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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 24


Page 24 of 40

New compound outperforms pain drug by indirectly targeting calcium channels

Researchers have identified a small molecule that reverses four types of chronic pain in animal studies without troublesome side effects. The compound, CBD3063, binds to the inner region of a calcium channel, indirectly regulating its activity and reducing neurotransmitter release.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 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.

Ammonia fuel offers great benefits but demands careful action

Researchers at Princeton University found that an ammonia economy can help achieve decarbonization goals, but it poses risks if not managed properly. The widespread use of ammonia could lead to significant emissions of nitrous oxide and nitrogen oxides, affecting air quality, water quality, and ecosystems.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

H bond promoted hydride transfer

A research team developed a modularized catalytic system using covalent organic frameworks and commercial Cu2Cr2O5 to mimic enzyme active sites, achieving enhanced activity in transfer hydrogenation reactions. Hydrogen bonds between COFs and isopropyl alcohol facilitate dehydrogenation and promote hydride transfer.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Aerosols: When scents influence our climate

Research by Dominik Stolzenburg reveals that aerosols from volatile organic substances can cluster together to form condensation nuclei for water vapor. This process affects cloud density and global warming, potentially offsetting the effect of CO2 increases on climate change.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 13, 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.

Is there a physiological explanation behind experiencing glare?

A study published in Scientific Reports investigated physiological explanations for glare experience. Researchers found that macular pigment density may not explain variations in people's glare perception, particularly under neutral daylight conditions.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 13, 2023

New theory links topology and finance

A new study published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science introduces the topological tail dependence theory, a methodology for predicting stock market volatility. The approach incorporates persistent homology information, enhancing the accuracy of models and detecting complex correlations.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

"Zoom fatigue": Exhaustion caused by video conferencing proven on a neurophysiological level for the first time

A new study has provided neurophysiological evidence for videoconference fatigue, a feeling of tiredness and alienation caused by prolonged video-based communication. The study found that video conference-based lectures exhausted test subjects more than traditional in-person lectures.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Acupuncture may offer limited relief to patients with chronic hives

Researchers found that acupuncture improved symptoms in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), but the benefits were not significant enough to meet the minimal clinical difference threshold. The study included over 300 participants and suggested that clinicians should consider using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 13, 2023

Tracking down quantum flickering of the vacuum

A team from HZDR has developed proposals for an improved laser experiment designed to verify vacuum fluctuations, which could potentially provide clues to new laws in physics. The experiment involves manipulating the vacuum fluctuations with ultra-powerful laser flashes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review D·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

Anthropogenic climate change heightens risks of spatially compounding flooding and heatwave events

Researchers found that anthropogenic climate change heightens risks of spatially compounding flooding and heatwave events, with likelihood increasing tenfold by mid-21st century under high-emissions scenario. Adopting low-emissions scenario could reduce this likelihood to seven times more probable.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalWeather and Climate Extremes·DateNov 13, 2023

Shortening sleep time increases diabetes risk in women

A new study found that curtailing sleep by 90 minutes for six weeks increased insulin resistance in women, particularly postmenopausal women. Insulin resistance was also linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 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.

Similar to primates: how rodents can see moving objects

Researchers used AI models to analyze rat brain cells and found they can process high-level visual information like primates. This discovery sheds light on the visual system of rodents and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed new burdens on already disadvantaged groups and left pre-existing social inequalities in place

The COVID-19 pandemic worsened social inequalities in Sweden, particularly among those with low incomes and education. The study found that disadvantaged groups faced higher risks of poor health, economic strain, and reduced access to medical care.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

Risk assessment after severe complication of liver cirrhosis improved

Researchers developed a new risk assessment system to identify patients with low-risk profiles who can benefit from liver stents. These patients have a significantly higher mortality rate than previously thought, highlighting the need for targeted treatment and further personalization.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateNov 13, 2023

How marine bristle worms use a special protein to distinguish between sunlight and moonlight

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered a unique cryptochrome protein in marine bristle worms that distinguishes between sunlight and moonlight. The protein's structure reveals an unusual light-induced change from dimer to monomer arrangements, allowing it to synchronize reproduction with lunar phases.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 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.

