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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 3


Page 3 of 41

Scientists discover over 100 new genomic regions linked to blood pressure

Scientists have discovered over 100 new genomic regions associated with blood pressure, explaining up to 12% of the differences between individuals. The findings also suggest potential new drug targets for blood pressure treatment and could lead to tailored treatments for hypertension.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2024

A virus could help save billions of gallons of wastewater produced by fracking

Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso have identified a novel approach using bacteriophages, viruses that target specific bacteria, to treat produced water generated by fracking. This method has shown promise in laboratory settings, achieving the inactivation of two prominent bacteria found in wastewater, Pseudomonas aerugi...

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalWater·DateApr 30, 2024

Study reveals cancer vulnerabilities in popular dog breeds

A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 29, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A revised classification of primary iron overload syndromes

A revised classification of primary iron overload syndromes has been proposed based on the hepcidin25/ferroportin system, categorizing conditions into prehepatic, hepatic, and posthepatic forms. The new classification aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 29, 2024

Becker to study Channel Island deer mouse

Becker will investigate evolutionary and conservation genomics in insular Peromyscus populations, uncovering general patterns in isolated wild mammal populations. By sequencing genome-wide loci over 120 years, she aims to extend the utility of islands as natural laboratories for testing genetic monitoring techniques.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateApr 29, 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.

Intervention based on science of reading, math boosts comprehension, word problem-solving skills

A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalLearning Disabilities Research and Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024

“Incredible Hulk” lizard provides clues to understanding evolution

Researchers at Lund University found that a specific cell type plays a key role in the joint evolution of these traits in the Mediterranean region. The study used field work and DNA analysis to investigate large, green, aggressive wall lizards and discovered genes responsible for their unique appearance.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2024

Atomic nucleus excited with laser: a breakthrough after decades

Physicists have achieved a breakthrough by exciting thorium atomic nuclei with lasers for the first time, enabling precise tracking of their return to original energy states. This discovery has far-reaching implications for precision measurement techniques, including nuclear clocks and fundamental questions in physics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 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.

Scientists harness the wind as a tool to move objects

Researchers at Aalto University have created a method to manipulate objects with wind, allowing for controlled movement in different directions. The technique uses an airflow field to move objects along desired trajectories, with potential applications in robotics and complex processing tasks.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateApr 29, 2024

When does a conductor not conduct?

A new atomically-thin material has been discovered that can switch between an insulating and conducting state by controlling the number of electrons. This property makes it a promising candidate for use in electronic devices such as transistors.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Satellite maps boost mangrove conservation in China

A new study uses Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to map the distribution of Kandelia obovata mangroves across China, achieving an accuracy of 88.5%. The dual-temporal imaging strategy enables targeted conservation strategies and efficient resource allocation.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateApr 29, 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.

Details of hurricane Ian’s aftermath captured with new remote sensing method

A new remote sensing method captures details of hurricane Ian's aftermath, identifying 2,427 structures impacted by the storm. The study found that most damaged structures were single-family and multi-unit residences, with a total assessed value of over $200 million.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 29, 2024

Enzymes open new path to universal donor blood

Scientists at DTU and Lund University have found new enzymes that can remove both the A and B blood antigens and their blocking sugars, enabling the production of universal donor blood. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce logistics and costs associated with storing four different blood types.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 29, 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.

uOttawa scientists team up with global partners to secure your coffee’s future

A global team of researchers discovered intricate gene clusters associated with disease resistance in Coffea arabica, a widely-cultivated coffee species. The study provides valuable information for breeding opportunities and mechanisms for diversification, ensuring the sustainability of coffee farming and its continued success.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Small adaptation helps lemurs make a big noise

Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2024
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.

Sour Patch adults: 1 in 8 grown-ups love extreme tartness, study shows

A recent study published in Food Quality and Preference revealed that one in eight adults enjoy intensely sour sensations. Researchers found three distinct patterns of response to sourness: a strong negative group, an intermediate group with muted drops in liking, and a strong positive group where liking increased with more sourness.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Robots can’t outrun animals. A new study explores why

A recent study published in Science Robotics found that robots struggle to outperform biological organisms in foot races. The researchers analyzed data from dozens of studies and concluded that the failure of robots to outrun animals is not due to shortfalls in individual components, but rather inefficiencies in system design.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 29, 2024

Tepper School study reveals voter moral justifications for politicians' misstatements

A recent Tepper School study found that both Republican and Democratic voters provide explicit moral justification for factually inaccurate statements from their preferred politicians. This challenge the notion of partisan voters being solely influenced by laziness or bias, instead revealing a preference for 'fact-flouting' as an effec...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateApr 29, 2024

Microarray patches safe and effective for vaccinating children, trial shows

A phase 1/2 trial found microarray patches to be safe and induce strong immune responses in children, with over 90% protected from measles. The method could help achieve high population immunity levels required to control childhood diseases.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 29, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

What's new in transportation data at PSU?

Portland State University's transportation data centers, PORTAL and BikePed Portal, have received significant updates with new funding and exciting innovations. The $1.6 million PORTAL funding will support its activities for the next five years, while BikePed Portal has secured $100K in additional funding.

SourcePortland State University·DateApr 29, 2024

Group sales incentives boost weak brand sales, study finds

New research from UC Riverside finds that group sales incentives are more effective for weak brands than individual incentives. Weaker brands with uncertain sales outcomes benefit from equal commissions among sales team members, whereas stronger brands perform better under individual incentives based on sales volumes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Accelerating AI-driven molecular modeling with COSMIC

Researchers at Insilico Medicine developed COSMIC, a new framework for molecular conformation space modeling that provides accurate insights into molecule positioning and activity. This enables faster and more efficient drug design decisions.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·DateApr 29, 2024

Uptick in NYC transit assault rate during COVID pandemic; has not returned to pre-pandemic levels despite subway safety plan

Researchers found an 84% increase in NYC transit complaints following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, with no return to pre-pandemic levels despite the Subway Safety Plan. The plan's increased police presence led to stronger enforcement of transit policies, but its effect was unclear and may have had unintended consequences.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateApr 29, 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.

