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Science News Archive June 2024


Page 29 of 39

Super-chilled brain cell molecules reveal how epilepsy drug works

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered the mechanism of action of the widely-used epilepsy drug perampanel, which targets the AMPA receptor to dampen brain cell excitability. The study provides new insights into the potential applications of perampanel in treating other neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease,...

Elephants have names for each other like people do, new study shows

Researchers confirmed that elephant calls contained a name-like component identifying the intended recipient through machine learning analysis. Elephants responded affirmatively to calls addressed to them and less so to those meant for others, suggesting an ability to learn and use arbitrary vocal labels like humans.

Upstream and downstream: River study highlights cross-country inequities

A new research commentary by Griffith University researchers explores transboundary watersheds and their impact on global biodiversity. The study identifies over 1,050 transboundary watersheds globally, with more than 70% of sediments produced in a different country than the country where they were discharged.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glowing dye helps surgeons eradicate prostate cancer

A glowing marker dye attached to a special marker molecule enables surgeons to visualize prostate cancer cells in real-time, allowing for more precise removal of cancerous tissues and preservation of healthy tissue. This technology has the potential to reduce the chances of cancer recurrence and minimize life-changing side effects.

The discovery of new turbulence transition in fusion plasmas

Researchers have found that turbulence is most suppressed at a certain density in fusion plasmas, with transitions occurring below and above this point. Simulations revealed that ion-temperature gradient, pressure gradient, and plasma resistivity cause turbulence changes around the transition density.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

FAPI PET/CT bests FDG in predicting progressive lung disease

A new study has found that FAPI PET/CT is more effective than FDG in predicting progressive pulmonary fibrosis in ILD patients. The study's results suggest that FAPI PET/CT can identify high-risk patients who require closer monitoring or preventive treatment.

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 research finds lake under Mars ice cap unlikely

Researchers at Cornell University found that small variations in layers of water ice can cause constructive interference between radar waves, producing bright reflections. This explanation accounts for the observed signals without requiring liquid water, casting doubt on potential microbial life on Mars.

The rate, nature and transmission of mitochondrial DNA mutations in humans

A new study from deCODE genetics analyzed 64,806 Icelanders to understand the rate and nature of mitochondrial DNA mutations and their maternal transmission. The research documents hypermutability at some positions in mtDNA, including the A>G mutation, which occurs frequently but typically disappears after several generations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Flavor unleashed: a scientific journey into the world of table grapes

Researchers have unlocked the secrets behind table grapes' diverse flavors by analyzing 38 cultivars using sensory evaluation and solvent-assisted flavour evaporation. The study identified novel flavor-associated compound profiles, revealing specific accumulations and combinations of compounds that enhance flavor intensity and diversity.

Study: ALS patients treated by neurologists received better care

A new study published in PLOS One found that ALS patients treated by neurologists received interventions endorsed by the American Academy of Neurology, including non-invasive ventilation and feeding tubes. Disparities were found in treatment among Black and disadvantaged patients, highlighting the need for equitable care.

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.

A protein that enables smell—and stops cell death

Researchers found that Orco protein is necessary for the development and life of olfactory cells in ants. Mutant ants lacking Orco experience massive olfactory neuron loss, suggesting a link between Orco and neuronal survival.

Research details method to get efficient, environmentally friendly lithium

A new method for extracting lithium from more dilute sources has been developed by researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. The approach uses iron phosphate particles to selectively isolate lithium over sodium, resulting in a more efficient and environmentally friendly process.

Accessibility issues in cancer care

Researchers found that only 41.5% of cancer patients could successfully book a new appointment at a clinic due to various barriers, including language issues and workflow challenges.

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.

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.

Understanding inequities in nurses’ moral distress during COVID-19

Research from Penn Nursing found that nurses in hospitals with the highest share of Black patients face greater moral distress, poor leadership communication, and limited access to PPE. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to support nurses in day-to-day care and reduce physical and emotional burdens.

Antioxidant gel preserves islet function after pancreas removal

Researchers developed an antioxidant gel to preserve islet function after pancreas removal, significantly improving survival and preserving normal blood sugar levels in animals. The new approach could enable patients to live pain-free without complications of diabetes.

