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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Ancient plant wax reveals how global warming affects methane in Arctic lakes

Researchers studied ancient aquatic plant waxes to understand how global warming affects methane production in Arctic lakes. They found that past warming led to an intensified methane cycle lasting thousands of years, and that ongoing warming could lead to previously under-appreciated fluxes in methane emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Small but mighty new gene editor

A new CRISPR-based gene-editing tool, AsCas12f, has been developed with enhanced editing ability and compact size. The engineered enzyme has already shown success in animal trials and holds promise for improved treatments of genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Ultrafast quantum simulation of large-scale quantum entanglement

Researchers create an ultrafast quantum simulator that can simulate large-scale quantum entanglement on a timescale of several hundred picoseconds. By applying their novel ultrafast quantum computer scheme, they overcome the issue of external noise and achieve high speed and accurate controls.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 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.

Genome study reveals 30 years of Darwin’s finch evolution

An international team sequenced nearly 4,000 Darwin's finches' genomes to understand evolutionary change in natural populations. The results showed that only a few genetic loci explain variation in the beak of the finch, with genes transferring between species contributing to adaptation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 29, 2023

Genes fuelling antibiotic resistance in Yemen cholera outbreak uncovered

Researchers have discovered a new plasmid in epidemic Vibrio cholerae samples that introduces genes encoding resistance to multiple antibiotics. The finding underscores the importance of genomic surveillance and suggests that the strain's stability poses a concerning factor for future outbreaks.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 29, 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.

ASTRO 2023 Session shines spotlight on physician burnout

A panel discussion at ASTRO 2023 sheds light on physician burnout, highlighting the prevalence of the issue in radiation oncology. Expert strategies for achieving work-life balance are presented as crucial to preventing burnout among practicing physicians.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·DateSep 29, 2023

Congenital Heart Surgeons' Society (CHSS) and fourteen professional organizations announce recommendations for performing pediatric heart surgery in US

Leading professional organizations announce first-time multidisciplinary consensus guidelines for essential and comprehensive care centers in the US. The guidelines aim to address known variation in outcomes at different centers, providing structure, process, and outcome components necessary for quality care.

SourceSAGE·JournalWorld Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery·DateSep 29, 2023

Can ChatGPT help us form personal narratives?

A new study found that ChatGPT-4 can generate highly accurate personal narratives based on stream-of-consciousness thoughts and demographic details. The AI model was used in conjunction with therapists to guide patients toward healthier thoughts and behaviors, suggesting a potential tool for improving therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2023

Ultrasound may rid groundwater of toxic ‘forever chemicals’

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that ultrasound can break down harmful PFAS compounds in groundwater, rendering them harmless. The technique works by emitting sound waves that compress and heat up the solution, breaking down the stable carbon-fluorine bonds that make up the toxic chemicals.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·DateSep 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SARS-CoV-2 infects coronary arteries, increases plaque inflammation

Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 directly infects coronary arteries, causing fatty plaque to become inflamed. The virus replicates in macrophages, leading to increased inflammation and potentially worsening cardiovascular complications.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateSep 28, 2023

Experts present pioneering vision on reducing brain disorders by 2050

A special supplement presents insights on neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, affecting 55 million people worldwide. Researchers explore novel molecular pathways and therapeutic approaches, such as acupuncture therapy, to alleviate the burden of brain disorders.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 28, 2023

Researchers realize direct conversion of methane with oxygen at room temperature

Researchers developed direct conversion of methane with oxygen at room temperature using edge-rich MoS2 catalyst, achieving up to 4.2% conversion rate and 99% selectivity for C1 oxygenates. The unique binuclear molybdenum site facilitates O2 dissociation and activates C-H bond.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 28, 2023

Researchers of the School of Science of TalTech revived a method abandoned a century ago. Why?

Researchers at TalTech's School of Science have revived the abandoned Barbier method for creating organometallic compounds, improving efficiency and environmental friendliness. The new technique uses mechanochemistry, a process that avoids organic solvents and produces stable compounds with minimal waste.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 28, 2023
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.

