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Science News for April 1, 2024


Machine learning provides a new picture of the great gray owl

A new study using machine learning reveals that great gray owls congregate near human-made structures, contrary to previous assumptions. The research used artificial intelligence modeling and large datasets to identify suitable habitats for the owl, providing a more accurate representation of its distribution.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 1, 2024

Simple equations clarify cloud climate conundrum

Researchers developed a model predicting how changes in anvil cloud area affect global warming, confirming its effectiveness and reducing uncertainty. However, the brightness of clouds remains understudied and is a key obstacle to predicting future global warming.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 1, 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.

Physics-based predictive tool will speed up battery and superconductor research

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a physics-based predictive tool that quickly identifies stable intercalated materials for advanced electronics and energy storage devices. By analyzing over 9,000 compounds, the tool uses straightforward principles from undergraduate chemistry to predict host-guest stability.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalACS Physical Chemistry Au·DateApr 1, 2024

UIC engineers ‘symphonize’ cleaner ammonia production

University of Illinois Chicago engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets. The process combines nitrogen gas and ethanol with a charged lithium electrode, producing ammonia at low temperatures and regenerating materials with each cycle. If scaled up, the process could produce ammonia at 6...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Health care utilization is increased in high-risk children who have a sleep disorder

A new study found that children with chronic medical conditions who also have a diagnosed sleep disorder are nearly two times more likely to have increased health care utilization. The most common sleep disorder diagnosis was sleep-disordered breathing, which was present in 1,796 children.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Novel pre-clinical models help advance therapeutic development for antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in Asian phenotypes

Researchers developed novel pre-clinical models to examine the behavior of Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) strains, revealing differences in aggressiveness between hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections. These models provide a platform for assessing novel drugs and interventions to combat Kp-related diseases.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournaliScience·DateApr 1, 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.

Scientists discover forests that may resist climate change

A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that frequent and strong cold-air pooling drives temperate forest composition, potentially providing a refuge for cold-adapted species. This phenomenon, where cold air at higher elevations drains down into lower-lying valleys, reverses expected temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 1, 2024

New advance against a form of heart failure prevalent in men

University of Virginia researchers have identified a single gene on the Y chromosome that can account for the disease-promoting effects of Y chromosome loss. This discovery provides new avenues for understanding the causes of heart disease and could lead to a treatment for men with Y chromosome loss.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateApr 1, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are high-purity cathode materials truly necessary?

Research by a team at Pohang University of Science & Technology found that impurities in lithium raw material can enhance process efficiency and prolong battery lifespan, reducing costs and emissions by up to 19.4% and 9.0%, respectively.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2024

Ancient Adélie penguin DNA reveals that small repeats persist for hundreds of millions of years

A recent study has uncovered new insights into the evolution of microsatellites in ancient and modern Adélie penguin genomes. The research found that microsatellite length remained remarkably stable over thousands of years, with some loci persisting for over half a billion years.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 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.

OptiDrop: A leap in single-cell analysis

OptiDrop enhances sensitivity for detecting scatter and fluorescence signals, offering rapid and cost-effective insights into genetics, proteins, and metabolites. The platform enables multiplexed fluorescence and scatter detection with unprecedented single-cell resolution using on-chip fiber optics.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateApr 1, 2024

International study uses artificial intelligence to show how personality influences the expression of our genes

An international study led by the University of Granada used artificial intelligence to show that our personalities alter the expression of our genes. The findings suggest that certain outlooks on life are conducive to a healthy and long life, while others lead to stress and short life.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 2024

Golfers’ risk from pesticides used on turfgrass is likely low, studies find

Researchers investigated golfers' potential risks from four common pesticides used on golf course turfgrass. They found that the HQ values from the golfers' exposure indicated little risk to the four pesticides used in this study, suggesting a low risk of adverse effects from exposure.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

Enhancing plant growth tracking with satellite image fusion techniques

The study assesses the accuracy of two spatiotemporal data fusion algorithms in extracting spring phenological dates at fine scales. These algorithms significantly improve the detection accuracy of vegetation growth, supporting environmental and agricultural strategies.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 1, 2024

More than 18,000 excess TB cases in the U.S. attributable to structural racism

A study found that structural racism is largely to blame for disparities in tuberculosis (TB) incidence among the U.S.-born population. Researchers analyzed national TB registry data and found that TB incidence ratios were higher for certain racial and ethnic groups, with greater relative disparities among females.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 2024

New initiative improves detection, evaluation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine introduce a quality improvement initiative to enhance screening for ADHD in pediatric primary care. The ADHD Detection Quality Improvement (ADQI) program shows improved recognition of positive Attention Subscale scores and follow-up evaluation for ADHD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Canada lynx historic range in US likely wider than previously thought

