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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 14


Page 14 of 38

Study finds menthol cigarette ban would lead a lot of people to quit smoking

A study finds that banning menthol cigarettes would likely lead to a significant reduction in smoking rates, particularly among young people and racial/ethnic minorities. The review of 78 studies reveals that almost a quarter of menthol cigarette smokers quit smoking altogether after a ban.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 21, 2024

NIH grant to aid Rumbaugh’s biofilm dispersal research

Rumbaugh's lab aims to understand the effects of dispersing bacteria from a biofilm on their susceptibility to antibiotics and on the host. They will use enzymes as tools to break up biofilms, allowing researchers to better comprehend the relationship between bacterial dispersal and infection outcomes.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·DateFeb 21, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Chan Zuckerberg Initiative selects U of M Medical School assistant professor for collaborative grant award

Madhu Kannan, a University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor, has been selected for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative's Collaborative Pairs Pilot Project Awards to explore innovative approaches to understanding human prion diseases. The project will utilize cutting-edge approaches combining gene editing and neural activity i...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·DateFeb 21, 2024

“Protein sandwich” could transform cancer drug discovery

Researchers at University of Dundee have identified a breakthrough class of molecular glue that binds proteins together, paving the way for new drugs to target cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. This innovation uses targeted protein degradation technology to recruit disease-causing proteins to a cellular waste bin.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2024

Perovskite single-pixel detector for efficient extraction of meta-images in complex environments

A new perovskite single-pixel detector efficiently extracts dual-color metasurface images in complex environments, leveraging wavelength-selective properties and high detection sensitivity. The system streamlines image extraction with no need for additional filters, reducing cost and time.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 21, 2024

Cartilage regeneration: From the nose to the knee

A new study aims to develop a treatment for osteoarthritis by regenerating cartilage using nasal cartilage tissue. The method has already shown promising results in smaller studies, with the goal of providing an alternative to prostheses and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·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.

Mitochondrial activation in transplanted cells promotes regenerative therapy for heart healing

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a technique to promote cardiac regeneration by activating mitochondrial function in transplanted cells. The study found that activated mitochondria improved cardiac function and suppressed myocardial fibrosis, suggesting a new approach for treating severe heart failure.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Older adults with a history of stroke at high risk of pandemic-induced depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

New water batteries stay cool under pressure

A global team of researchers has invented recyclable water batteries that don't catch fire or explode, addressing safety concerns in lithium-ion technology. The batteries use abundant materials like magnesium and zinc, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental risks.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·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.

Texas A&M researchers find links between human, canine brain tumors

Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered that meningiomas in humans and dogs share remarkable genetic similarities. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel treatments applicable to both species, including access to therapy not available elsewhere for dog owners.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Neuropathologica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

KIER’s success in the development of the world's top-level semi-transparent perovskite solar cells

Researchers tackled metal oxide layer degradation in semi-transparent perovskite solar cells, discovering lithium ions diffuse into the buffer layer, degrading its characteristics. Optimizing oxidation time led to a stable device with impressive efficiency and retention of over 99% initial efficiency.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 21, 2024

Home health care linked to increased hospice use at end-of-life, study reveals

Researchers found that individuals who received home health care before the last year of life had higher odds of using hospice care than those without home health care. This association highlights the potential benefits of receiving end-of-life care in a personalized, home-based setting.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Physicists discover a quantum state with a new type of emergent particles: six-flux composite fermions

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new type of emergent particle, the six-flux composite fermion, which explains rare quantum states in host materials. This discovery expands our understanding of topological electron physics and has significant implications for the ordering of known fractional quantum Hall states.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·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.

Accurate quantitative analysis on information loss of digital metasurface caused by mutual coupling

Researchers developed a novel method to quantify information loss caused by mutual coupling in digital metasurfaces. The study found that the probability distribution of current on the metasurface is a set of dependent normal distributions, indicating significant information loss when converting digital signals into electromagnetic waves.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 21, 2024

A Mount Sinai-led study shows early success of a novel drug in treating a rare and chronic blood cancer

A phase 2 study by Mount Sinai-led researchers demonstrates rusfertide's ability to limit excess red blood cell production in patients with polycythemia vera, a rare and chronic blood cancer. The results suggest it could replace therapeutic phlebotomy, providing improved treatment options for patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·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.

