Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2024


Page 35 of 42

Interstellar signal linked to aliens was actually just a truck

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the 2014 meteor fireball's signal was not from an extraterrestrial source but likely from a truck. The team re-examined data and found that the signal matched a road near the seismometer, contradicting earlier reports of alien materials.

Eight new deep-sea species of marine sponges discovered

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered eight new deep-sea species of marine sponges in the Balearic Islands, increasing the ecological importance of the region. The study reveals a strong case for the inclusion of underwater mountains and caves within the Natura 2000 Network, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

Study: SCOTUS created two-tier health care system with Dobbs decision

A new study examines the impact of the Dobbs decision on healthcare delivery, revealing a two-tiered system that worsens disparities for marginalized communities. Providers in restrictive and protective states report reduced quality of care, increased training gaps, and fewer trained healthcare providers.

New product development shapes firms and the economy

Researchers analyzed product life cycles, revealing a steady decline of 30% per year between the first and fourth year of activity. New products contribute positively to firm growth, while lagging sales decrease it.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new genus of fungi on grasses

A new genus of fungi, Metacampanella, has been identified on grasses in the US Pacific Northwest. This discovery expands our understanding of fungal diversity and their ecological relationships with plants.

Discovery tests theory on cooling of white dwarf stars

A team of researchers discovered that some white dwarf stars stopped cooling due to the formation of floating crystals, which displace heavier material and release gravitational energy. This phenomenon challenges the traditional view of white dwarfs as 'dead stars' and requires a revision of astronomy textbooks.

Children surpass a year of HIV remission after treatment pause

A clinical trial shows four children achieved HIV remission, with one child remaining in remission for over a year. The study suggests that very early treatment initiation may limit HIV's ability to establish reservoirs and increases the prospect of HIV remission.

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.

Universal tool for tracking cell-to-cell interactions

A new platform called uLIPSTIC enables the tracking of physical cell-to-cell interactions, allowing researchers to directly observe the elusive cellular interactome. This innovation uses a universal approach to label and quantify cell membrane interactions, opening up new avenues for understanding tissue formation and immune response.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Model estimates who benefits most from frequent COVID-19 boosters

A simulation model predicts that frequent booster vaccination is highest effective for those over 65 years old and the immunocompromised to prevent severe disease. The model suggests that annual or twice-yearly boosters reduce severe infections in these high-risk populations by half.

Schizophrenia and aging may share a common biological basis

Researchers found similar gene activity changes in brain tissue from people with schizophrenia and older adults, suggesting a shared biological basis for cognitive decline. The study identified the Synaptic Neuron and Astrocyte Program (SNAP), which is tightly coordinated between neurons and astrocytes.

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.

Powerless mechanoluminescent touchscreen underwater

A team of researchers created an optical display technology using afterglow luminescent particles, enabling writing and erasure of messages underwater. The device exhibits resistance to humidity and maintains functionality even when submerged for prolonged periods.

Research reveals novel herpesvirus in South American pinnipeds

Scientists detect Otariid gammaherpesvirus 1 (OtGHV1) and a novel virus Otariid gammaherpesvirus 8 (OtGHV8) in South American sea lions and fur seals, highlighting the importance of continued research into animal health and ecosystem dynamics. The discovery underscores the complexity of viral ecology in pinniped populations.

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.

Standing together against hate: A collective responsibility

A new LMU study investigates bystander reactions to verbal hate attacks and finds that individual responses are ineffective in softening the impact of hate speech. Collective opposition from bystanders is crucial in shaping social norms against hate speech, with unanimous disapproval being most effective.

New deep-sea worm discovered at methane seep off Costa Rica

Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea worm, Pectinereis strickrotti, living near a methane seep off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The worm has an elongated body with feathery appendages and was named after Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Bruce Strickrott.

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.

New hydrogen producing method is simpler and safer

A new hydrogen-producing method splits water into oxygen and hydrogen without mixing the gases, reducing the risk of explosions. The decoupled electrolyzer system uses a supercapacitive electrode to separate the gases, eliminating the need for rare Earth metals.

Do some electric fish sense the world through comrades' auras?

