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Science News for April 12, 2024


Retention ponds can deliver a substantial reduction in tire particle pollution, study suggests

A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Researchers study effects of solvation and ion valency on metallopolymers

A new paper by University of Illinois researchers explores the science behind selectivity preferences of monovalent and divalent anions towards redox polymers. They found that solvation plays a role in determining selectivity, and that hydrophobic polymers prefer less solvated anions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJACS·DateApr 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.

New radar analysis method can improve winter river safety

Researchers have developed a radar analysis method to detect open water zones and other changes in Alaska's frozen rivers, providing current hazard maps for improved winter river safety. The approach is automated, applicable across the Arctic and sub-Arctic, and can be customized for any northern latitude rivers.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateApr 12, 2024

Bonobos are more aggressive than previously thought

Researchers found that male bonobos were more frequently aggressive than chimpanzees, engaging in 2.8 times more interactions and 3 times as many physical aggressions. More aggressive males had greater mating success, challenging the self-domesticating hypothesis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 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.

How seaweed became multicellular

Researchers found that macroalgae acquired new genes for cell adhesion, differentiation, communication, and transport from viruses, which played a critical role in their evolution to multicellularity. The study provides valuable genomic resources for further studies on the biology of macroalgae.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Prevalence, etiology, and diagnosis of congenital hearing loss in newborns

A recent study by Shinshu University researchers found that 1.62 per 1,000 live births have congenital deafness, with bilateral HL affecting 0.84% and unilateral HL affecting 0.77%. The main causes of these conditions were identified as hereditary factors and cochlear nerve deficiency.

SourceShinshu University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 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.

Freestanding emergency departments are popular, but do they function as intended?

A Texas A&M University study found that freestanding emergency departments in Texas treat younger, healthier patients with moderate and low-intensity issues. The facilities handle nearly one quarter of all emergency department visits in the state and incur similar costs to hospital EDs.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHealth Services Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Physicists solve puzzle about ancient galaxy found by Webb telescope

A massive ancient galaxy, JWST-ER1g, has been found to have a high dark matter density, puzzling physicists. Researchers offer an explanation that suggests a mechanism compressing the dark matter halo could be responsible for the high density.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 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.

Rice team demonstrates miniature brain stimulator in humans

The Digitally programmable Over-brain Therapeutic (DOT) device, the size of a pea, activates the motor cortex, allowing patients to move their hands. The technology offers greater patient autonomy and accessibility than current neurostimulation-based therapies.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Novel hydrogel removes microplastics from water

Researchers at IISc developed a novel hydrogel that can remove 95% of polyvinyl chloride and 93% of polypropylene microplastics from water. The hydrogel uses UV light irradiation and has a durable structure, making it suitable for repeated use.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 12, 2024

Vaccination timeliness among US children ages 0-19 months

A recent study found improvements in vaccination timeliness among US children from 2011 to 2021, however widening disparities by socioeconomic indicators highlight the need for increased efforts to facilitate timely vaccination among lower-income families.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 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.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers probe immune microenvironment to prevent pediatric liver transplant rejection

Researchers created a proteomics-based imaging mass cytometry marker panel to categorize immune cells at single-cell resolution, identifying unique signatures of active T-cell-mediated rejection. The study aims to find personalized immunosuppression therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

A novel machine learning model for the characterization of material surfaces

A novel machine learning model has been developed to characterize material surfaces, accurately predicting key electronic properties. The model, which employs artificial neural networks and transfer learning, shows great promise for exploring new materials with superior properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Food scientists are finding ways to preserve food quality and ensure food safety

Researchers developed a framework to ensure food safety by retaining vitamins and minerals. The study used bootstrapping to estimate kill ratios in low-moisture foods, allowing for more accurate risk assessments and potentially relaxed standards, while maintaining high levels of food safety.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period

A study of ancient sheep mitogenomes from Asıklı Höyük reveals five matrilineages, including one previously unknown lineage, contradicting the assumption of rapid genetic diversity loss during early domestication. High diversity persisted despite a millennium of human interference with sheep breeding.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 12, 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.