Severe maternal grief associated with increased risk of heart failure in child

A new study found that severe maternal grief, particularly the loss of a partner or child, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in children up to middle age. The research suggests that prenatal stress may lead to adverse changes in mental and physical health, impacting fetal heart development.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC Heart Failure·DateFeb 21, 2024

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risk of cardiovascular hospitalization among seniors

A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 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.

Sodium-ion batteries: How doping works

Scientists found that doping with Scandium reduces structural changes but doesn't improve stability. Magnesium doping suppresses oxygen redox reaction, which is unexpected as magnesium triggers it in other layered manganese oxides.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Study explores perceptions of U.S. veterans treatment courts

A new study examines perceptions of US veterans treatment court team members regarding the program's viability and longevity. The researchers found that team members believe VTCs will continue to exist and expand, but face challenges in securing stable funding sources and maintaining buy-in from key individuals.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalVictims & Offenders·DateFeb 21, 2024

Alzheimer’s blood test performs as well as FDA-approved spinal fluid tests

A new blood test has been shown to diagnose Alzheimer's disease pathology as accurately as FDA-approved spinal fluid tests, making early diagnosis and treatment accessible to more people. The blood test measures levels of Alzheimer's proteins in the blood, detecting molecular signs of the disease even before symptoms appear.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

iTalkBetter app significantly improves speech in stroke patients

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that the iTalkBetter app significantly improved patients' ability to talk after six weeks of use. The app provided digital speech therapy for over 200 commonly used words, with a 13% increase in naming items and improvements in spontaneous speech.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New evidence shows UK solar parks can provide for bees and butterflies

A new study shows that UK solar parks, if managed correctly, can support insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The availability of a diverse range of flowering plant species within the solar farms is crucial for increased pollinator abundance and biodiversity.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Black hole at center of the Milky Way resembles a football

A new study using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and VLA data reveals that the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* is spinning at about 60% of its maximum possible speed. This spin could provide an incredibly powerful kick to surrounding matter if the amount of material in the vicinity increases.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Children born in October least likely to get flu

A US study published in The BMJ found that children born in October are less likely to get the flu and more likely to be vaccinated. The study suggests that October is the optimal time for young children to receive an annual flu shot, aligning with current recommendations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Stable intense supercontinuum light generation from 1kHz femtosecond laser filamentation in air

Researchers have successfully generated a stable high-intensity and high-repetition supercontinuum white light source in air using femtosecond laser filamentation with an external DC electric field. This method suppresses thermal jitter by generating an ionic wind, improving beam pointing stability and signal-to-noise ratio.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·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.

GW research explores how people make a snap judgment about unfamiliar dogs

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that people make instant judgments about unknown dogs based on their facial appearance. The study's lead author, Courtney Sexton, suggests that better understanding canine and human communication is crucial as these animals play increasingly important roles in society.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·DateFeb 21, 2024

Citizen science to mitigate the environmental crisis in the marine environment

A study by the University of Barcelona and ICM-CSIC highlights the scientific rigor of citizen science initiatives assessing coral and gorgonian populations. The results show improvement in data quality and reveal worsening conditions in these species across the north-western Mediterranean.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

14 parameters in one go: New instrument for optoelectronics

A new instrument called CLIMAT was developed by HZB physicist Dr Artem Musiienko to characterise semiconductors. It measures 14 parameters of transport properties in a single measurement, including mobility, diffusion lengths and lifetime, for positive and negative charge carriers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Pennington Biomedical researchers looking for new ways to improve life span and health during aging

Researchers found that a compound called BAM15 makes mitochondria less efficient at producing energy, extending life span and improving body composition in fruit flies. The study also showed reduced age-related decline in motor activity. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How AI can help spot early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at UCSF used clinical data and a precision medicine approach to identify early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, predicting its onset with 72% accuracy. High cholesterol, osteoporosis, and erectile dysfunction were found to be predictive factors in both men and women.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Aging·DateFeb 21, 2024

General deep learning framework for emissivity engineering

A team of scientists proposed a general deep learning framework based on DQN algorithm to efficiently design wavelength-selective thermal emitters (WS-TEs) with excellent performance for different applications. The framework autonomously selects materials and optimizes structural parameters for optimal emissivity spectra.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·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.

