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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

Products made of plastic falsely claimed to be biodegradable are on sale at Brazilian supermarkets

Researchers found that most allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by Brazilian supermarkets are actually oxo-degradable plastics banned in several countries. The products cost 125% more than conventional alternatives and failed to meet minimum requirements for genuine biodegradability.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateOct 26, 2023

Endangered whales live in area earmarked for gas exploration

New research reveals that endangered whales and dolphins inhabit the Hellenic Trench off Greece year-round, challenging seismic surveys and oil and gas exploration. The study confirms the presence of four species, including sperm whales, in both summer and winter, highlighting the need for conservation measures.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateOct 26, 2023

Research group wins ERC Synergy grant for development of revolutionary colorectal cancer screening and treatment system

A research group led by Professor Kaspar Althoefer has been awarded a €10m ERC Synergy grant to develop a revolutionary new system for screening and treating colorectal cancer. The system, which combines medical robotics, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive surgery, aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateOct 26, 2023

Astronomers discover infant "escaping star"

Researchers have discovered a protostar leaving its birthplace using high-resolution molecular spectral lines. The study found the core to have a significant blue shift of -2.3 km/s relative to its parental cloud, indicating an escape velocity less than 4,000 years ago.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 26, 2023

More accurate identification of children at high risk for RSV disease

A new study has identified 16 major risk factors for severe RSV infection in children under one year of age. The researchers created a clinical prediction model that performed well in both Finland and Sweden, highlighting the need for targeted prevention measures for high-risk infants.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 26, 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.

New quantum effect demonstrated for the first time: Spinaron, a rugby in a ball pit

Scientists at the University of Würzburg validated an alternate theory proposing the spinaron effect, where individual cobalt atoms exhibit perpetual motion and interact with electrons in a unique manner. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in magnetic information encoding and transportation, making IT more energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Antibody-drug conjugate helps patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer live longer, delaying disease progression

A UCLA-led study shows datopotamab deruxtecan, a Trop-2 directed antibody-drug conjugate, significantly improves progression-free survival in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The treatment primarily benefits patients with non-squamous tumors, reducing disease progression and improving overall survival.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateOct 26, 2023

A new era for accurate, rapid COVID-19 testing

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a novel platform that combines nanopore technology with artificial intelligence to detect different coronavirus variants quickly. The platform was tested on 241 saliva samples and detected the Omicron variant 100% of the time.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 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.

Quantum materials: superconductor performs best under pressure

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) discovered that applying mechanical pressure to strontium ruthenate increases its transition temperature and facilitates deformation. This is attributed to quantum mechanics resonance of electron oscillations, making the material softer.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

A safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas approaches?: Retroelement-based genome editing tools

Researchers propose retroelement-based gene editing as a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas systems due to reduced risk of DNA double strand breaks and unwanted chromosomal modifications. This approach leverages endogenous mobile genetic elements, which can be programmed for targeted genomic engineering without generating DSB.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2023

Does guideline-based treatment prevent racial disparities in cardiovascular outcomes?

A secondary analysis of the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort study found that black and non-black women with obstructive coronary artery disease had similar long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The study suggests that guideline-based treatment, including statins and ACE inhibitors, may reduce racial disparities in cardi...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Scientists find two ways that hurricanes rapidly intensify

New research identifies two modes of rapid intensification, one linked to favorable environmental conditions and warm surface waters, the other triggered by major bursts of thunderstorms far from the storm's center. These findings may lead to better understanding and prediction of catastrophic hurricanes.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Abortion rates among commercially insured patients declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and did not rebound to pre-pandemic rates

A study by Brigham researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in surgical abortions for commercially insured patients, with no concurrent increase in medical abortions. The rate of surgical abortions remained below pre-pandemic levels through June 2022.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Machine can quickly produce needed cells for cancer treatment

A new tool has been developed to rapidly grow cancer-killing white blood cells, called T cells, which could advance the availability of immunotherapy. The bioreactor is 30% faster than current technologies and can be self-contained in a sterile cabinet.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiotechnology Progress·DateOct 26, 2023

New tool measures food security duration, severity

A new method, probability of food security (PFS), measures food insecurity likelihood and finds that a third of US households experienced at least temporary food insecurity. PFS identifies chronic and transitory food insecurity groups for more refined policy addressing.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 26, 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.

