Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive December 2024


Page 38 of 39

Deep-sea marvels: How anglerfish defy evolutionary expectations

A groundbreaking study reveals how anglerfish evolved extraordinary traits, including bioluminescent lures and large oral gapes, to exploit scarce resources in the bathypelagic zone. Despite environmental challenges, anglerfish achieved high levels of phenotypic disparity, suggesting a capacity for adaptive radiation.

Black students are punished more often, ‘no matter how you slice it’

A recent study found that Black students are 3.6 times more likely to be suspended out of school than their white peers, with even greater disparities in alternative schools. The researchers also discovered that wealthier schools with fewer free lunch recipients had the most disparate experiences.

Plastic fantastic: Green, strong and edible

Researchers created a biodegradable composite plastic using bacteria-friendly polymers and natural crystals, making it strong, edible and cheap to produce. The material has industrial potential and can be used to manufacture various products, including airplanes and cars.

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.

Critical evaluation of transit policies in Lima, Peru

A study of Lima's transit policies reveals that bus reform led to overcrowding, higher fares, and increased car ownership, undermining the city's environmental goals. Rail rapid transit, however, has proven effective in reducing CO2 emissions and alleviating congestion.

New study details why aging cells struggle to heal

A new study published in Nature Aging details the changes in muscle regeneration over time, finding that immune cells exhibit differences in abundance and reaction time between age groups. The research also identifies altered stem cell states, leading to discoordination in the process of muscle repair in older mice.

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.

Stereotypes matter: Computer science needs better role models

A new study reveals that children's awareness of famous computer scientists is dominated by white men, with few women and people from diverse backgrounds represented. The researchers argue that this lack of diversity limits the relevance and usefulness of computer science for underrepresented communities.

Smallest walking robot makes microscale measurements

The team's achievement marks a significant advance in robotics, allowing for maneuverable robots that can perform up-close imaging and measure forces at the scale of some body's smallest structures. The new diffractive robots are tiny, measuring 5 microns to 2 microns, and can be controlled by magnetic fields to move independently.

Who should contribute to decisions about health care space design?

A new commentary by Boston University School of Medicine suggests that decisions about health care structures and spaces should be made by a diverse group of stakeholders. The proposed working group includes clinicians, patient advocates, community leaders, certified healthcare architects, and non-clinical staff. This approach aims to ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UBCO researchers engineer DNA to mimic biological catch bonds

Researchers have developed an artificial adhesion system that closely mimics natural biological interactions, enabling precise control over its strength under varying forces. The innovative 'fish-hook' bond has vast potential in materials science and medicine, inspiring responsive materials and force-sensitive drug delivery systems.

Scientists predict bright future for ash waste

A study published in Separation and Purification Technology suggests that fly ash can be repurposed for water treatment applications, offering a sustainable solution to environmental concerns. The authors review the literature on fly ash and identify its potential as a low-cost, lightweight material for crafting ceramic membranes.

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.

UCalgary scientists help solve a problem in the developing world

A team of UCalgary researchers, led by Dr. Anthony Schryvers, has developed a new vaccine to protect cattle from hemorrhagic septicemia, a deadly bacterial disease that destroys livestock and livelihoods. The vaccine is designed with a long-lasting immune response and has been patented.

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.

To build better fiber optic cables, ask a clam

Researchers discovered that heart cockle shells have translucent areas with hair-thin strands that deliver specific wavelengths of light into the bivalves' tissues. This natural system filters out bad wavelengths and channels in optimal wavelengths for photosynthesis, benefiting the clams' symbiotic algae.

Ultrafast dissociation of molecules studied at BESSY II

Scientists visualized the ultrafast dynamics of molecule dissociation using a new analytical method at BESSY II. The results show that lighter atom groups are ejected first, followed by heavier fragments. This process unfolds rapidly, similar to a 'molecular catapult' effect.

Call for papers

This special issue aims to present the latest advancements in 3D reconstruction and generation technologies, focusing on virtual/augmented reality, gaming, film production, and more. The topics cover key techniques for fostering breakthroughs and addressing critical problems within this domain.

Countertop workers exposed to serious lung disease

A growing number of engineered stone countertop workers are developing silicosis, a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. The disease can lead to respiratory failure, increased risk of infection, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cosmetic dermatology in the digital age

The digital age is transforming cosmetic dermatology, with technologies like AI and telehealth pushing boundaries. However, challenges arise from social media's influence on skin advice and the need for in-person exams to ensure patient safety.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2024: Event announcement

The ESMO Immuno-Oncology Congress 2024 will present key findings on new therapeutic opportunities and management of treatment-related toxicities. Leading experts will share their research advancements in the rapidly evolving field of immuno-oncology.

