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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Increasingly similar or different? Centuries-long analysis suggests biodiversity is differentiating and homogenizing to a comparable extent

A new study finds that biodiversity is becoming more similar through time, but an almost equal number of communities are becoming more distinct. The analysis of 527 datasets shows a balanced trend between homogenisation and differentiation across landscapes.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 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.

Can’t stand gossip? New research suggests that gabbing about others is ‘not always a bad thing’

Gossiping provides a social benefit by disseminating information about people's reputations, helping recipients connect with cooperative individuals while avoiding selfish ones. This allows gossipers to gain an evolutionary advantage as their actions influence others' behavior and encourage cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

More than 40% of Americans know someone who died of drug overdose

According to a RAND Corporation study, over 125 million American adults have experienced the loss of a loved one to a drug overdose. The impact of this loss is significant, with 42.4% of respondents reporting they personally know someone who died by overdose.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2024

An environmentally friendly way to turn seafood waste into value-added products

UConn researchers have developed a method to sustainably recover chitin, the second most abundant biological polymer on Earth, from seafood waste using natural chemicals. The process creates a viscous solution called ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) that selectively extracts chitin, leaving behind unwanted components.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Blood test could determine diabetes risks

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that a blood test using joint cumulative high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio can predict type 2 diabetes risk more effectively. Females were most at risk with significant interaction between MHR and CRP observed.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 21, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biodiversity footprints for 151 dishes from around the world show that dishes with a larger impact on biodiversity tend to be meat, legume, or rice-based

A study of 151 popular dishes found that those made with beef, chicken, legumes, and rice have a significant impact on biodiversity. Dishes from Brazil and India were found to have large biodiversity footprints due to the conversion of natural habitats to agricultural land.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

Little groundwater recharge in ancient Mars aquifer, according to new models

A new study using computer models and simple calculations found that ancient Mars' southern highlands aquifer had a miniscule .03 millimeters of groundwater recharge per year on average. This is significantly lower than the annual rate of groundwater recharge for Earth's aquifers, suggesting a different water regime on Mars.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalIcarus·DateFeb 21, 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and mortality in the USA by sex, age, and race: A nationwide analysis of two decades

Recent US nationwide data reveal rising HCC incidence and mortality rates primarily affecting men and older adults. The study highlights disparities among racial/ethnic groups and underscores the need for targeted early detection, intervention, and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateFeb 21, 2024

Teachers’ growth mindset appears more important than warmth

A new study suggests that teachers' growth mindset is more influential than their warmth in shaping students' attitudes towards their classes. Students responded positively to instructors with a growth mindset, even if they were described as 'cold', while those with fixed mindsets fared worse, regardless of their demeanor.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMotivation Science·DateFeb 21, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

AGA now recommends fecal microbiota transplant for the majority of recurrent C. diff patients

The American Gastroenterological Association recommends fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) as a safe and effective treatment for most patients with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT offers hope to patients suffering from debilitating C. diff, enabling them to lead happy and healthy lives.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGastroenterology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 21, 2024

Outsmarting chemo-resistant ovarian cancer

Researchers have discovered a new way to target chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells by depriving them of cholesterol, leading to significant tumor growth reduction. The nanoparticles starve the cells of cholesterol, triggering cell death through oxidation of lipids in the cell membrane.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

UT Health Science Center researchers partner on multi-institutional $20 million award to develop new radiopharmaceutical cancer therapies

Researchers at UT Health Science Center, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will develop new radiopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer. The team aims to advance precision cancer treatment using targeted alpha-emitting radioisotope constructs.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

How does the brain make decisions?

A new mouse study has uncovered the neural connections that help shape decisions, finding sequential groups of neurons activated and suppressed to reinforce a choice. The research combines structural, functional, and behavioral analyses to explore how neuron-to-neuron connections support decision-making in the brain.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2024

UNC Lineberger named as a national research hub for NIH cancer screening study

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has been selected as a national research site for the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Screening Research Network. The network will conduct large-scale studies using emerging cancer screening technologies to identify effective and accurate methods for early detection and prevention. The ...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

Acupuncture for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder

A randomized clinical trial found acupuncture to be clinically efficacious and favorably affect PTSD symptoms in combat veterans. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of acupuncture for PTSD treatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 21, 2024

Climate change increases the risk of preterm births by 60% and will devastate children’s health without fast global action

A new study links climate change to a 60% increase in preterm births and severe respiratory diseases. Without global action, climate-driven extremes will devastate children's health for generations, with the strongest link found between temperature extremes and increased risk of preterm birth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 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.