Wildfire smoke reached 99% of U.S. lakes in 2019-2021

A study found that nearly all US lakes were exposed to wildfire smoke for at least one day per year between 2019 and 2021. The researchers introduced a new metric, the 'lake-smoke day', to track smoke prevalence at lakes, which could help establish a baseline to better understand the extent of wildfire impacts.

New therapeutic targets to fight type 2 diabetes

A review article identifies new drug targets for treating type 2 diabetes, including growth differentiation factor (GDF15) and TGF-β pathways. Metformin's mechanism of action is also reevaluated, revealing a novel pathway of inhibiting mitochondrial complex IV.

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.

What makes roads safer? New UMD study uses AI to find out

A new UMD study found that areas with higher levels of greenery, streetlights, single-lane roads, and sidewalks have fewer fatal car crashes. Sidewalks had the greatest impact, reducing traffic accidents by 70% in places with more sidewalks.

Earth and space share the same turbulence

A team of researchers found that air turbulence in the thermosphere exhibits the same physical laws as wind in the lower atmosphere, leading to a new unified principle for Earth's environmental systems. This discovery can potentially improve future forecasting of both Earth and space weather.

Lavender's secret: genetic regulator boosts plant health and fragrance output

Researchers identified a gene that regulates lavender's aroma compounds and disease resistance, offering potential applications in developing disease-resistant varieties. The discovery sheds light on transcriptional regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis and its implications for agriculture and the fragrance industry.

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.

The roles of rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms on the regulation of secondary metabolites accumulation in Medicinal Plants-A Review from Medicinal Plant Research Center of South China Agricultural University

Recent research from the Medicinal Plant Research Center of South China Agricultural University reveals that rhizospheric and endophytic microorganisms significantly influence the accumulation of key SMs in medicinal plants. These microorganisms encode genes related to nitrogen fixation, phosphate metabolism, hormone synthesis, and roo...

Secure access to food and water decreasing for US children

A study published in Nature Water found that US children's simultaneous water and food insecurity increased nearly twice as much between 2005 and 2020. The research also revealed significant racial disparities, with Black children being 3.5 times more likely to experience both problems than white children.

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.

Frontotemporal dementia: therapeutic approach for gene therapy

Researchers developed a therapeutic approach to replace the missing protein in the brain, reducing symptoms of frontotemporal dementia. The approach uses modified viruses to produce progranulin, which is then released into the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier, rescuing pathologies in mouse models.

Mushroom stump waste could be inexpensive, healthy chicken feed supplement

A recent Penn State study has discovered that mushroom stump waste can be a nutritious and cost-effective addition to broiler chicken feed. The researchers found that supplementation with up to 3% mushroom stump waste had no negative impact on growth or digestion, but higher levels interfered with amino acid absorption.

How $4 billion funded the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic response

A new study analyzed over 14,600 scientific publications funded by more than $4 billion in NIH grants, revealing key research topics such as clinical trials, vaccine distribution, and virology. The findings suggest that half of the funding went to five states: North Carolina, Washington, New York, California, and Massachusetts.

Advances in omics research of rosaceae

The study highlights significant advancements in genome sequencing, transcriptome, proteomics, and metabolomics in Rosaceae plants. Multi-omics joint analysis has elucidated complex genetic and biochemical networks regulating important traits.

Advancing cancer tracking: DiFC detects rare cells noninvasively

Researchers developed DiFC, a two-color diffuse flow cytometry system that detects rare cancer cells in the bloodstream without invasive methods. The technology provides insights into cancer progression and response to treatments by studying different subpopulations of cancer cells simultaneously.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Perturbations simplify the study of “super photons”

Researchers at the University of Bonn have demonstrated that photon Bose-Einstein condensates obey a fundamental theorem of physics. By applying gentle and strong perturbations to the condensate, they showed that it responds in the same way as to random fluctuations without a perturbation.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Research progress on the biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and pharmacology of bioactive compounds from the Lonicera Genus-A Review from Yin Xiaojian's team at the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences

The article reviews research progress on the biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and pharmacology of bioactive compounds from the Lonicera genus. Key findings include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant stress, and liver protection effects of Lonicera plants.

Brain circuits underlying learning from negative experiences

Research reveals that long-range projecting inhibitory neurons, particularly those expressing parvalbumin, play a key role in learning from aversive stimuli. These neurons are necessary for integrating multiple sources of aversive information and transmitting integrated data to the limbic system.