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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 1 of 37

Did dementia exist in ancient Greek and Rome?

A new analysis of ancient Greek and Roman medical texts suggests that severe memory loss was extremely rare 2,000 to 2,500 years ago. The study bolsters the idea that Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are diseases of modern environments and lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

How to make bright quantum dots even brighter

Perovskite quantum dots made brighter by surface treatment with phospholipids, enabling higher photon emission rates. Coherent coupling of exciton dipoles boosts superradiance, making the dots even brighter for quantum technologies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 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.

Polycystic ovary syndrome tied to memory, thinking problems

People with polycystic ovary syndrome may experience lower memory and thinking skills, as well as subtle brain changes at midlife. Researchers found an association between the condition and cognitive decline, but additional research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 31, 2024

Homo sapiens already reached northwest Europe more than 45,000 years ago

Researchers discovered human fossils and artifacts at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, indicating that Homo sapiens arrived in cold northern latitudes before Neanderthals disappeared in southwest Europe. The analysis of ancient DNA and zooarchaeological findings suggests that humans consumed a diverse range of animals during their stay.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet Public Health: Transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people more likely to have a long-term mental health condition, first England-wide study suggests

A recent English study found that transgender men and women are at a higher risk of long-term mental health conditions (16.4% and 15.9%, respectively), while non-binary individuals face an even higher risk (47.2%). The study also highlights the need for improved support systems and staff training to address these disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Researchers overview recent progress and challenges in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have made significant advancements in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including the development of binders, composites, and electrolytes. However, Si-based anodes still face challenges such as volume expansion, lower electrical conductivity, and inconsistent kinetics reaction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

A dual-function selection system enables positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis

A new dual-function selection system enables both positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis. This system leverages a DAO-based surrogate selection marker to facilitate efficient multiplex CRISPR editing in plants.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalaBIOTECH·DateJan 31, 2024

Ketamine helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows

A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 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.

Precursor of cholesterol protects cells from ferroptosis

A team of scientists has found that 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) integrates into cell membranes and prevents ferroptosis, increasing cellular fitness and potentially promoting aggressive cancer behavior. This discovery could lead to the development of new cancer treatments targeting cholesterol biosynthesis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Paper calls for patient-first regulation of AI in healthcare

A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 31, 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.

Pacific nations tax unhealthy foods to tackle NCD crisis

A systematic review of Pacific Island countries' food taxation policies found that five countries introduced new excise taxes, while 14 made changes to tariffs on imported foods, primarily targeting processed foods, sugar, fatty meats, and salt.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Artificial Intelligence tool designed to identify olive varieties based on photos of olive pits

A neural network trained on a photographic database of olive fruit endocarps can identify olive varieties with high accuracy. The OliVaR tool automates the traditional morphological classification process, allowing growers to quickly identify olive tree varieties and advancing general knowledge of all existing olive varieties.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJan 31, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy

A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Team of astronomers make a serendipitous discovery of a galaxy that shouldn’t exist

Researchers have found a serendipitous discovery of a dwarf galaxy, PEARLSDG, that contradicts current theories on galaxy formation. The isolated quiescent galaxy has an old stellar population and doesn't form new stars, with individual stars visible in JWST images, providing clues to its distance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 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.

RealFuVSR: Feature enhanced real-world videosuper-resolution

This study proposes RealFuVSR, a model that extracts and fuses features from multiple scales to eliminate artifacts. It uses deformable convolution, multi-scale feature extraction, cascade residual upsampling, and simulation of real-world degradation.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 31, 2024

Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard

Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that changes in subtropical and midlatitude eddy activity control the variation of the Hadley cell edge latitude. The researchers analyzed 41 years of data and found associations with El Niño, La Niña, and the Arctic oscillation.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 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.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence nearly doubles in Israel between 2017 and 2021

The study found a 4-fold increase in ASD diagnoses among 2-3 year-old children and a 2-fold increase in older ages. The research highlights the need for education and healthcare services to keep up with the growing demand, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve communication and social skills.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Detecting hepatitis viruses in wastewater

Researchers detected nearly 73% of hepatitis E virus RNA in wastewater samples from sewage treatment plants. High-throughput sequencing revealed genetic variants that could indicate drug resistance, posing a challenge for treatment.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalLiver International·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Researchers uncover source rocks of the first real continents

Scientists have identified a new mechanism for forming the building blocks of Earth's early crust, which led to the creation of modern continents. The discovery relies solely on internal geological forces and challenges the long-standing theory of Archean TTG magmatism being linked to the start of plate tectonics.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 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.

Firing nerve fibers in the brain are supplied with energy on demand

A team of neuroscientists has discovered that oligodendrocytes, myelin-forming cells, accelerate glucose consumption to deliver energy-rich molecules to rapidly firing axons. This communication is mediated by potassium signals and maintains axonal health.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

A new way to visualize brain cancer

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT unveiled a new microscopy technology called decrowding expansion pathology (dExPath) that provides novel insights into brain cancer development. The technology enables scientists to study neurological diseases at a never-before-achieved nanoscale level on conventional clinical samples.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

New study reports that Greenland is a methane sink rather than a source

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that Greenland consumes more methane than it releases, with dry landscapes absorbing over 65,000 tons annually. The study's findings contribute significantly to climate models and provide insights into the optimal soil conditions for methane uptake in the Arctic.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2024

Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing African elephants’ future

A new study by UMass Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that climate change disproportionately affects older African elephants, who will have decreased chances of survival. This can lead to a ripple effect on their ecosystems and cultures, highlighting the need for coordinated management strategies at all levels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 31, 2024

Identify, engage, assassinate: How seahorse-like toxins kill insects

Researchers have identified and detailed the structure of Mcf1, a bacterial toxin that kills insects by disrupting essential proteins in their cells. The discovery has implications for developing new organic pest control agents and may also shed light on human diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 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.

