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Science News Archive August 2024


Page 29 of 38

When AI aids decisions, when should humans override?

New research finds that AI explanations can fuel a perception of fairness without being grounded in accuracy or equity. Humans were more likely to override AI recommendations when explanations highlighted gender rather than task-relevance, but this did not improve decision-making accuracy.

Berkeley ordinance replaced junk food in store checkouts

A study by UC Davis found that 83% of products in Berkeley stores were compliant with the healthy checkout policy one year after its implementation, a 63% improvement. Healthy foods and beverages at checkout more than doubled from 29% to 62%.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Concern for children is key driver of advertising complaints

A study found that 46% of advertising complaints were due to concerns about the wellbeing of children, while graphic portrayals accounted for 20%. Researchers call on advertisers to test their ads with vulnerable groups and regulators to consider different management strategies. Charities had the most complained-about adverts, followed...

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.

Mayonnaise used in nuclear fusion research

Scientists at Lehigh University are using mayonnaise to study Rayleigh-Taylor instability and its transition to a plastic regime. The researchers aim to better understand the physics of nuclear fusion through this unconventional approach.

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

From doom-scrolling to mindfulness

Researchers created Mindful Scroll, a mobile app that uses geometric shapes and soothing colours to encourage mindfulness. The app reduces anxiety and increases mindfulness in users, promoting healthier scrolling habits.

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.

Prioritizing the elderly for COVID-19 boosters reduces overall deaths

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that prioritizing older individuals for booster vaccination consistently leads to the best public health outcomes, regardless of economic level or age category. This strategy is more effective than vaccinating younger individuals with the most contacts.

The search for the earliest traces of life on Earth

Researchers from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University have re-examined the carbon in 3.9-billion-year-old Canadian rocks, challenging previous interpretations that they showed signs of biological life. The study found that graphite in these rocks may have formed without organic life through a carbon-extraction process.

Potential new approach to enhancing stem-cell transplants

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine discover a new way to improve HSC mobilization for clinical use. Trogocytosis, a mechanism where one cell type extracts membrane fractions from another, plays a role in regulating immune responses and cellular systems.

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.

Greenland megatsunami led to week-long oscillating fjord wave

A recent study found that the 2023 Greenland megatsunami generated a week-long oscillating wave in Dickson Fjord, revealing new insights into seiche dynamics. The research also sheds light on the impacts of landslides in Greenland and similar regions around the world.

Scalable production of next-generation high-performance printable solar cells

A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed next-generation printable perovskite solar cells with higher efficiency, stability, and lower production costs. These cells can be manufactured using a 'printing' process, reducing energy consumption and processing steps compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells.

New space missions to explore suns’ influence on habitable worlds

Two proposed UK space missions, led by the University of Leicester, will investigate the Sun's impact on atmospheres, space weather and habitability. Elfen will study Earth's magnetosphere, while SIRIUS will analyze stellar winds and their effects on exoplanetary environments.

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.

Record-breaking 1.2-kilometer drill core unveils new insights into Earth's mantle

A nearly continuous 1268-meter-long drill core of serpentinized abyssal mantle peridotite has provided new insights into Earth's deep geology and the potential biogeochemical conditions involved in the origins of life. The findings reveal significant mineralogical variations, including low pyroxene content and oblique melt migration.

Cannabis use and head and neck cancer

A cohort study found an association between cannabis-related disorder and the development of head and neck cancer. The study highlights the need for further research on the mechanism of this association and dose response to support evidence of cannabis use as a risk factor.

Eating disorder risks elevated among women with PCOS

A systematic review and meta-analysis found elevated risks of specific eating disorders among women with PCOS, including bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. The study highlights the importance of screening for eating disorders in this population.

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.

Largest protein yet discovered builds algal toxins

Researchers at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered the largest protein yet identified, PKZILLA-1, which builds toxic algal toxins. The finding could enhance monitoring efforts for prymnesin-producing golden algae blooms and unlock potential for new medicines.

TCR CDR3s and renalase-1 linked to increased melanoma survival

Researchers identified a potential antigen for TCR recognition in melanoma, suggesting that RNLS protein could be recognized by T cells leading to local immune responses against the cancer. The study found that chemical complementarity between melanoma-resident TCR CDR3s and renalase-1 protein correlates with increased melanoma survival.

Microbes conquer the next extreme environment: Your microwave

A study found that microwaves contain a unique microbial community, comprising 747 different genera, which resembles those on solar panels and kitchen surfaces. The diversity of the microbiome varies between single-household kitchens, shared domestic spaces, and laboratory microwaves.

Early mammals lived longer

Researchers analyzed fossilized tooth roots of ancient mammals, finding growth rings that revealed lifespans of eight to fourteen years. These early mammals grew more slowly but lived substantially longer than their modern descendants.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Newly discovered mechanism halts tumor cell replication

Researchers at the University of Bologna have identified a specific location and genomic context where DNA breaks occur due to topoisomerase I inhibition. This discovery could lead to new cancer treatments by inducing DNA damage and genomic instability in cancer cells.

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.

Potential and prospects of segment anything model: a survey

The Segment Anything Model has achieved significant breakthroughs in image segmentation, leveraging its data engine methodology and vast datasets. Researchers have proposed improvements and applications for the model, showcasing its versatility across various tasks and domains.

A ‘thank you’ goes a long way in family relationships

A study found that perceived gratitude from romantic partners and older children positively impacts individuals' psychological well-being and reduces parenting stress. Expressing gratitude within the family can promote a climate of appreciation, teaching children to acknowledge others' efforts.

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.

Link discovered between sensory neurons and breast cancer metastasis

Researchers found that sensory neurons secrete a neuropeptide driving cancer growth and spread through a previously unknown neuro-cancer crosstalk. An FDA-approved drug may prevent metastasis in breast cancer instances. The study suggests targeting this pathway to stop breast cancer progression.

Discovering how plants make life-and-death decisions

Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a protein pair, BAP2 and IRE1, that work together to regulate the response to ER stress in plants. This finding has significant implications for breeding crops more resilient to drought and heat conditions.

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.

Your best friend from high school? Here’s why their genes mattered

A Rutgers study found that the genetic makeup of adolescent peers can have long-term consequences for an individual's risk of developing substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety. The study used Swedish national data to assess peer social genetic effects for several psychiatric disorders.

Corn’s ‘missing link’

Researchers discover a gene drive system, Teosinte Pollen Drive (TPD), that enables the quick transfer of traits from teosinte to maize. This finding sheds light on corn's rapid adaptation to the highlands and has significant implications for agriculture.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

National Academies progress report: Health disparities

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has identified the challenges and opportunities involved in overcoming barriers to increased research participation by diverse populations. The report emphasizes the importance of enhancing diversity in clinical trials to improve health equity and elevate the quality of care ...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New research challenges conventional wisdom on wet surface adhesion

Scientists have overturned long-held assumptions in new research that finds water can be a help for adhesion. Water was found to increase adhesion by nearly four times during detachment, contrary to expectations. This breakthrough has profound implications for industries such as biomedical applications and advanced adhesives.

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.

X-ray imagery of vibrating diamond opens avenues for quantum sensing

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and Cornell University have developed a new method for measuring atomic strain in diamond using X-ray imagery. By correlating spin and strain properties, the team created an equation that relates these two phenomena, opening up new avenues for quantum sensing.

Forever chemical pollution can now be tracked

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...