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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 2


Page 2 of 41

Protecting endangered monkeys from poachers, habitat loss

Researchers emphasize that field stations studying primates contribute to biodiversity conservation by deterring poaching, deforestation, and natural resource extraction. The authors call for increased funding and support for red colobus conservation efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalConservation Letters·DateApr 30, 2024

Great strides in the development of high refractive index polymers for optoelectronics

A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Paper Power: Origami Technology Makes its Way into Quadcopters

A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a self-folding origami gripper that can be mounted onto drones, enabling them to grasp and hold objects. The gripper weighs only 5 grams but demonstrates grasping force equivalent to holding a 130-gram object.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: racial bias is no 'false alarm' in policing

A University of Michigan study analyzing 98 million traffic stops found that innocent Black drivers were searched about 3.4 to 4.5 percent of the time, while innocent white drivers were searched about 1.9 to 2.7 percent of the time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateApr 30, 2024

Unveiling nature's custodians: groundbreaking study highlights crucial role of scavengers in wetlands

A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 30, 2024

Childcare pick-up: a 1-hour window to build healthier eating habits

A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children aged 3-5 consume a significant portion of their daily calories during the hour after picking up from childcare, with high amounts of added sugar and salt. Experts recommend preparing healthy snacks in advance to instill healthier habits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalChildren s Health Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How the plant world shapes the climate cycle

Researchers have found that plants help regulate the planet's atmosphere by trapping carbon and emitting oxygen, acting as a buffer against rapid climate changes. However, when climate shifts too fast for vegetation to adapt, it can lead to mass extinctions and extreme environmental changes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2024

Keeping the noise down for critical patients

A study by Edith Cowan University and Fiona Stanley Hospital found that up to 50% of ICU patients experience sleep disturbance due to noise, which can hinder recovery. The researchers identified potential for medical equipment designers to consider alarm speakers' directivity and reducing volume levels to minimize noise exposure.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·TypeSurvey·DateApr 30, 2024

Shaping the Future of Neuroendocrine Tumor Management

The newly updated guidelines provide clinicians with the latest recommendations for staging and management of neuroendocrine tumors. The guidelines highlight recent changes for treating these tumors, including emerging molecular imaging techniques known as theranostics.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateApr 30, 2024

Should chatbots chime in on climate change?

Researchers found that chatbots like ChatGPT can provide accurate information on climate change-related topics, but not all responses are reliable. The study compared the chatbots' answers to hazard risk indices generated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and found more accuracy with tropical storms than droughts.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Deep-learning decoding for a noninvasive brain-computer interface

Researchers used deep-learning decoders to enhance a non-invasive brain-computer interface's performance in tracking virtual objects. The system allowed users to control a fast and continuously moving computer cursor using only sensor-space brain waves, demonstrating promising results for neuro-assistive robotics.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024

Astronomers share climate-friendly meeting solutions

Researchers estimate CO2-equivalent emissions for astronomy meetings in 2019, suggesting preferential virtual meetings and hybrid formats. This approach can reduce long-haul travel and make astronomy more inclusive for underrepresented groups.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024
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 global care standards to help those living with advanced cancer

A new set of clinical practice standards and recommendations offers tailored and effective care for individuals with advanced and metastatic cancer. The initiative, backed by MASCC and ASCO, provides a critical resource to healthcare stakeholders.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalSupportive Care in Cancer·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 30, 2024

Listening to mindfulness audios during radiation improves physical, emotional side effects

Men with prostate cancer who listened to mindfulness audio recordings during radiation therapy experienced significant reductions in fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The study found that the mindfulness intervention was more effective than listening to relaxing music during treatment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateApr 30, 2024

A new anticoagulant with no risk of bleeding

A new anticoagulant with on-demand reversible activity has been developed by a team from UNIGE and the University of Sydney. This breakthrough offers a more reliable and easier-to-use option for surgical procedures, reducing the risk of serious bleeding associated with current treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateApr 30, 2024

