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Science News Archive October 2023


Page 23 of 37

Study finds global climate change adaptation actions are too uncoordinated

A new study reveals that climate adaptation efforts are lacking in global coordination, with individuals and households shouldering the majority of the burden. Comprehensive collaboration between actor groups is necessary for effective adaptation, especially in rural areas where state actors play a more significant role in urban areas.

Research reveals how smell can influence our perception of color

Researchers found that participants chose different grey colours when exposed to various scents, such as coffee and caramel. The study suggests that our sense of smell can influence how we perceive colour, with the presence of certain odours leading to anticipated correspondences in colour perception.

New research sheds fresh light on mystery of infant consciousness

A study published in Trends in Cognitive Science found that infants are capable of conscious experiences from birth, which can shape their sense of self and understanding of the environment. This breakthrough has important implications for clinical, ethical, and legal aspects of infant care and development.

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.

Local chemical pressure experimentally sensed by optical probe

Researchers have successfully developed an optical probe to measure local chemical pressure, which can simulate the effects of physical pressure. The approach involves using a site-selective optical probe to detect changes in emission peaks, reflecting the pressure experienced by a polyhedral motif.

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 fuel economy of a microswimmer

A new model describes microswimmer self-propulsion energy requirements, enabling optimized shape designs and applications in microfluidics, biophysics, and material science. The study reveals surprising similarities between artificial and natural shapes.

The effects of preheating on vehicle fuel consumption and emissions appear minimal

A new study by the University of Eastern Finland found that preheating a vehicle has minimal effects on both fuel economy and emissions under cold winter conditions. While preheating showed some benefits in terms of engine comfort and wear reduction, its impact on overall fuel consumption was only slightly lower than after a cold start.

Around the globe, climate adaptation lacks coordination

A recent study reveals that climate adaptation efforts globally are largely isolated and uncoordinated, with a lack of cohesion in task distribution among various actors. Comprehensive, just, and forward-thinking adaptation requires involvement from multiple groups, including governments, organizations, and individuals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Cell atlases of the human brain presented in Science

Two parallel projects publish detailed cell atlases of the adult human brain and brain development, revealing over 3,000 cell types, including new insights into brain diseases and potential therapeutic targets. The freely available brain atlases will enable researchers to compare healthy brains with diseased ones.

Stress wrecks male big brown bat fertility during breeding season

A study found that acute stress has a sudden and dramatic effect on the fertility of male big brown bats during breeding season, with testosterone levels plummeting by ~50% and sperm production reduced. The team also discovered that stressed bats released more of a key hormone that can reduce fertility and ability to reproduce.

A step towards understanding early interventions for Huntington’s Disease

A recent study published in Nature Medicine suggests that complement proteins and microglia can be activated early in the development of Huntington's Disease, leading to synapse loss and cognitive decline. By blocking these proteins, researchers were able to prevent or slow cognitive defects and motor symptoms in animal models.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

AI researchers expose critical vulnerabilities within major LLMs

Researchers from Mindgard and Lancaster University exposed vulnerabilities in major Large Language Models (LLMs) that can be copied for as little as $50. This 'model leeching' attack allows attackers to gain insights into how LLMs work, enabling them to launch targeted attacks with an increased success rate.

UTSA study could remove carbon emissions from atmosphere

Researchers at UTSA have been awarded a grant to develop a new technology that converts carbon dioxide into a raw material for producing chemical products. The project has the potential to create a productive area of catalysis research and reduce greenhouse emissions.

New center addresses global climate change impacts on water, other resources

The new Global Center on Climate Change, Water, Energy, Food, and Health Systems program will address the impacts of climate change on rural and refugee communities in Jordan. The three-year program will focus on health effects research, health equity, intervention research, and training and capacity building.

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.

Flagship individuals can boost conservation

A new study suggests that individual animals, like Lua the Antillean manatee, can be used as flagships to encourage engagement and behavioural change in conservation. These charismatic species often have unique characteristics that make them appealing to humans and can inspire policy changes.

Astronomy: One small step towards lunar roads

A proof-of-concept study demonstrates the viability of using lasers to melt lunar soil into a solid substance for paving. The technique could be used to mitigate dust issues and facilitate transport on the Moon by creating roads and landing pads.

