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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 19


Page 19 of 484

NASA study: crops, forests responding to changing rainfall patterns

A new NASA-led study found that plants' responses to changing rainfall patterns are crucial for understanding their role in the carbon cycle. Daily rainfall variability drove growth globally, with certain ecosystems thriving under conditions of infrequent but intense rain.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2024

Reiki therapy demonstrates significant symptom relief for cancer patients receiving infusion treatments

A study published in Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that Reiki therapy resulted in clinically significant improvements in pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, and well-being among outpatients with cancer. The study involved 392 Reiki sessions for 268 unique patients, showing a mean improvement of 1.78 in pain and 2.09 in anxiety.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateDec 12, 2024

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19 among children ages 5-17

The Pfizer-BioNTech XBB vaccine provided protection against severe COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children aged 5-17 during the 2023-2024 season. The vaccine showed an estimated vaccine effectiveness of 63-73% in preventing severe illness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

Unlocking the ‘black box’: scientists reveal AI’s hidden thoughts

Researchers developed a new method, k* distribution method, to visualize and assess how well deep neural networks categorize related items together. The model reveals clustered, fractured or overlapping arrangements of data points, indicating accuracy and reliability issues.

SourceKyushu University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024

Breakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality

A QUT-led research team developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that converts body heat into power, enabling sustainable energy for wearable electronics. The technology also offers efficient cooling methods for chips, potentially improving smartphone and computer performance.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Towards room-temperature superconductivity: Insights into optical properties of bi-based copper-oxide superconductors

A Japanese research team investigates the origin of Bi2212's strong optical anisotropy, finding that increasing lead content reduces incommensurate modulation, enabling accurate measurement of optical activity and circular dichroism. This study contributes to understanding high-temperature superconductivity mechanisms.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Unlocking the clock: The role of the circadian system in inflammatory bowel diseases

Research highlights the critical link between the body's circadian clock and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Disruptions in circadian rhythms exacerbate inflammation, suggesting that aligning treatment strategies with natural biological cycles could improve patient outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 12, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How cells repair DNA’s protective barrier: a pathway to address a rare genetic disorder characterized by rapid aging in children

A team of researchers has discovered how lamin A helps repair the protective barrier around a cell's DNA, providing insights into treating Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome. The study highlights lamin A's unique role in nuclear stability and its potential for addressing genetic disorders characterized by rapid aging.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2024

Metal scrap upcycled into high-value alloys with solid phase manufacturing

Researchers at PNNL have developed a solid phase alloying process that converts metal scrap into high-performance aluminum products in a single step. The process, called ShAPE, produces high-strength alloys with unique nanostructures and improved properties compared to conventional recycled aluminum.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

New timeline for Neandertal gene flow event

Researchers have unraveled the precise timing and functional legacy of Neandertal gene flow into early modern humans. The study suggests that most non-African individuals harbor one to two percent Neandertal ancestry, with the majority tracing back to a single shared period between 50,000 and 57,000 years ago.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers demonstrate new technique for stealing AI models

A team of researchers has developed a novel technique to steal artificial intelligence (AI) models by monitoring electromagnetic signals. The method allows attackers to recreate the high-level features of an AI model with 99.91% accuracy, potentially undermining intellectual property rights and exposing sensitive data.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIACR Transactions on Cryptographic Hardware and Embedded Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Social risks impede cancer screening, even with access to care

A new study reveals that social risks like food insecurity and housing instability impede patients' ability to receive routine cancer screenings, even when they have access to healthcare. The research highlights the need for health providers to take a more holistic approach to patient care to address these challenges.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateDec 12, 2024

Novel materials with almost perfect water repellency

Researchers developed novel materials with superhydrophobic properties by grafting hydrocarbon chains to thin MOF films, achieving water contact angles of over 160 degrees. The unique arrangement of the grafted chains creates a high-entropy state essential for their hydrophobic behavior.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

Researchers 3D print compact, low-cost vortex beam generators

A team of researchers has created a compact and low-cost device that generates twisting light beams with orbital angular momentum, enhancing the capacity and reliability of future wireless systems. The device achieves high out-of-band suppression, exceeding 30 dB, reducing interference and ensuring clean signal transmission.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateDec 12, 2024

New research finds how fighting female flies focus on their foes

Scientists have uncovered how aggression affects vision in female fruit flies, revealing three distinct mechanisms that regulate visual attention. This breakthrough provides insight into the link between sensory information and social behaviors, with potential implications for understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 2024

Fighting prostate cancer, from farm to table, at MSU

Researchers at MSU are developing a novel approach to combat prostate cancer using promethium-149, a radioactive isotope that can deliver high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells. The team plans to test the effectiveness of 149Pm against industry-standard 177Lu and explore its potential for treating other types of cancers.