UCLA researcher finds first proof of menopause in wild chimpanzees

A study of wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Kibale National Park found that females can experience menopause and postreproductive survival. The research challenged the long-held assumption that this trait is unique to humans, suggesting it may be a species-typical trait in chimpanzees.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2023

Effective treatment for rare sight-threatening infection

A new international clinical trial found that a drug candidate is highly effective in treating Acanthamoeba keratitis with medical cure rates of 87%, reducing the risk of poor visual outcomes and surgery. The treatment, low concentration polihexanide (PHMB 0.08%), follows a novel and evidence-based protocol.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2023

Even treated wood prevents bacterial transmission by hand

Researchers found that smooth surfaces like tile and lacquer-coated wood have low bacterial growth, while porous surfaces like untreated oak increase the risk of contamination. Treated wood is recommended as surface material to prevent bacterial transmission via dry hands.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEnvironmental Advances·DateOct 26, 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.

An unexpected link between 2 schizophrenia risk proteins

A study in mice finds that two proteins, MAP6 and Kv3.1, interact to control movement, memory, and anxiety. Disrupting this interaction can lead to behavioral changes, including hyperactivity and impaired memory, highlighting potential new targets for schizophrenia treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2023

Uranus aurora discovery offers clues to habitable icy worlds

University of Leicester astronomers confirm the existence of an infrared aurora on Uranus, offering clues to its magnetic fields and potential for life. The discovery may also help identify other habitable planets with similar characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 26, 2023

Webb observes the glowing embers of colliding neutron stars

Researchers observed a gamma-ray burst from a kilonova, the collision of two compact neutron stars, using the James Webb Space Telescope. The data revealed the creation of the element tellurium, which had not been recognized before, and provided new insights into the formation of heavy elements in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2023
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.

Interacting polarons

Scientists generate multiple quasiparticles simultaneously in a quantum gas and observe their complex interactions, including attractive and repulsive behavior. Quantum statistics plays a crucial role in these interactions, which are essential for understanding fundamental mechanisms of nature.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Controlling waves in magnets with superconductors for the first time

Researchers successfully controlled spin waves by using a superconducting electrode, which acts as a mirror to reflect the magnetic field back to the spin wave. This breakthrough offers an energy-efficient alternative to electronics and opens doors for designing new circuits based on spin waves and superconductors.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2023

Bone density is kept up by the same process with hair color

A team of Osaka University researchers discovered a link between Rab32 and Rab38 proteins, crucial for both hair pigmentation and bone resorption. Double-knockout mice showed increased bone density and altered physical characteristics, highlighting the importance of these proteins in maintaining bone homeostasis.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fungi used in food production could lead to new probiotics

Researchers identified two fungus strains, Cyberlindnera jadinii and Kluyveromyces lactis, with potential probiotic effects on gut inflammation. These strains may offer a new way to develop probiotics and treat inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateOct 26, 2023

Viral reprogramming of cells increases risk of cancers in HIV patients

Researchers at UC Davis Health found that KSHV infection can lead to inflammation and dysregulation of the immune system. The study used single-cell sequencing and other technologies to investigate the role of IL-6 in KSHV-mediated reprogramming of immune cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 26, 2023

Number of people in minimally conscious state after severe brain injury established for the first time

A nationwide study by Radboud University Medical Center found that approximately 32 patients in the Netherlands are in a minimally conscious state after severe brain injury. These patients were on average 45 years old and showed signs of consciousness, such as following simple commands or showing emotions.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 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.

ERC Synergy Grant for immunotherapy of liver metastases

Researchers from the Max Planck Research Group aim to investigate the local immune system of the liver to develop new immunotherapy strategies for metastatic diseases. They will examine tissue and tumor samples using state-of-the-art techniques to identify key molecules and checkpoints in complex cellular interaction networks.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateOct 26, 2023

To navigate the world, we all shimmy like these electric fish

Researchers discovered a wide range of organisms, including microbes and humans, exhibit similar movement patterns to navigate their surroundings. These patterns are thought to be linked to uncertainty management in the brain.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023