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Science News Archive December 2024 - Page 37


Page 37 of 39

Model reveals supply chain risks pose major threat to financial stability

A new model reveals that supply chain risks can amplify financial losses, with banks facing up to five times higher losses than traditional credit risk models. The study highlights the need for regulators to rethink systemic risk monitoring, focusing on firms with central roles in supply chains.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Financial Stability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 2024

FTI-SLAM: federated learning-enhanced thermal-inertial SLAM

Researchers propose FTI-SLAM to maintain system performance while addressing critical privacy and communication concerns. It leverages federated learning, reducing data transmission and improving generalisation capabilities.

SourceELSP·JournalRobot Learning·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 3, 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.

Survey reveals grim state of Uganda’s lions, leopards, and hyenas

The survey reveals critical low lion numbers in Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley National Parks, while hyena populations show resilience across four major protected areas. Advanced spatial capture-recapture methods set a new standard for wildlife monitoring in Africa.

SourceGriffith University·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateDec 3, 2024

ERC Consolidator Grant propels Georg Winter’s groundbreaking work

Georg Winter's ERC Consolidator Grant has significantly advanced small molecule strategies for degrading cancer proteins, publishing over 30 studies in leading journals. His work on altering gene regulation holds tremendous potential for rewriting the genetic program of cancer cells and developing targeted therapies.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·DateDec 3, 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.

Parasite-inspired medical devices

Researchers designed a millimeter-scale mechanism inspired by tapeworms to anchor small medical devices to soft tissues. The device, made of stainless steel and polyimide film, can be used in various medical applications and has potential for affixing sensors to marine organisms.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 3, 2024

An inflatable gastric balloon could help people lose weight

A new type of gastric balloon has been designed to help people lose weight by making them feel too full to overeat. The balloon can be inflated and deflated as needed, and animal studies have shown that it can reduce food intake by 60 percent before meals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevice·DateDec 3, 2024

How quickly can plastic be degraded in nature?

A German Research Foundation-funded project led by Stefan Mecking aims to quantify the biodegradation of polyethylene. The team develops methods to distinguish carbon dioxide from plastic and investigate factors influencing biodegradability, such as molecular structure and functional groups.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateDec 2, 2024

Cooperative motion by atoms protects glass from fracturing

A new discovery by researchers at Tohoku University reveals that the movement of atoms and molecules within glass can relax internal stress, making the material more resistant to fractures. The breakthrough has wide-ranging implications for industries such as consumer electronics, construction, and automotive manufacturing.

SourceTohoku University·JournalActa Materialia·DateDec 2, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Monell Chemical Senses Center and A*STAR Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation sign agreement to collaborate in sensory science research and education

The collaboration aims to explore unique sensory differences between Asian and Western populations, informing consumer preferences and product development. The partnership will develop sensory testing protocols specific to Asians, incorporating traditional Eastern culinary practices with advanced methodologies.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·DateDec 2, 2024

Animal products improve child nutrition in Africa

A recent study by the University of Bonn and CABI Centre in Kenya found that milk, eggs, and fish consumption has a positive effect on childhood development in Africa. The study covered over 32,000 child observations across five African countries and showed that animal products significantly reduce the risk of stunting.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

Common heart drug may slow progression of Huntington’s disease

Researchers found that patients taking beta-blockers had a significantly lower risk of developing Huntington's symptoms and slower symptom worsening compared to non-users. This suggests that beta-blockers may provide benefit to patients at various stages of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 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.

Development of an RNA virus vector for non-transgenic genome editing in tobacco and generation of Berberine Bridge Enzyme-Like mutants with reduced nicotine content

Researchers developed a non-transgenic genome editing approach in tobacco using an RNA virus vector, resulting in heritable edits and mutant lines with reduced nicotine content. The approach allowed for the simultaneous targeting of multiple genes involved in pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalaBIOTECH·DateDec 2, 2024
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.

Deciphering city skies: AI unveils GNSS error identification

Researchers introduced an innovative AI-powered solution to identify and differentiate Non-Line-of-Sight errors in urban Global Navigation Satellite Systems. The Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) model achieved impressive 92% accuracy, significantly improving positioning accuracy in densely populated cities.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSatellite Navigation·DateDec 2, 2024

Reducing risk of opioid addiction while alleviating pain

Researchers found that increasing levels of the naturally occurring endocannabinoid 2-AG can counteract the rewarding properties of opioids, reducing addiction-like behaviors in mice. The study suggests a potential new therapeutic strategy to alleviate pain while minimizing opioid addiction risk.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2024

Feeding grazing cattle seaweed cuts methane emissions by almost 40%

Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement reduced their methane emissions by nearly 40% without affecting health or weight. The study provides a promising approach to make cattle farming more sustainable and play a role in fighting climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024
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.