Vision in the brain – hardwired for action

Researchers found that brain circuits in 'deep-blind' zebrafish are fully functional and can drive normal visual behavior through direct stimulation. This study challenges the long-held assumption that neural development depends on visual experience.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Child Development journal Q&A: Music intervention programs can enhance parent and baby language interactions

A study of Music Together program found increased conversational turns and parent verbal quality in participants, suggesting community-based music programs as a promising population-level intervention for infancy. Future work should include broader populations to generalize results.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 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.

Childbirth associated with significant medical debt

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that postpartum individuals in low-income neighborhoods are more likely to accumulate medical debt due to high out-of-pocket costs. Researchers suggest policies to reduce maternal-infant healthcare spending can ease financial hardship and improve birth equity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateSep 28, 2023

Advances in gene therapy for CLN2 batten disease

A new study found that delivering gene therapy to the cerebrospinal fluid directly corrects gene mutations causing CLN2 disease, showing potential therapeutic effects. In nonhuman primates, TPP-1 activity increased significantly after treatment, providing hope for families affected by this fatal childhood disorder.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Uncovered: the source of sticking power and virulence for an emerging fungal pathogen

Researchers characterized adhesins produced by Candida auris, discovering a previously uncharacterized adhesin called Surface Colonization Factor (SCF1) that governs surface association and virulence. SCF1 relies on cationic interactions for attachment, unlike other fungal adhesins that function through hydrophobic interactions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2023

Noninvasive, ultrasound-based brain biopsy is feasible, safe in people

Researchers have developed a noninvasive brain biopsy technique using ultrasound and microbubbles to access brain tissue without surgery. The technique increases circulating tumor DNA by 1.6- to 5.6-fold, providing valuable genetic information for treatment decisions.

SourceWashU Medicine·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

NUTRITION 2024 makes its way to Chicago

NUTRITION 2024 will convene in Chicago to explore the latest nutrition research and share findings on diet and disease, artificial intelligence, and precision nutrition. The event promises to be a knowledge-packed experience with scientific symposia, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateSep 28, 2023

Oldest hunter-gatherer basketry in southern Europe, 9,500 years old, discovered in Cueva de los Murciélagos, Albuñol (Granada, Spain)

A team of scientists has discovered and analyzed the oldest direct evidence of basketry among hunter-gatherer societies and early farmers in southern Europe. The esparto grass objects from Cueva de los Murciélagos date back to the Mesolithic period, between 9,500 and 6,200 years ago.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

“Printing” photo-thermoelectric imagers on soft sheet

A new fabrication process for photo-thermoelectric imagers on soft sheets has been developed, enabling highly durable non-destructive inspections. The process simplifies the integration of multi-functional device substrates, contributing to the manufacturing of image sensor sheets.

SourceChuo University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Data storage of tomorrow

Researchers have developed a novel supramolecular memristor based on bistable [2]catenanes, which can achieve high-density storage and non-volatile memory capabilities. The memristors demonstrated at least 1000 erase-read-write cycles and switching times comparable to commercial inorganic memristors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Menopausal hormone changes linked to cognitive deficits

A new study links menopause to cognitive deficits, revealing estrogen receptor beta's crucial role in astrocytes. Midlife female mice showed cognitive impairment after losing ovarian hormones, and brain atrophy was observed in the dorsal hippocampus.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

'Side-by-side' utility terrain vehicles linked to high rates of hand injuries

A study in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found higher rates of mutilating hand injuries and amputations with side-by-side UTVs compared to all-terrain vehicles. UTV riders had three times the amount of mutilating injuries and nearly ten times the amount of amputations.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 28, 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.

SMU working with transportation nonprofit Feonix Mobility Rising, other universities to improve health disparities in Dallas and Detroit

A community-led research program aims to study the impact of improved transportation on health outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions and women with high-risk pregnancies. The project provides individuals with a mobility wallet, allowing them to access medical services without relying on traditional transportation options.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·DateSep 28, 2023

Science News Special Issue: Heat and Health

Ongoing climate change presents emerging threats to human health, including the awakening of long-frozen pathogens and increasing heat-related hazards in pregnancy. Researchers are working to understand these complex connections, exploring how climate-driven changes affect disease risk and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2023

New study provides evidence for more effective brain-based treatment of chronic back pain

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that reattribution of pain to mind or brain processes can lead to significant reductions in chronic back pain intensity. Participants who received pain reprocessing therapy reported being pain-free or nearly so after treatment, compared to those receiving placebo controls.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 28, 2023

3D-printed plasmonic plastic enables large-scale optical sensor production

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed 3D-printed plasmonic plastic, enabling the mass production of optical sensors that can detect hydrogen gas. The composite material has unique optical properties, allowing it to filter out molecules except hydrogen, making it ideal for various applications.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeNews article·DateSep 28, 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.

