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Science News Archive August 2024


Page 20 of 38

`Mercury bomb' threatens millions as Arctic temperatures rise

Researchers at USC Dornsife introduce a new method to measure mercury released from permafrost, estimating the total amount awaiting release. The study finds that sediment samples provide a reliable measure of mercury content and offer deeper insight into the permafrost's hidden dangers.

Adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership

A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership. Individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction were more likely to own firearms as adults, possibly due to heightened vulnerability to physical violence.

Why do plants wiggle? New study provides answers

Researchers have discovered that sunflowers wiggle to find patches of sunlight, forming a zig-zag pattern that maximizes access to light. This movement allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into configurations that provide maximum light exposure.

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.

Quantum pumping in molecular junctions

Researchers developed a new theoretical modelling technique to study molecular junctions, enabling significant light emission and high harmonic generation. The symmetries in configuration can enhance or suppress certain light frequencies, making it suitable for switch or amplifier applications.

Navigating the future: brain cells that plan where to go

Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.

Defining the line between virtual and reality

Researchers found that 49% of respondents experienced a moderate to extreme impact on their mental or emotional wellbeing after encountering negative experiences in virtual environments. The study highlights the need for metaverse companies to instill clear regulatory frameworks for safe virtual spaces.

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 technique prints metal oxide thin film circuits at room temperature

A novel printing technique allows for the creation of thin metal oxide films at room temperature, resulting in transparent and conductive circuits that can function at high temperatures. The technique uses liquid metals to deposit two-layer thin films with remarkable stability and flexibility.

Zebrafish use surprising strategy to regrow spinal cord

A new study reveals that zebrafish spinal cords regenerate by leveraging the survival and adaptability of severed neurons, rather than relying on stem cells. The research identifies genetic targets to promote this type of plasticity in humans and other mammals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers uncover a mechanism for propagation of flaviviruses

A recent study identified a protein named importin-7 (IPO7) as a carrier that transports flavivirus core proteins into host cell nuclei. The study found that IPO7 plays a crucial role in the efficient production of viral particles, even though initial replication was comparable between two cell types. Blocking this transport mechanism ...

YALE NEWS: Sick days: Assessing the economic costs of long COVID

A new study by Yale researchers suggests that long COVID has caused extensive work time loss for many Americans, with nearly 14% not returning to work within three months. The study also found that participants experiencing five or more symptoms were twice as likely to be out of work.

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.

Can a mouthwash-based test help predict head and neck cancer recurrence?

A new study suggests a mouthwash-based test can help physicians predict disease recurrence in head and neck cancer patients by detecting biomarkers in saliva. Elevated levels of CD44 and total protein were associated with increased recurrence risk, highlighting the potential for early detection and reducing morbidity and mortality.

Bone fracture rates vary dramatically by race

A new study found that bone fracture rates in older women differ dramatically by race, with White women having the highest risk. Hispanic women had a lower risk of 10%, while Asian-American women experienced varying fracture rates depending on their ethnicity. The study highlights the need to better understand factors behind these diff...

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.

A genetic analysis of lyme disease could improve diagnosis and treatment

A genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria has created a powerful resource for identifying specific bacterial strains, enabling more accurate diagnostic tests and treatments. The study reveals how these bacteria evolve and exchange genetic material, providing insights for predicting and responding to changes in their behavior.

The brain creates three copies for a single memory

The brain stores multiple copies of a single memory in parallel among different groups of neurons emerging at different stages during embryonic development. These memory copies change with time, with early-born neurons storing long-term persistence and late-born neurons fading over time.

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.

U.S. capable of achieving seafood independence, new study shows

Researchers found the US can meet its entire seafood demand through domestic production, but current exports and imports limit self-reliance. Increasing consumption of lesser-exported species like herring and anchovy could strengthen the domestic supply and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

UTEP awarded $2.5 M NIH grant to study nicotine dependence in women

Researchers at UTEP will investigate how stress from nicotine withdrawal is intensified by ovarian hormones in women, aiming to develop more effective treatments for women experiencing severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The five-year study will also explore the impact of e-cigarette use on adolescent females.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Robot planning tool accounts for human carelessness

A new algorithm developed at Washington State University improves safety and efficiency in robots working with humans by accounting for human carelessness. The tool has shown a maximum improvement of 80% in safety and 38% in efficiency compared to existing methods, and the researchers plan to test it in real-world settings.

ASU researchers help to control cancer-causing poison in corn

Researchers at Arizona State University have introduced a new sterilization technique using X-ray irradiation to reduce Aspergillus flavus viability in contaminated corn. The method stops the fungus from transmitting spores and producing aflatoxins, crucial for developing additional remediation techniques.

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.

Revealing the configuration of thicker magnets with coherent X-rays

Researchers have developed a technique to image magnetic structures in micrometer-thick magnets using coherent X-ray phase dichroism. This enables the study of previously inaccessible 3D textures in chiral magnets and giant magnetofossils, opening new avenues for spintronics and rock magnetism research.

How policing impacts the homeless

A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.

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.

Emergency departments could help reduce youth suicide risk

A study of over 15,000 youth with self-inflicted injury treated in Emergency Departments found that nearly half of ED visits were for mental health issues. The researchers propose brief interventions to screen for suicide risk, ensure safety planning, and connect patients to follow-up care.

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.

Enhancing electron transfer for highly efficient upconversion OLEDs

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology elucidated the mechanisms of electron transfer in upconversion organic light-emitting diodes, resulting in improved efficiency. They discovered a novel donor-acceptor combination that led to the fabrication of an efficient blue UC-OLED with an extremely low turn-on voltage.

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.

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.

Chicxulub impactor was a carbonaceous-type asteroid from beyond Jupiter

Scientists have identified the Chicxulub impactor as a rare carbonaceous asteroid, shedding light on the mass extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago. The findings suggest that the asteroid's unique composition and extraterrestrial origin are consistent with an outer Solar System origin.

Scientists discover superbug's rapid path to antibiotic resistance

Researchers at the University of Sheffield found that C.diff can develop resistance to vancomycin in less than two months, tolerating concentrations up to 32 times the effective dose. This rapid evolution poses a significant threat to UK healthcare, as widespread resistance could remove critical treatment options.

Research provides a roadmap for improving electrochemical performance

Scientists have expanded understanding of how electrons move through conductive fluids in batteries, revealing that controlling chemistry and microstructure is crucial. The research team created a universal roadmap for processing energy storage devices during manufacturing, enabling the design of better materials.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Scientists make breakthrough in studying deadly ventilator pneumonia

Researchers at The University of Warwick created a realistic model of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) to better understand the infection. The study found that combining antibiotics with enzymes that break down biofilm slime layers could successfully eradicate the bacteria, offering new hope for treatments.

A new advanced framework to assess the impact of invasive plants on ecosystems

Researchers from University of Freiburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen developed a framework to better understand the impact of invasive plant species on ecosystems. The framework combines new technologies, such as remote sensing and ecological monitoring, to learn and predict how invasive plants alter ecosystems over time.