Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 35


Page 35 of 38

Mental health care during the COVID-19 era remains inaccessible to many distressed US adults

A recent study found that mental health care access remained inaccessible to many distressed US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of serious psychological distress among adults increased from 3.5% to 4.2%, while outpatient mental health care use decreased among older and unemployed adults.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2024

Vitamin B12 adaptability in Antarctic algae has implications for climate change, life in the Southern Ocean

A new study on Antarctic algae reveals that they can survive without vitamin B12, a finding with significant implications for climate change and the carbon cycle. The algae, Phaeocystis antarctica, has a fusion B12-independent methionine synthase protein that enables it to adapt to low B12 availability.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 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.

Scientists create effective ‘spark plug’ for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments

Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 5, 2024

The surprising secrets of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch

A new study published in Monthly Weather Review analyzes hundreds of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found that storm systems carrying relatively little water vapor were still capable of producing heavy snows, and the relationship between high-IVT storms and extreme precipitation is complex.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Currently stable parts of East Antarctica may be closer to melting than anyone realized

Researchers at Stanford have found that the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica could be closer to runaway melting than previously thought. The study suggests that this region, which holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by over 10 feet, may be vulnerable to irreversible melting if warming seawater gets under the ice sheet.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2024

Hart receives funding for boot camp

David M. Hart's $159,488 funding aims to bridge the gap between research and policy communities through a weeklong boot camp for early-career researchers. The program will provide valuable insights into public policy-making and support participants in advancing their research while contributing to policy development.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateFeb 5, 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.

Solvent sieve method sets new record for perovskite light-emitting diodes

Researchers developed highly efficient and stable perovskite light-emitting diodes using a solvent sieve method, achieving an operating lifetime of over 5.7 years and a record high external quantum efficiency of 29.5%. The study also demonstrated excellent stability in ambient air conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Watching the enzymes that convert plant fiber into simple sugars

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new technique to study the breakdown of cellulose by enzymes, revealing that hydrogen bonds in the complex molecule act as obstacles. The approach uses infrared light and operando spectroscopy to provide real-time snapshots of the sample, overcoming past limitations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Amsterdam UMC research shows that ultrasound can be used to detect placenta problems in small babies

A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2024

Study confirms fears that COVID pandemic reduced kindergarten readiness

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted learning and development among school-aged children, with disadvantaged families feeling the effects most severely. Researchers found that only 30% of students were assessed as kindergarten-ready in 2021, compared to 40% in 2018.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 5, 2024

Schmidt Sciences awards $1.95M gift to Mount Sinai's Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health to establish The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Human Health Fellowship Program

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Human Health Fellowship Program will support five fellows over three years, leveraging AI to advance medical research and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. The program aims to attract exceptional talent and provide a platform for groundbreaking research.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2024

MSU researchers find early, promising glioblastoma treatment

Researchers at Michigan State University have found a potential breakthrough in treating glioblastoma by targeting an acid sensor on cancer cell membranes. The compound OGM showed remarkable ability to kill glioblastoma cells while leaving normal cells unharmed.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalExperimental Hematology·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.

New weight loss medication may help lower blood pressure in adults with obesity

A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure levels in nearly 500 adults with obesity. The results suggest treating obesity with this weight loss medication may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating high blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateFeb 5, 2024

Bacterial test for raw, organic milk may require more precision

A standard quality test for raw organic milk is insufficient to distinguish between specific groups of bacteria, highlighting the need for updated criteria at processing plants. Distinguishing between non-sporeforming and spore-forming thermoduric bacteria is crucial to reducing troubleshooting time and improving milk quality.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateFeb 5, 2024

Scientists ‘break the mould’ by creating new colours of ‘blue cheese’

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a way to create different colors of blue cheese by inducing sexual reproduction in the fungus Penicillium roqueforti. The team created various fungal strains that produce colors ranging from white to yellow-green, red-brown-pink, and light to dark blues.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·Journalnpj Science of Food·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Fatty acids hold clue to creating memories

Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind memory creation and found that saturated fatty acids interact with a protein called STXBP1. This interaction coordinates the release of fatty acids and directs communication at synapses in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 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.

Injuries from legal interventions involving conducted energy devices

A study of emergency department visits reveals that most injuries from conducted energy devices, such as TASERs, involve young Black and white males from low-income areas. This finding is consistent with existing research on police violence and racial disparities in the US population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2024

Persons diagnosed with PCOS face 8-fold increase in suicide risk

A study of 18,000 women found those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were 8 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to control group. This increased risk is attributed to higher likelihood of psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders associated with PCOS. Researchers emphasize the ne...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers develop rapid test for detecting fentanyl

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 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.

The influence of the cellular environment on vision

Studies on knockout mice have shown that removal of specific matrix proteins leads to visual deficits, including impaired motion processing and synaptic imbalance. This research contributes to a better understanding of visual processing mechanisms, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Computer-engineered DNA to study cell identities

Scientists have created an algorithm to design synthetic DNA segments that indicate the state of cells in real-time. This tool will be used to screen for anti-cancer or viral infection drugs, as well as improve gene and cell-based immunotherapies.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2024

Smells like evolution: Fruit flies reveal surprises in chemical sensing

Researchers discovered surprising secrets about how fruit flies adapt their senses to different environments through gene expression patterns. Thousands of genes had undergone significant changes in expression, shaping unique olfactory landscapes of different fly species.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2024

USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions

Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 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.

