Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 28


Page 28 of 38

Conversion process turns greenhouse gas into ethylene

Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have created a more efficient way to convert carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing a pivotal platform chemical globally. The process, using a modified copper catalyst, holds promise for one day producing ethylene through green energy instead of fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

New PET tracer detects inflammatory arthritis before symptoms appear

A novel PET imaging technique can detect active inflammation in the body before clinical symptoms arise, using a PET tracer that binds to proteins present on activated immune cells. This makes it easier for physicians to correctly diagnose and treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 8, 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.

University of Cincinnati research links prison time with increase of TB

A new study from the University of Cincinnati finds that being in prison is a significant driver of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) transmission. The researchers identified molecular resistance patterns and defined recent transmissions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to control the MDR-TB epidemic in prisons.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Predictive model of oxaliplatin-induced liver injury based on artificial neural network and logistic regression

Researchers developed an artificial neural network model to predict oxaliplatin-induced liver injury risk based on patient characteristics. The model outperformed traditional logistic regression in predicting the risk of liver injury, suggesting potential benefits for early screening and timely intervention.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateFeb 8, 2024

A new “metal swap” method for creating lateral heterostructures of 2D materials

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science employed a new 'transmetallation' technique to synthesize lateral heterojunctions of 2D coordination nanosheets. The method enables the creation of ultrathin electronic devices with unique properties, paving the way for innovative devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

End of nuclear secrecy? Underground weapon tests 'now detectable with 99% accuracy'

A team of Earth scientists and statisticians has developed a method that can identify underground nuclear explosions with 99% accuracy. This breakthrough, published in Geophysical Journal International, uses data from known US nuclear tests and seismic patterns to distinguish between nuclear and natural earthquakes.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalGeophysical Journal International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2024

Climate change to bring invasive weeds to mid-Atlantic and northeastern US states

A recent study published in Invasive Plant Science and Management identifies the most likely invasive plants to expand into the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US states by 2050. These high-impact species are associated with negative impacts on ecological communities and socio-economic effects.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalInvasive Plant Science and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NJIT researchers unveil method to detect 'forever chemicals' in under 3 minutes

New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 8, 2024

Results from South Pole Telescope’s new camera emerge

The new camera data from SPT-3G telescope promises even more detail on the universe's origins and nature. Scientists measured faint light known as cosmic microwave background, which is the afterglow of the Big Bang.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review D·DateFeb 8, 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.

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.

Temperatures are rising, but soil is getting wetter — why?

A recent Harvard University study found that soil moisture increased across 57% of the US during summer between 2011-2020, contradicting the assumption that rising temperatures lead to drier soils. Precipitation, rather than temperature, is the primary driver of soil moisture trends.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Water·DateFeb 8, 2024

Newly discovered genetic malfunction causes rare lung disease

Researchers found a genetic disorder linked to the absence of a chemical receptor called CCR2, which is essential for alveolar macrophages to properly function. This leads to half the normal count of pulmonary alveolar macrophages, resulting in tissue injury and increased susceptibility to mycobacterial infections.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateFeb 8, 2024

Assessment and strategies for sustainable food system within planetary boundaries

The study assesses sustainable food system thresholds and proposes management strategies to reduce resource input and environmental impacts. Current indicators show that global cropland area has surpassed the upper boundary, while agricultural water use and fertilizer applications have also exceeded sustainability limits.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateFeb 8, 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.

Breakthrough in single-photon integration

Researchers from Hebrew University of Jerusalem have successfully integrated single-photon sources onto tiny chips at room temperature using a hybrid metal-dielectric bullseye antenna. This innovation enables efficient back-excitation and front coupling of emission to optical fibers or low numerical aperture optics, promising advanceme...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Evaluating the performance of AI-based large language models in radiation oncology

A new study evaluates AI algorithms for autocontouring prior to radiotherapy in head and neck cancer. OpenAI's GPT-4-turbo demonstrated the best performance, while Llama-2 models underperformed. The study highlights the potential of generative AI to revolutionize radiation oncology education and practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

16 UTA scholars receive McNair federal research award

The University of Texas at Arlington has selected 16 undergraduate students to join the McNair Scholars Program, a Department of Education-funded grant. The program prepares students for careers in academic research with a stipend, summer research internship, and mentorship from UTA faculty.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 8, 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.

Tropical cyclone genesis projected to move toward the poles

Researchers found a poleward shift of tropical cyclone genesis on a global scale due to climate change, with the rate of TC genesis decreasing within latitudes equatorward of 15° and increasing poleward of 15° in each basin. The weakening of the Hadley circulation driven by increased upper tropospheric warming is attributed to this shift.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 8, 2024

Low voice pitch increases standing among strangers

A cross-cultural study found that lower voice pitch makes women and men sound more attractive for long-term relationships and more formidable among other men. Lower male voice pitch also confers formidability and high social status in societies with higher relational mobility, suggesting evolutionary origins.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 2024

Urgent call for antitrust measures to safeguard innovation in spatial biology

Recent breakthroughs in spatial biology are threatened by legal disputes, hindering innovative companies from advancing new technologies and ideas. The authors urge the need for antitrust measures to prevent monopolistic behavior that could hinder patient care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Engineering & Biotechnology News·TypeNews article·DateFeb 8, 2024

Ketamine’s promise for severe depression grows, but major questions remain

New findings from a study on ketamine's efficacy in treating severe depression reveal that 52% of participants achieved remission after just three infusions. The study also found that half of those who had thought often of suicide before receiving ketamine experienced a dramatic drop in suicidal impulses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 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.

