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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 25 of 37

Towards realizing eco-friendly and high-performance thermoelectric materials

Researchers developed inverse-perovskite-based thermoelectric materials with low lattice thermal conductivity and high power factor, promising eco-friendly alternatives to toxic heavy element-based materials. The materials exhibit high energy conversion efficiency, comparable to toxic elements in the same temperature range.

Toward efficient spintronic materials

Japanese researchers have revealed a strain-induced orbital control mechanism in interfacial multiferroics, potentially leading to efficient spintronic devices. The team showed the microscopic origin of the large magnetoelectric effect in the material, providing guidelines for designing materials with a large magnetoelectric effect.

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.

First prehistoric person with Turner syndrome identified from ancient DNA

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified the first prehistoric person with mosaic Turner syndrome, characterized by one X chromosome instead of two. The study also found the earliest known incidence of Jacob's syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and an infant with Down Syndrome in ancient DNA samples.

Collaborative infectious disease research takes aim at bystander cells

A new research effort, led by University of Oklahoma's Zhibo Yang and San Diego State University's Laura-Isobel McCall, aims to investigate the role of bystander cells in infectious diseases. By examining metabolism changes in non-infected cells near infected cells, researchers hope to gain insights into possible disease progression.

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.

How does social attention develop in autistic children?

Research reveals that autistic children develop their own unique visual preferences for social elements, unlike typically developing children who synchronize their attention on social interactions. Early intervention targeting social attention may help guide autistic children onto developmental courses more akin to their peers.

A single-celled microbe is helping corals survive climate change, study finds

A recent study discovered that certain protists within the coral microbiome can inform scientists about a coral's ability to survive heat stress. The researchers found that parasitic single-celled protists are more common in corals that survive heat-stress, while Corallicolids are more common in corals that die from heat-stress.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Guantanamo Bay: 22 years of indefinite detention and eroded human rights

The Guantanamo Bay detention camp has held hundreds of individuals suspected of terrorism without charge or trial for up to 22 years. International human rights organizations have widely condemned the conditions, leading to calls for its closure. The facility's legacy highlights the need to balance security with human rights and dignity.

Substance use disorders among adult cancer survivors

Adult cancer survivors are at higher risk for substance use disorders (SUD), especially those with certain types of cancer; the study suggests integrated care could benefit these patients. The research highlights the need to address comorbid SUD in cancer populations with high SUD prevalence, prioritizing high-risk cancers.

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.

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.

Antibiotic use is not the only driver of superbugs

Researchers analyzed UK and Norway data on antibiotic-resistant bacteria, finding that antibiotic use amplifies the spread, but genetic makeup and environmental pressures are also crucial factors. The study suggests a more nuanced understanding of antibiotic resistance is needed to inform public health interventions.

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.

Research shows deadly brain cancer can mimic healthy neurons

Researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have discovered that glioblastoma cells can mimic healthy neurons, evading drugs and immune systems. They identified key enzymes and protein modifications, including BRAF, which shows promise as a potential therapy target.

Study finds AI-driven eye exams increase screening rates for youth with diabetes

A new study published in Nature Communications found that AI-driven eye exams can close care gaps among racial and ethnic minority youth with diabetes, populations with historically higher rates of diabetic retinopathy. The technology uses cameras to take pictures of the back of the eye without dilation and provides immediate results.

Reduced blood lead levels linked to lower blood pressure

Researchers found that small declines in blood lead levels were associated with long-term cardiovascular health improvements, including reductions in systolic blood pressure and markers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. This study suggests that even small decreases in blood lead levels can have meaningful health outcomes.

Molecularly designing polymer networks to control sound damping

Scientists at the University of Illinois have created polymer networks with dynamic bonds that can selectively absorb specific frequencies of sound and vibrations. This innovative material has the potential to improve hearing protection for individuals exposed to loud noises, such as military personnel or helicopter pilots.

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.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

In the driver’s seat: study explores how we interact with remote drivers

Researchers studied user perceptions and requirements for remote driving in L4 AVs, highlighting the importance of clear communication and reliable teleoperation systems. The study found that users support remote driving as a failsafe mechanism but raise concerns about cybersecurity, privacy, and performance.

Bulky additives could make cheaper solar cells last longer

Engineers have discovered a method to increase the stability of perovskite solar cells using bulky additives, which could enable the production of cheaper solar panels. The study suggests that larger molecules with specific configurations are most effective at preventing defects in the cells.

How can the brain compete with AI?

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University discover a possible mechanism underlying the brain's efficient shallow learning, enabling it to perform complex classification tasks with similar accuracy as deep learning. The study proposes a wider and higher architecture as a complementary mechanism to deep architectures.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Challenging the traditional views on how the brain processes movement and sensation

A study by Fujita Health University researchers unveiled novel insights into the brain's processing of movement and sensation. The findings suggest that signals from motor cortices do not primarily modulate sensory responses in primary sensory cortices, but rather pathways from secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) and sensory thalamus (...

Potential solvents identified for building on moon and Mars

Using machine learning and computational modeling, Washington State University researchers found six good candidates for solvents that can extract materials on the moon and Mars usable in 3D printing. The solvents, called ionic liquids, are salts in a liquid state.

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.

Our surprising magnetic galaxy

A team of astronomers created the first-ever 3D map of magnetic field structures within a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy, showing that magnetic fields break away from the general picture and impact star-forming regions. The findings suggest that magnetic fields played a role in creating our own solar system.

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.

Researchers discover potential microbiome links to skin aging

A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego reveals a connection between the skin microbiome and signs of aging, including crow's feet wrinkles. The analysis found positive associations with diverse skin microbiomes and negative correlations with moisture loss, suggesting potential new directions for skincare solutions.

U.S. health costs related to chemicals in plastics reached $250 billion in 2018

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society estimates that chemicals in plastics contribute to various diseases and disabilities in the US, resulting in significant healthcare costs. The study found that $67 billion is attributed to phthalate exposure, while PFAS exposure leads to $22 billion in health costs.

Female business leaders need better support to thrive in times of crisis

Female business leaders need better support to thrive in times of crisis, according to new research from the University of Surrey. The study found that female-led firms had harder times bouncing back from the pandemic due to limited access to external financial resources and weaker professional networks.

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.

Loss of executive function may signal onset of neurodegenerative condition FXTAS

Researchers at UC Davis found that men with FMR1 premutation who experienced reduced executive function were at higher likelihood of developing fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome. Executive function challenges, particularly working memory and organization issues, were strongly associated with the development of FXTAS.

Pain-based weather forecasts could influence actions

A recent study from the University of Georgia found that over 70% of respondents with chronic pain would alter their daily plans based on weather-based pain forecasts. The study suggests that developing a reliable pain-based weather forecast could help individuals take preventative measures to manage their pain levels.

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.