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Science News Archive October 2023


Page 4 of 37

Canine cuddles can comfort equally across all genders

A recent UBC Okanagan study found that canine cuddles have a comparable positive wellness effect across all genders, contradicting previous studies with predominantly female participants. The research suggests that canine-assisted interventions can be an inclusive option for post-secondary mental health and wellness programs.

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.

A sustainable alternative to air conditioning

A team of researchers from McGill University, UCLA, and Princeton has found an inexpensive, sustainable way to cool buildings in hot climates using radiative cooling materials. They achieved temperatures several degrees below the ambient temperature, without compromising healthy ventilation air changes.

Engineers develop an efficient process to make fuel from carbon dioxide

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.

Attribute augmentation-based label integration for crowdsourcing

A new method, attribute augmentation-based label integration (AALI), enhances crowdsourced label quality by identifying reliable instances and improving the discriminative ability of the original attribute space. Experimental results demonstrate AALI's superiority over state-of-the-art competitors on simulated and real-world datasets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One-stop solution for shaping and outlining objects

A team of researchers from POSTECH successfully engineered a dual metalens capable of switching between different imaging modes using a single lens. This innovation enables fast mode-switching and acquisition of high-resolution images for applications such as bio-imaging and cellular reactions.

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.

New frequency comb can identify molecules in 20-nanosecond snapshots

Researchers have developed a laser-based system that can detect specific molecules with unprecedented accuracy and sensitivity. The new electro-optic comb setup can capture moment-to-moment details of high-speed processes such as hypersonic propulsion and protein folding, opening the door to novel measurements and insights.

Russell studying Black displacement & mobility in Arlington County

The project aims to create a comprehensive database of researched information on Black displacement and mobility in Arlington County. The database will include oral histories, census data, photographs, historic newspapers, and other artifacts, shedding new light on the county's history.

A wave theory for a neurochemical balance in the brain

Researchers describe traveling waves of acetylcholine in the striatum, revealing a new kind of neurochemical wave. The study proposes a mathematical mechanism by which simultaneous waves of acetylcholine and dopamine arise, maintaining balance in the brain's striatum.

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.

Radiative cooling becomes more efficient with trenches and polymers

Researchers have developed a roll-to-roll polymer film for improved radiative cooling by arranging 3D trench-like structures within the thin layer of the polymer film. The novel technique achieves high cooling performance with low energy input, making it suitable for large-scale thermal management applications.

Even low levels of artificial light disrupt ecosystems

Studies using controlled experimental-ecosystem chambers found that even low intensities of light pollution have profound effects on individual species' responses and ecological networks. Artificial light alters the timing of key behaviors in mosquito populations, which may carry wide-scale consequences for disease transmission.

Offshore wind farms can "steal" wind from each other

Researchers from the University of Bergen found that offshore wind farms can reduce downstream wind resources by up to 20% within 50km due to wake effects. This poses significant regulatory challenges for large-scale offshore wind development, particularly in international waters.

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.

Robot space maintenance based on human arm dynamics

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology propose a human-like variable admittance control method to increase the safety, robustness, and adaptability of robot space assembly. The team successfully verified the effectiveness of their method through space satellite assembly simulation verification.

Increasing risk of invasive species colonization on marine debris

A recent study reveals that marine debris along the Indian southeast coast enables the spread of invasive species, including the mussel Mytella strigata. The research highlights the pressing issue of plastic pollution facilitating non-indigenous organism introduction, posing a significant threat to regional marine ecosystems.

How do animals know it’s lunchtime?

Researchers found that quasimodo (qsm) gene helps sync feeding to light/dark cycles, while genes clock (clk) and cycle (cyc) govern eating/fasting cycles. This discovery sheds light on animal behavior and potential treatments for eating disorders.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.