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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 13 of 41

Fossil frogs share their skincare secrets

Researchers at University College Cork discovered fossil frogs with preserved skin remnants, shedding light on their adaptation to life on land. The study found that the excellent preservation of the fossils is due to the replication of ancient skin structures in calcium phosphate.

New mitigation framework reduces bias in classification outcomes

A new framework mitigates bias in machine classification by evaluating under different fairness metrics and inferring specific bias terms from data. The framework substantially reduces bias in classification outcomes while preserving accuracy across seven datasets and 21 classifiers.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Research reveals tools to make STEM degrees more affordable

A new study explores ways to reduce student loan debt and increase affordability in STEM fields, finding differential tuition and policy gaps hinder efforts. Experts advocate for tuition caps, state subsidies, and ongoing conversations to remove barriers to STEM education and careers.

NJIT engineers muffle invading pathogens with a 'molecular mask'

Researchers at NJIT are developing a hydrogel therapy that prevents viruses like SARS-CoV-2 from attaching to and entering cells. The peptides in the gel form a 'molecular mask' that muffles the virus's action, providing a potential first line of defense against biological threats.

Emotion can also cause chickens to get red in the face

Research found that chickens get red in the face depending on their emotional state, with lighter colors at rest and scarlet red during negative experiences. The study also suggests using facial redness as an indicator of animal welfare, particularly in domesticated breeds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Higher light levels may improve cognitive performance

Research found that higher light levels increase activity in the posterior hypothalamus, leading to improved cognitive performance during executive tasks. In contrast, lower light levels decreased activity in this region, negatively correlating with cognitive performance.

A roadmap for digital neuroscience

The position paper identifies eight key areas for digital neuroscience research, including near-term, middle-term, and long-term goals. It also discusses the potential of 'digital twin' approaches, ultra-high-resolution digital atlases, and neuro-derived AI and computing innovations.

Alem conducting PRNT analysis of samples from Athari Biosciences

Researchers at George Mason University's Biomedical Research Laboratory are conducting Plaque Reduction Neutralization Tests (PRNTs) on patient serum samples from Athari BioSciences. The study aims to analyze the neutralizing ability of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

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.

Hao receives funding for NOAA AMSU-A CDR Products Support

Xianjun Hao has received a $50,000 grant from Riverside Technology, Inc. as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) AMSU-A CDR Products Support project. The funding will support research activities between February 2024 and February 2025.

Uncovering a CS Lewis poem in Special Collections

A forgotten poem by CS Lewis has been uncovered in Special Collections, revealing details of friendships between fantasy writers and medievalists at the University of Leeds. The poem praises the Gordons, a married couple who were close friends with JRR Tolkien and medievalist scholars.

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.

The relationship between viral replication and the severity of hepatic necroinflammatory damage changed before HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Studies found a negative relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high viral DNA levels, which shifted to positive relationships for those with low DNA levels or HBeAg-negative status. This interaction suggests a complex relationship between viral replication and liver damage progression.

Theory thesis wins APS Dissertation Award

Zhite Yu has been awarded the 2024 J.J. and Noriko Sakurai Dissertation Award in Theoretical Particle Physics for his novel and outstanding doctoral thesis work. He studied the proton's interior using electron-scattering processes and proposed two new methods to overcome limitations, which can provide more information about partonic st...

Advancing high-resolution ultrasound imaging with deep learning

Researchers developed a new method to accelerate high-resolution ultrasound localization microscopy using deep learning, enabling faster and more accurate imaging of microvascular structures. The technique, called LOCA-ULM, improves spatial resolution and processing speed while maintaining sensitivity for functional imaging.

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.

Historically redlined areas see more modern-day gun violence

New research from Boston Children's Hospital found a significant correlation between historic redlining and present-day non-suicide firearm fatalities. Areas graded as 'hazardous' in the 1930s have nearly six times more non-suicide firearm fatalities today compared to areas graded 'best'.

What do you know about measles and vaccination?

