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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 21


Page 21 of 37

The pandemic a tough time also for pharmacies

A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalExploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2023

NIH clinical trial of universal flu vaccine candidate begins

A Phase 1 trial of FluMos-v2 has begun at the NIH's Clinical Center, evaluating its safety and immune response. The vaccine aims to provide protection against multiple flu strains, with the potential for less frequent dosing than traditional seasonal vaccines.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Supermassive black holes alter galactic chemistry

A team of researchers used ALMA to observe the central region of Messier 77, a galaxy hosting an active supermassive black hole. The study found that molecules commonly found in galaxies break down along the path of bipolar jets emanating near the black hole, while distinctive molecules increase in concentration.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Rating platforms drive sales at tourist-area NYC eateries

Ratings on platforms like Yelp and TripAdvisor significantly impact high-priced NYC restaurants serving tourists, while having less effect on local eateries. Locals use firsthand information, making them less reliant on rating platforms.

SourceCornell University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateSep 15, 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.

Study: No evidence that YouTube promoted anti-vaccine content during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that YouTube's recommendation system did not promote anti-vaccine content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed over 27,000 video recommendations and found that users were directed to longer, more popular health-related content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 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.

Making AI smarter with an artificial, multisensory integrated neuron

Researchers developed an artificial, multisensory integrated neuron that combines visual and tactile input for improved navigation and decision-making. The system mimics the human brain's ability to integrate multiple senses, enhancing sensor technology's efficiency and paving the way for eco-friendly AI uses.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 15, 2023

Cost of public health insurance for US-born and immigrant adults

A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 15, 2023

Brainwave activity for assessing depressed mood in healthy people

A study at the University of Tsukuba has found that changes in brainwave activity can objectively measure depression, enabling early detection and treatment. The research used electroencephalogram (EEG) tests to track brain wave patterns over a two-to-four week period.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 15, 2023

Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimate that Brazil's active legal mines will release 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere if not managed sustainably. The country's technosols, derived from mine tailings and waste, could offset up to 60% of soil-related emissions, according to a new study.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 15, 2023

New metamaterial-based strategy to combine and transmit multiple light modes

A new approach for coupling different light modes enables unprecedented data transfer rates in an MDM system. By using a gradient-index metamaterial waveguide, researchers achieved a high coupling coefficient and created a 16-channel MDM communication system with a data transfer rate of 2.162 Tbit/s.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 15, 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.

Newly discovered trigger of Parkinson’s upends common beliefs

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that a dysfunction in the neuron's synapses leads to deficits in dopamine and precedes neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest targeting dysfunctional synapses before neurons degenerate may represent a better therapeutic strategy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 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.

Verbal nonsense reveals limitations of AI chatbots

Researchers found that even top-performing AI models can mistake nonsense sentences for natural language, highlighting the need for improvement. The study suggests that comparing human language processing to AI's could provide new perspectives on how we think.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2023

During failure of core protein quality control in the nematode C. elegans, a specialized anti-aggregation mechanism relying on pathogen response factors and lysosomal mediated degradation is triggered

In C. elegans, a specialized anti-aggregation mechanism is triggered in response to core protein quality control failure, promoting tissue-specific resilience to age-dependent protein aggregation. This mechanism relies on pathogen response factors and lysosomal mediated degradation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 14, 2023

UM School of Medicine researchers identify important new signaling molecule involved in vascular health

Researchers identified a stable NO intermediary called NO-ferroheme, which enables nitric oxide to regulate blood flow and blood pressure. The discovery provides strong evidence for the role of heme in stabilizing NO and offers potential for developing new drugs targeting disease states such as pulmonary hypertension and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

Is physical activity always a good option? Study finds physically demanding occupations can lead to risk of cognitive impairment

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that working in a medium or high occupational physical activity job increases the risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers assessed 7005 participants and found those with physically demanding work had a higher risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·DateSep 14, 2023

Pollination by more than one bee species improves cherry harvest

Researchers found that pollination by both honey bees and mason bees increases sweet cherry production, with a synergy effect observed in orchards using both species. Growers can attract mason bees to their orchards by providing nest material, such as bamboo sticks, to enhance cross-pollination.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

High rate of mental health problems & political extremism found in those who bought firearms during COVID pandemic

A new study suggests that people who bought firearms during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic have higher rates of recent suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, and intimate partner violence compared to other firearm owners and non-gun owners. Pandemic firearm buyers also tend to hold extreme beliefs, including anti-vaccination view...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 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.

Study decodes surprising approach mice take in learning

In a new study, researchers deciphered mice's behavior during reward-based learning tasks, finding they persistently blend multiple strategies. The findings suggest mice do not fully adopt optimal approaches, and their ability to shift between strategies is crucial for understanding their decision-making process.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

How do robots collaborate to achieve consensus?

Researchers proposed a novel self-organizing approach for robot swarms to achieve consensus, combining aspects of centralized and decentralized control. This method reduces uncertainty sources and enhances collective perception accuracy, enabling robots to fuse sensor information without global or static communication networks.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateSep 14, 2023
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.

