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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

Unveiling the mysteries of cell division in embryos with timelapse photography

Researchers used medaka fish, CRISPR and new imaging techniques to study embryonic mitosis. They discovered unique spindles assemble in early embryos and found Ran-GTP plays a decisive role in spindle formation, which diminishes later in development. The study paves the way for further exploration of embryonic mitosis.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Neurons spoil your appetite

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence have discovered a brain circuit that inhibits food intake during nausea. The circuit involves special nerve cells in the amygdala, which send appetite-suppressing signals to distant brain regions, resulting in a loss of appetite.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 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.

A university lecture, with a dash of jumping jacks

A study by Ohio State University professor Scott Hayes found that incorporating five-minute exercise breaks into lectures can improve students' attention, motivation, and peer engagement. Students reported positive impacts on their course enjoyment and even designed creative exercise sessions, such as a 'picking apples' theme.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Children with skin diseases suffer stigma, bullying and depression

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that 73% of children with skin diseases face stigma and bullying, leading to impaired relationships and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The study suggests that clinicians should aggressively treat skin disorders in children and consider referral to evaluation and counseling.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2024

Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 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.

Study shows potential of super grids when hurricanes overshadow solar panels

Researchers developed a comprehensive modeling method to predict energy losses during hurricanes. The U.S.-Caribbean super grid configuration showed the highest power reliability increase. The study has broad implications for renewable integration and U.S. energy independence from fossil fuels.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Global team of researchers, including three New York botanical garden scientists, publish ground-breaking study of plant evolution with many potential uses, from plant conservation to the discovery of new medicines

A global team of researchers, led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, sequenced DNA from over 9,500 species, creating a detailed tree of life for flowering plants. The study sheds light on plant evolution, conservation strategies and sustainable agriculture applications.

SourceThe New York Botanical Garden·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

The negative effects of racism impact sleep in adolescents

Researchers explore how improving sleep can boost health for adolescents and young adults affected by racism. Sleep-promoting programs have been shown to improve developmental outcomes and disrupt the negative effects of racism on mental health, physical health, and academic outcomes.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateApr 24, 2024

Manchester scientists found novel one-dimensional superconductor

Researchers at The University of Manchester have successfully achieved robust superconductivity in high magnetic fields using a newly created one-dimensional system. This breakthrough holds profound potential for advancements in quantum technologies, particularly in the quantum Hall regime.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 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.

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Giant viruses infect deadly parasite

Scientists have isolated giant viruses that infect the deadly human parasite Naegleria fowleri, which causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The newly discovered Naegleiaviruses were found in wastewater treatment plants near Vienna and exhibit a unique stargate structure for DNA entry.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Study highlights increased risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors

Research shows breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of developing second cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer for women, and prostate cancer for men. Socioeconomic deprivation is linked to a greater risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 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.

Why can’t robots outrun animals?

An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers compared various aspects of running robots with their equivalents in animals, finding that biological components performed poorly compared to fabricated parts. However, animals excel in integrating and controlling these components.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 24, 2024

Moffitt study suggests cells possess hidden communication system

A Moffitt study reveals cells have a previously unknown information processing system that enables rapid adaptation and sophisticated communication. Ion gradients across the cell membrane form an information network for quick cellular decision-making, bypassing traditional genetic instruction.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Study finds X’s (formerly Twitter’s) community notes provide accurate, credible answers to vaccine misinformation

A new study published in JAMA found X's Community Notes resulted in hundreds-of-millions of views of accurate and credible COVID-19 vaccine education, suggesting considerable potential for correcting misinformation. The notes typically addressed obvious misinformation, offering corrections from credible sources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Use of acid reflux drugs linked to higher risk of migraine

A study published in Neurology Clinical Practice found an association between the use of acid-reducing drugs and a higher risk of migraine. Researchers analyzed data from 11,818 people and found that those taking proton pump inhibitors were 70% more likely to have migraine.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateApr 24, 2024