First representative survey of energy insecurity in New York City

A study of 1,950 NYC residents found that 30% experience energy insecurity, leading to respiratory, mental health, and cardiovascular conditions. The population was disproportionately affected by low-income, Black, and Latino residents, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health inequities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateFeb 5, 2024

Epigenetic combination therapy could overcome treatment resistance in epithelioid sarcomas and rhabdoid tumors

Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers say media focus on vaccine hesitancy distorts reality

A recent poll found 88% of adults have robust confidence in childhood vaccines. Meanwhile, vaccination coverage for children remains high and stable, with 93% of kindergarten students receiving state-required vaccines. The authors argue that constant focus on vaccine hesitancy can distort reality and drive a false narrative.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 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.

Discovered how to predict whether patients with leukemia will be sensitive to epigenetic drugs

Researchers discovered a link between single cancer cell mutations and clinical response to epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients showing treatment benefits had decreased mutation counts in stem cells and immature granulocytes, suggesting early tumor elimination is key to therapy success.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

New kinds of padding could make football gear, bike helmets safer than ever

Researchers have developed a new padding design that can absorb forces in a more efficient way, with the potential to improve safety in various applications. The innovative technology uses a network of hexagonal towers and can be printed on commercially available 3D printers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 5, 2024

Extra fingers and hearts: pinpointing changes to our genetic instructions that disrupt development

Scientists have identified a vulnerability in our genomes that can cause developmental defects, such as extra fingers and heart disorders. By analyzing genomic sequences and enhancer variants, researchers found that single-letter changes to the DNA within our genomes can dramatically affect gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 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.

Losing sleep over killings of unarmed Black individuals by police

Black adults in the US suffer from short and very short sleep after exposure to news about police killings of unarmed Black individuals. The study's findings suggest that poor sleep health is another tragic byproduct of exposure to these events.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Methadone use in early pregnancy may lead to more birth defects than buprenorphine

Researchers found that children born to mothers who used methadone during the first trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of congenital malformations compared to those who used buprenorphine. Buprenorphine was associated with a lower risk of cardiac, clubfoot, and oral cleft malformations.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

Image denoising using a diffractive visual processor

Researchers developed a physical image denoiser using diffractive layers to process noisy input images at the speed of light, preserving desired spatial features with minimal distortions. The all-optical approach offers ultra-high speed, compact size, and low power consumption, paving the way for various inverse problems in imaging and...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 4, 2024

Revolutionizing batteries: Coffee grounds power high-performance sodium-ion anodes

The study successfully synthesizes P-doped hard carbon using coffee grounds as a precursor, demonstrating promising electrochemical performance. The resulting material exhibits a reversible capacity of 341 mAh g-1 at 20 mA g-1, with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 83%, offering an alternative solution to lithium resources.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalCarbon Resources Conversion·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 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.

One person can supervise ‘swarm’ of 100 unmanned autonomous vehicles, OSU research shows

A team of researchers at Oregon State University has demonstrated that a swarm of over 100 autonomous ground and aerial robots can be supervised by one person. The study used virtual reality interface I3 to enable high-level control, allowing the commander to deploy systems without manually driving each individual vehicle.

SourceOregon State University·JournalField Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2024

A rare recent case of retrovirus integration: An infectious gibbon ape leukaemia virus is colonising a rodent’s genome in New Guinea

Researchers have discovered a rare case of retrovirus integration in a rodent from New Guinea, revealing a new model for virus colonization. The white-bellied mosaic-tailed rat's genome contains the 'complete Melomys woolly monkey virus', which has characteristics of both exogenous and endogenous viruses.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 4, 2024

Dynamic traveling time forecasting based on spatial-temporal graph convolutional networks

A novel dynamic routing planning framework DTT-STG was proposed to address limitations in existing research, integrating map-matching, road speed forecasting, and route planning. The framework captures dynamically changing spatial-temporal dependencies using diffusion convolution and attention mechanisms.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 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.

Bioluminescent plants are now even brighter

Scientists have created genetically modified bioluminescent petunias that emit an ethereal glow, making them up to 100 times brighter than previous plants. The new research builds on earlier discoveries and shows the genetic modifications also elevate luminescence in yeast and mammalian cells.

SourceLight Bio, Inc.·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2024

Global study unveils strategies to shield breast cancer patients from distressing lymphoedema condition after surgery

A global study has identified evidence-based approaches to prevent breast cancer-related arm lymphoedema (BCRAL) by addressing risk factors and implementing surveillance programs. The research provides a clinical guide for healthcare teams worldwide to adopt a proactive approach in preventing this irreversible complication.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 4, 2024

All in NaY(WO4)₂:Er³⁺/Yb³⁺: Quantum cutting, upconversion, and temperature sensing

Researchers developed highly efficient photo split, near-infrared upconversion emission and suitable temperature sensing for thermal management in silicon-based solar cells by adjusting Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doping concentrations in NaY(WO₄)₂ phosphor. An efficiency of up to 173% was achieved.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateFeb 3, 2024
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists mix and match properties to make new superconductor with chiral structure

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new platinum-iridium-zirconium compound that transitions to a bulk superconductor below 2.2 K and exhibits a chiral crystalline structure. The team's 'mix and match' approach accelerates the discovery of exotic superconducting materials.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 3, 2024

A single-nucleus resolution atlas of white adipose tissue in different depots

Researchers created a single-nucleus resolution atlas of white adipose tissue in five depots, including subcutaneous, epididymal, mesenteric, perirenal, and pericardial tissues. The study reveals diverse cell types, with immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblast-adipogenic progenitors being more heterogeneous across depots.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 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.