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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 39 of 41

Two newly described fossils help solve early mammal mysteries

The discovery of two newly described fossils from the Jurassic period has provided fresh insights into the early evolution of mammals. The fossils, which include well-preserved skeletal remains of shuotheriids, have allowed scientists to solve a longstanding problem in understanding mammalian tooth shape.

When tickling triggers more than just laughter

A study by researchers at University Medical Center Mainz found that tickling can be a form of sexual expression for some adults, satisfying them sexually and even triggering orgasms. Childhood experiences and mutual trust are key factors in this phenomenon.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sunrise to sunset, new window coating blocks heat — not view

A new window coating developed by the University of Notre Dame's Tengfei Luo and his team maintains functionality and efficiency regardless of the sun's position in the sky. The coating reduces air-conditioning cooling costs by more than one-third in hot climates.

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 can take over key management roles in scientific research

Researchers explore how AI can perform managerial functions such as task division, direction, and motivation, enabling projects to operate at larger scale. The study reveals that AM-enabled projects are often larger and associated with platforms providing shared AI tools.

Dogs provide new insights into aging and cognition

Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.

A call for global cultural change to save the planet

The review highlights major impediments to sustainability, including industrial capitalism and fossil fuel use. The authors propose a radical shift in values, supported by education, policy, economic incentives, and technological innovation.

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.

Majority of people with heart disease consume too much sodium

Among a sample of over 3,100 people with heart disease, 89% consumed more than the recommended daily maximum of 1,500 mg of sodium, and study participants on average consumed more than twice this amount. Limiting sodium intake is crucial for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events.

Why don't we stick to home physiotherapy exercises?

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified six barriers to consistent home physiotherapy exercises in vestibular rehabilitation, including motivation, increased symptoms, and psychosocial factors. The study offers actionable recommendations for clinicians to overcome these barriers and improve treatment outcomes.

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.

The math problem that took nearly a century to solve

University of California San Diego researchers Jacques Verstraete and Sam Mattheus solve longstanding Ramsey problem r(4,t), estimating the solution as t^3. This breakthrough provides a cubic function estimate for finding four people who know each other or t people who don't, shedding light on a century-old math puzzle.

A molecular route to decoding synaptic specificity and nerve cell communication

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified the molecular mechanisms involved in synaptic communication using Drosophila. They found that Side-IV/Beat-IIb immunoglobulin superfamily protein molecules play a crucial role in inducing synapse formation and regulating preferential signaling among neuron pairs.

How and why animals can live alongside humans

A new analysis of grackle feeding behaviour suggests that male grackles are more efficient foragers in uncertain environments, relying on risk-sensitive learning to navigate chaotic settings. This strategy allows them to dominate urban environments and lead their species' invasion.

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.

All-cash home buyers pay 10% less than mortgage buyers

A recent study by the University of California San Diego Rady School of Management found that all-cash home buyers receive a 10% discount compared to mortgage buyers. This 'cash discount' varies depending on location, with some areas experiencing a 17% difference.

A new estimate of U.S. soil organic carbon to improve Earth system models

Scientists have developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon in the US, providing a more accurate benchmark for policymakers. The study reveals how environmental variables affect soil organic carbon and offers insights into mitigating climate change through sustainable land management practices.

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.

Heart health declines rapidly after menopause

A study shows post-menopausal women experience a steep rise in heart problems due to reduced estrogen levels, accelerating plaque buildup and cardiovascular risk. Researchers highlight the importance of recognizing early warning signs and increasing screening for coronary artery calcium.

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.

Far-UVC light can virtually eliminate airborne virus in an occupied room

A new study shows that far-UVC light can virtually eliminate airborne viruses in occupied work environments, reducing infectious airborne virus levels by 99.8%. The technology has the potential to provide more protection against airborne-disease transmission than ventilation systems, making it a promising solution for indoor spaces.

