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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 4 of 38

Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new category of molecules that can undergo internal rotation on interaction with light, opening possibilities for photochemical switching functions and bioactive molecules. This breakthrough could lead to precisely targeted applications in biological systems and eventual therapeutic p...

Could fiber optic cable help scientists probe the deep layers of the moon?

Researchers propose using fiber seismic networks to detect seismic waves on the Moon and provide information about its deep core structure. By analyzing artificial seismograms created from Apollo mission data, they found that a fiber network could identify specific seismic waves hidden in scattered signals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Deep industrial image anomaly detection: A survey

Recent deep learning methods have achieved over 97% accuracy in image anomaly detection, but face challenges such as inadequate real-world datasets, inconsistent evaluation metrics, and inefficient loss functions. To improve industrial manufacturing, researchers must address these issues and develop more robust algorithms.

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.

Pancreatic cancer lives on mucus

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have uncovered a mechanism involved in pancreatic cancer transformation, discovering that low-grade pancreatic cancer cells depend on mucus to survive and thrive. This knowledge could help set the stage for future diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.

Vest can detect earlier signs of heart muscle disease

A new vest can map electric impulses of the heart in fine detail, detecting abnormalities from a potentially fatal heart disease much earlier. The study found that the vest identified electrical changes among 1 in 4 individuals with a gene mutation for whom no signs of disease were detected via standard tests.

Want fewer microplastics in your tap water? Try boiling it first

Researchers found that boiling and filtering calcium-containing tap water can effectively remove nearly 90% of nano- and microplastics. Boiling even in soft water samples removed around 25% of NMPs, suggesting this simple method could be a game-changer for reducing human plastic consumption.

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.

Under pressure

Scientists have created a novel instrument that enables the precise measurement of superconductors under extreme pressure, overcoming existing limitations. The new tool uses quantum sensors integrated into a standard pressure-inducing device, allowing for direct imaging of the material's behavior.

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.

Risk of hospital readmission after surgery is high for older Americans

A new Yale study found that older Americans have a high risk of hospital readmission within 180 days of undergoing major surgery. The risk is particularly acute for individuals with geriatric-specific conditions such as frailty and dementia, with rates of readmission ranging from 27.6% to 39%.

Walking, reminiscing benefit brain health in older Black adults

A new study suggests that walking through historically Black neighborhoods while reminiscing can improve cognitive function and mood in older Black adults. The program, known as SHARP, combines exercise, social connection, and active reminiscence to make a cumulative impact on health.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study finds drought fuels invasive species after wildfires

Researchers found that reduced fire severity due to drought creates an environment conducive to invasive species, particularly non-native grasses. This transformation leads to a decline in native species abundance and diversity. The study advocates for strategies considering wildfire frequency and invasive species control post-fire.

A liking for licking

A new study by City University of Hong Kong found that sex and social status influence social grooming among free-ranging feral cattle in Hong Kong. The research suggests that more dominant females receive more grooming, and high-ranking animals exchange more friendly grooming with each other.

The “switch” that keeps the immune system from attacking the body

A new study from EPFL reveals how the CRL5–SPSB3 ubiquitin ligase targets and degrades nuclear cGAS, preventing it from mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues. This regulation ensures a sophisticated balance between immune readiness and protecting the integrity of the cell's genome.

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.

New tool helps decipher gene behaviour

Researchers have created a new tool called epidecodeR to analyze epigenetic marks and predict their impact on gene activity. The tool can identify correlations between specific modifications and gene responses in various conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.

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.

Study proposes streamlined approach to developing cancer drugs

Researchers at University at Buffalo propose a new approach to developing cancer drugs by determining the optimal placement of molecular linkers earlier in the process, reducing trial and error and increasing potency, according to a study published in Communications Chemistry.

Calcium crystal deposits in the knee contribute to joint damage

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that calcium crystal deposits in the knee can contribute to worsening of joint damage. The study, using computerized x-ray imaging, detected a higher amount of deposits than previously found by plain radiographs, and found an increased risk of cartilage damage.

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.

Ai finds key signs that predict patient survival across dementia types

Researchers used machine learning to identify key predictors of mortality in dementia patients across various types. The study found neuropsychological test results were a better predictor of mortality risk than age-related factors, highlighting the potential for personalized care and more effective interventions.

‘gene of prejudice’ demystifies autism

Scientists have identified the 'gene of prejudice' GTF2I as crucial in regulating social behavior. The gene's deletion or duplication leads to variations in personality, with individuals having either a 'cocktail party personality' or autistic traits. This research may lead to new treatments for autism and shed light on human sociality.

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.

A promising leap towards computers with light-speed capabilities

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a reprogrammable light-based processor that could enable efficient quantum computations. The device, which uses photons to carry information, reduces 'light losses', a critical factor in maintaining computation accuracy.

Avian influenza virus is adapting to spread to marine mammals

A study found that the avian influenza virus H5N1 has adapted to spread between birds and marine mammals, with nearly identical genome sequences detected in four sea lions, one fur seal, and a tern. The virus's ability to infect birds remains unchanged, while its transmission among marine mammals is concerning.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

A safer treatment path for high-risk children to overcome food allergies

A new study from the University of British Columbia has found that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe and effective for older children with multiple food allergies, who cannot risk consuming allergens orally. The treatment involves placing smaller amounts of food allergens under the tongue, allowing patients to build up their resi...

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.

Smoking cannabis associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke

A large observational study found that frequent cannabis smoking is associated with a significant increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Daily use was linked to a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke, while less frequent use also showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Clearing the air reduces suicide rates

Researchers found a causal link between air pollution and suicide rates in China, estimating that reducing air pollution has prevented 46,000 deaths. The study isolated the effect of pollution on mental health by using weather conditions to tease apart confounding factors.

Quantum films on plastic

A research team has discovered a material that exhibits non-linear Hall effect, which could be applied in technologies for controlled use of terahertz high-frequency signals on electronic chips. The thin-layer films can be applied to plastic substrates and control the effect through micro-fabrication.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

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.

AI technique 'decodes' microscope images, overcoming fundamental limit

Researchers developed a deep learning algorithm to remove probe effects from AFM images, enabling the resolution of material features smaller than the probe's tip. This breakthrough allows for accurate three-dimensional surface profiles, crucial for nanoelectronics development and scientific studies.