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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 8


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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

Oder River crisis: Statistics give a chance to prevent river tragedies

Researchers propose new statistical index to detect river ecosystem changes, potentially preventing tragedies like the Oder River crisis. The developed index is more versatile and responsive to variations in individual parameter values.

SourcePolitechnika Bydgoska im Jana i Jedrzeja Sniadeckich·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

The underground network: Decoding the dynamics of plant-fungal symbiosis

Groundbreaking research reveals key insights into plant-AM fungi interactions, including the roles of two proteins, CKL1 and CKL2, which control lipid flow essential for fungal survival. This symbiosis could lead to advances in agricultural sustainability and crop resilience.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

Cultural encounters of landscape architects Xiaoxiang Sun and Lawrence Halprin

This article analyzes the work of two influential landscape architects, Xiaoxiang Sun and Lawrence Halprin, to explore their intellectual potentials for contemporary landscape architecture theory. Their theories focus on the role of nature, form-giving, and aesthetic experience in designed landscapes.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

Single dose typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) provides lasting efficacy in children

A single dose of the typhoid conjugate vaccine provided lasting protection against typhoid fever in over 28,000 healthy children in Malawi. The vaccine efficacy remained strong over four years, with a 78.3% efficacy rate and one case prevented for every 163 children vaccinated.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 25, 2024

Study: UAB researchers establish optimal immunosuppression regimen for pig-to-human kidney transplants

Researchers found combining common immune-suppressing drugs with a complement inhibitor effectively managed the initial human immune response against transplanted pig kidneys. The regimen, which relies solely on already FDA-approved medications, showed remarkable success in Parsons model case series.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeCase study·DateJan 25, 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.

In search of muons: Why they switch sites in antiferromagnetic oxides

Researchers have discovered that magnetostriction causes a magnetic phase transition in manganese oxide at 118K, leading to the switch of muon sites. The study uses advanced simulations and resolves a long-standing puzzle, shedding new light on antiferromagnetic oxides.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2024

Deep learning reveals molecular secrets of explosive perchlorate salts

Researchers developed a novel deep learning method to study crystal structure and molecular interactions of perchlorate salts. The analysis revealed that the explosives' nature is linked to chemical bonding and intermolecular interactions.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFirePhysChem·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalMarketing Science·DateJan 25, 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.

NIH study finds flame-retardant chemicals may increase risk of preterm birth, higher birth weight

A recent NIH study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, particularly in female infants. Higher concentrations of certain OPE markers were also associated with higher birth weights, which can be a sign of potential complications.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Pilot study demonstrates potential for PTSD treatment program for veterans, first responders

A pilot study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new treatment program for veterans and first responders struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program, called Warriors' Ascent, achieved a substantially lower dropout rate than traditional treatments, reducing depression, PTSD, and high-risk drinking in participants.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Psychotherapy Integration·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

First demonstration of predictive control of fusion plasma by digital twin

A new control system optimizes predictive models with real-time observations, predicting fusion plasma behavior with high accuracy. This approach enables adaptive predictive control in uncertain conditions, laying the foundation for fusion reactor control.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut fur Kernphysik·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJan 25, 2024

'Old smokers' and 'squalling newborns' among hidden stars spotted for first time

A team of international scientists has spotted a new type of elderly giant star, nicknamed 'old smokers,' which emits clouds of smoke over decades. These stars, hidden from view in visible light, were discovered using infrared light and have significant implications for the spread of heavy elements in space.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceTampere University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

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.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSocial Networks·DateJan 25, 2024

Dinosaurs might have used feathers on forelimbs and tails to flush and pursue their prey – a new hypothesis integrates morphology, behavior and neurobiology

A team of scientists proposes the 'flush-pursue hypothesis', suggesting that small dinosaurs with proto-wings used a similar strategy to birds, displaying contrasting plumage on wings and tails to trigger prey escapes. This idea is rooted in field-ornithological studies and neurobiological research on birds.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJoule·DateJan 25, 2024

"COP28 demonstrated the inability of international diplomacy and governance to prevent the worsening climate crisis and to help adequately those most harmed by it", states climate researcher Prof. Paul G. Harris

COP28 failed to prevent the worsening climate crisis and help those most harmed by it, according to climate researcher Prof. Paul G. Harris. The article highlights the limitations of international diplomacy and governance in addressing climate change.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 25, 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.

