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Science News Archive May 2024


Page 15 of 44

Preteens use dating apps, and 1 in 4 are sexual minorities

A new study reveals that preteens are using online dating apps at an alarming rate, with LGB adolescents being 13 times more likely to report engagement. The study also found that preteen boys spend more time on screens than girls, highlighting the need for guidance and media literacy programs to mitigate risks.

How a multi-lens telescope enables daytime astronomy observations

Astronomers at Macquarie University have successfully tested a new technique for observing celestial objects during the day using the Huntsman Telescope. The array of camera lenses can accurately measure stars, satellites, and other targets even when the Sun is high overhead, allowing continual monitoring of bright stars like Betelgeuse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Peering into Pluto’s ocean

A team of scientists has discovered an ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's surface, with a shell of nitrogen and water ice estimated to be 40-80 km thick. The density of the ocean is around 8% denser than seawater on Earth, allowing for minimal fractures in the ice above.

Signatures of heart attack

The study identified specific patterns in blood samples of patients who had different clinical outcomes after a heart attack. These patterns, known as 'immune signatures', are associated with either better or worse recovery of heart function. The findings could lead to the development of new diagnostics and treatments for heart failure.

People who care for loved ones with arthritis carry an economic burden

A Griffith University study reveals that informal carers of loved ones with arthritis incur a significant economic burden, losing around $1,000 per week in earnings. By 2030, this figure is expected to rise to $576.9 million, highlighting the need for improved support systems and policies to alleviate this financial strain.

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.

Some patients take 2nd at-home fecal test to delay colonoscopy

A Kaiser Permanente study of 316,443 patients reveals that 7.4% repeated fecal testing instead of proceeding to a colonoscopy, and only 41% received a colonoscopy within one year of their initial positive test. Patients who repeated home tests cited concerns about colorectal cancer diagnosis

Streamlined microcomb design provides control with the flip of a switch

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

One in two children with ADHD experience emotional problems, study finds

Research published in Nature Mental Health found that one in two children with ADHD show signs of emotional dysregulation, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and explosive outbursts. This symptom is independent of cognitive and motivational problems and may be linked to brain region development.

Strings that can vibrate forever (kind of)

Scientists from TU Delft and Brown University engineer string-like resonators capable of vibrating for extended periods at room temperature, enabling sensitive sensing applications. The innovation uses advanced nanotechnology techniques and machine learning algorithms to create ultra-long strings with minimal energy loss.

Increasing experimental efficiency in plant genome editing

Researchers from VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology improved multiplex mutagenesis, reducing the complexity and cost of large-scale genome editing projects. The team optimized CRISPR/Cas9 vector design, achieving a 99% mutation rate with high efficiency.

Designing autism-inclusive healthcare environments

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University are designing more inclusive healthcare environments for autistic children with unique sensory needs. Their study proposes creating sensory adaptive environments and increasing training of medical professionals on sensory differences to improve healthcare experiences.

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 do migrants choose their destinations?

A new mathematical model developed by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub shows how diaspora size affects migration flows. The study reveals that people migrate to smaller destinations if their diaspora is present, highlighting the importance of social influence in shaping migration patterns.

Future climate impacts put whale diet at risk

A new study predicts that future climate change will disrupt humpback whales' krill-heavy diet, as their primary prey item Antarctic krill becomes less abundant. The research found that all tested whale populations relied on Antarctic krill, which is essential for their migratory lifestyle.

University of Bath scientists develop new battery-free lactic acid sensor

The researchers created a chemosensor that detects lactic acid levels in saliva without the need for an electrical power source, opening up possibilities for easy use in remote locations. The sensor uses graphene foam technology to measure changes in quantum capacitance when lactate binds, allowing for lower-cost and more reliable trac...

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.

Wearable devices get signal boost from innovative material

Researchers at Rice University developed a new material that mimics skin elasticity and motion types while preserving signal strength in electronics. The material, made by embedding ceramic nanoparticles into an elastic polymer, stabilizes radio-frequency communication and minimizes energy loss.

From ripples to daydreams: the brain activity behind mind wandering

A study published in Nature Communications found that sharp-wave ripples in the hippocampus are associated with vivid, imaginative self-generated thoughts and less pleasurable states. This link may have implications for understanding conditions such as autism, attention deficit disorder, and happiness/well-being.