A recent study suggests that Canada lynx had a broader past range in the US, potentially including parts of Utah, central Idaho, and Yellowstone National Park. The researchers used a validated model to estimate the species' historic distribution, taking into account factors such as climate change and land use.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

A data representation method using distance correlation

A new research method named AssoRep improves data representation by leveraging association-based distance correlation. The approach enhances feature representation through aggregation and mapping to low-dimensional space via principal component analysis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Universal brain-computer interface lets people play games with just their thoughts

A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin has developed a calibration-free brain-computer interface that allows users to control games and devices using only their thoughts. The device uses machine learning capabilities to self-calibrate, making it faster and more accessible for people with motor disabilities.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 1, 2024

New antibiotic class effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new class of antibiotics targeting LpxH protein in Gram-negative bacteria, showing potent activity against multidrug-resistant strains. The discovery holds promise for treating bloodstream infections and has potential for future clinical trials.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Penn Medicine at the AACR Annual Meeting 2024

Researchers from Penn Medicine will share data on the latest advances in cancer science and medicine, including novel targets in the tumor microenvironment and the influence of the microbiome on cancer therapy. The presentation is part of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2024.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 1, 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.

Pilot study shows ketogenic diet improves severe mental illness

A pilot study found that a ketogenic diet can help stabilize the brain and improve psychiatric conditions in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The diet was shown to restore metabolic health, reduce weight and waist circumference, and lower blood pressure and triglycerides.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalPsychiatry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Old crystal, new story for enhancing deep ultraviolet laser performance

A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully developed a high-power, narrow-linewidth solid-state deep ultraviolet laser at 193 nm using LBO crystals. The generated DUV laser exhibits an average power of 60 mW and a linewidth of approximately 640 MHz, setting new benchmarks in efficiency values.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Counteracting political hostility with personal history

Researchers at Lehigh University found that reading a personal history of an opposing party member can significantly reduce animosity towards members of the opposing party. The study tested interventions with both Democrats and Republicans, finding that historicist narratives can lead to increased compassion and reduced moral emotions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

New USF study: Research reveals language barriers limit effectiveness of cybersecurity resources

A new USF study finds that language barriers limit the effectiveness of cybersecurity resources, with many limited English proficiency users engaging in risky online behaviors. The research highlights the need for providing cybersecurity information and resources in multiple formats to accommodate diverse literacy levels.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeSurvey·DateApr 1, 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.

Take caution when mirroring one’s actions or words - social psychologists with a warning to therapists

A recent study found that mimicking participants' actions or words increased feelings of guilt, contradicting the assumption that it fosters social bonding and reduces negative emotions. The researchers suggest that therapists carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using mimicry in therapy.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateApr 1, 2024

A high-boost and high-efficiency DC power converter

The new circuit design uses resonant tank circuits to store energy during switching periods, reducing losses and increasing efficiency. It also employs a planar transformer for compactness and good thermal performance. The prototype achieved an unprecedented 91.3% energy efficiency and reduced electromagnetic noise.

SourceKobe University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Chatbot outperformed physicians in clinical reasoning in head-to-head study

In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, a chatbot (GPT-4) performed better than internal medicine residents and attending physicians in processing medical data and demonstrating clinical reasoning. However, the bot's accuracy was lower, while it made more incorrect diagnoses.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 1, 2024

Rapid rise seen in mental health diagnosis and care during and after pregnancy

A trio of studies show increased diagnosis and treatment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD in pregnant and new mothers with private insurance, but disparities persist. The findings suggest that policy changes and increased awareness have contributed to the rise in diagnoses and treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

New satellite dataset sheds light on Earth's plant growth

A new satellite dataset provides unprecedented insights into global plant growth, derived from TROPOMI satellite observations. The Comprehensive Mechanistic Light Response (CMLR) gross primary production (GPP) dataset offers a more accurate measurement of plant productivity on a global scale.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 1, 2024

Australia on track for unprecedented, decades-long megadroughts

New research from ANU and other institutions predicts Australia will experience megadroughts lasting over 20 years, with consequences exacerbated by climate change. The study also found that 20th-century droughts in southwestern and eastern Australia were longer on average than pre-industrial times.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 1, 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.

