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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 38


Page 38 of 38

Buck scientists discover a potential way to repair synapses damaged in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Buck Institute for Research on Aging propose an alternate strategy for reversing memory problems in Alzheimer's disease by targeting the KIBRA protein. The findings suggest that KIBRA can rescue mechanisms that promote synapse resilience, potentially leading to improved memory function.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

AI system reveals new insights into early language acquisition through the experience of a single child

A new machine learning model has provided new insights into early language acquisition by analyzing video and audio recordings of a single child over 1.5 years. The model, trained on the child's first-person perspective, showed that it could learn word-referent mappings present in the child's everyday experience.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physical activity and cognitive decline among older adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 104 studies with 341,000 participants found that physical activity was associated with better late-life cognition, although the association was weak. The findings suggest that even a weak link between physical activity and cognitive decline is still important from a population health perspective.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 1, 2024

Human cells building ‘molecular highways’ captured for first time

Scientists have imaged microtubule formation in unprecedented detail, revealing a complex process that involves the gamma-tubulin ring complex and a newly-discovered latch mechanism. The findings hold promise for developing targeted therapies for various diseases, including cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 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.

OHSU-PSU School of Public Health aims to improve equity, diversity within STEM

Researchers at OHSU-PSU School of Public Health developed guidelines for measuring key demographic variables and promoting inclusive demographic data practices across student-serving programs. The study aims to address inequities and support recruitment and retention of underrepresented students in STEM fields.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalThe Journal of STEM Outreach·DateFeb 1, 2024

Dortmund physicists develop highly robust time crystal

Researchers at TU Dortmund University have developed a highly durable time crystal that outlasts previous experiments by tens of thousands of times. The team discovered a way to stabilize the crystal using nuclear spins, enabling it to maintain its periodic behavior for up to 40 minutes.

SourceTU Dortmund University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Insulin prices in US are more than twice as high as in other wealthy nations

A new RAND report finds that US insulin prices are more than nine times higher than in 33 high-income countries. After accounting for rebates and discounts, US net prices remained 2.3 times higher. The study updates earlier findings on US insulin prices and highlights the need for policy changes to address these disparities.

SourceRAND Corporation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2024

When a stressful situation is perceived as a threat, health and wellbeing suffer

Research from the University of Bath found that people who view stressful situations as threats are more likely to experience health problems, including depression and physical illnesses. In contrast, those who see challenges may report better health and wellbeing, with a suppressed immune system being a key factor.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalStress and Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2024

Mussel-inspired antimicrobial coating protects sanitary fabrics from infections

Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired antimicrobial coating that can effectively protect healthcare fabrics from pathogens and reduce the risk of infection. The coating has been shown to exhibit high efficacy against a broad spectrum of microbial species, including multi-resistant microorganisms.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Shining a new light on the tug-of-war between virus and host

Scientists at Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research developed a new method called SHIFTR, enabling the discovery of interactions between specific RNA regions and proteins in live cells. This breakthrough has shed light on SARS-CoV-2 replication and identified potential targets for innovative antiviral therapies.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Swarming cicadas, stock traders, and the wisdom of the crowd

Researchers developed a mathematical model showing how cicadas come to a consensus about local average temperature, leading to large-scale swarms. The model is related to those describing 'avalanches' in decision-making among stock market traders, highlighting the importance of communication in collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review E·DateFeb 1, 2024

Government Chief Scientific Adviser opens ground-breaking lab facility

The UK Centre for Multimodal Correlative Microscopy and Spectroscopy (CoreMiS) will enable researchers to analyze environmental samples with unprecedented detail. CoreMiS has already been used to study ancient artifacts, detect pollutants in drinking water, and investigate antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·DateFeb 1, 2024

My love language is peer-reviewed research

According to Amy Muise's research, the Five Love Languages theory doesn't hold up, as people tend to rate all expressions of love highly. Instead, she suggests a 'balanced diet' approach, where partners need multiple expressions of love simultaneously.

SourceYork University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 1, 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.

LSH genes associated with defining the shapes of stems, flowers and leaves required for N-fixing root nodules

Researchers have identified two genetic factors, LSH1/LSH2, that promote the production of specialized root cells required for nitrogen-fixing bacteria to thrive in legumes. This discovery brings us closer to engineering non-legume crops to develop root nodule organs and reduce our reliance on industrial nitrogen fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Machine learning to battle COVID-19 bacterial co-infection

A machine learning technique called LASSO was used to analyze blood samples from six countries, identifying seven genes that can predict the risk of developing a secondary respiratory bacterial infection. The findings aim to guide clinicians in making more informed decisions about antibiotic use.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 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.

