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Science News for September 4, 2023


Extreme El Niño weather saw South America’s forest carbon sink switch off

A study by the University of Leeds found that South American forests lost their ability to absorb carbon from the atmosphere during an extreme El Niño event in 2015-2016. This suggests that tropical forests may no longer be able to mitigate climate change, but conservation efforts can still protect them.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeSurvey·DateSep 4, 2023

Assessing the massive costs of biological invasions to the world

A new study published in BioScience documents the progress of the InvaCost endeavour, which has compiled data on the economic cost of biological invasions. The database now includes over 13,553 entries and provides a clear picture of the major threats posed by invasive species to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBioScience·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 4, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Blowing snow contributes to Arctic warming

A study published in Nature Geoscience found that blowing snow produces fine sea salt aerosols, increasing particle concentration and cloud formation in the central Arctic. These aerosols contribute to Arctic warming by trapping surface long-wave radiation, boosting temperatures.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 4, 2023

Plesiosaurs doubled their neck-length by gaining new vertebrae

Researchers discovered that pachypleurosaur species doubled their neck lengths by adding new vertebrae, reaching lengths of up to five times the length of their trunk. This rapid growth occurred over a period of 5 million years in response to changing marine environments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 4, 2023

Atomic-scale spin-optical laser: new horizon of optoelectronic devices

Scientists develop a coherent and controllable spin-optical laser based on monolayer-integrated spin-valley microcavities, enabling the study of spin-dependent phenomena in classical and quantum regimes. The discovery paves the way for new optoelectronic devices and opens up new avenues for fundamental research.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain cells living on the edge

A paper published in Nature Communications shows that when neurons are given task-related sensory input, they change how they behave and support the critical brain hypothesis theory. The researchers used DishBrain, a collection of 800,000 human neural cells, to demonstrate near-critical network behavior emerges when the neural network ...

SourceCortical Labs·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Geologists at UC Santa Barbara link continental flooding to subduction

Geologists found evidence of subduction at continental margins during periods of continental flooding, which raised sea levels. The study suggests that subduction under Gondwana may have caused the Sauk Transgression, a major flood event in North America's geologic record.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2023

Measurement of skeletal muscle mass using the bioelectrical impedance technic in athletes

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba evaluated bioelectrical impedance for estimating skeletal muscle mass in athletes, finding a strong correlation between skeletal muscle mass and impedance indices. This method also effectively estimates intracellular water levels, making it a promising tool for accurate body composition assess...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateSep 4, 2023
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.

Pioneering beyond-silicon technology via residue-free field effect transistors

Scientists have successfully fabricated centimeter-scale transition metal dichalcogenide field-effect transistors with low ohmic contact resistance close to the quantum limit. The devices exhibited an ultrahigh current on/off ratio of ~10^11 at 15 K, outperforming previous values.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

The art of wandering in vertebrates: new mapping of neurons involved in locomotion

Researchers have identified a conserved brain region in vertebrates essential for initiating forward movement. The mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR) stimulates reticulospinal neurons to control finer details of movement. Mapping this circuit could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 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.

Key role of epigenetic information in stem cell function unveiled

A groundbreaking study from the University of Copenhagen sheds light on the significance of transmitting epigenetic information during cell division for proper function of embryonic stem cells. The researchers found that histones play a crucial role in maintaining epigenome stability and cell identity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 4, 2023

Low-cost molybdenum complex paves the way for sustainable photochemistry

Researchers develop a simple, low-cost molybdenum complex for photocatalysis and photon upconversion, overcoming the limitations of expensive precious metal complexes. The complex shows excellent photostability and outperforms traditional compounds in some cases.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 4, 2023

Improving organic solar cell efficiency through molecular engineering

Researchers found that adding OEG-based side chains to polymer donors enhances the hydrophilicity of the material, improving interactions between the donor and small molecule acceptors. This leads to improved power conversion efficiency and device stability in non-halogenated processing solvents.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateSep 4, 2023

Children with higher BMI at increased risk of developing depression

Research from King's College London found that children between ages 12 and 16 with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at an increased risk of developing depression symptoms. The study also showed that there is a stronger association for children with a higher BMI at an early age to develop depression at a later age.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateSep 4, 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.

