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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 37
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 30, 2024

A green alternative for treating Streptococcus iniae bacteria in hybrid striped bass

A novel antimicrobial protein, ClyX-2, effectively cures S. iniae infections in hybrid striped bass with a 95% survival rate, outperforming traditional antibiotic treatments like carbenicillin. The discovery aims to reduce the economic loss of $150 million annually caused by streptococcosis and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalFish & Shellfish Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEmerging Adulthood·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

Study finds gut microbiota influence severity of respiratory viral infection

Researchers at Georgia State University found that segmented filamentous bacteria in the gut protect mice from severe respiratory viral infections. The study showed that this bacterial species alters immune cells in the lungs to resist infection, with potential implications for human diseases like COVID-19.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

“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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Genomics·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

KIMM develops technology for detecting injection of medication to prevent medical accidents related to analgesic drug infusion pump in hospitals

The Korea Institute of Machinery and Material (KIMM) has developed a sensor module that measures low flow rates and bubbles during analgesic drug infusion. This technology aims to prevent medical accidents caused by malfunctioning infusion pumps or incorrect dosages.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalActa Psychologica·DateJan 30, 2024

BESSY II: Local variations in the atomic structure of High-Entropy Alloys

A new study at BESSY II has provided deeper insights into the ordering processes and diffusion phenomena in High-Entropy Alloys. The team analysed samples of a Cantor alloy, revealing local atomic structures using element-specific EXAFS and Reverse Monte Carlo analysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

New research shows how pollutants from aerosols and river run-off are changing the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas

New research reveals how human activities affect the marine phosphorus cycle in coastal seas, leading to changes in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study identifies an 'Anthropogenic Nitrogen Pump' that reduces phosphate levels, limiting algae growth, and enhances the utilization of dissolved organic phosphorus.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

Poultry scientists develop 3D anatomy technique to learn more about chicken vision

Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a new hybrid technique for creating detailed 3D images of the chicken brain. The method, which combines histochemistry and diceCT imaging, allows for quality images resembling MRI technology at a lower cost.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalJournal of Comparative Neurology·DateJan 30, 2024

Tomato juice’s antimicrobial properties can kill salmonella

Researchers found that tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens by impairing their bacterial membrane. The study identified two effective antimicrobial peptides in tomatoes that can eliminate these harmful bacteria.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateJan 30, 2024

Black summer bushfires in Australia wiped $2.8 billion from tourism supply chain

The 2019-2020 'Black Summer' bushfires in Australia resulted in a $2.8 billion loss to the tourism industry, with almost 7300 jobs disappearing nationwide. The study found that the impact of the fires was felt across the entire economy, with the Australian tourism industry being particularly vulnerable.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEconomics of Disasters and Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Lifetime of ‘biodegradable’ straws in the ocean is 8-20 months, study finds

Researchers found that bioplastic straws made from cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates can break down within 10-20 months, while those made from polypropylene and polylactic acid persist for years. Switching to foam materials significantly reduces their environmental lifetime.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceCurtin University·JournalHeliyon·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Cities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJan 29, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 29, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Systemic US reforms needed to prevent mass death in the next pandemic

A series of articles highlights lessons from the US's covid-19 experience and calls for crucial systemic reforms to transform public health and preparedness. The authors emphasize the need for government actions beyond healthcare insurance to protect health in future pandemics.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

NUS scientists develop novel method to estimate biodiversity loss in Singapore over the past two centuries

A new study reveals that Singapore has lost 37% of its species over the past two centuries, with larger mammals and forest-dependent birds being particularly at risk. The researchers recommend prioritizing landscape-scale conservation efforts for charismatic species, such as tigers and orangutans, to mitigate extinction rates.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

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.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateJan 29, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Performance in 20-meter shuttle run test is positively associated with brain health in children with overweight or obesity

Research suggests that high aerobic fitness in children with overweight or obesity is linked to improved executive functions, academic performance, and larger brain volume. The 20-meter shuttle run test is a reliable predictor of brain health outcomes in this population.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJan 29, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJan 29, 2024

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.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 29, 2024