Climate change: Fungal disease endangers wheat production

A new study warns that climate change could reduce global wheat production by 13% by 2050 due to the spread of the fungal disease wheat blast. The affected regions will include South America, southern Africa and Asia, where up to 75% of total wheat acreage could be at risk.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2024

Biomarkers discovered for difficult-to-diagnose breast tumour

Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research have identified unique DNA methylation patterns in phyllodes tumours, allowing for accurate diagnosis and distinction from other cancers. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for patients with this rare disease.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·DateFeb 1, 2024

Cheating death: How cancer cells escape

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme that stops cancer cell death and found it plays a pro-survival function in cancer cells. This finding provides crucial information for developing new cancer-fighting strategies.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Social inequity is linked to lower use of epidural in childbirth

Research at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that social inequity contributes to lower use of epidural analgesia among non-Hispanic White and African American women. In counties with high social inequity, labor neuraxial analgesia was used by 72% of African American women, compared to 78% in low-equality counties.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Gut bacteria can process dietary fiber into an anti-allergy weapon, finds new study

Scientists found that short-chain fatty acids produced by gut bacteria suppress allergic reactions by modulating mast cell activation and epigenetic modifications. This study provides new insights into the relationship between diet and immune system regulation, with potential applications in allergy treatment.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Microbial research unravels a global nitrogen mystery

Novel research by University of Oklahoma-led team improves understanding of ammonia oxidation, a critical component of the global nitrogen cycle. Different AOM lineages employ varying regulatory strategies to minimize competition, allowing coexistence in the same environment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 1, 2024

Targeting treatment resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers identified a next-generation BTK degrader that can destroy cellular targets and shrink tumors in drug-resistant CLL patients. The compound, NX-2127, showed promising results in laboratory studies and a phase 1 clinical trial.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateFeb 1, 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.

BIPOC individuals bear greater post-COVID health burdens, new research suggests

New research finds that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals experience greater negative impacts on their health status, activity levels, and ability to work after COVID-19 infection compared to white participants. The study highlights the need for equitable health interventions for underserved populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 2024

Improving cancer prevention among people experiencing homelessness

A systematic analysis by MedUni Vienna's Center for Public Health found that people experiencing homelessness are twice as likely to develop cancer due to increased exposure to risk factors. Key barriers include lack of access to preventive services, inadequate support from healthcare systems, and traumatic experiences.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateFeb 1, 2024

Exploring the unseen: microbial wonders in earth's saltiest waters

A recent study explores the genetic and metabolic diversity of microbial communities in hypersaline lakes, uncovering novel biological compounds and pathways. The research reveals over 3,000 unclassified microbial species, most of which are new to science, with vast potential for biotechnological innovation and environmental remediation.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateFeb 1, 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.

Researchers from Pusan National University employ artificial intelligence to unlock the secrets of magnesium alloy anisotropy

The team proposed a novel machine learning model with data augmentation, which accurately predicts the plastic anisotropic properties of wrought Mg alloys. The model showed significantly better robustness and generalizability than other models, paving the way for improved design and manufacturing of metal products.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Magnesium and Alloys·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2024

UW-Madison researchers first to 3D-print functional human brain tissue

Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a groundbreaking method for 3D printing functional human brain tissue, which can grow and function like typical brain tissue. The printed cells form connections, send signals, and interact with each other through neurotransmitters, mimicking the complexity of human brains.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Butantan Institute’s dengue vaccine protects 79.6% of those vaccinated, study shows

The Butantan-DV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing dengue development in 79.6% of vaccinated individuals, regardless of age group or prior exposure history. The vaccine also demonstrated safety for all participants, with mild to moderate side effects reported.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 1, 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.

Relocated songbirds can successfully learn the diversity of song they need to survive

A new study found that relocated songbird chicks can successfully learn the diversity of songs they need to communicate and survive. Despite an initial lack of song diversity, the population recovered as it increased in size, suggesting that translocating nestlings may not lead to long-term problems.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Pandemic lockdowns and water quality: a revealing study on building usage

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology explores the impact of reduced building occupancy on water quality. The research found that prolonged stagnation led to significant variations in water quality, including changes in heavy metal and chlorine levels.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateFeb 1, 2024

Disrupted cellular function behind type 2 diabetes in obesity

A recent study published in PNAS suggests that impaired macrophage function plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. The research found that collagen breakdown is handled by macrophages, which become deactivated in obesity and insulin resistance, leading to the accumulation of collagen fragments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Researchers develop highly efficient heat-driven thermoacoustic refrigerator

A novel bypass configuration eliminates temperature matching constraints, achieving energy flow field synergy and significantly improving efficiency. The system outperforms existing HDTRs, comparable to double-effect absorption refrigerators.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Plant receptors that control immunity and development share a common origin

Researchers have discovered that plant immune receptors and growth-related proteins share a common evolutionary ancestry, allowing for the creation of hybrid receptors with enhanced functionality. This breakthrough could lead to the development of disease-resistant crops by isolating and engineering immune receptors from various plants.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 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.

France's National Center for Scientific Research and U.S. Department of Energy sign 'Statement of Interest' on EIC collaboration

The EIC is a unique facility that will collide high-energy polarized electrons with protons or heavier ions, revealing the structure and properties of atomic nuclei. France's National Center for Scientific Research and U.S. Department of Energy have signed a Statement of Interest to strengthen their joint interest in advancing fundamen...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateFeb 1, 2024

Resistant bacteria can remain in the body for years

Researchers found that resistant bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli can remain in the body for up to nine years after initial infection. The study's key findings highlight the need for tailored treatment approaches to combat persistent infections.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2024