New drug-like molecule extends lifespan, ameliorates pathology in worms and boosts function in mammalian muscle cells

Researchers at Buck Institute identified a new drug-like molecule that keeps mitochondria healthy via mitophagy, a process that removes and recycles damaged mitochondria. The compound, MIC, extended lifespan in worms and improved mitochondrial function in mouse muscle cells.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Some of today’s earthquakes may be aftershocks from quakes in the 1800s

A new study suggests that some modern earthquakes in the central and eastern United States could be long-lived aftershocks of past quakes, rather than foreshocks or background seismicity. The researchers analyzed earthquake data from three historic events in the 1800s to determine whether recent earthquakes were likely to be aftershocks.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateNov 13, 2023

Your reaction matters: the role of antibodies in Covid-19 response

Researchers found that antibodies targeting the N-terminal domain have a lower ability to protect against delta variants compared to those targeting the receptor-binding domain. The study provides new insights into vaccine development, highlighting the importance of understanding antibody responses.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalVaccine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

New study indicates C4 crops less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops

A new study reveals that C4 crops are significantly less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops, with potential implications for improving crop productivity and resilience. The research suggests that C4 bioenergy feedstocks can maintain performance in regions with high ozone levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 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.

Faster Arctic warming hastens 2C rise by eight years

A new modelling study led by UCL researchers finds that faster Arctic warming will breach the global 1.5C and 2C temperature thresholds five and eight years earlier than expected. This accelerated warming adds substantial uncertainty to climate forecasts, highlighting the need for more extensive monitoring of temperatures in the region.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEarth System Dynamics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

Exploring large language model: Construction, multimodal, evaluation and prospects

This study investigates large language model (LLM) construction, optimization, and evaluation, highlighting the importance of open-source models and cost-saving methods. The authors also identify challenges faced by LLMs, including scarcity of datasets and model instability, and propose potential research directions.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalJournal of Image and Graphics·DateNov 13, 2023

Ammonia for fertilisers without the giant carbon footprint

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have developed a method to produce ammonia without high temperatures, pressures, and infrastructure. The new technique enhances energy efficiency and makes environmentally friendly ammonia economically feasible.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 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.

Debunking the myth of steady male employment

A new study by Penn State researchers found that only 41% of Baby Boomer men experienced continuous high employment over their prime earning years. Most men instead followed less stable employment paths with increasing unemployment, time out of work, or intermittent work.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·DateNov 13, 2023

Absorbable scaffold outperforms angioplasty for lower-leg artery disease

A new resorbable scaffold has been shown to be more effective than traditional angioplasty in treating severe artery blockages in the lower leg. In a large clinical trial, patients who received the scaffold had a 74% chance of avoiding adverse events, compared to 44% for those who underwent angioplasty.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

North Atlantic’s marine productivity may not be declining, according to new study of older ice cores

A new study by the University of Washington challenges previous findings of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The researchers analyzed an ice core from central Greenland and found that human-generated pollutants changed the atmosphere's chemistry, offsetting a decrease in marine productivity.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

How climate change could be affecting your brain

Research suggests that global warming can affect brain development and plasticity, as well as lead to changes in cognitive function and overall health. The study calls for further investigation into the impact of extreme weather events on brain structure and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 13, 2023

Reversible adhesive

A team of scientists at Newcastle University has created a novel, water-based adhesive system that can bond surfaces in the neutral pH range but can be detached again in strongly acidic or alkaline environments. The new adhesive exhibits high adhesion strength to difficult-to-bond polypropylene surfaces.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Overdose prevention sites not associated with increase in crime, according to study

A study by Brown University researchers found that government-sanctioned overdose prevention centers in New York City were not associated with a significant increase in crime. The analysis of five administrative datasets showed no changes in violent crimes, property crimes, or calls for emergency services in the surrounding neighborhoods.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 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.

