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Science News Archive May 2024


Page 23 of 44

How did sabre-toothed tigers acquire their long upper canine teeth?

A study led by the University of Liège has investigated the evolution of sabre-toothed tigers' elongated upper canine teeth. The research revealed a continuum of cranial morphology between present-day small cats and extinct sabre-toothed species, indicating that evolutionary patterns are more complex than previously thought.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wind farms can offset their emissions within two years, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.

Scientists made a soft robot that mimics a spider's leg

Researchers develop a soft robot that mimics a spider's leg using a liquid-based exoskeleton and artificial muscle. The robotic leg can interact with delicate structures without damaging them, demonstrating its potential applications in fields like surgery and disaster response.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Patient “chronotype” could impact best time to take blood pressure medication.

Research suggests that taking antihypertensive medications at times aligned with personal chronotype could reduce the risk of heart attacks. Morning larks and night owls who took their medications in sync with their natural rhythms had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those who took them at odds with their chronotypes.

Risk perception influenced less by media than previously thought

A study at TUM has debunked the assumption that people overestimate dramatic causes of death due to media attention. Instead, deaths in personal environments have a more significant impact on risk perception. Respondents can consciously engage with news reports and incorporate other sources into their judgment.

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.

How does the brain turn waves of light into experiences of color?

Columbia University neuroscientists have identified brain-cell circuitry in fruit flies that converts raw sensory signals into color perceptions, which could underlie how creatures large and small see wavelengths of light as information-rich hues. The discovery reveals a complex neural mechanism responsible for hue selectivity, allowin...

Finding quantum order in chaos

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules. The team observed intricate quantum dynamics underlying the reaction process and outcome, revealing that quantum coherence was preserved within the nuclear spin degree of freedom throu...

Bioengineered enzyme creates natural vanillin from plants in one step

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed an enzyme that converts ferulic acid from plant waste into vanillin, a classic flavor compound. The engineered enzyme exhibits high conversion activity and affinities, making it suitable for large-scale commercial production.

In September, securities watchdogs bark more, bite less

The SEC experiences a surge in enforcement cases in September due to a reporting deadline, resulting in lower fines. Researchers suggest this may impact the agency's ability to deter bad behavior and maintain overall effectiveness.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Breaking bonds to form bonds: Rethinking the Chemistry of Cations

Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a novel C–H activation reaction that enables the selective targeting of specific carbon-hydrogen bonds. This breakthrough provides new insights into molecular interactions and opens doors to synthetic pathways previously closed, potentially contributing to drug discovery.

Brain wiring predicted adolescents’ emotional health during COVID-19 pandemic

The study found that brain circuits associated with emotion, reward, and pain processing predicted adolescents' stress, negative emotions, and mental health. Greater robustness of the salience network conferred emotional resilience, while weaker connections in certain parts of the brain were linked to higher stress and sadness.

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.

A second chance for new antibiotic agent

Researchers have successfully adapted a modified drug molecule to selectively bind to a protein in bacteria, rather than human cells, making it more effective against bacterial infections. This breakthrough could provide a new avenue for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

Does getting out and about in the community affect cognitive function?

A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that greater community mobility is significantly associated with better cognitive function in individuals aged 52 and older. The association was strongest among those at low risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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.

Sleep Research Society announces 2024 award recipients

The Sleep Research Society has recognized four individuals with its 2024 awards, honoring their exceptional contributions to sleep and circadian science, education, and public health. The winners include Dr. Elizabeth Klerman, Dr. David Raizen, Michael Perlis, and Julie Flygare.

Guideline issued for people with epilepsy who may become pregnant

The guideline provides recommendations on the effects of antiseizure medications and folic acid supplementation on malformations at birth and child development during pregnancy. It recommends minimizing tonic-clonic seizures and using medications like lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or oxcarbazepine to minimize risk of major birth defects.

New study links autism spectrum disorder to disrupted developmental dopamine

Researchers discovered a link between disrupted developmental dopamine signaling and autism spectrum disorder, highlighting the importance of studying neural development pathways. The study found that dopaminergic signaling disruptions led to neural circuit abnormalities and behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of autism in zebrafish larvae.

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.

Much more than a world first image of radioactive cesium atoms

Researchers image radioactive cesium atoms in pollucite inclusions within Cs-rich microparticles, shedding light on the lingering challenges of radioactive waste management. The breakthrough analysis provides crucial information on the chemical form of cesium in particles and fuel debris.

Singing researchers find cross-cultural patterns in music and language

A study involving 75 researchers from 55 languages found consistent patterns in music and language features, such as pitch, timbre, and rhythm. The research suggests that songs may have evolved to facilitate social bonding and synchronisation, with slow, regular melodies making it easier for large groups to sing together.

A century of statistical Ecology

A collection of landmark studies in statistical ecology has been published, featuring 36 papers that have provided ecologists with crucial analytical tools for gaining insight into the natural world. The development of novel analytical techniques has mirrorled the history of the field as a whole.

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.

Ultra-high-Q free space coupling to microtoroid resonators

Researchers have developed a system for microtoroid optical resonators using far-field excitation, achieving ultra-high quality factors over 10^8. This enables compact and cost-effective biochemical sensing, surpassing tapered fiber-based couplers.

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.

What is the carbon footprint of a house in Japan?

Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed the carbon footprint of building a wooden house in Japan, estimating 38 tons of CO2 emissions. The team identified electric power sector and steel manufacturing process as major contributors to total emissions.

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.

Transcatheter valve replacement outcomes similar to surgery

A meta-analysis of seven randomized trials found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has comparable long-term safety and efficacy to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, TAVR was associated with an increased likelihood of needing a pacemaker and moderate-to-severe paravalvular leaks.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Bridging the gap: From frequent molecular changes to observable phenomena

A Japanese research team has developed a framework that accurately describes how first-order reactions appear depending on the time interval used to measure the reaction. The work uses a 'shutter speed' analogy to simplify complex molecular changes, allowing for precise predictions of reaction outcomes.

Study paves the way for an active agent against hepatitis E

Researchers discovered a compound that inhibits cathepsin types, preventing hepatitis E virus infection in human liver cells. The study provides hope for an effective treatment against this deadly disease, which kills approximately 70,000 people annually.

Unwrapping the origin story of the baobab

A global research team suggests that all eight baobab species originated in Madagascar due to genomic analysis. The most likely scenario is that baobabs dispersed from Madagascar when sea levels were lower, but rising sea levels could hinder their expansion and threaten their populations.

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.

Bio-based resins could offer recyclable future for 3D printing

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have designed a new type of recyclable resin made from biosourced materials for use in 3D printing applications. The feedstock is made from lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid molecule, and can be recycled back into its constituent parts.

Next-generation sustainable electronics are doped with air

Researchers at Linköping University developed a new method to dope organic semiconductors using air as a dopant, enhancing conductivity and modifying semiconductor properties. The process involves dipping the material in a salt solution and illuminating it with light, resulting in a p-doped conductive plastic.

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.