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Science News Archive June 2024 - Page 33


Page 33 of 39

Breakthrough in battery technology: iron-chromium redox flow batteries enhanced with N-B doped electrodes

The team introduced a novel N-B doped composite electrode for iron-chromium redox flow batteries, demonstrating significant improvements in discharge capacity and energy efficiency. The modified electrodes offered more active sites for redox reactions, enhancing the energy storage process.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·DateJun 5, 2024

Major cause of inflammatory bowel disease discovered

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a key biological pathway that contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune conditions. The discovery provides a potential treatment target for IBD, with existing drugs showing promise in reducing inflammation in macrophages and gut samples from patients.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024
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.

Scientists question effectiveness of nature-based CO2 removal using the ocean

Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 5, 2024

CU Anschutz researchers offer new understanding of how antidepressants work

Antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, work by restoring connections between brain regions, rather than correcting a chemical imbalance. The framework highlights the importance of these medications in alleviating depressive episodes, even if MDD isn't caused by a lack of serotonin.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 5, 2024

Fossil discovery reveals early evolution of sponges

The discovery of Helicolocellus fills a 160-million-year gap in the sponge fossil record and suggests non-biomineralizing sponges existed in the Precambrian. The study bridges the Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil assemblages, providing insights into animal evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2024

Uptake of tire wear additives by vegetables grown for human consumption

Researchers detected chemical residues from tire wear additives in leafy vegetables grown for human consumption. Concentrations were low but evidence was clear, comparable to drug residues in plant-based foods. Daily intake of these substances varies widely, depending on diet and country of origin.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateJun 5, 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.

Fountain of youth for plants: E3 ligase's role in leaf longevity

Researchers discover E3 ligase MdPUB23 plays a crucial role in delaying leaf senescence by regulating the degradation of key protein ABI5. The study's findings have significant implications for improving crop yield and stress resistance, offering potential applications in agricultural practices.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 5, 2024

Confronting climate change: the genetic makeover of a threatened conifer

This study explores how Cupressus gigantea has reduced its genetic load despite dwindling population size, suggesting effective purifying selection. The research provides valuable insights for conserving rare conifer species facing similar threats.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 5, 2024

Researchers led by UMass Amherst solve 2,000-year-old mystery of the shipworm

Researchers have solved the mystery of shipworms' ability to digest lignin, a tough wood substance. A population of symbiotic microbes in the typhlosole sub-organ produces enzymes that break down lignin, with potential practical applications in biotech and significant impacts on climate change and human health.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInternational Biodeterioration & Biodegradation·DateJun 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Immunotherapy before surgery very successful in treating colorectal cancer

A short course of immunotherapy prior to surgery was highly effective in treating colon cancer, with 95% of patients showing significant tumor reduction or complete elimination. The treatment also showed promising results in preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis over a two-year follow-up period.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

The fruit fly brain shows how simple commands turn into complex behaviors

Researchers discovered that command-like DNs in fruit flies recruit additional networks of neurons to orchestrate complex behaviors. The study shows that these networks work together to produce coordinated actions, transforming the way we understand brain signals and behavior.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2024

‘Painting with light’ illuminates photo evidence of air pollution

The 'Air of the Anthropocene' project uses digital light painting and low-cost sensors to create impactful images of air pollution levels in cities across Ethiopia, India, and the UK. The team aims to make invisible air pollution visible and demonstrate its health risks through accessible visuals.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2024

Enhanced decadal climate linkages discovered between Western Australia and tropical Pacific

Researchers have discovered significant interactions between sea surface temperature variations in Western Australia and the western-central tropical Pacific, driven by external forces since 1985. Warm SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean drive decadal climate linkages with the two regions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 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.

