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Science News Archive October 2023


Page 33 of 37

Reactivate, repurpose, and rewire the brain

New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory explores how adult brains adapt through critical periods of learning, such as caring for young. MECP2 dysfunction causes neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome, but the study finds that brain circuits can be rapidly rewired in adults.

Underappreciation of LGBT executives creates investment opportunity

A recent study by Northumbria University reveals that firms with LGBT CEOs are substantially underestimated and undervalued on the stock market. The researchers found that such companies outperform the market by 0.69%-1.08% per month, making them a hidden gem of an investment opportunity.

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.

AI model for age-related disease target discovery

Researchers developed a novel approach to predict therapeutic targets for aging and age-related diseases. They trained a domain-specific BioGPT model on biomedical literature, which improved its performance in identifying prospective targets.

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.

Birders & AI push bird conservation to the next level

A new method using big data and AI models the interactions of entire ecological communities across continents, revealing patterns of biodiversity. The collaboration between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Institute for Computational Sustainability provides vital information for conservation efforts.

Bird species changing faster than expected in protected areas

A recent University of Helsinki study reveals that bird communities inside and outside protected areas are converging due to climate change, posing challenges for conservation. Southern species are accelerating community-level change, spreading northward in search of suitable climates.

Software can detect hidden and complex emotions in parents

Researchers developed a software that can accurately detect intricate details of emotions in parents, even in everyday family life. The study uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial expressions from videos taken at home, providing potential early intervention opportunities for mood and mental health disorders.

Staying dry for months underwater

A team of researchers has developed a stable, long-lasting superhydrophobic surface with a plastron that can last for months underwater. The surface repels blood and prevents the adhesion of marine organisms, making it valuable for biomedical applications such as reducing infection after surgery.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

A human factor

Researchers have identified a crucial host protein, SND1, that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. The virus uses its own protein NSP9 as a primer for RNA synthesis, which is facilitated by SND1 binding to negative-sense viral RNA.

Demystifying the role of plant x- and y-type thioredoxins

X- and y-type thioredoxins play a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance of photosynthesis during fluctuating light conditions. The study found that these proteins facilitate electron transport through the electron transport chain, preventing photoinhibition and promoting plant growth.

Simultaneous large wildfires will increase in Western U.S.

Simultaneous large wildfires will become more frequent in the Western United States due to climate change, putting a strain on firefighting efforts. The study found that peak seasons for simultaneous blazes could be several weeks longer by the end of the century, affecting resource allocation and prevention strategies.

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.

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Should fathers be screened for postpartum depression?

A new pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that 30% of new dads screened positive for postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of asking new dads about their mental health. The researchers believe that addressing fathers' health can be a powerful untapped tool in improving maternal health.

Cats purr differently than previously thought

Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered that domestic cats can produce low-pitched purring sounds without cyclical neural input. This finding contradicts previous theories and suggests a more complex brain-body connection in cat vocalization.

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.

New study reveals Australian Long COVID response lagging

The Australian Long COVID services lack several categories, including early investigation, accessibility, and trustworthy public health information. Researchers propose building a response on US and UK guidelines that prioritize early detection, mental health support, and referral to multidisciplinary clinics.

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.

Adoption of vegan dog and cat diets could have environmental benefits

A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Machine learning used to probe the building blocks of shapes

Researchers from Imperial College London and the University of Nottingham used machine learning to identify 'atomic shapes' that form basic pieces of geometry in higher dimensions. The findings reveal unexpected patterns in these shapes and demonstrate the potential for machine learning to accelerate mathematical discoveries.

Insect cyborgs: towards precision movement

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a model predicting torque generated from electrical stimulation in stick insect leg muscles, allowing for precise control of insect movement. The study's findings have the potential to refine motor control of tuned biohybrid robots and enable adaptable devices with various applications.

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.

Aging in place: U-M study highlights racial disparities among older adults

A new study from the University of Michigan found significant racial disparities in preparedness for aging in place, with 40% of older Black adults living with a disability. Researchers highlight factors such as income, disability status, and household composition that negatively impact minority aging.

Unlocking the secrets of neuronal function: a universal workflow

Researchers present a groundbreaking approach to create detailed neuronal models that can represent individual cells or predefined types, offering insights into biophysical properties and generalizability. The workflow uses evolutionary algorithms and open-source tools to optimize model parameters and achieve high similarity scores.

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.

Proteins roll the dice to determine bee sex

A research team at Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf identified a key gene and molecular mechanism that determine the sex of honeybees. The process is similar to a game involving two dice, where different protein variants activate a molecular switch for female development.

UGDH in clinical oncology and cancer biology

Researchers classify UGDH as a molecular indicator of tumor progression in multiple cancer types, describing its involvement in key canonical cancer signaling pathways. Methods to inhibit UGDH and its downstream products are also identified.

Revealing the ‘sweet secrets’ of coronavirus cell entry

Researchers at Utrecht University have uncovered a sophisticated mechanism by which coronavirus spike proteins can be activated for cell entry. Sugar binding induces opening of the spike protein and exposure of the receptor binding domain, required for subsequent entry steps.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ancient technology turns plant-based cheese into 'something we want to eat'

University of Copenhagen scientists have successfully produced plant-based cheeses with firm texture and improved aroma profile using natural fermentation processes. The study explores the potential of fermentation to develop flavor and texture in non-dairy cheese, paving the way for a more sustainable dairy-free alternative.

Two-dimensional compounds can capture carbon from the air

Researchers propose MXene and MBene compounds for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, leveraging their high selectivity and mechanical stability. These two-dimensional materials can be engineered to selectively capture CO2, offering a potential solution to curb global warming.

How insects evolved to ultrafast flight (and back)

Researchers discovered that insects evolved ultrafast flight from a single common ancestor, with asynchronous beating and synchronous activation modes. They used physics models and robotics to test how these transitions could occur, finding that evolution can turn on and off this particular mode of flight.

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.

Understanding greenhouse gases in oil palm plantations

A new study by the University of Göttingen reveals that oil palms' photosynthesis and response to meteorological and soil conditions play a significant role in N2O production. The research suggests that conventional measurement approaches can underestimate emissions by up to 49%.

Navigating moiré physics and photonics with band offset tuning

Researchers propose a new way to control moiré flatbands by adjusting the band offset of two photonic lattices, enabling the creation of novel multiresonant moiré devices. This breakthrough opens new opportunities in moiré photonics and promises to inspire future explorations into innovative moiré devices.

Intervention for caregivers helps prevent elder mistreatment

A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.

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.

Large-scale proteomics in population-based studies from UK and Iceland

A large-scale proteomics study from deCODE Genetics analyzed data from over 50,000 individuals across European, African, and Asian ancestry. The study identified over 80,000 associations between genetic variants and protein levels, as well as over 500,000 associations between diseases and other traits with protein levels.

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.

Revolutionizing lymphedema care: new lymphedema-on-chip platform holds promise

Researchers created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels to explore how inflammatory substances affect the lymphatic system. They found that certain cytokines cause cells to tighten their junctions, leading to reduced fluid drainage and swelling. Inhibiting a protein called ROCK2 reversed lymphedem...

Globally, consumption of sugary drinks increased at least 16% since 1990

A new study published in Nature Communications found that global sugary drink consumption increased by at least 16% since 1990, with the highest intakes observed in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. The study also reveals significant regional differences and correlations between sugary drink intake and socio-economic status.

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.

Organizing can give tenants power to effect change

Research by Jamila Michener shows that organized tenants can immediately resolve direct problems and advance health equity through collective action. Tenants from diverse backgrounds across the US were interviewed for the study, highlighting the potential for power-sharing in rental housing.