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Science News Archive August 2024


Page 25 of 38

Monitoring forest condition in Germany

The UFZ forest condition monitor tracks dynamic changes in Germany's forests due to climate change extreme events. The index displays seasonal and annual maps of forest condition, highlighting areas with severe damage, such as the Harz region.

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.

Rice-built reactor yields green ammonia and purified water

A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.

Early-childhood tablet use and outbursts of anger

Child tablet use at age 3.5 years was associated with more expressions of anger and frustration by the age of 4.5 years, suggesting a potential cycle deleterious for emotional regulation. Later, child proneness to anger/frustration at age 4.5 years was linked to increased tablet use by age 5.5 years.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Tracking the color of light

Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method using tunable lasers, enabling precise tracking of the laser's color at every point in time. The technique offers higher power and spectral stability compared to existing methods, making it suitable for various applications including LIDAR and spectroscopy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Just say “climate change” – not “climate emergency”

A USC study found that terms like climate change and global warming are more familiar to people than alternative terms, generating more concern about Earth's warming. The study also revealed that perceptions of climate-related issues vary by political affiliation.

State-of-the-art brain recordings reveal how neurons resonate

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine used intracranial EEG to study co-rippling in the cortex, finding synchronized activity between neurons enables integration of information and conscious thought. This breakthrough has potential implications for understanding neurological and psychiatric disorders and human experience.

Scientists find oceans of water on Mars. It's just too deep to tap.

A team of scientists has found evidence for a large underground reservoir of liquid water on Mars, which could be a promising place to look for life on the planet. The reservoir is estimated to cover most of the Martian surface and is located in tiny cracks and pores in rock beneath the surface.

New directions in targeting the multifaceted BRAF in cancer

Researchers discuss diverse BRAF alterations found in human cancers and strategies to inhibit them. Class I BRAF inhibitors represent a landmark achievement in precision oncology, with FDA-approved dabrafenib/trametinib for metastatic BRAF p.V600E-mutant solid tumors.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Engineers bring efficient optical neural networks into focus

EPFL researchers have created an energy-efficient method for nonlinear computations using scattered light from low-power lasers. The new approach is scalable and up to 1,000 times more power-efficient than state-of-the-art digital networks, making it suitable for realizing optical neural networks.

Local solvation is decisive for fluorescence of biosensors

Researchers have discovered a direct correlation between the hydration shell of biosensors and their fluorescence behavior. The study used terahertz spectroscopy to analyze energy transfer between carbon nanotubes and water., The findings provide a general design principle for developing optimal biosensors with improved performance.

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.

Ships now spew less sulfur, but warming has sped up

A new study finds that reduced sulfur emissions from shipping industry likely contributed to nearly 20% of record-breaking 2023 warmth, while regulations also accelerated warming. Further research is needed to understand the magnitude of climate response.

New parameter enhances insights into the evolution of mantle’s redox states

Researchers propose a new parameter to compare mantle-derived magmas from different depths, revealing constant oxidation state since Hadean, contradicting previous assumptions on O2 levels rise. The study integrates thermal state and redox state, providing insights into Earth's multi-sphere system co-evolution history.

Gene-related metabolic dysfunction may be driving heart arrhythmia

A study published in Cardiovascular Research Journal found that a gene deficiency in patients with atrial fibrillation leads to reduced energy production in heart cells. PITX2-deficient cardiac cells have smaller and less efficient mitochondria, pushing the heart into an oxygen-deficient stress state.

Deep learning improves lens design

Researchers developed DeepLens design method based on curriculum learning to optimize complex lens designs. The approach considers key parameters like resolution, aperture, and field of view, providing optimal solutions without human intervention.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Urban flooding alert: Subway tunnels get early warning system

Researchers from Tsinghua University developed an innovative monitoring system for real-time flood inundation depth monitoring and prediction in subway tunnels. The system can quickly determine the flow rate and entry point of floodwater, forecasting future flood trends at a relatively low cost.

