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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 20 of 38

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...

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Globally, women in labor are overtreated. The consequences are dire

A new analysis reveals that approximately 30-90% of first-time mothers worldwide receive medical augmentation with oxytocin, despite only 10-15% experiencing prolonged labor. This excessive treatment increases the risk of stillbirths, brain damage, and complications for subsequent pregnancies.

Why we hate to wait

A study by Annabelle Roberts explores the internal negotiations that occur when people feel impatient, including the desire for closure. The research finds that people become more impatient as their wait nears an end and offers lessons for marketers to make waiting less annoying.

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.

Asexual propagation of crop plants gets closer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a signal that activates the female gamete in thale cress, a model plant species. This breakthrough could lead to the development of apomixis, a form of asexual reproduction that would allow crop plants to be propagated more easily and efficiently.

Health and zombie cells in aging

Researchers at Mayo Clinic shed light on the biology of zombie cells and their link to aging-related health issues. A study found that specific senescent biomarkers can predict mortality beyond chronological age and chronic disease presence.

Helping caregivers help people with dementia eat at home

A new study suggests that caregivers can establish a safe and workable mealtime routine for people with dementia living at home by reducing distractions, clearing away clutter, and leveraging community-based nutrition programs. The strategies aim to address the complex factors surrounding mealtime in the home, including cognitive impai...

Predicting optical fibers failures

A study demonstrates the potential of transceiver-based sensing for actively monitoring and improving the stability of fiber networks. Researchers used a coherent transceiver prototype to detect polarization changes that preceded a cable break in a live network, showing promise for real-time monitoring and proactive network management.

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.

Burnout: identifying people at risk

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology has developed a tool to identify individuals at high risk of burnout. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) measures four main groups of risk factors, including exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment.

Reforestation programs could threaten vast area of tropical grasslands

A new study by the University of Liverpool warns that reforestation initiatives can harm wildlife and ecosystems if not done properly. The research highlights issues with tree-planting in non-forest systems, such as savannas and grasslands, which are under threat from increased tree cover.

Antidepressant use lower in moms who have support from grandparents

A new study of 488,000 Finnish mothers found that those with healthy, near-by grandparents were less likely to take antidepressants. In contrast, antidepressant use was highest among mothers whose grandparents were elderly and lived far away due to stress from caring for them.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Why do(n’t) people support being nudged towards healthier diets?

A study by the Universities of Göttingen and Bonn found that reducing effort required to opt out of nudged options and increasing transparency of the nudge significantly improved public support for these interventions. The perception of upholding free choice and effectiveness were key drivers of acceptance.

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.

Telehealth is as safe as a visit to the clinic for abortion pills

A large national study of over 6,000 patients found that video visits, texting and mailing pills were effective and safe for medication abortion. The research supports the safety and efficacy of telemedicine abortion, which has become increasingly important due to clinic closures and wait times.

App shows 25% fewer emergency hospital admissions from care homes

A study conducted by Newcastle University found that using a smartphone application to monitor residents in care homes reduced A&E attendances by 11% and emergency admissions by 25%. The app, Health Call, provided real-time data to enable early identification of deterioration and better management of illnesses.

An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Researchers found that dysregulation of RNA transfer between cells in different tissues shortens lifespan in roundworms. They demonstrated that this phenomenon, termed Intercellular/Extracellular Systemic RNA imbalance (InExS), can be caused by an increase in RNA uptake from the environment, leading to a reduction in organism's lifespan.

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.

New GSA publication addresses dementia care in adults with I/DD

The new publication aims to help health care providers detect and address changes in function and cognition that might indicate dementia in an adult with I/DD. It also highlights the need to establish baseline levels of function and cognition for this population to effectively identify changes.

A star like a Matryoshka doll: New theory for gravastars

Physicists at Goethe University Frankfurt have proposed a new solution to Einstein's field equations, describing the existence of 'nestars' - gravastars inside another gravastar. The 'nestar' has a thicker shell than previous theories, making it easier to imagine its existence.

