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Science News for March 8, 2024


Pushing the boundary on ultralow frequency gravitational waves

Physicists have developed a new method to detect gravitational waves with extremely low frequencies, potentially revealing insights into the early universe. The technique analyzes pulsar data and has increased the

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Researchers develop artificial building blocks of life

Scientists from the University of Cologne developed threofuranosyl nucleic acid (TNA) with a new base pair, offering improved stability and function compared to natural DNA and RNA. This breakthrough could enable targeted drug delivery, diagnostics, and recognition of viral proteins or biomarkers.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

The brain builds emotions regardless of the senses

A study published in Science Advances reveals that emotions are represented in the brain through a distributed network encompassing sensory, prefrontal, and temporal areas. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex emerges as a key locus for storing an abstract representation of emotions.

SourceIMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

New study discovers how altered protein folding drives multicellular evolution

Researchers discovered how altered protein folding enables the evolution of robust bodies in yeast, allowing them to become as strong and tough as wood. This finding highlights the power of non-genetic mechanisms in rapid evolutionary change and underscores the importance of mapping genetic information to understand adaptive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 8, 2024

How surface roughness influences the adhesion of soft materials

A research team at the University of Freiburg has discovered a universal mechanism that leads to adhesion hysteresis in soft materials, which is caused by surface roughness. The team demonstrated that roughness interferes with the separation process, causing abrupt movements that release parts of the adhesive bond incrementally.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 8, 2024

Series of important achievements in the scientific investigation of the Yarlung Tsangbo Grand Canyon

Researchers make important breakthroughs in understanding water vapor transport and heavy precipitation around the Grand Canyon, shedding light on its impact on the Tibetan Plateau. The study reveals a dry bias in satellite data and highlights the need for calibration.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 8, 2024

Balancing training data and human knowledge makes AI act more like a scientist

Researchers develop framework to assess relative value of rules and data in AI models, improving efficiency and accuracy in scientific problems. The framework optimizes model training by tweaking the influence of different rules, filtering out redundant ones, and identifying synergistic relationships between rules.

SourceCell Press·JournalNexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Facing illegal wildlife trade in the European union: A call for comprehensive measures

A new study proposes three measures to improve the EU's response to illegal wildlife trade, including creating a database of all species trade and establishing regulations to prohibit the import of illegally captured specimens. The proposals aim to transform the EU into a model of environmental protection concerning wildlife trade.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2024

High-tech 'paint' could spare patients repeated surgeries

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are developing a technique to 'paint' tiny nanoparticles on transplanted veins to prevent blockages, potentially sparing patients from repeated surgeries. This approach could significantly reduce the number of vascular reconstructions performed annually in the US.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateMar 8, 2024

AI predicts healthiness of food menus and highlights ‘double burden’ of unhealthy food environment in deprived areas

A study using AI to analyze almost 180,000 food outlets found that restaurants tend to have the healthiest menus, followed by cafes and snack bars. The research reveals a 'double burden' on people living in deprived areas due to high concentrations of unhealthy fast-food outlets.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalHealth & Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Duke-NUS research discovery sparks hope: Zika virus vaccine emerges as an unlikely hero in battling brain cancer

A recent study published in the Journal of Translational Medicine discovered that Zika virus vaccine strains can eradicate brain tumour cells while leaving healthy ones intact. The vaccine candidates were found to target rapidly proliferating cancerous cells, making them an ideal option for treating fast-growing brain cancers.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

A better handle on the emissions budget for the Paris climate targets

Scientists develop a new method to calculate the total carbon emissions consistent with the Paris climate targets of 1.5°C and 2°C of global warming. The study estimates emissions budgets that are at least 10% larger than previous models, indicating a need for urgent action to reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2024

Iron restriction keeps blood stem cells young

A study published in Cell Stem Cell found that restricting iron levels in blood stem cells can reverse their decline and improve regenerative capacity. The researchers discovered that excess intracellular iron activates inflammation within HSCs, while restricted iron levels enable them to multiply and respond effectively.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Perspectives of Black patients on racism within emergency care

A qualitative study of 25 Black patient interviews reveals significant medical mistrust and anticipation of racism in emergency care. The study suggests system improvements are needed to address these issues and improve health outcomes for Black patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 8, 2024

Secrets of cell division revealed by cutting-edge imaging technique

A recent study using cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy has shed light on the role of cohesin in cell division. The research revealed multiple populations of cohesin complexes, each playing a specific role in faithful genetic material segregation during cell division.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

“Double life” of key immune protein reveals new strategies for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases

Researchers discover that PD-1 forms dimers to function optimally, and manipulating its dimerization can enhance or inhibit T cell activity. This finding offers new insights into developing more effective cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Immunology: good sleep stimulates the immune system

Research shows that sleep promotes the migratory potential of immune cells, specifically T cells, towards lymph nodes. This process is mediated by growth hormone and prolactin, two hormones that display sleep-dependent changes in concentration.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateMar 8, 2024

