Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 16, 2024


Can astronomers use radar to spot a cataclysmic asteroid?

A new instrument concept, ngRADAR, will use the Green Bank Telescope and other facilities to expand on ground-based radar capabilities. The system has the potential to increase resolution imaging and characterize hazardous objects in unprecedented detail.

SourceGreen Bank Observatory·DateFeb 16, 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.

HKUST researchers develop new integration technique for efficient coupling of III-V and silicon

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel selective direct epitaxy method, called lateral aspect ratio trapping (LART), to efficiently integrate III-V compound semiconductor devices with silicon. This breakthrough enables high-speed, low-cost connections that can handle massive amounts of data.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalLaser & Photonics Review·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 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.

Entrepreneurship on the periphery: between precarious work and the search for a meaningful life

A Brazilian study analyzed how low-income communities deal with the effects of the economic crisis in São Paulo city. The research found that entrepreneurship is a main strategy used by members of poor communities to participate in the economy, with over 15 million people registered as micro-entrepreneurs nationwide.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Urban and Regional Research·DateFeb 16, 2024

Increased access to water a threat to nomadic livestock farmers

A new study from Uppsala University found that increased access to water in arid areas can lead to a surge in demand for water and pasture, threatening the livelihoods of nomadic livestock farmers. The research highlights the need for effective management of water infrastructure to ensure climate resilience.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Promising target for CAR T-cell therapy leads to potent antitumor responses against cutaneous and rare melanomas

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified the protein TYRP1 as a promising target for CAR T-cell therapy. The study demonstrates potent antitumor responses against cutaneous and rare melanoma types, offering new hope for treating these challenging-to-treat cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2024

A novel role for S100A11 in focal adhesion regulation

S100A11 plays a specific role in the initiation of focal adhesion site disassembly, rather than the disassembly process itself. The protein is recruited to adhesion sites through a force-dependent mechanism involving non-muscle myosin II-driven stress fiber contraction and intracellular Ca2+ influx.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

New chip opens door to AI computing at light speed

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new silicon-photonic chip that can perform vector-matrix multiplication using light waves, allowing for accelerated AI computing. The chip's design has privacy advantages, as sensitive information can be processed simultaneously without being stored in memory.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

Widely used machine learning models reproduce dataset bias in Rice study

Researchers found that widely used machine learning tools produce biased results for immunotherapy research, as they rely heavily on datasets from higher-income communities. This can lead to ineffective treatments for lower-income populations. The study highlights the need for accurate and unbiased data in machine learning models.

SourceRice University·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

What can bulls tell us about men?

A team of researchers used biopsies from young bulls to investigate the genes and mechanisms controlling male fertility. They found a large number of genes associated with fertility in bulls, most of which are also relevant to human male fertility.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 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.

Combating fractional spurs in phase locked loops to improve wireless system performance in Beyond 5G

Scientists from Tokyo Tech propose two design techniques to minimize unwanted signals known as fractional spurs, which degrade phase noise in output of the PLL. The first technique uses a cascaded-fractional divider and achieves a -62.1dBc fractional spur, while the second technique employs a pseudo-differential DTC, resulting in an in...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

Towards more efficient catalysts

Researchers have developed a novel catalyst platform that enhances the selectivity of catalytic reactions by trapping nanoparticles to prevent agglomeration. The distance between particles plays a crucial role in determining the product yield, with increased separation leading to more efficient production of intermediate chemicals.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

How COVID-19 affects the brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin found that COVID-19 neurological symptoms are caused by inflammation in the body, rather than direct brain infection. The study analyzed brain tissue from 21 deceased patients and found changes in molecular processes in some cells.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 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.

Brain waves are part of memory

Scientists have gained new insights into spatial memory by discovering that different types of nerve cells become active together and are coordinated by brain waves. This discovery sheds light on the neural basis of human memory and may lead to the development of new therapies for memory impairments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 16, 2024

Detecting breast cancer through a spit test

A new hand-held device screens for breast cancer biomarkers from a tiny spit sample, offering quick and efficient results. The portable tool distinguishes between healthy tissue, early cancer, and advanced cancer in a small group of women.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 16, 2024

Heart attack significantly increases risk of other health conditions

A major new study reveals that heart attack survivors are at high risk of developing further serious health conditions, including heart failure, kidney disease, and depression. The research found that up to a third of patients developed heart or kidney failure, and 38% died within nine years.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 16, 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.

