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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 1 of 38

The mutual neutralization of hydronium and hydroxide

Scientists directly visualize the neutral products of hydronium-hydroxide neutralization, observing two electron-transfer mechanisms and a proton-transfer channel. The study provides insights into quantum dynamics of this fundamental reaction.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Snaking toward a universal antivenom

Researchers discovered an antibody that can block deadly toxins in snakes found throughout Africa, Asia, and Australia. The antibody protects against multiple snake species and has the potential to be used as a universal antivenom.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2024

Targeting seed microbes to improve seed resilience

Researchers at KAUST have investigated the potential of manipulating fonio's association with soil microbes to improve its drought tolerance and nutritional content. The study found that the core microbiome of fonio millet plays an important role in its general metabolism, and that environmental factors can influence microbial diversit...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 29, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Astronomers reveal a new link between water and planet formation

Researchers have discovered water vapor in the disc around a young star exactly where planets are forming. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) enabled detailed images and spatially resolved observations, revealing three times as much water as Earth's oceans in the inner disc of the HL Tauri star.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 29, 2024

Bottlenecks and beehives: how an invasive bee colony defied genetic expectations

Research shows that invasive Asian honeybee population in North Queensland has overcome a genetic bottleneck to grow into a thriving colony. The study highlights the importance of this case for understanding population resilience and provides insights into how some species can adapt quickly despite low genetic diversity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

$265K awarded to NJIT researchers via New Jersey Health Foundation grants

Researchers at NJIT's Newark College of Engineering and College of Science and Liberal Arts receive $265K in grants from the New Jersey Health Foundation to develop biodegradable materials, enhance bone regeneration, and create air filters for viral removal. The projects focus on addressing environmental impact and promoting healthcare...

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateFeb 29, 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.

Turning waste into gold

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 29, 2024

Loneliness increases the risk of health deterioration in older adults

A recent study from Amsterdam UMC and the University of Glasgow found that loneliness increases physical frailty, leading to a higher risk of depression, falls, and cognitive decline in older adults. The research analysis more than 130 studies and revealed that reduced social functioning is associated with physical decline in older adu...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Wildfire smoke disproportionately affects California's Indigenous communities, new research shows

Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 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.

A new channel for touch

Scientists have identified a crucial role of the newly discovered ion channel Elkin1 in converting mechanical stimuli into electrical signals, enabling normal touch sensation. The findings also suggest Elkin1 may play a part in transmitting painful mechanical stimuli, opening up new potential targets for chronic pain treatment.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

UBC Okanagan researchers create new compound to build space-age antennas

Researchers have developed a new compound using MXenes, which can be used to create lightweight and efficient telecommunication antennas. This innovation has the potential to transform satellite communication and replace traditional manufacturing methods.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMaterials Today·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 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.

Disparities in patient portal use among adults with chronic conditions

This study of 536 adults with chronic conditions found disparities in patient portal use, with sociodemographic groups and health literacy levels showing varying trends. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in portal use, while a brief validated health literacy measure may help identify patients who need further support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 29, 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 reveals the impact of behavioral health disorders on cancer surgery outcomes

Patients with behavioral health disorders (BHDs) are less likely to undergo surgical resection and face a higher probability of complications, extended hospital stays, and readmission. BHDs increase healthcare costs by 7.76% and worsen prognosis in cancer patients.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

A bright idea for recycling rare-earth phosphors from used fluorescent bulbs

Researchers have developed a low-tech method to collect rare-earth metals from spent fluorescent bulbs, mimicking lamp components with magnetic field-controlled chromatography. The process recovered 93% of the rare-earth phosphors, paving the way for practical recycling applications and sustainable technologies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateFeb 29, 2024

Astronomers reveal a new link between water and planet formation

Astronomers have discovered a significant amount of water vapor in the disc around a young star, located exactly where planets are thought to be forming. This finding provides new insights into the distribution of water in planet-forming discs and its potential impact on planetary formation.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 29, 2024

Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 29, 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.

IBEC and ISGlobal scientists develop an innovative compound effective against malaria and leishmaniasis

A team of IBEC and ISGlobal scientists developed an innovative compound effective against both malaria and leishmaniasis. The compound, YAT2150, was originally designed as an antimalarial drug but showed high efficacy against leishmaniasis, making it a promising candidate for treating co-infections.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Better neutron mirrors can reveal the inner secrets of matter

Researchers at Linköping University developed improved neutron mirrors coating silicon with iron and silicon mixed with boron carbide to increase efficiency in material analysis. This enables more neutrons to reach instruments, improving experiments.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 29, 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.

Rare disease day : A risky mix of two diseases

A new meta-analysis published in eClinicalMedicine found that individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait are more likely to die from COVID-19 compared to the general population. The study analyzed data from over 1,900 patients with sickle cell disease and 8,700 carriers of the sickle cell trait.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Emergency atmospheric geoengineering wouldn’t save the oceans

A new study finds that emergency atmospheric geoengineering would not be able to reverse changes to ocean currents, even with stratospheric aerosol injection. Gradual injections can maintain current temperatures and circulation patterns, but abrupt injections fail to restore critical ocean circulation patterns.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 29, 2024

Prostate cancer test may lead to harmful overdiagnosis in black men

A new study found that a widely used prostate cancer test may leave black men at increased risk of overdiagnosis due to naturally higher PSA levels. The study analyzed patient records of 730,000 men and found that black men were more likely to receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer after a raised PSA test result.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Scientists develop novel RNA- or DNA-based substances to protect plants from viruses

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 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.

