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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 6 of 38

Polar climates changing in fundamental ways

Research suggests polar climates are adjusting to a warming climate with changes in regional climate dynamics. Altered ocean-sea ice interactions may be driving recent fluctuations in sea ice extent, according to new studies.

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.

Unconventional piezoelectricity in ferroelectric hafnia

Researchers have discovered dynamic piezoelectricity in ferroelectric hafnia, which can be changed by electric field cycling. This phenomenon offers new options for microelectronics and information technology. The study also suggests the possibility of an intrinsic non-piezoelectric ferroelectric compound.

Merons realized in synthetic antiferromagnets

Scientists have successfully created and identified merons in synthetic antiferromagnets, which are rare collective topological structures. The achievement was made possible through extensive simulations and experiments by researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.

The West is best to spot UFOs

A new study analyzed 98,000 UAP sighting reports over a 20-year period, finding that the majority occurred in western parts of the US. The researchers identified 'hot spots' with high numbers of reports and 'cold spots' with low numbers.

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.

Researchers make precious headway into a genetic form of Alzheimer’s disease

A family in Colombia has provided valuable insights into the genetic form of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that individuals with the mutation develop sticky plaques between neurons prematurely, differing from sporadic cases. The study suggests distinct treatment approaches may be needed for early-onset and sporadic cases.

Positronium laser cooling

Researchers successfully cooled positronium atoms to record-low temperatures of 170 K, significantly reducing their transverse velocity component. This achievement has far-reaching implications for precision spectroscopy and the study of quantum electrodynamics.

Smartphone app uses AI to detect depression from facial cues

A new smartphone application using AI and facial-image processing software detects the onset of depression before symptoms appear. MoodCapture captures facial expressions and surroundings, then evaluates them for clinical cues associated with depression.

Researchers closer to understanding hydrogen's great challenge

A new study by the University of Sydney has found that adding molybdenum to steel reinforced with metal carbides enhances its ability to trap hydrogen. This discovery is a significant step towards solving the multi-billion-dollar problem of hydrogen embrittlement in steels.

Study from 50 top scientists including Spaulding Rehabilitation researcher describes five cutting-edge advances in biomedical engineering and their applications in medicine

A consortium of 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities identifies five primary medical challenges that can be addressed with advanced biomedical engineering approaches, aiming to improve human health. The paper outlines a roadmap for groundbreaking research and funding to achieve technological and medical breakthroughs.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.

Transcription factor plays pivotal role in right-sided colon cancers

A new study reveals distinct transcriptional programs and molecular features in right-sided colon stem cells, which may help explain the differences in colon cancer development. The research also highlights the importance of CDX2 in regulating stem cell differentiation and tumor initiation.

NREL-led workshop points to path for clean energy future

The NREL-led workshop emphasizes the importance of mitigating degradation rates for clean technologies, which will play a crucial role in meeting future energy needs. The researchers recommend increasing transparency and standardization of reliability data, as well as developing standards for various renewable energy technologies.

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.

Trapping and excitation of the simplest molecule

Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf trapped H2+ molecules in a trap using a laser, measuring their vibrations for the first time. The results matched theoretical predictions closely, enabling testing of fundamental laws of physics and determination of physical constants.

Sniffing our way to better health

Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

AI protects power grid from fluctuations caused by renewables and EVs

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed an open-source AI solution to address voltage fluctuations in power grids caused by renewable energy and electric vehicles. The DRL algorithms optimize large-scale coordination of energy sources safely under fast fluctuations.

Are ChatGPT exercise recommendations just what the doctor ordered?

A recent UConn study assessed the accuracy of ChatGPT's exercise recommendations, revealing that the AI provided only 41% of the expected content in a gold-standard recommendation. The chatbot demonstrated high accuracy for general guidelines but failed to provide key elements such as frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity.

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.

Researchers look at environmental impacts of AI tools

Researchers warn that AI tools used in radiology contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through energy consumption and data storage. To minimize these impacts, experts recommend sharing resources, selecting sustainable hardware, and using data compression techniques.

Diamonds are a chip's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.

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.

Reproducing the Moon's surface environment on Earth

Researchers at KICT successfully implemented an electrostatic environment that simulates the Moon's surface conditions, reducing threats in executing lunar missions. The technology assesses performance and can be used for future in-situ resource utilization on the Moon.

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.

Pythagoras was wrong: there are no universal musical harmonies, new study finds

A new study challenges traditional Western music theory by showing that participants prefer chords with slight deviations from mathematical ratios, and that unfamiliar instruments like the 'bonang' offer new patterns of consonance. The research encourages musicians to experiment with different instruments and explore new harmonies.

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.

New study shows a role for cholesterol in pain perception

Researchers found that physical pressure on cells reduces pain signals, but excess cholesterol can interfere with this process. The study shows how cell membrane lipids help send electrical pulses into cells after experiencing pressure and force.

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.

New AI model could streamline operations in a robotic warehouse

A new AI model developed by MIT researchers breaks down complex warehouse navigation into smaller chunks, identifying optimal areas for decongesting robots. The technique improves efficiency by nearly four times, opening up potential applications in other complex planning tasks.

Radio waves can tune up bacteria to become life-saving medicines

Scientists have developed a new way to alter the DNA of bacterial cells using high-frequency radio waves, outperforming traditional industry techniques. The process shows high efficiency and gentleness, with 91% of E. coli cells taking on the DNA after just three minutes.

New pediatric cancer marker, new hope for a treatment target

Researchers at UCSF have identified AF1q as a universal biomarker for neuroblastoma, a highly aggressive and fatal form of childhood cancer. High-risk cases have a five-year survival rate of just 50%. The study found that silencing AF1q in neuroblastoma cells induces cell death and weakens tumor progression.

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.

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.

Psychological science professor receives prestigious CAREER Award

Grant Shields, a psychologist at the University of Arkansas, has received an NSF CAREER Award to investigate how stress affects cognitive control. His research aims to identify the underlying processes that influence inhibitory control and develop a publicly available course to disseminate his findings.