When it comes to bad breath, some bacterial interactions really stink

Researchers from Osaka University discovered that a specific bacterial interaction causes the production of methyl mercaptan, a major contributor to bad breath. The interaction between Streptococcus gordonii and Fusobacterium nucleatum leads to increased methyl mercaptan production, which is driven by methionine metabolism.

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.

Rapid detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A rapid diagnosis protocol using a luminescent paper-based platform has been developed to detect the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The approach uses a supramolecular hydrogel matrix containing terbium cholate that emits green fluorescence when UV light is shined on it.

A new design for quantum computers

Natalia Chepiga's new design for quantum computers allows for more complex simulations and enables the creation of a 'steering wheel' to tune into interesting phenomena. This upgrade will facilitate breakthroughs in understanding nature and revolutionize society, with applications in finance, encryption, and data storage.

Shuffling the deck for privacy

A KAUST research team has developed a machine-learning approach that balances privacy preservation and model performance using ensemble privacy-preserving algorithms. The approach, called PPML-Omics, achieves better model performance while keeping the same level of privacy protection compared to previous methods.

With just a little electricity, MIT researchers boost common catalytic reactions

MIT researchers found that applying a small voltage to a catalyst can significantly increase the rates of non-redox chemical reactions used in petrochemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacture. This discovery has the potential to transform our understanding of catalysis and design new reactors to take advantage of this phenomenon.

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.

Study finds new inhalable therapy is a big step forward in lung cancer research

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new inhalable therapy that delivers IL-12 mRNA directly to the lungs, demonstrating potential as a tumor suppressor. The therapy uses nanobubbles called exosomes to deliver the mRNA, which kickstarts lung immune cells to fight cancer.

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.

First-ever atomic freeze-frame of liquid water

Researchers develop X-ray attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in liquids to study electron movement and newly ionized molecules. The technique resolves a long-standing debate about the structural shapes of water, demonstrating conclusively that signals are not evidence for two distinct motifs.

1,000 atomic qubits and rising

Researchers at TU Darmstadt have successfully demonstrated a quantum-processing architecture with over 1,000 individually controllable atomic qubits. This breakthrough enables the development of highly beneficial applications in fields such as drug development and traffic optimization.

Oxygen increased in the tropical ocean during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

Researchers found that oxygen availability increased in shallow subsurface waters despite global warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. This increase was consistent with predictions from ocean circulation models, which suggest a compensation effect may help explain moderate levels of extinction observed during this period.

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.

Hispanic patients with respiratory failure much more likely to be oversedated

A new study found that Hispanic patients with moderate to severe ARDS were more likely to be deeply sedated while on a ventilator, spending nearly 75% of their days in deep sedation. This disparity may be driven by factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and implicit bias in clinical decision making.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Methane emissions from wetlands increase significantly over high latitudes

Researchers from Berkeley Lab found significant increases in wetland methane emissions in Arctic and Boreal ecosystems, with emissions rising by approximately nine percent since 2002. Temperature and plant productivity were identified as major drivers of these changes, highlighting the urgent need to quantify natural sources of methane.

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.

Searching for clues in the history book of the ocean

During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), ocean oxygen levels in tropical waters rose, preserving habitability despite temperature stress. This increase helped mitigate mass extinctions in surface ocean ecosystems.

Studies with more diverse teams of authors get more citations

A recent study by the University of Surrey analyzed articles published in the Journal of Management Studies over the last decade and found that diverse research teams lead to more citations. The study reveals that internationality, interdisciplinarity, and gender diversity among authors all contribute to increased citation rates.

Electrons screen against conductivity-killer in organic semiconductors

Scientists at University of Utah and University of Massachusetts Amherst uncover the physics behind dopant-polymer interactions that explain inconsistent conductivity issues in organic materials. The discovery reveals that a critical mass of electrons triggers collective screening, allowing rest of electrons to flow unimpeded.

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.