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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 33


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Doctors have more difficulty diagnosing disease when looking at images of darker skin

A new study from MIT researchers found that doctors are less accurate in diagnosing skin diseases based on images of patients with darker skin. The researchers also discovered that an artificial intelligence algorithm can assist doctors in improving their diagnosis, although the improvements were more pronounced for lighter skin tones.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Flu virus variants resistant to new antiviral drug candidate lose pathogenicity, study finds

A new antiviral drug candidate has been found to improve flu vaccine efficacy and show promise against resistant virus variants. The study, published in PLoS Pathogens, tested the potential of 4'-fluorouridine as an influenza drug and found that resistant variants were severely weakened in mice and impaired in ferrets.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Reversible deformation, permanent fabric development

A recent study using synchrotron experiments found that elastic differential stress can develop mineral fabrics in rocks, even before irreversible strain accumulates. This challenges conventional knowledge that only differential stress is needed for fabric development. The research has implications for understanding the role of stress ...

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Is there a typical rate of cultural evolution?

Cliodynamics estimates that societies develop social complexity over 2,500 years on average, with common pathways in human social evolution. The study analyzed data from 370 polities using nine complexity characteristics.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 6, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Homelessness leads to more drug, alcohol poisoning deaths

A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that reducing homelessness by 25% can save almost 2,000 lives lost to opioid overdoses. Strengthening social safety nets and increasing housing security could help curb growing deaths from drug and alcohol poisoning.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 6, 2024

Evaluation of on- and off-target effects of self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system

The research group evaluated the on- and off-target effects of a self-assembled EGFR siRNA delivery system, finding potent interference with only 1/2000000 of synthetic transfection amount. Transcriptomic analysis revealed minimal off-target effects in normal tissues and significant anti-EGFR effects in tumor cells.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 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.

Scientists develop new biocontainment method for industrial organisms

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a new genetic biocontainment method that directly targets essential proteins, providing a robust escape frequency. The method uses an estradiol-controlled destabilizing domain degron to control survival of genetically engineered yeast organisms.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

Pancreatic Cancer: Italian scientists found out how the tumor escapes therapies

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells employ a 'favorable genetic reshuffling' to evade treatments, leading to a potential breakthrough in developing targeted drugs. Alternative splicing plays a crucial role in this process, and the study identifies a specific splicing regulator called 'Quaking' that promotes chemoresistance.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Odors may prompt certain brain cells to make decisions

CU Anschutz researchers find specific brain cells in the hippocampus that respond to odors and facilitate rapid go, no-go decisions. The study reveals the involvement of time cells in associative learning and their potential role in memory encoding.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 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.

Covid vaccine for pregnant women safe for newborn infants

A large study of nearly 200,000 newborns in Sweden and Norway found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with any increased risks in newborn infants. In fact, babies born to vaccinated mothers had lower mortality rates and fewer serious complications.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New analysis reveals many excess deaths attributed to natural causes are actually uncounted COVID-19 deaths

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that many excess mortality rates from chronic illnesses were driven by COVID-19 infections, contradicting previous claims. The study estimated 1.2 million excess natural-cause deaths in US counties during the pandemic, with 163,000 uncounted COVID-19 deaths.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Mystery of novel clove-like off-flavor in orange juice solved

Researchers identified the novel odorant 5-vinylguaiacol as the source of a clove-like off-flavor in orange juice, which is formed through the reaction of hesperidin with peracetic acid during pasteurization. This finding may lead to changes in cleaning agent use in the industry.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 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.

New approach to tackling bacterial infections identified

A team of researchers has identified a way to turn on a vital bacterial defense mechanism to fight and manage bacterial infections. By leveraging the cyclic oligonucleotide-based antiphage signaling system (CBASS), bacteria can self-destruct to prevent viral attacks, offering a fresh approach to tackling antibiotic resistance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

New growth factor for the liver

Researchers have discovered a new growth factor, MYDGF, that plays a crucial role in liver regeneration. The study found that higher levels of MYDGF are present in patients' blood after partial liver removal, and that it stimulates the proliferation of human hepatocytes in tissue cultures.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2024

A new origin story for deadly Seattle fault

A new study proposes that the Seattle fault zone originated from an ancient tear in the continent, with forces exerted by tectonic deformation shaping its history. The researchers mapped bedrock across western Washington and used gravity and magnetic data to test existing hypotheses of the fault's geometry.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalTectonics·DateFeb 6, 2024

Researchers strike gold with improved catalyst

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered a way to improve gold catalysts' durability by creating a protective layer of metal oxide clusters. The enhanced gold catalysts can withstand a greater range of physical environments, increasing their range of possible applications and reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 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.

RNA splicing regulation discovery provides insight into bone diseases

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science identify Cpeb4 protein's crucial role in mRNA splicing and osteoclast differentiation, shedding light on bone disease mechanisms. The study's findings may lead to new diagnostic techniques and treatments for conditions like osteoporosis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Secondary eyewall formation in upper- and lower-layer vertical wind shear simulated in idealized tropical cyclones

The study found that secondary eyewall formation occurs mainly in upper-layer vertical wind shear at low shear height and fake concentric eyewalls are present in lower-layer VWS at high shear height. Broad stratiform clouds were located in the downwind sector before SEF, leading to active convection on the inner side of the clouds.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 6, 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.

