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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 3 of 41

A virus could help save billions of gallons of wastewater produced by fracking

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have identified a novel approach using bacteriophages, viruses that target specific bacteria, to treat produced water generated by fracking. This method has shown promise in laboratory settings, achieving the inactivation of two prominent bacteria found in wastewater, Pseudomonas aerugi...

Study reveals cancer vulnerabilities in popular dog breeds

A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.

A revised classification of primary iron overload syndromes

A revised classification of primary iron overload syndromes has been proposed based on the hepcidin25/ferroportin system, categorizing conditions into prehepatic, hepatic, and posthepatic forms. The new classification aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

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.

Becker to study Channel Island deer mouse

Becker will investigate evolutionary and conservation genomics in insular Peromyscus populations, uncovering general patterns in isolated wild mammal populations. By sequencing genome-wide loci over 120 years, she aims to extend the utility of islands as natural laboratories for testing genetic monitoring techniques.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

“Incredible Hulk” lizard provides clues to understanding evolution

Researchers at Lund University found that a specific cell type plays a key role in the joint evolution of these traits in the Mediterranean region. The study used field work and DNA analysis to investigate large, green, aggressive wall lizards and discovered genes responsible for their unique appearance.

Atomic nucleus excited with laser: a breakthrough after decades

Physicists have achieved a breakthrough by exciting thorium atomic nuclei with lasers for the first time, enabling precise tracking of their return to original energy states. This discovery has far-reaching implications for precision measurement techniques, including nuclear clocks and fundamental questions in physics.

Scientists harness the wind as a tool to move objects

Researchers at Aalto University have created a method to manipulate objects with wind, allowing for controlled movement in different directions. The technique uses an airflow field to move objects along desired trajectories, with potential applications in robotics and complex processing tasks.

When does a conductor not conduct?

A new atomically-thin material has been discovered that can switch between an insulating and conducting state by controlling the number of electrons. This property makes it a promising candidate for use in electronic devices such as transistors.

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.

Satellite maps boost mangrove conservation in China

A new study uses Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to map the distribution of Kandelia obovata mangroves across China, achieving an accuracy of 88.5%. The dual-temporal imaging strategy enables targeted conservation strategies and efficient resource allocation.

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.

Enzymes open new path to universal donor blood

Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

uOttawa scientists team up with global partners to secure your coffee’s future

A global team of researchers discovered intricate gene clusters associated with disease resistance in Coffea arabica, a widely-cultivated coffee species. The study provides valuable information for breeding opportunities and mechanisms for diversification, ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming and its continued success.

Small adaptation helps lemurs make a big noise

Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.

Sour Patch adults: 1 in 8 grown-ups love extreme tartness, study shows

A recent study published in Food Quality and Preference revealed that one in eight adults enjoy intensely sour sensations. Researchers found three distinct patterns of response to sourness: a strong negative group, an intermediate group with muted drops in liking, and a strong positive group where liking increased with more sourness.

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.

Robots can’t outrun animals. A new study explores why

A recent study published in Science Robotics found that robots struggle to outperform biological organisms in foot races. The researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies and concluded that the failure of robots to outrun animals is not due to shortfalls in individual components, but rather inefficiencies in system design.

What's new in transportation data at PSU?

Portland State University's transportation data centers, PORTAL and BikePed Portal, have received significant updates with new funding and exciting innovations. The $1.6 million PORTAL funding will support its activities for the next five years, while BikePed Portal has secured $100K in additional funding.

Group sales incentives boost weak brand sales, study finds

New research from UC Riverside finds that group sales incentives are more effective for weak brands than individual incentives. Weaker brands with uncertain sales outcomes benefit from equal commissions among sales team members, whereas stronger brands perform better under individual incentives based on sales volumes.

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.

Accelerating AI-driven molecular modeling with COSMIC

Researchers at Insilico Medicine developed COSMIC, a new framework for molecular conformation space modeling that provides accurate insights into molecule positioning and activity. This enables faster and more efficient drug design decisions.

T. rex not as smart as previously claimed, scientists find

A new study challenges previous claims that dinosaurs like T. rex were exceptionally intelligent, finding their brain size and neuron counts to be unreliable estimates of intelligence. The researchers argue that relying on single lines of evidence, such as neuron counts, can lead to misleading interpretations.

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.

Probing the effects of interplanetary space on asteroid Ryugu

Researchers analyzed asteroid Ryugu samples to study magnetic and physical bombardment environment in interplanetary space. The investigation revealed changes likely caused by micrometeoroid bombardment, providing insights into the solar system's early stages.

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.

U.S. reservoirs hold billions of pounds of fish

A study from the University of California, Davis, estimates that U.S. reservoirs contain approximately 7.7 billion pounds of fish, with southern reservoirs holding over 4 billion pounds. Proper management could play a major role in food security and fisheries conservation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

AI algorithms can determine how well newborns nurse, study shows

Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.

Laser imaging could offer early detection for at-risk artwork

Researchers develop laser microscopy technique to analyze pigments in artwork, detecting chemical changes that mark the onset of decay. The technique uses ultra-fast pulses of light to create 3D maps of certain pigments, allowing for nondestructive analysis and early detection of fading.

"Seeing the invisible": new tech enables deep tissue imaging during surgery

Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-OTN hyperspectral imaging, enabling non-destructive imaging and visualization of lesions in normal tissues. The system demonstrated high accuracy in classifying molecular vibration information of various targets with an OTN wavelength range.

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.

How can forests be reforested in a climate-friendly way?

A recent study by the University of Vienna found that only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change. Mixed forests are essential for forest ecosystem stability, but limited species options pose a challenge. The selected set of future-proof trees averages three properties, such as carbon storage and animal habitats.

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.

Omega-6 fatty acids could cut risk of bipolar disorder

Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.

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.

After 25 years, researchers uncover genetic cause of rare neurological disease

Scientists have identified the genetic mutation that causes SCA4, a progressive neurological disorder. The mutated gene ZFHX3 leads to impaired protein recycling in nerve cells, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking and balancing. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments for both SCA4 and another related form of ataxia.

New system boosts efficiency of quantum error correction

Researchers at Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering developed a blueprint for a quantum computer that can efficiently correct errors using qLDPC codes and reconfigurable atom arrays. This new system reduces the overhead required for quantum error correction, enabling scaling up quantum computers.