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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Decreasing biodiversity may promote spread of viruses

A study by Charité and Leibniz-IZW found that reducing biodiversity in rainforests leads to an increase in virus prevalence among mosquito species. This is because resilient species thrive in disturbed habitats, carrying viruses with them. The research reveals the importance of biodiversity in understanding infectious disease dynamics.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invertebrate decline reduces natural pest control and decomposition of organic matter

A recent study published in Current Biology found that invertebrate decline affects aboveground pest control and belowground decomposition of organic matter. The loss of invertebrates leads to a reduction in important ecosystem services and decoupling of ecosystem processes, making immediate protection measures necessary.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Exploring the effect of water on seismic wave attenuation in the upper mantle

A team of researchers from Japan found that water enhances energy dispersion and reduces elastic moduli in rocks, leading to increased seismic wave attenuation. The study suggests the oceanic asthenosphere must contain water, explaining sharp velocity drops and near-constant attenuation observed at the LAB.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Projects launch to map brain connections in mouse and macaque

Researchers aim to create detailed maps of neuronal connections in sections of mouse and macaque brains, with the goal of creating full wiring diagrams. The projects use innovative techniques such as transmission electron microscopy and barcoded connectomics to visualize brain cell shape and cell-to-cell connection networks.

SourceAllen Institute·DateSep 26, 2023

Ecological theory can help explain why segregation persists

A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalBuildings and Cities·DateSep 26, 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.

SSB modulation technique can relax the bandwidth restriction

Researchers at HUST proposed using single sideband format in microwave communication systems to overcome photodetector bandwidth limitations. This approach significantly relaxes bandwidth restrictions, enabling higher communication speeds and microwave frequencies.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Researchers fabricate chip-based optical resonators with record low UV losses

The new resonators exhibit a record low UV light loss, enabling the development of miniaturized devices for applications such as spectroscopic sensing, underwater communication, and quantum information processing. The researchers achieved this by combining optimized design and fabrication techniques with amorphous alumina materials.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 26, 2023

RPI researcher of circadian rhythms receives $2 million grant

Jennifer Hurley, Ph.D., is investigating how the 24-hour cycle affects human health and has been granted $2.1 million over five years from the National Institutes of Health. Disruptions to circadian rhythms have been linked to serious medical conditions such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateSep 26, 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.

Optimizing treatment for acute spinal cord injury

A special focus issue of Journal of Neurotrauma highlights the latest findings of North American Clinical Trials Network on improving outcomes for individuals with acute spinal cord injury. The issue includes studies on the benefits of early surgery, key results from a Riluzole study, and trends in corticosteroid use.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Increasing steps by 3,000 per day can lower blood pressure in older adults

A recent study found that adding 3000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. The study involved sedentary adults aged 68-78 who walked an average of 4000 steps before the intervention, resulting in a 7-point decrease in systolic and 4-point decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Redefining global health security: A novel framework sheds light on equity and decolonial approaches

A novel framework introduces contrasting conceptualizations of health security, prioritizing universal health security over neo-colonial health security. The authors argue that the growing influence of security sector actors in global health threatens human rights and undermines efforts to combat inequality.

SourceUnited Nations University·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 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.

Intercomparison of multi-model ensemble-processing strategies within a consistent framework for climate projection in China

Chinese scientists used a consistent framework to evaluate five multi-model ensemble-processing strategies, finding that more elaborate methods outperform simple ones and provide reasonably consistent projections. The Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP) method was identified as optimal for simulating curre...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 26, 2023

USTC explores exotic spin interactions at microscale using solid-state spin quantum sensors

The University of Science and Technology of China has made a significant breakthrough in exploring exotic spin interactions using solid-state spin quantum sensors. Their research findings provide valuable insights into these interactions, allowing for precise measurements of various spin phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 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.

Making a femtosecond laser out of glass

Scientists at EPFL's Galatea Laboratory have successfully created a miniature, all-glass femtosecond laser using a commercial femtosecond laser. The device features improved alignment capabilities thanks to the use of glass expansion and shrinkage techniques.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalOptica·DateSep 26, 2023

A novel role discovered for vagus nerve

A new study reveals the vagus nerve increases activity during exercise to enhance coronary blood flow and improve heart function, challenging existing ideas about the nervous system's role in physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds

A new study reveals that magma oceans on rocky exoplanets can affect their size, evolutionary path, and mantle structure. The research found that these ocean's compressible nature can make lava-rich planets denser than solid planets of similar size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

U of M Medical School research team studies homicides of health professionals

The study found that homicide rates among health professionals are lower than the general population, with most related to domestic violence or societal trends like gun violence. The research highlights the need for prevention strategies beyond healthcare settings to address societal roots of violence.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 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.

Determining the meaning of a ‘model’

A study by Dr Constantino Carlos Reyes Aldasoro explores the different definitions of a 'model' in cancer research, grouping them into four categories. The researcher analyzes scientific publications to identify trends in model usage, finding that mathematical models have gained popularity and computational models are on the rise.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCancers·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2023

Significant increase in the need for treatment of eye diseases

A significant increase in the need for treatment of eye diseases is expected due to the growing elderly population. The number of patients requiring anti-VEGF medication is projected to rise by 50% over the next five years.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Gaza electricity crisis creates major mental health problems - study

A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 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.

Better together against cancer

Researchers combined three highly potent cancer drugs in a single prodrug that is activated in tumor cells, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The new approach has shown promise as a potential solution to reduce the burden on patients' bodies during cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Tailored text messages not enough to improve mobility after heart issues

A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

Diffractive networks enable quantitative phase imaging (QPI) through random diffusers

A new methodology for QPI of objects covered by random unknown phase diffusers uses diffractive optical networks and deep learning. The system axially spans ~70λ and performs all-optical phase recovery and quantitative imaging with high image quality and low power consumption.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateSep 26, 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.

