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Science News for October 27, 2023


3D printed reactor core makes solar fuel production more efficient

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel 3D printing methodology to manufacture porous ceramic structures for efficient solar radiation transport, resulting in twice as much fuel production as uniform structures. The technology has the potential to improve sustainable aviation fuels' economic viability.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 27, 2023

UiB researchers solve protein mystery

UiB researchers and their international team have found that N-terminal acetylation protects proteins from degradation, affecting cell longevity and motility. This discovery provides new insights into the function of a common protein modification in human cells.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 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.

Electrodes with hollow nanotubes improve performance of potassium-ion batteries

Researchers developed potassium-ion batteries using NiCo2Se4 nanotubes, improving electrochemical reactivity and energy storage. The unique structure of the nanotubes enhances the transfer and storage of potassium ions, outperforming other electrodes in terms of cyclic stability and rate capability.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalEnergy Materials and Devices·DateOct 27, 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.

Engineers from the UMA develop more accessible and versatile next-gen “digital twins”

Researchers from the UMA developed an open-source platform called Open Twins to create more accessible and versatile digital twins. This platform enables the simulation of real-world assets based on virtual replicas, predicting future behaviors and detecting anomalies, leading to more efficient companies that make data-driven decisions.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalComputers in Industry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2023

Unlocking sugar to generate biofuels and bioproducts

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory engineered enzymes to modify grass plant cell walls, reducing lignin content and making sugars more accessible. This led to up to 30% more sugar collection through fermentation, enabling potential conversion into biofuels like ethanol.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateOct 27, 2023

Lung cancer screening guidelines perpetuate racial disparities, Stanford-led study finds

A recent study led by Stanford Medicine researchers found that national lung cancer screening guidelines are less effective for African Americans than whites. An alternative risk-based method showed better results in eliminating disparities among races. The disparities persist despite guideline revisions implemented in 2021.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Hydrogel developed by Brazilian researchers improves skin wound healing in diabetics

Researchers developed a low-cost anti-inflammatory hydrogel containing annexin A1 that accelerated complete skin wound healing in mice with induced type 1 diabetes. The hydrogel modulated the wound microenvironment and favored tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel formation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateOct 27, 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.

Possible cause of male infertility

Researchers from Universitatsklinikum Bonn have found that a loss of the structural protein ACTL7B blocks spermatogenesis in male mice, leading to infertility. The study suggests that mutations in the Actl7b gene could be a cause of male infertility in humans.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 27, 2023

A novel sparse SAR unambiguous imaging method based on mixed-norm optimization

Researchers developed a novel sparse SAR unambiguous imaging method using mixed-norm optimization to improve image quality and suppress azimuth ambiguity. The proposed method outperforms existing methods in suppressing azimuth ambiguity and obtaining high-quality images, especially for large-scale scenes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateOct 27, 2023

Long COVID most prevalent in the most seriously ill

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe found that individuals with severe COVID-19 infections experienced the highest prevalence of chronic physical symptoms and had the most persistent symptoms for up to two years after diagnosis. In contrast, those who were never bedridden during their infection presented with a sim...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 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.

Scientists develop nanocellulose-based aerogel film to keep buildings cooler

Researchers have created a scalable and dust-resistant nanocellulose-based aerogel film radiative cooler to reduce daytime cooling efficiency. The material offers robust solar scattering and infrared emissivity, providing a sub-ambient temperature reduction of 6.9°C under direct sunlight.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2023

fMRI study finds correlated shifts in brain connectivity associated with overthinking in adolescents

A recent study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and colleagues found that Rumination-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (RF-CBT) can reduce rumination in adolescents. The study also showed correlated shifts in brain connectivity, suggesting that RF-CBT can help young people break the painful mental loops that contribu...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBiological Psychiatry Global Open Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2023

An updated look at prostate cancer disparities

A new study finds that systemic therapies for advanced prostate cancer are equally effective for Black men as they are for white men, regardless of socioeconomic status. The research suggests that disparities in healthcare can be eliminated with equal access to treatment.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Will machines soon be conscious?

Researchers argue that current AI algorithms lack key features of conscious awareness, including embodied sensory information and thalamocortical system architecture. This suggests that AI systems are unlikely to become conscious anytime soon.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 27, 2023

New battery technology could lead to safer, high-energy electric vehicles

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new technology to suppress lithium dendrite growth in all-solid-state batteries, which could increase energy storage and reduce safety risks. The innovative method, led by Professor Chunsheng Wang, stabilizes battery interfaces and prevents short circuits.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateOct 27, 2023

City of Hope part of successful international Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating sotorasib medication combination for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

A new therapeutic option has been found for patients with a treatment-resistant tumor mutation called KRAS G12C. The sotorasib and panitumumab combination demonstrated superior progression-free survival rates compared to standard of care.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 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.

Action plan for better data on migration and health

A new study reveals gaps in including migrants and refugees in national data collection systems, hindering their human rights and societies' well-being. The authors propose a roadmap for European health systems to improve data quality and promote equity in healthcare.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Team synthesizes a new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complex

A research team has synthesized a new copper-incorporated polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complex, CuW-EDDP, which shows excellent catalytic performance and good reusability in the selective oxidation of various sulfides. The team's findings may provide guidance for developing new polyoxometalate-based metal-organic complexes with ...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateOct 27, 2023
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.