How cognition changes before dementia hits

Researchers found that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) struggle with ambiguous sentences, indicating a key deficit in processing complex language. This deficit is independent of memory loss and may serve as an additional 'cognitive biomarker' for early detection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Neurolinguistics·DateFeb 29, 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.

Astronomers measure heaviest black hole pair ever found

The study uses data from Gemini North to analyze a supermassive black hole binary located in the elliptical galaxy B2 0402+379. The team estimates the binary's mass to be 28 billion times that of the Sun, qualifying it as the heaviest binary black hole ever measured.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 29, 2024

New role for bacterial enzyme in gut metabolism revealed

Researchers at Penn State have identified a bacterial enzyme, bile salt hydrolase, that produces new bile acid species in humans at birth, coinciding with the establishment of the gut microbiome. This discovery opens up new avenues for exploring the role of bile acids in human health and disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateFeb 29, 2024

A new plant’s name that tells a story

Researchers from Kobe University have discovered a new plant genus and species of Thismiaceae family, found primarily in southern Japan. The plant, named Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, feeds on fungal mycelia and is extremely rare, with only four individuals found in the same area.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Plant Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 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.

Climate: 2023 – 24 El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temperatures in some areas

The 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon is likely to cause record-breaking average surface air temperatures in some areas, including the Bay of Bengal and the Philippines. Global mean surface temperatures are predicted to break historical records with a 90% chance under a moderate or strong El Niño scenario.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 29, 2024

Childhood tonsillectomy not linked to obesity in adulthood

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that childhood tonsillectomy is not associated with an increased risk of obesity in adulthood. The research followed 132 children who underwent tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea and found no link to weight gain in adulthood.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

A landmark study maps the precise orchestration of prenatal development

Researchers have characterized the rapid series of events transforming a fertilized cell into a living being, highlighting rapid changes in genetic activity post-birth. The study's findings underscore the speed at which newborns must adapt to extrauterine life and offer insights into long-term physiology and health outcomes.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 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.

Similar genetic elements underlie vocal learning in mammals

Researchers discovered similar genetic elements underlying vocal learning in humans, bats, whales, and seals. AI-powered analysis identified 50 gene regulatory elements associated with vocalization and autism in multiple mammalian species.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Conventional supply-side energy policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches

Conventional supply-side policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches, which can improve energy security through continuity, affordability, and sustainability. A novel analysis by Nuno Bento et al. shows that demand-side actions outperform supply-side approaches in making countries more resilient to energy crises.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Climate change is altering the seasonal pattern of river flow globally

A new study found that climate change significantly alters seasonal patterns of river flow worldwide, particularly in high northern latitudes. The research, which combined in situ observations and model predictions, reveals a discernible weakening of the seasonal cycle in rivers above 50° N.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Becoming human: An ancient genome perspective

The study of ancient genomes has shed light on the evolution of modern humans, revealing genetic changes that distinguish us from Neanderthals and Denisovans. These findings suggest that population-level advantages, such as increased connectivity and access to resources, played a significant role in shaping human migration patterns.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 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.

New model of key brain tumor feature could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments

A new model of glioblastoma's key feature, oncostreams, could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments for this aggressive brain cancer. The model, developed by a team at the University of Michigan, identifies a potential inhibitor that appears to dismantle oncostreams, leading to better survival in mouse models.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

EcoFABs could lead to better bioenergy crops

Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed EcoFABs to standardize plant microbiome experiments, leading to findings on optimal nitrogen conditions for improved bioenergy crops. The devices also facilitate classroom learning, engaging students in hands-on research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 29, 2024

General Medical Council urged to revise terminology for international medical graduates

The General Medical Council's definition of international medical graduates (IMGs) is being challenged as it overlooks doctors from the European Economic Area (EEA). A commentary argues that the term should include all doctors practicing in the UK with primary medical qualifications from outside the UK, including those from EEA countries.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 29, 2024

A holistic framework for studying social emotions

Researchers propose a three-level analysis approach to studying social emotions, integrating empirical research from psychology and cognitive neuroscience. This framework can analyze emotions along different dimensions, connecting external stimuli to internal processes, and shedding light on existing evidence.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Reviews Psychology·DateFeb 29, 2024

When the music changes, so does the dance: Controlling cooperative electronic states in Kagome metals

A team of scientists has developed a novel strain-free approach to investigate the intrinsic electronic ground state of Kagome superconductors. This study provides a unifying picture of the controversial charge order in Kagome metals, highlighting the need for material control at the microscopic scale.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 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.

A new method for successfully measuring electrical conductivity in microorganisms―approaching understanding of microbial ecosystems

A new bioelectronic system has been developed to measure electrical conductivity in microorganisms without requiring biofilm formation on electrodes. This approach has revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis possess conductive properties, with potential applications in environmental energy technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Faster and simpler point-of-care malaria test developed by Rice researchers

Rice researchers developed a rapid and accurate point-of-care malaria test that is 12 times faster and easier to use than traditional tests. The device can detect asymptomatic infections and predict disease outcomes, leading to early identification and treatment of severe cases.

SourceRice University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

USTC realizes durable CO2 conversion in proton-exchange membrane system

A team of scientists from USTC has made breakthrough advancements in the development of a reliable CO2 conversion system utilizing proton-exchange membranes. The system leverages specific protein structures to optimize CO2 removal, holding promise for targeted treatments of genetic disorders associated with impaired bilirubin metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature·DateFeb 29, 2024
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.