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Science News Archive February 2024


Page 8 of 38

Study reveals typical growth patterns for children with Fanconi anemia

A new study has created specific growth charts for children with Fanconi anemia, showing that they tend to be shorter and thinner than other children. The researchers found that boys with the condition have average heights at the lower end of the general population curve, while girls have average heights but variable weights.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When plants are attacked

Researchers uncover the role of tiny enzyme DGK5 in triggering a burst of PA, which regulates plant immune response and reactive oxygen species production. This discovery sheds light on plant immunity mechanisms and opens up future research into lipids involved in immune signaling.

Metal scar found on cannibal star

Researchers have discovered a unique signature of planetary material ingestion on the surface of a white dwarf star, WD 0816-310. The team observed a concentration of metals imprinted on the star's surface, indicating that the magnetic field played a key role in this process.

A new theoretical development clarifies water's electronic structure

Researchers from EPFL have made significant strides in deciphering the electronic structure of water using computational methods that go beyond current approaches. The study accurately determines water's ionization potential, electron affinity, and band gap, essential for understanding its interactions with light and substances.

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.

Demystifying “black box” audio models

Explainable AI methods have been developed to make audio models more interpretable and transparent. Researchers categorize existing audio XAI methods into two groups: general methods and audio-specific methods, offering new possibilities for improving the trustworthiness of AI decision-making in audio tasks.

HKU chemists pave the way for sustainable organic synthesis with innovative heterogeneous copper photocatalysis, enabling efficient production of diverse bioactive compounds

HKU chemists have developed a novel heterogeneous copper photocatalyst that enables the efficient formation of cyclobutane rings, a crucial structural element in pharmaceuticals and biologically active compounds. The new catalyst exhibits high stability and recyclability, making it more economically and environmentally sustainable.

Johnston to receive funding for 11th Coronal Loops Workshop

George Mason University Postdoctoral Research Fellow Craig Johnston will attend the 11th Coronal Loops Workshop to discuss solar corona heating processes. The workshop aims to broaden participation with travel support for US students and early career researchers.

Researchers hacked a 3D printer to speed up fabrication of bioelectronics

A research team at KTH Royal Institute of Technology developed a simple technique for fabricating electrochemical transistors using standard 3D microprinters, enabling fast prototyping and scaling of bioelectronic devices. The method replaces time-consuming processes requiring expensive cleanroom environments.

TU Graz develops innovative coating against ice

Researchers from TU Graz developed an innovative ice-repellent coating using initiated chemical vapour deposition (iCVD). The coating's unique mechanism involves random alignment of molecules, creating a surface that prevents ice crystals from sticking.

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.

Metal in glitter impairs aquatic plant growth, study shows

A study found that glitter's metal coating reduces light penetration, impairing photosynthesis of Large-flowered waterweed Egeria densa and affecting aquatic plant growth. The experiment showed a significant decrease in photosynthesis rates with the presence of glitter, highlighting the need for sustainable alternatives.

Stone Age strategy for avoiding inbreeding

A new study from Uppsala University found that Stone Age hunter-gatherer communities in Western Europe deliberately formed distinct families to avoid inbreeding and maintain genetic diversity. The research analyzed the genomes of several individuals buried at iconic sites in France, dating back to around 6,700 years ago.

Uppsala University sets new world record for CIGS solar cells

Researchers at Uppsala University and First Solar European Technology Center have achieved a world record of 23.64 per cent efficiency in CIGS solar cells, surpassing the previous record of 23.35 per cent. The study demonstrates that CIGS thin-film technology is a competitive alternative as a stand-alone solar cell.

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.

Pore evolution secrets revealed: new study unlocks additive manufacturing potential

A new study has unlocked the secrets of pore evolution in directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing, revealing five distinct processes that contribute to their behavior. The findings provide a detailed understanding of how pores form, move, and interact within the melt pool during DED, enabling targeted strategies to mini...

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.

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.

Expanding clinical trials in South Carolina

The MUSC Florence Research Center is one of four community-based clinical research sites selected to participate in the EQBMED Initiative, aiming to attract more people of color to clinical research. The program seeks to provide easy access to clinical trials in local communities and adapt trial designs to suit regional hospitals' needs.

