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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 26


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.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·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.

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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalChild Development·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.

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.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateDec 9, 2024

Towards safer, higher performance batteries through network topology optimization

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science unveil a new method for improving lithium-ion battery safety and capacity by optimizing the atomic configuration of TiNb2O7. The study reveals that reducing particle size and relaxing network distortion leads to better charging and discharging properties.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

By age six, children think boys are better than girls at computing and engineering, new American Institutes for Research study shows

A new American Institutes for Research study found that children as young as 6 develop biases towards boys in computing and engineering, while math stereotypes are less pronounced. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these biases and promote equal opportunities for girls in tech fields.

SourceAmerican Institutes for Research·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeSystematic review·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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalActa Psychologica·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·DateDec 9, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Considering social and genetic factors in addition to clinical factors improves prediction of heart disease risk

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that incorporating social and genetic factors into clinical risk calculators for coronary heart disease (CHD) improves prediction accuracy. The researchers developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) and polysocial score (PSS), which included social determinants of health and lifestyle-...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

Parental food choice values influence children's restaurant eating behavior, research shows

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that parental food choice values significantly impact children's meal decisions in restaurants. The research identified three distinct parent groups: hassle-free consumers, indulgent consumers, and multifaceted consumers, each with unique eating habits.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·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.

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.

SourceELSP·JournalAI & Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 9, 2024

Finding the weak points: New method to prevent train delay cascades

Researchers identified critical trains that significantly transfer delays to subsequent services, known as 'influencer trains'. Adding new train services or replacing sharing rolling stock can reduce overall delays by up to 40%.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·Journalnpj Sustainable Mobility and Transport·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 9, 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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024

KIT receives another Humboldt professorship for a top international researcher

Macromolecular chemistry expert Christopher Barner-Kowollik receives Germany's best-funded research prize for his groundbreaking discoveries in photochemistry. His work challenges traditional assumptions and opens new avenues for applications in phototherapy, light-driven synthesis, and materials development.

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

“Missing link” between brain and body inflammatory signals identified in the skull

A study from King's College London reveals that the dural sinuses and skull bone marrow act as a likely interface between the central and peripheral immune systems, suggesting a potential link between brain and body inflammatory signals. The research highlights areas of the skull that work as 'traffic lights' between the two systems.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·TypeImaging 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.

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 9, 2024

A new technology with UPV hallmark improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems, key technologies for autonomous transport and environmental monitoring

A new technology developed by researchers from UPV, BUPT, CAS Institute, Air Force Early Warning Academy and University of Ottawa improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems by up to 14 times, enabling faster and more accurate navigation in autonomous vehicles and detailed environmental studies.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalDevice·DateDec 9, 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.

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.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2024

Breaking new ground in health care: Setting the standard for XR clinical research with the RATE-XR guideline

The RATE-XR guideline standardizes reporting for early-phase clinical studies involving extended reality technologies, ensuring transparency, safety, and ethical reporting. Developed through a multidisciplinary team of international experts, the comprehensive framework fosters reproducibility and patient-centeredness.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSystematic review·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.

Study shows action to eradicate yellow-legged (Asian) hornet has been effective

A new study confirms the UK's effective action against the invasive Asian hornet has prevented its establishment. The invasive species, which devastates honeybee colonies in France and Italy, was first reported in the UK in 2016 but has not spread due to rapid eradication efforts by authorities and vigilant citizens.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateDec 9, 2024

Black hole debate settled? Stellar-mass black holes found at the heart of the Milky Way's largest star cluster

Researchers used pulsar accelerations and stellar velocities to determine the presence of a cluster of stellar mass black holes at the centre of Omega Centauri. The study refines understanding of the formation of these intermediate-mass black holes, which could bridge the gap between stellar and supermassive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateDec 9, 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.

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.

SourceDOE/US Department of Energy·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Genomics·DateDec 9, 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.

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.

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

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

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 ...

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2024

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.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·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.