Gene-based therapy restores cellular development and function in brain cells from people with Timothy syndrome

Researchers developed a gene-based therapy that restored typical cellular function in organoids created from cells of people with Timothy syndrome. The treatment used antisense oligonucleotides to decrease the use of mutated exon 8A and increase reliance on non-affected exon 8, restoring normal calcium channel functioning.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024

Lead-vacancy centers in diamond as building blocks for large-scale quantum networks

A team of researchers created a single negatively charged lead-vacancy center in diamond, which emits photons with specific frequencies not influenced by the crystal's vibrational energy. This characteristic makes the PbV center a promising building block for large-scale quantum networks.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

UK/German study - COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and fewer common side-effects most important factors in whether adults choose to get vaccinated

A new UK/German study suggests that perceptions of serious side effects are less than half as important as common side effects, such as fatigue or pain at the injection site, when making a decision to be vaccinated. The study found that educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial in boosting vaccination uptake.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 24, 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.

Biophysics: Testing how well biomarkers work

Researchers have developed a revolutionary method to quantify how well biomarker molecules bind to target proteins using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. This technique enables spatially resolved proteomics, allowing for the analysis of individual proteins' behavior and quantity in cells.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024

For immigrants to Canada, risk of MS increases with proportion of life spent there

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that immigrants to Canada who spend a greater proportion of their lives in the country have a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis. The study involved 1.5 million immigrants and found that those who spent 70% of their lives in Canada were 38% more likely to develop MS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 24, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers the first to apply single-cell analysis to reveal mechanisms of a common complication of Crohn’s disease

A study by Mount Sinai researchers has identified several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease. The findings highlight key transcription factor binding events and epigenetic phenomena that contribute to the higher rates of complications in African American patients. The research provides avenues...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalMed·DateApr 24, 2024

Computer game in school made students better at detecting fake news

A study by Uppsala University found that a computer game called Bad News improved students' ability to identify manipulative techniques in social media posts and distinguish reliable from misleading news. The game, played individually or in groups, had positive effects on students' critical thinking skills.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Research on Technology in Education·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Grey cuckoo, red cuckoo: unveiling the genomic secrets of color polymorphism in female cuckoo birds

A recent study sheds light on the genetic underpinnings behind color polymorphism in adult females of cuckoo birds, revealing a single mutation for female-only polychromatism over 1 million years ago. The study found that variations in gray or rufous coloration are associated with the full length of the female-limited W chromosome.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

MIT scientists tune the entanglement structure in an array of qubits

Researchers at MIT's EQuS group demonstrate a method to generate highly entangled states and shift between types of entanglement, including volume-law entanglement. This breakthrough offers a way to characterize a fundamental resource needed for quantum computing, enabling better understanding of information storage and processing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 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.

Mechanism of grafting Prunus sp. to control crown gall disease by regulating the rhizosphere environment

Grafting onto a disease-resistant rootstock reduces pathogenic Agrobacterium abundance and alters the microbiome composition, enriching beneficial bacteria. The decreased valine in root exudates from grafted plants contributes to decreasing Agrobacterium abundance and suppressing crown gall disease.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Researchers discover how biomolecules in nature are transformed into complex natural organic matter

A study published in Nature reveals that oxidative dearomatization is the key mechanism behind this transformation, resulting in millions of diverse molecules with stable structures. This process allows the organic matter to persist for long periods, preventing it from rapidly returning to the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 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.

