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Science News for September 22, 2023


Flat-faced dogs may seem more helpless and infant-like to owners

A study found that flat-faced breeds like English and French bulldogs rely more heavily on humans during problem-solving tasks, leading to lower task success rates. This trait may contribute to the strong social bond between owners and these breeds, but the study's findings do not confirm a genetic predisposition.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2023

Wildlife mitigating measures no help for Ottawa’s freshwater turtles

A new study by uOttawa and Trent University found that the development of Terry Fox Drive in Ottawa has led to a 70% decline in Blanding's turtle populations despite wildlife fencing and new wetlands. The researchers predict that the turtle will reach quasi-extinction threshold within the next few years.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeCase study·DateSep 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visualizing the current distribution inside fuel cells and achieving stable operation via non-destructive diagnostics using magnetic sensors

This study uses magnetic sensors to detect and control fuel cell malfunctions. By visualizing the current distribution in real-time, the system can stabilize voltage while controlling bias, enabling stable fuel cell operation. The team aims to develop a comprehensive diagnostic and control system for real-world applications.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Energy·DateSep 22, 2023

Five factors that assess well-being of science predict support for increasing US science funding

A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers identifies five factors assessing science's self-presentation and their impact on public support for increasing US science funding. The factors capture differences between conservatives' and liberals' perceptions of science, highlighting key differences in what matters to each group.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

Editorial addresses clinician burnout with unifying systems medicine model

A new editorial addresses clinician burnout by proposing a unifying systems medicine model that incorporates biological, psychological, environmental, and consciousness factors. The authors suggest that Transcendental Meditation can enhance resilience and prevent burnout-related mind-body conditions.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalHeart and Mind·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 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 study unveils direct synthesis of FCMs via solid-state mechanochemical reaction between graphite and PTFE

Researchers developed a novel solid-state mechanochemical reaction to synthesize FCMs from PTFE and graphite, producing materials with enhanced storage capacity and electrochemical stability. The new method bypasses toxic reagents and offers a safer alternative for practical applications.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 22, 2023

Study finds connection between gut microbiome and bone density

Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Clostridiales DTU089, were associated with lower bone density and microarchitecture in older adults. The study suggests that targeting the gut microbiome could lead to better bone health and potentially reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023

Improving air quality forecasting with daily update of emission inventory

A new approach reduces computational demands by 84% and enables daily estimation of emissions for major pollutants in urban areas. This leads to a notable 7.1% reduction in root mean square errors in 7-day PM2.5 forecasts, contributing to healthier air for all.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 22, 2023
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.

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%.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcological Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 22, 2023

Solid-state NMR unveils fluoride ion channel permeation mechanism

Researchers used solid-state NMR to study the Fluc channel protein and discovered a new fluoride ion permeation model. The findings provide insights into the gating mechanisms in the Fluc channel, shedding light on its functionality.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2023

New research reveals gut microbiota link to colitis: intestinal epithelial axin1 deficiency offers protective effects

A new study reveals that Axin1 deficiency offers protective effects against colitis by regulating intestinal epithelial development and microbial homeostasis. The loss of intestinal Axin1 leads to reduced susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, while the presence of Akkermansia muciniphila further reduces severity.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 22, 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.

Sylvester Research: Socioeconomic status linked with outcomes and survival in patients treated for non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers developed a scoring system analyzing income, education, geographical location, access to care, and other factors to identify patients at increased risk of poor outcomes. The study found significant socioeconomic disadvantage associated with a 21% decrease in textbook outcomes and a 32% decrease in overall survival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateSep 22, 2023

Innovative climate data product reveals humidity's role in temperature extremes

The UK Met Office Hadley Centre introduces a new globally gridded monitoring product, HadISDH.extremes, which provides valuable insights into temperature extremes and their humidity characteristics. The dataset covers the period from January 1973 to December 2022 and features wet and dry bulb extremes indices.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 2023

Brazilian researchers develop method of purifying water contaminated by glyphosate

Researchers at São Paulo State University have developed a technique to remove glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, from contaminated water. By using functionalized cellulose fibers from sugarcane bagasse, they can effectively adsorb and remove glyphosate residues from an aqueous medium.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGenome Medicine·DateSep 22, 2023
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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2023

Can cloud-based quantum computing really offer a quantum advantage?

Researchers developed an entanglement witness circuit to detect qubit entanglement in cloud-based services, overcoming limitations and enabling users to test for entangled qubits. The new framework EW 2.0 is twice as efficient at detecting entanglement.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeroScience·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 22, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 22, 2023

New program helps health professionals and community members determine health risks and create medical interventions for people experiencing homelessness

The CARE program, a rapid risk assessment tool, gathered data on immunization status, general health risk, and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. Automated dashboards provide secure, real-time information on resident needs, enabling health professionals to mitigate risks associated with homelessness.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 22, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 22, 2023

Elderly patients receiving high-quality primary care are more likely to receive varicella-zoster virus vaccination on doctor's recommendation

A study by University of Tsukuba found that elderly patients receiving better services from their primary care providers are more likely to receive the varicella-zoster virus vaccination. The study suggests that providing adequate services needed by patients during primary care may improve shingles vaccine coverage.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateSep 22, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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