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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 8


Page 8 of 38

Capacitive pressure sensors fabricated by laser speckle grayscale lithography

A new fabrication method has been developed to create highly sensitive flexible capacitive pressure sensors. The technique uses laser speckle grayscale lithography and results in sensors with ultra-high sensitivity and low detection thresholds.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateAug 27, 2024

Plenty of ups-and-downs are key to a great story, new research finds

Studies analyzed nearly 30,000 shows, movies, novels, and crowdfunding pitches to find that more and bigger narrative reversals led to better ratings and increased downloads. The research supports Aristotle's idea of peripeteia as a key feature of a good story.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 27, 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.

Dunick receives funding for Center For Economic Education

Jason Dunick will use the grant to support K-12 teachers teaching economics and personal finance in Virginia. The Center for Economic Education at Mason is part of a statewide network working to ensure Virginia remains a leader in economics education.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 27, 2024

Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects middle-income countries

Middle-income countries experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and significant disparities in prevention and management. The latest data from the European Society of Cardiology Atlas of Cardiology highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to address these inequalities.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 27, 2024
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.

NREL advances method for recyclable wind turbine blades

Researchers at NREL create a novel resin called PECAN that performs on par with industry standards and outperforms certain thermoplastic resins. The process allows for the complete breakdown of blades in six hours, making it possible to recycle and reuse components.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2024

Quantitative reconstruction of a “once-in-a-millennium” super rainstorm using daily resolved δ18O of land snail shells

Researchers used land snail shells to quantify a 'once-in-a-millennium' super rainstorm in central China, revealing the relationship between climate background and extreme weather variability. The study demonstrates that fossil snail shells can be used to reconstruct synoptic scale extreme rainstorms under different climate conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 27, 2024

Research alert: Cannabis use linked to workplace absenteeism

A recent analysis found that cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are associated with increased workplace absenteeism. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, showed that even infrequent cannabis use can lead to more workdays missed due to illness or injury.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

From leaf to cup: The essential role of magnesium in tea plant metabolism

A recent study uncovered how magnesium deficiency affects tea plants' photosynthesis, flavor profile, and overall health. The CsMGT5 gene was identified as a critical regulator of magnesium homeostasis, offering potential pathways for improving tea quality through better nutrient management.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 26, 2024

3D shapes of viral proteins point to previously unknown roles

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes used computational tools to predict the 3D shapes of nearly 70,000 viral proteins, uncovering a powerful way viruses evade host immune defenses. The study found that bacteria-infecting and animal viruses share an ancient mechanism to evade immune systems.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2024

KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 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.

Posture's impact on virtual walking enhanced by foot vibrations

Synchronized foot vibrations and posture significantly enhance virtual walking experiences, with standing postures showing the most improvement. This technology has practical applications in training, rehabilitation, and entertainment, offering improved immersion and realism.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

2025 Hertz Fellowship Application Now Open

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025 Hertz Fellowships, providing five years of funding to support research advancements in science and technology. Hertz Fellows gain access to lifelong programming, including mentoring and networking opportunities.

SourceFannie and John Hertz Foundation·DateAug 26, 2024

Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy, pharmaceuticals

Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Why children can’t pay attention to the task at hand

Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain

Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.

SourceAalto University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 26, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

A recent study found that 26 highly trained community scientists in Pennsylvania were more effective at documenting bee diversity than thousands of users of the photo-based app iNaturalist. The volunteers collected over twice as much biodiversity data, including new species and county records, through a collections-based program.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

Non-cognitive skills: the hidden key to academic success

A new study reveals that non-cognitive skills, such as motivation and self-regulation, are crucial for academic achievement. The research found that genetic factors play a significant role in shaping these skills, which become increasingly influential throughout childhood.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 26, 2024

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Under the radar men’s health red flags may point to heart problems

Researchers highlight the importance of screening for urinary symptoms in men, linking them to cardiometabolic disorders. The study recommends addressing these conditions to identify and treat underlying heart problems early, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality among men.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Men s Health·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 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.

Could psychedelic-assisted therapy change addiction treatment?

A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2024

Unveiling the relationship between electrons and photons

A team of researchers has developed a single approach to generate exponential prescriptions for many-body quantum systems with multiple types of particles. This solution opens up new possibilities for using quantum computers to model important molecular problems.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 26, 2024

Montana State scientists publish bacterial immune research in Nature

Researchers at Montana State University have published a study in Nature describing the discovery of the PARIS immune system, which uses tRNA to neutralize viral infections. The team used advanced microscopy techniques to visualize the system's structure and function.

SourceMontana State University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

What microscopic fossilized shells tell us about ancient climate change

Researchers analyzed fossilized shells to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels during two hyperthermals, finding a close link between the two. The study provides insights into carbon cycle feedback mechanisms and sensitivities critical for predicting anthropogenic climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 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.