Making light ‘feel’ a magnetic field like an electron would

Researchers at Penn State have made light effectively experience a magnetic field within a photonic crystal structure. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient lasers and other photonic technologies by increasing the interaction between light and matter.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Study reveals social organization of Avar realm

A multidisciplinary research team has reconstructed the social dynamics of Avar-period steppe descent populations in Europe's Carpathian Basin. The study found that communities practiced a strict patrilineal system, with women playing a key role in promoting social cohesion through marriages outside their original community.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024

Ready and vigilant: immune cells on standby

A team of researchers found that immune cells maintain their alertness through the JAK-STAT signalling pathway when there is no immediate threat. This discovery could lead to new approaches for enhancing the immune system's attention and preventing autoimmune diseases.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2024

New AI-technology estimates brain age using low-cost EEG device

Researchers developed an AI technique to estimate brain age based on EEG scans, making early screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible. The technology uses machine learning to analyze brain waves and can be used as a low-cost screening tool for large numbers of people.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Neurogenomics·DateApr 24, 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.

Major genetic meta-analysis reveals how antibiotic resistance in babies varies according to mode of birth, prematurity, and where they live

A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 24, 2024

Geologists discover rocks with the oldest evidence yet of Earth’s magnetic field

Researchers have found ancient rocks in Greenland that retain signatures of a magnetic field with a strength of at least 15 microtesla, extending the magnetic field's age by 200 million years. The discovery sheds light on the planet's early conditions and may have played a critical role in making Earth habitable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 24, 2024

A simple ‘twist’ improves the engine of clean fuel generation

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed low-cost light-harvesting semiconductors that power devices for converting water into clean hydrogen fuel using sunlight. By growing copper oxide crystals in a specific orientation, they improved performance by an order of magnitude and increased stability.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Narcissistic CEOs appoint other narcissists to the management board

A study by Professor Graf-Vlachy's team found that CEOs with high levels of narcissism appoint managers who mirror their own traits, resulting in a 18% increase in narcissism among new hires. This leads to higher turnover rates and increased costs for companies.

SourceTU Dortmund University·JournalJournal of Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Bioelectronic chip detects vitamins C and D in saliva in under 20 minutes

Researchers developed a bioelectronic chip that can detect vitamins C and D in body fluids, offering a low-cost and easy-to-use solution for micronutrient monitoring. The chip is disposable, flexible, and can be adapted for wearable devices, enabling personalized diets and prevention of deficiencies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 24, 2024

Political ‘color’ affects pollution control spending in the US

A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateApr 24, 2024

After spinal cord injury, neurons wreak havoc on metabolism

Researchers found that spinal cord injury triggers abnormal neuronal activity that causes abdominal fat tissue compounds to leak and pool in the liver and other organs. A short course of gabapentin, commonly prescribed for nerve pain, prevented this damaging metabolic effect.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 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.

Group of Professor Shupeng Gai from Qingdao Agricultural University discovered the mechanism of PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module regulating bud dormancy release in tree peony

Researchers from Qingdao Agricultural University have discovered the PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module regulating bud dormancy release in tree peony. The study found that PsmiR159b inhibits bud dormancy release by targeting PsMYB65, which activates cell cycle genes and promotes bud growth.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Discovering cancers of epigenetic origin without DNA mutation

Researchers have found that genetic mutations are not essential for cancer onset, and instead, epigenetic dysregulation plays a crucial role. Epigenetic changes can cause gene expression to be altered, leading to tumour formation even after the signal has been restored.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024

A closed-loop drug-delivery system could improve chemotherapy

MIT engineers have developed a closed-loop drug-delivery system that can improve chemotherapy outcomes by continuously monitoring patients and adjusting dosage. The new system, called CLAUDIA, uses commercially available equipment to analyze blood samples every five minutes and adjust infusion rates in real-time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMed·DateApr 24, 2024

Language that could be clues to suicide differ between men and women

A UCLA-led study found large differences in language used to describe male and female suicides, with women more likely to have documented mental health conditions and received treatment. The study suggests using this 'language of suicide' to identify early warning signs for men.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 24, 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.

Decoding Avar society

Researchers analyzed ancient DNA data from 424 individuals to reconstruct Avar community structures and social dynamics. They found strict patrilineal descent systems, female exogamy, and levirate unions, suggesting females played a key role in promoting community cohesion.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateApr 24, 2024