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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 29


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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateAug 8, 2024

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%.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 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.

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...

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Nonprofit & Public Sector Marketing·DateAug 8, 2024

Non-biting midges help us understand how to protect Lake Balaton

Researchers analyzed lake macroinvertebrate fauna, particularly chironomids, to reconstruct the lake's natural state. This helps establish a reference point for conservation purposes, as significant changes occurred during the economic boom and fish stocking.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateAug 8, 2024

An interpretable deep learning modeling architecture considering process underlying logics reveals a promising way to the intelligent chemical industry

A new interpretable deep learning modeling architecture, LACG, is proposed to handle complex variable interactions in chemical processes. It achieves high-accuracy modeling results via the coupling of three sub-modules based on underlying logics. The model outperforms widely used neural networks in terms of interpretability.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateAug 8, 2024

Researchers develop stress-free method to weigh mice using computer vision

Researchers at Jackson Laboratory have developed a non-intrusive method to accurately and continuously measure mouse body mass using computer vision. This approach reduces stress associated with traditional weighing techniques, improving data accuracy and reproducibility.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 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.

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.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 8, 2024

Houston Methodist study shows new, more precise way to deliver medicine to the brain

Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a more accurate way to deliver life-saving drug therapies to the brain, using an electric field to infuse medicine into specific targets. This innovation has the potential to improve gene therapy and tumor treatment, as well as treatment for traumatic brain injury and degenerative diseases.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateAug 8, 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.

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Precise stirring conditions key to optimizing nanostructure synthesis

Researchers found that controlling oxygen intake by adjusting stirring rates produces stable fluorescent silver nanoclusters. The study enhances understanding of nanostructure properties, paving the way for tailored nanomaterials with broader applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Study shows donor kidneys with toxoplasma do not increase risks for transplant patients

Researchers analyzed 51,000 transplants and found rejection and graft failure rates were similar for toxoplasma-positive and negative donor kidneys. The study suggests it is safe to transplant toxoplasma-positive kidneys with additional monitoring, potentially increasing the supply of donor kidneys.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalTransplant International·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·DateAug 8, 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.

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 8, 2024
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 8, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 2024

Even indirect gun violence exposure linked to decreased quality of life

A study by Rutgers University found that indirect gun violence exposure significantly hurts quality of life. Witnessing or hearing about a shooting in the neighborhood was associated with a decrease in overall quality of life and well-being across five domains.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2024

Surprise: infected bacteria fight back with “hidden” genes that halt cell growth, slow viral spread

Researchers discovered that infected bacteria produce a new gene, dubbed 'Neo', which rapidly arrests cell growth and induces programmed dormancy. This mechanism protects the larger bacterial population from phage infection, highlighting the potential for other 'hidden' genes to be unearthed in different biological contexts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 8, 2024

Drug shows promise for treating brain tumors resulting from breast cancer, UT Health San Antonio trial reports

A trial at UT Health San Antonio found that Sacituzumab Govitecan was well-tolerated and showed signs of effectiveness for patients with breast cancer who had progressed to brain tumors. The drug has been shown to deliver a topoisomerase inhibitor into tumors, providing promising clinical signals of efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 8, 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.

Promoting healthy teen romantic relationships to reduce risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections

A new multi-site randomized-controlled study evaluates an innovative healthy relationships program for teens. The study found the program may have influenced abstinence but not relationship communication, highlighting the need for tailored program components to address unique environmental contexts.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 8, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of salt stress tolerance in wild tomatoes

A study on wild tomato species reveals that a plant's vigor plays a significant role in its salt tolerance. The researchers found correlations between traits like transpiration rate, shoot mass, and ion accumulation with plant performance under salt stress.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Prioritize well-being over growth: new paradigm needed for climate-friendly lifestyles

A new EU study suggests that focusing on citizens' needs rather than economic growth is crucial for achieving sustainable lifestyles. The research identifies the economic growth paradigm as a major barrier to transformation, and recommends a needs-oriented approach to ensure well-being and sustainability.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalSustainability Science Practice and Policy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

ADHD symptoms in autistic children linked to neighborhood conditions

A new study found that autistic youth born in underserved neighborhoods are more likely to have greater ADHD symptoms. The Child Opportunity Index, which tracks neighborhood traits, was used to assess the relationship between environment and ADHD symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJCPP Advances·DateAug 8, 2024
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.

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.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalJournal of Image and Graphics·DateAug 8, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

High nitrogen input promotes the redistribution of new organic carbon to deeper soil layers

A recent study found that high nitrogen fertilizer application significantly enhances soil carbon sequestration, primarily through vertical transport of organic matter. This redistribution leads to a greater distribution of new organic carbon in deeper soil layers, resulting in increased soil carbon storage.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 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.

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.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2024

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.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2024

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.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 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.

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 ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 7, 2024

Unexpected link between grooming and physiological stress in wild baboons

A recent study from Swansea University found that high levels of allogrooming were followed by higher physiological stress levels in wild female baboons, contrary to expectations. However, long-term positive effects of grooming on health and fitness remain consistent with previous research.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 7, 2024

Improving resolution and reducing noise in fluorescence microscopy with ensured fidelity

Researchers have developed a novel deconvolution method called multi-resolution analysis (MRA) that improves image quality without introducing artifacts, allowing for high-fidelity imaging of cells and their processes. The approach capitalizes on the physical properties of excited fluorophores to distinguish useful signals from noise.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateAug 7, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

New study confirms high autism recurrence rates in families with autistic children

A new study by top researchers reveals one in five children with an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder as well. The rate of autism recurrence is seven times higher in families with an autistic child compared to the general population.

SourceKennedy Krieger Institute·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2024

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.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateAug 7, 2024
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 7, 2024