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Science News for June 16, 2024


Simplicity versus adaptability: Understanding the balance between habitual and goal-directed behaviors

A new study on learning has provided insights into the balance between habitual and goal-directed behaviors, with implications for AI development. The research suggests that a balance between these two types of behavior is necessary for efficient and adaptable decision-making in AI systems.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 16, 2024

Wirelessly powered relay will help bring 5G technology to smart factories

A team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology has developed a novel 5G relay that can be powered wirelessly at a lower frequency of 5.7 GHz, enabling wider coverage and range for devices. This innovative design offers improved power conversion efficiency and versatility, making it an ideal solution for smart factories.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 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.

USTC provides mechanism carbonaceous particles formation

Research team observes covalent cluster intermediates in gas-phase reactions, revealing role of resonantly stabilized free radicals in particulate matter growth. Hydrogen abstraction and multiple radical additions promote cluster formation and growth into carbonaceous particles.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 16, 2024

The role of allies in advancing social movements

A new study led by Dr. Devorah Manekin finds that White allies positively influenced public opinion among both Black and White audiences during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. The research shows how allies can reduce negative perceptions of protests, making them feel safer for everyone.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJun 16, 2024

NIH-funded intervention did not impact opioid-related overdose death rates over evaluation period

The NIH-funded HEALing Communities Study found that a data-driven intervention did not significantly reduce opioid-related overdose deaths, despite engaging communities in evidence-based practices. The study suggests that factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing fentanyl presence may have weakened the impact of the intervention.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 16, 2024

USTC uncovers nitrogen's origin and early evolution on Earth

A USTC research team studied nitrogen isotope fractionation during terrestrial planet formation, finding that both early evolution and late-stage accretion contributed to the silicate Earth's nitrogen abundance. The study sheds new light on the origin of volatiles on our planet.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 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.

A new compact diffractive imager for subwavelength resolution

A new type of imager has been created that can capture features smaller than half the wavelength of light using solid-immersion diffractive encoding. The imager has a compact design and can directly perform quantitative phase retrieval without computer processing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateJun 16, 2024

USTC proposes new constraints on exotic spin-spin-velocity-dependent interactions between electron spins

Researchers at USTC have detected two new exotic spin-spin-velocity-dependent interactions using solid-state spin quantum sensors. These findings provide valuable insights into fundamental interactions and could help explain observational facts in cosmology such as dark matter and dark energy.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2024

Self-healing mechanisms toward stable photoelectrochemical water splitting

Researchers have introduced new self-healing mechanisms to address the stability challenges in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. These mechanisms, such as intrinsic and extrinsic self-healing, aim to improve the long-term stability of semiconductor light absorbers, protection layers, and co-catalysts.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJun 16, 2024

New material puts eco-friendly methanol conversion within reach

Griffith University researchers have developed a novel eco-friendly quantum material that converts methanol into ethylene glycol efficiently under mild conditions. This process utilizes solar-driven photocatalysis, minimizing waste and maximizing renewable energy use.

SourceGriffith University·JournalSmall·DateJun 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increasing use and awareness of oral nicotine pouches detailed

A comprehensive analysis of 62 studies on oral nicotine pouches reveals potential risks for youth, including nicotine dependence and confusing labeling. The study's findings suggest that while these products may be less harmful than cigarettes, they still pose significant health concerns.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2024

Study reveals increasing polarization in climate change coverage between elite and heartland news sources

A study reveals an increasing polarization in climate change coverage between elite and heartland US news sources. National newspapers have expanded their climate desks and significantly increased their coverage, whereas smaller news sources based in the heartland have also increased their coverage but at a much slower rate.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClimatic Change·DateJun 16, 2024