Engineered bacteria guide CAR-T cells to poorly infiltrated solid tumors

A new probiotic-guided chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T platform uses engineered bacteria to infiltrate and produce synthetic antigen targets, enabling CAR-T cells to find and destroy tumor cells in situ. The approach expands the scope of CAR-T cell therapy to include solid tumors, which are poorly infiltrated by T cells.

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.

Common drug can improve hand osteoarthritis symptoms: Study

A Monash University study found that methotrexate, a low-cost and effective treatment for inflammatory joint conditions, can reduce pain and stiffness in patients with symptomatic hand OA. The study's results suggest that methotrexate may be a viable treatment option for people with hand osteoarthritis and inflammation.

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.

Programmed cell death may be 1.8 billion years old

A recent study found that apoptotic factors in eukaryotes have a bacterial or mitochondrial origin, suggesting conservation over 1.8 billion years. The researchers proposed an alternative scenario where early protoeukaryotes domesticated bacteria to produce toxins, which eventually evolved into apoptotic factors.

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.

Advertising rental housing in Spanish puts off many potential renters

A recent study from University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Max Besbris found that non-Spanish speaking Americans perceive Spanish housing ads as indicative of less desirable housing options, leading to racial segregation. The study suggests that language in online rental housing advertisements shapes people's perceptions of their p...

Traumatic memories can rewire the brain

Researchers have discovered that traumatic memories create new neural networks and associations between distinct networks, enabling fear-based learning and recall. The study used optical and machine-learning approaches to visualize the dynamics of brain activity during memory formation.

Red blood cell transfusion in the ICU

Red blood cell transfusions were common in ICU patients globally, with overlapping reasons for use despite differing clinical contexts. The three most common triggers for transfusion (hypotension, tachycardia, hemodynamic instability) were largely consistent across regions.

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.

Self-correcting quantum computers within reach?

A Harvard team has successfully developed a self-correcting quantum computer using neutral atom arrays, achieving near-flawless performance with extremely low error rates. The breakthrough enables the creation of large-scale, error-corrected devices based on neutral atoms.

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.

HKU and HKUST physicists unlock controllable nonlinear hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene - promising for diverse application in new materials and quantum information industries

A team of international researchers has discovered a controllable nonlinear Hall effect in twisted bilayer graphene, which holds promise for applications in new materials and quantum information industries. The nonlinear transport behaviour can be easily controlled and manipulated by adjusting the dispersion of flat bands and twist ang...

New catalyst could provide liquid hydrogen fuel of the future

Researchers at Lund University have demonstrated a method for converting isopropanol into hydrogen using a solid catalyst, paving the way for a liquid fuel that can be delivered at a pump. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be used in larger vehicles such as buses and aircraft.

Plastic production via advanced recycling lowers GHG emissions

Producing new plastic via advanced recycling of post-use plastic reduces GHG emissions by 18-23% and fossil energy use by 65-70%. The study analyzed 2017-2021 data from eight companies and found a further 40-50% reduction when factoring in current end-of-life practices.

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.

What can we learn from the Great Resignation?

A study by the Complexity Science Hub analyzed work discourse on Reddit between 2018 and 2021, finding that mental health concerns significantly contributed to the surge in quit rates. The study suggests that companies can improve working conditions by prioritizing employees' relational and self-fulfillment needs.

Self-wrinkling coating for impact resistance and mechanical enhancement

Researchers developed a self-wrinkled coating that boosts impact resistance and mechanical enhancement through a unique photo-polymerization process. The coating's microphase-separated structure and gradient cross-linked architecture enable energy dissipation and improved performance, outperforming conventional methods.

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.

Size matters: How body size shapes dogs' aging patterns

A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.

Hostile sexism linked to less responsive parenting

A new study finds that fathers and mothers who hold sexist attitudes towards men's power and authority exhibit less responsive parenting behavior, which can lead to behavioral issues and lower academic achievement. The research highlights the need for addressing hostile sexism to improve child well-being and reduce gender inequality.

Coffee and cocoa plants at risk from pollinator loss

A new study reveals that tropical crops relying on insect pollinators are under threat from climate change and agricultural activities. The research found significant declines in insect pollinator abundance and richness, with the tropics being the most vulnerable region.