BCAS1 defines a heterogeneous cell population in diffuse glioma patients

Researchers have uncovered the molecular and ultrastructural features of BCAS1+ cells in diffuse gliomas, highlighting their proliferative capacity and distribution. The study provides a comprehensive characterization of the BCAS1+ cell population within diffuse gliomas, shedding light on its role in tumor malignancy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 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.

Alleviate the drought in the east Hungarian plains

The researchers conclude that intensive agricultural cultivation has reduced the landscape's water storage capacity, leading to severe droughts. Restoring natural habitats can restore soil structure, allowing for evapotranspiration and guaranteeing rainfall in drought years.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalLand·DateJan 31, 2024

Potential link between high maternal cortisol, unpredicted birth complications

A study by Washington State University researchers found a potential link between high maternal cortisol levels and unpredictable birth complications. Cortisol measurements in hair samples revealed elevated stress hormone levels among women who later experienced unexpected birth problems, such as early births or hemorrhaging.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJan 31, 2024

‘Tiny tornadoes’ around leaves spread deadly plant pathogens

Researchers at Cornell University analyzed plant spore dispersion using high-speed cameras and predicted the trajectory of spores carried by swirling motion created by vibrating leaves. The study aims to design a strategy to reduce pathogens from spreading from leaves.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 31, 2024

Netherlands society is split into six social classes with varying proportions of economic, social, cultural and health/attractiveness capital, find Dutch researchers who also note class differences in views and wellbeing

A recent study by Dutch researchers found that Netherlands society is split into six social classes, each with distinct proportions of economic, social, cultural, and health/attractiveness capital. The study highlights class differences in views and wellbeing, providing insights into the country's contemporary social structure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 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.

UC Irvine scientists make breakthrough in quantum materials research

Researchers at UC Irvine and Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a way to transform glass-like materials into conductors for use in quantum computers. By applying controlled strain to atomic structures, they can create materials with unique electrical properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2024

A team of scientists from CiQUS and CSIC develops a new type of anticancer agent

A team of scientists has developed a new type of anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells, which are difficult to eradicate. The compound, called Ru1, promotes a decrease in the expression of genes necessary for mitochondrial respiration, causing cancerous cells to lose their potential.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJan 31, 2024

Engineers develop hack to make automotive radar hallucinate

Researchers at Duke University create a system called MadRadar that can trick automotive radar sensors into believing anything is possible without prior knowledge. The technology can hide existing cars, create phantom vehicles, or make it seem like an actual car has changed course.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

Researchers at Tohoku University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a machine learning method to predict the growth of carbon nanostructures on metal surfaces. The approach combines theoretical models with data from chemistry experiments to control the dynamics of material growth, leading to improved quality and efficiency.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2024
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.

The hottest catalog of the year: the most comprehensive list of slow-building solar flares yet

Researchers have cataloged nearly 1400 slow-rising flares using Chandrayaan-2 data, revealing a significant increase in the number of slow-building flares compared to previous decades. The study suggests that solar flares may exhibit different behaviors, including varying rates of rise and fall.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSolar Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Risk calculator helps personalize care for heart failure patients

Researchers developed a risk calculator to predict individualized risk of right heart failure after left heart pump surgery, tailoring care to each patient. The STOP-RVF calculator uses machine learning and considers variables such as pre-existing health conditions, medications, and demographic information.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Decarbonizing the world’s industries

The study found that decarbonising the industrial sector is technically possible with a mix of high and low-maturity technologies. Established carbon capture and storage technologies can save nearly 85% of emissions, while electric technologies can theoretically reduce emissions by 40-100%.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJoule·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

High-tech aerial mapping reveals England’s hedgerow landscape

Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 31, 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.

Bringing order to disordered proteins

A team of scientists has developed a computational model to predict properties of intrinsically disordered proteins, enabling the study of all 28,000 human disordered proteins. This breakthrough provides new insights into their roles in disease and biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2024

European leadership in secure and trustworthy AI

The European Union aims to position itself as a world-class hub for AI, prioritizing trustworthiness and human-centric innovation. Key experts discuss the importance of security, accuracy, and ethical deployment in AI development.

SourceEstonian Research Council·DateJan 31, 2024

The use of biofuels may reduce black smoke emissions of cars by 90%

A study by the University of Malaga and the Future Power Systems Group of the University of Birmingham found that oxygenated biofuels blended with diesel can reduce soot emissions by over 90%. The research uses bio-alcohols and bio-ketones, which are produced from low-carbon biomass residues, to achieve this reduction.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalFuel·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 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.

Understanding rapid weight loss in older women: Message from the heart

A new study found that abdominal aortic calcification is associated with rapid weight loss in older women, leading to higher risks of falls, fractures, and mortality. The researchers hope this discovery will lead to changes in treatment approaches for rapid weight loss in older adults.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateJan 31, 2024