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Science News Archive March 2024


Page 14 of 42

The power of neighbors: Neighboring synapses shape learning and memory

Researchers developed a new model that highlights the crucial role of interactions among neighboring contact sites of nerve cells for brain plasticity. Synaptic plasticity, the brain's method for learning, is shaped by the strength and stability of neuronal connections, which are influenced by both excitatory and inhibitory synapses.

If faces look like demons, you could have this extraordinary condition

A new Dartmouth study reports on a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare condition that distorts facial features. The researchers used computer software to visualize the patient's real-time perception of face distortions, providing accurate and photorealistic visualizations for the first time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Species diversity promotes ecosystem stability

A new study suggests that species diversity promotes ecosystem stability, contradicting contemporary ecological theory. The research found that sublinear growth and competitive coexistence are key factors in maintaining community interactions.

A swarm to save the day

Researchers propose using coordinated multi-swarm drones to quell forest fires, leveraging AI-enabled fire detection and autonomous decision-making. The approach could lead to more efficient fire suppression and reduced response times.

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.

Two keys needed to crack three locks for better engineered blood vessels

Researchers have found two proteins, SOX17 and FGF2, that can efficiently mature stem cells into endothelial cells, forming tubular-like vessels. This breakthrough could enable the growth of lab-grown vascular tissue to support heart transplants and develop artificial blood brain barriers for neurological drug testing.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How to make the right impression online

A literature review of 124 studies on virtual impressions offers research-based suggestions on how to make a digital best foot forward. Researchers found that timely responses matter and using emoticons and emojis can increase feelings of warmth and likeability but risk making others seem less intelligent.

How the brain senses body position and movement

Researchers discovered that brains prioritize integrating muscle spindle input to understand body movement and position. Task-driven neural network models were found to be most effective in predicting limb position and velocity.

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.

A new way to quantify climate change impacts: “Outdoor days”

A new measure called “outdoor days” describes the number of days per year that outdoor temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold for people to go about normal outdoor activities. This measure reveals significant global disparities, with the North gaining more outdoor days and the South losing them due to rising temperatures.

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.

Longer genes are linked to aging

Four studies conclude that longer genes are most susceptible to aging due to increased potential sites for DNA damage. Long genes have more sites for damage, making them prone to degradation with age, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

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.

Immune cells identified as key players in brain health

Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified macrophages as crucial in clearing lipid-rich waste from the brain. By studying genes controlling these immune cells, they discovered that two specific genes BHLHE40 and BHLHE41 regulate their activity.

New method for analyzing nanoporous materials

Researchers at TU Graz developed a new method to analyze nanoporous materials using single electron microscope images. The technique determines the three-dimensional distribution of ions in crystal channels or nanopores, leading to a better understanding of aquamarine's blue color and potential applications in material science.

Estimating coastal water depth from space via satellite-derived bathymetry

Researchers developed a novel machine learning-based depth estimation technique for satellite-derived bathymetry, improving accuracy in coastal regions with unique characteristics. The model demonstrated generalizability and potential for enhancements through incorporation of additional seabed spatial data.

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.

Use of branched chain amino acids to treat concussion

A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.

Novel approach yields better single-copy artificial human chromosomes

Scientists have overcome multimerization issues by constructing single-copy artificial human chromosomes (HACs) in budding yeast and transferring them into human cells. The newly formed HACs maintain as single-copy molecules, enabling larger DNA structures, potentially advancing genome editing in humans and other organisms.

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.

Rose essential oil: A safe pesticide for organic agriculture

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that rose essential oil increases the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, key plant defense genes, in tomato plants. The study also showed that REO reduces leaf damage caused by pests and attracts beneficial predators to protect against herbivores.

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.

Pixelated non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits

The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.

World's first high-resolution brain developed by 3D printer

A team of researchers has developed the world's first 3D-printed brain phantom, which can be imaged using dMRI. The brain model is made up of microchannels that mimic nerve cells in the brain, allowing for more accurate analysis and research into neurodegenerative diseases.

High speed protein movies to aid drug design

Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a method for fast mixing using droplet microfluidics, allowing for the creation of 'movies' of proteins in action. This enables scientists to observe proteins in motion and gain insights into their function.

Non-culturable Legionella identified with sequencing

Researchers have developed a cost-effective approach for identifying L. pneumophila using whole genome sequencing, which can analyze available specimens without culturing. This method has already been used to identify the source of deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreaks, including a 2015 outbreak in New York City.

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.

Climate change disrupts vital ecosystems in the Alps

Scientists have found that climate change is altering the timing of plant and soil processes in the Alps, leading to disruptions in nutrient cycling and potentially threatening biodiversity. The high mountains are warming at a faster rate than surrounding areas, resulting in reduced snow cover and changes in vegetation patterns.

AI decodes whole-cortex functional images to predict behavioral states

Researchers from Kobe University developed an AI image recognition algorithm that can predict mouse behavior based on brain functional imaging data, achieving 95% accuracy. The model identified critical cortical regions for behavioral classification and demonstrated near real-time speeds.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Artificial intelligence helps explore chemistry frontiers

A team of researchers has developed a machine learning interatomic potential that predicts molecular energies and forces acting on atoms, reducing computational time and expense. This breakthrough enables scientists to study complex chemistry systems with greater accuracy and speed.

Researchers identify novel genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study has identified 17 significant genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease in five genomic regions. The findings highlight the value of whole genome sequencing data in gaining long-sought insight into the ultimate causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's, which is the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.

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.

AI-based app can help physicians find skin melanoma

A mobile app using AI analyzes images of suspected skin lesions and provides guidance on whether they are melanoma or not. The app was tested in primary care and showed promising results, accurately diagnosing melanoma in all cases and determining harmless lesions with a high probability.

Cross-species insights: study finds calcium link in plant and animal immunity

A new study has identified a crucial role for plant MLKL proteins in regulating cytoplasmic calcium ion concentration, which is responsible for innate immune responses. The research found that activated plant MLKLs maintain higher calcium levels, activating downstream immune machinery and conferring disease resistance.

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.