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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 26 of 38

Vaccine shows promise against CMV, a virus that causes birth defects

An experimental mRNA vaccine against CMV elicited promising immune responses, outperforming a previous vaccine candidate in preventing the virus from infecting epithelial cells. The new vaccine may protect adults against CMV, potentially preventing women from passing the infection to their babies during pregnancy.

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.

Reshaping our understanding of granular systems

Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that even small differences in grain shape can significantly alter grain segregation in dry and wet conditions. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to better understand and predict geohazards and alleviate segregation issues in industrial flows.

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.

Salt substitutes help to maintain healthy blood pressure in older adults

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that salt substitutes can help maintain healthy blood pressure in older adults. The study, which included 611 participants, showed that those using salt substitutes had a 40% lower incidence of hypertension compared to those using regular salt.

Nutrients direct intestinal stem cell function and affect ageing

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered a new mechanism by which nutrient adaptation influences intestinal stem cell function and ageing. Intermittent fasting has been shown to benefit intestinal stem cells by preserving their flexible regulation, which is essential for differentiation.

CRISPR-copies: New tool accelerates and optimizes genome editing

Researchers at CABBI developed a computational pipeline for identifying CRISPR/Cas-facilitated integration sites, which can pinpoint neutral integration sites in two to three minutes. This tool enables researchers to efficiently locate all the needles that align with their specific criteria, transforming the genome editing process.

Darting around with a tiny brain

Researchers discovered how insects navigate using limited brain power by simplifying complex problems through their behavior, a strategy that can be applied to robots and computers. A model of insect neuronal activity showed the robot successfully navigated in various environments, leading to potential improvements in energy efficiency.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A flicker of truth: Piercing the “continuity illusion”

The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.

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.

Understanding chronic wasting disease in deer

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine sheds light on how Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) impacts the gut microbiome, providing a potential tool for disease surveillance. Researchers found that certain types of gut bacteria can differentiate between CWD-positive and -negative deer.

Overcoming fine process limits with linker ion affinity

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology employ linker ions to pioneer three-dimensional microprinting technology applicable to inorganic substances and other various materials. The team successfully crafts inorganic porous structures with dimensions below 10 μm without specialized equipment.

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.

Customers prefer text over video to provide service feedback

A study found that customers are more willing to provide written compliments and complaints using AI-powered tablets rather than leaving videos. The researchers suggest that methods requiring 'low self-disclosure' would work better for customer feedback.

Can hydrogels help mend a broken heart?

Researchers have created a hydrogel that can be used to heal damaged heart tissue and improve cancer treatments. The gel is made from cellulose nanocrystals derived from wood pulp and has a nanofibrous architecture that replicates the properties of human tissues.

Sister cells uncover pre-existing resistant states in cancer

A new method reveals genes associated with proteostasis and mRNA surveillance as important for explaining treatment resistance. The approach also identifies DNA repair deficiency as a key factor sensitizing cells to chemotherapy, PARP inhibitors, and NK killing.

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.

Dartmouth researchers offer new insights into how antibodies function against HSV

Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Exposing hiding lymphoma cells to the immune system

Researchers identified a group of proteins that help cancer cells maintain genetic stability and avoid immune system detection. By depleting these proteins, they triggered an inflammatory response and made the cancer cells visible to the immune system.

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.

Creating safe spaces with and for Black girls

A study published in the Journal of Black Psychology found that creating spaces with and for Black girls can provide psychological safety. The Black Girl Magic Crew program validated participants' experiences, opinions, and encouraged explorations of self through specific curricular activities. This model can be used to create similar ...

Artificial cartilage with the help of 3D printing

Researchers at TU Wien create artificial cartilage tissue by colonizing porous plastic spheres with cells, achieving seamless integration and uniform structure. The novel technique has potential for medical applications, including replacing injured cartilage.

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.

Strongest contender in decades in fight against breast cancer

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a new approach to defeating breast cancer by stimulating the androgen receptor. The study found that enobosarm was effective against estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, which is the most common form of the disease.

Monkey see, monkey do: how sideline sports behaviors affect kids

A new study from the University of South Australia found a link between parents' sideline conduct and athletes' behaviours. When parents behaved well, their child was more likely to project positive behaviour. However, when parents behaved poorly, this was related to greater antisocial behaviours in their child.

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.

Scientists find new way to roll atomically thin nanosheets into scrolls

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a novel approach to create nanoscrolls with improved control over nanostructure. The team achieved tight rolls with scrolls up to five nanometers in diameter and multiple microns in length, opening doors for new applications in catalysis and photovoltaic devices.

Faster monkeypox (mpox) testing through CRISPR

Researchers developed a faster test for mpox using CRISPR and nanopore sensing technology, which can detect the virus in 32-55 minutes, compared to hours of current lab testing. The test is specific to mpox and was confirmed not to detect other viruses.

How ancient sea creatures can inform soft robotics

Researchers created a soft robot mimicking 500-million-year-old pleurocystitids, suggesting a sweeping motion helped them glide through the ocean floor. The design also indicates longer stems enabled faster movement without increased energy expenditure.

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.

New method could detect early ovarian cancer from urine samples

Researchers have developed a new urine-based test for early detection of ovarian cancer using nanopore sensing technology. The method can simultaneously identify multiple peptides, including those derived from LRG-1, and shows promise for improving 5-year survival rates by up to 75%.

Global study: Wild megafauna shape ecosystem properties

A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.

Discoveries can be used to optimize production of annatto powder

A study by Brazilian researchers reveals that bixin, a carotenoid pigment extracted from annatto tree seeds, is also present in other organs. Genetic analysis and modifications found increased production of the pigment in the adult phase and linked to stress-related hormone abscisic acid.

How electron spectroscopy measures exciton “holes”

Scientists use a special microscope to break up the bond between electrons and holes in semiconductors, revealing that hole interactions determine charge transfer processes. The findings have implications for future computer and photovoltaic technologies.

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.

New fossil site of worldwide importance uncovered in southern France

The Cabrières Biota, a new fossil site in southern France, has revealed unprecedented information on polar ecosystems during the Ordovician period. The discovery of over 400 fossils provides insights into the composition of southernmost ecosystems and serves as a refuge for species that escaped high temperatures.