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Science News Archive August 2024


Page 2 of 38

COVID-19 vaccination mandates boosted uptake among health care workers

A new study from Tulane University found that state-level COVID-19 vaccination mandates increased vaccine rates among health care workers by 3-4%, with improvements seen in states that required vaccinations without opt-outs. The policy was particularly effective among health care workers between the ages of 25-49 years.

How hope beats mindfulness when times are tough

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that hope is more beneficial than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged. The study found that hopeful individuals experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.

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.

AI tool maps out cell metabolism with precision

A team of researchers created RENAISSANCE, an AI-based tool that simplifies the creation of kinetic models to accurately depict metabolic states. The tool successfully generated models that matched experimentally observed metabolic behaviors in Escherichia coli, simulating how the bacteria would adjust their metabolism over time.

Metal foil as 3D scanner for electron beam

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a novel method to measure the structure of microbunched plasma-wakefield-accelerated electron beams using metal foil. This technique enables precise control over the electron bunches, leading to brighter and more stable light in free-electron lasers.

New ESC Hypertension Guidelines recommend intensified BP targets and introduce a novel elevated blood pressure category to better identify people at risk for heart attack and stroke

The new guidelines recommend intensified BP targets, introducing a novel elevated blood pressure category to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated recommendations also focus on 'frailty' rather than chronological age and introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study combines data, molecular simulations to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new method to increase speed and success rates in drug discovery by combining data from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures with targeted docking simulations. This approach can accelerate the drug research process, identifying potentially effective compounds more efficiently.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

It’s worth challenging that troubling medical bill, study finds

A new US study found that most people who challenged problematic medical bills received financial relief, including 74% of those who reported a billing error and 76% of those who sought financial assistance. However, those who may struggle most with medical debt, such as those without college degrees or lower financial literacy, were l...

Labor day crowds temporarily impact local streams, research shows

Researchers found that recreational activities like tubing and swimming temporarily introduce chemicals and microscopic organisms into local waterways. The study suggests that these changes can have significant impacts on plants and animals along the way, even if they are short-lived.

What’s in the microbiome of the foods we eat?

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing metagenomes from 2,533 foods, identifying 10,899 food-associated microbes. The study shows that these microbes can influence human health and provide insights into how to improve food quality, safety, and authenticity.

Interdisciplinary Rice graduate program earns $3 million NSF grant

A new graduate program at Rice University aims to equip students with skills needed to serve as leaders in quantum technology innovation. The program will provide interdisciplinary training to 30 students, combining expertise from quantum physics, optics, and nanotechnology.

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.

Muslims felt excluded from health policies during COVID-19

A new study by the University of Leeds has found that British Muslims faced significant challenges accessing palliative care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlighted the need for culturally aware healthcare policies and greater inclusion of minority groups in decision-making processes to address these inequities.

Microbes in orbit: Understanding spaceflight’s impact on gut health

A McGill-led study found significant shifts in certain gut bacteria corresponding to changes in liver and intestinal genes, suggesting spaceflight may suppress the immune system and alter metabolism. The research could help ensure the success of future space missions and medical advancements on Earth.

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.

Dancing galaxies make a monster at the cosmic dawn

A team of researchers observed two galaxies merging 12.8 billion years ago, forming a massive object that triggered rapid growth of supermassive black holes and starburst activity. The discovery provides new insights into galaxy/black hole formation in the early Universe.

Uncovering the secret communication of monkeys: They have names!

Researchers found that marmoset monkeys use 'phee-calls' to address specific individuals, discerning when a call was directed at them and responding more accurately. This ability is similar to human naming and may have evolved to help marmosets stay connected in their dense rainforest habitat.

Wavelength-independent and photoinitiator-free laser 3D nanolithography

Researchers develop wavelength-independent 3D polymerisation using low peak power laser oscillators, enabling rapid and efficient printing of non-photosensitized materials. The method uses high pulse repetition rate oscillators to achieve localized photo-crosslinking and controlled energy deposition per focal volume.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

How a salt giant radically reshaped Mediterranean marine biodiversity

A new study quantifies the impact of the Messinian Salinity Crisis on Mediterranean marine biodiversity, revealing a drastic reduction in species, with only 86 of 779 endemic species surviving. The crisis took over 1.7 million years to recover from, highlighting the long-term effects of ecological crises on biodiversity.

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.

Several advantages when medical abortion is started at home

A study published in The Lancet found that starting medical abortion at home is as safe as in a hospital, with 71% of participants able to be treated as day patients. The procedure also promotes patient autonomy and can reduce healthcare costs.

Mechanisms of how morphine relieves pain mapped out

A study at Karolinska Institutet reveals that morphine activates a 'morphine ensemble' of neurons in the brain, leading to pain relief. This understanding may help develop new strategies to treat pain without triggering addiction and overdose.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Novel motion simulator reveals key role of air flow in rodent navigation

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used a novel motion simulator to study rodent navigation in dark environments. The study found that rats use airflow cues, combined with their sense of balance, to enhance their self-motion perception. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind sensory processing and brain function.

Messinian salinity crisis nearly reset Mediterranean biodiversity

A recent meta-analysis found that the Messinian Salinity Crisis significantly altered Mediterranean biodiversity, with 66.8% dissimilarity between species before and after the crisis. The study also showed that only a few endemic species survived the event, while new species were introduced following the reconnection to the Atlantic.

Community college students conduct research at UTA

The University of Texas at Arlington is piloting a program that allows community college students from Dallas College's North Lake campus to participate in paid research opportunities with faculty mentors. Students receive $6,000 for their time and effort and have the chance to advance their STEM education and careers.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Gene therapy gets a turbo boost from University of Hawaii researchers

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a new gene editing technology that can efficiently deliver healthy genes to the body. This method addresses limitations of current methods and has shown success rates of up to 96%, potentially leading to faster and more affordable treatments for various genetic diseases.

Researchers discover a surprising way to jump-start battery performance

Charging lithium-ion batteries at high currents just before they leave the factory increases average lifespan by 50% and decreases initial charging time from 10 hours to 20 minutes. Researchers used machine learning to pinpoint changes in battery electrodes that account for this increase in performance.

Greenhouse gas emissions and costs of inhaler devices in the US

A study published in JAMA found that inhaler prescriptions filled by Medicare beneficiaries in 2022 resulted in approximately 1.15 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. Metered-dose inhalers, particularly those using short-acting β-agonist medications, accounted for nearly all inhaler-related emissions.

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.

Dancing galaxies make a monster at the cosmic dawn

A team of researchers used ALMA to study the earliest known pair of close quasars, discovering that they are merging and will form a super-bright monster galaxy. The merger is expected to trigger a rapid increase in star formation, creating a 'starburst' effect.

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.

Finding new targets for blocking chronic hepatitis

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered the role of A20 in suppressing chronic hepatitis by inhibiting the DCLK1-JNK pathway-dependent chemokines. In mice lacking A20 expression, hepatic stellate cells displayed spontaneous inflammation and increased chemokine levels.

A discovery to set your heart a-knocking

Researchers found that Copaxone improves damaged mouse hearts by reducing inflammation and increasing blood supply to other organs. The drug also protects cardiac muscle cells from damage and promotes new blood vessel growth.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...