SourceMichigan State University·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes 2025

The 2025 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prizes were awarded to four female and six male researchers, with two working in the humanities and social sciences, four in life sciences, three in natural sciences, and one in engineering sciences. The winners received €2.5 million each to fund their research for up to seven years.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 11, 2024
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 likely to change standard of care for deadly strokes

A meta-analysis of four randomized clinical trials found that endovascular therapy significantly reduces patient mortality and overall post-stroke disability for vertebrobasilar stroke patients. EVT is nearly 2½ times more likely to achieve a positive outcome compared to standard medical management.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 11, 2024

The development and appraisal of MELD 3.0 in liver diseases: Good things never come easy

MELD 3.0 builds upon previous variants by incorporating serum albumin and gender to correct disparities in organ allocation, particularly for women. It demonstrates improved prognostication for various chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and acute-on-chronic liver failure.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateDec 11, 2024

Exploring microtubule lattice at submolecular resolution

Scientists studied microtubule inner surface structure and visualized structural defects, gaining insights into dynamic processes that regulate microtubule function. Frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy enabled detection of lattice or structural defects caused by missing tubulin subunits, which can impair MT functions.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 11, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The distinct nerve wiring of human memory

Researchers uncover human hippocampal CA3 region's unique neural connectivity and synaptic properties. The team found that the human CA3 network codes information efficiently to maximize associations and memory storage, with sparser connections and more reliable synapses compared to mouse models.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Straining a material’s atomic arrangement may make for cleaner, smarter devices

A team of researchers at Penn State has developed a novel technique called strain tuning to precisely manipulate the atomic arrangement of materials. This process enables the creation of thin films with improved ferroelectric performance, paving the way for environmentally friendly advancements in consumer electronics and medical devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024
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.

Balancing act: the science behind BallBot control

Researchers discover that modifying BallBot's body mass and ball size can significantly improve its balancing abilities, enabling more stable and reliable robots. The study introduces a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller to fine-tune the robot's movements, allowing for improved balance and stability in dynamic environments.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateDec 11, 2024

Uncovering the pigments and techniques used to paint the Berlin Wall

A team of scientists has developed an AI algorithm that can analyze paint chips from the Berlin Wall, identifying pigments and dyes. The results indicate that the primary pigments in the samples were azopigments, phthalocyanins, lead chromate, and titanium white.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 11, 2024
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.

Could we engineer stability in the microbiome? New research opens the door

Researchers discovered a set of genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum that enable it to stably attach to host tissue, revolutionizing our understanding of microbiome colonization. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of targeted probiotics and improved gut health.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Recycling human, animal excreta reduces need for fertilizers

A global analysis suggests that recycling human and livestock excreta can contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide. Recycling these nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus, and 36% for potassium.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 11, 2024

Adoption of AI calls for new kind of communication competence from sales managers

The study found that integrating AI into sales teams requires sales managers to combine traditional interpersonal communication competence with new AI-related skills. Effective communication involves motivation, knowledge, empathy, and adaptability, as well as crafting effective prompts to AI and maintaining a polite tone.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·DateDec 11, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

University of Virginia's Silvia Blemker recognized by NAI for advancing muscle health through innovation

Silvia Blemker, a University of Virginia biomedical engineer, has been elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) for her work on muscle health. Her patented technology, Image-based Identification of Muscle Abnormalities, uses advanced imaging and analytics to provide detailed insights into muscle health.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateDec 11, 2024

Esophageal cancer: global burden intensifies, calls for urgent action

A critical study sheds light on the growing global burden of esophageal cancer, with Asia accounting for 75% of new cases and deaths. The research highlights tobacco use and high body mass index (BMI) as leading risk factors, responsible for nearly half of deaths and disability-adjusted life years in men, and a fifth in women.

SourceChina Anti-Cancer Association·JournalCancer Biology & Medicine·DateDec 11, 2024

MD Anderson’s Lauren Averett Byers receives TAMEST O’Donnell Award for seminal contributions to lung cancer research

Lauren Averett Byers, a professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, has received the 2025 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Medicine from Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology (TAMEST) for her fundamental discoveries in small cell lung cancer. Her work has led to personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateDec 11, 2024
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.

Brain mechanisms underpinning loss of consciousness identified

A team of researchers at Penn State has pinpointed the exact moment of loss of consciousness due to anesthesia by mapping what happens in different brain regions during that moment. The study found that rapid activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus triggers loss of consciousness.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Innovative AstroRad vest poised to safeguard astronauts from space radiation

The AstroRad vest employs high-density polymers to shield vital organs from radiation exposure, addressing cancer and radiation sickness risks. The wearable technology has undergone extensive testing through the ISS National Lab, leading to significant enhancements in its design and functionality.

SourceInternational Space Station U.S. National Laboratory·DateDec 11, 2024
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.

Having a good breakfast reduces cardiovascular risk

Consuming 20-30% of daily energy at breakfast is associated with lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference, significantly lower triglyceride levels, and higher HDL cholesterol. A high-quality breakfast with proper balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and nutrients also contributes to reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·DateDec 11, 2024

Antidepressants may act in gut to reduce depression and anxiety

Researchers found that targeting antidepressants to intestinal cells reduces anxiety and depressive behaviors in mice, and may offer a better alternative to current treatments during pregnancy. The study suggests that increasing serotonin signaling in the gut can impact gut-brain communication and ultimately mood.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024
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.

New detoxification pathway for mercury in penguins

Researchers at ESRF found a second demethylation pathway for toxic methylmercury in Emperor penguins, involving the formation of a Hg-dithiolate complex. This new mechanism reduces toxicological consequences as long as there is sufficient selenium.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Caltech creates minuscule robots for targeted drug delivery

Researchers at Caltech developed bioresorbable acoustic microrobots that can deliver therapeutics to specific sites within the body, decreasing bladder tumor size in mice. The microrobots use magnetic nanoparticles for precise targeting and are designed to be biocompatible and absorbable.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 11, 2024

Industry experience pays off in corporate audits, study finds

A new study by UC Riverside professors found that auditors with extensive industry experience deliver higher-quality audits while offering cost savings to clients. Companies should avoid low-balling their fees, as this can lead to higher costs and lower-quality audits in the long run.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAuditing A Journal of Practice & Theory·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024
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.