Methods sections often lack critical details needed to reproduce an experiment, and the practice of citing previous papers instead of describing the methods in detail may contribute to this problem

A recent analysis of over 750 papers found that more than 90% rely on shortcut citations in their methods sections, significantly impeding the ability to reconstruct original experiments. This practice is prevalent across journals, with less than a quarter adhering to policies governing previously described methods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Minimally invasive procedure may spare patients from thyroid surgery

A 10-center study found that microwave ablation is associated with similar progression-free survival rates to surgery but with fewer complications and a greater potential for preserving thyroid function. The procedure resulted in less blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter procedure and hospitalization durations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Gloom and doom warnings about climate change do not work

Researchers found that doom and gloom messaging about climate change is most effective globally, but not in Norway. In contrast, people in Norway are more inclined to take action when messages emphasize moral responsibility and the consensus among climate experts.

Researchers discover dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal

A team of scientists has discovered dual topological phases in an intrinsic monolayer crystal, revealing new rule-bending properties in a quantum material. The discovery introduces a novel effect, known as the dual topological insulator or quantum spin Hall insulator, which exhibits zero electrical conductivity within its interior.

Photonic feature extractor for broadband radio-frequency signals

A team of scientists developed a photonic scheme to extract key features from broadband RF signals, reducing data rate by 4 times while maintaining high target recognition accuracy. The system achieves 97.5% accuracy and outperforms one-dimensional feature extraction.

Electron-ion collider set to begin long-lead procurements

The US Department of Energy has approved the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), a state-of-the-art particle collider for nuclear physics research. The EIC will be built at Brookhaven National Laboratory and funded primarily by the federal government, with a total project cost estimated to be $1.7-2.8 billion.

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.

Focusing ultra-intense lasers to a single wavelength

Researchers have developed a technique to focus ultra-intense ultrashort lasers onto a single wavelength using rotational hyperbolic mirrors. This breakthrough enables the highest intensity condition for ultra-intense ultrashort lasers, revolutionizing strong-field laser physics applications.

New insights into how tumors on adrenal glands develop

Researchers at Kyushu University identified a new type of tumor cell population, steroids-producing nodules (SPNs), which lead to cortisol-producing adenomas. The study provides clues into the formation and maintenance of the human adrenal cortex.

Older trees help to protect an endangered species

A study by University of Barcelona researchers reveals older trees are crucial for conserving the wolf lichen, a threatened species found in European high mountain forests. The oldest trees provide unique shelter and conditions that support the survival of this endangered 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.

Corn reduces arsenic toxicity in soil

A study by the University of Basel found that corn plants release benzoxazinoids, which reduce arsenic uptake and mitigate toxicity. This mechanism could be used to cultivate hyper-emitting plant varieties for arsenic-contaminated locations, reducing food chain contamination.

Companies ignoring climate risks get punished by markets, new study reveals

A recent study from the University of Florida found that companies ignoring climate risks tend to face market penalties, whereas those proactively managing risks fare better. The research analyzed textual data from nearly 5,000 US public companies and discovered a costly divide between proactive and non-proactive firms.

Lung cancer does not decrease in line with reduced smoking

A new study from Umeå University found that lung cancer rates haven't decreased as expected with reduced smoking. Despite declining smoking rates, the number of cases of lung cancer has increased, especially among women. The study suggests that previous assumptions about the quick decrease in risk after quitting may have been exaggerated.

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.

Mental health emergencies in kids were more severe during the pandemic

A new study found that pediatric emergency departments saw more severe mental health presentations among children and adolescents during the pandemic, with a significant increase in prolonged stays in EDs. The findings highlight the strain on the system and difficulties finding appropriate psychiatric care for children.

Double trouble: the risks of mixing alcohol and sports wagering

A recent US study has found that sports gamblers are disproportionately more likely to binge drink compared to non-gamblers. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, surveyed over 4,300 adults and discovered that sports bettors were 1.9 times more likely to consume excessive alcohol.

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.

Hope for treating autoimmune diseases

A routine blood test that measures inflammation levels could improve diagnosis and management of debilitating autoimmune diseases. The Systemic Inflammation Index (SII) has shown high accuracy in diagnosing immunological diseases.