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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 25


Page 25 of 39

Advance in pain relief research

Scientists identify hederagenin, a highly selective antagonist of NPFFR1, to block chronic pain. The discovery could facilitate the rational design of future therapeutics for pain management.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Bringing dark comets to light

A recent study by MSU researchers doubles the number of known dark comets and identifies two distinct types. Dark comets are near-Earth objects that may contain water, a potential source for delivering materials to Earth necessary for life. The discovery challenges current classification methods for asteroids and comets.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 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.

Developing wastewater treatment units that treat right where it's generated

A Korean research team developed an electrochemical device that can treat sewage and wastewater from pollution sites to the level of discharge. The device can rapidly decompose recalcitrant organic matter into inorganic substances, reducing total organic carbon by up to 93% in just 2 hours.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateDec 9, 2024

Study helps solve mystery between repeated head impacts in sports and location of brain degeneration in CTE

Researchers at Boston University Alzheimer's Disease and CTE Center found that cumulative repetitive head impacts drive specific patterns of brain degeneration in chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study also identified tau protein accumulation as a key mechanism in neuronal loss and synaptic changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

What motivates Americans to eat less red meat?

A new study reveals that US adults who choose not to eat red meat are more concerned with environmental impacts than health risks. The survey of over 7,500 adults found that demographics such as age, education level, and income also played a role in red meat consumption.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 9, 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.

Online training could help older adults communicate in noisy environments

Research by UCL experts found that online training can improve speech intelligibility for both older and younger adults, with a 30% improvement in understanding sentences spoken by new voices. The study suggests that practicing listening to regularly encountered voices could enhance everyday communication.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Pulte Institute joins global consortium using research to end poverty

A $75 million consortium, including the Pulte Institute, aims to inform USAID's activities with detailed evidence on poverty alleviation programs. The Promoting Impact and Learning with Cost-Effectiveness Evidence (PILCEE) partnership will guide USAID's work by evaluating program impact and synthesizing findings.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·DateDec 9, 2024

Study maps risk and protective factors associated with suicidal behavior

A study of 2,788 participants with impulse control disorder found that people with ICD are more likely to exhibit both overt and covert suicidal behavior. The study identified shared and specific risk factors for each type of behavior, including depressive symptoms and low self-direction.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateDec 9, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers find rotavirus vaccine is safe for use in NICU babies

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the rotavirus vaccine is safe for use in NICU babies, with a low risk of transmission and no clinical consequences. The study suggests that giving the vaccine to eligible infants during their hospitalization provides immune benefits that outweigh any risks.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jabuticaba peel improves nutritional characteristics of bread

The addition of jabuticaba peel flour increased the bread's fiber content by over 50% and raised its antioxidant capacity by 1.35-3.53 times, leading to improved blood sugar control and insulin response. The study found that satiety increased after consuming the bread with jabuticaba peel flour, suggesting a lower glycemic index.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFoods·DateDec 9, 2024

Breakthrough AI model can translate the language of plant life

A pioneering AI model has been developed to understand the genetic 'language' of plants, allowing for precise predictions about RNA functions and identification of functional patterns. This breakthrough has significant implications for crop improvement and the next generation of AI-based gene design.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

New research reveals insights on climate-inspired urban design projects

A pair of studies analyze specific high-profile projects and a broader range of proposals, providing valuable frameworks for evaluating their effectiveness. The studies identify six primary types of climatopias, with the Reduce and Re-Use categories exhibiting the most profound engagement with sociopolitical transformation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Climate·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Falsifying anthropics

A new paper in JCAP proposes a way to test the anthropic principle, which suggests the universe is fine-tuned for life. The proposal involves confirming three conditions: cosmic inflation, axion existence, and dark matter not being made of axions.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Lower-quality public housing is at high risk of flood damage

A new study reveals that lower-quality public housing units are disproportionately located in areas with high flood risk, putting residents at risk of catastrophic damage. The research also highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color and those with limited ability to recover from flooding.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 9, 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.

