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Science News for February 18, 2024


99 million people included in largest global vaccine safety study

A global vaccine safety study involving 99 million people found potential risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis after mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccinations. The study's findings were made possible by the Global Vaccine Data Network.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalVaccine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2024

Researchers develop coral-tentacle-inspired antifouling membrane spacer

A new type of antifouling membrane spacer inspired by coral tentacles has been developed, reducing fouling by 61.7% and increasing efficiency. The spacer's low surface energy and temperature responsiveness improve hydration capacity and interfacial roughness control.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAIChE Journal·DateFeb 18, 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.

Microplastics enter agricultural land through wastewater

A study by Griffith University reveals high levels of microplastics in Australian biosolids, which can accumulate in soils and break down into smaller plastics. The research found that synthetic clothing fibres were the dominant type of microplastic, with highest concentrations during cold and wet seasons.

SourceGriffith University·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 18, 2024

Unveiling uremic toxins linked to itching in hemodialysis patients

Hemodialysis patients experience itching due to high levels of protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs), which are difficult to remove by dialysis therapy. A new study found an association between PBUTs and itching, suggesting improved treatments for this common symptom.

SourceNiigata University·JournalClinical Kidney Journal·DateFeb 18, 2024

Giant Antarctic sea spiders reproductive mystery solved by UH researchers

Researchers have made groundbreaking discoveries about the reproduction of giant Antarctic sea spiders, a phenomenon known as polar gigantism. The study found that these creatures do not carry their young like most other species, but instead attach them to rocks for several months before hatching.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 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.

Giant step forward to help treat chronic wounds that affect millions

A team of scientists has developed a new treatment for chronic wounds that uses ionized gas plasma to decontaminate and heal wounds. The technology shows promise in treating diabetic foot ulcers, internal wounds, and potentially cancerous tumours.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2024

Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of apex sharks in Australia

Researchers have discovered microplastics and cellulose-based fibres in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland. The study found that 82% of analysed intestine samples contained microplastics, with a mean abundance of 31 particles/kg of samples.

SourceGriffith University·JournalChemosphere·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2024