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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) releases points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has released a points to consider statement on the safety and efficacy of polygenic risk score assessment for embryo selection. The statement concludes that there is insufficient evidence to support its clinical utility, and further research is needed.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 23, 2024

Wetlands, parks and even botanical gardens among the best ways to cool cities during heatwaves – says biggest-ever global study

A global study led by the University of Surrey reveals that green spaces like parks, wetlands, and botanical gardens can cool city air significantly during heatwaves. The study found that bigger parks have a greater cooling effect, and connecting green spaces into 'green corridors' can unlock greater benefits.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe Innovation·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2024

Powering nitrogenases

Researchers have identified two essential ferredoxins that play a key role in determining the performance of iron nitrogenase. The discovery opens up new possibilities for elucidating and maximizing nitrogenase's potential, which could lead to sustainable enzymatic production of ammonia and carbon compounds.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalmBio·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Commonly used insomnia treatments fail to help dialysis patients, UNM Health Sciences research finds

A new study tested cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for treating sleeplessness in dialysis patients, finding no meaningful difference in symptoms. The researchers suggest that multiple medical conditions and medication interactions may be driving the insomnia.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 23, 2024

Novel germanium-carbon anode for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries

A team of researchers from Japan developed a novel nanostructured germanium-carbon multilayered anode that significantly increases the capacity of lithium-ion batteries. The anode demonstrated high discharge capacity and retained its performance after multiple charging cycles.

SourceMeijo University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Revolutionary brain stimulation technique shows promise for treating brain disorders

A new brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by researchers at the Institute for Basic Science. This non-invasive method uses ultrasound to induce long-lasting changes in brain function and has shown promise in treating various neurological disorders.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Almodóvar receives NIH grant to study pulmonary hypertension in HIV patients

The Almodóvar lab is studying the link between HIV and pulmonary hypertension, a condition that increases pressure in lung arteries. By examining the interactions between different cell types and using a humanized mouse model, researchers hope to propose novel therapies to prevent lung diseases in people with HIV.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateFeb 23, 2024

Having a ‘regular doctor’ can significantly reduce GP workload, study finds

Researchers from the University of Cambridge found that patients who see their regular doctor wait longer between visits, but this is offset by improved productivity. The study suggests a 5% reduction in consultations if all practices provide continuity of care, which could benefit both patients and the NHS.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalManagement Science·DateFeb 23, 2024

Altering the circadian clock adapts barley to short growing seasons

Researchers from Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf discovered a novel genetic regulator of flowering time in barley, enabling the plants to speed up development during short days. This mutation makes barley nearly immune to photoperiod limitations, allowing for cultivation in marginal environments with sub-optimal growing conditions.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Unlocking health: How In Our DNA SC is pioneering genetic screening for South Carolinians

A statewide genomic screening program enrolls first 20,000 participants, providing information on genetic risk factors for diseases such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The program aims to empower communities to understand the value of research and increase participation rates among underrepresented groups.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Encoding computers of the future

Researchers have created a computer using an array of VCSELs that leverages optical feedback to efficiently solve complex optimization problems. The system encodes information in linear polarization states, minimizing interactions between variables and overcoming the von Neumann bottleneck.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateFeb 23, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Innovative chemotherapy approach shows promise against lung cancer

A novel chemotherapy approach uses patient's own cells as Trojan horses to deliver targeted cancer-killing drugs to lung cancer cells. The method has shown promise in reducing tumor size and improving treatment efficacy with minimal collateral damage to healthy tissues.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalBioactive Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Barriers against Antarctic ice melt disappearing at the double

Research shows that undersea anchors of ice, known as pinning points, are shrinking at more than twice the rate compared to 50 years ago. This accelerated unanchoring of Antarctic ice shelves is expected to accelerate sea-level rise and global carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Researchers identify new choice of therapy for rare autoimmune disease EGPA

Researchers have identified a new therapeutic option for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), a rare autoimmune disease. Benralizumab has been shown to be non-inferior to mepolizumab in reducing exacerbations and providing disease remission, with the added benefit of reduced oral corticosteroid use.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Guarding against coding vulnerabilities

A new research project led by Professor David Lo aims to develop an approach to find cybersecurity weaknesses in software applications' source code. The project proposes building a localised and specialised LLM solution to discover vulnerabilities in government code base, leveraging open-source projects and communities.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateFeb 23, 2024

Predicting optimal medical interventions

A recent study by Singapore Management University researchers used machine learning to develop a personalized decision support tool for ICU patients. The analysis indicates that incorporating predictive information can reduce ICU length of stay and extubation failure rates, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateFeb 23, 2024

Genes affect your blood pressure from early childhood

A new study reveals that genetic variants associated with hypertension can increase the risk of high blood pressure from as early as three years old. By analyzing health data from large population studies, researchers found that these genetic factors can significantly affect blood pressure levels throughout life and even beyond adulthood.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Hearing relaxing words in your sleep slows your heart down

Researchers at ULiège found that hearing relaxing words during sleep slows down cardiac activity, reflecting deeper sleep. This discovery provides insight into brain-heart interactions during sleep and challenges traditional views of the sleeping body as disconnected from the external world.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2024

Common plant could help reduce food insecurity, researchers find

Researchers suggest Carolina azolla, a fast-growing aquatic fern, has the nutritional content to serve as a potentially vital food source after a catastrophe or disaster. The study found that cooking methods can significantly reduce polyphenolic content, making it digestible for humans.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Science & Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Biomolecular condensates – regulatory hubs for plant iron supply

Plant cells respond to blue light by forming biomolecular condensates in the cell nucleus, where transcription factors like FIT accumulate. These condensates may play a regulatory role in iron uptake, allowing for spatially and temporally flexible platforms for signalling.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Babies use immune system differently, but efficiently