Three out of four populations of rare butterflies have been lost

A comprehensive study reveals a 72% reduction in rare butterfly populations across Eastern Denmark, with only 158 sites remaining from 565 in 1993. The research highlights the need for improved habitat protection and management to safeguard these species.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalBiological Conservation·DateSep 4, 2023

THE LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH: Experts warn 'green growth' in high income countries is not happening, call for 'post-growth' climate policies to meet Paris targets

A study found that high-income countries' emission reductions fall short of Paris Agreement targets, with many needing to reduce emissions by 30 times faster than achieved. Experts call for a post-growth approach to decarbonize and achieve urgent social and ecological goals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateSep 4, 2023

Pharmacy discount card programs like Amazon Prime and GoodRx gold could save patients millions of dollars in out-of-pocket costs for commonly prescribed generic medications

A nationally representative study found that at least one out of five prescriptions for commonly prescribed generic medications were cheaper through Amazon Prime or GoodRx Gold discount cards compared to actual out-of-pocket payments made by patients. The findings highlight the disproportionately higher frequency of out-of-pocket payme...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 4, 2023

New study uncovers the Causes of the Qing Dynasty's Collapse

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub has pinpointed three main drivers of the Qing Dynasty's collapse: population explosion, elite competition, and financial burden. These factors culminated in a series of uprisings that led to the dynasty's downfall despite being wealthier than modern-day China.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 4, 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.

Most species are rare. But not very rare

Researchers analyzed data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and found a universal pattern of species abundance distributions, with most species being rare but not extremely rare. The study's findings may help answer Darwin's question about why some species are common while others are rare.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2023

Pioneering research sheds surprising new light on evolution of plant kingdom

A new study has uncovered that plants evolved gradually over time, with episodic bursts of innovation to overcome environmental challenges. The research found that changes in plant anatomy occurred in association with events where the entire cellular genetic make-up was doubled, likely due to errors in genome-copying.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 4, 2023

Atomically-precise quantum antidots via vacancy self-assembly

Scientists fabricate QADs with engineered quantum hole states, exhibiting novel transport properties and unique quantum phenomena. The structures' robustness against environmental influences enables exploration of novel quantum phenomena and material technologies.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Thai comprehensive Health Improvement intervention can increase the physical health of people with early psychosis

The Thai-HIP intervention has been shown to increase the physical health of people with early psychosis by addressing various health issues such as poor dental health, physical inactivity, and diet. By involving family members in care planning, the program ensures better adherence to the planned physical health program.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 4, 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.

Large herbivores keep invasive plants at bay

A new study shows that large herbivores can protect local nature by eating and trampling on invasive plant species. Native plants have evolved to withstand the treatment of these herbivores, while invasive plants usually cannot.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 4, 2023

Flexible solar cell achieves major power conversion efficiency gains

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters have developed flexible solar cells with efficiencies comparable to conventional solar cells. They achieved significant power conversion efficiency gains by optimizing the material composition and guest component location in ternary organic solar cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 4, 2023

First-in-class targeted microRNA therapy slows cancer tumor growth

Researchers developed a targeted microRNA therapy that slowed cancer tumor growth in a 21-day study. The therapy, which combines a delivery system with modified microRNA-34a, suppressed the activity of genes driving cancer and resistance to other therapies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Conservation gardening: Green spaces in Germany could contribute far more to biodiversity conservation

A recent study has developed an app providing lists of native, declining species suitable for gardening, increasing public engagement. The research found that over half of threatened species are commercially available and prefer dry soils, offering a promising approach to reversing biodiversity decline.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 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.

Farms that create habitat key to food security and biodiversity

Research finds that smaller farms with varied crop types and forest patches support many bird species typically found in forests, even as populations decline in forests. Diversified farming can be crucial for preserving biodiversity and its benefits, including ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2023

Wood modification boosts biomass conversion

Scientists have engineered trees to be easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks using callose-enriched wood. This approach increases the efficiency of converting woody plant biomass to fuel and other useful products.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

How to inactivate common cold viruses

RSV virus remains infectious on surfaces for up to seven days, emphasizing the need for regular disinfection. Effective hand sanitizers with at least 30% alcohol content can inactivate the virus.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Better cybersecurity with new material

Researchers at Linköping University develop a new type of quantum random number generator based on perovskite light emitting diodes, providing improved randomness and security. The technology has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than traditional methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Physics·DateSep 4, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.