discussion, revealing valuable insights into issues they may not have considered before.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalQualitative Research in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Fourth dose of COVID vaccine boosts protection in patients with rheumatic disease

A new study suggests that a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of infection and severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found a 41% reduction in risk for infection and 65% reduction for admission/death compared to those who did not receive a fourth dose.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 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.

An engineered protein enhances memory

Researchers have developed an engineered LIMK1 protein that can be activated by administering the drug rapamycin, resulting in improved memory function. This innovative approach has great potential applications in understanding memory processes and facilitating the identification of solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Birds set foot near South Pole in Early Cretaceous, Australian tracks show

A team of researchers discovered 27 avian footprints on the southern Australia coast dating back to the Early Cretaceous period. The tracks provide evidence for early avian evolution and suggest a possible migratory route, with some tracks showing similarities to modern-day shorebirds.

SourceEmory University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

New studies of brain activity explain benefits of electroconvulsive therapy

Researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity helps boost inhibitory activity, slowing down neuronal cycles and effectively controlling how neurons turn on and off. The studies also found similar effects in magnetic seizure therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2023

Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered iron storage 'spheres' inside C. diff bacteria, which are crucial for infection and offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. The study, published in Nature, also reveals that bacteria may compartmentalize biochemical processes in a way similar to eukaryotic cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 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.

On two small islands in the Indian Ocean, an endangered palm with the world’s largest seed sows a lesson about landscape restoration

A study on the endangered coco de mer palm tree found that inbreeding depression may not be a major threat to its survival, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers discovered that female trees prefer closely related kin to sire their offspring, suggesting outbreeding depression as a possible issue.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Marijuana component offers opioid alternative by effectively treating dental pain

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces dental pain intensity by 70% and improves bite force. While side effects occurred more frequently than placebo, promising results suggest CBD may be an effective alternative to opioid painkillers for managing acute toothache.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

Smaller hippocampus linked to cognitive decline

A new study published in Neurology finds that shrinkage in the hippocampus area of the brain is associated with cognitive decline, regardless of amyloid plaques. The study involved 128 participants and found that faster hippocampus atrophy was linked to faster cognitive decline.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateNov 15, 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.

Data gap in SARS-CoV-2 cases in animals

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub found that at least two-thirds of animal COVID-19 deaths were not reported to official sources. The researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 35 animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for improved data exchange and reporting.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalOne Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Webb follows neon signs toward new thinking on planet formation

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected distinct neon signatures in the dusty disk surrounding the young Sun-like star SZ Chamaelontis, indicating a change in high-energy radiation that reaches the disk and limits planet formation time. This difference points to a variable wind absorbing UV light and leaving X-rays to pummel the disk.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 15, 2023

Colored by numbers? Pack images get tick of approval to make product varieties stand out

New research from the University of South Australia found that images are more effective at signaling product variety than colors, with only 56% of color choices matching customer expectations. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 576 products and recommended using images to convey variety and protecting master brand colors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 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.