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Science News Archive April 2024


Page 6 of 41

Imaging the microstructural landscape of amorphous carbons

The study presents a comprehensive microstructural landscape of six representative phases of amorphous carbons, including disordered graphene networks and diamond-like structures. The researchers developed a phase diagram and discovered a fitted power-law that regulates the microstructural stability of amorphous carbons.

Recovering phosphorus from sewage sludge ash

A new method recovers phosphorus from sewage sludge ash through chemical and heat treatment, providing a valuable resource for industries. The process can be implemented with lower energy requirements and costs than conventional technologies, making it an attractive solution for addressing the depletion of phosphorus ores.

The right frame determines the movement

Researchers at German Primate Center investigated how rhesus monkeys encode target positions in arm movements, finding that brain areas can switch between body- and object-related spatial reference systems depending on the task. This flexible coding is essential for developing neuroprostheses that can interpret brain signals correctly.

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 circuit boards can be repeatedly recycled

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new PCB that performs on par with traditional materials and can be recycled repeatedly. The process uses a solvent to transform a type of vitrimer into a jelly-like substance, allowing solid components to be plucked out for reuse or recycling.

Getting dynamic information from static snapshots

Researchers from UChicago create TopicVelo, a new method using scRNA-seq data to study dynamic processes in cells. The method groups data by biological processes, such as ribosomal synthesis, differentiation, and immune response, to better understand how cells change over time.

Ancient Maya blessed their ballcourts

Researchers discovered evidence of ceremonial plant offerings beneath a ballcourt in Yaxnohcah, Mexico. Environmental DNA analysis revealed the presence of plants with religious and medicinal significance, indicating a possible blessing ritual during construction.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

X-chromosome inactivation may reduce autism risk

Researchers found a bias in X-chromosome inactivation that protects females from harmful mutations linked to autism. The study suggests the paternal X chromosome is inactivated in 60% of cells, preventing mutation effects.

Illusion helps demystify the way vision works

A new study using electrophysiology and optogenetics has shown that neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to brightness illusions, settling a long-standing debate in neuroscience. The findings suggest that higher-level neurons play a crucial role in modulating activity in lower-level neurons.

How the immune system learns from harmless particles

University of Bonn researchers found that harmless particles improve immune responses and enhance lung function in mice. The study used beta-glucan to stimulate the immune system, resulting in a modified response to pathogenic bacteria.

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.

Experimental NIH malaria monoclonal antibody protective in Malian children

A mid-stage trial of an experimental malaria monoclonal antibody found it to be 77% effective in preventing infection and disease in children in Mali. The treatment, administered by subcutaneous injection, was developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is designed to provide long-acting protection against malaria.

Gene regulation: modification in the nucleosome jungle

A team of LMU researchers has deciphered the mechanism by which a tiny chromatin modifying enzyme called ISWI remains mobile in the cell nucleus. The study reveals that ISWI consumes ATP to navigate through densely packed chromatin and prevent it from becoming too rigid.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

DOE Under Secretary for Science and Innovation visits Jefferson Lab

Under Secretary for Science and Innovation Geraldine Richmond visited the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility to discuss its research portfolio diversification efforts. The lab is working to ensure diverse communities have access to its programs, support, and opportunities.

Medscape removes education courses for doctors funded by tobacco giant

Medscape has removed its accredited medical education courses on smoking cessation funded by Philip Morris International following a BMJ investigation. The move comes as doctors and academics call for a global ban on industry-funded medical education, citing concerns over ethics and the potential to prolong tobacco use.

Traffic noise, a novel risk factor for cardiovascular diseases

A new analysis published in Circulation Research finds strong evidence that transportation noise is closely linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that traffic noise increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases such as ischemic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and diabetes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

More efficient molecular motor widens potential applications

Researchers have created a more efficient light-driven molecular motor, which can be used for various applications such as controlling molecular self-assembly and creating chiral dopants in liquid crystals. The new design also enables the motor to work more efficiently in medical applications due to its longer wavelength absorption.

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.

Divining peak groundwater

By 2050, one-third of the world's basins may reach peak groundwater extraction, leading to significant shifts in trade and agriculture. Scientists analyzed patterns in nonrenewable groundwater usage over the next century to inform decision-making and adaptative measures.

Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production

Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.

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.

Test reveals mice think like babies

A new study reveals mice think like babies, exhibiting exploratory and strategic behavior when learning tasks. Researchers found that mice adjust their strategy based on expectations and internal models, leading to improved performance without rewards.

Energy trades could help resolve Nile conflict

Scientists propose a transformative approach to resolve the Nile conflict by increasing electricity trade between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This study reveals that energy-water system simulation can alleviate tensions and promote win-win situations for all parties involved.

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.

How to clean up New Delhi’s smoggy air

A study led by the Paul Scherrer Institute reveals that incomplete combustion and biomass burning are major contributors to New Delhi's air pollution. The research found that particulate matter in the air causes oxidative stress, leading to illnesses such as asthma and hypertension.

From disorder to order: flocking birds and “spinning” particles

Scientists have found a new way to create ordered states in quantum systems by increasing particle motility, leading to potential breakthroughs in quantum computing and magnetic memory. This discovery extends the concept of active matter to the quantum realm and has far-reaching implications for technology development.

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.

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.

Premature mortality higher among sexual minority women, study finds

A recent study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner than heterosexual women. The study analyzed data from over 100,000 female nurses and highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reduce disparities among sexual minority groups.

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 confirms effectiveness of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine

A Brazilian study found that a major bivalent COVID-19 vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against the original coronavirus strain and subvariants of omicron. The vaccine's effectiveness was confirmed, but its importance in controlling disease was limited by its focus on the original strain.

Plastic food packaging contains harmful substances

Researchers found that plastic food packaging contains a vast array of toxic chemicals, affecting hormone secretion and metabolism. The study identifies 11 chemical combinations that can activate G-protein-coupled receptors, potentially disrupting bodily functions.

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.

Deer are expanding north, and that’s not good for caribou

Researchers found deer density is lower in areas with colder winters, but human land use has a smaller impact on deer populations than climate change. As the climate warms, deer are expected to continue expanding northward, posing an increased risk to caribou populations.

New tool helps identify babies at high-risk for RSV

A new tool helps prioritize infants most at risk for severe RSV illness, allowing for targeted preventive medication with long-acting nirsevimab. The tool has good predictive accuracy and internal validation, indicating a potential game-changer in RSV prevention among high-risk infants.

Shoulder surgeons should rethink a common practice, study suggests

A recent study suggests that removing the bursa during shoulder surgery may impair the success of rotator cuff repairs. The researchers found that the bursa protects the undamaged tendon and bone by maintaining their mechanical properties and promoting healing. Retaining the bursa may prevent or delay progression of tendon degeneration.

Improving health communication to save lives during epidemics

Effective public health communication is crucial for controlling the spread of disease, maintaining public trust, and encouraging compliance with health measures during epidemics. The African continent's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape requires tailored communication strategies to address social and economic factors.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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