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and perception of healthcare providers regarding halal pharmaceuticals

A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Mass General Brigham researchers identify potential drivers of chronic allergic inflammation

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have identified Th2-multipotent progenitor (Th2-MPP) cells, which may play a crucial role in sustaining type 2 inflammation and contribute to disease symptoms. These findings provide potential targets for therapeutic interventions and lay the groundwork for future disease-modifying approaches.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

$3.6 million to advance nuclear energy awarded to U-M

Four University of Michigan projects aim to improve the monitoring of nuclear reactors during operation, explore advanced reactor designs, develop ethical siting guidelines for nuclear facilities, and upgrade a facility for studying radiation damage. These initiatives may lead to safer and more efficient nuclear energy production.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateApr 30, 2024

Climate change lengthens and intensifies the blooming of the holm oak and other Quercus species

A study by the University of Córdoba finds that climate change is lengthening and intensifying the blooming of holm oak and other Quercus species, resulting in a prolonged and more intense pollen season. This shift has significant implications for allergy sufferers, as they will be more exposed to pollen during longer seasons.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalRegional Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Inexpensive spring truffles or exquisite piedmont truffles?

Scientists develop new analytical method to detect food fraud in truffles, distinguishing between expensive Piedmont and cheaper spring truffles based on two volatile markers. The method uses automated Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation and has low equipment requirements for routine analysis.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Innovation promises to prevent power pole-top fires

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new silicone rubber composite material that can prevent fires and electrical sparking on power poles. This innovation could save power companies time and resources by reducing damage to assets.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Is it time to retire the best-before date?

Researchers have developed a system to detect food contamination, which could save hundreds of billions of dollars globally by reducing food waste. The technology would replace the current 'best before' date system, which often leads to perfectly safe food being wasted.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Engineered increase in mesophyll conductance improves photosynthetic efficiency in field trial

Researchers engineered increased mesophyll conductance in a model crop, improving CO2 diffusion and uptake. The study showed an 8% increase in photosynthesis in the field, demonstrating potential for improved crop production and sustainable water use.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Discovery of uranium-contaminated soil purification material without secondary environmental pollution

A team at Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed a new material, hexagonal boron nitride, that can efficiently remove uranium from contaminated soil. The research shows that the material can be reused multiple times without causing secondary environmental pollution.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 30, 2024

One-two punch treatment delivers blood cancer knockout

A novel combination of two existing drugs has been discovered to eradicate AML cancer cells in lab-based tests, offering hope for patients diagnosed annually with the disease. The treatment, pairing venetoclax with a STING agonist, showed high promise in AML samples driven by a mutated p53 protein, a type of AML generally harder to treat.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCancer Cell·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

Cranberry extracts could boost microbiota and counter cardiometabolic diseases

Researchers found that cranberry extracts can stimulate beneficial bacteria in the gut, reducing inflammation and improving the prognosis of chronic diseases. The study suggests that cranberries may be a useful addition to a balanced diet in preventing or managing conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversité Laval·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateApr 30, 2024

Quitting smoking during pregnancy may have a positive effect on placental weight

Researchers found that expectant mothers who quit smoking had a lower birth weight relative to the weight of their placenta compared to those who continued smoking. This suggests that quitting smoking may help restore the balance between placental weight and birthweight, with potential benefits for both mother and child health.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateApr 30, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tsetse fly protein provides anticoagulant with its own on-off switch

Researchers have developed a new anticoagulant with an on-off switch, providing rapid control of bleeding risks in surgery and blood clots. The supramolecular approach combines a tsetse fly protein with a synthetic peptide, allowing for the anticoagulant to be rapidly deactivated by introducing correctly matched strands of free PNA.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Promising personalized approach to liver cancer therapy made possible by DNA-based neoantigen research designed at the Wistar Institute