Study finds adolescent suicidal behavior is significantly associated with externalizing behaviors and violence exposure

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant association between adolescent suicidal behavior and externalizing behaviors, as well as violence exposure. The study assessed the impact of state-level access to firearms on suicide rates among U.S. high school students.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 2, 2024

Using race and ethnicity to estimate disease risk improves prediction accuracy but may yield limited clinical net benefit

A cross-sectional study found that including race in disease risk models improves prediction accuracy, but the clinical net benefit is smaller than expected. The researchers provide a widely adaptable framework for deciding whether to include or exclude race from disease risk predictions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 2, 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.

‘I don’t feel your pain’: How alcohol increases aggression

A new study suggests that alcohol's ability to increase people's pain threshold is linked to more aggressive behavior. Participants who drank alcohol were willing to inflict more pain on others, while those who consumed a placebo drink showed less aggression.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Covid-19 reduced sex offender behaviour – new study

A new study by the University of Birmingham found that Covid-19 public health measures led to a significant decrease in stranger sex offenses, particularly those involving night-time economy and outdoor settings. The research also showed a reduction in offences taking place at home and internet-facilitated crimes during lockdowns.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychology of Violence·DateDec 2, 2024

The Microprocessor inside you

Researchers use cryo-electron microscopy to study Microprocessor's interactions with primary microRNAs. The protein can process multiple pri-miRNAs due to its flexibility and 'tentacle-like' properties.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 2, 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.

Discovery of daphnane diterpenoids in daphne pontica

Researchers identified 33 daphnane diterpenoids in Daphne pontica, including newly discovered compounds, using UHPLC-Q-Exactive-Orbitrap MS. These compounds exhibit potent biological activities, suggesting the plant as a potential novel resource for drug discovery.

SourceToho University·JournalPhytochemical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Physics experiment proves patterns in chaos in peculiar quantum realm

Researchers confirm theory of unique electron orbits, known as 'quantum scars,' which could improve transistor efficiency and enable novel methods for quantum control. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to visualize electron movements in graphene.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Landmark World Drought Atlas reveals systemic nature of hazard risks, underlines need for national plans, international cooperation

The World Drought Atlas depicts the systemic nature of drought risks, highlighting their interconnectedness across sectors. It underscores the need for national plans and international cooperation to build resilience against harsher droughts, which are expected to affect 3 in 4 people globally by 2050.

SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·DateDec 2, 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.

Ketone bodies: more than energy, they are powerful signaling metabolites that clean up damaged proteins

Researchers at the Buck Institute found that ketone bodies interact directly with misfolded proteins, altering their solubility and structure to be cleared through autophagy. This discovery suggests a new form of metabolic regulation of protein quality control in the brain, with potential therapeutic applications.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Peroxisomal protein boosts plant immunity to thrive under environmental stress

Researchers at Shinshu University have discovered a key role for the HSR201 protein in salicylic acid production, a vital hormone for plant defense. The study found that HSR201 localizes to peroxisomes and uses a unique targeting signal to produce salicylic acid, which is essential for plant immunity.

SourceShinshu University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

Insect fossil find ‘extremely rare’

A new study reveals rare whitefly insect fossils found in Miocene age crater lake sediments at Hindon Maar, near Dunedin. The fossils, preserved in the position they lived and died, provide evidence of the ecological component of ancient forests on the South Island.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPalaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 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.

A breakthrough in battery capacity degradation analysis and knee point prediction

Researchers developed a novel method to analyze capacity degradation characteristics and predict the knee point of lithium-ion batteries, enabling effective predictive maintenance and enhancing safety. The study uses neural networks to analyze battery life, which is affected by multiple coupling aging mechanisms.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2024

European Society of Endocrinology publishes updated ‘ESE Curriculum and Training Recommendation in Endocrinology’

The European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has published an updated curriculum for endocrinology training, aiming to harmonize training standards across Europe. The new curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning and professional skills, such as communication and leadership, to foster greater collaboration and knowledge exchange.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 2, 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.

