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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

How soil microbes survive in harsh desert environments

Desert soil bacteria can survive prolonged droughts by entering a state of dormancy, but quickly reactivate in response to rare rainfall events. This allows them to generate energy and repair their genomes before returning to dormancy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2024

Fluctuating coffee prices put mental pressure on Vietnamese farmers

A new international study reveals that fluctuating coffee prices have a significant negative effect on the mental well-being of Vietnamese farmers. The study found that price volatility leads to increased stress, anxiety, and reduced social capital among farmers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 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.

Research explores how a father’s diet could shape the health of his offspring

A new study published in Nature Communications found that a father's diet can affect the anxiety-like behavior of his sons and the metabolic health of his daughters. The researchers fed male mice different diets and observed significant differences in their offspring's behavior and physiology.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

New plastic coating discovery gives greater functionality to 3D printing

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new coating process that increases the functionality of 3D printed plastics by adding color and anti-fungal properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of bespoke objects with improved durability and usability, particularly in moist environments.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

First new analysis in three decades identifies which treatments for the long-term effects of malnutrition could help reduce mortality and poor health outcomes for children

A new analysis has found evidence supporting the use of treatments to enhance mucosal healing and reduce inflammation in the gut, leading to improved outcomes for children with malnutrition. The study identified that a short course of treatment can restore mucosal integrity, reducing intestinal damage and systemic inflammation.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arboviruses, mosquitoes and potential hosts tracked in real time in São Paulo city

A team of researchers used a rapid metagenomics technique to sequence viral RNA and DNA from blood-engorged mosquitoes collected in São Paulo city, identifying vectors, viruses, and hosts. The protocol has the potential to extend our understanding of insect genetic diversity and arbovirus transmission.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateApr 17, 2024

Benefits of quitting cigarettes during pregnancy exceed dangers of weight gain

A study found that quitting smoking during pregnancy reduces the risk of stillbirths by over 80% and premature deliveries by more than 30%. However, smokers who quit may experience extra weight gain and related complications. The researchers recommend nutrition counseling to minimize these risks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHypertension·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

GIST scientists navigate the paradox of extreme cold events in a warming world

According to GIST researchers, extreme cold events (WACC) have intensified until the 2020s but are expected to decline post-2030s. This drastic shift in WACC trajectory has significant implications for global climate systems and weather patterns.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

Tracking a protein’s fleeting shape changes

Researchers developed a powerful new technique to generate dynamic structural data of proteins. They applied it to Glt Ph, revealing previously unseen structural states and uncovering the basis of wanderlust kinetics. The approach opens up possibilities to track protein structure in real-time.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

Magneto-pneumatic hybrid-driven soft actuator with bidirectional torsion

A wrist-inspired soft actuator achieves large rotational movement through bidirectional torsion motion, enabling complex tasks like door opening and screwing. The actuator's design allows for superior torsion capabilities compared to the human wrist, promising applications in soft robotics.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateApr 17, 2024

Artificial Intelligence beats doctors in accurately assessing eye problems

A study led by the University of Cambridge found that AI models like GPT-4 outperformed doctors in diagnosing and treating eye problems. The researchers suggest using AI for triaging patients and providing advice in well-controlled contexts, where access to specialist healthcare professionals is limited.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

WVU researcher studying worst western US megadrought in 1,200 years

A 23-year 'megadrought' in the western US is being studied by WVU researcher Steve Kannenberg to understand its effects on natural ecosystems, agricultural systems and human water resources. The research aims to identify areas with depleted groundwater and soil moisture, as well as assess carbon capture and storage in dryland plants.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

Women kicking goals on the field but still tackling entrenched sexism

Recent studies by the University of South Australia reveal that women footballers in general face an uphill battle gaining widespread acceptance in Australia and overcoming entrenched sexism. The research found growing support for women's sport, but minimal coverage from commercial outlets limits opportunities to demonstrate their prow...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 17, 2024

