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Science News Archive September 2023


Page 11 of 37

Re-wetting is key for boosting CO2 storage in southern peatlands

Re-wetting southern peatlands along the US south Atlantic coast could significantly boost carbon storage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A new Duke University study reveals that maintaining water levels between 20-30 cm below the local water table can increase CO2 storage by up to 90%.

Jellyfish shown to learn from past experience for the first time

Scientists demonstrated that Caribbean box jellyfish can acquire the ability to avoid obstacles through associative learning, a process in which organisms form mental connections between sensory stimulations and behaviors. The study suggests that combining visual and mechanical stimuli is required for associative learning in jellyfish.

Efficient fuel-molecule sieving using graphene

Researchers developed a graphene-based proton-exchange membrane that successfully suppresses the crossover phenomenon, allowing for high proton conductivity while blocking fuel molecule penetration. This study contributes to the development of advanced fuel cells as an alternative to hydrogen-type fuel cells.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tiny bubbles could reveal immune cell secrets and improve treatments

Penn State researchers develop a bubble-based technique to visualize macrophages in mammal tissue, offering insights into immune system regulation and potential therapies. The approach enables real-time monitoring of immune cells, which could lead to more effective cell-based treatments for conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders.

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.

Kinase-targeted therapy in subsets of colorectal cancer

Researchers explore kinase inhibitors as targeted therapies for specific CRC subsets, offering hope for improved treatment options. Key findings suggest that uncovering essential kinases for tumor growth can lead to more effective treatment strategies in metastatic or later-stage CRC patients.

Migratory birds can be taught to adjust to climate change

Researchers in Sweden and the Netherlands have found that migratory birds can synchronize with food resources by flying a shorter distance, resulting in better breeding success. By giving these birds a helping hand, they may be able to maintain robust populations of small birds despite earlier springs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Probing the deep genetic structure of Africa

Researchers from a Portuguese-Angolan TwinLab conducted fieldwork in the Angolan Namib desert, discovering groups thought to be extinct or uncontactable. The study reveals unique Pre-Bantu ancestry in modern populations from the Namib desert, divergent from other southern African ancestries.

Fruit flies offer clues to how brains make reward-based decisions

Researchers studied fruit flies to understand how their brains assign value to rewards, finding that expectations play a crucial role in decision-making. By observing the flies' behavior, the team pinpointed the site in the brain where these value adjustments are made, enabling them to test a theoretical framework on neural circuits.

Is there more to palm oil than deforestation?

A study in Germany found that consumers struggle to grasp the environmental consequences of their buying choices, even with extra information. The research suggests introducing an eco-label could guide shoppers towards more informed decisions about sustainable palm oil production.

Phototherapy of Alzheimer’s disease during sleep

Phototherapy during sleep effectively increases lymphatic excretion of beta-amyloid from brain tissues, cleansing the brain of toxic metabolites. This technique also demonstrates significant therapeutic effects over wakefulness, potentially offering new hope for Alzheimer's treatment.

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.

There is much to improve in identifying all the chemicals around us

Researchers identify significant room for improvement in NTA studies, citing biased sample preparation, inconsistent reporting, and technology-driven limitations. The study aims to develop new analytical technologies and data analysis protocols to better understand the true chemical space of exposure.

Vulnerability of older adults to government impersonation scams

A behavioral experiment involving 644 older adults found that many are susceptible to government impersonation scams, including those without cognitive impairment. The study highlights the need for awareness and education among this demographic to prevent such scams.

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.

Astronomers discover newborn galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope

Scientists have observed 16 newly formed galaxies that exhibit significantly less heavy elements than expected, indicating a lack of time for element creation. The findings suggest that these galaxies are still in the process of being created, contradicting the long-held equilibrium model of galaxy formation.

Efficient training for artificial intelligence

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute present a method for training artificial intelligence using physical processes, reducing energy consumption and computing time. The new approach relies on non-linear processes, such as optics, to mimic the human brain's parallel processing, potentially leading to more efficient neural networks.

Same genes behind heart muscle disorders in humans and Dobermanns

A study by the University of Helsinki has identified two genetic risk factors, RNF207 and PRKAA2, that contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy in both humans and Dobermanns. The research offers a new perspective on the disease and may lead to the development of early diagnostic tests for breeders.

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.

Earth’s crust, tectonic plates gradually formed, geoscientists find

A Penn State-led research team found that the Earth's crust has continued to rework over billions of years, rather than rapidly slowing its growth. The study used the rock record database to chart the crustal growth curve and suggests a correlation between the Earth's crust and mantle.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

NASA’s Webb finds carbon source on surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa

Astronomers using James Webb Space Telescope data have identified carbon dioxide on Europa's icy surface, supporting the idea that it originated in the subsurface ocean. The discovery provides crucial insights into the potential habitability of Europa's ocean and may inform future missions like NASA’s Europa Clipper.

Dinosaur feathers contain traces of ancient proteins, study finds

Researchers discovered that dinosaur feathers originally had a similar protein composition to those of modern birds, contradicting earlier findings. The study used X-rays and infrared light to analyze 125-million-year-old feathers from dinosaurs and early birds, revealing the presence of beta-proteins in ancient feathers.

New findings on hair loss in men

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified five rare genetic variants associated with male-pattern hair loss. The researchers analyzed the genetic sequences of 72,469 male participants from the UK Biobank project and found associations between rare variants in genes such as EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F.

Trigonelline derived from coffee improves cognitive functions

A recent study published in Geroscience found that trigonelline, a plant alkaloid in coffee, significantly improved spatial learning and memory performance in senescence-accelerated mice. The researchers also identified the underlying molecular mechanisms, including reduced neuroinflammation and increased neurotransmitter release.

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.

Unraveling the mysteries of glassy liquids

Researchers propose a new framework to explain the emergence of 'dynamical heterogeneities' in glass-forming liquids, which become increasingly correlated as they cool down. This study provides insights into the Stoke-Einstein breakdown and suggests a new handle for understanding other complex systems with intermittent dynamics.

Jellyfish are smarter than you think

Caribbean box jellyfish have demonstrated complex learning capabilities, including associative learning and memory formation, despite having only one thousand nerve cells. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary success of jellyfish and raises questions about the universality of advanced learning mechanisms in animals.

A network that spreads light and the role of thalamus in our brain

A new study from the University of Liège provides insights into how light stimulates our brains and its impact on cognition. The research found that the thalamus plays a crucial role in relaying non-visual light information to the parietal cortex, which controls attention levels.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

AI increases precision in plant observation

Researchers at the University of Zurich developed PlantServation, a method that enables scientists to observe plants with great precision using AI and machine learning. The technique allows for the analysis of millions of images taken from various weather conditions, providing insights into how plants respond to environmental factors.

Nanofluidic device generates power with saltwater

Researchers designed a nanofluidic device to harness energy from seawater-freshwater boundaries, where ions naturally flow due to salinity differences. The device converts ionic flow into usable electric power through Coulomb drag, with surprising behaviors and amplification effects discovered in simulations.

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.

The role of the locus coeruleus. A blue stain linked to sleep

A study using ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI found that the locus coeruleus is essential for regulating REM sleep, with increased activity during wakefulness associated with poorer quality sleep. This effect was particularly pronounced in older individuals (50-70 years), who were more likely to experience insomnia.

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.

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.