Modifying chemotherapy treatment can make life better for older adults with cancer

Research shows that lowering doses and adjusting chemotherapy schedules for older adults with advanced cancer can reduce toxic side effects and preserve daily functions. Over 30% of patients benefited from treatment regimen modifications, with a 15% reduced risk of serious clinician-rated toxic effects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

Electrification or hydrogen? Both have distinct roles in the European energy transition

A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) highlights the complementary roles of electrification and hydrogen in achieving European energy transition. Electrification is critical for sectors like transport and heating, while hydrogen is mainly used for aviation, industry, and electricity storage.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2024

Toxoplasmosis: evolution of infection machinery

A team of scientists has identified a key protein in the toxoplasmosis parasite that is essential for its multiplication, suggesting a promising new target for therapy. The discovery was made by analyzing the evolutionary history of the parasite's organelles and identifying a critical component of their machinery.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell·DateFeb 16, 2024

Laboratory study on conditions for spontaneous excitation of "chorus emission," wave of space plasma

Researchers successfully conduct laboratory studies on whistler mode chorus emission using the RT-1 device, a magnetically levitated superconducting coil. The findings reveal that high-temperature electrons drive the generation of chorus emission, while increasing plasma density suppresses its occurrence.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 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.

Harnessing light with hemispherical shells

A new research proposes a hemispherical shell shape to optimize organic photovoltaic cells, achieving a 66% increase in light absorption and improved angular coverage. The study presents advanced computational analysis, revealing the remarkable capabilities of this innovative design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateFeb 16, 2024

Beyond peak season: Bacteria in the Arctic seabed are active all year round

Researchers found that the bacterial community in Arctic seabed sediments remains stable throughout the seasons, with changes in gene expression of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes. This suggests that bacteria can utilize fresh material from the water column as well as stored compounds in the seabed.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateFeb 16, 2024

New study analyzes link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in footballers

A recent study by Swansea University analyzed the link between digit ratio and oxygen consumption in professional football players. The research found that athletes with longer ring digits relative to their index fingers had more efficient oxygen metabolism, reaching high maximal oxygen consumption during a cardiopulmonary test.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 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.

Online digital data and AI for monitoring biodiversity

Scientists propose using online digital data from media platforms to complement monitoring efforts for biodiversity conservation. This approach aims to generate novel insights into human–nature interactions and their impact on biodiversity. The proposed framework integrates near real-time data with existing datasets, enabling real-time...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 16, 2024

New Issue of GEN Biotechnology

The February 2024 issue of GEN Biotechnology features groundbreaking research on a fluorescent sex-sorting technique for pest control and cell-based gene therapies. The journal also explores the emergence of synthetic biology and addresses scientific misconduct in the field.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGEN Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateFeb 16, 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.

Advanced artificial photosynthesis catalyst uses CO2 more efficiently to create biodegradable plastics

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new photosensitizer that doubles the yield of fumaric acid from CO2, creating biodegradable plastics with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation reuses waste resources to produce fumaric acid, a key component of sustainable packaging materials.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalDalton Transactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

First human trial shows ‘wonder’ material can be developed safely

Researchers conducted the first controlled exposure clinical trial in humans using graphene oxide without adverse effects on lung or cardiovascular function. Further studies are needed to assess higher doses and longer exposures to determine safety.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 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.

Without social distancing, how do bacteria survive a viral epidemic?

A study at Marine Biological Laboratory found that bacteria form complex structures called 'pink berries' to protect against viruses. These structures have a genetic mechanism that introduces new variation into their genomes, allowing them to adapt and survive.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

RNA interference with zilebesiran for mild to moderate hypertension

In a phase 2 clinical trial, zilebesiran significantly reduced 24-hour mean ambulatory systolic blood pressure in adults with mild to moderate hypertension. The treatment was administered subcutaneously at varying doses and intervals, demonstrating its potential as an RNA interference therapeutic for managing hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 16, 2024

Plasma technology for more effective lithium extraction

Researchers at Korea Institute of Fusion Energy successfully increased lithium extraction rates by three times using CO2 microwave plasma technology. The method involves ionizing carbon dioxide into a plasma state to enhance lithium extraction rates.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalDesalination·DateFeb 16, 2024

To appreciate music, the human brain listens and learns to predict

Researchers at University of California - San Francisco have developed a precise map of what is happening in the brain’s auditory cortex when someone hears a melody. The study found that some aspects of music are entwined with how we understand speech, while other important aspects stand alone. The brain uses two sets of neurons to ass...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 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.

Under pressure - space exploration in our time

The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.

SourceETH Zurich·DateFeb 16, 2024

Moffitt study finds neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves outcomes for penile squamous cell carcinoma patients

A large retrospective cohort analysis found that neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved overall and progression-free survival for locally advanced penile squamous cell carcinoma patients. The study also showed that platinum-based chemotherapy was well-tolerated, with low treatment-related mortality.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2024

Self-monitoring improves physical activity of care-needing elderly

A study published in European Geriatric Medicine found that self-monitoring with an accelerometer and feedback significantly improved physical activity among elderly individuals requiring long-term care. The intervention group took more steps, spent less time sitting, and engaged in light physical activity compared to the control group.

SourceKobe University·JournalEuropean Geriatric Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2024