A new clinical trial demonstrates a novel, personalized neoantigen vaccine therapy showed promising anti-tumor efficacy in patients with liver cancer who failed their original front-line treatment. The therapy induced potent induction of T cell immunity and regressed tumors in preclinical model studies.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Closing the U.S./Mexico border during COVID-19 increased HIV transmission

A study by UC San Diego researchers found that closing the US-Mexico border during COVID-19 increased HIV transmission due to continued drug tourism. The study analyzed data from participants who crossed the border, revealing nine new cases of HIV contraction primarily during the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 30, 2024

Genetic adaptations have impacted the blood compositions of two populations from Papua New Guinea

A new study has identified genetic variants under selection associated with blood-related phenotypes in Papua New Guinean highlanders and lowlanders. The findings show that highlanders have adaptations for lower oxygen availability, while lowlanders have adaptations to combat specific pathogens like malaria.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

An important step forward in the future of self-health monitoring

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a soft, self-charging material that can track vital signs like blood pressure and heart activity wirelessly. This innovation has significant implications for early disease detection and timely interventions in chronic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

UT Arlington student links worm behavior to brain disease

A UT Arlington student has made a groundbreaking connection between worm behavior and brain disease in humans. Through her research, she found that worms with mutations in neurodegeneration genes exhibit abnormal reactivity to stimuli, similar to those affected by schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

Climate change and mercury pollution stressed plants for millions of years

A new study found that massive flood basalt volcanism drove mass-extinction and disturbance, while extreme climate change and Hg-pollution continued to stress plants long after volcanic activity had ceased. The results show that ferns were robust enough to continue thriving despite mercury poisoning.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

Women are 40% more likely to experience depression during the perimenopause

A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that women in the perimenopausal stage are significantly more likely to experience depression. The meta-analysis of seven studies involving over 9,000 women from around the world reveals a 40% increased risk of depressive symptoms during this life-stage.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Studies assess feasibility of aquaculture wastewater treatment methods

Four studies document the feasibility of microalgae-based and microbial wastewater treatment methods to remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. The methods show promise in reducing environmental harm while increasing midwestern seafood production and consumption.

SourcePurdue University·JournalBioresource Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

The carbon emissions of academic astronomy

A recent study found that air travel to professional conferences contributes substantially to academia's carbon emissions, with an estimated 42,500 tCO2e released in 2019. To mitigate this issue, researchers suggest prioritizing venue locations near most participants and exploring virtual meeting solutions.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 30, 2024
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.

Big data reveals true climate impact of worldwide air travel

Researchers used big data to calculate per-country greenhouse gas emissions from aviation for 197 countries, revealing gaps in reporting requirements under the UNFCCC treaty. Countries like China and the US were found to emit the most aviation-related emissions.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

Validated rules help prevent overuse of CT scans for diagnosing traumatic head and abdominal injuries in kids

Researchers validated pediatric emergency department guidelines promoting safer CT scan use, finding both predictive rules safe and effective in minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure. The study enrolled thousands of children and adolescents nationwide, showing high accuracy in identifying cases requiring immediate intervention.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2024

People who inject drugs are transitioning to smoking

A San Diego study found that the proportion of people solely smoking opioids and methamphetamine increased from 0% to 34% between 2020 and 2023. The shift towards smoking may reduce health risks associated with injection, such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateApr 30, 2024

Activity in a room stirs up nanoparticles left over from consumer sprays

A Rutgers study found that nanoparticles from household products can be resuspended in the air, reaching human breathing zones, and increasing exposure for children. The researchers used an enclosed chamber to simulate spraying and resuspension of particles, confirming the potential health risks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A significant portion of the world’s population continues to trust vaccines, says survey in 23 countries

A survey across 23 countries found that the global population's overall trust in vaccination did not diminish despite COVID-19 pandemic challenges. More than 60% of participants reported increased willingness to get vaccinated for diseases other than COVID-19, suggesting a general openness to vaccination. The study emphasizes the impor...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024