Decreasing biodiversity may promote spread of viruses

Researchers found that reducing biodiversity harms mosquito species, leading to more resilient species and increased virus prevalence. The study suggests that a decrease in biodiversity can lead to an increase in the spread of viruses carried by mosquitoes.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournaleLife·DateSep 26, 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.

Inbreeding can be beneficial in the long run

Despite high levels of inbreeding, the Svalbard reindeer population has developed adaptations to thrive in extreme Arctic conditions. Researchers found that inbreeding may help eliminate harmful mutations, leading to a viable and genetically resilient population.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

GreenTwins: Redefining urban greenery design for modern cities

The GreenTwins project developed a layer of dynamic digital urban vegetation for Urban Digital Twins, enabling real-time visualizations and ecosystem services. The project also created digital tools like Virtual Green Planner and Urban Tempo for citizen participation in urban planning.

SourceEstonian Research Council·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Transparent wood-based coating doesn’t fog up

A team of scientists at Aalto University has created a bio-based transparent film from lignin nanoparticles, offering an alternative to toxic synthetic materials. The coating can be used on glasses, windshields, and other surfaces, and also displays coloured films with structural colours.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 26, 2023

How can the use of plastics in agriculture become more sustainable?

A recent study by the University of Vienna suggests that using plastics in agriculture can both benefit and harm the environment. On one hand, plastics conserve resources and enhance yields; on the other hand, they can impair soil fertility and contaminate food chains.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers pioneer safe chemotherapy methods for treating bacterial infections

Researchers at Linköping University develop a new method to deliver strong compounds specifically to bacteria, allowing for efficient and safe treatment of infections. The TOUCAN strategy uses nucleases to target bacterial DNA, reducing side effects associated with current antibiotics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 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.

Study shows birds that have evolved greater complexity are less biodiverse

Researchers found a correlation between skeleton complexity and bird diversity, with less complex birds having higher species richness. Birds with more complex skeletons are more ecologically specialised, occupying fewer habitats and foraging in fewer ways, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2023

Design of high-performance high temperature proton Exchange Membrane -Poly (triphenyl piperidinium) with long side chain alkyl quaternization

The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New vaccine technology could protect from future viruses and variants

A new vaccine candidate has shown protection against a range of coronaviruses, including current and future variants, by targeting the critical regions of the virus that it needs to complete its life cycle. The vaccine technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, aims to provide broad-based protection against emerging viruses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 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.

Towards computational design of molecules with desired properties

A new computational approach enables the design of molecules with targeted quantum-mechanical properties, finding that most properties are only weakly correlated among small molecules. The 'freedom of design' concept reveals an intrinsic flexibility in chemical compound space, allowing for simultaneous optimization of multiple properties.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalChemical Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Insilico Medicine and University of Cambridge present new approach to discover targets for Alzheimer’s and other diseases with protein phase separation

Researchers identified potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions using a new approach combining AI-driven target identification with protein phase separation analysis. The study provides insights into the role of protein phase separation in human disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2023

Brain signals for good memory performance revealed

A study of 1,500 participants found that certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit stronger activation in individuals with better memory performance. The researchers identified functional networks in the brain linked to memory performance, shedding light on individual differences in memory recall.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.

Staffing challenges and general time constraints may harm primary care teams’ ability to implement quality improvement efforts

A qualitative study found that staff turnover, staffing shortages, and time constraints are major barriers to participation in quality improvement projects. The authors recommend policy makers provide direct support for primary care to alleviate burnout and address these challenges.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Transgender persons face challenges when seeking clinical care, including decisions about what information to disclose and risk of substandard care

A qualitative study found that transgender individuals often perceive clinician questions as stigmatizing or voyeuristic, leading to pathologization and substandard care. To improve care, medical systems must adopt inclusive policies, procedures, and data collection tools, prioritizing the safety and well-being of transgender patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Pioneering research links the increase of misinformation shared by Republican US politicians to a changing public perception of honesty

A study analyzed millions of tweets by Republican and Democratic US politicians over a decade, finding that Republicans were more likely to share untrustworthy information. The researchers identified linguistic signals associated with low-quality information and suggested potential solutions for the public to recognize these signals

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Repetitive requests for patient intake forms could lead to inaccurately reported health conditions

A retrospective analysis of EHR data found that repetitive screening questions may compromise accuracy, especially in high-risk populations. The study suggests that prioritizing repetition for performance metrics can lead to administrative burden and low-value care, diverting clinical capacity from other essential services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 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.

Primary care investigators, clinicians, patients and community members reflect on NAPCRG’s 50 years of leadership and service

The North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) has made foundational contributions to primary care research, including practice-based networks and community-based participatory research. The organization's future depends on strengthening primary care and primary care research with stronger support, infrastructure, training, an...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

New guideline to promote health equity in Canada

A new Canadian guideline aims to promote health equity among marginalized groups by providing 16 preventive care recommendations. The guidelines focus on removing barriers to healthcare, prioritizing people from disadvantaged groups, and improving access to essential screenings and interventions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 25, 2023

Algorithm would predict disease relapses

The University of Texas at Arlington research team aims to develop a novel statistical model and machine learning algorithm to predict which patients will be cured from diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. The goal is to identify patients who require additional treatments, thereby improving precision medicine.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 25, 2023

Transposons: From ‘selfish’ genes to key elements in biological processes

A new study has uncovered the potential role of LINE transposons in regulating cerebral cortex development and identifying genetic sequences that contribute to autism spectrum disorders. The research, led by SISSA and IIT scientists, debunks the reputation of 'selfish genes' as mere replicators.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 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.