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Science News Archive March 2024


Page 30 of 42

Valorization of depolymerized lignin using microorganisms

Researchers review microbial processes for sustainable lignin valorization, producing dicarboxylic acids, phenolic acids, and complex natural products. Engineered microbes enhance lignin transformation efficiency, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods.

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.

More than flying cars

eVTOL batteries require varying amounts of power for flight stages such as climbing, hovering and descent. Researchers developed new energy-dense materials and tested them against the current state-of-the-art version, showing improved performance.

Progesterone protects babies from preterm birth

A recent study published in BMJ found that progesterone is more effective than a cervical pessary at reducing extreme preterm birth in women with a short cervix. Women with a cervix shorter than 25mm can benefit from progesterone treatment to prevent severe preterm birth.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rising incidence of Legionnaires’ disease due to cleaner air

A global rise in Legionnaires' disease since 2000 has puzzled experts. The study suggests that a decline in sulfur dioxide air pollution may be contributing to the increase, as airborne water droplets carrying Legionella bacteria become more acidic and inhospitable to the bacteria.

Who knew that eating poo was so vital for birds’ survival?

Researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that eating faeces helps birds absorb lost or deficient nutrients and adjust to seasonal variations in food sources. This coprophagy enables them to adapt to new environments and is especially important for long-migratory birds.

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.

No persistent cough in 4 out of 5 with Tuberculosis

Research on over 600,000 TB cases reveals 80% have no persistent cough, delaying diagnoses and transmission, with high infection rates among symptomless individuals. The study suggests rethinking current diagnostic practices for more effective TB identification.

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.

A new prescription for pain: AI and mindfulness

A new study led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute aims to determine whether AI can help doctors predict which patients will benefit from mindfulness-based stress reduction in managing chronic lower back pain. The research uses machine learning and physiological data from fitness sensors to detect patterns that may not be apparent to d...

cCMV infection: successful implementation of pooled saliva tests

Researchers successfully implemented pooled saliva testing to detect congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in newborns, achieving an empirical efficiency of 6 and reducing required tests by 83%. The study highlights the significance of early detection through this method, particularly for asymptomatic cases.

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.

Study reveals key mechanisms of rare form of epilepsy

A study identifies a genetic mutation underlying KCNQ2 encephalopathy, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. The research reveals key mechanisms by which the disorder manifests in patients, including suppression of normal gene function and altered protein distribution.

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.

Does worsening metabolic syndrome increase the risk of developing cancer?

A new study published in CANCER reveals that individuals with worsening metabolic syndrome are at a higher risk of developing various types of cancer. The study followed 44,115 adults in China and found that those with an elevated-increasing pattern of metabolic syndrome scores had a significantly higher risk of developing multiple typ...

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.

Study details how low humidity could be a boon for viruses

A Stanford University study finds that increased humidity can create anti-viral compounds in air microdroplets, potentially reducing the spread of airborne viruses. The researchers recommend maintaining relative humidity levels between 40-60% to achieve this effect.

Synergistic proton and oxygen-ion transport in fluorite oxide-ion conductor

Scientists have successfully developed a new structure family of oxide proton conductors as an alternative solid oxide fuel cell operated at low temperature. They achieved remarkable proton conductivity of 0.158 S cm−1 at 500°C by surficially transporting protons along oxide-ion conductor GDC particles.

Halloween toy among plastics swallowed by sea turtles

A study found over 40% of loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean contained macroplastics, including a Halloween toy. Researchers say these turtles could be used as 'bioindicator' species to understand the impact of plastic pollution.

Anemonefish are better taxonomists than humans

Researchers at OIST found that anemonefish can identify specific lineages of giant sea anemones, revealing two cryptic species within the bubble-tip sea anemone. The study provides new insights into marine biodiversity and highlights the remarkable abilities of these fish in distinguishing between different sea anemone groups.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Unveiling Inaoside A: An antioxidant derived from mushrooms

Researchers from Shinshu University have identified Inaoside A, a new antioxidant phenolic compound derived from the edible mushroom Laetiporus cremeiporus. The compound exhibited significant antioxidant activity, including 80% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging and an IC50 value of 79.9 μM.