Substantial global cost of climate inaction

A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a significant global GDP loss of up to 10% if the planet warms by +3ºC, highlighting the substantial costs of inaction.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

Toronto researchers uncover human DNA repair by nuclear metamorphosis

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a DNA repair mechanism that uses nuclear metamorphosis to fix double-strand breaks in human cells. This discovery has significant implications for cancer treatment and premature aging, and may lead to new therapeutic avenues.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Adding chemotherapy to hormone therapy helps control locally advanced prostate cancer

A new study supports the use of neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy for patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, showing improved biochemical progression-free survival and treatment-free survival rates. The treatment combination offers significant benefits in controlling PSA levels and potentially improving patient outcomes.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 17, 2024

Cell biology: Molecular code stimulates pioneer cells to build blood vessels in the body

A team of KIT researchers identified a new cell type in blood vessels responsible for vascular growth, which may allow for novel therapeutic strategies to treat ischemic cardiovascular diseases. The discovery was made using single-cell sequencing and revealed that organ-specific molecular codes promote vessel growth.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Researchers realize target protein stability analysis by time-resolved ultraviolet photodissociation mass spectrometry

Researchers developed a time-resolved native mass spectrometry strategy to analyze target protein stability and structure unfolding dynamics. The study found that mutations can reduce the non-covalent interactions between protein and cofactor, leading to decreased stability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 17, 2024

Effective malaria prevention in pregnant women despite drug resistance

A study in southern Mozambique found that sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) remains effective for preventing malaria infections in pregnant women, even in areas with high drug resistance. The study showed increased clearance of P. falciparum infections and lower antibodies resulting from parasite colonisation.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of Infection·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

First evidence of human occupation in lava tube cave in Saudi Arabia

A team of researchers from Griffith University has uncovered evidence of human occupation in a lava tube cave in northern Saudi Arabia, spanning the Neolithic to Chalcolithic/Bronze Age periods. The discovery sheds light on ancient pastoralist activities and cultural exchange along pastoral routes.

SourceGriffith University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 17, 2024

From dreams to reality: unveiling the ideal in situ construction method for lunar habitats and paving the way to Moon colonization

Researchers have introduced the 8IMEM quantification method to evaluate regolith solidification techniques, finding regolith bagging as the highest-rated technique. The study proposes a four-stage plan for lunar infrastructure construction, with regolith bag technology as a solution for lunar base construction.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateApr 17, 2024

Better understanding of earthquake risks

Researchers have found evidence of a multifault network at subduction interfaces, contradicting the long-held concept of a single main fault. This discovery has significant implications for modeling earthquakes and predicting risks, which could lead to improved forecasts and mitigation strategies.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2024

New research shows urgency to act on Nigeria’s trans fat elimination policy

Significantly reducing trans fat levels in the Nigerian food supply can prevent approximately 67,000 cases of heart disease within ten years. The policy also generates net savings, with total healthcare savings estimated at around $520 million over a population's lifetime.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2024
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.

Two-dimensional nanomaterial sets record for expert-defying, counter-intuitive expansion

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that expands by 40% when stretched in one direction, breaking the previous record. The material, made of tungsten semi-carbide, uses plasma physics to create single atom layers and has potential applications in strain gauges, sensors, and wearable technology.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2024

Researchers find that accelerated aging biology in the placenta contributes to a rare form of pregnancy-related heart failure

Researchers found that accelerated aging biology in the placenta contributes to peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of pregnancy-related heart failure. The study identifies underlying aging-related biology contributing to maternal heart failure and provides evidence from both patients and animal models.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 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.

