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Science News Archive 2024


Page 157 of 484

1 in 5 COVID deaths potentially attributable to hospital caseload strain

A nationwide retrospective cohort study found a detrimental relationship between COVID-19 caseload and survival across all hospital types. Approximately 1 in every 5 COVID-19 deaths were attributed to hospital caseload strain, highlighting the importance of minimizing caseload surge during future public health emergencies.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Growing key biomethane crop on peat emits 3 times more CO2 than using natural gas

A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.

Breakthrough insights into carbon dioxide absorption using cement-based materials

Researchers discovered that structural changes and mass transfer play a crucial role in the carbonation process of cement-based materials. The study found that lower humidity conditions and high Ca/Si ratios result in smaller pores, suppressing ion leaching and improving carbonation efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to developin...

SP-101 is a novel AAV gene therapy for cystic fibrosis

Scientists from Spirovant Sciences describe a novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy called SP-101 that has been optimized for efficient human airway cell transduction. After single dose inhaled delivery, the vector showed consistent expression of a functional and regulated shortened human CFTR minigene.

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.

Crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral habitats

Research reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral habitats, benefiting from the loss of live coral. This 'degraded reef hypothesis' explains how juvenile COTS accumulate in rubble habitats, promoting a pulsed emergence as adults and exacerbating the cycle of coral loss.

Microwaving waste cooking oil into useful chemicals

A team from Kyushu University has developed a zeolite catalyst that can be heated using microwaves to speed up the conversion of fatty acid esters to olefins. This process improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon dioxide production, offering a more sustainable chemical industry.

NASA’s Hubble, Chandra find supermassive black hole duo

Astronomers have detected two closely spaced supermassive black holes in the nearby universe using NASA's Hubble and Chandra telescopes. The black holes are fueled by infalling gas and dust, causing them to shine brightly as active galactic nuclei (AGN).

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.

Final media invitation and details of media briefing

The ESA Hera mission is set to launch in just under a month, with representatives discussing the mission's expectations and current status. The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury is also being updated following its successful flyby, with insights into previous flybys and plans for the remainder of the mission.

New molecular engineering technique allows for complex organoids

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed a novel technique to create more complex organoids by controlling the release of growth factors and signaling molecules. This breakthrough enables the formation of realistic cell mixes, mimicking natural tissues and opening up new possibilities for engineering improved cellular complexity.

New AI can ID brain patterns related to specific behavior

A new AI algorithm, DPAD, developed by Maryam Shanechi's lab, can dissociate brain patterns related to specific behaviors, improving brain-computer interfaces for paralyzed patients. The algorithm can also discover new patterns in the brain that may be missed by prior methods.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How the brain's inner chamber governs our state of consciousness

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals how propofol sedation alters the connections between brain cells in the thalamus and cortex, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness. The researchers found that disruptions to the matrix cells' activity play a crucial role in the transition to unconsciousness.

Optica Quantum August 2024 Issue Press Tip Sheet

Researchers developed hybrid single-photon cameras for high-dimensional spatial correlations, enabling faster measurements of quantum optical phenomena. They also reconstructed photon number distributions in microresonators to characterize their performance without specialized detectors.

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.

Large theropods thrived near South Pole, Australian tracks show

A discovery of 18 theropod tracks and four ornithopod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation reveals that large carnivores roamed polar environments, feeding on prey like smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles. The finds confirm that a variety of dinosaurs lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found.

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.

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.

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.

How aging affects stem cells: A fly's tale

Scientists identified key changes in chromosome structure and gene expression that affect stem cell function during aging. Blocking a specific gene, ced-6, triggered stem cell exhaustion at any age, indicating a general process that maintains balance when proliferation is too high.

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.

AI offers new era of precision IBD management

Advanced endoscopy combined with AI and digital pathology offers a deeper understanding of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This leads to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

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.

Extreme weather to strengthen rapidly over next two decades

A new study finds that 20% of the global population may face extreme weather risks if greenhouse gas emissions are not cut enough to reach the Paris Agreement's aims. Rapid clean-up of air pollution could exacerbate these changes, affecting 1.5 billion people in the next decade.

New gene therapy offers promise for treating glaucoma – as well as AMD

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have developed a gene therapy that protects retinal ganglion cells and improves their function in animal models of glaucoma. The therapy has also been shown to increase oxygen consumption and ATP production in human retinal cells, indicating enhanced cell performance.

Solution to a cosmic mystery

Scientists found that a flyby of an alien star billions of years ago can explain the orbits of trans-Neptunian objects and the formation of irregular moons. The flyby caused some objects to be hurled into our solar system, which were then captured by giant planets as moons.

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.

New research illuminates the impact of surface properties on bacteria movement

A study by Virginia Tech undergraduate Megan O'Hara found that surface properties significantly influence bacterial twitching motility, allowing for rapid colonization and infection. By manipulating surface properties with detergents like bile salts, researchers can alter the functionality of type IV pili, a critical virulence factor.

Early newborn metabolic patterning and sudden infant death syndrome

A case-control study found an association between abnormal birth metabolic analytes and sudden infant death syndrome, suggesting potential early risk identification. The study's findings could inform future research and clinical efforts focused on monitoring and preventing SIDS.

Double trouble for triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover targeting an immunosuppressive protein on two fronts reduces metastasis and restores sensitivity to immunotherapy in a preclinical model. TNBC cells become resistant to immunotherapy due to membrane instability, enabling PD-L1 protein to drop inside the cell.

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.

How newly identified biomarkers could reveal risk factors for SIDS

Researchers at UCSF identified signals in the metabolic system of infants who died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), finding associations between lower C-3 levels and elevated C-14OH. Elevated biomarkers also led to reduced risk of SIDS, but further research is needed to validate these findings.

Evaluating own-price dynamics in taxing environmental externalities

Agricultural water pricing may help manage scarce resources, but firms' responses vary. Researchers found that groundwater extraction decreased by 22% after a 21% price increase, but firms became more responsive to prices over time, with increased elasticity between the first and fifth year.

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.

We're closer than ever to solving mystery of deadly virus

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified the protein complex that enables the hepatitis C virus to infect cells. This discovery is a significant step towards developing a vaccine against the disease, which causes chronic inflammation and 300,000 deaths annually worldwide. The study's results, published in Nature maga...

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.

Addressing Alzheimer’s in American Indian communities

The UW Medicine program aims to improve the detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias among American Indian and Alaska Native elders. Trainees will learn to recognize early symptoms, manage dementia locally, and promote culturally appropriate community outreach.

State insulin price cap law cuts out-of-pocket costs by 40%, study finds

A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.