Butterflies mimic each other’s flight behaviour to avoid predators

Researchers at the University of York found that butterflies from different species belonging to the same color pattern mimicry group have similar flight behaviors, making a more effective warning signal to predators. This suggests that evolution has driven subtle changes in behavior to enhance survival.

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.

Want to encourage allyship? Highlight its appreciation, research shows

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that advantaged group members, especially men and white people, often underestimate the appreciation for their allyship efforts. However, when they realize how much it is appreciated, they are more likely to engage in these behaviors. The research suggests that highlighting awar...

Steering and accelerating electrons at the microchip scale

Stanford researchers have successfully accelerated and steered electrons at the microchip scale using silicon dielectric laser accelerators. This breakthrough enables the creation of tiny linear accelerators that could rival larger systems, with potential applications in medical treatments such as targeted cancer therapies.

UK cancer treatment falls behind other countries

Two new studies reveal that UK cancer patients face long waits for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to poorer outcomes. The research highlights the need for a strategic approach to addressing treatment variation and improving cancer services in the UK.

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.

Race, racism, and covid-19 in the US: lessons not learn

The article argues that US covid-19 outcomes are disproportionately affected by systemic racism and economic inequality. The authors suggest strategies for improving health equity, including anti-racist action, separating health insurance from employment, and rethinking vaccine distribution.

The surprising benefits of unconsciously remembering things

A new study found that unconscious reminders can strengthen memory, particularly when recalling associations between words and images. Unlike conscious reminders, which can lead to retrieval-induced forgetting, unconscious prompts facilitate a more nuanced process of memory consolidation.

Researchers move obesity up into the brain

Recent research shows that many mechanisms contributing to obesity affect the brain, particularly dopamine pathways. This insight may impact treatment approaches, including medication and initiatives to make fattening foods less accessible. Society must also take responsibility for destigmatizing obesity.

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 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.

Enhancing electrogenerated chemiluminescence of an iridium complex

Scientists have designed a highly luminescent electrogenerated chemiluminescence cell using an iridium complex and a mediator. The cell achieves peak luminance exceeding 100 cd/m² and maximum current efficiency of 2.84 cd/A⁻¹, representing the highest values reported for ECL cells based on an iridium complex.

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.

Simple measurement can predict risk of worsening of widespread kidney disease

A team of researchers from Aarhus University has developed a simple measurement of protein in the urine that can predict which individuals are at high risk of rapid progression of chronic kidney disease. The study found that patients with newly diagnosed mild to moderate chronic kidney disease within three years have a 15% risk of rapi...

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.

Anti-vaccine conspiracies fuel divisive political discourse

A new study reveals that online political engagement and conspiracy theories played key roles in shaping Japanese anti-vaccine sentiments. Long-term anti-vaxxers tended to lean left, while those brought into the fold during the pandemic exhibited weaker interest and frequent references to spirituality.

‘Artificial tongue’ detects and inactivates common mouth bacteria

Researchers have designed a chemical sensor array, or an artificial tongue, that distinguishes dental bacteria and can inactivate them. The artificial tongue uses nanoscopic particles coated in DNA strands to detect the presence of bacteria, and can distinguish between healthy and diseased individuals with high accuracy.

A new, comprehensive roadmap for the future of biomedical engineering

A new roadmap has been published by IEEE EMBS, outlining five primary medical challenges that need to be addressed through advanced biomedical engineering approaches. The paper, written by 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities, aims to guide future research and funding for groundbreaking innovations.

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.

What math tells us about social dilemmas

Scientists develop a new mathematical principle to understand cooperation among individuals with different characteristics. Their model suggests that a more equal distribution of resources is necessary for diversities to sustain cooperation, but not for maximum general welfare.

Researchers overestimate their own honesty

A study by Linköping University researchers found that most scientists believe they are better than average at following good research practices. However, the results also show that researchers tend to overestimate their own ethical behavior, which can lead to polarization in the research world and hinder interdisciplinary collaboration.

Discrimination drives smoking habits, hurting heart health

A new study finds that everyday discrimination can drive unhealthy coping behaviors like smoking, leading to increased heart disease risk. Research highlights the importance of considering multiple identities when studying health disparities and creating interventions.