Scientists discover key to a potential natural cancer treatment’s potency

Researchers have discovered two new cofactorless oxygenases, TnmJ and TnmK2, which enable bacteria to produce compounds for targeting and breaking up DNA. This breakthrough offers a potentially easier way to study and manufacture complex natural chemicals, including those that could become medicines.

SourceUF Health·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

One step closer to Mars immigration

A team of scientists has developed an AI chemist that can synthesize an oxygen-producing catalyst from Martian meteorites, enabling long-term survival on the planet. The breakthrough technology could establish an 'oxygen factory' on Mars, producing sufficient oxygen for human survival with minimal solar irradiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Synthesis·DateNov 13, 2023

Widening gender gap in life expectancy in the US

The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 13, 2023

A ‘fish cartel’ for Africa could benefit the countries, and their seas

African nations could see an additional $37 million in profit each year by raising access fees for their fisheries. This would lead to an increase in fish biomass and a more sustainable operation. However, challenges include differing interests and objectives among governments and varying conditions of different fisheries.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2023
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.

Low-intensity fires reduce wildfire risk by 60%, study finds

A new study by Columbia University and Stanford University finds that low-intensity fires can dramatically reduce the risk of devastating wildfires in California forests. The analysis reveals a 60% reduction in risk after a low-intensity fire burns, with effects lasting at least six years.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 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.

Refreshing a computer chip to a “chiplet”

A team of researchers from Pitt and Notre Dame have received a $2 million NSF grant to develop 'chiplets' - refurbished integrated chips that can be reused in new products, reducing manufacturing waste and emissions. The project aims to create a more sustainable computing lifecycle by mapping the reuse of decommissioned FPGAs.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 13, 2023

Twisted magnets make brain-inspired computing more adaptable

A new study using twisted magnets as computational medium has made brain-inspired computing more adaptable, reducing energy use and potential carbon emissions. The research found that by applying magnetic fields and changing temperature, physical properties of the materials can be adapted to suit different machine-learning tasks.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Cycle of fasting and feeding is crucial for healthy ageing

Researchers found that older fish deviate from a youthful fasting and refeeding cycle, entering a permanent fasting state despite eating. Genetic activation of AMP kinase's γ1 subunit restored benefits of refeeding in old killifish, improving health and longevity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 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.

Naturally regrowing forests are helping to protect the remaining old forests in the Amazon

New research reveals that secondary forests in the Amazon cover over 190,000 km² but connect more than 2 million isolated fragments of old-growth forest, crucial for biodiversity conservation. These forests also act as a buffer zone, shielding old-growth edges from negative effects like hotter temperatures and wind.

SourceBangor University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher leads project to develop oxygen sensor for premature infants of color

A team led by WPI researcher Ulkuhan Guler has received NIH funding to develop a wearable sensor for premature infants that can mitigate skin-color bias in oxygen level measurements. The four-year project aims to create a convenient and affordable sensor that will enable infants at risk of lung disease to leave hospitals sooner.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 13, 2023

Second-most distant galaxy discovered using James Webb Space Telescope

Researchers confirmed the distance of two galaxies in Pandora's Cluster, which are larger than other galaxies at such extreme distances. The ancient galaxies offer insights into how the earliest galaxies might have formed and provide a window into the past.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

An intravenous needle that irreversibly softens via body temperature on insertion​

Researchers developed a new intravenous needle that softens via body temperature on insertion, reducing tissue damage and blood-borne disease risks. The P-CARE needle's variable stiffness characteristics make it flexible upon insertion, allowing for more comfortable injections.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 13, 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.

Endangered turtle population under threat as pollution may lead to excess of females being born

A study by Griffith University found that pollution can compound the female-biasing influence of rising global temperatures on sea turtles. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, discovered that exposure to heavy metals and organic contaminants can feminize green sea turtle embryos.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Forming ice: There’s a fungal protein for that

A new study reveals that fungal proteins can facilitate ice formation at temperatures as warm as -10°C, challenging the long-held assumption that pure water only freezes at 0°C. The research also shows that these proteins are incredibly efficient, with some being 25 times smaller than other known ice-nucleating proteins.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023