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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 24


Page 24 of 38

Virginia Tech researchers discover that blocking an essential nutrient inhibits malaria parasite growth

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that blocking two enzymes in the malaria parasite prevents it from growing, offering a potential new way to fight the disease. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used an in vitro culture dish and discovered compounds that can inhibit parasitic growth.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2024

New assay identifies clinically relevant gene fusions in pediatric tumors more accurately and efficiently

Researchers developed a novel assay that integrates data from four fusion callers to identify disease-related gene fusions in pediatric tumors with high accuracy and efficiency. The new bioinformatics platform detected fusions, prioritized them, and custom curated downstream processes for consensus fusion calling.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

U of M study finds bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions

A new U of M Medical School study reveals that bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions, such as race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ status. The research analyzed over 80,000 students and found a significant reduction in emotional distress among those who experienced no bias-based bu...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Benefits of heat pumps detailed in new NREL report

According to a new NREL report, millions of US households would see a drop in their energy bills by using heat pumps, with median savings ranging from $300 to $650 per year. However, high installation costs limit the technology's reach, making it only financially feasible for a smaller portion of households.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJoule·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Build biorefineries and let the natural world power Mexico’s economy

A new study suggests Mexico can grow its economy by building biorefineries to produce biofuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals from abundant organic waste materials. The research promotes the adoption of sustainable practices to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 8-12.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 13, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunotherapy before surgery leads to promising long-term survival in sarcoma patients

A Phase II trial found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy significantly reduced residual tumor and improved overall survival for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, with 90% having less than 15% viable tumor cells remaining. The treatment approach is a promising option for patients with limited systemic therapy options.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·DateFeb 13, 2024

Seeking a middle ground for reducing greenhouse emissions

A new study from the University of Delaware and Yale University aims to improve cost estimates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by understanding the underlying frictions that prevent people from adopting newer, greener technologies. The researchers focus on the social sciences to better understand these negative costs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateFeb 13, 2024

Quality of care for patients who call 911 varies greatly across the United States, study finds

A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai reveals significant variations in emergency medical service (EMS) performance across the United States. The research found that EMS agencies in rural areas were less likely to provide optimal care, including treating low blood sugar and pain for trauma patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Road features that predict crash sites identified in new machine-learning model

Researchers used data from 9,300 miles of Greek roads to develop a machine-learning model predicting crash sites. The model identified key features such as abrupt speed limit changes and incomplete lane markings as predictors of crashes. The study's findings have implications for improving road safety globally.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 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.

UBCO researchers get to the bottom of non-invasive gut tests

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have discovered a way to study MUC2, a critical gut protein, from fecal matter, providing a non-invasive method for monitoring gut health. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in managing and preventing gut-related diseases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 13, 2024

Better diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis

The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Immersive android avatar: enabling operators to inhabit

Researchers created an android avatar named Yui with human-like appearance to enable operators to inhabit and improve communication. The system provides a highly immersive experience through advanced head deformation, movement capabilities, and sensory organs.

SourceThe University of Electro-Communications·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Exploring the effect of ring closing on fluorescence of supramolecular polymers

Scientists investigated the photoluminescence properties of toroidal and randomly coiled supramolecular polymers. The study found that a closed circular structure led to higher energy and more efficient luminescence compared to random coils, which lost excitation energy due to defects.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

A century of reforestation helped keep the eastern US cool

A century of reforestation in the eastern US led to significant cooling effects, with forests lowering land surface temperatures by 1-2 degrees Celsius annually. The study found that forest cover can influence ground surface temperatures and near-surface air temperatures, providing relief from heatwaves.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth's Future·DateFeb 13, 2024

Oxytocin: the love hormone that holds the key to better memory

Research reveals oxytocin neurons in mouse brain modulate object recognition memory, with activation boosting long-term memory and implicating Alzheimer's disease. Oxytocin's role in social memory also highlighted, suggesting a potential link to loneliness or limited social engagement.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Are you depressed? Scents might help, new study says

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that familiar scents can strengthen memory recall in depressed individuals, potentially aiding recovery. Researchers discovered that odors engage the amygdala, a key component of memory formation, more effectively than words.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 13, 2024

Low-cost microbe can speed biological discovery

Researchers at Cornell University have created a new version of the Vibrio natriegens microbe to speed up biological discovery, enabling cost-effective and scalable synthetic biology experiments. This microbe can be engineered within hours and works effectively without costly equipment, making it ideal for testing protein variants.

SourceCornell University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 13, 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.

Researchers learn how nectar-laden honey bees avoid overheating

Researchers found that honey bees can fly in temperatures ranging from 77 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit without overheating, by lowering their wingbeat frequency and increasing stroke amplitude. This adaptation helps the bees conserve water and improve their heat tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Greetings from the island of enhanced stability: The quest for the limit of the periodic table

Experts summarize the current state of knowledge and challenges in creating superheavy elements. The 'island of enhanced stability' is confirmed experimentally, but its size and location remain unknown. Breakthrough results have been obtained on production, nuclear structure, and chemical properties.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature Reviews Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Pediatric sickle cell disease team uses pain screening to improve care

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center developed a quality improvement project using routine pain screening, revealing 32.7% of patients reported persistent or chronic pain, with music therapy and art therapy preferred for managing pain.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateFeb 13, 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.

