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Science News Archive September 2023


Page 30 of 37

Valleytronics is warming up at Brookhaven Lab

Scientists have discovered a method for maintaining valley polarization at room temperature using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and chiral lead halide perovskites. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that store and process information in novel ways without the need for ultra-low temperatures.

Bacteria generate electricity from wastewater

Researchers at EPFL engineered E. coli bacteria to exhibit enhanced extracellular electron transfer, producing electricity while metabolizing organic substrates. The bioengineered E. coli surpassed previous approaches, generating three times more electrical current in various environments, including wastewater from a brewery.

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.

Dosage tweaks may hint at undiscovered interactions between medications

Analysis of over 1 million Danish inpatients reveals nearly 4,000 drug pairs linked to increased dosage adjustments and potential harmful interactions. The study suggests previously undiscovered interactions among these pairs, highlighting the importance of considering dosage when evaluating polypharmacy.

Distance from clinic influences abortion pill access

A new study by UW Medicine researchers found that women living farther from a medical clinic are more likely to use telemedicine for medication abortion. Multiracial women and those in rural areas were more likely to opt for telehealth services, while Black women were more likely to receive in-clinic care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women with PCOS on keto diet may see improvements in fertility

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who follow a keto diet for at least 45 days may experience significant weight loss and improvements in reproductive hormone levels. Lower testosterone levels can also help reduce excess hair growth and other symptoms associated with PCOS.

Older people may have glaucoma without realizing it

A study by Lena Havstam Johansson found that nearly 5% of 70-year-olds had undiagnosed glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and affects vision. Those with glaucoma reported poorer quality of life due to impaired vision, leading them to avoid social activities and feel frustrated.

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.

Genetic tools probe microbial dark matter

Researchers have identified essential genes for the growth of Patescibacteria, a group of tiny microbes that live on larger bacteria. The study provides insights into their unique biology and potential biotechnology applications.

Lack of evidence hampers progress on corporate-led ecosystem restoration

A Lancaster University-led study found that corporate-led ecosystem restoration projects often fail to report ecological outcomes, invest sufficient funds, or clearly state their aims. The research highlights the need for improved transparency and consistent reporting to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

A positive worldview is less associated with privilege than expected

Researchers found no significant association between socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender with positive world views. Surveys showed that certain indicators of privilege—socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender—are much less associated with positive world views than predicted by researchers.

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.

Conservation: Shark ecotourists may have a negative effect on shark behavior

A study published in Scientific Reports found that whale sharks exhibit disturbed behavior patterns when swimmers mimic ecotourist behavior, potentially affecting food availability and reproduction. The findings suggest that shark ecotourism operators should assess shark behavioral states before allowing tourists into the water.

New at-home test for gingivitis protects oral health

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new at-home test that uses saliva to detect early signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. The device can identify periodontal disease caused by bacteria in saliva, providing an opportunity for consumers to protect their oral health.

Moral reasoning displays characteristic patterns in the brain

Researchers found that moral judgments involve distinct brain regions and activity patterns, contradicting the idea of moral monism. The study also revealed differences in brain activity between liberals and conservatives, suggesting that moral foundations can be identified through neural activations.

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 Swift learns a new trick, spots a snacking black hole

Astronomers using NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory discovered a black hole repeatedly nibbling on a Sun-like star in a distant galaxy. The object was detected using a new method for analyzing data from the satellite's X-ray Telescope, enabling it to adapt to new areas of astrophysics.

Fiber from crustaceans, insects, mushrooms promotes digestion

A new study found that digesting fiber from crustaceans, insects, and mushrooms in mice engages the immune system, leading to less weight gain, reduced body fat, and a resistance to obesity. The researchers discovered that an active immune response was triggered by chitin digestion, which is insoluble and requires enzymes to break down.

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.

3D genome analysis reveals secrets to antibody diversity

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that the 3D organisation of DNA in B cells allows for genes far away from each other to come together during antibody generation. This finding has implications for understanding why antibody diversity declines with age and suggests potential interventions.

New stroke treatment in development at UTHSC

Researchers are developing a new treatment for ischemic stroke by targeting the prostaglandin receptor EP2, which could have a wider therapeutic window and improve behavioral outcomes. The potential new treatment has the potential to reduce inflammation and provide protection for neurons after an ischemic stroke.

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.

Blood-brain barrier governs ant behavior by altering hormone levels

Researchers discovered that the blood-brain barrier in carpenter ants produces a hormone-degrading enzyme, Juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe), which controls JH3 hormone levels in the brain, affecting behavior. Manipulating Jhe levels can reprogram ant castes and even change food-seeking behavior in fruit flies.

MIT engineers design more powerful RNA vaccines

The new approach boosts immunity by engineering nanoparticles and antigens to stimulate a stronger immune response. The vaccine induces a strong immune response when delivered intranasally, potentially leading to longer-lasting immunity and reduced costs.

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.

Team will study microbes’ effect on climate change

A $2 million NSF-funded study led by the Muscarella Lab will investigate the linkages between microbes and plants in the northern tundra, exploring their role in sweeping climate-induced changes. The research focuses on understanding the interactions between microbes, plants, and the environment to better predict future climate shifts.

Keeping herpes in check

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating herpes by inhibiting an enzyme that releases newly formed virus particles from infected cells. The inhibitors, made of oligosaccharides, significantly reduce the spread of the virus and may also impede cancer metastasis.

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.

New test shows promise for detecting hard-to-find cervical cancers

Scientists at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center have developed a novel HPV test that detects cervical adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions with high sensitivity. The test assesses methylation levels in cervical tissue samples, offering a more accurate detection method for this common type of cancer.

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.

Developing a less invasive test for inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have developed a less invasive test for inflammatory bowel disease by analyzing the sugar molecules attached to antibodies. The study found distinct patterns of glycans on immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies between patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which could lead to a simple blood-based diagnostic test.

Study links epigenetic changes to historic trauma in Alaska Native communities

Researchers found specific epigenetic differences among Alaska Native participants who experienced intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses. Individuals with strong cultural identity reported better well-being. The study is the result of a close collaboration between scientists and members of two Alaska Native co...

Unraveling the link between obesity, diabetes, and endotrophin

A groundbreaking study by UNIST researchers reveals that high levels of endotrophin in fat cells disrupt autophagy, leading to inflammation and insulin resistance. Inhibiting ATG7 protein function or neutralizing endotrophin shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity-related metabolic diseases.

They fall more easily for conspiracy theories

A study by Linköping University researchers found that people who believe truth is subjective are more likely to fall for conspiracy theories. These individuals tend to hold on to their beliefs even when faced with contradictory facts, and may find profound messages in nonsense sentences.

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.

Are large corporations upholding their conservation promises?

A study of 100 large businesses reveals a lack of transparency in reporting on ecosystem restoration efforts. Despite claiming to carry out restoration projects, many companies fail to report details such as project size, financial information, and ecological outcomes.

On the track of elusive neutrinos

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have successfully measured the energy of electrons produced in tritium beta decay, allowing them to set a first upper limit on neutrino mass using 'CRES' technology. The method involves detecting microwave radiation emitted by electrons as they travel in a magnetic field.

University of Miami upgrades Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory in Barbados

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has upgraded its Barbados Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory to collect more accurate data on Saharan dust particles affecting the Caribbean region. The observatory now includes state-of-the-art instruments to study dust's impact on clouds, climate and air quality.