Research from Cornell University reveals that newborn T cells are more efficient at responding to early stages of an infection and defending against unknown bacteria, parasites, and viruses. This discovery clarifies why infants respond differently to infections, paving the way for therapeutic applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Immunology·DateFeb 23, 2024

Do’s and don'ts with direct oral anticoagulants

New research suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are less effective and safer in certain patient scenarios, such as those with mechanical heart valves or thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. DOACs should not be the standard treatment for all patients who need to treat or prevent blood clots.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 23, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Mixed-dimensional transistors enable high-performance multifunctional electronic devices

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed mixed-dimensional anti-ambipolar transistors for multifunctional electronics, enabling higher information density and lower power consumption. The new technology paves the way for simplified chip circuit design and versatile applications in digital and analog signal processing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

Solving Singapore’s Urban Heat Island effect

The Digital Urban Climate Twin (DUCT) system models urban spaces to simulate different scenarios and understand the impact of urban heat on microclimate. The system aims to reduce urban heat and promote thermal comfort for residents of Singapore, with a beta version already released for testing.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateFeb 23, 2024

PolyU researchers introduce biomineralization as a sustainable strategy against microbial corrosion in marine concrete

Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Cloud clustering causes more extreme rain

A new study using a high-resolution global climate model found that cloud clustering causes more extreme rain in the tropics, leading to increased severity of precipitation events. The researchers also discovered that more extreme rain occurs at the cost of expansion of dry areas, further shifting towards extreme weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2024

A very long, winding road: Developing novel therapeutics for metastatic tumors

Researchers highlight difficulties in targeting metastatic tumors and propose two- and three-drug combinations to achieve effective tumor control. They also emphasize the need for simultaneous blocking of primary driving oncogene, evolving resistance mechanism, and secondary survival pathway.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 23, 2024

Dual-energy harvesting device could power future wireless medical implants

A new dual-energy harvesting device developed by Penn State scientists can generate 300% higher power than current devices, enabling miniaturized biomedical applications. The device converts magnetic field and ultrasound energy into electricity, offering a safe and efficient solution for powering wireless medical implants.

SourcePenn State·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

Patient mindset training helps care teams

A new study from Stanford University evaluates the effectiveness of patient mindset training on provider learning and behavior. The training aimed to improve care teams' ability to shape patients' mindsets about their treatment, care team, body, and illness. Participants reported a better understanding of mindset and increased apprecia...

SourceStanford University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateFeb 23, 2024

An increase in blood-sucking black flies is expected in Germany

A study models habitat suitability for medically relevant black flies in four German federal states, predicting an increase in their population due to climate change. The findings suggest that the warming temperatures and changing land use could promote the growth of species with a broad niche, leading to more frequent occurrences.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateFeb 23, 2024

Dairy cows fed botanicals-supplemented diets use energy more efficiently

Researchers at Penn State found that dairy cows fed botanicals-supplemented diets use feed energy more efficiently and emit less methane. The study, which used a combination of capsicum oleoresin and clove oil, resulted in improved energy utilization efficiency and reduced methane emissions.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

TMEM208 variants cause a new developmental disorder

A recent study discovered a biological role of TMEM208 in fruit flies and humans. The gene variant causes developmental defects, seizures, and a multisystem disorder, highlighting the importance of endoplasmic reticulum stress regulation in cellular development.

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2024

Global warming increases the diversity of active soil bacteria

A new study reveals that warmer soils harbor a greater diversity of active microbes, contradicting the assumption that increased growth rates accelerate carbon release. This finding has significant implications for predicting microbial behavior and its impact on future carbon dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 23, 2024

Neurobiology: How bats distinguish different sounds

Scientists have discovered that the bat brainstem processes echolocation and communication calls differently, with a stronger response to less frequent calls due to better neural synchronization. The findings may also be relevant to medical applications in humans, such as understanding diseases like ADHD or schizophrenia.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024
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.

The process wants GO, the light-switch says NO

Researchers developed a novel concept to control chemical reactions during catalytic processes by employing light. They proposed an innovative nanosystem that enables rapid and efficient catalyst deactivation without additional chemicals, facilitating controlled reaction rates.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2024

Vision impairment and psychosocial function in older adults

A new study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that vision impairment is linked to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as social isolation among older adults. The research emphasizes the need for enhanced support and care for individuals with vision impairment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 22, 2024

How discrimination, class, and gender intersect to affect Black Americans’ well-being

A new study explores how discrimination, gender, and social class intersect to affect Black Americans' personal and relational well-being. Researchers found that racial discrimination and financial strain were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Irrecoverable carbon in the mountains: Embracing the opportunity of agroforestry

A new study reveals that even small incremental increases in tree cover on agricultural land in mountain regions can provide significant climate change mitigation benefits within a decade. Agroforestry practices can help conserve irrecoverable carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services in mountain systems.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalCircular Agricultural Systems·DateFeb 22, 2024
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.

AI aids efforts to cut nuisance alerts for health care teams: Study

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center demonstrates the potential of AI to help target computerized alerts intended for healthcare teams. The approach uses machine learning to analyze user interactions with alerts, predicting when specific alerts will be dismissed by users. The model's suggestions were found to align wit...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 22, 2024

Women in healthcare face significantly higher burnout rates compared to their male colleagues

A new study finds women in healthcare occupations endure significantly more stress and burnout compared to their male counterparts. Job satisfaction and better work-life balance can mitigate this stress. The analysis also highlights the need for healthcare employers and policymakers to develop solutions to prevent burnout.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateFeb 22, 2024