Researchers discover urine-based test to detect head and neck cancer

Researchers have developed a urine-based test that detects pieces of DNA fragments released by head and neck tumors, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional blood-based biomarker tests. The test has been shown to detect cancer recurrences far earlier than would typically happen based on clinical imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Alzheimer’s disease progresses faster in people with Down syndrome

A new study reveals that people with Down syndrome are more prone to developing Alzheimer's disease due to the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which leads to increased amyloid deposits. As a result, cognitive decline occurs in their 50s, whereas autosomal dominant Alzheimer's typically starts later in life.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 16, 2024

Gigahertz-rate switchable wavefront shaping by LNOI-empowered metasurface

A team of researchers has successfully integrated a metasurface with photonic integrated circuits, enabling fast and tunable control over light manipulation. The device can shape any wavefront in reconfigurable arbitrary polarization states at speeds of up to 1.4 gigahertz.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 16, 2024
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.

Most countries struggle to meet climate pledges from 2009

A new study found that 19 out of 34 countries failed to fully meet their 2020 climate commitments set in Copenhagen 15 years ago. The study highlights the challenges countries face in reducing emissions while maintaining economic growth, particularly for those unable to meet their targets.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 16, 2024

New A.I. project will allow industrial robots to be more freethinking

A new international research project, RoboSapiens, aims to make industrial robots more adaptable and reliable by utilizing artificial intelligence. The project, led by Aarhus University, will focus on four use-cases: autonomous ships, human-robot interactions, warehouse robots, and laptop refurbishment.

SourceAarhus University·DateApr 16, 2024

A nematode gel to protect crops in Africa and Asia

Entomopathogenic nematodes can parasitize and kill fall armyworms without environmental risks. The nematode gel technology, developed by Patrick Fallet and colleagues, outperforms commercial formulations and yields significant yield increases in Africa and Asia.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateApr 16, 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.

Cancer treatment: Experts propose specific and suited guidelines for the use and regulation of artificial intelligence

The authors suggest a regulatory approach that accommodates the unique characteristics of generalist AI models while ensuring patient safety and supporting physician decision-making. This is crucial as rigid frameworks may hinder progress in AI-driven healthcare, while hybrid approaches could be viable solutions.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·DateApr 16, 2024

Turner to receive funding for Israel Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship

George Mason University Professor John Turner will receive $248,460 in funding from the Israel Institute to support a postdoctoral teaching fellow for three academic years. The grant aims to address a significant gap in curricula about modern Israel and its importance in contemporary politics and conflict.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateApr 16, 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.

UC Irvine researchers shine light on rapid changes in Arctic and boreal ecosystems

Studies show increasing wildfires accelerate changes in northern forests, replacing slow-growing black spruce forests with faster-growing deciduous shrubs. Additionally, Arctic-boreal ecosystems are experiencing increased growth of bigger deciduous shrubs, decreased organic soil layers, and escalating isoprene emissions, which affect t...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 16, 2024

Riesling wines: Human odorant receptor for characteristic petrol note identified for the first time

Researchers have identified the human odorant receptor responsible for the characteristic petrol note in German Riesling wines. The receptor, OR8H1, is triggered by UV exposure and high levels of carotenoids in grapes. This discovery may lead to new sensor technologies for food aromas and quality control purposes.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2024

Physicists explain—and eliminate—unknown force dragging against water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

Researchers from Aalto University have identified the previously unidentified physics at play when water droplets move on superhydrophobic surfaces. By adapting a novel force measurement technique, they eliminated the drag-like force and proposed a solution to improve the performance of hydrophobic surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2024
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.

SGH and NNI study gets ahead of the curve to straighten out answer to scoliosis

Researchers from SGH and NNI found side-to-side differences in the corticoreticular pathway of patients with AIS, which may lead to better diagnosis and treatment options. The study's findings suggest that scoliosis is fundamentally related to brain and spinal cord interactions.

SourceSingHealth·JournalClinical Radiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 16, 2024

Deadly bacteria show thirst for human blood

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria, including Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli, are attracted to human serum, which contains the amino acid serine. This phenomenon, known as bacterial vampirism, allows the bacteria to navigate towards the source of blood in under a minute.

SourceWashington State University·JournaleLife·DateApr 16, 2024