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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Socioecologic factors and racial differences in breast cancer prognostic scores

Research highlights socioecologic factors contributing to racial disparities in breast cancer prognostic scores, emphasizing the impact of structural racism on health outcomes. Additional research is needed to better understand the influence of social determinants on breast cancer biology among disadvantaged communities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 3, 2024

New tools reveal how genes work and cells organize

Researchers developed a prediction tool to classify proteins based on their potential to bind RNA G-quadruplexes, showing high protein disorder and hydrophilicity. This discovery provides insights into gene expression and phase-separation into membrane-less organelles.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 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.

Research shows direct link between state income taxes and migration

A new study finds a direct link between state income taxes and out-migration by wealthy Americans. Implementing higher taxes leads to slower mobility among high-income residents, with some states experiencing significant losses in population.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Intelligent liquid

The new metafluid can transition between Newtonian and non-Newtonian states, allowing for programmable viscosity and compressibility. The researchers demonstrated the fluid's capabilities in a hydraulic robotic gripper, picking up objects of varying weights without crushing them.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2024

Novel fabrication technique takes transition metal telluride nanosheets from lab to mass production

Researchers have developed a novel technique to produce high-quality transition metal telluride nanosheets using chemical solutions, overcoming the challenges of scalability and toxicity. The technique enables the mass production of these ultra-thin materials with potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensing.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 3, 2024

Red flags: I’m not the bug for you!

Researchers found that attaching red flags to crickets made them less appealing to predatory birds, suggesting a warning signal. The experiment supported the chemical defense explanation, as matador bugs were actively avoided with or without flags.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateApr 3, 2024

UConn researchers closer to near real-time disaster monitoring

A team of UConn researchers has developed a method to drastically cut the lag time for assessing disasters, bringing disturbance assessment closer to near real-time monitoring. By applying machine learning and retrospective chart review techniques, they can detect changes in remote sensing data much faster than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 3, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Water-based paints: Less stinky, but some still contain potentially hazardous chemicals

A recent study found that some water-based paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals of emerging concern. The research, published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters, analyzed the composition of 40 top-selling water-based paints and discovered varying levels of potentially hazardous compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 3, 2024

Better nutrition can lead to better brain health, GSA publication shows

A new GSA publication highlights the importance of nutrition in maintaining healthy brain function and reduces cognitive decline. The Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet is shown to improve cognition, with individuals consuming this pattern experiencing better cognitive abilities than those aged...

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateApr 3, 2024

MIT researchers discover “neutronic molecules”

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new way that neutrons can interact with materials, potentially providing insights into material properties and quantum effects. The discovery involves the binding of neutrons to nanoscale atomic clusters called quantum dots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 3, 2024

China's orchid renaissance: Bridging ancient traditions and modern science

The review article explores China's orchid industry, tracing its cultural connections to ancient times and highlighting modern advancements in cultivation. Key findings include the discovery of SNP markers contributing to orchid diversity research and the potential of molecular marker-assisted breeding.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalOrnamental Plant Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Like sands through the hourglass – but not quite

Scientists from the University of Amsterdam and Chile have created a new type of granular material that can be compressed and still flow like a liquid. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications such as shock dampening, where the material can absorb and distribute energy more consistently.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 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.

Tree of life for modern birds revealed

A team of scientists has reconstructed the bird family tree using genomic data from over 360 species and nearly 200 fossilized birds. The study found that most modern bird groups appeared within a small evolutionary window, supporting the idea that birds thrived after dinosaurs went extinct.

SourceAustralian Museum·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Exercise habits in youth create better health outcomes for some

A University of Adelaide study found that forming long-term recreational exercise habits as a young person has a beneficial impact on physical and mental health later in life. However, certain groups such as females and academic high-achievers are disproportionately at risk of failing to establish regular exercise patterns.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

New insights into cholesterol dynamics shed light on neurodegenerative disease

A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Depression during pregnancy is tied to increased emergency department visits for infants after birth

A Rutgers Health study has found that mothers with mild and moderate to severe depressive symptoms have more emergency department visits for their infants. Infants of mothers with moderate to severe depression had 21% more visits than those without any symptoms, while those with mild symptoms had 10% more visits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 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.

