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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 38 of 41

New tools reveal how genes work and cells organize

Researchers developed a prediction tool to classify proteins based on their potential to bind RNA G-quadruplexes, showing high protein disorder and hydrophilicity. This discovery provides insights into gene expression and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles.

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.

Intelligent liquid

The new metafluid can transition between Newtonian and non-Newtonian states, allowing for programmable viscosity and compressibility. The researchers demonstrated the fluid's capabilities in a hydraulic robotic gripper, picking up objects of varying weights without crushing them.

Red flags: I’m not the bug for you!

Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.

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.

UConn researchers closer to near real-time disaster monitoring

A team of UConn researchers has developed a method to drastically cut the lag time for assessing disasters, bringing disturbance assessment closer to near real-time monitoring. By applying machine learning and retrospective chart review techniques, they can detect changes in remote sensing data much faster than current methods.

Better nutrition can lead to better brain health, GSA publication shows

A new GSA publication highlights the importance of nutrition in maintaining healthy brain function and reduces cognitive decline. The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is shown to improve cognition, with individuals consuming this pattern experiencing better cognitive abilities than those aged...

MIT researchers discover “neutronic molecules”

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way that neutrons can interact with materials, potentially providing insights into material properties and quantum effects. The discovery involves the binding of neutrons to nanoscale atomic clusters called quantum dots.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

China's orchid renaissance: Bridging ancient traditions and modern science

The review article explores China's orchid industry, tracing its cultural connections to ancient times and highlighting modern advancements in cultivation. Key findings include the discovery of SNP markers contributing to orchid diversity research and the potential of molecular marker-assisted breeding.

Like sands through the hourglass – but not quite

Scientists from the University of Amsterdam and Chile have created a new type of granular material that can be compressed and still flow like a liquid. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications such as shock dampening, where the material can absorb and distribute energy more consistently.

Tree of life for modern birds revealed

A team of scientists has reconstructed the bird family tree using genomic data from over 360 species and nearly 200 fossilized birds. The study found that most modern bird groups appeared within a small evolutionary window, supporting the idea that birds thrived after dinosaurs went extinct.

Exercise habits in youth create better health outcomes for some

A University of Adelaide study found that forming long-term recreational exercise habits as a young person has a beneficial impact on physical and mental health later in life. However, certain groups such as females and academic high-achievers are disproportionately at risk of failing to establish regular exercise patterns.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

E-cigarette users now more likely to quit traditional cigarettes

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to stop smoking regular cigarettes. Between 2018 and 2021, 30.9% of e-cigarette users quit smoking combustible cigarettes, compared to 20% of non-e-cigarette users.

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.

AACR: MD Anderson's Padmanee Sharma elected Fellow of the AACR Academy

Padmanee Sharma, a physician-scientist at MD Anderson, has been elected Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. Her groundbreaking research on immune checkpoint therapies has led to FDA approvals for treatments against metastatic bladder and kidney cancer.

Deciphering genomic language: New AI system unlocks biology’s source code

An interdisciplinary team of researchers developed an AI system capable of deciphering genomic language and understanding its functional and regulatory grammar. The Genomic Language Model (gLM) learns from highly diverse metagenomic data, providing insights into gene functions, regulation, and evolutionary relationships.

Study gives first view of centromere variation and evolution

A genomic study has revealed the unimaginable diversity of human and nonhuman primate centromeres, highlighting their speed of evolutionary change. Centromeres differ vastly in size, structure, and epigenetic makeup, with unique sequences and organization emerging from different evolutionary forces.

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.

New discovery unravels malaria invasion mechanism

A recent study has identified a key component of the malaria parasite's invasion mechanism, revealing that it binds to a specific sugar called sialic acid on red blood cell surfaces. This discovery provides new insights into the parasite's adaptation to humans and offers potential targets for vaccine and drug development.

New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry

A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.

Finding where the grass is greener

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.

Amber reveals mating behavior of cretaceous water striders

Researchers have discovered fossilized water striders in copulation, providing a rare glimpse into the mating behaviors of ancient insects. The study reveals strong sexual conflict between males and females, with males using specialized morphological adaptations to overcome female resistance.

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.

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.

'Smart swarms' of tiny robots inspired by natural herd mentality

By replicating nature's swarm behavior, researchers have created 'smart swarms' of microscopic robots that can adapt to changing environments, leading to improved task performance. This breakthrough enables potential applications in autonomous drone fleets, efficient drug delivery, and cleaning contaminated water.

Climate change impacts terrorist activity

Researchers found a correlation between climatological variables and shifting patterns of terrorist activity in India. The study suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also linked to national security.

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.

Discovery could end global amphibian pandemic

Researchers have discovered a virus that infects the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes heart failure in frogs and toads. The virus could be engineered to control the fungal disease and potentially save amphibian species.

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.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Machine learning breakthrough sheds new light on hotel customer satisfaction

A novel machine learning approach reveals complex relationships between hotel service attributes and customer satisfaction, providing actionable insights. The study's IML-DAA model achieves unparalleled accuracy in predicting customer satisfaction, elucidating the impact of specific service attributes on overall guest contentment.

Neurosciences. Researchers explain how brain blood vessels are formed

A team of researchers led by Prof. Benoit Vanhollebeke discovered that cerebral vessels obey different rules and are equipped with a specific enzyme essential for invading the brain. This mechanism enables the vessels to acquire properties adapted to the neuronal environment, including the blood-brain barrier.

Magnetic fields boost clean energy

EPFL researchers have developed a novel approach to boost electrocatalysis using magnetic fields, enhancing the movement of reactants and improving reaction efficiency. This innovation has significant potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies and increase sustainable fuel production, mitigating climate change.

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.

Where the wild bees are—and aren’t—impacts food supply

Native wild bees are vital for pollination and have a significant impact on crop productivity. A recent study found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could provide additional nutrition for 30 million people annually and increase farmer income by up to $3 billion every year.

New study paves the way for precision drugs to treat blood cancers

Researchers used single-molecule microscopy and X-ray crystallography to discover that pathogenic JAK2 mutations utilize pseudokinase domain-mediated dimerization as a mechanism for activation. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of JAK2 activation and its role in blood cancers.

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.