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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 27 of 41

ERC wants to see what shapes the stories AI tells us

The project, AI STORIES, aims to understand how artificial intelligence creates new narratives and challenges dominant American narratives. The research will test the hypothesis that AI-generated responses mimic sci-fi stories where AI gains human emotions.

Decoding spontaneous thoughts from the brain via machine learning

Researchers used fMRI and predictive modeling to decode emotional dimensions of spontaneous thoughts, revealing the involvement of default mode, ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks. The study's findings hold promise for daydream decoding and potential applications in mental health.

Mirta Galesic awarded ERC Advanced Grant

Mirta Galesic has been awarded a €3 million ERC Advanced Grant to investigate collective adaptation. The project, hosted at the Complexity Science Hub, aims to understand how human groups navigate complex problem landscapes using computational models and empirical data.

Tracking ticks in Georgia to help monitor emerging diseases

Researchers mapped the distribution of lone star ticks, a dominant tick species in Georgia, to identify areas with high prevalence. The study found that these regions contain sweet spots for lone star ticks, including forested areas of mid-elevation and soils retaining moisture but not swampy.

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 project explores warfare in animal societies

A new project investigates how and why groups of animals fight each other, with implications for human evolution. The study focuses on warlike species like mongooses and termites to understand the factors that lead to extreme aggression and peace.

Physician empathy and chronic pain outcomes

A study of 1,470 adults with chronic low back pain found that physician empathy was associated with improved outcomes over 12 months. Greater efforts to cultivate and improve physician empathy are warranted.

Trapped in the middle: billiards with memory

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have introduced a billiards game with memory, where the ball may never cross its own previous path. This leads to a trapping effect, making the system chaotic and fascinating, with many open mathematical questions and potential applications in physics and biophysics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Twinkle twinkle baby star, 'sneezes' tell us how you are

Researchers at Kyushu University discovered that baby stars expel plumes of dust, gas, and electromagnetic energy in a phenomenon called 'interchange instability', releasing magnetic flux within the protostellar disk. This finding sheds new light on how baby stars develop and may be crucial for understanding star formation.

Hybrid intelligence can reconcile biodiversity & agriculture

A research team at TUM and University of Hohenheim developed a promising approach to reconciling biodiversity conservation with agricultural productivity. Hybrid intelligence leverages collective human judgment and artificial intelligence to simulate biodiversity measures and support joint decision-making.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Second primary breast cancer in young breast cancer survivors

Young breast cancer survivors without germline pathogenic variants are at lower risk for developing a second primary breast cancer within the first decade after diagnosis. This study informs treatment decision-making and follow-up care considerations in this population.

Oxidant pollutant ozone removes mating barriers between fly species

Researchers found that elevated ozone levels remove mating barriers between different fly species, leading to increased hybridization and sterile offspring. The study used four species of Drosophila and found that ozone concentrations often measured on hot days can cause flies to mate with closely related species.

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 finds increased anxiety and PTSD among people who remained in Ukraine

A recent study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals remaining in Ukraine during the ongoing war are more likely to experience anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than refugees. Exposure to blasts and loss of community, housing, and economic resources contribute to these mental health issues.

Novel CT exam reduces need for invasive artery treatment

A new study found that a non-invasive imaging test can help identify patients with coronary artery blockage or narrowing who need a revascularization procedure. The test, called CT-FFR, uses CTA images and AI algorithms to model coronary blood flow, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

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.

NSF grant awarded to manage salt contamination of tidal river water supplies

A multi-institution team led by Penn State researchers has been awarded $650,000 to develop coupled watershed-estuary models simulating salt ion transport and fate. The project aims to address salt contamination in tidal rivers, a growing problem worldwide, and will use the Chesapeake Bay as a pilot study site.

Food security in developed countries shows resilience to climate change

A study by the University of Southampton found that market forces have provided good food price stability in developed countries, including the US, over the past half century. Despite increased variability in weather and harvests, the wheat market has remained competitive and relatively stable.

Scientists discover first nitrogen-fixing organelle

Researchers have discovered the first known nitrogen-fixing organelle within a eukaryotic cell, which challenges current understanding of biological nitrogen fixation. The discovery provides insight into ocean ecosystems and has potential implications for agriculture.

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.

Chemicals stored in home garages linked to ALS risk

Researchers found a significant association between storing chemicals in attached garages and increased ALS risk. The study suggests that volatile chemicals released into the living space may contribute to this link.

Developing best practices for human-AI collaboration in engineering design

Lehigh University researcher A. Emrah Bayrak explores best practices for human-AI collaboration in complex design tasks, aiming to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. His project uses models that predict human decision-making and combines it with AI's training data analysis to determine strategies for division of labor.

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.

