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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 4


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.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2023

To advance space colonization, WVU research explores 3D printing in microgravity

Researchers from West Virginia University are conducting experiments on 3D printing in microgravity conditions to develop materials for long-term space exploration. They found that a titanium dioxide foam can effectively block UV radiation and purify water, making it suitable for use in space habitats.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 30, 2023

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.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Shedding light on the paradoxical prognosis for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, a rare and difficult-to-diagnose inflammatory heart condition

Researchers investigated the paradoxical prognosis of cardiac sarcoidosis, finding that isolated heart condition patients have poorer outcomes due to history of atrial fibrillation and impaired heart function. Steroid treatment responds equally well in both groups.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 30, 2023

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 30, 2023

Amphibians have one more thing to worry about—mercury—large USGS study shows

A large USGS study assesses methylmercury in adult amphibians, finding it to be a toxic compound that bioaccumulates in animals as they feed. The study's results provide new methods and baseline data for assessing mercury risk in endangered species, including those listed under the Endangered Species Act.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 30, 2023

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.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023
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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 30, 2023

Why all languages have words for ‘this’ and ‘that’

Researchers found that all tested languages make the same spatial distinctions using words like 'this' or 'that', based on reachability. This suggests a universal action constraint underlying demonstrative language across cultures.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2023

Imaging brain injury in former national football league players

A study of 54 former NFL players found increased levels of translocator protein (TSPO) indicating brain injury, as well as lower learning and memory abilities. Further research is needed to understand the persistence and progression of these signs over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 30, 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.

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

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.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateOct 30, 2023

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.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023

Choosing safe burrow sites in a scary desert: lessons from desert isopods

A recent study led by ecologists from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem investigated how desert isopods select burrow sites amidst looming predators. Larger female isopods displayed a preference for safer burrows, emphasizing the importance of size and safety in their breeding site choices.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateOct 29, 2023

Scientists create special "telomouse" with human-like telomeres

Researchers developed a mouse model with human-like telomeres by making a single genetic alteration, providing a valuable resource for studying aging and cancer. The discovery highlights the importance of the RTEL1 protein in determining telomere length.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2023

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.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 29, 2023

High engagement, high return: The secret to student success

Researchers found that nearly 70% of student tasks involved superficial learning, limiting opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving. Teachers need support to plan interactive lessons promoting deep learning.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·TypeCase study·DateOct 29, 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.

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.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalMarine Policy·TypeCase study·DateOct 29, 2023

Two bee species become one as researchers solve identity puzzle

Two bee species thought to be distinct are found to be the same, males and females of a single species, using DNA sequencing. The study uses barcoding to identify the species, which is crucial for understanding conservation needs.

SourceCurtin University·JournalAustralian Journal of Taxonomy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2023

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.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateOct 28, 2023

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.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 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.

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.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournaliScience·DateOct 28, 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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.