From quantum computing new algorithms for simulating polymeric materials

A study using QUBO approach simulates dense polymer mixtures with significantly improved performance on both quantum and conventional computers. This breakthrough enables researchers to discover surprising properties of simulated polymer systems.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2023

Hybrid nanomaterials promise a sustainability boost across multiple industries

A comprehensive review of polyoxometalate (POM)-based nanohybrids charts their potential in improving sustainability across various industries. The nanohybrids have unique catalytic properties, enhancing photoelectrochemical reactions and promising applications in clean energy conversion, sensors, and electronics.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalPolyoxometalates·DateOct 27, 2023

Like humans, baboons are strategic cooperators

Guinea baboons develop strategies to choose cooperative partners based on past interactions, mirroring human behavior like reciprocity. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests this behavior has been inherited at least 30 million years ago from a common ancestor with humans.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 27, 2023

Alpine rock reveals dynamics of plate movements in Earth’s interior

Researchers analyzed whiteschist from the Dora Maira Massif to study rapid upward movements, revealing a sharp decrease in pressure or decompression. This suggests that UHP rocks may not have reached a depth of 120 kilometers before returning to the surface.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 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.

Tracking down environmental toxins

Researchers have introduced a new technique for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples using interrupted energy transfer. The detection limit is in the µg/l range, making it suitable for on-site testing in highly contaminated regions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2023

Cold War spy satellite imagery reveals Ancient Roman forts

A Dartmouth study analyzing declassified Cold War satellite imagery identified 396 previously undocumented Roman forts across the northern Fertile Crescent. The forts were constructed from east to west, contradicting Father Antoine Poidebard's north-south axis claim and suggesting a more complex distribution along Rome's eastern frontier.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAntiquity·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 27, 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.

Underwater robot finds new circulation pattern in Antarctic ice shelf

A Cornell University-led team used an underwater robot to explore the ocean conditions beneath an Antarctic ice shelf, discovering a new circulation pattern involving a jet funneling water sideways through crevasses. The findings improve modeling of ice shelf melting and freezing rates, which can impact global sea-level rise.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 27, 2023

The race of water droplets

A team of researchers from the University of Liège has studied the mechanisms governing water droplet speed along fibers. They found that thicker fibers result in lower speeds, but unexpected behavior occurs when two fibers are bundled together, leading to faster droplet movement.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 27, 2023

Okinawa’s ants change their seasonal rhythms amid land-cover changes

Ant communities in Okinawa Island show reduced seasonal behavior in areas with more human development. Researchers found that ant populations in developed sites are less predictable and have diminished seasonality compared to forested areas. The study highlights the impact of human activities on insect populations and ecosystem services.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 27, 2023

Protein root discovery seals future of climate proof plants

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a protein that seals plant roots to regulate nutrient and water uptake from the soil. This finding has significant implications for developing climate-proof crops with reduced water and chemical fertilizer requirements.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2023
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.

AI can alert urban planners and policymakers to cities’ decay

Researchers developed an AI-powered method to measure urban decay using street view images, identifying object classes like potholes and graffiti. The model showed promise in detecting urban decline in cities like San Francisco and Mexico City, with potential applications for informing urban policy and planning.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Evolutionary chance made this bat a specialist hunter

A study questions the ongoing arms race between bats and insects, finding that one bat species' low calls are likely due to its evolutionary history. The barbastelle, a hawking bat, has quieter calls than other bats but is likely descended from a gleaner that hunted on surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 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.

Clear holographic imaging in turbulent environments

A new method called TWC-Swin effectively restores holographic images even under low spatial coherence and arbitrary turbulence, surpassing traditional convolutional network-based methods. The study demonstrates strong generalization capabilities, extending its application to unseen scenes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 27, 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.

Researchers at MedStar Health and Georgetown Law find success in integrating lawyers into care teams to support pregnant and postpartum patients

The Perinatal LAW Project, a medical-legal partnership, helps pregnant and postpartum patients tackle unmet legal needs, such as housing and financial insecurity. By integrating lawyers into care teams, healthcare providers can better support patients' health-harming legal issues, leading to improved birth outcomes.

SourceMedStar Health Research Institute·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2023

Intermittent fasting is safe, effective for those with Type 2 diabetes

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found time-restricted eating to be safe and effective for people with Type 2 diabetes, helping them lose weight and control blood sugar levels. Participants who followed the time-restricted eating plan had an easier time sticking to it than those on a calorie-reduced diet.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 27, 2023

Easy diet changes can lower carbon footprint, according to Stanford Medicine-led study

Researchers identified simple food swaps that can make a big difference in an individual's carbon footprint without drastic dietary overhaul. The suggested changes include replacing beef with chicken or plant-based milk, which could reduce the nation's food-related carbon footprint by more than 35% and improve overall dietary quality.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2023

Online games use dark designs to collect player data

A study by Aalto University reveals that online games employ deceptive data collection practices, often hiding information behind complex legal jargon. Players are often unaware of the risks and may feel compelled to conceal their identities or personal data to maintain privacy.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateOct 27, 2023

Meltwater flowing beneath Antarctic glaciers may be accelerating their retreat

New research suggests that meltwater flowing out to sea from beneath Antarctic glaciers is accelerating their retreat and contributing to global sea-level rise. The study's simulations indicate that this process could make a significant contribution to sea-level rise by 2300, potentially up to 15%.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 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.