Researchers leverage machine learning to improve space weather predictions

A new emulator model improves auroral current system simulations, enabling faster and more efficient space weather forecasts. The Surrogate Model for REPPU Auroral Ionosphere version 2 (SMRAI2) is a million times faster than physics-based simulations and incorporates seasonal effects.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalSpace Weather·DateFeb 21, 2024

The cultural evolution of collective property rights

A new simulation model examines the conditions under which institutions emerge and persist, highlighting the critical role of competition and learning from out-groups. The study builds on Elinor Ostrom's design principles for successful management, shifting focus to understanding how collective property rights arise and spread.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 21, 2024

Mark Cuban Drug Company may offer savings for urology drugs

A new study suggests that Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company (MCCPDC) may offer significant savings for patients taking common urology medications, with the greatest potential to reduce costs being for solifenacin and oxybutynin. The online pharmacy's standardized pricing can reduce out-of-pocket costs by up to $20 per prescription.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalUrology Practice·DateFeb 21, 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.

Artificial intelligence recognizes patterns in behaviour

Researchers created A-SOiD, an AI platform that can learn and predict user-defined behaviors from video, avoiding common biases found in other AI models. The tool offers precise analysis and potential applications in various fields, including stock markets and proteomics.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 21, 2024

Seaports are hotspots of contagious cancer in mussels

Research finds seaports facilitate the spread of MtrBTN2, a rare contagious cancer in mussels, through biofouling. The disease is threatening coastal ecosystems and argues in favor of mitigation policies to stem its spread.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2024

Vlasov and Bashir groups develop nanoscale device for brain chemistry analysis

The University of Illinois has developed a new nanoscale sensor that can monitor areas 1,000 times smaller than traditional technology, tracking subtle changes in brain chemistry with sub-second resolution. The device takes advantage of silicon-based manufacturing techniques to achieve 100% efficiency and high spatial resolution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 21, 2024

NIH study offers new clues into the causes of post-infectious ME/CFS

Researchers found differences in brain and immune systems of people with post-infectious ME/CFS. Abnormalities in the temporal-parietal junction and low levels of catecholamines were associated with fatigue, cognitive symptoms, and motor performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational 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.

Sleep improves ability to recall complex events

Researchers found that sleep consolidates weak associations and strengthens connections between elements of complex events, improving memory recall. This process is essential for completing memories of whole events and drawing a coherent picture of the environment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2024

How Americans really feel about the teaching of controversial topics in schools

A new USC study found that Americans are united on core principles of public education, but diverge on sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curricula. The survey revealed deep partisan divides, with Democrats generally supporting teaching controversial topics, while Republicans were less supportive.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeSurvey·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.

Communities of color breathe Denver’s worst air

A new study found that communities of color in Denver are exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to historical redlining practices. The study used satellite images and historical data to measure pollution throughout the city, revealing a correlation between pollution and race.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 21, 2024

Why are fish getting smaller as waters warm? It’s not their gills, finds study led by UMass Amherst

A study led by UMass Amherst found that increased temperatures do lead to decreased body size in fish, but gill surface area does not explain the change. The researchers challenged widely cited model projections of drastic reductions in future global fisheries yields, suggesting that models need to be reconsidered.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 21, 2024

Japan versus UK: Impact of social camouflage on mental health in autistic adults

A new study published in Molecular Autism found that Japanese autistic adults with balanced social camouflage exhibit improved mental well-being, whereas those with excessive camouflage face mental health issues. The research highlights the importance of cultural considerations when supporting individuals with autism.

SourceChiba University·JournalMolecular Autism·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Mercury levels in tuna remain nearly unchanged since 1971, study says

Researchers found stable tuna mercury concentrations worldwide from 1971 to 2022, except for a slight increase in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The team suggests upward mixing of 'legacy' mercury as a possible cause, which could take up to 25 years to influence oceanic levels.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateFeb 21, 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.