How emotions affect word retrieval in people with aphasia

People with aphasia struggle to come up with words when prompted by images and words carrying negative emotional meaning. Researchers found that neutral prompts yield the best results, with negative emotional context disrupting word retrieval. The study has implications for clinical assessments and therapy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateFeb 8, 2024

Surprise discovery of tiny insect-killing worm

Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered a tiny worm species that can control crop pests in warm, humid environments. The new Steinernema adamsi nematode is nearly invisible and can kill insects with a low dose, making it a potential alternative to pesticides.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateFeb 8, 2024

High-profile incidents of police brutality sway public opinion more than performance of people’s local law enforcement, new study from NYU Tandon reveals

A new NYU Tandon study found that high-profile incidents of police brutality have a significant impact on public perceptions, influencing negative sentiment and distrust towards police across cities. In contrast, local media coverage of crimes in people's own cities has little sway over their views of the police.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2024

Ultra-fast magma flow into dike below Grindavík Iceland

A massive dike formed beneath Grindavík, Iceland, reaching an unprecedented subsurface magma flow rate of 7400 cubic meters per second. Fracturing and tectonic stress drove the high flow rate, providing insight into dike formation and hazard potential for similar systems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 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.

Faulty DNA disposal system causes inflammation

Scientists discovered a novel mechanism for removing mtDNA from mitochondria, which can initiate an immune response promoting inflammation. The discovery reveals new targets for therapeutics to disrupt the inflammatory pathway and mitigate inflammation during aging and diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 8, 2024

Foul fumes pose pollinator problems

A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

University of Limerick, Ireland research confirms benefits of resistance exercise training in treatment of anxiety and depression

A new study published in Trends in Molecular Medicine found that resistance exercise training can improve anxiety and depressive symptoms. The research suggests that this type of exercise may be a viable alternative to established therapies, offering potential benefits for public health.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 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.

Study visually captures a hard truth: Walking home at night is not the same for women

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers shows that women tend to focus more on potential safety hazards when walking home at night, as opposed to men who look directly at their destination. The study used heat maps to visualize participants' attention patterns, providing clear visual evidence of the differing experiences.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalViolence and Gender·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Athira Pharma announces publication in Frontiers in Neuroscience highlighting therapeutic potential of ATH-1105 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

ATH-1105, a small molecule positive modulator of the neurotrophic HGF system, demonstrates significant neuroprotective effects and extends survival in preclinical models of ALS. The study highlights the therapeutic potential of ATH-1105 in slowing or stopping neurodegeneration.

SourceRathbun Communications, INC.·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Physical activity is insufficient to counter cardiovascular risk associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption

A new study found that physical activity levels are insufficient to counter the increased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with consuming sugar-sweetened beverages. Even moderate consumption can lead to higher cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing the need to limit these drinks' omnipresence in the food environment.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 8, 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.

Blood test predicts psychosis risk, most effective treatments

A new blood test developed by Indiana University School of Medicine has identified biomarkers that can objectively measure schizophrenia severity and predict future risk. The test enables personalized treatment matching, reducing uncertainty and improving patient outcomes.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 8, 2024

Fibroblasts fine-tune penile blood flow and enable erection in mice

Researchers identified two types of penile fibroblast cells that mediate vasodilation by reducing norepinephrine availability. Fibroblast proliferation fine-tunes blood flow regulation, stimulating increased erection frequency and elevated basal penile blood flow.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 8, 2024

Cleaned surfaces may be germ-free, but they’re not bare

Researchers found that commercial cleaning products deposit a wide range of compounds on cleaned surfaces, which can impact indoor air quality. The study suggests that these residues should be studied in more detail to understand their effects on film growth and behavior.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Air·DateFeb 8, 2024

Visualising multiple sclerosis with a new MRI procedure

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure that maps the condition of myelin sheaths in the central nervous system more accurately. This breakthrough technology has the potential to facilitate early MS diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the development of new drugs for the disease.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 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.

Alien invasion: Non-native earthworms threaten ecosystems

The study reveals that non-native earthworms have colonized 97% of soils across North America, with alien occupation higher in the northern part of the continent. This poses a threat to native ecosystems, including forests and grasslands, and highlights the need for better understanding and management of these invaders.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 8, 2024

Deep learning for real-time molecular imaging

The study demonstrates that deep learning allows for precise observation of single molecules in artificial systems, cells, and small organisms. Deep learning-based methods reduce data requirements by an order of magnitude, enabling faster evaluation times.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalBiophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Even with resolution, acute kidney injury in newborns can be life-threatening from very first episode

A recent analysis of the AWAKEN study data found that repeat episodes of acute kidney injury in hospitalized infants do not increase the risk of death but can extend hospitalization. The study suggests that initial AKI is already dangerous and long-term effects are still under investigation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 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.

Evaluating AI-based nodal contouring in head and neck cancer

A new study analyzes an AI-based algorithm for autocontouring prior to radiotherapy in head and neck cancer, demonstrating significant time savings and clinically usable results. The AI algorithm achieved a mean score of 3.56 +/- .40, indicating that it performed well with minor edits required in most cases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Researchers use satellites to analyze global reef biodiversity

A new satellite mapping technique can aid in coral reef protection and restoration efforts by identifying areas of high habitat diversity, which are also home to high species diversity. The study found that these maps can be used as a proxy for biodiversity, guiding ecosystem protection and restoration.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateFeb 8, 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.

Stigmatizing language on liver transplant center websites may discourage patients from seeking treatment

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that 88% of liver transplant center websites and 46% of addiction psychiatry websites use stigmatizing language, potentially discouraging patients from seeking treatment. The researchers call for non-stigmatizing language in patient-facing materials to improve health outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 8, 2024