Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive March 2024


Page 4 of 42

Dogs trained to detect trauma stress by smelling humans’ breath

Researchers teach two dogs to recognize the scent of trauma reactions on human breath, achieving 90% accuracy in discriminating between stressed and non-stressed samples. The study suggests that dogs may be able to detect stress VOCs linked to PTSD symptoms, potentially allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage.

Alcohol raises heart disease risk, particularly among women

A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.

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.

Unlocking how to use mRNA to target Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists at The Florey have developed an mRNA technology approach to target the toxic protein tau, which builds up in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This new method demonstrates that mRNA can serve purposes other than vaccine development, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

Taking a closer look at pulmonary fibrosis genetics

Researchers mapped expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) across 38 cell types in the lung, revealing cell-type-specific and disease-associated genetic control of gene regulation. This understanding will aid in developing therapeutics targeting PF mechanisms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New imaging method illuminates oxygen's journey in the brain

A new bioluminescence imaging technique allows for real-time monitoring of oxygen concentration in the brain, revealing previously undetected areas of temporary hypoxia. The method enables researchers to study diseases associated with hypoxia, such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Mechanism found to determine which memories last

Researchers have discovered a mechanism in the brain that determines which memories are consolidated into permanent form during sleep. Sharp wave-ripples, a pattern of neural activity, are believed to be the key 'tagging' system that identifies important experiences and replays them during sleep.

To keep volunteers, connect them

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that fostering social connections among volunteers can help organizations recruit and retain scarce volunteers. Researchers analyzed data from a Chinese crowdsourcing platform and found that social connections were a powerful predictor of volunteer behavior, with findings appl...

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.

Ancient isolation’s impact on modern ecology

A new study reveals how deep-seated geographic isolation drove divergent evolutionary paths among mammals, resulting in unique biodiversity patterns. The research highlights the crucial role of isolation in shaping modern ecosystems, with implications for conservation efforts and understanding the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Rice research shows promise for advancing quantum networks

Rice University engineers have demonstrated a way to control the optical properties of T centers, paving the way toward leveraging these point defects for building quantum nodes. By embedding a T center in a photonic integrated circuit, they increased the collection efficiency for single photon emission by two orders of magnitude.

Electronic device thermal management made simpler and slightly better!

Researchers developed a high-thermal-conductivity heat dissipation material with a moisture-reactive protective layer, overcoming limitations of existing magnesia materials. The breakthrough is seen as addressing moisture reaction issues and high sintering temperatures associated with low-cost heat dissipation materials.

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.

Revelation of the molecular code for constructing brain neural circuits with identification of the characteristics of excitatory synapses and memory cognition regulation mechanisms mediated by synaptic gene microexons

Scientists discovered the molecular code for brain neural circuits and identified characteristics of excitatory synapses that contribute to memory of new object locations. Fine-tuning of specific excitatory synapse traits may be used in developing treatments for related brain developmental disorders.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Going ‘back to the future’ to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef

Researchers reconstructed a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage and compared it to modern reefs in Southeast Florida. The study reveals significant differences in coral composition between the two periods, suggesting that modern reefs may not be able to support range expansions of temperature-sensitive species.

Sap beetles vs wind: what pollinates screw pines?

Researchers found that Amystrops sap beetles pollinate fragrant screw pines, contrary to previous assumptions about wind-pollination. The study also revealed floral thermogenesis in male and female flowers of Pandanus odorifer.

Land under water – what causes extreme flooding

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.

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.

$3 million Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant to fund gun violence research

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded UC Davis Health a three-year, $3 million grant to support research into the causes and complexities of gun violence disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities. The grant will focus on marginalized community violence prevention scholars, building diversity and developing progr...

VAT data could help countries prepare better for crises

A study published in PNAS Nexus found that granular supply chain data using VAT information can provide a more accurate estimate of economic impact in times of crises. This is particularly important for countries seeking to prepare better for armed conflicts, epidemics, or floods.

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.

Higher genetic risk of obesity means working out harder for same results

Research published in JAMA Network Open found that individuals with higher genetic risk of obesity need to walk more steps per day than those with lower risk to avoid becoming obese. Participants with a higher polygenic risk score required significantly more physical activity, with some needing up to 11,020 steps per day.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Implantable batteries can run on the body’s own oxygen

Researchers have developed an implantable battery that runs on the body's own oxygen, providing stable power and compatibility with biological systems. The device shows promise for powering medical devices, monitoring wound healing, and even starving cancer cells.

Curtin research unlocks supernova stardust secrets

Researchers have discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient meteorite that formed from a star other than the sun. The particle contains exceptionally high levels of magnesium isotopes, which can only be explained by formation in a hydrogen-burning supernova.

Lighting up the future

Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre have proposed a new approach to designing efficient light-emitting materials. The guidelines developed by the team will help OLED researchers develop materials that maintain high efficiency at high brightness, enabling brighter, more colourful displays and lighting.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Estimated sustainable cost-based prices for diabetes medicines

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that high prices for new diabetes medicines limit access worldwide. The research proposes that increased generic and biosimilar competition could significantly reduce prices, making treatments more affordable.

Could AI play a role in locating damage to the brain after stroke?

A new study suggests that artificial intelligence can accurately locate lesions in the brain after a stroke, identifying which side of the brain is affected and specific brain regions. The AI model achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates, but its accuracy depends on the quality of available health history information.

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.

Understanding the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease

A study using a xenotransplantation model has revealed that human microglia respond to amyloid-β plaques with a complex immune response, influencing the disease course. The research highlights the importance of considering genetic factors in microglia-targeted therapies for Alzheimer's disease.

Getting too little sleep linked to high blood pressure

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sleeping less than seven hours a day increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, with females facing a greater risk. The study pooled data from 16 studies and found that short sleep duration was significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension.

New documents reveal patient safety concerns over strike day cover

An investigation by The BMJ found that most NHS trusts in England did not make derogation requests due to concerns around patient safety. However, some trusts warned of potential harm to patients from cancelling operations at the last minute and short staffing, leading to rejected requests.

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.

Despite dwindling resources, many older adult Israelis exhibited impressive resilience during the initial period of the Israel-Hamas war, Bar-Ilan University study finds

A Bar-Ilan University study found that older adult Israelis showed remarkable resilience during the conflict, with lower rates of acute stress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger adults. The study suggests that life experience, emotional regulation capabilities, and coping mechanisms played a significant role in this resilience.

More than one billion people around the globe are facing obesity

The study found that obesity rates have nearly tripled in adult men and doubled in women since 1990. The prevalence of malnutrition is now the most common form of malnutrition globally, affecting nearly 880 million adults and 160 million children. Obesity can lead to comorbidities like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Fueling the future: boosting durability of eco-friendly cars' power source

Researchers investigate degradation mechanisms of proton exchange membrane fuel cells in automotive settings, highlighting chemical breakdown, corrosion, and mechanical wear. The study introduces pioneering approaches to enhance the lifespan and durability of PEMFCs, offering new perspectives for commercializing clean technology.

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.

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.

Paving new paths for sustainable construction

The Indian Institute of Science has developed new concrete materials using excavated soil, reducing the need for natural sand and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative materials show improved compressive strength and reduced waste, offering a scalable solution to the construction sector's environmental challenges.

A new surgical technique enables smiling in patients with facial paralysis

A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.

Small Aussie mammal's bite 'packs a punch'

Researchers found that dwarf rock-wallabies have adaptations to harder biting, including shorter snouts and teeth positioned at the back of the jaw. They also discovered that some tiny species of rock-wallaby have the largest molars, which enable them to eat similar foods as relatives that are eight times larger.