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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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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...

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.

$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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.