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Science News Archive January 2024


Page 8 of 37

The anti-acne medicine isotretinoin, which can cause defects in a developing fetus, is now used by almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age, according to analysis of German database of 25 million

A population-based study in Germany reveals almost 2 in 1,000 girls and women of childbearing age are prescribed isotretinoin, a medication linked to fetal defects. The study found a significant increase in isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies, highlighting the need for better monitoring and guidance.

New method flips the script on topological physics

Researchers have developed a model-free approach to identify topological systems, enabling the discovery of new materials. The method uses experimental approaches to measure topologically protected soft or fragile spots in unknown mechanical metamaterials.

Simulations show how HIV sneaks into the nucleus of the cell

Researchers used simulations to model HIV's journey into the nucleus, finding it uses an electrostatic ratchet to squeeze through. The study provides insights into the complex interactions between the virus and cell, suggesting new targets for therapeutic drugs.

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.

Autonomous synthesis robot uses AI to speed up chemical discovery

Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam developed an autonomous chemical synthesis robot with integrated AI, outperforming human chemists in terms of speed and accuracy. The 'RoboChem' system can perform various reactions while producing minimal waste and delivering results quickly.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

New satellite capable of measuring Earth precipitation from space

The FengYun 3G (FY-3G) satellite is a groundbreaking tool for measuring global precipitation, offering high-resolution 3D renditions of falling precipitation. The satellite's data will aid in predicting extreme weather events and inform the development of future precipitation satellites.

Women helping women: Female mentors guide businesswomen to greater success

A new study from the University of Notre Dame found that female entrepreneurs in emerging markets benefit significantly more from having a female mentor, with firms' performance improving by 32% and 31%. Female mentors proved to be more positive and social in their interactions, helping businesswomen build better customer relationships.

Palaeontology: Small dinosaurs flapped their feathers to scare prey

Researchers used a robot dinosaur named Robopteryx to test the hypothesis that small dinosaurs flapped their primitive wings to scare prey. The results showed significant positive associations between the use of proto-wings in display behavior and the likelihood of grasshoppers fleeing.

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.

Astrophysical jet caught in a “speed trap”

The H.E.S.S. Observatory detected gamma-ray emission from the outer jets of SS 433, revealing a shift in energy-dependent morphology. This suggests strong shock acceleration, where high-energy particles collide with photons, producing x-ray radiation and explaining the X-ray reappearance of the jets.

Press registration opens for ACS Spring 2024

The American Chemical Society's (ACS) upcoming hybrid meeting and exposition, ACS Spring 2024, will take place virtually and in person in New Orleans from March 17-21. The event will provide access to nearly 12,000 presentations on topics including agriculture and food, energy and fuels, health and medicine, sustainability, and more.

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.

How COVID changed the way Americans work, and how much money they have

A new study finds that widespread remote work adoption due to COVID-19 increased productivity among workers at home, but reduced collaborative work efficiency in the office. This shift led to higher housing costs in areas near downtowns and outer suburbs, as well as a widening of income inequality.

Cells respond quickly to small light-induced micro-environment movements

Researchers studied how epithelial cells sense small changes in their environment using ion channels. They found that even small movements can trigger rapid intracellular calcium changes via mechanosensitive cation channels, which play a key role in touch sensation and other physiological functions.

Teaching nature to break man-made chemical bonds

Researchers develop enzyme that can break silicon–carbon bonds in siloxanes, a first step towards rendering chemicals biodegradable. The discovery opens possibilities for natural organisms to degrade siloxane contaminants in wastewater and treat them in the environment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cellular scaffolding rewired to make microscopic railways

Princeton researchers create a system to control the growth of microtubule branches, enabling precise chemical transport and potential applications in soft robotics, new medicines, and biomolecular transport. The technique harnesses cellular scaffolding to build novel materials and technologies.

Diverse forests are best at standing up to storms

Research by INRAE reveals that European forests with greater tree species diversity and slow-growing oak trees are better equipped to withstand storm damage. The study's findings suggest that monocultures of fast-growing pine trees are more susceptible to storm damage.

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.

Young people from poorer families make fewer friends

A new study by the University of Zurich found that children from low-income families have fewer opportunities to make friends and socially integrate at school. This has significant effects on their mental health, grades, and future careers.

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.

How HIV smuggles its genetic material into the cell nucleus

Researchers discover HIV uses its capsid to bypass cellular defenses and transport genetic material into the cell nucleus. The 'smart' FG phase of the nuclear envelope allows the capsid to slide through, concealing the genomic payload from anti-viral sensors.

Less is more: less greenhouse gases, lower energy consumption, higher wellbeing

A new commentary highlights that shifting focus from energy supply to consumption can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing. Reducing energy demand could save households and businesses money, create employment, and reduce emissions, while also limiting global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets.

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.

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.

Car accidents, accidental overdoses account for majority of accidental deaths among U.S. soldiers deployed in Afghanistan/Iraq wars—but death rates differ by time since deployment, age, and gender

Rates of fatal motor vehicle accidents were highest among military members immediately following their return from deployment, while the highest rates of fatal accidental overdose deaths occurred later in postdeployment life. Younger soldiers between 18-24 years old were at highest risk for MVA and accidental overdoses.

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.

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.

Virtual noise assessment for passenger jet of the future

Researchers used psycho-acoustic simulations and auralization to assess the noise emissions of new aircraft designs, including a blended wing body. The results show that the new design is rated significantly less noisy than conventional passenger jets, with take-offs leaving a more unfamiliar sound impression.

Geometric phase-encoded liquid crystal optical sensing

Researchers developed a cholesteric phase liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) visual sensing platform utilizing geometric phase coding for real-time visual patterns. The system generates image-based sensing signals through distinct visual patterns, offering an intuitive alternative to conventional methods.

Programming light propagation creates highly efficient neural networks

Researchers have developed a novel optical neural network architecture that achieves nonlinear optical computation by precisely controlling ultrashort pulse propagation in multimode fibers. This approach streamlines the need for energy-intensive digital processes, achieving comparable accuracy with significantly reduced parameters.

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 an ant invasion led to lions eating fewer zebra in a Kenyan ecosystem

A study in Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy found that invasive big-headed ants disrupt a mutualism between native ants and acacia trees, leading to overgrazing by elephants and reduced lion zebra kills. As a result, lions shift their prey to African buffalo, reducing zebra kills from 67% to 42% between 2003 and 2020.