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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 16 of 41

Surprising reversal in quantum systems

Scientists at ETH Zurich create an artificial solid with switched-on interactions using magnetic fields, observing surprising topological effects. The study reveals the ability to transport particles by one lattice site, mimicking a screw's motion, and demonstrates robustness against disorder.

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.

Lemur’s lament: When one vulnerable species stalks another

Researchers observed a rare instance of lemur predation by a fosa in the Betampona Strict Nature Reserve. The impact of this predation, combined with low reproductive rates and genetic isolation, poses significant threats to the survival of critically endangered lemurs.

New copper-catalyzed C-H activation strategy from Scripps Research

Scripps Research chemists develop a new set of copper-catalyzed reactions for building and modifying pharmaceuticals. The two-mode approach, inspired by human detox enzymes, offers a simple and efficient method for performing dehydrogenations and lactonizations on inexpensive starting compounds.

Scientists trigger mini-earthquakes in the lab

Researchers at the Universiteit van Amsterdam triggered mini-earthquakes in a lab by applying a small seismic wave to a granular material. The study shows that these events can be understood using laboratory-scale frictional experiments, and its findings are relevant for understanding remote earthquake triggering in larger faults.

Baby sharks prefer being closer to shore, show scientists

In a groundbreaking study, scientists found that juvenile great white sharks prefer warm and shallow waters near the shore, often within 1 km of land. This behavior may help them evade predators and optimize growth efficiency in these nurseries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toxic chemicals from microplastics can be absorbed through skin

Research found that chemicals present in microplastics can leach into human sweat and be absorbed through the skin, entering the bloodstream. The study used innovative 3D human skin models to demonstrate this process, revealing that up to 8% of the chemical exposed could be taken up by the skin.

Technical Trials for Easing the (Cosmological) Tension

A new study has sorted through models attempting to solve the cosmological tension, a discrepancy between two ways of calculating the universe's expansion. Three models that were previously viable solutions were excluded by the new data, while others reduced the tension but not solved it.

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.

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.

NEC Society Statement on the Watson vs. Mead Johnson Verdict

The Necrotizing Enterocolitis Society has released a statement on the Watson vs Mead Johnson verdict, highlighting the devastating impact of NEC on premature and medically fragile infants. The organization emphasizes the importance of adequate nutrition and protective care practices to prevent NEC.

ChatGPT extracts data for ischaemic stroke almost perfectly

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn found that ChatGPT can correctly extract 94% of data entries from thrombectomy reports without post-processing. The AI outperformed human expertise in this task, suggesting its potential as an alternative to manual data transfer

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.

Older adults in Ohio are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 older adults in central Ohio report not being prepared for emergencies, with those in lower-income counties facing the greatest challenges. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as tax levies and education on climate risks, to protect vulnerable populations.

Wayne State researcher aims to improve coding peer review practices

A Wayne State University researcher is working to transform code review tools and workflows to address participants' challenges in understanding and communicating code changes. The goal is to produce high-quality feedback using empirical methods, machine learning, and natural language techniques.

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.

Realization of an ideal omnidirectional cloak in free space

The team designed a full-parameter omnidirectional planar invisibility cloak composed of two homogeneous materials, achieving omnidirectional impedance matching and zero phase delay. The cloak demonstrated excellent invisibility performance in experimental verification, making it suitable for radar communication and bistatic detection.

Shoe technology reduces risk of diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers have developed a pressure-alternating shoe insole that provides periods of rest to the soft tissues, thereby reducing the risk of diabetic foot ulcers. This innovative technology aims to mitigate the risk of complications from poor circulation and foot sores.

Which countries are more at risk in the global supply chain?

Researchers analyzed firm-level data from the global supply network, revealing that wealthy nations are only exposed to supply chain disruptions from other high-income countries. Poor and developing nations are disproportionately affected by economic shocks due to their structural embeddedness in their local or national supply chains.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

ACP issues clinical recommendations for newer diabetes treatments

The American College of Physicians recommends adding SGLT-2 and GLP-1 agonists to metformin in adults with Type 2 diabetes for improved cardiovascular outcomes. The guidelines prioritize shared decision-making, considering individual patient characteristics and values.

Signs of multiple sclerosis show up in blood years before symptoms

Scientists have identified a consistent signature of multiple sclerosis in the blood of patients years before they develop symptoms. The discovery, published in Nature Medicine, could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease, affecting nearly 1 million people in the US.

Compact quantum light processing

Researchers have achieved quantum interference among several single photons using a novel, resource-efficient platform, paving the way for scalable quantum technologies. This breakthrough represents a significant advancement in optical quantum computing.

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.

Scientists uncover 95 regions of the genome linked to PTSD

A massive genetic study of over 1.2 million people has pinpointed 95 loci associated with PTSD risk, including 80 previously unknown locations. The study also identified 43 genes that appear to contribute to the development of PTSD, providing new targets for prevention and treatment strategies.

Coal train pollution increases health risks and disparities

A new study from the University of California, Davis found that coal train pollution has significant health effects disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income populations. The study estimates that six additional deaths may occur annually among exposed populations under severe scenarios.

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.

A flexible and efficient DC power converter for sustainable-energy microgrids

A new DC-DC power converter designed by Kobe University team offers superior voltage ratio, system stability, and simplicity, achieving an impressive efficiency of up to 98.3%. The device can efficiently interface with various energy sources, making it suitable for renewable energy integration and electric vehicle applications.

Novel material supercharges innovation in electrostatic energy storage

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel 2D/3D/2D heterostructure material that can minimize energy loss while preserving ferroelectric material properties. The new structure achieved an energy density up to 19 times higher than commercially available capacitors and efficiency over 90%.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Can bismuth prevent oil leaks – (and save Norwegians billions)?

Researchers have discovered that bismuth alloys can provide a better seal than traditional cement plugs, reducing the risk of leaks and greenhouse gas emissions. The innovative solution has the potential to save Norway billions of dollars in plugging costs, with reduced installation time and no need for rigs.

Octopus inspires new suction mechanism for robots

A new robotic suction cup mimics the adhesive properties of octopus suckers to grasp complex surfaces like rocks and shells. The device uses a multi-layer soft structure and artificial fluidic system to achieve long-lasting suction with minimal overflow.

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.

Peptides on Interstellar Ice

A research team led by Dr. Serge Krasnokutski has discovered that peptides can form on cosmic dust particles even in the presence of water molecules. The study used a vacuum chamber to replicate interstellar conditions and found that the formation of peptides was slowed down but still occurred.

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.

Palaeontology: Discovery of new ancient giant snake in India

Researchers have discovered a new species of ancient snake, Vasuki Indicus, which lived around 47 million years ago in India. The snake is estimated to be between 10.9 and 15.2 meters long, making it one of the largest snakes to have ever existed.

Properties of new materials for microchips can now be measured well

The researchers used an optomechanical methodology to extract the thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat, and thermal conductivity of five different materials, including graphene and ultra-thin silicon membrane. This method provides a route toward improving our understanding of heat transport in the 2D limit.

Solving antibiotic and pesticide resistance with infectious worms

A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.

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.