Sir Gustav Nossal Professor of Immunology to honor giant of Australian science

A prestigious professorship in immunology has been established at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, continuing Sir Gustav Nossal's groundbreaking work on immune tolerance. The position aims to nurture new generations of researchers and advance understanding of immune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pregnancy enhances natural immunity to block severe flu

Researchers at McGill University have discovered that pregnancy enhances the body's natural immunity to block severe flu infection. By activating a powerful molecule in the nasal cavity, pregnant women may benefit from stronger antiviral defenses against the Influenza A virus.

A novel data-fusion-model SOH estimation method of Li-ion battery

A novel data-fusion-model method accurately estimates the state of health (SOH) of Li-ion battery packs based on partial charging curve. The proposed method capitalizes on charging data to track degradation trends, achieving accurate SOH estimation with maximum errors less than 1.5%.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How did human brains get so big? The answer could be in our gut

A Northwestern University study found that gut microbes from large-brain primate species, such as humans and squirrel monkeys, can increase energy production in mice, while those from small-brain species like macaques store more energy as fat. This suggests a link between the microbiota and brain evolution.

New method discovered for controlling molecular patterns on liquid droplets

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University have uncovered a previously unknown phenomenon that enables precise control over molecular patterns on liquid droplet surfaces. The discovery, which involves a transformation between two types of structural defects, has broad implications for technologies such as vaccine design and nanoengineering.

How a middle schooler found a new compound in a piece of goose poop

A middle schooler's unique sample of goose poop contained a bacterium with antibiotic activity, yielding a novel compound orfamide N that inhibits human melanoma and ovarian cancer cell growth. The discovery highlights the potential for combined educational outreach and natural product research.

Researchers demonstrate self-assembling electronics

A new technique has been demonstrated for self-assembling electronic devices, enabling faster and less expensive production. The method uses a directed metal-ligand reaction to create semiconductor materials with tunable properties.

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.

Newer antiseizure drugs safe for pregnancy, Stanford Medicine-led study shows

A large multisite study found that two common antiseizure medications, lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are safe to use during pregnancy, with no statistically significant differences in cognitive and psychosocial outcomes at age 6. The study confirms these drugs offer a safe alternative to older antiseizure medications like valproate.

Study details surprising biological mechanisms underlying severe COVID-19

A study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 virus infection causes significant damage to mitochondria in infected cells, leading to an overactive renin-angiotensin-activation-system (RAAS) and associated blood clotting. This damage contributes to the multi-organ damage seen in severe COVID-19.

Enterococcus helps E. coli ‘armor up’ in dog, poultry co-infections

A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.

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.

Social media isn’t entirely to blame for anxiety in young people, says expert

A sociologist suggests that anxiety disorders among teenagers rose before widespread social media use, pointing to other factors like obsession with work status, too much choice, and excessive focus on long-term planning. Modern society has developed a learned inability to live with uncertainty, according to Roland Paulsen.

Researchers create a new organoid with all key pancreas cells

Scientists have developed a new organoid that includes all three key cell types in the pancreas, allowing for a clearer understanding of its early development. The research discovered a new stem cell type that can develop into these cells, and found differences between human and mouse pancreatic development.

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.

Hidden fat predicts Alzheimer’s 20 years ahead of symptoms

Researchers have discovered a specific type of body fat linked to abnormal proteins in the brain that are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Higher levels of visceral fat were found to be associated with increased amyloid accumulation and higher PET levels of hallmark pathologic proteins.

A cause of hyperinflammatory response in lethal COVID-19 identified

A team of researchers discovered a novel cause of cytokine storm in fatal COVID-19 cases, linking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to the hyperinflammatory response. This finding holds potential for identifying patients at risk and developing targeted interventions.

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.

Backyard chickens are here to stay

Australian backyard chicken owners view their chooks as a blend of pet and livestock, prioritizing utility and trustworthiness. However, participants were unlikely to seek veterinary care due to cost concerns.

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.

All people are unique – also in the gut

A new study found that changes in the gut environment influence the composition and activity of gut bacteria. The study involved swallowing a capsule with pH sensors through breakfast, revealing unique gut environments and travel times among individuals. This may help explain individual differences in digestion, nutrient uptake, and bo...