Tiny wireless light bulbs for biomedical applications

Researchers have created tiny wireless light sources that could enable minimally invasive treatments for diseases. The devices combine organic light-emitting diodes with acoustic antennas to provide a compact, frequency-tuned power source for biomedical applications.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Harnessing the mechanisms of fungal bioluminescence to confer autonomous luminescence in plants and animal cells

Researchers have discovered plant enzymes capable of performing complex bioluminescence reactions, enabling the creation of self-sustained light displays. This breakthrough technology has the potential to monitor disease progression and assist in drug screening, offering a non-invasive tool for understanding plant molecular physiology.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Lack of focus doesn’t equal lack of intelligence — it’s proof of an intricate brain

Researchers at Brown University's Carney Institute for Brain Science discovered how the brain coordinates attention and filtering functions to perform complex tasks. The study found that multiple brain regions work together to adjust focus and filter out distractions, providing insight into human cognitive flexibility.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Keep the change: Scientists analyze attitudes of shop assistants

Researchers from SWPS University studied 216 grocery shops in Poland and found that few customers increased the likelihood of shop assistants keeping change. Sellers were more likely to give correct change to shoppers of the same gender as themselves, while wearing a mask or visor had no impact on honesty.

SourceSWPS University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 8, 2024

‘Politicians in robes’: How a sharp right turn imperiled trust in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court's shift to the right has led to a significant erosion of public trust and legitimacy, with Democrats seeing the court as less legitimate and Republicans viewing it more positively. The court's dramatic change since the 2022 Dobbs ruling has polarized the public along partisan lines for the first time in decades.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Primary care scarcity linked to more surgical emergencies & problems

Patients living in areas with severe primary care shortages have a higher risk of emergency surgery, complications after surgery, and readmission. The study highlights the need for efforts to increase training and geographic distribution of primary care providers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

How water guides the assembly of collagen, the building block of all humans

Scientists discovered how water influences collagen formation and assembly. Replacing water with heavy water accelerates collagen production but results in a less stable network. The study's findings offer insights into collagen-related diseases like brittle bone disease and may lead to new materials with controlled mechanical properties.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2024

Mapping the future’s sweet spot for clean energy and biodiversity

A new study maps the potential impact of renewable energy on biodiversity in the southwestern US. Joshua trees and kit foxes are expected to lose significant habitats by 2070 due to climate change. The study suggests advanced computer modeling can help site renewable energy resources without overlapping with biodiversity hotspots.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Limited correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins in new study

A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found no significant correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins. Researchers used data from Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to map dog home addresses to radon zones and fracking wells, but did not find a link.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalJournal of Veterinary Medicine·DateMar 8, 2024

MSU discovers new insights hiding above a 60-year-old fire

Soil microbes were analyzed near the Centralia mine fire, revealing new insights into how bacterial communities respond to intense environmental change. The team found that species that were active or dormant changed after the fire, but some populations recovered with new bacteria being blown in by wind.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEcology Letters·DateMar 8, 2024

New study reveals the evolutionary nature of animal friendships

Researchers from Stockholm University and University of Neuchâtel discover social bonds in group-living animals develop over time through mutual aid and shared activities. Existing members actively initiate new friendships with recruits, expanding the social network.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2024

New research reveals cancer-killing properties of an immune cell

Human type 2 innate lymphoid cells have been found to attack and kill cancer cells in human models, with the ability to be expanded and applied in larger numbers to overpower tumors. This breakthrough could lead to a new therapeutic approach using these cells as an 'off-the-shelf' product.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalCell·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024

Study shows how oestrogen protects against fatty liver

Research reveals oestrogen's protective role in preventing fatty liver disease by targeting the TEAD1 protein. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for fatty liver and liver cancer, as well as earlier detection methods.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Bald eagles eat prairie dogs? Researchers underscore relationship between raptors and rodents in the southern plains

A new study reveals that prairie dogs are a crucial prey source for four species of raptors, including bald eagles, overwintering in the Southern Great Plains. The relationship between prairie dogs and their aerial predators has implications for raptor conservation through climate change.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Study illuminates the protective role of fluorescence in neon-colored sea anemones

Researchers found that fluorescent proteins function as potent antioxidants, safeguarding cells from oxidative damage in neon-colored sea anemones. The study also revealed a direct genetic link between fluorescence and color variation in these creatures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Locating single neurons that monitor and regulate the heart and lungs

Scientists have identified two thalamic nuclei and the subthalamic nucleus as encoding vital physiological signals from the heart and lungs. This discovery sheds light on how the body and brain communicate, influencing cognitive processes such as emotional regulation and decision-making.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Socially prescribed creative play boosts parents’ and children’s wellbeing

A new study found that socially prescribed creative play enhances parents' social networks, creative parenting approaches, and mental health, while improving children's developmental milestones and skills. Parents who participated in the programme reported better wellbeing and connections with others.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPublic Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2024

