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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 17


Page 17 of 38

Access to prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors remains a significant barrier leaving patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes

A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Modifying brain molecule relaxin-3 can potentially reduce side effects in treating anxiety, depression and more

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore has found a potential way to treat conditions like depression and anxiety with fewer side effects. They modified the relaxin-3 molecule to selectively activate specific signalling pathways in the brain, reducing unwanted side effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 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.

Researchers discover two new isotopes

Researchers have synthesized two new isotopes, osmium-160 and tungsten-156, which may indicate that lead-164 could be a doubly magic nucleus with increased stability. The study explores the relationship between proton number and decay rate, suggesting an enhancement of shell closure towards the proton drip line.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2024

SFU researchers develop AI that can understand light in photographs

Researchers at Simon Fraser University have developed an AI approach to intrinsic decomposition, separating images into lighting effects and true colours of objects. This innovation enables a range of applications, including image compositing and augmented reality, making it accessible to content creators and post-production artists.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateFeb 20, 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.

Wildfires linked to surge in mental health-related emergency department visits

A large study found that wildfires lead to an increase in anxiety-related emergency department visits in the western United States, exacerbating a growing public health crisis. The research suggests preventative measures like closing windows and limiting outdoor activities can help mitigate the effects.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·DateFeb 20, 2024

Submonolayer biolasers: Lower gain, higher sensitivity

Researchers developed submonolayer biolasers on optical fibers with ultrahigh Q-factors, achieving a six-order-of-magnitude improvement in lower limit of detection compared to monolayer biolasers. The sensors showed potential for high-throughput clinical diagnosis and cost-effective early disease detection.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 20, 2024

It's the spin that makes the difference

Scientists discover magnetic effects trigger preferential binding of molecules to surface, filtering out 'wrong' spins. This finding could have implications for understanding the origins of life's homochirality.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024
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.

Cracking the code to a healthier potato chip

Researchers have identified the specific gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening and uncovered the regulatory element that switches it on under cold temperatures. This discovery holds promise for developing potatoes that are naturally resistant to cold-induced sweetening and producing toxic compounds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Fasting-like diet lowers risk factors for disease, reduces biological age in humans

A fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce signs of immune system aging, insulin resistance, and liver fat in humans, resulting in a lower biological age. The study found that patients who followed the diet had lower disease risk factors and improved immune function.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 2024

Blocking key protein may halt progression of Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have discovered that inhibiting the Mdm2 protein can prevent the destruction of synapses and dendritic spines in Alzheimer's disease. This breakthrough could lead to a new approach for treating the disease, which may be more effective than current anti-amyloid therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournaleNeuro·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High persuasiveness of propaganda written by AI

A study published in PNAS Nexus found that AI-generated propaganda was almost as effective as real propaganda in persuading US adults. The research used a large language model to generate new articles based on existing propaganda, with 43.5% of respondents agreeing with the claims after reading the AI-written articles.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 20, 2024

Scientists track world’s largest turtles to previously unknown foraging locations

Researchers used movement behavior models to track leatherback sea turtles to previously unknown foraging locations along the US east coast. The study found that leatherbacks use specific areas in the South Atlantic Bight, Mid-Atlantic Bight, and southern New England as both migratory corridors and foraging grounds.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Warm Atlantic water is melting Greenland’s largest floating ice tongue

A team from the Alfred Wegener Institute found that warm Atlantic water is melting Greenland's 79° North Glacier, causing it to grow thinner. The study used a high-resolution ocean model to simulate the circulation below the ice tongue, revealing that higher ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are chiefly determining the melting rates.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Concordia researchers identify a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean

Researchers found a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean, with subtle but statistically significant changes in community structure and function. The study suggests that warming and freshening of the ocean risks strengthening the microbial loop, potentially impacting the marine food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 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.

Avid appetite in childhood linked to later eating disorder symptoms

A new study found that high food responsiveness in early childhood is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Children who exhibited high levels of hunger and desire for food were more likely to develop binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Bar-Ilan University researchers produce “laboratory testicles”

The team successfully created 'laboratory testicles' that closely simulate a natural testicle, allowing for the potential production of sperm cells in the lab. The artificial testicles were cultured from immature testicular cells sampled from neonatal mice and showed signs of meiosis, a process in which gametes are produced.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Sciences·DateFeb 20, 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.

Mental health impaired internationally following the outbreak of war in Ukraine

A global survey of 45,000 individuals from 17 European countries reveals a collective downturn in psychological well-being after the Ukraine war, with vulnerable personalities struggling to recover. The study highlights the importance of mental health support, particularly for those already prone to stress.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

A sustainable fuel and chemical from the robotic lab

The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalChem Catalysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, according to new long-term study of one in Eilat

A long-term study in Eilat found that artificial reefs reduce diving pressure on natural reefs, allowing for the preservation of both dive tourism and coral reefs. The reef has attracted many species of fish and invertebrates, making it a successful alternative to natural reefs.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOceans·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Failure to pass fire levies can lower house values

UC economists found that fire protection funding has a significant impact on housing values, with cuts resulting in an average decrease of $15,000. However, prices return to normal within a few years. In contrast, parks and recreation funding is associated with higher home values three years after renewal.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 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.

Researchers are using RNA in a new approach to fight HIV

A new approach to fighting HIV has been developed using RNA, specifically small interfering RNAs (siRNA), which regulate gene expression in cells. This nanomedicine was shown to reduce HIV replication by 73% and is intended for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateFeb 20, 2024

Anorexia nervosa can be life threatening in males

Males with anorexia nervosa have a sixfold higher mortality rate than the general population. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential for effective management of the condition.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 20, 2024

Engineering a coating for disease-free produce

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a coating that bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. The coating combines wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance antibacterial properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateFeb 20, 2024

Ancient genomes reveal Down Syndrome in past societies

Researchers identified six ancient individuals with an extra copy of Chromosome 21 and another with three copies of Chromosome 18, indicating care and appreciation from their communities. These findings suggest that children with Down Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome were not stigmatized but rather recognized as part of their societies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 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.