Eyes on the brain at the University of Houston

Researchers found that autistic children prioritize faces in different ways, particularly when first seeing them, using an exploratory pattern characterized by larger face regions of interest. This may be associated with autism-related symptomology and decreased visual sensitivity to face information.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2024

Researchers use a powerful imaging technique to illuminate the colorful plumage of birds

A new study uses hyperspectral imaging to quantify the colorful plumage of birds-of-paradise, a rare hybrid species. The research reveals that the hybrid's appearance is a precise blend of colors from its parent species, with detailed ultraviolet images capturing patches invisible to humans.

SourcePrinceton University High Meadows Environmental Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

USC Stem Cell study breaks the silence on how fish and lizards regenerate hearing

A USC Stem Cell study has identified key gene regulators that enable some deafened animals, including fish and lizards, to naturally regenerate their hearing. The researchers found a class of DNA control elements known as 'enhancers' that amplify the production of a protein called ATOH1, which induces sensory cells in the inner ear.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Mapping molecular arrangements to pave the way for better catalytic systems

A team led by Eric Stach at Penn Engineering has developed a new approach to visualize and understand molecular catalysts on semiconductor surfaces. By combining atomic-resolution imaging with machine learning analysis, they created detailed maps of the distribution and behavior of these microscopic structures.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

Reinventing global cooperation through hackathons

A recent study by the University of Geneva and the United Nations found that 30% of hackathons contribute significantly to the SDGs, particularly climate change. These events attract new participants and generate long-term collective engagement, making them a promising tool for global cooperation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

Revealed: how COVID-19 variants hijack human cells

Researchers at University of Helsinki and colleagues have mapped the 'hijackome', detailing how SARS-CoV-2 variants exploit specific cellular pathways to spread and evade immune defenses.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalCell Discovery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

Therapeutic potential of a novel mixture of mRNA in nanoparticles overcomes tumor progression

A novel mixture of mRNA in nanoparticles has been developed to protect therapeutic mRNA against degradation, improving its overall efficacy. The therapy stimulates the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells while limiting detrimental side effects, also leading to immunological memory that protects against tumor rechallenge.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2024

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and partners discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and partners uncover a fast-swimming predatory amphipod species at depths of up to 8,000 meters. The newly discovered species highlights the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration and biodiversity discoveries in the Atacama Trench.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalSystematics and Biodiversity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2024

Loneliness and social isolation among US older adults

A recent study found that US older adults aged 50-80 commonly experience loneliness and social isolation, with high rates reported across various sociodemographic groups. These findings highlight the significant impact of social isolation on physical and mental health in this age group.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 9, 2024
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.

Unlocking worm strategies: A path to innovative vaccines and therapies

Researchers have identified a molecular strategy employed by worm parasites to evade host immune defenses, offering promising solutions for addressing major infectious diseases, allergies, and asthma. By analyzing the unique immune-regulatory properties of helminths, scientists pinpointed key features essential to their activity.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 9, 2024

Giving a gift? Better late than never, study finds

Researchers found that gift recipients are more forgiving of late gifts than givers assume they will be. Gift givers who imagined receiving a late gift thought it would have less harm on their relationship than those giving the late gift.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

AML, sickle cell disease research among highlights of UC ASH abstracts

Researchers have identified a promising new drug, lomonitinib, targeting treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT-3 mutation. Additionally, they developed a novel compound to target MALT1 protein in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), aiming to provide better control of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateDec 9, 2024

Nature inspires self-assembling helical polymer

Scientists at Hiroshima University have created a controlled helix using supramolecular polymerization, which can be used to control the behavior of materials in various scenarios. The new polymer has the potential to improve applications such as memory, sensing devices, and catalysis by controlling its handedness.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 9, 2024
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.

