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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 4 of 37

Pitt receives new grant to improve opioid use disorder treatment

The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy's PERU has received a $7.8 million grant to develop and implement measurement-based care into community opioid treatment programs across Pennsylvania. This project aims to improve treatment access, promote recovery, and reduce fatal overdoses by addressing patient needs through personaliz...

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.

Goats can tell if you are happy or angry by your voice alone

Research suggests goats have developed a sensitivity to human vocal cues over their association with humans. The study found that goats tend to gaze longer at the source of an angrier-sounding voice than a happier one. This ability may contribute to better understanding animal behavior, welfare, and emotional experiences.

Functional bladder tissue regenerated using bone marrow cells

Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have made a major breakthrough in bladder tissue regeneration by using bone marrow cells. The study, published in PNAS Nexus, demonstrates the ability to regenerate healthy bladder tissue after two years of monitoring.

DNA particles that mimic viruses hold promise as vaccines

Researchers created a DNA-based vaccine that mimics the structure of a virus, inducing a strong antibody response against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine uses a DNA scaffold carrying viral proteins, allowing the immune system to focus on the target antigen.

Switching to vegan or ketogenic diet rapidly impacts immune system

A study found distinct immune responses occur quickly when diets change, with the vegan diet prompting innate immunity and the keto diet adaptive immunity. Metabolic changes and microbiome shifts were also observed, highlighting the need for further research on the health effects of these dietary interventions.

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.

Music causes similar emotions and bodily sensations across cultures

A new study reveals that music activates the autonomic nervous system, causing shivers down the spine, regardless of culture. The research found that emotional music triggers specific bodily sensations across Western and Asian listeners, suggesting a universal response to music-induced emotions.

Geoengineering may slow Greenland ice sheet loss

Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

After 7 years, alcohol control program still reduces child abuse

A neighborhood alcohol control project in Sacramento reduced total and alcohol-related foster care entries by 11.8% and 11.2%, respectively, seven years after implementation. The study suggests that environmental prevention efforts like SNAPP can have a positive impact for an extended period.

Protecting rice plants from heat when it attacks at nighttime

A team of scientists has identified two key proteins involved in a plant's ability to cope with nighttime heat stress, shedding light on the circadian clock's role in regulating this process. The discovery reveals that these proteins control mRNA alternative splicing and contribute to improved thermotolerance.

A faster, more efficient imaging system for nanoparticles

A new technique developed at INRS pushes back some of the limits of infrared imaging for rare-earth doped nanoparticles. The SWIR-PLIMASC system enables high-sensitivity and high-speed imaging, allowing for accurate information to be derived from photoluminescence lifetimes.

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.

Discovery of a third RNA virus linage in extreme environments

Researchers have discovered a novel RNA viral genome from thermoacidophilic microbes in hot springs, revealing a previously overlooked third RNA virus kingdom. The discovery sheds light on the diversity and evolution of RNA viruses and their potential roles in high-temperature environments.

Study suggests secret for getting teens to listen to unsolicited advice

A new study found that emerging adults appreciate their parents' unsolicited advice if they are supportive of their autonomy. Parents can foster this by providing clear guidelines and participating in activities interesting to their teens. Conversely, dismissive postures like 'Because I said so' can cause teens to build walls around un...

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.

“Genomic time machine” reveals secrets of our DNA

A new study reveals a larger number of transposable elements in the human genome than previously known, shedding light on their potential role in human diseases. The 'genomic time machine' approach allowed researchers to identify degenerate TEs that were missed in previous studies.

Mapping cell behaviors in high-grade glioma to improve treatment

Researchers have identified regional biological signatures in invasive brain tumor margins of high-grade glioma, which could lead to improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Advanced MRI techniques may help distinguish between the genetic and molecular alterations, providing insights into resistance to treatment.

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.

Body positive images on social media improve how men view their bodies

A new study from the University of Surrey reveals that exposure to body-positive images on social media increases body satisfaction in both men and women, while idealized imagery decreases it. Body positivity is perceived as promoting plus-size bodies more than other characteristics, but can still be beneficial for all body types.

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.

Artificial muscles – lighter, safer, more robust

Researchers have created artificial muscles that contract in response to electrical impulses, using a liquid-filled pouch with electrodes. The HALVE actuators can store energy well, lift weights, and are now waterproof and more robust than previous models.

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.

Game mimics reality to improve life for older adults with cancer

A team led by UCF College of Nursing Professor Victoria Loerzel developed an innovative educational game for older adults with cancer, simulating symptoms and self-management. The game was successful in increasing the use of preventative strategies among participants, reducing symptom severity and hospital admissions.

Death toll shows extreme air pollution events a growing urban threat

A recent study by Curtin University found that 1454 avoidable deaths occurred due to fine particle air pollution from extreme events like bushfires and dust storms. The research suggests nearly one-third of these deaths could be prevented if pollution events were reduced by 5 per cent.

Evolutionary origin of mysterious immune system molecule in humans revealed

Researchers discovered that the human immune system borrowed a protein from a gene family responsible for cell migration to create an antibody-binding molecule. The J chain, which regulates antibody structure and function, originated from CXCL chemokines, a family of proteins regulating white blood cell movement.

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.

As cities grow, how will city trash, wastewater, and emissions rise?

A new study found that solid waste scales linearly, while wastewater production and greenhouse gas emissions scale superlinearly and sub-linearly, respectively. Cities with higher per-capita GDP generate more waste, highlighting the link between economic growth and waste generation.

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.

Prenatal air pollution exposure linked to severe newborn respiratory distress

Research finds prenatal exposure to air pollution increases the risk of severe respiratory distress in newborns, particularly those exposed to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide. The study suggests that preventing death and illness in babies due to respiratory distress is plausible through reducing or eliminating air pollution.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How obesity dismantles our mitochondria

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that obesity is associated with the fragmentation of mitochondria in fat cells, leading to reduced energy burning and weight gain. Researchers identified a single gene responsible for this process and found that deleting it protected mice from diet-induced weight gain.

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.

Asthma rates climb for high school students as cannabis use increases

High school students who use cannabis are more likely to develop asthma, with prevalence increasing with frequency of use. The study, published in Pediatric Pulmonology, analyzed data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System and found a significant association between cannabis use and asthma.

How a walk in nature restores attention

Researchers at the University of Utah found that participants who walked through nature showed improved executive attention compared to those walking in urban areas. The study used EEG data to measure brain activity and controlled for factors such as exercise.

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.

How fractures nucleate, propagate and stop

A team of scientists discovered that fractures propagate in starts and stops, moving through materials at high speeds. The amplitude and time between jumps depend on the viscosity of the liquid injected into the rock.