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease that can cause complications such as ear infections, pneumonia, and neurologic disorders. The measles vaccine is effective and safe, but individuals with immunocompromised conditions require careful consideration.

A win–win approach: maximizing Wi-Fi performance using game theory

A team of researchers has developed a novel approach using game theory to maximize Wi-Fi performance by optimizing user positions. By analyzing the incentives for all users, their potential game model condenses the impact of new users and inter-user interference into a single function.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A small factor makes a big impact on genome editing

Researchers identified a small RNA-binding protein called La that promotes gene editing with high efficiency. The team created a new protein, PE7, which harnesses La's activity to enhance prime editing, leaving unwanted byproducts at low frequencies.

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.

Eye-opener: Pupils enlarge when people focus on tasks

A recent study published in Attention, Perception & Psychophysics found a correlation between pupil dilation and working memory. Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that individuals with better working memory had larger pupil dilations during tasks, indicating improved focus and attention.

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.

Mosaics of predisposition cause skin disease

Researchers at Kobe University discovered a new gene, FDFT1, responsible for porokeratosis by identifying epigenetic silencing. Patients with localized lesions didn't have inherited damaged copies, leading to a hypothesis that epigenetic changes are the first hit. The findings have implications for treatment and counseling.

Smartphone swabs provide convenient toxicology testing

A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reveals that smartphone swabs can successfully detect drugs on phone surfaces. The method, which uses dry swabs, identified MDMA, cocaine, and THC as the most common substances, with other drugs including ketamine, LSD, and heroin also detected.

AI weather forecasts captured Ciaran’s destructive path

A new study by the University of Reading demonstrated that AI weather forecasts can predict storm paths and intensities with similar accuracy to traditional models. However, AI systems underestimated Storm Ciaran's maximum wind speeds due to limitations in predicting certain atmospheric features.

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.

Magnetic with a pinch of hydrogen

A German-American research team has developed an innovative idea to improve the properties of ultra-thin magnetic materials by reacting them with hydrogen. The researchers have identified three promising candidates that can be magnetically activated by hydrogen passivation, paving the way for new types of electronic components.

No bull: How creating less-gassy cows could help fight climate change

A Curtin University study found that breeding less-flatulent cows and restoring agricultural land can significantly reduce methane emissions from Australia's beef and dairy sectors. Researchers identified several strategies to lower emissions, including altering breeding objectives and improving wastewater management.

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.

Liquid droplets shape how cells respond to change

New research found that cells form liquid droplets to sequester excess cAMP and PKA, tamping down non-specific signaling. This helps maintain cellular biochemical activities according to spatiotemporal regulation. The study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind this process and design a therapeutic for rare liver cancer.

Life goals and their changes drive success

A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.

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.

Study shows: 2D materials rotate light polarization

A German-Indian research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing miniaturized optical isolators by utilizing ultra-thin two-dimensional materials. The researchers successfully rotated the polarization of visible light by several degrees under small magnetic fields, paving the way for on-chip integration of optical co...

Planning at multiple scales for healthy corals and communities

A new study by Stanford researchers explores the effects of different watershed interventions on coral health, finding that regional-scale approaches yield better results. The research identifies key areas for restoration, protection, and sustainable agriculture to support both ecosystem and societal benefits.

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.

Predicting cardiac arrhythmia 30 minutes before it happens

Researchers developed a deep-learning model to predict atrial fibrillation, giving early warnings with an accuracy of around 80%. The model, called WARN, uses heart rate data to calculate a probability of danger, providing crucial time for preventive measures.

Genetically engineering a treatment for incurable brain tumors

A team of Purdue researchers has developed a novel immunotherapy to combat glioblastoma, a type of brain tumor with limited treatment options. The treatment uses genetically engineered stem cell-derived natural killer cells that can target and eliminate tumors without the need for blood sourcing.

Backyards, urban parks support bird diversity in unique ways

Researchers found that public parks and backyard spaces host diverse bird species in summer, while backyards play a crucial role in supporting winter bird populations. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts and habitat restoration in increasing bird diversity.

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.