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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 26 of 37

Artificial intelligence fails in grammar

A study led by Universitat Rovira i Virgili reveals AI systems struggle to recognize grammatical errors in sentences. Human evaluators train models on correct and incorrect constructions, but these are not learned from negative feedback like in humans.

New rice lines for Africa offer virus protection

A research team has developed rice lines resistant to Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV) using genome editing, offering hope for African small-scale farmers. The resistant varieties were created by inserting a resistance gene into Asian rice, which can be easily transferred to local elite varieties.

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.

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.

Transparent brain implant can read deep neural activity from the surface

A new transparent brain implant has been developed to read deep neural activity from the surface, providing a step closer to building a minimally invasive brain-computer interface. The technology enables high-resolution data about deep neural activity by using recordings from the brain surface and correlating them with calcium spikes i...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA’s Fermi detects surprise gamma-ray feature beyond our galaxy

Astronomers have found an unexpected gamma-ray signal outside of our galaxy, with a magnitude 10 times greater than expected from Earth's motion. The discovery is linked to the highest-energy cosmic rays and may be related to unidentified sources producing both gamma-rays and ultrahigh-energy particles.

€2million research project to develop AI system to improve air travel efficiency

A new European research project, SMARTS, aims to improve air travel efficiency by redesigning flexible airspace sectors using artificial intelligence. The €2million project will create accurate predictive models and develop innovative sector configuration plans to reduce passenger delays, increase productivity, and lower emissions.

Catalytic combo converts CO2 to solid carbon nanofibers

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University developed a tandem electrocatalytic-thermocatalytic conversion method to convert CO2 into carbon nanofibers. This approach can occur at relatively low temperatures, around 400°C, making it a more practical and industrially achievable process.

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.

Making an important industrial synthesis more environmentally friendly

Scientists from Osaka University and collaborators identify environmentally friendly reaction conditions for producing peracids, overcoming wasteful and dangerous chemical synthesis methods. The optimized process uses sunlight and oxygen, allowing for safe and cost-effective production of essential chemicals.

Toxic algae blooms: Study assesses potential health hazards to humans

A study by FAU Harbor Branch researchers found unique patterns of cytotoxicity associated with toxins in the lagoon, suggesting potential human health risks. The study used a panel of immortalized human cell lines to detect and analyze metabolites present in water samples, revealing high toxicity levels at certain sites.

A tiny tattoo for a tabby

Researchers at The University of Tokyo developed a bio-tagging method using dissolvable microneedle arrays for permanent animal identification. The approach, called 'MAPs,' uses customizable molds to tattoo unique identifiers into the skin, offering a safer and more humane alternative to traditional ear tags or RFID chips.

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.

Intriguing insights uncovered for two rare heart muscle diseases

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine sheds light on two rare heart conditions, dilated cardiomyopathy and peripartum cardiomyopathy. The study reveals that truncated titin proteins are present in hearts affected by DCM, indicating a potential link between genetic variants and disease development.

Optical aspects of quantitative photoacoustic tomography

The review discusses the optical aspects of QPAT, including mathematical models for light propagation and interaction with biological tissues. The authors outline two approaches to estimating chromophore concentrations from absorbed optical energy density data, highlighting the challenges associated with practical implementation, such ...

Beaches and dunes globally squeezed by roads and buildings

Researchers found that human infrastructure is generally located very close to the sea, with an average distance of 390 meters from the coastline. Designating nature reserves can help protect beaches and dunes from rising sea levels, flooding, and biodiversity loss. Currently, only 16% of the world's sandy coasts are protected.

CD4+ T cell patterns linked to autoimmune disorders

A study published in Cell Genomics reveals that specific changes in CD4+ T cell categories and gene programs are associated with autoimmune diseases, including distinct patterns related to aging and sex. The findings provide a comprehensive catalog of CD4+ T cell changes linked to 20 different autoimmune diseases.

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.

Even the oldest eukaryote fossils show dazzling diversity and complexity

Researchers discovered diverse microfossils of ancient eukaryotes, including 10 previously undescribed species, that exhibit complex characteristics like cell walls made of bound fibers and tiny trapdoors. These findings suggest that early eukaryotes were already diverse and advanced, with some evidence pointing to an aerobic metabolism.