Sexsomnia and sleep eating don’t have treatment guidelines

A study published in Sleep Medicine found that arousal disorders, including sexsomnia and sleep eating, often go untreated due to a lack of consensus on best treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy and sleep hygiene have shown effectiveness in managing these conditions, which can result in injuries or weight gain.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 14, 2023

Calcium acts as missing link to dead cell clean-up

Scientists at Kyoto University have found that extracellular calcium mediates the activation of Xkr4, a protein that triggers an 'eat me' signal for immune cells to clean up dead cell debris. The binding of calcium ions to Xkr4's transmembrane helices enables its full activation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2023

Carbon atoms coming together in space

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a mechanism for carbon atoms to come together on the surface of interstellar ice grains, producing complex organic molecules. This process occurs at temperatures above 30 Kelvin and may have played a role in the origin of life on Earth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

A nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves

Scientists have developed a nonrelativistic and nonmagnetic mechanism for generating terahertz waves, harnessing the electrical anisotropy of two conductive oxides. This approach produces signals comparable to commercial terahertz sources and offers a high terahertz conversion efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 14, 2023

Combination immunotherapy treatment effective before lung cancer surgery

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that combination immunotherapy with durvalumab and novel agents outperforms durvalumab alone in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. The study showed higher major pathological response rates for combination therapy, with some regimens inducing up to 31.3% of MPR.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 14, 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.

The fourth wave of the US overdose crisis: fentanyl and stimulants

US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants have increased by 50-fold since 2010, with stimulants becoming the most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The rise poses new challenges for healthcare providers due to the complexity of treating polysubstance use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

Study: Many primary care providers & adult patients wary of discussing firearms

A new study reveals that over half of adult patients skip questioning about firearms on screening questionnaires, while surveyed primary care providers are often uncomfortable discussing firearm safety with most patients. The study suggests a need for more research and improved training on firearm-related topics for primary care clinics.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 14, 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.

Switching off the cytokine storm

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have obtained the first structure of p38α being activated by MKK6, opening up new directions for developing drugs to stop cytokine storms. The inflammatory response is triggered by a series of kinases, and inactivating p38α could prevent inflammation from occurring.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

How just one set of animal tracks can provide a wealth of information

A team of researchers from FAU and the University of Cologne analyzed images of animal tracks in Namibian rock art, determining species, age, sex, limbs, side of the body, trackway, and relative direction. They identified 20 additional animal species not present in neighboring region's rock art.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 14, 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.

Trial: Combination immunotherapy prior to lung cancer surgery appears promising

Patients with stage 1-3 non-small cell lung cancer treated with combination immunotherapy before surgery had a better major pathological response rate than those receiving single-agent therapy alone. The NeoCOAST platform trial found that targeting multiple cancer pathways through therapy may be superior to a single treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 14, 2023

Variants in the genome interact with each other and with the environment to affect the risk of cardiovascular disease

A recent study published in Cell found that genetic variants can influence the risk of cardiovascular disease by interacting with environmental factors. For example, carriers of certain sequence variants are protected against the negative effects of alcohol consumption on coronary artery disease.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalCell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2023

New tool can reveal inequitable distribution of ‘healing’ green spaces

A new UBC study used a local restorative nature index to assess the healing qualities of green space, finding that areas with the greatest need for restorative nature often have the least exposure to it. The study suggests that urban planners prioritize areas with high socioeconomic vulnerability and limited access to green spaces.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAMBIO·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 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.

AI confirms tracheal tube position on chest radiography

An AI system by Lunit identified improperly positioned endotracheal tubes with high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for earlier repositioning and reducing complications. The study included 539 chest radiographs from three institutions and showed promising results in detecting ETT presence and improper position.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 14, 2023

A team led by Auburn University discuss the blueprint for ultrafast spintronics

The study delves into magnetic behaviors and ultrafast dynamics in atomically thin materials, aiming to leverage these 2D magnets in innovative applications. Mastering spin dynamics is key to unlocking groundbreaking technologies like spin tunnel field-effect transistors and spin-filtering devices.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalPhysics Reports·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 2023

Scientists reveal twisting-untwisting-retwisting cycle of nanohelices

Researchers have discovered a subtle competition and cooperation relationship within the crystal structure of nanohelices, establishing a delicate energy balance. This unique competitive growth mechanism enables multiple reversible transformations between twisted, untwisted, and retwisted forms.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2023

Revolutionizing brain monitoring and stimulation with thin-film neural electrodes

A new type of flexible neural electrode has been developed, which can accurately match the mechanical properties of brain tissue. The electrode was tested in epilepsy rat models, demonstrating accurate measurement of neural responses and stimulation of specific brain regions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

Early-stage breast cancer detection in breast milk

Breast milk from breast cancer patients contains tumour DNA that can be detected through liquid biopsy, offering a potential new tool for early diagnosis. The study found that ctDNA was detectable in 13 of 15 breast milk samples collected from breast cancer patients, outperforming detection in blood samples.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 14, 2023