The influence of microbiologists in Spain during COVID-19 helped public hospital laboratories to be more prepared today than before the pandemic

A recent study by Spanish and British researchers found that the influence of clinical microbiologists in Spain helped prepare public hospital laboratories for COVID-19 testing. In contrast, the UK's large centralized laboratories built during the pandemic have been dismantled due to high costs and low quality of testing.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalInnovation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

#ASC2024: Ethnicity as survival predictor for gastric cancer, early liver retransplantation, risk factors for chemical restraint use among adult trauma patients and more

UCLA surgeons and scientists present research on ethnic predictors of gastric cancer survival, early liver retransplantation and risk factors for chemical restraint use in adult trauma patients. The studies highlight the importance of understanding these factors to improve patient care.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateJan 25, 2024

Geisinger College faculty, graduate students publish paper shining light on conflicts of interest in guidelines for psychiatric care

A study published by Geisinger College faculty and graduate students found that 55% of DSM-5-TR panel members received payments from industry, highlighting the need for stricter standards. The researchers argue that individuals with financial ties to industry should not have decision-making authority in guideline development.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalBMJ·DateJan 25, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Comprehensive study reveals ecological threat of trace organic pollutants in China's wastewater effluents

A comprehensive study has found considerable ecological threats from trace organic pollutants in Chinese wastewater treatment plant effluents. The researchers detected 216 compounds from 11 chemical classes, with perfluoroalkyl substances and bisphenol analogs accounting for 59% of total pollution.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 25, 2024

Advanced Full-color image sensor technology enabling simultaneous energy harvesting and imaging

Researchers at KIST have successfully developed an organic-based photoelectric photodetector that captures images while generating electricity, enhancing energy efficiency in indoor environments. The device achieves a linear dynamic range of over 130 dB, allowing for clearer images in low-light conditions.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 25, 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.

New analysis shows that disinfection is the most effective way to prevent viral contamination of restroom surfaces

Researchers analyzed viral particle spread in toilets with open and closed lids, finding no difference in contamination regardless of lid status. Disinfecting toilets significantly reduced virus found in toilet bowl water and nearby surfaces.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Climate change can put the planet’s largest reserves of drinking water at risk

An international study of 12 caves worldwide reveals that climate change could threaten the planet's largest freshwater reserves. The study found that temperature variations in caves reflect changes at the surface, posing a threat to unique and adapted organisms that maintain water quality.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 25, 2024

Chats with AI shift attitudes on climate change, Black Lives Matter

Researchers found that participants who were initially skeptical or disagreed with climate change or BLM became more supportive after conversing with GPT-3. The chatbot's response styles differed between topics, with more justification for human-caused climate change.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

Researchers create safer form of coxiella burnetii for scientific use

Researchers at NIAID have successfully created a strain of Coxiella burnetii without the genetic flaw that makes it virulent, enabling safe use in laboratory settings. The new strain, NMII-E, has implications for diagnostic sensitivity and vaccine development.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2024
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.

Study could pave the way for better diagnosis of rare genetic diseases

A new study using CRISPR technology enables researchers to activate genes in easily accessible cells, providing a potential breakthrough in the diagnosis and understanding of rare genetic diseases. This method could revolutionize the process by enabling faster results within weeks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAerospace Science and Technology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 25, 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 reveals link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence in US adolescents and adults

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found a significant link between cannabis use and current asthma prevalence among US adolescents and adults. The study analyzed data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, finding that individuals who reported cannabis use in the past ...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 25, 2024

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.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 25, 2024