Enhancing grassland sustainability: Strategies to delay leaf senescence in forage and turf grasses

Researchers explored strategies to slow down leaf aging in forage and turf grass species, highlighting the role of regulating leaf senescence. The review emphasizes the importance of genetic research to develop effective methods for delaying leaf senescence, potentially increasing biomass yield, quality, and stress tolerance.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalGrass Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Fuel Cells: Oxidation processes of phosphoric acid revealed by tender X-rays

Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 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.

Users actively seek and share child sexual abuse material on Tor – but help is available to those willing to stop

A recent study on the Tor network found that one in five onion domains shared child sexual abuse material. The researchers also discovered that users sought CSAM through popular search engines and found that viewing violent material correlates with addiction, while seeking help is often hindered by lack of resources.

SourceTampere University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

E-cigarette users now more likely to quit traditional cigarettes

A new study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research found that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to stop smoking regular cigarettes. Between 2018 and 2021, 30.9% of e-cigarette users quit smoking combustible cigarettes, compared to 20% of non-e-cigarette users.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Study finds high amounts of silica exposure in previously deployed military veterans

A new study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reveals high levels of silica and other silicates in the lungs of military veterans who have deployed since 2001. This research highlights the importance of controlling particulate exposures in military occupational settings to minimize risk for ...

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 3, 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.

AACR: MD Anderson's Padmanee Sharma elected Fellow of the AACR Academy

Padmanee Sharma, a physician-scientist at MD Anderson, has been elected Fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Academy. Her groundbreaking research on immune checkpoint therapies has led to FDA approvals for treatments against metastatic bladder and kidney cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·DateApr 3, 2024

Deciphering genomic language: New AI system unlocks biology’s source code

An interdisciplinary team of researchers developed an AI system capable of deciphering genomic language and understanding its functional and regulatory grammar. The Genomic Language Model (gLM) learns from highly diverse metagenomic data, providing insights into gene functions, regulation, and evolutionary relationships.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2024

New molecular compound designed with technological applications at the nanoscale

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new molecular compound that can be used as a magnetic surface coolant, which could lead to lower temperatures in electronic circuits or devices. The compound, composed of gadolinium ions, exhibits a magnetocaloric effect and high magnetic entropy.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Study gives first view of centromere variation and evolution

A genomic study has revealed the unimaginable diversity of human and nonhuman primate centromeres, highlighting their speed of evolutionary change. Centromeres differ vastly in size, structure, and epigenetic makeup, with unique sequences and organization emerging from different evolutionary forces.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Women with serious mental illness want pregnancy information, resources from mental health providers

Research highlights gaps in information, support, and resources for women with serious mental illness who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study found that few women recalled discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers and were dissatisfied with the information they received about potential safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 3, 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 discovery unravels malaria invasion mechanism

A recent study has identified a key component of the malaria parasite's invasion mechanism, revealing that it binds to a specific sugar called sialic acid on red blood cell surfaces. This discovery provides new insights into the parasite's adaptation to humans and offers potential targets for vaccine and drug development.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry

A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Finding where the grass is greener

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalWater Resources Research·DateApr 3, 2024

Amber reveals mating behavior of cretaceous water striders

Researchers have discovered fossilized water striders in copulation, providing a rare glimpse into the mating behaviors of ancient insects. The study reveals strong sexual conflict between males and females, with males using specialized morphological adaptations to overcome female resistance.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 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.

'Smart swarms' of tiny robots inspired by natural herd mentality

By replicating nature's swarm behavior, researchers have created 'smart swarms' of microscopic robots that can adapt to changing environments, leading to improved task performance. This breakthrough enables potential applications in autonomous drone fleets, efficient drug delivery, and cleaning contaminated water.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 2024

First time moms with breech pregnancies experience reduced risk of complications if they plan cesarean rather than vaginal delivery - but have increased risk of uterus rupture in subsequent pregnancies

Researchers found that first-time mothers carrying a breech baby may experience reduced risks if they choose a planned cesarean delivery instead of attempting a vaginal birth. However, these women also have an elevated risk of experiencing uterine rupture during their next pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2024

Two Jurassic mammaliaforms from China shed light on mammalian evolution

Researchers describe two Jurassic mammaliaforms from China, revealing dental diversification and the emergence of middle ear ossicles. The findings support a classic example of vertebrate evolution and provide new insights into early mammalian phylogeny.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal-air paper battery for wearable devices

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a high-performance magnesium-air battery that utilizes water activation and carbon cathodes. The paper-based battery achieved impressive performance results and demonstrated its versatility in wearable devices such as pulse oximeters and GPS sensors.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalRSC Applied Interfaces·DateApr 3, 2024

Climate change impacts terrorist activity

Researchers found a correlation between climatological variables and shifting patterns of terrorist activity in India. The study suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also linked to national security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Applied Security Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 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.