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.

Advances and challenges in semantic communications: A systematic review

Modern semantic communication optimizes information transmission and error correction using natural redundancy, enabling end-to-end system-wide optimization. The Seb-based framework provides a new basic model for semantic information representation, with potential applications in Intellicise networks and various industries.

A noninvasive method for assessing muscular health in an aging population

A noninvasive method for assessing muscular health in an aging population has been developed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study found that the phase angle can estimate muscle contractile properties and is associated with better muscle function, making it a valuable tool for monitoring muscular health.

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 catalytic technique creates key component of incontinence drug in less time

A new catalyst developed by researchers at Nagoya University successfully synthesized a key intermediate for the incontinence drug oxybutynin in 5-30 minutes, significantly faster than existing methods. The discovery represents a major advance in chiral drug synthesis and holds great promise for future drug discovery efforts.

ACIP releases 2024 Adult Immunization Schedule featuring four new vaccines

The 2024 adult immunization schedule features four new vaccines, including the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, mpox vaccine, a new MenACWY-MenB combo vaccine, and updated versions of the COVID-19 vaccine. Clinicians stress the need for effective communication strategies to increase vaccine uptake among skeptical patients.

Generating stable qubits at room temperature

Scientists achieve room-temperature quantum coherence by embedding a chromophore in a metal-organic framework, enabling the creation of quintet state qubits with four electron spins. This breakthrough could lead to the development of multiple qubit systems at room temperature, revolutionizing quantum computing and sensing.

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.

NASA scientists discover a novel galactic ‘fossil’

Researchers have discovered a novel galactic 'fossil' in the spiral galaxy NGC 4945, which sheds light on the evolution of galaxies. The X-rays outline giant clouds of cold gas that were blasted through the galaxy after its central supermassive black hole erupted 5 million years ago.

More aerosol particles than thought are forming over Siberia

Researchers discovered frequent aerosol particle formation events in Siberia's West Siberian taiga during heatwave conditions. This may have a mitigating cooling effect on the climate. The study aims to inform decision-making and improve understanding of forest-atmosphere interactions.

Protein complex discovered to control DNA repair

A team of scientists has identified a previously unrecognized control point in DNA repair processes, which could lead to novel cancer therapies by inhibiting the repair of damaged cancer cells. The newly discovered GSE1-CoREST complex contains three enzymes that control DNA repair and may form the basis for improved cancer treatments.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Efficient antibody production “wobbles”

Researchers have found that antibody sequences contain an unusual number of codons without corresponding tRNAs, which can be bridged by the inosine wobble modification. This modification allows for more efficient production of antibodies, with implications for vaccine efficacy and rationally designed vaccines.

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.

Focused ion beam technology

Focused ion beam technology has numerous applications in material processing, microelectronics, and life sciences. The instrument uses a finely focused ion beam for nanoscale analysis, prototype creation, and material modification.

Understanding healthy and happy expectancy in former soviet countries

Researchers found that populations in Central Asian countries have significantly higher healthy and happy life expectancies compared to Russians, despite lower socioeconomic development. This challenges the understanding of health and raises questions about contributing factors to healthier lives in these communities.

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.

Bridging light and electrons

Researchers at EPFL and Max Planck Institute have successfully bridged the gap between light and electrons using a transmission electron microscope. They achieved this by generating dissipative Kerr solitons that interact with free electrons, allowing for ultrafast modulation of electron beams.

Researchers uncover blood flow regulation of brain pericyte development

Brain pericytes play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. A new study reveals that blood flow promotes their proliferation after entering the brain, relying on the activation of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in vascular endothelial cells and downstream Notch signaling.

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.

New insights into what helps Salmonella cause infections

Researchers have discovered how the TamAB system helps Salmonella survive under harsh conditions inside macrophages. The study found that TamAB creates favorable conditions for the Bam complex to work, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Understanding this process could help in developing treatments for Salmonella infections.