Researchers discover cell ‘crosstalk’ that triggers cancer cachexia

A new study reveals that 'crosstalk' between pancreatic cancer cells and macrophages is the first step towards the onset of cachexia. The research provides evidence of an underlying mechanism for the development of this debilitating muscle-wasting condition, which affects pancreatic cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

KAIST introduces microbial food as a strategy food production of the future

Researchers propose a direction of research on 'microbial food production from sustainable raw materials' to produce nutritious and eco-friendly foods. Microbial biomass is rich in protein, emits minimal carbon dioxide, and requires less water and space.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 12, 2024
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.

Fast radio burst, a rolling cosmic dice

Researchers use novel approach to characterize FRBs' behavior in time-energy phase space. They find FRBs exhibit lower chaos and higher randomness than earthquakes and solar flares, suggesting multiple emission mechanisms or locations.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 12, 2024

PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

University of Cincinnati experts present at national neurology conference

Researchers from the University of Cincinnati presented findings on the effectiveness of a two-component enzyme replacement therapy for late-onset Pompe disease. The study showed that patients treated with this regimen experienced improvement or stability in motor function, pulmonary function, and muscle strength. Additionally, experts...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 12, 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.

Where have all the right whales gone?

Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Supercool delivery: final section of souped-up neutron source trucks out of Jefferson Lab

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is receiving a major upgrade thanks to US neutron science facility Jefferson Lab. The final cryomodule has been successfully delivered and will double the power capability of the linear accelerator, enabling next-generation neutron science research. This delivery marks the ...

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateApr 12, 2024

Melanomas resist drugs by ‘breaking’ genes

A study reveals that melanomas can 'break' parts of their BRAF gene through genomic deletions, creating alternative versions that resist targeted therapy. This discovery opens new avenues for developing effective treatments for patients with BRAF mutations.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Iconic savanna mammals face genetic problems due to fences and roads

A new study reveals that wildebeest populations which no longer migrate are less genetically healthy and more prone to decline. The loss of migration routes due to fencing and roads leads to lower genetic diversity, increased inbreeding, and reduced fertility.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2024

Exoplanets true to size

Researchers have successfully determined the size and atmospheric composition of exoplanet WASP-39b by including a star's magnetic field in model calculations. The study improves upon previous observations by providing a more precise understanding of the planet's signal in light curves.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 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.

Inherited predisposition for higher muscle strength may protect against common morbidities

A large-scale study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength have a slightly lower risk for common noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality. This is attributed to their intrinsic ability to resist pathological changes during aging, rather than recovery from acute adversity.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateApr 12, 2024

Professor Peter Ebeling AO honored with the prestigious IOF President’s Award

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has presented the prestigious IOF President’s Award to Professor Peter Ebeling AO in recognition of his longstanding contributions to advancing the work of the IOF. He is an internationally renowned expert in bone health, with a total of over 536 peer-reviewed publications and a h-index of 93.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateApr 12, 2024

Stellar winds of three sun-like stars detected for the first time

A team of astrophysicists has directly detected stellar winds from three Sun-like stars, providing constraints on their mass loss rates. The study used XMM-Newton space telescope observations and estimated mass loss rates up to 66.5 times the solar mass rate.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 12, 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.

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.

One of the largest male infertility genetic studies improves molecular diagnostics and personalized management of andrology patients

A large-scale study identified 39 genes regulating spermatogenesis and disease-causing variants in ~12% of men with unexplained infertility; the findings have improved molecular diagnostics and treatment for infertile couples worldwide.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2024

First national study of Dobbs ruling’s effect on permanent contraception among young adults

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, permanent sterilization procedures among young adults increased nationwide, with tubal sterilizations rising twice as high as vasectomies. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on young women, who ar...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 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.

Starving cells hijack protein transport stations

Researchers found that nutrient-starved cells divert ER exit sites to lysosomes for degradation, using a novel pathway to free up amino acids. This process involves the recruitment of molecules to direct ER exit sites to lysosomes, where they are destroyed and their components recycled.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateApr 12, 2024