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Science News Archive June 2024


Page 30 of 39

Transfer RNAs at the heart of therapeutic resistance

A research team from the University of Liège has discovered that inhibition of VARS enzyme can prevent therapeutic resistance in melanoma by resensitising tumours. This breakthrough offers new hope for patients with resistant melanoma, paving the way for treatment combinations and enhancing targeted therapy efficacy.

Transforming agriculture: engineered nanoparticles for plant gene regulation

Researchers developed engineered dsRNA-protein nanoparticles for systemic gene silencing in plants, overcoming the challenge of transporting RNA molecules across plant cell membranes. This technology holds promise for improving crop productivity through efficient gene function characterization and large-scale agricultural applications.

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.

Digital babies created to improve infant healthcare

Scientists at University of Galway create advanced computer models simulating newborn and infant metabolism. The digital babies can be personalized, enabling researchers to investigate individual infants' metabolism for precision medicine applications.

Tiny new species of great ape lived in Germany 11 million years ago

A new species of great ape, Buronius manfredschmidi, has been identified from the Hammerschmiede fossil site in Bavaria, Germany. The species is estimated to have weighed around 10kg and had a distinct lifestyle from the larger-bodied Danuvius, allowing for cohabitation without resource competition.

Study adds new sea cucumber species to the research toolbox

Researchers have established Holothuria tubulosa as a new experimental model organism for studying evolutionary development in echinoderms. The study has developed a protocol to efficiently produce embryonic cultures of the sea cucumber, allowing for the use of genetic manipulations to dissect development.

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.

New: Classification Criteria for Hand OA

The new criteria classify hand osteoarthritis based on age, morning stiffness duration, and joint features. Researchers can now apply the criteria in large studies without additional clinical joint examinations.

Peptidomimetics open new opportunities in drug discovery

Researchers have developed a route to modify peptides to target disease diagnostics and drug discovery, focusing on protein-protein interactions (PPIs). By modifying a small peptide sequence, the team showed it binds more quickly and strongly to specific PPI targets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Online professional education works for complex topics

UTA researchers found that sending material in advance and using Zoom features like chat, polling, and breakout rooms helped keep participants engaged. Short, relevant videos also proved effective in teaching complicated topics. The team recommends a structured approach with activities like icebreaker exercises to foster community enga...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

What’s going on in our brains when we plan?

A team of scientists has uncovered how our brains simulate possible future actions using stored memories. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus work together to enable mental simulations, allowing us to make better decisions. This research provides foundational knowledge on brain circuits enabling decision-making.

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.

First-of-its-kind test can predict dementia up to nine years before diagnosis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed a predictive test using fMRI scans that detects changes in the brain's 'default mode network' to predict dementia. The test showed accurate predictions up to nine years before an official diagnosis, with greater than 80% accuracy and a two-year margin of error.

Tropical forests adjust strategies to thrive even when soils are nutrient poor

A new study suggests that tropical forests can overcome the challenge of scarce nutrients by adjusting their strategies for acquiring phosphorus. Forests of different ages respond differently to nutrient additions, with younger forests investing in nitrogen-based strategies and older forests relying on phosphatase to access phosphorus.

Regenerating damaged heart cells

Researchers from Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have discovered a way to regenerate damaged heart muscle cells in mice. By inhibiting a specific gene, the cells began to take in more glucose and regrow, potentially providing a new direction for treating congenital heart defects and heart attack damage.

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.

UTEP pharmacy researchers develop potential treatment for fibrosis

Researchers at UTEP have developed a new therapeutic approach to treat skin and lung fibrosis by targeting and rehabilitating cells responsible for the disease. The nanoparticles successfully modified the cells to stop producing excess collagen, offering hope for improved treatments and enhanced quality of life.

A new study reveals that marine cyanobacteria communicate

A new study reveals that marine cyanobacteria use membrane nanotubes to transfer material between cells, strengthening the idea of interconnectedness among these organisms. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of ecosystems and fundamental biological processes.