Princeton scientists discover exotic quantum interference effect in a topological insulator device

Physicists at Princeton University have observed long-range quantum coherence effects due to Aharonov-Bohm interference in a bismuth bromide topological insulator-based device. This finding could lead to the development of spin-based electronics with higher energy efficiency and new platforms for quantum information science.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

275 million new genetic variants identified in NIH precision medicine data

Researchers have identified over 275 million previously unreported genetic variants from nearly 250,000 participants in the All of Us Research Program. These discoveries provide new pathways to understand the genetic influences on health and disease, particularly in communities historically left out of research.

SourceNIH/All of Us Research Program·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Time watching videos may stunt toddler language development, but it depends on why they're watching

A new study from Southern Methodist University reveals that passive video use among toddlers can hinder language development, but caregivers' reasons for exposing them to digital media can lessen the negative impact. When videos are used for educational or social purposes, such as video chats with family members, the risk of stunted la...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateFeb 20, 2024

Paderborn physicists develop new solar cell

Physicists at Paderborn University have developed a new solar cell design using tetracene, which significantly increases efficiency. The introduction of defects in the organic layer accelerates exciton transfer to silicon, reducing energy losses and increasing overall yield of usable energy.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 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.

Annual breast cancer screening beginning at 40 saves lives

A new study published in Radiology found that annual breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 and continuing until 79 results in the highest mortality reduction. The study analyzed Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET) estimates and showed that annual screening reduces breast cancer deaths by 41.7%.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 20, 2024

Rutgers professor of computer science is named Sloan Fellow

Aaron Bernstein, a Rutgers professor of computer science, has been selected as a 2024 Sloan Research Fellow for his groundbreaking research on graph algorithms. He plans to use the fellowship to fund a postdoctoral associate on a new project and advance his work on optimizing computational procedures.

SourceRutgers University·DateFeb 20, 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.

Junk DNA in birds may hold key to safe, efficient gene therapy

A new technique employing a retrotransposon from birds may provide a safer alternative to CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing by inserting genes into a designated 'safe harbor' in the genome. This approach could complement CRISPR technology and enable efficient gene supplementation for hereditary diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Orbital angular momentum-mediated machine learning for high-accuracy mode-feature encoding

A team of scientists has created a new optical neural network architecture that uses orbital angular momentum to learn data features of images, achieving high-precision intelligent encoding and decoding. This method has been tested with success in various tasks, including image classification and secure free-space transmission.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 20, 2024

“Integrating engineering philosophy into medical education will empower future physicians”

A new article suggests incorporating open-response questions with partial credit grading into medical school curriculum to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is inspired by engineering education, which emphasizes repeated exposure to problems with increasingly complex solutions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Teacher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

New study finds anti-piracy messages backfire, especially for men

A recent study found that threatening anti-piracy messages increase piracy among men by 18%, while women respond positively and reduce their intentions by over 50%. The research suggests that tailored approaches are needed to combat digital piracy effectively.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 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.

Examining a century of change in a New York City urban forest

Researchers analyzed data from the Thain Family Forest in NYC, documenting changes in forest structure, diversity, and composition over a century. Despite significant changes, native species remained dominant, and the forest's canopy remained stable.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Forestry·DateFeb 20, 2024

New study of adolescents and young adults reveals that cognitive disabilities and major depressive episodes increase the risk of nicotine vaping

A new study found that adolescents and young adults with cognitive disabilities had a higher prevalence of nicotine vaping compared to those without disabilities. Major depressive episodes were also associated with an increased risk of vaping in this population.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 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.

Drug overdose deaths higher among American visitors to Florida than rest of US

Researchers found that American visitors to Florida were 63% more likely to die from a drug overdose compared to visitors to all other states. The high proportion of overdose deaths among visitors to Florida may be attributed to the state's 'Florida Shuffle' treatment loop and lack of regulation in pain management clinics.

SourcePenn State·JournalInjury Prevention·DateFeb 19, 2024

To boost a preschooler’s language skills, consider reminiscing

A study by Florida Atlantic University finds that reminiscing with children elicits high-quality speech from parents, similar to book sharing. The activity was found to increase lexical richness and grammatical complexity in parent speech, benefiting children's language growth.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 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.

Genetic risk prediction for 10 chronic diseases moves closer to the clinic

A team of researchers at the Broad Institute has developed 10 polygenic risk scores for use in clinical research, optimizing them for diverse populations. The tests calculate a person's lifetime odds of developing diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and can help guide clinical decision-making.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 19, 2024

Study shows value of donated breast milk for extremely premature infants

Researchers found that preterm infants fed donor milk had a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and neurological development issues. The study's findings validate the use of donor milk in NICUs, providing evidence to support its benefits for extremely premature infants.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 19, 2024

Giant new snake species identified in the Amazon

A new species of giant anaconda, Eunectes akayima, has been discovered in the Amazon by a team of scientists led by Professor Bryan Fry. The anaconda measures up to 6.3 meters long and weighs around 500 kilograms, making it one of the largest known species of anacondas.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalDiversity·DateFeb 19, 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.

New study examines efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain

Researchers found that manual therapy provided a moderate and statistically significant reduction in disability among adults with sacroiliac joint pain syndrome. However, the efficacy of manual therapy for pain related to this syndrome is unclear at this time.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy·DateFeb 19, 2024