Accurate and inexpensive approach for optical biopsy

Researchers developed a novel machine learning-based approach to analyze diffuse reflectance spectroscopy data, achieving higher accuracies and speeds than existing methods. The 'wavelength-independent regressor' model overcomes use-error limitations by incorporating diverse datasets, making it suitable for clinical settings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 21, 2024

Death and grief in Swedish children’s books

A study of 62 Swedish children's books found that most depict death through metaphors, making it difficult for children to understand. Rakel Eklund's research highlights the need for more books that openly discuss death and grief from the child's perspective.

SourceUppsala University·JournalDeath Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 21, 2024

Charting new paths in AI learning

A new study by EPFL researchers Antonia Sclocchi and Matthieu Wyart examines the impact of changing batch size and learning rate on stochastic gradient descent. They identify three regimes that affect AI learning differently, from exploratory to efficient approaches.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

Inaccurate pulse oximeter readings could limit transplants, heart pumps for Black patients with heart failure

Researchers found that pulse oximeters underestimate blood pumping and overestimate resistance, affecting treatment decisions. Direct blood oxygen measurement is crucial for accurate guidance, especially for Black patients already at higher risk.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

An awkward family reunion: Sea monsters are our cousins

A new study from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research has discovered that sea lampreys and humans share an remarkably similar molecular and genetic toolkit in their hindbrain development. The research found a crucial molecular cue, retinoic acid, to be involved in both species' brain stem formation.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Focus on patient experience can improve diabetes care

Healthcare providers must prioritize patient experience to improve diabetes care. This includes explaining treatment options and considering each patient's level of health literacy and cultural background.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 21, 2024

New study suggests target steps per day for reduced risk of heart failure

A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that taking 3,600 steps per day is associated with a 26% lower risk of developing heart failure. The study also found that accumulating more light and moderate intensity daily activities can help prevent heart failure.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

New diagnostic tool for femoral osteoporosis improves the efficacy and viability of current methods

The new diagnostic tool, 3D-DXA, complements DXA with computational and statistical systems to estimate mineral density and obtain detailed three-dimensional images. This method has the potential to improve diagnoses and detect up to 50% more patients at high risk of femur fracture.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Clinical Densitometry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Obesity care can make a big difference, but few get it, study suggests

A new study in tens of thousands of people with obesity shows the impact of different weight management treatments on achieving a 5% weight loss. Effective treatment options include nutrition counseling, medically supervised meal replacements, anti-obesity medications, and bariatric surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Bio-inspired neuroprosthetics: Sending signals the brain can understand

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed biomimetic computer-to-brain communication enhancing naturalistic touch sensations via peripheral nerve stimulation. The bio-inspired approach enabled prosthetic legs to evoke natural sensations, allowing amputees to walk faster and with greater confidence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2024

Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats has long been in flux

New research from the University of Utah reveals that pollen analysis indicates salt crusts formed between 5,400 and 3,500 years ago, contradicting the long-held assumption that they formed when Lake Bonneville dried up 13,000 years ago. The study's findings suggest a dynamic landscape with significant erosion and sediment accumulation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalQuaternary Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 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.

New tool can assess the climate of equity and inclusion in medical schools

A new tool developed by Yale researchers evaluates the state of equity and inclusion in medical school learning environments. The tool provides scores based on student perceptions of faculty support, collaboration, and fostering a safe environment. Lower scores were found among students from historically marginalized backgrounds.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 21, 2024

Groundbreaking new data can make us better understand glaciers.

A new high-resolution dataset from Svalbard's glaciers provides unprecedented insights into calving front changes, revealing a retreating trend for most glaciers. The data can be used to improve mass balance assessments and explore drivers of glacier calving, crucial for understanding climate change's impact on the Arctic Cryosphere.

SourceGRID-Arendal·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024

Researchers find possible solutions to reverse Alzheimer’s Disease impact

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers have developed a new drug delivery platform that harnesses helical amyloid fibers designed to untwist and release drugs in response to body temperatures. This discovery could be useful in treatment to reverse Alzheimer’s Disease impact by degrading amyloid plaques.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

Can yoga effectively treat chronic back pain?

A recent study found that yoga significantly reduced pain intensity in women with chronic low back pain, with a notable decrease in flexion-relaxation phenomenon. The research suggests yoga can positively impact chronic back pain management, although further studies are needed to assess its long-term effects.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateFeb 21, 2024

Unraveling the pH-dependent oxygen reduction performance on single-atom catalysts

The study revealed a pH-dependent evolution in the catalytic activity of M-N-C materials, with some exhibiting remarkable stability and performance across acidic and alkaline environments. The researchers validated their theoretical predictions, affirming the accuracy of their models in predicting key catalytic parameters.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 21, 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.

