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Science News Archive March 2024


Page 10 of 42

Human brains are getting larger. That may be good news for dementia risk

A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.

Insights from patient who cleared hepatitis C could lead to vaccine

A study published in Immunity identified key findings from a patient who cleared hepatitis C, revealing new insights into the development of a vaccine. The researchers found that this individual's antibodies targeted multiple regions of the virus, suggesting a potential approach to elicit a stronger immune response.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

WVU study shows treating work like a game drives results

A WVU study found that treating work like a game improves workers' productivity and engagement, but also increases stress levels. Gamification can boost completion times for repetitive tasks, but may push employees past their tolerance threshold, leading to frustration and physical demands.

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.

How firearms move from legal purchase to criminal use

A new study analyzing California gun data found that guns lost or stolen are three times more likely to be used in a crime, while cheap, semiautomatic, and large caliber handguns are also at higher risk. The study suggests securing firearms from theft or loss should be a primary focus for preventing firearm-related crimes.

Common household chemicals pose new threat to brain health

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that common household chemicals harm oligodendrocytes, specialized cells that generate protective insulation around nerve cells. This discovery suggests a previously unrecognized risk factor for neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis and autism spectrum disorders.

Pairing crypto mining with green hydrogen offers clean energy boost

A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that combining cryptocurrency mining with green hydrogen technology can significantly boost renewable energy production. The approach, known as the 'dynamic duo,' has the potential to accelerate wind and solar capacity growth across the US.

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.

Astronauts have surprising ability to know how far they ‘fly’ in space

Research by York University finds astronauts can safely assess distances in microgravity environments, which may provide clues to understanding balance systems on Earth. The study suggests that humans are able to compensate for the lack of gravity using vision, enabling precise movements and evasive maneuvers.

Gut microbiota and antibiotics: Missing puzzle piece discovered

A research team identified a specific regulatory RNA molecule that influences the bacterium's sensitivity to tetracycline antibiotics, providing new insights into bacterial adaptation and informing strategies for preventing collateral damage to beneficial bacteria.

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.

A self-cleaning wall paint

Researchers developed a self-cleaning wall paint using waste-valorized titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can bind and break down pollutants, and then degrade them when exposed to sunlight. The paint combines several advantages, including air pollutant removal, longer durability, and reduced production costs.

Astronomers discover 49 new galaxies in under three hours

An international team of astronomers has discovered 49 new gas-rich galaxies, expanding our understanding of the universe. The detection was made possible by the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, which allowed for rapid identification of HI-rich galaxy groups.

Researchers uncover key biomolecule involved in whooping cough infection

A new complex-carbohydrate biomolecule has been identified as crucial for Bordetella bacteria to colonize the nose and transmit to a new host. The discovery opens up possibilities for creating a new drug or vaccine that interferes with this glycan, potentially eliminating whooping cough transmission.

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.

Researchers prove validity of black hole jet formation model

The study confirms the BZ-jet model accurately predicts the morphology of observed jets, including elongated structure and limb-brightening characteristics. The disk-jet model failed to explain these observations. The research bridges the gap between dynamic models and jet properties.

Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

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.

Ultrafast plasmonics for all-optical switching and pulsed lasers

This article discusses ultrafast plasmonic materials for all-optical switching and pulsed lasers, highlighting their potential in photonics applications. Researchers have explored various ultrafast plasmonic systems, including metasurfaces made of noble metals and phase-change hybrid materials.

Small changes can yield big savings in agricultural water use

Researchers found that variation in efficiency due to farming practices could save as much water as switching crops or fallowing fields. The study suggests that a 10% reduction in water consumption among the top 50% of water users could make a significant impact, comparable to other interventions.

GNSS Gyroscopes: a new horizon in motion measurement

Researchers introduce Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) gyroscopes, enabling precise measurements of motion dynamics. The innovative technique surpasses traditional methods in accuracy and reliability, opening new avenues for applications in various fields.

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.

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.

Global study could change how children with multiple sclerosis are treated

A global study has found that children with multiple sclerosis who are treated early and with the same high-efficacy therapies as adults have better outcomes. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 people diagnosed with MS during childhood, suggests that these therapies can help preserve neurological capacity before it's damaged.

How many fish constitute a school?

A team of physicists discovered that groups of just three zebrafish exhibit coordinated movement patterns similar to those in large schools. In contrast, pairs of fish behave differently, with one leading the other. The study's findings suggest that three is a critical number for group cohesion in schooling behavior.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

RaDPi-U: A fast and convenient drug screening with urine samples

Researchers develop a rapid urine test that can detect 40 drugs reliably in as little as three minutes. The proposed technique, RaDPi-U, uses probe electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry, requiring only a few steps and producing results in less than three minutes.

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.

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.

Colorectal cancer gene implicated in broad range of solid tumors

Researchers found that individuals with a single mutated copy of the MUTYH gene have a modest increase in susceptibility to a subset of solid tumors, including adrenal gland cancers and pancreatic islet cell tumors. This suggests that MUTYH variants may be involved in a broader range of cancers than previously known.

Bengal cat coats are less wild than they look, genetic study finds

A genetic study of over 1,000 Bengal cats reveals that their leopard-like patterns and iridescent sheen are primarily the result of domesticated cat genes. The researchers found no evidence of Asian leopard cat genes being present in all Bengal cats, contradicting the breed's wild origins.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physician work hours, especially for male doctors, have declined since 1987

Physician work hours in Canada have decreased over the past three decades, particularly among male and married physicians, with a possible shift towards achieving better work-life balance. The study found no correlation between higher payments and reduced working hours, indicating that other factors may be at play.