Researchers at Columbia University found evidence for collective sensing in African weakly electric fish, which allows them to extend their perceptual reach up to 3 times. This phenomenon enables the fish to locate objects more effectively, potentially providing survival benefits.

Lost tombs and quarries rediscovered on British military base in Cyprus

A team of archaeologists from the University of Leicester has rediscovered over 50 lost archaeological sites at the Eastern Sovereign Base Area in Dhekelia, Cyprus. The sites, dating back to the Bronze Age and spanning multiple periods, were found using a combination of GIS mapping and surveying techniques.

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.

Industrious communities can create cheaters, even in bacteria

Researchers at Duke University found that cooperative growth in bacterial colonies can lead to the emergence of 'cheating' bacteria that exploit others. The study demonstrates how environmental pressures can shape the evolution of microbial communities.

Psychosocial stressors linked to higher inflammation in Black pregnant women

Research found that experiences of racial discrimination and perceived neighborhood racial composition are associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines during pregnancy. Higher macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) levels were linked to glucocorticoid resistance, a potential mechanism underlying preterm birth.

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.

How fusion proteins hijack gene regulators to spur childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Buffalo have discovered that fusion proteins hijack gene regulatory complexes through their unfolded domains, causing cancer. The study found that these disordered domains interact with high specificity and form liquid-like droplets, enabling cancerous genes to be activated.

COVID-19 physiological impacts vary by sex, wearable technology reveals

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that COVID-19 infections cause significant physiological differences between males and females. Males experience larger increases in skin temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate during infections, while also maintaining higher levels during recovery.

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.

Patience pays off

Neuroscientists used wireless recording technology to investigate decision-making in rhesus monkeys foraging for food. The results show that monkeys learned to weigh time and past success when choosing between boxes, with longer wait times leading to more rewards.

Should we go back to year-round standard time?

Experts argue that Canada's extreme temperature variation and sunlight changes make Daylight Saving Time problematic. The practice has negative effects on sleep, mood, concentration, memory, and cardiovascular problems. Returning to standard time year-round could improve mental health and well-being by aligning with natural light expos...

How does wearing makeup affect skin during exercise?

Research found that wearing cosmetic foundation during aerobic exercise increased moisture in the skin, but did not significantly affect pore size. Additionally, oil levels decreased on the skin with makeup compared to without it.

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.

Global warming is affecting bats’ hibernation

A study on the largest colony of bats in Catalonia found that global warming is altering their physiology, behavior, and migration patterns. Bats are accumulating less fat reserves, shortening their hibernation periods, and leaving their winter shelters sooner, which could impact their reproduction and conservation.

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.

Marine algae implants could boost crop yields

Researchers have discovered the gene responsible for producing a unique type of chlorophyll in marine algae. This breakthrough could lead to improved crop yields on less land, making it a key step towards achieving a more sustainable food supply. The study also demonstrated that a land plant can produce this specific type of chlorophyll.

Uncovering the cyclization mechanism of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase

A team of researchers has determined the detailed mechanism of cyclization catalyzed by the cyclization domain of cyclic β-1,2-glucan synthase from Thermoanaerobacter italicus. The study reveals that the enzyme produces β-glucosidase-resistant compounds and features a transglycosylation reaction.

Completely recycled viscose for the first time

Scientists at Lund University have successfully developed a method to recycle cotton textiles into viscose fibers, a common component of clothing. The process involves treating old cotton with zinc chloride solution and then dissolving it in sodium hydroxide, producing high-quality viscose fibers.

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.

Black people half as likely to be evaluated for genetic testing as white people

A new study published in Neurology found significant racial disparities in the evaluation and prescription of genetic testing among patients with neurologic conditions. Black patients were half as likely to be evaluated for genetic testing as white patients, despite having similar levels of office visits before evaluation.

AI can speed design of health software

A new study finds that generative AI can accelerate the design of healthcare software, particularly for complex medical problems like diabetes prevention. Researchers at NYU Langone Health used ChatGPT to develop a personalized automatic messaging system in over 40 hours, compared to 200 programmer hours with non-AI enabled efforts.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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