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Science News Archive October 2023


Page 1 of 37

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.

The limits of deplatforming

Michele Starnini and colleagues studied two online communities on Reddit: GreatAwakening and FatPeopleHate. Despite deplatforming, these communities became more resilient due to their engaged members who migrated to Voat, a new platform.

Efficient biohybrid batteries

Researchers developed a fast-charging hybrid battery system that combines electrochemical generation of formic acid with a microbial fuel cell, enabling efficient energy storage. The system produced enough current for 25 hours of discharge and demonstrated potential applications in monitoring water toxicity.

New hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a novel population of stem cells responsible for osteoarthritis progression. Treatment with fibroblast growth factor 18 (FGF18) stimulated cartilage recovery and reduced osteoarthritis, offering a potential pharmaceutical treatment to address the disease.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How sunflowers see the sun

Researchers discovered that sunflowers don't rely on phototropin for heliotropism; instead, they exhibit a unique gene expression pattern when growing outdoors, suggesting multiple pathways for light-sensing and growth.

Digitizing books can spur demand for physical copies

Research from Cornell University reveals that digitization can stimulate demand for physical copies, particularly for less popular books. The study found a strong 'discovery effect' driving increased sales, with book lovers often preferring physical books over digital versions.

Study reveals factors affecting response of temperate lakes to atmospheric warming

A recent study investigating the thermal response of temperate lakes to atmospheric warming found that local climate, land cover, geomorphology, and water transparency play significant roles in shaping lake responses. Clear, cold, and deep lakes are more responsive to warming, while those with nutrient pollution exhibit lower sensitivity.

Antibiotics for common childhood infections no longer effective

A study led by the University of Sydney found that many antibiotics for childhood infections have less than 50% effectiveness, leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths globally. The World Health Organization has declared antimicrobial resistance a top public health threat, emphasizing the urgent need for updated guidelines.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Improving the world á la Silicon Valley

Economic sociologist Oliver Nachtwey analyzes Silicon Valley speeches and articles to show the emergence of a new spirit of digital capitalism. Solutionism is prevalent among tech elites, but its impact on worker protections and democratic processes remains uncertain.

Scientists train AI to illuminate drugs’ impact

Researchers train AI to analyze data from over 100 cellular drug targets and their genetic variations. The algorithm predicts with more than 80% accuracy how cell surface receptors respond to drug-like molecules.

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.

Wearing your heart (monitor) on your sleeve

Researchers developed a novel wearable ECG patch with active dry electrodes that improves upon traditional Ag/AgCl electrodes by increasing user comfort, reducing skin irritation, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The compact and lightweight design enables continuous monitoring and remote sensing capabilities.

Giant planets cast a deadly pall

New studies show that giant gas planets in nearby star systems can prevent life on smaller, rocky planet neighbors by kicking them out of orbit and wreaking havoc on their climates. Researchers found that four giant planets in the HD 141399 system are likely to destroy the chances for life on Earth-like planets.

New database shines spotlight on decades of solar mirror research

A new database containing thousands of solar mirror samples offers valuable insights into degradation trends over decades. The Solar Mirror Materials Database (SMMD) provides natural and accelerated exposure data for accelerating test development, design optimization, and manufacturing guidance.

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.

Using transcription factors to explore plant metabolites

Researchers used transcription factors to stimulate production of specialized steroids in petunia, which are likely involved in plant defense. The discovery has significant potential for bioproduction of bioactive natural products in various plant families.

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.

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.

High metabolism is an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered that a metabolic increase in the hippocampus is an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that changes in mitochondrial metabolism precede synaptic disorganization and impaired autophagy, highlighting potential new methods for early intervention.

Cigarette style warning labels could reduce people’s meat consumption

A recent study by Durham University suggests that graphic warning labels on meat options could reduce people's meat consumption, improving public health and reducing the UK's carbon footprint. The labels, which show a graphic image alongside text, were found to be effective at discouraging people from choosing meals with meat.

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.

Reverse engineering Jackson Pollock

A team of researchers, led by L. Mahadevan, combines physics and machine learning to create a 3D printing technique inspired by Jackson Pollock's drip painting method. They can quickly create complex shapes with the new technique, which harnesses fluid instability for accurate print creation.

NYU Tandon cuts a rug with new 3D video technology

NYU Tandon's new 3D video technology is being used to enhance dance education by allowing students to learn techniques and choreography from various angles and distances. The project aims to make Point-Cloud Video suitable for streaming on standard devices, reducing bandwidth consumption and increasing accessibility.

New tool makes it easier to diagnose tuberculosis in children

A new diagnostic tool has been developed to help diagnose tuberculosis in children, with a focus on providing accurate results quickly and conveniently. The tool uses blood samples taken from the fingertip and identifies specific gene activity to detect the disease, offering improved accuracy compared to traditional methods.

How did a fly species gain sole access to a fruit in the Seychelles?

Researchers discovered that D. sechellia's nervous system has evolved to tolerate the toxins in noni fatty acids, allowing it to prefer and lay eggs on the fruit. The study reveals differences in taste sensitivities among three closely related fly species, providing insights into how insects adapt to host plants.

Researchers use AI to identify potential gonorrhea vaccine proteins

Researchers used AI to identify 2 promising antigens as candidates for a gonorrhea vaccine, which accurately predicted reduction of bacterial populations. The antigens were tested in lab and animal models, showing efficacy in killing bacteria and decreasing bacterial burden.

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.

Wearable heart monitor ticks all the boxes for better healthcare: Study

A new wearable ECG device weighs only 10 grams and has just three 'dry' electrodes that are almost invisibly thin, capturing the heart's electrical activity with comparable precision to market devices. The device can be used for continuous monitoring and is ideal for patients in remote healthcare and ambulatory care settings.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Novel education programs for sustainable microchips made in Europe

The EU-funded GreenChips-EDU project brings together 15 universities, companies, and research institutions to train specialists in sustainable microelectronics. The program aims to address the industry's skills shortage and promote energy-efficient microchips, with a focus on power electronics.

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.

New position statement supports permanent standard time

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine supports permanent standard time, citing its benefits for health and safety. The updated position statement emphasizes the need to replace daylight saving time with year-round standard time.

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.

Poop, pee and microbes: the complicated ecology of pit latrines

Researchers analyze waste samples from 55 lined pit latrines in Malawi to understand the complex microbial communities. The findings reveal that aerobic microbes are more abundant near the surface and anaerobic microbes deeper in the pit, helping break down human waste and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Domestic violence involving firearms increased during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that domestic violence involving firearms increased in three major US cities during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall domestic violence remained stable. The researchers note that firearm domestic violence may be less sensitive to pandemic-related forces affecting reporting of other types of domestic violence.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Outlook on exercise may curb aging anxiety

A study found that African Americans with higher positivity about physical activity had lower anxiety about aging, regardless of income or living situation. The researchers aim to develop a virtual program to improve access to exercise and healthy eating for middle-aged and older adults.