Raising the standard in therapy with psychedelics

A systematic review of 45 studies found inconsistent descriptions of psychotherapy sessions, making it difficult to replicate studies and compromise patient well-being. Researchers call for improved reporting standards to enhance the replicability, safety, and potential effectiveness of these therapies.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 9, 2024

Unlocking RNA’s benefits to combat complex diseases

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have developed a nanoparticle strategy to deliver both mRNA and siRNA, enhancing and interfering with multiple gene and protein expressions. This approach holds significant promise for treating major diseases like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNanoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Insect genome offers insights into rare biological conditions, agricultural biosecurity

Low-cost sequencing technology has opened a flood of mitochondrial DNA data on lice and other insects, bolstering studies on insect species identification and developing insecticides. This genetic data also offers insights into the impact of evolution on neurodegenerative diseases and potential pest control methods.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnnual Review of Entomology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 9, 2024

UVM research team unveils breakthrough mechanism in brain blood flow regulation

The study reveals that electrical signals enhance calcium entry into cells, amplifying localized signals and extending their influence to neighboring cells through E-Ca coupling. This creates a synchronized system that adjusts blood flow both locally and across wider distances.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

How to make robots more lifelike

Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Service Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 9, 2024

Could US-style summer holiday programs boost Aussie kids’ health?

Summer holiday programs in Australia have been found to improve children's physical activity, fitness, and mental health, particularly among disadvantaged kids. These programs, delivered in semi-structured environments like school, help offset hours spent on screens and promote healthier behaviors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateDec 9, 2024

New study reveals quasiparticle loss in extreme quantum materials

Researchers at Rice University have uncovered a phenomenon where quasiparticles lose their identity in extreme quantum materials, leading to unique properties. This discovery has broader implications for understanding transitions in other correlated materials and creating advanced superconductors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 9, 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.

New data tool maps air pollution from petrochemical facilities in Gulf Coast and Ohio River Valley

A new analysis from PSE Healthy Energy reveals that fine particulate matter emissions from petrochemical facilities contribute to nearly 1,500 premature deaths annually, with estimated economic impacts of $17 billion. The study found that industry growth led to a 12% increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 2012 and 2021.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 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.

Blood removal before major liver surgery cuts transfusions in half

A large clinical trial found that removing 10% of a patient's blood before major liver surgery reduces the need for transfusions by half. This practice, known as hypovolemic phlebotomy, lowers blood pressure in the liver and is safe, simple, and inexpensive.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 9, 2024

Kessler Foundation researchers advance traumatic brain injury rehabilitation with cognitive integrated motor training and neuromodulation enhanced robotic balance therapy

Researchers develop personalized cognitive integrated sensorimotor virtual reality training to improve gait and balance in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). A separate study uses robotic balance training combined with non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance postural control and motor recovery in TBI.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateDec 9, 2024

New method enables protein analysis accounting for population diversity

Researchers developed a new method to build protein sequences from large genetic panels, capturing diversity among cohort participants. This approach can refine medical research to individual profiles and address the challenge of integrating diversity in current data models.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 9, 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.

KIT Robotics researcher receives ERC Consolidator Grant

Professor Gerhard Neumann at KIT has received a EUR 2.4 million ERC Consolidator Grant to improve robots' ability to perform complex tasks in real environments. His SMARTI³ project aims to develop intuitive interfaces and scalable capabilities for complex manipulation tasks.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateDec 9, 2024

Space-time crystals, an important step toward new optical materials

Researchers at KIT have designed tailored space-time crystals for optimal light modulation and amplification, paving the way for new optical materials. The study's breakthrough involves combining photonic time crystals with an additional spatial structure to extend bandgaps across nearly the entire momentum space.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 9, 2024

Is it possible to balance sustainability with international growth?

A new doctoral dissertation examines how social ventures can adapt their business models to achieve international growth while maintaining their commitment to sustainability. The research offers practical guidance for policymakers, investors, and practitioners aiming to promote sustainable international business growth.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·DateDec 9, 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.

Existing EV batteries may last up to 40% longer than expected

Researchers found that dynamic discharging based on real driving data helped extend battery life, with sharp accelerations slowing degradation. The study suggests a correlation between acceleration and slower aging, contrary to previous assumptions.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

Dogs use two-word button combos to communicate

A new study from UC San Diego reveals that dogs trained on soundboards can make deliberate two-word button combinations to express their needs and desires. The research found that these sequences are not random but rather reflect specific requests, such as accessing the outdoors or obtaining treats.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2024