NIST researchers use cellphone compass to measure tiny concentrations of compounds important for human health

Researchers at NIST have developed a method using cellphone magnetometers to rapidly and cheaply measure biomedical properties for monitoring or diagnosing diseases, including glucose levels in saliva. The technique has the potential to detect environmental toxins and measure biomarkers such as histamines with high sensitivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2024

Soluble immune checkpoint factors in blood as potential biomarkers of therapeutic efficacy for ICI cancer immunotherapy and assessing t-cell exhaustion

Researchers developed a novel assay to study immune checkpoint molecules in blood plasma, finding elevated concentrations in patients with immune-reactive tumors who were nonresponsive to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy. Soluble factors correlated with exhausted antitumor immunity and predicted therapy efficacy.

SourceKindai University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2024

Ni single-atom catalysts supported on anatase for propane dehydrogenation

Researchers have developed Ni single-atom catalysts supported on anatase for propane dehydrogenation, showing superior intrinsic activity and propylene selectivity. The catalysts exhibited higher rates of propylene production compared to traditional nanoparticle counterparts, likely due to the isolation of active sites.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

App may pave way to treatments for no. 1 dementia in under-60s

Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024

Exposure to common environmental carcinogens decreases lifespan happiness

Researchers from Osaka University found that exposure to environmental carcinogens and psychological distress decrease emotional wellbeing in Japanese people, with a 0.0064-year decrease for radon and 0.97 years for psychological distress. The study suggests that reducing exposure to these chemicals can help promote longer, happier lives.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 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.

Progress on chip-based spontaneous four-wave mixing quantum light sources

Researchers have made significant progress in generating photon pairs on chip through spontaneous four-wave mixing, enabling the creation of efficient quantum light sources. However, challenges remain, including low pair generation rates and collection efficiencies, which limit the performance of these sources.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateApr 1, 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.

Binge drinking among sports gamblers

A recent survey study reveals binge drinking is more prevalent among sports wagering individuals compared to nongamblers and non–sports gamblers. This finding highlights the need for targeted interventions to address excessive alcohol consumption in this demographic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 1, 2024

A new family tree revises our understanding of bird evolution

A new genomic study reconstructed bird evolution using full genome data from 363 species, challenging traditional views on avian relationships. The updated tree resolves debates over Neoaves classification, including the emergence of Elementaves, a diverse group with remarkable ecological niches.

SourceCenter for Evolutionary & Organismal Biology at Zhejiang University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

Powering the future: A game-changer for loT devices through advanced energy harvesting

A breakthrough energy management unit (EMU) boosts the power efficiency of electrostatic generators for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The innovation addresses impedance mismatch, enabling efficient environmental energy harvesting in IoT devices. This advancement enables self-powered IoT devices with unprecedented efficiency.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateApr 1, 2024

Texas Tech researcher part of breakthrough findings

A team of researchers, including Tom Maccarone, discovered a new phenomenon in the interaction between relativistic jets and neutron stars. The findings suggest that a thermonuclear burst occurs on the surface of neutron stars, leading to low-energy X-ray production.

SourceTexas Tech University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

Georgia Tech researchers develop more broadly protective coronavirus vaccine

Georgia Tech researchers have developed a trivalent vaccine that offers broad protection against not only SARS-CoV-2 variants but also other bat sarbecoviruses. The groundbreaking vaccine has shown complete protection with no trace of virus in the lungs, marking a significant step toward a universal vaccine for coronaviruses.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 1, 2024

Create cooperative exciton-polariton condensate

Researchers observe superfluorescence effect for the first time and control collective state of dipole ensemble using new regulatory dimension. They demonstrate cooperative exciton-polariton condensation with enhanced coupling strength, enabling potential applications for ultra-narrow tunable lasers and optoelectronic devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 1, 2024
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.

We’ve had bird evolution all wrong

A frozen chunk of a bird's genome has rewritten the understanding of the bird family tree, revealing that most birds were misclassified due to suppressed recombination. Scientists discovered that one section of the genome behaved unusually, leading to incorrect groupings and a more complex tree.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2024

YKT6 gene variants cause a new genetic disorder finds a new study

A recent study discovered rare YKT6 gene variants as the cause of a new neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays, severe progressive liver disease, and a potential risk for liver cancer. The study found that these variants impair autophagy, leading to abnormal protein accumulation and cellular waste breakdown issues.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateApr 1, 2024

Mosquito detectives track malaria's history

A team of researchers is using 'pathogen prospecting' to study archived mosquitoes for clues about malaria's history. By analyzing DNA from these specimens, they aim to reconstruct the disease's evolution and distribution, informing efforts to combat its ongoing threat.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 1, 2024

New method reveals hidden activity of life below ground

Researchers developed a new method to link genetics and function of individual microbes living without oxygen deep below Earth's surface. The approach enabled discovery of the most active organism in a Death Valley groundwater aquifer, expanding its application to low biomass environments.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 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.