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Science News Archive December 2024


Page 26 of 39

A secret recipe for colorful and versatile animal crystals

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered the secret recipe for colorful animal crystals, finding that two simple molecules can create a wide range of complex biological characteristics. The zebrafish was found to be an ideal model organism, with its body covered in crystals with different shapes and optical properties.

Events of 1973 Chilean coup captured in historical seismograms

The analysis of historical seismograms from the 1973 Chilean coup provides a unique perspective on the event. The researchers found an abrupt drop in ambient seismic noise as La Moneda was surrounded by vehicles and a radio bulletin warning people to stay at home disrupted the morning routines of locals.

Black-box forgetting: A new method for tailoring large AI models

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new method called black-box forgetting, which enables selective removal of unnecessary information from large pre-trained AI models. This approach enhances model efficiency and improves privacy by reducing computational resources and information leakage.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Hair growth drug safe at low doses for breast cancer patients

A study suggests that low doses of the commonly prescribed hair loss treatment minoxidil are safe and effective for regrowing hair in most breast cancer patients. The researchers found that all participants who took a low dose of oral minoxidil saw improvements in hair growth or stabilization within three to six months.

Short-term cognitive boost from exercise may last for 24 hours

A new study suggests that exercise can improve cognitive performance for up to 24 hours after a single day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The study found that participants who spent more time being active and had better sleep quality performed better in memory tests the next day.

A psychoeducational intervention to empower teenage girls

A single-session intervention, E-MIND, was developed to cultivate a growth mindset about emotions in teenage girls. The study found that the E-MIND group showed significant improvements in emotion regulation self-efficacy and strategy use, with more girls reporting proactive handling of negative emotions.

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.

Fusion with a twist: Improving stellarators

Scientists at PPPL used a new method to develop plasma configurations that lose fewer energetic particles, addressing a major issue in stellarator designs. The alternative approach uses a proxy function to predict particle movement and has been applied to stellarators for the first time.

Biodiversity at risk in most rainforests

A new study reveals that less than a quarter of the world's tropical rainforests have sufficient quality to support thousands of threatened species. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies that prioritize forest integrity over mere preservation of cover.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People with a positive attitude are built differently

A new study found that people with a positive attitude have higher levels of willpower and passion compared to those without one. The research, conducted by Norwegian University of Science and Technology, analyzed over 1,500 participants aged 13-77.

American Meteorological Society announces Alan Sealls as 2025 President-Elect

Alan Sealls has been elected 2025 AMS President-Elect and will serve a one-year term before becoming president. He brings extensive experience as a broadcast meteorologist, educator, and leader in the field of atmospheric sciences, with roles including chief meteorologist at WPMI-TV and president of the National Weather Association.

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.

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.

Research progress on SiCf/SiC composites and their cladding components

Researchers have compiled a comprehensive review of SiCf/SiC composites, highlighting advancements in preparation processes, material properties, and performance under extreme conditions. The review emphasizes the need for further innovation in preparation processes to enhance the materials' long-term use in nuclear reactors.

Virtual fences are a pollinator-friendly option for ranchlands

Researchers found that virtual fences created a more gradual transition between native grassland and fully grazed areas, increasing native habitat for pollinators and birds. This transition zone, spanning over 15 meters, provided a greater variation of vegetation heights compared to fenced rangeland.

NASA's Hubble celebrates decade of tracking outer planets

Hubble's OPAL program has observed the four giant outer planets since 2018, providing long-term baseline data on their atmospheric changes. The observations have led to remarkable discoveries, including the measurement of Jupiter's wind speeds and Saturn's ring system colors.

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.

Pups of powerful meerkat matriarchs pay a price for their mom’s status

A new study by Duke University researchers reveals that pups of dominant female meerkats, exposed to higher levels of testosterone in the womb, tend to carry more gut parasites and have weaker immune systems. Blocking a matriarch's testosterone improved the health of her pups, leading to stronger natural defenses against infection.

New research reveals two types of fatty liver disease

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified two types of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a liver-specific type and a systemic type that affects other organs. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of this growing patient group, with potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

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.

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.

Battery-like computer memory keeps working above 1000°F

Researchers developed a heat-tolerant memory device that can store and rewrite information at temperatures over 1100°F, comparable to the surface of Venus and the melting temperature of lead. The device uses oxygen ions instead of electrons, allowing for precise control of voltage states and potential in-memory computing applications.

Thermal circuits: modulation of heat flow by means of electric fields

Researchers at CiQUS developed a new technique to create thermal circuits in certain oxides, enabling localized control of heat flow. By applying electric fields, they reduced thermal conductivity by up to 50% in micrometric regions, paving the way for efficient heat management in microelectronics.

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.

CT radiomics and body composition for predicting hepatic decompensation

A new research paper published in Oncotarget introduces an innovative AI tool combining CT scans and body composition data to predict severe liver problems in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) patients. The model achieved impressive results, correctly identifying at-risk patients with 97% accuracy.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Department of Energy announces $36 million for student traineeships

The DOE's RENEW initiative provides $36 million for traineeships in STEM fields, supporting hands-on research experience and professional development. The program benefits students from underrepresented groups and aims to build a talent pool to address the nation's energy challenges.

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.

Scientists construct human genome microsatellite polymorphism map

Researchers have generated a global polymorphism genetic map of VNTRs using high-depth whole-genome sequencing data from 8,222 genomes across 140 countries. The study identified over 2.5 million VNTR length polymorphisms and 11 million VNTR motif polymorphisms, offering new insights into the role of these elements in gene regulation.

How ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation

Researchers found a powerful antioxidant in Deinococcus radiodurans that combines with manganese to protect against radiation damage. The discovery could lead to synthetic antioxidants tailored for human needs, protecting astronauts and preparing for radiation emergencies.

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.

New AI cracks complex engineering problems faster than supercomputers

The new AI framework, DIMON, solves ubiquitous math problems known as partial differential equations in nearly all scientific and engineering research. It enables faster prediction of solutions for complex engineering designs, such as crash testing, orthopedics research, and bridge stress resistance.

Toxic air in Texas high schools

A recent study of Texas high school indoor air revealed the presence of phthalates and PBDEs, linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, and nervous system damage. Researchers found correlations between SVOC concentrations and building characteristics, such as flooring type and classroom design.

The last missing piece of silicon photonics

Researchers from Forschungszentrum Jülich and their partners have successfully developed the first electrically pumped continuous-wave semiconductor laser composed exclusively of elements from the fourth group of the periodic table, or the 'silicon group'. This new laser is directly grown on a silicon wafer, offering new possibilities ...

Jacobs Foundation Awards grants to the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development to support early career scholars from Ghana and Colombia

The Jacobs Foundation has awarded grants to the Society for Research in Child Development and the International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development to support early career scholars from Ghana and Colombia. The grants will facilitate high-level training, networking, and collaborative opportunities for these scholars.

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.