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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 29 of 37

Newly identified genes for depression may lead to new treatments

A global study has identified over 200 genes linked to depression, including 50 new genetic loci and 205 novel genes. The research also suggests potential for drug repurposing and highlights the need for more diverse genetic datasets to develop effective treatments.

Dry-cleaning fluid becomes a synthetic chemist's treasure

A new method has been developed to convert the widely used dry-cleaning solvent perc into carbonate esters and chloroform, valuable building blocks for further organic synthesis. This clean process uses on-demand UV activation, eliminating the need for toxic source materials.

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.

Quantum particles can’t separate from their properties, after all

Researchers at Hiroshima University have found that quantum systems exhibit contextual behavior, where measurements change the results, rather than particles separating from their properties. This discovery sheds light on the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics and may lead to practical applications in quantum computing.

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.

Rallying for a better badminton birdie

Researchers improved nylon shuttlecock design to mimic feather shuttlecock behavior at high speeds, reducing air resistance and making them harder to return. The study's findings have the potential to revolutionize the sport of badminton.

£2.6 million center to train mineral resources experts for a new generation

A £2.6 million center, led by the University of Leicester, will provide doctoral-level training in mineral resources to tackle challenges of sustainable energy generation and use. The Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET) aims to develop secure and sustainable supply of critical mineral resources.

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.

A Jupiter-sized planet has been hiding a big secret: A 350,000-mile-long tail

Researchers have discovered a Jupiter-sized planet, WASP-69b, with a comet-like tail that trails the planet for at least 350,000 miles. The tail is shaped and pushed in the direction of Earth by radiation and an outflow of gas from its host star, providing a rare opportunity to study planetary mass-loss in real time.

Unveiling the future of photonics: Hydrogel innovations pave the way

Researchers harness hydrogels to create dynamic photonic devices capable of substantial, tunable optical alterations. These advancements have the potential to transform our interaction with photonic devices, affecting technologies from everyday to specialized scientific equipment.

Epigenetic therapy shows promise for endocrine-resistant breast cancer

Researchers at the Garvan Institute discovered that epigenetic changes called DNA methylation underpin endocrine resistance in breast cancers. By reversing this methylation, they successfully reduced cancer growth in patient-derived animal models using a low dose of the epigenetic therapy drug decitabine.

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.

New research sheds light on an old fossil solving an evolutionary mystery

A team of researchers, led by Jordan Crowell and Stephen Chester, used modern CT scan technology to analyze the only known preserved picrodontid skull, revealing that they are not closely related to primates. The study highlights the importance of revisiting old specimens with updated techniques to examine them.

Sickle cell raises COVID-19 risk, but vaccination lags

A new study reveals that people with sickle cell disease are nearly two times less likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19 compared to those without the disease. Vaccination rates were particularly low in children and teens with sickle cell disease, who face a higher risk of hospitalization and death if infected.

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.

Liver transplantation becomes a 9-to-5 operation due to perfusion machine

Researchers at UMCG have successfully performed liver transplants after prolonged preservation using a perfusion machine, showing similar outcomes to immediate transplants. The new method allows for safer and more efficient liver transplantation during the day, reducing complications and mortality rates.

Unlocking the secrets of a "hot Saturn" and its spotted star

Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to analyze the atmospheric composition of HAT-P-18 b, detecting water vapour and carbon dioxide. They also found a cloud deck that mutes the signals of many molecules, and their findings suggest the star's surface is covered by dark spots. The study highlights the importance of considerin...

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.

Different pain types in multiple sclerosis can cause difficulty staying active

Research from Michigan Medicine found that widespread pain with nociplastic features can make physical activity challenging for patients with multiple sclerosis. The study suggests tailoring exercise plans to individual needs by considering underlying pain mechanisms, aiming to maintain functional independence and reduce pain intensity.

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.

Observing single protein with infrared nanospectroscopy

Researchers developed a method to observe single protein vibrational spectra using near-field optical microscopy, enabling detailed analysis of extremely small samples. The technique represents a major breakthrough for ultra-high sensitivity and super-resolution infrared imaging, as well as single-molecule vibrational spectroscopy.