New computer vision tool wins prize for social impact

The DISCount framework combines AI-powered image analysis with human analysis to quickly deliver reliable estimates of building damage and bird flock size. It has been recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence for its social impact, winning an award for best paper on AI for social impact.

Recent advances in application of polysaccharides in cosmetics

Researchers from Inner Mongolia University and The Sorbonne University of France review the biological mechanisms underlying polysaccharide cosmetics. They found that controlled molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and functional groups can enhance cosmetic efficacy.

Could novel immune cell therapy combat hepatitis B infections?

Researchers identify a promising strategy for combating hepatitis B virus (HBV) by boosting the effects of immune cells called stem cell memory T cells (TSCMs). In a mouse model, introducing TSCMs from patients into mice resulted in the elimination of HBV-infected liver cells.

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.

Cockayne syndrome: new insights into cellular DNA repair mechanism

Researchers have uncovered important details about the role of CSB/ERCC6 and CSA/ERCC8 genes in Cockayne syndrome. These genes encode enzymes associated with DNA repair that initiate transcription-coupled repair of toxic DNA-protein crosslinks, marking and breaking down damaged DNA.

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.

Study advances understanding of liver immune response in cirrhosis

The study found that decreasing LSECtin levels increases specific immune cells that contribute to disease progression, suggesting restoring these levels could restore altered liver functions. Researchers restored LSECtin activity in cirrhotic animal cells using anti-inflammatory mediators, proposing a potential therapeutic strategy.

Discovering exceptional oxide ion conductivity at lower temperatures

Bismuth-containing Sillén oxyhalides exhibit exceptional oxide ion conductivity at lower temperatures, paving the way for more efficient solid oxide fuel cells. The materials' high conductivity and stability were achieved through triple fluorite-like layers with interstitial oxygen sites.

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.

The genesis of our cellular skeleton, image by image

Researchers at the University of Geneva have successfully visualized and reconstructed the assembly of the human centriole, a critical structure in the cell skeleton. By combining high-resolution microscopy and kinematic reconstruction techniques, they were able to model the first 4D assembly of the centriole, providing new insights in...

Visiting white parts of town make some Black kids feel less safe

A new study by Ohio State University found that Black youth feel less safe when visiting predominantly white areas of their city. The study, which involved 1,405 11- to 17-year-old youths, showed that Black kids who spent more time in white-dominated areas felt less safe and had higher levels of chronic stress, measured by hair cortiso...

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.

Advancing brain-inspired computing with hybrid neural networks

Hybrid Neural Networks (HNNs) combine Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), leveraging the strengths of both to achieve better performance and cost balance. HNN models have been applied in various intelligent tasks and are expected to contribute further to the development of Artificial General Intelligence.

Engineers making a better, more profitable grid for distributing solar power

The MODERNISE project, funded by the US Department of Energy, aims to develop computational algorithms for grid operators to integrate renewable energy sources. By aggregating small, distributed energy resources, researchers hope to improve transmission grid operations and make them more reliable and efficient.

Surface emitting semiconductor laser achieves efficiency breakthrough

Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in surface-emitting semiconductor laser efficiency using multi-junction cascaded active area technology. The new design strategy increases gain volume, enhancing differential quantum efficiency and maintaining lower threshold current.

Trends in deaths of despair by race and ethnicity

Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Most cybercriminal threats are concentrated in just a few countries

The study finds that cybercriminal threats are primarily concentrated in a small number of countries, with China, Russia, Ukraine, the US, Romania, and Nigeria ranking high in various categories. The World Cybercrime Index provides a useful tool for targeting investigative and preventive efforts more efficiently.

Can probiotics plus vitamin D supplements benefit people with schizophrenia?

A randomized controlled trial found that co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D supplements improved MoCA scores and increased the percentage of patients with normal cognition in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests that probiotics may be a novel way to treat mental disorders by regulating gut microbiota.

Navigation software supports kidney research

Researchers developed a new computer method to clarify the question of whether protein excretion in the urine is caused by severely damaged or moderately damaged glomeruli. The technique uses three-dimensional image processing and a highly parallelized geometric algorithm to determine the fastest route on a two-dimensional map.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physicists discover a novel quantum state in an elemental solid

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a novel quantum effect termed “hybrid topology” in a crystalline material made of arsenic atoms. This finding combines two forms of topological quantum behavior—edge states and surface states, creating a new state of matter.

ChatGPT could help reduce vaccine hesitancy and provide helpful advice on STIs

A pilot study found that ChatGPT provided factual responses to common questions about vaccination and STIs, demonstrating its potential as a tool to reduce vaccine hesitancy and provide helpful advice on sexual health. The AI chatbot's accuracy and conciseness were comparable to professional organizations' guidelines.