Lung cancer screening CTs find coronary artery disease in 83% of cases

A new study reveals that lung cancer screening CTs can detect coronary artery disease in 83% of cases, with high levels found in 30%. This finding highlights the potential benefits of lung cancer screening for identifying and managing cardiovascular risk factors.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

Study untangles how COVID-19 wreaks widespread damage in the body

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 disrupts mitochondrial reactions, leading to immune sensor activation and a cytokine storm, which triggers multiple organ-damaging events. Autopsy samples revealed extensive inflammation and organ damage in organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 2, 2024

Research alert: How artificial intelligence could automate genomics research

Large language models like GPT-4 can analyze gene sets with high accuracy, identifying common functions and providing detailed narratives to support their findings. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize functional genomics research by synthesizing complex information and generating new testable hypotheses.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 2, 2024

New datasets will train AI models to think like scientists

The Polymathic AI team has released two massive datasets for training artificial intelligence models to find and exploit transferable knowledge between seemingly disparate fields. The datasets include data from dozens of sources, covering astrophysics, biology, acoustics, chemistry, fluid dynamics, and more.

SourceSimons Foundation·DateDec 2, 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.

Study of crisis pregnancy centers reveals misleading and dangerous claims

A new study reveals crisis pregnancy centers in the US make misleading and dangerous claims, including promoting unproven abortion pill reversal treatments. The study found that 90% of CPCs advertised medical services, while 30% promoted 'abortion pill reversal,' which lacks FDA approval.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024

Partially domesticated maize is found in caves in Minas Gerais state, Brazil

Brazilian scientists have discovered ancient maize specimens in caves that exhibit primitive traits similar to those of the ancestral plant from Mexico, where domestication began. The findings support the theory that domestication may also occurred in South America.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2024

Dynamics of structural transformation for liquid crystalline blue phases

Researchers have uncovered key insights about how liquid crystals transform between different phases using direct simulation and machine learning. This study provides a clearer understanding of the microscopic-level changes in these materials, which could lead to new possibilities for advanced materials development.

SourceKyushu University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 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.

Study: Even low levels of arsenic in drinking water raise kidney cancer risk

A new study published in Environmental Pollution indicates that exposure to even low levels of arsenic poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of kidney cancer. The analysis found that exposure to between 1 and 5 parts per billion raised kidney cancer risk by 6 percent.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024

Revisiting vitamin D guidelines

The Endocrine Society's 2024 guidelines for Vitamin D testing and supplementation have been criticized for being too restrictive, with limited benefits for healthy individuals. The new guidelines recommend limiting supplementation to specific risk groups and advise against routine 25-hydroxyvitamin D testing in healthy individuals.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEndocrine Practice·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 2, 2024

New study unveils the human and scientific dimensions of IPCC sea level rise projections

Researchers from Indiana University and Princeton University provide an unprecedented look at the collaborative process that determines IPCC's sea level rise projections. The study highlights challenges in reconciling conflicting methodologies while maintaining scientific integrity.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2024

Stimulating hypothalamus restores walking in paralyzed patients

Researchers at EPFL and Lausanne University Hospital have achieved a major milestone in treating spinal cord injuries by applying deep brain stimulation to the lateral hypothalamus. This therapy has improved mobility and independence in two individuals with partial SCI, demonstrating long-term neurological improvements.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 2, 2024

CMS launches new mandatory kidney transplant payment model

The Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) Model aims to improve access to life-saving kidney transplants for patients with end-stage kidney disease while maintaining or improving the quality of care. The new rule will test performance-based upside or downside risk payments among selected kidney transplant hospitals.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateDec 2, 2024
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.

UTA student recognized for research on high-fat diets

Ken Perry, a UTA senior, has been recognized for his research on the connection between high-fat meals and cardiovascular health. He won two awards from the American Physiological Society for his work analyzing data collected from previous studies, which showed a correlation between high-fat consumption and changes in brain blood flow.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 2, 2024

Evidence of primordial black holes may be hiding in planets, or even everyday objects here on Earth

Researchers propose that small black holes born in the early universe could have left behind hollow planetoids and microscopic tunnels, potentially detectable with telescopes or by monitoring old materials. The study suggests a low probability of primordial black hole passage but emphasizes the potential for discovery.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysics of the Dark Universe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2024