Safer, cheaper, more flexible battery invented for wearable tech

A team of researchers at Tsinghua University Press has developed a new flexible battery for wearable devices that is safer, cheaper, and more efficient. The battery uses ammonium ions as charge carriers and incorporates hydrogel to achieve self-healing properties.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateJun 5, 2024

UBC-developed oral insulin drops offer relief for diabetes patients

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed oral insulin drops that can be easily absorbed by the body, potentially replacing insulin injections. The drops contain a unique cell-penetrating peptide that helps insulin navigate through cells and reach the bloodstream quickly.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Anti-cancer drug carriers

Researchers developed a prodrug delivery method using a commensal Lactobacillus strain that binds specifically to cancer cells, releasing the chemotherapy drug SN-38 directly at the tumour site. This approach reduces tumour growth by 67% and increases chemotherapy drug effectiveness by 54% in preclinical models of nasopharyngeal cancer.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2024

Banning false information traffickers online improved public discourse

A study found that banning 70,000 false information traffickers on Twitter reduced the number of misinformation posts by users who stayed on the platform. The study also showed that many misinformation traffickers left Twitter after being de-platformed, resulting in a spillover effect that reduced circulation on the platform.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 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.

Research shows GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are effective but come with complex concerns

Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment, but they come with complex considerations such as dosages, side effects, and comparisons between specific drugs. Experts caution against overusing these drugs or viewing them as a universal cure-all for obesity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJun 5, 2024

AI approach elevates plasma performance and stability across fusion devices

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the US Department of Energy's PPPL have successfully deployed machine learning methods to suppress harmful edge instabilities in fusion devices. Their approach optimizes the system's suppression response in real-time, maintaining high plasma performance without sacrificing stability.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 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.

Study reveals how 'forever chemicals' may impact heart health in older women

Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateJun 5, 2024

Diverse friend groups promote better social cohesion and wellbeing - study

A study of over 24,000 people found that mixed social networks with diverse friends improve social cohesion and personal well-being. People with heterogeneous friend groups reported higher levels of social cohesion within their neighborhoods, closely associated with increased life satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 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.

Minimum pricing for alcohol helped curb demand during COVID lockdown

A study by the University of East Anglia found that minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Wales reduced transaction prices and alcohol bought by 20%, with a 15% increase in expenditure per customer. The policy was effective in targeting cheap, high-strength alcohol, with little demand spillover to more expensive products.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEconomic Inquiry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Food security: discovery of a gene for immunity against a disease that ravages rice and wheat crops

Researchers have identified a new type of resistance gene in plants called Ptr, which makes rice immune to certain strains of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. This finding invalidates previous studies on another gene named Pi-ta and opens up new avenues for understanding natural resistance to disease.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Plants·DateJun 5, 2024

Multiple randomized trials prove more stroke patients can benefit from thrombectomy

Randomized trials prove endovascular thrombectomy can be lifesaving for adult patients with severe symptoms after BAO, significantly lowering mortality rates compared to medical therapy. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery issues updated standards and guidelines recommending expanded access to thrombectomy treatment.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateJun 5, 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.

Fighting fires from space in record time: how AI could prevent devastating wildfires

Australian scientists have developed an AI-powered system to detect bushfires from space, reducing detection time by 500 times compared to traditional methods. The system uses hyperspectral imagery and onboard AI to identify fire smoke before it takes hold, allowing for faster responses and preventing loss of life and property.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Fellowships will advance reporters’ coverage of aging in America

The program aims to educate journalists about issues in aging and disseminate information on new scientific findings, policy debates, innovations, and evidence-based solutions. The 2024 cohort will include 15 fellows selected from general-audience media and ethnic or minority media outlets.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateJun 5, 2024

Serine racemase expression in the brain during aging in male and female rats

Researchers found a significant reduction in serine racemase protein levels in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal subfields of aged rats compared to young rats, suggesting a role in age-associated decline of NMDA receptor function. No sex differences were observed in serine racemase expression.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024
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.

Mortality and morbidity in adults with rheumatic heart disease

A recent study highlights the significant impact of rheumatic heart disease on adults' lives, with mortality rates being substantially reduced through valve surgery and valvuloplasty. The findings underscore the need to improve access to surgical and interventional care for these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 5, 2024

Soft fabric necklace monitors care of preterm, low-birth-weight infants

Researchers developed a soft fabric necklace called Joey to monitor Kangaroo Mother Care practices with preterm infants. The device tracks vital signs and estimates KMC duration with an average accuracy of 96%, providing early detection of potentially life-threatening issues.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 5, 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.