JAMA paper: In people with opioid use disorder, telemedicine treatment for HCV was more than twice as successful as off-site referral

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that 90.3% of participants receiving telemedicine treatment were cured of HCV, compared to 39.4% in the control group. The researchers also found significant improvements in health and well-being after HCV treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2024

Are universities connected to local sustainability? A new study suggests yes…and no.

A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 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.

Discovery could end global amphibian pandemic

Researchers have discovered a virus that infects the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes heart failure in frogs and toads. The virus could be engineered to control the fungal disease and potentially save amphibian species.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 3, 2024

Regulation of carotenoid metabolism in Zinnia elegans by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase

This study explores the role of Zinnia elegans carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (ZeCCDs) in regulating carotenoid metabolism and petal coloration. The results show that ZeCCD4-2 plays a crucial role in carotenoid cleavage and accumulation, highlighting its importance in understanding the molecular mechanism of petal coloration.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalOrnamental Plant Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

JAX researchers make mice a more powerful tool to study a wide range of human diseases

JAX researchers develop platform to mimic genetic diversity in humans, allowing for precise modeling of disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The platform enables direct comparison between mouse and human cells, providing molecular insights into autism, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

New study highlights that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions despite lower trade volume

A new study reveals that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions, with average costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually globally. Wealthier nations can mitigate this issue by investing in invasive species management in neighboring countries.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcological Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 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.

Extending Medicaid coverage after birth may increase postpartum treatment for depression, anxiety

A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Study describes strategy for inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed zinc oxide nanoparticles to selectively inhibit multidrug-resistant bacteria, disrupting cell membranes. The material is considered safe and cheaper than other metal-based nanoparticles, with potential applications in water treatment and food packaging.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering·DateApr 3, 2024

Machine learning breakthrough sheds new light on hotel customer satisfaction

A novel machine learning approach reveals complex relationships between hotel service attributes and customer satisfaction, providing actionable insights. The study's IML-DAA model achieves unparalleled accuracy in predicting customer satisfaction, elucidating the impact of specific service attributes on overall guest contentment.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalData Science and Management·DateApr 3, 2024

Neurosciences. Researchers explain how brain blood vessels are formed

A team of researchers led by Prof. Benoit Vanhollebeke discovered that cerebral vessels obey different rules and are equipped with a specific enzyme essential for invading the brain. This mechanism enables the vessels to acquire properties adapted to the neuronal environment, including the blood-brain barrier.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2024

Magnetic fields boost clean energy

EPFL researchers have developed a novel approach to boost electrocatalysis using magnetic fields, enhancing the movement of reactants and improving reaction efficiency. This innovation has significant potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies and increase sustainable fuel production, mitigating climate change.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 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.

Lower income US adults were left behind as the rest of the United States experienced large declines in heart attack and stroke risk over three decades

A new study reveals that cardiovascular benefits were only experienced by higher-income populations, while lower-income groups saw stagnant or worsening health risks. The study suggests that improving access to healthcare and social determinants of health is crucial for addressing these inequalities.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 3, 2024

Where the wild bees are—and aren’t—impacts food supply

Native wild bees are vital for pollination and have a significant impact on crop productivity. A recent study found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could provide additional nutrition for 30 million people annually and increase farmer income by up to $3 billion every year.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

New study paves the way for precision drugs to treat blood cancers

Researchers used single-molecule microscopy and X-ray crystallography to discover that pathogenic JAK2 mutations utilize pseudokinase domain-mediated dimerization as a mechanism for activation. The study provides new insights into the molecular basis of JAK2 activation and its role in blood cancers.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 3, 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.