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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 17 of 37

Semen microbiome health may impact male fertility

A recent study by researchers at UCLA Health Sciences found that the presence of certain microorganisms in semen may affect sperm motility and male fertility. Specifically, Lactobacillus iners was linked to negative impacts on sperm parameters.

Ancient chewing gum reveals stone age diet

A new study of ancient DNA in chewed resin from Sweden's Huseby Klev site reveals the diets of 9,700-year-old teenagers, including deer, trout, and hazelnuts. The analysis also shows one individual had severe gum disease.

Injectable agents could improve liquid biopsy for cancer detection and monitoring

Scientists have developed two injectable priming agents to improve liquid biopsy performance by slowing down the clearance of circulating tumor DNA from the body. In mouse studies, these agents increased circulating tumor DNA levels by more than 10-fold, improving the sensitivity of detecting cancer in mice with low tumor burden.

Cannabis and driving in older adults

A study of 31 participants aged 65-79 found increased weaving and decreased speed after cannabis smoking. Impaired driving persisted for three hours, regardless of blood THC concentrations.

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.

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.

Even nicotine-free vapes can harm the lung - study

A new study found that nicotine-free vape fluid can increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs, causing damage similar to patients with lung injury. The research identified a protein called ARF6 as a key regulator of this damage.

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.

Pomerons in the proton do not destroy maximal entanglement

In a study, an international team of physicists demonstrated that maximum entanglement is present in the proton even when pomerons are involved. The research complements previous findings on maximal entanglement in proton collisions and shows its universality.

Self-powered sensor automatically harvests magnetic energy

Researchers at MIT developed a battery-free sensor that can harvest energy from its environment, allowing for long-term data collection in remote settings. The sensor uses a network of integrated circuits and transistors to store and convert energy efficiently, eliminating the need for batteries.

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 address debates on postbiotic definition with new paper

A new perspective paper addresses common questions and misconceptions about the postbiotic definition, which excludes microbially-produced metabolites. The authors provide further justification for the concept, clarifying its scope and implications for commercial products.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Norovirus outbreaks are detectable by wastewater monitoring earlier than by other surveillance methods depending on reporting practices, making this a potentially important public health tool

Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.

Remodeling the immune system to fight tuberculosis

A team of researchers from UMass Amherst and Seattle Children's Research Institute found that prior exposure to certain bacteria changes the lung's innate immune response, making it more vulnerable to tuberculosis. The study suggests that remodeling the innate immune system could be a more effective strategy in fighting TB.

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.

Chemical synthesis: new strategy for skeletal editing on pyridines

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method for converting carbon-nitrogen atom pairs in pyridines into carbon-carbon atom pairs through skeletal editing. This strategy has potential applications in the creation of new drugs and materials based on ring structures.

Early growth spurt: how prenatal chemical exposure shapes child development

A study of 804 mother-child pairs found distinct growth patterns in children based on their prenatal exposure to organophosphate esters, with girls showing increased growth in length and weight. Higher levels of certain OPEs during pregnancy were associated with larger head sizes in boys and faster growth rates in children.

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.

Climate change may reduce life expectancy by half a year, study suggests

A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.

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.

Using magnetized neurons to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms

Researchers developed a wireless method to effectively reduce motor dysfunction in people with Parkinson's disease using magnetogenetics. The treatment showed improved motor function and no significant damage in and around the brain, suggesting it could be a safer alternative to traditional implanted DBS systems.

For this beetle, ‘date night’ comes every other day

Researchers discovered that male large black chafer beetles have a 48-hour circadian clock to detect female pheromones, synchronized with females' mating behavior. The study sheds light on the biological mechanism behind this unusual cycle, leaving experts wondering about the underlying cues that govern natural rhythms.

New treatment options for bloodstream infections

Researchers have gained decisive insights into treating bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus, finding that early oral antibiotic therapy is as effective and safe as intravenous standard treatment. This approach enables easier treatment and faster discharge for patients at low risk of developing infectious complications.

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.

Texas A&M AgriLife Research study may lead to novel obesity treatment

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to novel treatment for obesity and associated diseases. The growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) plays a critical role in chronic inflammation, which is a key reason obese individuals often have multiple chronic diseases.

How does one species become many?

A global team of biologists used nearly two decades of field data from the Galápagos Islands to study the relationship between beak traits and individual longevity in four species of Darwin's finches. The researchers found that each species' unique beak traits correspond to fitness peaks, which are essential for survival.

Scientists unlock secrets of aromatic molecules interaction with gold

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science used SERS to study the interactions between aromatic molecules and Au surfaces, revealing new insights into interfacial interactions. The results show a strong potential for SERS in detecting aromatic molecules with high sensitivity.

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.

Online reviews: filter the fraud, but don’t tell us how

Researchers found that online reviews on Yelp were negatively impacted by the platform's transparent filter policy, resulting in fewer positive and shorter reviews. The study suggests that platforms must balance transparency with user engagement to maintain trust.

Molecular switch plays central role in bacterial dysentery

A team of researchers identified a CTP-dependent transcription factor controlling Shigella virulence gene expression, providing new avenues for combating this and related bacterial pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis.

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.

New cause of neuron death in Alzheimer's discovered

Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that toxic short RNAs contribute to neuron death and DNA damage in Alzheimer's disease. Studies found that older individuals with superior memories have higher amounts of protective short RNA strands in their brains.

Study examines substance use in first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that work pressures increased burnout and problematic substance use among first responders, while general workplace support strategies reduced the risk. Conversely, COVID-related support strategies such as compensation during quarantine increased problematic substance use.

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.

Better wireless communication made possible through machine learning

A new algorithm integrates deep learning and federated learning for accurate channel estimation, outperforming state-of-the-art models in sparse and dense scenarios. The algorithm's use of a user motivation scheme and federated learning framework provides robustness, adaptability, and scalability.

AI can boost service for vulnerable customers

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify vulnerable consumers, address their needs, and mitigate potential discrimination. The framework provides real-time analysis of consumer chat responses to build risk scores and offer customized tips to customer service agents.

DNA construction led to unexpected discovery of important cell function

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used DNA origami to activate the Notch receptor in a new way, revealing it can be activated 'on demand' with the help of a protein called Jag1. The study opens new avenues for understanding the Notch signalling pathway and its role in serious diseases like cancer and Alagille Syndrome.

AI harnesses tumor genetics to predict treatment response

A groundbreaking study uses machine learning to predict treatment resistance in cervical cancer by analyzing genetic mutations. The algorithm identified molecular assemblies driving treatment resistance and pinpointed tumors most susceptible to therapy, resulting in improved patient outcomes.

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.

AMS 2024 Annual Meeting highlights climate challenges and solutions

The AMS 104th Annual Meeting will focus on climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation, with key discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. The meeting features numerous scientific conferences and symposia covering topics like climate variability, air pollution meteorology, AI for environmental science, and more.