University of Limerick, Ireland study reveals eco-friendly way to generate power from waste wood

Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2024

New study reveals dynamic impact of nicotine on brain regions responsible for reward and aversion

A new study published in eNeuro explores the intricate interplay between brain regions involved in nicotine's effects on the human brain. Researchers discovered that the medial habenula experiences fluctuations in activity based on factors such as dosage and sex, highlighting a nuanced relationship.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Polar bears unlikely to adapt to longer summers

A recent study found that polar bears, closely observed by scientists, struggled to maintain weight when their preferred seal prey was out of reach during longer ice-free seasons. Despite trying various strategies, including resting and foraging, nearly all the bears lost weight rapidly, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2024

Climate indices and precipitation anomalies - implications for the Middle East

A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 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.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers uncover social and economic factors that influence acute liver failure in children—and ways to overcome them

A CHLA research team found that socio-economic factors like family support, employment status, patient age, race, and language spoken can impact clinical outcomes. Children with limited social support systems and working caregivers have worse outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Successful employer-driven disability initiatives benefit individuals and companies

Research in Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation reveals that companies with inclusive values and committed leadership teams experience improved performance and positive employee perceptions. Disability initiatives also foster a cohesive culture, valuing disabled employees as a vital part of the workforce.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

New data speed record on optical fiber

Researchers developed a compact indium phosphide (InP)-based coherent driver modulator that achieved a record-high baud rate and transmission capacity per wavelength, exceeding existing CDMs. The new CDM demonstrated an unprecedented net bit rate of 1.8 Tbps over 80-km standard single mode fiber in the C+L band.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 13, 2024

Migrant and refugee children need early education supports too

Researchers found that childcare workers in informal creche settings need training to better support non-English speaking migrant and refugee children. The study showed that on-site professional learning improved emotional literacies and strategies for supporting these children, resulting in happier outcomes for families.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEarly Childhood Education Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Anabolic steroid use can increase heart disease risk

A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 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.

New trial highlights incremental progress towards a cure for HIV-1

A new clinical trial demonstrates a small reduction in the latent reservoir of HIV-infected cells using a combination of vorinostat and immunotherapy. While the results are promising, further research is needed to create more effective approaches to flush out the virus and attack it when it emerges from latency.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 13, 2024

Uncovering insights about prostate cancer risk and genetic ancestry

A recent study from Argonne National Laboratory has uncovered new insights into the relationship between genetic ancestry and prostate cancer risk. The research, which included large increases in representation among men of African, Hispanic, and Asian ancestries, found 187 new genetic markers that provide more accuracy in calculating ...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateFeb 13, 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.

The Spanish version of a scale evaluating negative attitudes towards bisexuality is validated

A team of researchers from the University of Córdoba has translated and validated a scale to evaluate negative attitudes towards bisexuality, highlighting gender differences and correlations with sexism and social dominance. The scale aims to promote equal treatment and move towards a more egalitarian society.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Dissatisfaction with postnatal care during the pandemic

A study from the University of Gothenburg found a significant drop in satisfaction with postnatal care when partners were excluded due to COVID-19 restrictions. Partners of first-time mothers experienced the greatest decline in satisfaction, with a 43% drop compared to labor wards where partners were still allowed.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBirth·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 13, 2024

Determining who gets blamed when cars hit pedestrians

A new study found that urban environment, road types, and crosswalk access play a major role in determining who gets blamed for crashes. Pedestrians were more likely to be blamed on roads with high traffic speeds and few crosswalks, while drivers were more likely to be faulted in areas with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport and Land Use·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence

A new study found that young teenagers who develop a strong distrust of others as a result of childhood bullying are substantially more likely to have significant mental health problems as they enter adulthood. Researchers used data from 10,000 children in the UK and found that adolescents who were bullied at age 11 and developed great...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 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.

Type 2 diabetes alters the behavior of discs in the vertebral column

A new study finds that Type 2 diabetes causes intervertebral discs to become stiffer and change shape earlier than normal. This leads to a compromised ability to withstand pressure, highlighting the need for preventative and therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Hankering for status drives non-executive directors to outstay effectiveness

A study by the University of Bath and Queensland University of Technology found that non-executive directors who serve beyond recommended tenure limits prioritize their social status over their duty to shareholders. Prolonged tenures can compromise board renewal, financial performance, and governance concerns for boards and shareholders.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAccounting Forum·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Study finds high levels of physical activity lowered risk of developing COVID-19 infection and hospitalization

A cohort study of older adults found that those who followed recommended exercise guidelines before the pandemic had significantly lower odds of being infected or hospitalized from COVID-19. Physical activity was associated with a 10% lower risk of infection and 27% lower risk of hospitalization.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Do apes have humor?

Great apes engage in playful teasing behaviors, including provocative actions and one-sided provocation, similar to human infant teasing. This study suggests that the cognitive prerequisites for humor evolved in the human lineage at least 13 million years ago.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

If we can't untangle this mess, Norway's blue industry will never be green

A new study from Norway shows that only a third of fishing ropes can be recycled in a sustainable way. The researchers analyzed 15 types of rope and ranked them according to ease of recycling, highlighting the need for better waste management practices.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 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.

Greenland’s ice sheet is melting - and being replaced by vegetation

Over the last three decades, approximately 11,000 sq miles of Greenland's ice sheet have melted, equivalent to about 1.6% of its total ice cover. This has led to a significant increase in vegetation growth, with dense wetland areas forming in previously icy regions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Exercise apps do not meet older people's needs

A study analyzing 15 exercise apps found limited options for frail older adults, with none adapted to users' cognitive needs. The researchers recommend involving end-users in app creation processes and focusing on simplicity and intuitive design.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 13, 2024