Scientists figured out what causes Earth’s strongest lightning

A new study finds that superbolts, which are less than 1% of total lightning but pack a powerful punch, tend to cluster over areas with short gaps between the electrical charging zone and land or water surface. This allows for higher-energy bolts to form due to reduced electrical resistance.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·DateSep 28, 2023

Pharmacist-led intervention can improve medication adherence among Latinos with type 2 diabetes

A pharmacist-led intervention has been shown to improve medication adherence among Latinos with type 2 diabetes, leading to significant reductions in blood sugar levels. The study found that patients who interacted with a pharmacist had an average 0.45% reduction in blood sugar, while systolic blood pressure remained unchanged.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023

New study reveals promising machine learning model for predicting critical bleeding in immune thrombocytopenia patients

A new machine learning model accurately predicts the risk of critical bleeding in patients with immune thrombocytopenia by analyzing easily accessible clinical variables. The model's performance was validated using various statistical measures, including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 28, 2023

Unlocking the potential of silicon anode materials for commercialized batteries

Researchers propose analysis protocol to evaluate feasibility of silicon-containing batteries with reduced particle size and uniform dispersion. The study finds promising results from innovative synthesis technology and initial efficiencies exceeding 90% with improved lifespan characteristics.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 28, 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.

NTU Singapore scientists discover how human cells distribute and maintain their cholesterol levels, aiding in the understanding of cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases

Researchers identified key proteins regulating cholesterol distribution within cells, including OSBP1, ORP92, and GRAMD1s. This discovery sheds light on the critical mechanisms underlying cellular cholesterol distribution, offering insights into various health conditions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2023

How a suction cup delivers medications to the bloodstream

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich has developed a suction cup capable of delivering large molecule medications like peptides to the bloodstream through the mucosal lining of the cheek. The device uses an endogenous agent to fluidise cell membranes, allowing the drug to penetrate deeper tissue layers and enter the bloodstream directly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

Catch-22s of reservoir computing

Researchers have identified a major weakness in reservoir computing, a powerful machine learning tool used to model complex dynamic systems. The tool requires a lengthy warm-up time and relies on key information about the system being predicted being built in, making it challenging to accurately predict chaotic behaviors.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 28, 2023

Innovative approach reveals environmental mechanisms of the end-Cretaceous extinction

A novel approach combines models with MCMC inversion to predict CO2 and SO2 emissions, carbon export productivity, and remineralization changes across the K/Pg boundary. The results show decoupled CO2 and SO2 emissions, evidence for a two-stage drop in carbon export productivity, and no clear signal of a volatile impulse at the boundary.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2023

Wearable device data reveals that reduced sleep and activity in pregnancy is linked to premature birth risk

A study using wearable device data found that reduced sleep and physical activity during pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. The research, led by Stanford Medicine, collected data from over 1,000 women throughout pregnancy and identified patterns that can help prevent early deliveries.

SourceStanford Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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 Human Brain Project ends: What has been achieved

The Human Brain Project has driven outstanding advances in brain research and medicine, producing over 3000 academic publications and 160 digital tools. The EBRAINS infrastructure will remain accessible to the scientific community after the project's end.

SourceHuman Brain Project·DateSep 28, 2023

A turtle time capsule: DNA found in ancient shell

A team of paleontologists has discovered the oldest record of sea turtle DNA in a fossil shell from Panama's Caribbean coast. The findings, published in Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, date back approximately 6 million years to the upper Miocene Epoch.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateSep 28, 2023

Life satisfaction may not enhance cognitive functioning among some older adults

A new study suggests that life satisfaction has limited benefits for cognitive function in older adults experiencing health or socioeconomic challenges. High life satisfaction was associated with increased cognitive functioning among most individuals, but it was less beneficial for those with low SES, poor health, or adverse psychologi...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalSSM - Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 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.