Researchers reveal mechanism of drug reactivating tumor suppressors

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo demonstrated that a drug, valemetostat, reduces tumor growth in blood cancer by targeting H3K27me3, a protein modification silencing tumor suppressor genes. The treatment restores expression of many tumor suppressor genes and sustains inhibiting tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

Scientists from IOCB Prague have improved materials for reconstructive and plastic surgery

Researchers from IOCB Prague and Ghent University have developed 3D-printable gelatin-based materials that can be easily monitored using X-rays or CT scans. This improvement enables the tracking of implant biodegradation and mechanical failures, allowing for tailored clinical requirements.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

High resolution techniques reveal clues in 3.5 billion-year-old biomass

Researchers used high-resolution techniques to analyze organic material from the early Earth, shedding light on the formation and composition of ancient biomass. The study found evidence of biological origin in microscopically small particles, suggesting a turbulent history of sediment deposits.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPrecambrian Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

TB vaccine shrinks liver cancer tumors in mice

A study by UC Davis Health found that a single dose of BCG reduced liver tumor burden and extended the survival of mice with liver cancer. The vaccine boosted the body's immunity, leading to tumor shrinkage and improved liver function.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 21, 2024

Compounds in female ginseng could lead to new osteoporosis treatments

Researchers discovered two compounds in female ginseng with potent anti-osteoporotic activity and blocked key molecular pathways involved in bone loss. The study opens up possibilities for new osteoporosis treatments based on the compound, whether in its current form or as a structural template.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 21, 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.

Air pollution linked to more signs of Alzheimer’s in brain

Researchers found that people with higher air pollution exposure were more likely to have high amounts of amyloid plaques in their brains, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that environmental factors like air pollution may contribute to Alzheimer's disease, especially in those without the APOE e4 gene va...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateFeb 21, 2024

Food additive E551 could promote coeliac disease

Chronic exposure to E551 may reduce oral tolerance to dietary proteins and increase intestinal inflammation, potentially worsening coeliac disease symptoms. Researchers found daily exposure to E551 worsened levels of inflammation markers associated with the disease in mice.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 21, 2024

Detecting pathogens faster and more accurately by melting DNA

A new method uses digital DNA melting analysis to detect pathogens in blood samples, producing results in under six hours and reducing false positives compared to traditional blood cultures. This technology has the potential to save lives by accurately diagnosing sepsis, a leading cause of death worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Solar-driven green synthesis of epoxides

Recent advances in solar-driven photo(electro)chemistry enable environmentally-friendly synthesis of epoxides, reducing reliance on hazardous oxidants and fossil fuels. Emerging systems promote efficient epoxide production with improved catalytic selectivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

Synthetic antibody neutralises deadly snakebite toxin

Scientists at Indian Institute of Science have developed a synthetic human antibody that can neutralise a potent neurotoxin produced by highly toxic snakes. The new venom-neutralising antibody was created using an approach adapted from HIV and COVID-19 antibody screening, and shows efficacy nearly 15 times that of conventional antiveno...

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 21, 2024

Wistar scientists discover link between leaky gut and accelerated biological aging

Researchers found a significant connection between disrupted gut microbiomes, increased intestinal permeability, and faster biological aging in people living with chronic HIV infection. The study highlights specific bacteria as potential accelerators of aging, opening new avenues for developing strategies to mitigate these effects.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

Electrons become fractions of themselves in graphene, study finds

Researchers at MIT have observed a rare electronic state in which electrons become fractions of their total charge without the need for external magnetic fields. This effect, known as the fractional quantum anomalous Hall effect, has significant implications for the development of topological quantum computing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2024

Did neanderthals use glue? Researchers find evidence that sticks

Neanderthals used a complex adhesive made from ochre and bitumen to construct their stone tools, revealing higher levels of cognition and cultural development than previously thought. This discovery provides early evidence of adhesive use in Europe and sheds light on the cognitive abilities of Neanderthals.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 21, 2024

Intravascular imaging significantly improves survival, safety, and outcomes in cardiovascular stenting procedures over conventional angiography

Using intravascular imaging to guide stent implantation significantly improves survival and reduces adverse cardiovascular events compared to angiography-guided PCI. The study found a 25% reduction in all-cause death, 45% reduction in cardiac death, and improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Modeling tree masting

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed new computer-based models of masting to understand its effects on ecosystems and food webs. The models predict that masting can affect tree mortality, population dynamics, and animal-forest interactions, with implications for mitigating negative impacts of climate change.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 21, 2024