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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 2 of 38

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.

Convergent evolution of algal CO2-fixing organelles

Researchers identified pyrenoid-associated proteins in a marine chlorarachniophyte alga, suggesting independent evolution of CO2-fixing organelles in each algal group. These findings have implications for genetic engineering to increase photosynthetic performance and improve crop productivity.

Radiation from massive stars shapes planetary systems

A study of the Orion Nebula reveals that massive stars play a crucial role in shaping planetary systems. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars can either facilitate or hinder planet formation, depending on the mass of the star at the system's center.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turbocharging CRISPR to understand how the immune system fights cancer

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to study the function of immune genes, bypassing challenges of modifying immune cells. By targeting stem cells that produce immune cells, scientists can knock out specific genes in different cell types at various times, providing greater insight into gene interactions and their rol...

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.

Parents, wealth, race drive girls’ chances to play sports

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that socioeconomic status consistently underlies other factors affecting opportunities for girls to participate in sports. Higher family socioeconomic status increased the likelihood of girls playing most sports, while lower-income schools had a negative impact on participation rates.

Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues

A world-first study from the University of South Australia reveals that getting a good night's sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Children and adults with higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity had less troubled sleep, reduced tiredness, and better sleep quality.

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.

Lake ecosystems: Nitrogen has been underestimated

A study reveals that nitrogen plays a crucial role in phytoplankton growth in shallow lakes worldwide, contradicting traditional limnological consensus. The research team analyzed data from 159 lakes and found that 60% exhibit dual-nutrient limitation, where both phosphorus and nitrogen affect phytoplankton growth.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Groundbreaking study unveils unique roles of yeast protein complexes in cellular lifespan and environmental response by rationally engineering based on the predicted three-dimensional structures

Researchers discovered that two types of TORC1 complexes in yeast play unique roles in cellular responses to stress and lifespan regulation. The study's findings provide new insights into molecular evolution, cellular signaling pathways, and age-related diseases, offering promising avenues for human health advancements.

Building a healthier state from the inside out

New Flinders University research reveals that health economists can play a key role in improving hospital efficiency and decision-making in Australia. By analyzing data and engaging with clinicians, health economists can inform budget decisions and prioritize areas of greatest improvement. The study's findings provide a basis for the b...

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Mass-produced, commercial promising multicolored photochromic fiber

A team of scientists has created a highly flexible, uniformly luminescent photochromic fiber that can achieve uniform light emission and wide color gamut control. The fiber is designed to be mass-producible and integrated into various wearable interactive interfaces, enabling diversified interactions such as emotion and communication.

Cyber-physical heating system may protect apple blossoms in orchards

Researchers developed an autonomous heating system that uses real-time temperature and wind-direction data to warm fruit tree canopies. The system resulted in significantly reduced damage to apple tree buds in tests, with increased canopy protection times of over double and nearly triple in low temperatures.

KAIST team develops an insect-mimicking semiconductor to detect motion​

A KAIST team developed an insect-mimicking semiconductor that mimics the optic nerve of insects to detect motion. The device operates at high efficiency and ultra-high speeds, and has been applied to a neuromorphic computing system for predicting vehicle paths. It achieved 92.9% less energy consumption compared to existing technology.

Opening pores for fuel cells and more

Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Eco-labeling: self or certification?

A study found that upstream and downstream companies in supply chains have conflicting eco-label selection preferences, with suppliers preferring certification labels and manufacturers opting for self-labeling. Multi-level certification labels may be more effective when consumers lack trust in self-labeling and green investments are low.

AI meets green: The future of environmental protection with ChatGPT

A new paradigm combining ChatGPT with machine learning significantly eases application of ML in environmental science, bridging knowledge gaps and empowering scientists. The integration of ChatGPT with ML lowers barriers to advanced data analysis, enabling more efficient pollution monitoring and sustainability research.

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.

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.

Plant biologists identify promising new fungicides

Researchers at UC Davis identified a promising new fungicide, ebselen, that targets the autophagy pathway to prevent fungal infections in crops. The chemical has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in humans and is more effective than currently available fungicides.

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.

Black mountain unveils fossil trove

A team of researchers has unveiled over 200 well-preserved fossils from Queensland's Black Mountain, revealing intricate siphuncle morphology in Plectronoceratids. The discovery challenges previous interpretations and advocates for a revised taxonomy, consolidating multiple species under the order Plectronoceratida.

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.

Does trying to look younger reduce how much ageism older adults face?

A study reveals that feeling young appears to reduce ageism among older adults, but those who invest in appearance are more likely to experience negative outcomes. Those who feel younger score higher on positive age-related experiences and lower on negative ageism, while those who look older face increased negative ageism and poor health.

Mind-wandering increases over time while completing a task

A new University of Miami study finds that individuals' ability to sustain attention decreases over time while performing tasks. Mind-wandering occurs at least 50% of the time towards the end of tasks, suggesting that effective strategies for curtailing mind-wandering are needed.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

Slimming down a colossal fossil whale

A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.

Scientists at uOttawa reveal how light behaves in formless solids

Researchers at uOttawa have found that amorphous solids selectively absorb light of different polarizations, contradicting prior beliefs. The study reveals the importance of short-to-medium range order within disordered solids in influencing how materials react to light.

The “eyes” have it: Demystifying gaze and attention

Two new studies explore the link between attention and eye movements, showing that attention can be lost when objects change suddenly before gaze falls on them. Researchers also found distinct neuronal signatures in primate visual cortex for attention and eye movement signals.

Microbial viruses act as secret drivers of climate change

Researchers found that microbial viruses carry special genetic elements for controlling methane processes, called auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs). The study suggests that viral contributions to methane cycling are underestimated and deserve more attention.

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 primitive mitochondrial DNA replication enzymes

Researchers identified 10 new types of DNA polymerase involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, including rdxPolA, which is a direct descendant of the α-proteobacterial symbiont that gave rise to the first mitochondrion. The study provides critical insights into the early evolution of mitochondrial DNA maintenance machinery.