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

Vaccine monitoring crucial as SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to evolve

A recent study found that newer monovalent COVID vaccines generated higher levels of antibodies against a range of Omicron variants, including the XBB and BQ.1.1 strains. The researchers also discovered that these vaccines increased mucosal antibody production, but not neutralizing antibody levels in the nasal cavity.

Emergency room culture may deter medical students from selecting specialty

A new UCLA Health study found that women and individuals who don't fit traditional norms in the emergency room environment are underrepresented due to the challenging cultural dynamics. Most medical students who pursued emergency medicine despite this hurdle indicated they needed mentorship, representation, and exposure to the specialty.

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.

Have metalenses expanded their reach into the ultraviolet region?

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have devised a technique for mass-producing large-area metalenses tailored for use in the ultraviolet region. The breakthrough enables control over optical properties of UV rays, sparking interest in potential advancements for medical devices and wearable technology.

Financial toxicity affects at least one-third of patients with cancer

A Canadian Medical Association Journal study finds that financial distress affects up to 33% of cancer patients in Canada, causing direct, indirect, and emotional costs. The authors suggest supporting home care, improved benefit plans, and pharmacare to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families.

A simple and robust method to add functional molecules to peptides

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a unique chemical reaction to attach two distinct functional molecules to the N-terminus of peptides with a glycine amino acid, achieving site-selective modification and stable carbon-carbon bonds. The method shows potential for labeling diverse peptides and larger proteins for purification,...

Mathematicians use AI to identify emerging COVID-19 variants

Researchers developed an AI framework that combines dimension reduction techniques with a new clustering algorithm to quickly identify groups of viral genomes at risk. This enables proactive response measures like tailored vaccine development, potentially eliminating emerging variants before they spread.

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.

Casting new light on gene regulation in development

Scientists discovered a shift in gene regulation by enhancers during embryonic development, showing both 'instructive' and 'permissive' modes of regulation. The study found that developmental stage determines which mode is dominant, allowing for rapid gene expression changes and tissue-specific control systems.

Microscopy plus deep learning to advance prostate cancer diagnosis

Researchers developed a machine-learning model to assess prostate cancer biopsy samples, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The new model, nnU-Net, provides accurate 3D segmentation of glandular tissue structures, leading to better prognostic analyses and potential improvements in patient outcomes.

Giving particle detectors a boost

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a nanocryotron, a prototype for an on-off switch that can amplify weak electrical signals from tiny particles in collider experiments. The device could help facilitate the operation of new particle colliders and improve the accuracy of observations.

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: Predicting steps in a random process

Physicists develop new method to efficiently determine all possible first-passage times and their probabilities, capturing randomness of both walker and environment. This approach builds on existing ideas and could improve predictive analyses in fields such as biology, migration systems, and financial markets.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers uncover protein responsible for cold sensation

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan has identified the GluK2 protein as a key player in cold sensing, which could help unravel why some patients experience painful reactions to cold. The discovery may also offer new paths to treating pain in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

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.

“Molecular Rosetta Stone” reveals how our microbiome talks to us

The study reveals a vast array of secondary bile acids produced by microbes in the gut, expanding our understanding of their functions and impact on human health. These molecules play important roles in digestion, immune system regulation, and metabolic processes, offering new insights into diseases related to bile acids.

New study finds female entrepreneurs do better with guidance from female mentors

A new study found that female entrepreneurs who receive guidance from female mentors experience significant improvements in performance, including a 32% sales increase. The study suggests that female-to-female mentorship dynamics yield more positive and supportive engagement, leading to better outcomes for female entrepreneurs.

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.

Design rules and synthesis of quantum memory candidates

Researchers used density functional theory to identify possible europium compounds as a new quantum memory platform. They synthesized one of the predicted compounds, Cs2NaEuF6, which is an air-stable material that could be used in scalable quantum computing.

New study reveals transgenerational effects of pesticide linuron on frogs

A new study from Stockholm University found that pesticide linuron causes significant physiological impacts in frogs, including changes in DNA, growth, metabolism, and reproductive systems. The research highlights the profound transgenerational consequences of environmental pollution on amphibian populations.

Improving care of hospitalized patients with HIV in Tanzania

A study published in JAMA found that three months of social worker follow-up support improved HIV clinic attendance and antiretroviral therapy initiation, but did not reduce mortality after one year. The intervention, known as Daraja, was highly effective at addressing barriers to care such as stigma and lack of social support.