San Francisco study explores the growing culture of fentanyl smoking

A new study explores the growing fentanyl smoking culture in San Francisco, highlighting individual experiences and local trends. Participants reported fear of overdose and challenges with injecting as motivations for switching to smoking, but some expressed concerns about hygiene and residue risks.

Promethium bound: Rare earth element’s secrets exposed

Researchers at ORNL have characterized promethium's properties in solution for the first time, providing a new understanding of its chemical behavior and its potential applications. The study's findings also shed light on lanthanide contraction, a phenomenon that affects the size and shape of these elements.

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.

New biomarkers found to predict kidney failure in type 1 diabetes patients

A team of researchers from City of Hope has identified novel associations between DNA methylation activity and a subsequent risk of developing kidney failure in type 1 diabetes patients. By analyzing blood samples from over 277 participants, they found stable biomarkers that remained remarkably consistent across years.

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.

Young people are increasingly using Wegovy and Ozempic

A national study found a significant increase in the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) among adolescents and young adults in the US. Female adolescents showed a higher increase in GLP-1RA usage compared to males, highlighting the need for education on potential safety risks during pregnancy.

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.

New insights into the degradation dynamics of organic material in the seafloor

Researchers found that microbial communities can stimulate decomposition of both fresh and old organic matter, with significant implications for the marine carbon cycle. The study suggests that increased input of fresh organic matter due to climate change could lead to a disproportionate effect on degradation of refractory organic matter.

What factors predict when older adults will stop driving?

A new study followed 283 older adults with no memory or thinking problems to examine the factors leading to stopping driving. The research found that female participants were more likely to stop driving than male participants, as well as those who developed cognitive impairment and performed worse on cognitive tests.

Proximity to a cancer center contributes to cancer stage at diagnosis, study finds

Patients living far from comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) have higher odds of receiving late-stage cancer diagnoses. Non-Hispanic Black patients and those with no insurance also experience disparities in cancer staging. CCCs can improve outcomes by adopting standardized catchment area assessments and sharing patient care information.

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.

Bérénice Benayoun (USC) receives Rising Star Award in Aging Research

Dr. Bérénice Benayoun's research focuses on big data, sex differences, and immune function in relation to aging, aiming to understand how genomic regulation mechanisms influence aging and health. She has secured over $7.58M in grants across 16 projects, recognizing her innovative contributions to geroscience.

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.

Unlocking the secrets of supercritical fluids

A team of international researchers has measured the molecular diffusion coefficient of a supercritical fluid, revealing a gradual transition from gas-like to liquid-like behavior across the Widom line. This study contributes to our understanding of supercritical fluid dynamics and holds implications for planetary science.

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.

Fish may naturally prefer to compete – not cooperate – during swimming

Researchers used a computational model to analyze flow interactions among schools of fish, revealing that in-phase synchronization saves energy equally, while anti-phase movements increase energy demand. The study suggests that fish might be motivated by greed rather than cooperation when assuming their preferred swimming position.

Drug-like inhibitor shows promise in preventing flu

Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a potential drug-like molecule that blocks the first stage of type A influenza infection. The inhibitors target hemagglutinin, a protein on the surface of type A influenza viruses, and have shown improved cellular antiviral potency compared to previous compounds.

Body lice may be bigger plague spreaders than previously thought

A recent laboratory study found that human body lice are more efficient at transmitting Yersinia pestis, the bacterium causing plague, than previously believed. The researchers discovered a new mechanism by which lice can spread the pathogen through bites, highlighting the potential role of body lice in past plague outbreaks.

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.

Food for thought: Study links key nutrients with slower brain aging

A study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has found that participants with slower brain aging had a distinct nutrient profile similar to the Mediterranean diet. This profile is characterized by specific fatty acids, antioxidants, and carotenoids that are associated with improved cognitive performance and brain health.

Batteries: modeling tomorrow’s materials today

Microstructure simulations reveal strong influence of elastic deformation on charging behavior of layered oxides used as cathode of sodium-ion batteries. The study found that fast charging creates mechanical stress that may damage material permanently, leading to degradation mechanisms and reduced capacity.

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.

Unlocking blueberry quality: the role of cuticular waxes

A comprehensive study on cuticular wax biosynthesis in blueberries identified key genes involved in the process and found that manipulating wax biosynthesis pathways can improve fruit quality traits like reduced water loss and enhanced visual appeal. The research highlights the potential of developing strategies to enhance fruit qualit...