Stranger than friction: A force initiating life

Researchers analyze fertilized ascidian oocytes to understand the mechanism driving cytoplasmic reorganization and cell shape changes. Friction forces between cellular components, such as actomyosin cortex and myoplasm, are found to be pivotal in determining organismal shape.

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.

Severe MS predicted using machine learning

A combination of 11 proteins can predict long-term disability outcomes in multiple sclerosis, making it possible to tailor treatments to individual patients. The study identified a specific protein, neurofilament light chain, as a reliable biomarker for disease activity.

Chemists develop new approach to inserting single carbon atoms

Researchers have developed a precise and efficient tool using 'single atom skeletal editing' to insert single carbon atoms into cyclic compounds, enabling ring size adjustment from five to six-membered rings. This approach opens up the way for designing and modifying complex molecular structures with potential industrial applications i...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

The hidden identity of leukemia

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University characterize myeloid/natural killer (NK) cell precursor acute leukemia (MNKPL) using multiomics approaches, revealing distinct molecular features. This work provides crucial details for accurate diagnoses and therapeutic decisions.

Increasing levels of "hype" language in grant applications and publications

Researchers analyzing NIH-funded projects from 1985 to 2020 found a dramatic growth in 'hype' adjectives. Hype terms correlated with funding application trends, suggesting that grant applications influence subsequent publication language. The study highlights the role of funding mechanisms in shaping research communication.

RSV shown to infect nerve cells, cause inflammation and damage

A new study reveals that Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can infect nerve cells, trigger inflammation, and cause nerve damage. RSV was previously thought to only infect the respiratory tract, but this finding suggests a potential link between the virus and neurological symptoms in children.

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.

Perinatal depression and risk of suicidal behavior

Women with perinatal depression are at a heightened risk of suicidal behavior, particularly in the first year after diagnosis, with persistent elevations throughout 18 years of follow-up. The study emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring to support this vulnerable group.

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.

The rock that creates clouds

Researchers at TU Wien discovered that feldspar's unique surface geometry provides the perfect anchoring point for water molecules, enabling efficient cloud formation. The hydroxyl layer formed on the feldspar surface allows water molecules to stick and freeze, forming clouds.

Is spa water a fossil of water? Uncover the real ultra-deep water cycles

Scientists analyzed stable isotope compositions of hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules to identify long-trapped lithospheric water. They found distinct characteristics shared by various types of deep water, including those beneath the seafloor and in volcanic steam, indicating a common evolutionary trajectory.

New research identifies renowned rock art sites ‘chosen’ for vantage

Researchers have identified internationally significant rock art sites in Arnhem Land that were intentionally selected for their critical vantage points. The Flinders University research team used innovative methods to model the environmental conditions 15,000-28,000 years ago, shedding new light on the locations and roles of these sites.

Nube, the almost invisible galaxy which challenges the dark matter model

The newly discovered galaxy Nube has a set of specific properties that distinguish it from previously known objects, including being ten times fainter and ten times more extended than other dwarf galaxies. Its unusual characteristics challenge the current understanding of the universe, particularly the dark matter model.

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.

Main regulator for the body`s oven discovered

Brown fat cells convert energy into heat, protecting against cardiovascular diseases. Researchers discovered a new protein, EPAC1, that increases brown fat mass and activity, offering a potential target for weight loss therapies.

Meteorite analysis shows Earth's building blocks contained water

Researchers found that iron meteorites from the inner and outer solar systems had similar amounts of missing iron metal, suggesting that water was present in planetesimals right from the start. This challenges current models, which predict cooler temperatures for the inner solar system or formation further out.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study reveals key molecular mechanisms involved in development of tomato plant

The study shows how interaction between plant hormone gibberellin and small RNA molecules enables the development of ovaries, followed by fruit and seeds in tomatoes. This knowledge serves as a basis for ways to increase tomato yield by manipulating the genetic and physiological basis of microRNA and hormone interactions.