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.

Forest restoration can boost people, nature and climate simultaneously

A new study by the University of Exeter and Oxford found that integrated forest restoration plans deliver over 80% of benefits in all three areas - capturing carbon, nurturing biodiversity, and supporting human livelihoods. Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups benefit disproportionately from this approach.

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.

Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

Align or die

Researchers at ISTA discovered that misaligned protein filaments 'die' and re-assemble to form a well-aligned ring structure essential for bacterial cell division. This mechanism could lead to the development of synthetic self-healing materials.

Study: U.S. presidential elections can influence local prosecutor races

A recent study by Binghamton University Political Science Professor Jeffrey L. Yates found that U.S. presidential elections significantly impact local prosecutor races. The researchers analyzed data from the nation's top 200 districts and discovered that incumbent prosecutors with the same party affiliation as a successful president ha...

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.

Mary Bishai named Distinguished Scientist Fellow

Mary Bishai, a Brookhaven physicist, has been recognized as a Distinguished Scientist Fellow by the DOE Office of Science. Her work on understanding neutrinos' properties has led to extraordinary leadership and service to the particle physics community. As a mentor, she is guiding the next generation of researchers.

Balancing technology and governance are key to achieving climate goals

A new international study underscores the need to integrate technological advancements with robust institutional capacities to formulate effective climate policies. The research found that inadequate institutional capacity could hinder reaching even 2°C targets, while improved global institutional support could enhance the likelihood o...

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.

TTUHSC’s Guan receives NIH grant to continue cell transport research

Guan's lab will apply accumulated experience and methods to study SLC6A14, a sodium-coupled epithelial amino acid co-transporter involved in cancer and several chronic diseases. CryoEM will be used to determine the structure of SLC6A14, providing insight into its substrate specificity and inhibitory mechanisms.

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.

Alzheimer’s disease: It’s not only neurons

Glial cells play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, producing amyloid beta and contributing to plaque formation. Researchers discovered that knocking out BACE1 enzyme in oligodendrocytes reduced plaque formation by 30%, opening up new avenues for therapies.

Can meditation and stretching relieve cramping caused by cirrhosis?

A study from Michigan Medicine found that both meditation and stretching can significantly reduce cramp severity and improve quality of life for patients with cirrhosis. The researchers were surprised to find that meditation also had a positive effect on cramp severity, despite not expecting it.

Bacteria in lakes fight climate change

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria can utilize methane to grow and generate energy, preventing its release into the atmosphere. These microorganisms, known as methanotrophs, are essential for controlling methane emissions and regulating the global climate.

AI poses no existential threat to humanity – new study finds

Researchers at University of Bath and Technical University of Darmstadt found that large language models like ChatGPT cannot learn independently or acquire new skills, making them controllable and predictable. The study concluded that LLMs remain inherently safe, but misuse is still possible.

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.

Routine lab tests are not a reliable way to diagnose long COVID

A recent NIH-supported study found that standard lab tests may not effectively diagnose long COVID due to the lack of validated clinical biomarkers. Researchers suggest the development of novel laboratory-based tests to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition.

A simple test can predict whether smokers will manage to quit

Researchers found that a simplified two-question test can predict smoking abstinence in cancer patients with equal accuracy as the full Fagerström Test. However, the test may not work well for Non-Hispanic Black people with a cancer diagnosis. The study aims to help doctors tailor tests for different groups.

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.

Those with the biggest biases choose first, according to new math study

A new study using mathematical models found that individuals with strong biases are more likely to make quick decisions, while those with smaller biases take longer to deliberate. The researchers suggest that understanding these patterns can help reveal the mathematics behind human decision-making in complex situations.

How cell nuclei organize eyes and brain

Researchers found that cell nuclei control tissue stiffness and ordering in eye and brain tissues, revealing a new role for the nucleus in organ formation. This discovery challenges existing views on tissue organization and has implications for understanding diseases associated with impaired architecture.