Blood pressure control in veterans declined during the COVID-19 pandemic

A cohort study of nearly 1.65 million veterans found a 7% decline in blood pressure control during the pandemic compared to before. Longer follow-up intervals were associated with decreased likelihood of maintaining blood pressure control.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalMedical Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Wind power surge: China's bold leap towards a green future

A recent study introduces a novel methodology to assess onshore wind energy's economic viability and competitive edge. China's ambitious environmental goals, driven by technological advancements and cost reductions, have led to a rapid growth in wind power, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateMar 8, 2024

Glowing flowers illuminate homes and gardens with organic light

Recent discoveries enable researchers to efficiently harness the glow of bioluminescent plants using a native plant gene. The compact gene acts as a bridge between plant metabolism and light production, allowing for a constantly changing spectacle of natural light.

SourceLight Bio, Inc.·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

CSI in space: Analyzing bloodstain patterns in microgravity

Researchers at Staffordshire University and the University of Hull studied bloodstain patterns in microgravity, revealing unique challenges for forensic investigators. The study found that amplified surface tension and cohesion cause blood droplets to stick to surfaces, leading to slower spread rates and altered shapes.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalForensic Science International Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Small class sizes not better for pupils’ grades or resilience, says study

A study published in International Journal of Science Education found that minimizing pupil numbers in classrooms does not lead to better grades. Instead, high-quality teachers with discipline standards and effective teaching methods increase the odds of pupils from low-income families achieving academically.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·DateMar 8, 2024

What heat can tell us about battery chemistry: using the Peltier effect to study lithium-ion cells

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois has demonstrated a technique to study chemical properties of lithium-ion battery cells by exploiting the Peltier effect. This allows them to experimentally measure the entropy of the lithium-ion electrolyte, which could inform lithium-ion battery design.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 8, 2024

Impact of onset time, number, type, and sequence of extrahepatic organ failure on prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure

A total of 736 ACLF patients were included in the study, with 54.6% experiencing extrahepatic organ failure (EHOF). MEHOF or SEHOF with brain failure indicated a worse prognosis. Risk stratification using EHOF characteristics effectively differentiated patients with different mortality risks.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMar 8, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Women with high-risk HPV and metabolic syndrome have almost three times risk for mortality, York University researchers find

Researchers at York University found that women with both high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and metabolic syndrome are at a significantly higher risk of mortality. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 individuals and found that those with both conditions had a 2.6 times higher risk for mortality than those without either condition.

SourceYork University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 8, 2024

Research sheds light on new strategy to treat infertility

Researchers at OHSU have developed a new strategy to treat infertility by turning skin cells into eggs capable of producing viable embryos. The technique involves transferring the nucleus of a skin cell into a donated egg, reducing its chromosomes by half to create a fertilizable embryo.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024

Restored coral reefs can grow as fast as healthy reefs

Researchers found that restored coral reefs can triple their coral cover and carbonate production rates within four years, making them comparable to healthy reefs. However, the community composition on restoration sites differs from healthy reefs due to mixed branching coral types.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 8, 2024

What's behind the surge of fatty liver disease in Latinx kids?

A new study finds that Latinx children with unreliable access to food at age 4 are nearly four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease later. The researchers recommend earlier screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and ensuring public meal programs offer nutritious meals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateMar 8, 2024

Good news for coral reef restoration efforts: Study finds “full recovery” of reef growth within four years

Researchers found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same speed as healthy reefs within four years, bringing back important ecosystem functions and habitat for marine life. The study's results show promise for reef restoration projects worldwide, but longer-term studies are needed to understand resilience under stress.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

New study reveals molecular fingerprint of biological aging

A new study has revealed a molecular fingerprint of biological aging, shedding light on why people age differently. The researchers identified 25 metabolites that can reflect biological age, known as the Healthy Aging Metabolic (HAM) Index, which was found to be more accurate than other aging metrics.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAging Cell·TypeObservational study·DateMar 8, 2024

Deciphering catalysts: Unveiling structure-activity correlations

A team of researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research has made a breakthrough in understanding the relationship between catalyst structures and their reactions. By studying the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in Tin-Oxide-based catalysts, they uncovered the active surface species responsi...

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 8, 2024

Optimizing boosters: How COVID mRNA vaccines reshape immune memory after each dose

Researchers found that T cells can reshape their memory and maintain diversity against COVID-19 variants in response to successive mRNA vaccinations. The study revealed a shift among clonotypes, with a change from early responders to main responders after the second shot, suggesting a new dominant population of effector-memory T cells.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 8, 2024
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.

Brain waves travel in one direction when memories are made and the opposite when recalled

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that brain waves move from back to front while forming new memories, but reverse direction when recalling information. The study's findings advance fundamental neuroscience research and may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for memory-related disorders.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 8, 2024