Drones and AI harnessed to monitor invasive stink bugs

Researchers in Italy have successfully monitored invasive stink bugs using drones and AI, reducing disruption and improving data capture. The system achieved a 97% detection accuracy, enabling precise forecasting models for integrated pest management strategies.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPest Management Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

US public opinion on social media is warming to nuclear energy, but concerns remain

A recent study analyzing 300,000 X posts found that 48 US states have a more positive than negative tone towards nuclear energy, with a national average at 54% positive. Concerns about waste, cost, and safety dominate negative sentiment, while technology themes fuel positive sentiments highlighting innovations and job creation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJun 5, 2024

NIH releases H5N1 influenza research agenda

The NIH has released its plan for advancing H5N1 influenza basic research, focusing on increasing virus understanding and developing prevention and treatment strategies. The research agenda aims to address the current outbreak in US dairy cows and potential human-to-human transmission of H5N1 viruses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 5, 2024

Training cognitive control in children does not change brain or behavior

A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that training exercises designed to improve cognitive control in children do not lead to any brain changes or improvements in related behavioral measures. The study tested 235 children aged six to 13 and found that while they improved on specific tasks, these gains did not carry over i...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 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.

Monell researchers identify universal bitter blocker that could help patients take their life-saving medicines as prescribed

A team of scientists at Monell Chemical Senses Center identified a temporary, universal taste blocker that works in people. The study found that rinsing with AF-353 significantly reduced bitterness in two important medicines for chronic diseases, paving the way for improving medicine compliance in children and the elderly.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

HKUST researchers boost cosmological explorations with novel method of detecting high-frequency gravitational waves in planetary magnetospheres

A new detection method for high-frequency gravitational waves (HFGWs) has been proposed by HKUST researchers. This approach leverages the physical effect of GWs within magnetic fields and can be detected using existing telescopes, opening up new possibilities for studying the early universe and violent cosmic events.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Virginia Tech researcher helps reach nutrition security goals

A Virginia Tech researcher is helping implement the Food is Medicine concept across the US. Her studies found that electronic medical record functionality, provider support, and leadership alignment are key factors for successful implementation of these programs. The research team developed an implementation checklist to support health...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 5, 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.

New technique reveals how gene transcription is coordinated in cells

Scientists developed a new technique to map relationships between genes and regulatory elements, enabling them to determine when enhancers are active and which genes they control. This could lead to the identification of potential drug targets for genetic disorders.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2024

Climate change will make ozone pollution worse. Here’s how

A new study finds that climate change will increase ozone pollution in the US by 2050, with potentially millions more people exposed to dangerously high levels. The study's findings suggest that current emissions reductions efforts may be less effective in meeting air quality standards.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 5, 2024

Will the 2024 Olympic Games become the playing field for social justice protests?

The 2024 Olympic Games may face social justice protests due to the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) rule on neutrality. Human rights activists argue that the IOC's Rule 50 creates a systemic barrier to racial justice, despite team members participating in Racial and Social Justice initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSport Management Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 5, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Unlocking salt resistance: sea lavender's genetic secret revealed

Researchers have identified 187 bHLH transcription factors in sea lavender, a recretohalophyte with unique salt glands. These findings highlight the critical role of specific bHLH genes in enhancing salt tolerance, paving the way for future applications in crop improvement and saline soil management.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateJun 5, 2024

Fishy mystery of Bristol marine reptile solved

Researchers have identified the remains of a local prehistoric marine reptile as belonging to a thalattosaur, a large sea-lizard that behaved like an otter. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about its identity and provides new insights into the animal's diet and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Preoperative antibiotic treatment in pediatric elbow fracture surgery is not necessary

Researchers found no difference in post-operative infection rates between patients treated with and without antibiotics prior to surgery. The study suggests that pre-surgical antibiotic treatment may not be necessary for pediatric elbow fractures.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 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.