Game-changing needle-free COVID-19 intranasal vaccine

A next-generation COVID-19 vaccine has been developed using a live attenuated intranasal approach, inducing strong memory responses and long-term protection. The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern and is highly effective against major SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

One, two, three – catch CRP

Researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences developed a novel point-of-care device to monitor C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, allowing for fast and accurate diagnoses. The device uses electrochemical biosensors and near-field communication technology to provide real-time measurements with high sensitivity.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 26, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Progress on early diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is critical due to its progression from normal cognition to dementia. Non-cognitive signs like behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, and sensory impairments may indicate cognitive decline. The review highlights the potential of blood-based biomarkers and gut microbiome in early diagnosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Trends of heat-related deaths in the US, 1999-2023

Heat-related mortality rates in the US rose between 1999 and 2023, reversing a previous trend. Climate change projections suggest continued increases, highlighting the need for access to hydration centers and cooling centers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 26, 2024

Are crops worldwide sufficiently pollinated?

A Rutgers-led study found that one-third to two-thirds of farms worldwide suffer from low crop yields due to insufficient pollinators. However, researchers estimate that improving pollinator management and research can increase efficiency in existing fields to meet global nutritional needs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024
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.

LZ experiment sets new record in search for dark matter

The LZ experiment has narrowed down possibilities for weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), a leading candidate for dark matter. The new results explore weaker interactions than ever searched before and limit what WIMPs could be, finding no evidence above a mass of 9 GeV/c².

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateAug 26, 2024

From garden to gas chambers: the bioactive power of (-)-carvone against weeds

A cutting-edge study reveals (-)-carvone's potent and sustainable alternative to chemical herbicides. The compound targets and degrades microtubules in weeds, inducing cell death and inhibiting growth. This breakthrough opens new avenues for using natural compounds in sustainable agriculture.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 26, 2024

Transgender students more likely than cisgender peers to seek support from school staff, UW–Madison and NYU study finds

A new study by UW–Madison and NYU found that transgender students are 74% less likely than their cisgender peers to seek help from parents, but 48% more likely to seek support from adults in schools. The study also highlights the urgent need for adequate training for school staff on supporting transgender youth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024
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.

HKU scientists develop AI-driven method to enhance electron microscopy imaging capabilities of complex biological systems

Researchers from HKU have developed a diffusion model-based algorithm called EMDiffuse to enhance imaging capabilities of complex biological systems using electron microscopy. The method addresses trade-offs between imaging speed, quality, and sample size, and improves the accuracy of ultrastructural details.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2024

Early galaxies were not too big for their britches after all

Researchers led by Katherine Chworowsky found that early galaxies were not as massive as initially thought due to black holes' influence. The study suggests that these black holes consume gas, emitting heat and light that makes the galaxies appear brighter than they really are.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

Shakespeare in sign language, seen through AI

A new paper in JCOM describes the development of an automatic translation app for sign language, designed through co-creation with deaf communities. The research team used a theatrical performance and AI tools to gather feedback from audiences, informing the app's design and features.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2024

Operating from 9,300km away

A team at ETH Zurich successfully conducted the first remote-controlled magnetic endoscopy procedure across a 9,300km distance. The procedure allowed for precise navigation and manipulation of a probe in a live pig's stomach via a joystick controlled by an operator in Zurich.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateAug 26, 2024

Controlling molecular electronics with rigid, ladder-like molecules

Scientists have developed a unique strategy to control molecular conductance using shape-persistent ladder-type molecules. This approach enables the synthesis of diverse, charged molecules with consistent electronic properties, paving the way for reliable and efficient devices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2024
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.

Locked in a glacier, viruses adapted to survive extreme weather

A new study has reconstructed virus DNA from glacial ice cores, revealing nearly 1,700 viral species with adaptations that influenced their hosts' survival in extreme conditions. The findings suggest a connection between viruses and climate change, shedding light on the impact of global temperature shifts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 26, 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.

Tomato tangles: Cell wall components key to fruit ripening unveiled

A pioneering study has revealed the crucial role of cell wall components in tomato fruit ripening. Altering the SlP4H3 gene expression leads to significant disruptions in cell wall structure, affecting the interactions between AGPs and other polysaccharides like HGs and RG-I. This discovery could revolutionize agricultural practices, e...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateAug 26, 2024

COVID-19 vaccine updates for people under different conditions

The COVID-19 vaccine shows varying levels of effectiveness in different populations, including the elderly, those with chronic diseases, and special populations. While booster shots can still reduce infection rates, complete vaccination is crucial for long-term protection against severe illness.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateAug 26, 2024

WVU research shows smartwatch and clinical testing measures differ

A recent study by WVU researchers found that smartwatches and clinical testing measures for heart rate variability have significant differences. The study used simulation analysis to determine the validity of wearable devices' calculations, revealing that some methods produce wider ranges of error in measurement.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSports Medicine·DateAug 26, 2024