Key to improving cancer treatments discovered

The study reveals that the binding sites of USP28 and USP25 inhibitors are identical, leading to non-specific effects. Researchers now aim to develop precise inhibitors targeting either enzyme site to reduce side effects.

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.

Determining sex in ants

A noncoding gene has been identified as the deciding factor in determining sex in Argentine ants, with a specific genomic region being crucial to this process. The gene does not encode a protein but rather produces an RNA that influences sex determination.

Calcium oxide’s quantum secret: nearly noiseless qubits

A team of researchers has found a way to create nearly noiseless qubits in calcium oxide, a promising material for quantum computing and communication. The discovery was made using theoretical and computational approaches, and the results show that the qubits can store information with extremely low levels of noise for an extended period.

How medical models can transform agriculture

Researchers use nanomedicine and digital twin technologies to develop Plant Nanobiotechnology, addressing agricultural challenges and increasing crop yield. Digital twins of plants enable the design of nanocarriers that target nutrient delivery to specific plant organs.

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.

Silkworms help grow better organ-like tissues in labs

Researchers at Duke University created an ultrathin silk membrane that helps cells grow into functional tissues used for research, enabling the development of kidney disease models. The new membrane improves communication and growth between cells, mimicking natural human organ structures.

Lifesaving childbirth blood loss intervention is highly cost-effective

A lifesaving package of interventions to objectively identify and treat post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) has been found to be highly cost-effective, incurring minimal additional cost. The intervention resulted in over 1000 fewer PPH cases compared to usual care, with an estimated average additional cost of $0.30 per patient.

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.

People with autism turn to ChatGPT for advice on workplace issues

A Carnegie Mellon University study finds that people with autism are using AI chatbots for workplace advice, but raises questions about the quality of the advice and the need for inclusivity. The research highlights the importance of involving individuals with autism in the development of technology to address their specific needs.

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.

Seeking social proximity improves flight routes among pigeons

A study by Dr. Edwin Dalmaijer found that pigeons' desire for social proximity leads to improved flight paths as younger birds learn from older ones. This generational improvement in route efficiency is similar to those seen in real-life data, suggesting a key role for social factors in navigation.

Unlocking RNA functionality: A redox-responsive approach

Researchers have developed a method to mask and regulate RNA activity and delivery using post-synthetic acylation chemistry and dynamic disulfide exchange reactions. This strategy allows for efficient RNA delivery into cells without getting trapped in lysosomes.

Mapping noise to improve quantum measurements

Researchers developed a new method, Fourier Transform Noise Spectroscopy (FTNS), to analyze the noise affecting qubits, revealing its frequency spectrum. This approach handles various types of noise, including complex patterns, making it a more practical solution for widespread use.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Heat-switch device boosts lunar rover longevity in harsh Moon climate

A new heat-switch device developed by Nagoya University's team enhances lunar-roving vehicles' operational lifespan under harsh Moon conditions. The innovative technology reduces power consumption while maintaining efficient daytime cooling performance and nighttime insulation, making it a critical component for future lunar missions.

SIAT and NTU develop advanced semiconductor fiber technology

The researchers successfully transformed brittle semiconductors into flexible fibers, enabling innovative applications in flexible electronics. The fibers have broad application prospects in wearables, the metaverse, AI, extreme environment sensors, and brain-computer interfaces.

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.

Researchers identify key differences in inner workings of immune cells

A team of researchers identified two functionally distinct populations of T cells with different cellular architectures that influence their fate. Cells with nuclear invaginations rapidly proliferate and kill pathogens, while those without undergo a more leisurely activation process. These findings have significant implications for und...

Fish in schools have an easier time swimming in rough waters

A recent study found that schooling fish expend up to 79% less energy while swimming in turbulent water compared to solitary fish. This suggests that traveling in schools allows fish to shield each other from disruptive water currents, making it easier to swim through rough waters.

Study finds home health aides struggle with mental health

Home health aides struggle with mental health due to job demands, stigma and lack of support, impacting their own well-being and patients' desire to age in place. Researchers suggest interventions like peer coaching, improved salaries and benefits, and workplace safety to address these challenges.

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.