Fixin’ to be flexitarian: Scrap fish and invasive species can liven up vegetables

A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science·DateApr 29, 2024

T. rex not as smart as previously claimed, scientists find

A new study challenges previous claims that dinosaurs like T. rex were exceptionally intelligent, finding their brain size and neuron counts to be unreliable estimates of intelligence. The researchers argue that relying on single lines of evidence, such as neuron counts, can lead to misleading interpretations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Anatomical Record·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Pandemic fatigue and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect global public health, new 23-country study in Nature Medicine reports

A new survey of 23,000 respondents from 23 countries reports mixed signals on the current acceptance of vaccines generally, especially COVID-19 boosters. The study found that global uptake of at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose rose to 87.8%, but intent to get a booster was lower compared to previous years.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Quantum fiber optics in the brain enhance processing, may protect against degenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a quantum effect in biological systems that may help the brain protect itself from degenerative diseases. The effect, called superradiance, occurs when many tryptophan molecules are arranged in a symmetrical network and can absorb and re-emit damaging ultraviolet light particles.

SourceHoward University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Probing the effects of interplanetary space on asteroid Ryugu

Researchers analyzed asteroid Ryugu samples to study magnetic and physical bombardment environment in interplanetary space. The investigation revealed changes likely caused by micrometeoroid bombardment, providing insights into the solar system's early stages.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 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.

Study finds school entry requirements linked to increased HPV vaccination rates

A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that school-entry requirements are linked to an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. The study showed that these requirements, currently only implemented in a few states, can lead to higher HPV vaccination rates among adolescents.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 29, 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.

U.S. reservoirs hold billions of pounds of fish

A study from the University of California, Davis, estimates that U.S. reservoirs contain approximately 7.7 billion pounds of fish, with southern reservoirs holding over 4 billion pounds. Proper management could play a major role in food security and fisheries conservation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

AI algorithms can determine how well newborns nurse, study shows

Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Study reveals higher injury and assault rates among NYC food delivery gig workers dependent on the work

A study by CUNY researchers found that NYC food delivery gig workers are at a high risk of injury and assault, particularly those who rely on gig work for their main income. The study analyzed data from 1,650 delivery workers and found that fully dependent gig workers are 61% more likely to experience injury and 36% more likely to expe...

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2024

Laser imaging could offer early detection for at-risk artwork

Researchers develop laser microscopy technique to analyze pigments in artwork, detecting chemical changes that mark the onset of decay. The technique uses ultra-fast pulses of light to create 3D maps of certain pigments, allowing for nondestructive analysis and early detection of fading.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Physics Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 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.

"Seeing the invisible": new tech enables deep tissue imaging during surgery

Researchers have developed a novel rigid endoscope system for visible-to-OTN hyperspectral imaging, enabling non-destructive imaging and visualization of lesions in normal tissues. The system demonstrated high accuracy in classifying molecular vibration information of various targets with an OTN wavelength range.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOptics Express·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

Pathogens, including multi-drug resistant “superbugs”, found on floors, ceilings and door handles of hospital toilets, UK study finds

A new study has found that hospital toilet surfaces in the UK are contaminated with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study reveals that patient toilets were the worst affected, with higher levels of bacteria and fungi found on floors and high surfaces than hand-touch sites.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 29, 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.

How can forests be reforested in a climate-friendly way?

A recent study by the University of Vienna found that only a few tree species can survive a century of rapid climate change. Mixed forests are essential for forest ecosystem stability, but limited species options pose a challenge. The selected set of future-proof trees averages three properties, such as carbon storage and animal habitats.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 29, 2024

A celebrity weight-loss drug helps people with HIV fight fatty liver, study shows

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that semaglutide is an effective therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people with HIV. The medication, approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, showed significant reductions in liver fat and improved metabolic markers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Omega-6 fatty acids could cut risk of bipolar disorder

Researchers identified a genetic link between higher levels of arachidonic acid and lower risk of bipolar disorder. Arachidonic acid, found in meat, seafood, and human milk, may hold potential for lifestyle or dietary interventions to prevent or treat the condition.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 29, 2024

The therapeutic effects of baicalein on the hepatopulmonary syndrome in the rat model of chronic common bile duct ligation

This study explored the preventative role of baicalein in hepatopulmonary syndrome development. Baicalein improved survival rates, reduced angiogenic protein levels, and enhanced glucose homeostasis in HPS rats. It also attenuated pathological angiogenesis in the liver and lungs.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 29, 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.

After 25 years, researchers uncover genetic cause of rare neurological disease

Scientists have identified the genetic mutation that causes SCA4, a progressive neurological disorder. The mutated gene ZFHX3 leads to impaired protein recycling in nerve cells, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking and balancing. This discovery opens the door to potential treatments for both SCA4 and another related form of ataxia.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

New system boosts efficiency of quantum error correction

Researchers at Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering developed a blueprint for a quantum computer that can efficiently correct errors using qLDPC codes and reconfigurable atom arrays. This new system reduces the overhead required for quantum error correction, enabling scaling up quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 29, 2024

Antimicrobial resistance prevalence varies by age and sex in bloodstream infections in European hospitals

A new study found that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevalence in bloodstream infections varies by age and sex, with age being a significant factor. The study analyzed data from 29 European countries and found diverse patterns of association between AMR and age/sex for different bacterial species and resistance phenotypes.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.