Understanding the moon’s history with Chang’e-5 sample

A Chinese spacecraft returned a sample of the moon's surface, containing minerals that provide insights into its past. Researchers found high-pressure minerals in the sample, which are unusual in lunar rocks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalMatter and Radiation at Extremes·DateFeb 6, 2024

Police seizures of psychedelic drugs are soaring throughout the United States

Seizures of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in psychedelic mushrooms, have surged by 369% across the US since 2017, according to a new study. The highest number of seizures were recorded in the Midwest and West regions, with nearly quadrupled amounts of seized drugs.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 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.

Pore power: high-speed droplet production in microfluidic devices

Researchers have developed a new microfluidic system that utilizes porous inverse colloidal crystal structures to dramatically improve the efficiency of microdroplet generation. The system can produce droplets around 1,000 times faster than traditional devices, enabling applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and more.

SourceChiba University·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Chemists decipher reaction process that could improve lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers have deciphered the key pathways of the sulfur reduction reaction in lithium-sulfur batteries, identifying dominant molecular pathways and critical roles of electrocatalysis. This breakthrough could lead to improved battery performance, reduced costs, and increased energy storage capacity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2024

Re-excision rates after breast-conserving surgery pose ongoing challenges in the US: UTHealth Houston study unveils high reoperation rates and costs

Rates of re-excision after initial breast-conserving surgery remain high across the US, leading to increased healthcare costs and a higher risk of postoperative complications. The study found that younger age and ductal carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher reoperation rate.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateFeb 6, 2024

Perceptions of manhood and masculinities among disabled violently injured Black men in a hospital-based violence intervention program

A Rutgers Health study found that disabled violently injured Black men face negative physical and psychological impacts on their manhood, independence, and mobility. Participants felt a loss of independence due to reliance on caretakers, which took a serious toll on some participants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Men s Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 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.

New study finds “sweet spot” for length of yarn-shaped supercapacitors

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that yarn-shaped supercapacitors (YSCs) in the 40-60 centimeter range provide the best overall energy output. The study, which aimed to explain changes in YSC performance across a wide range of lengths, used mathematical models to determine the most efficient length for YSCs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2024

GPT-3 transforms chemical research

A new study uses GPT-3 to simplify chemical analysis, achieving accuracy surpassing state-of-the-art models. The approach fine-tunes the language model with curated Q&As, enabling easy and fast discovery in low-data chemistry.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 6, 2024

New monitoring option for rare eye disease

Researchers at Universitatsklinikum Bonn have developed a new imaging method to monitor intermediate uveitis, a rare inflammatory eye disease. The new technique uses optical coherence tomography angiography to detect blood flow in the retinal vessels, allowing for early detection of deterioration and potential treatment adjustments.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateFeb 6, 2024

Remarkable cellular architecture and phylogenetic position of the mysterious arm-swinging protist meteora sporadica

Researchers successfully cultured and analyzed two strains of Meteora sporadica, a small, unicellular eukaryote with a complex cytoskeleton featuring lateral arms supported by microtubules. The study reveals that Meteora sporadica is closely related to Hemimastigophora, a group of deep-branching eukaryotes with no arms or MTOCs.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 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.

Powerful answers to energy questions may be blowing in the wind

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new modeling framework called TOSCA, which helps improve wind energy forecasts and productivity. The framework can capture the interaction between large wind farms and the oncoming wind, leading to more accurate estimates of power output.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWind Energy Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 6, 2024

Which came first: Black holes or galaxies?

A new study found that black holes existed at the dawn of time and played a crucial role in galaxy formation. The research, using James Webb Space Telescope data, challenges classical understanding of black hole formation and suggests they may have dramatically accelerated star birth in the first 50 million years of the universe.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 6, 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.

Study IDs ways to better help children experiencing homelessness

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 47 parents experiencing homelessness to understand accessibility challenges of social-emotional health services for their children. Key findings include the importance of acknowledging parental strengths and positive interactions with support people in promoting child development.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial and Emotional Learning Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Gun violence exposure and suicide among black adults

A recent study found that Black adults exposed to gun violence were more likely to experience lifetime suicidal ideation and behavior. The research highlights the need for public health efforts to reduce both gun violence and suicide among this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 6, 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.

Violence is contagious among members of Italian mafia groups, study shows

Researchers analyzed the criminal careers of over 9,800 Italian mafia members and found that prior violent co-offending significantly increases the likelihood of future violent offenses. The study suggests that group-based violent actions have a stronger impact on future violence than solo violence.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

How ‘deaths of despair’ differ by race and ethnicity

White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Down to the core of poxviruses

Researchers at ISTA have discovered the composition of poxviral cores, a key factor in their infectivity. The study's findings could lead to the development of new therapeutics targeting the viral core.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Combination therapy lowers blood pressure in patients receiving ibrutinib

A study published in Blood Advances found that combination therapies can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients taking ibrutinib. The research suggests that different drug combinations may be more effective depending on whether patients had high blood pressure before or developed it while taking the drug.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateFeb 5, 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.

It’s true, happiness doesn’t cost much

A recent study by ICTA-UAB found that many societies with very low monetary income have remarkably high levels of life satisfaction, comparable to those in wealthy countries. The average life satisfaction score across the studied small-scale societies was 6.8 on a scale of 0-10.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2024

From Colombia to Laos: protecting crops through nanotechnology

A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 5, 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.