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Science News Archive May 2024


Page 24 of 44

International research team cracks a hard physics problem

Researchers crack long-standing challenge in quantum many-body theory by introducing wavefunction matching method, enabling precise ab initio calculations for atomic nuclei. This breakthrough resolves sign oscillations issues and provides accurate predictions for nuclear properties.

Studying bubbles can lead to more efficient biofuel motors

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg studied how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel using femtosecond lasers. The findings aim to improve engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase fuel combustion. Understanding bubble formation is crucial for developing more efficient biofuel motors.

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.

Novel technique helps predict risk of a meniscus tear in the knee

A novel technique using radiomics reveals imperceptible patterns in medical images to predict the risk of meniscus tears. The study correctly classified cases with a sensitivity of 70.6% and specificity of 95.0%, providing clinicians with a valuable tool for proactive knee health management.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A novel multifunctional catalyst turns methane into valuable hydrocarbons

A novel multifunctional catalyst has been developed to convert methane into valuable hydrocarbons, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The catalyst's spatial distribution of Cu and acid sites determines the final products, with uniform distribution leading to stable and efficient methanol production.

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.

Early retirement of old vehicles won't save the planet: A study

A new study published in Environmental Research: Infrastructure and Sustainability found that lifespan caps for passenger vehicles have limited effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research also suggests that life span caps could amplify negative effects of EVs, including increased material use and ecotoxicity.

Fighting fat and inflammation: Scientists develop powerful new compounds

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed menthyl esters with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects. The compounds outperformed menthol in inflammatory assays and suppressed genes involved in immune responses. They also inhibited adipogenesis, showing promise for addressing metabolic disorders.

Robots' sense of touch could be as fast as humans

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed an artificial tactile system that can detect pressure by touch in a similar way to the human nervous system. The technology has the potential to restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke, as well as enhance interactions between humans and robots.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Racial disparities in childhood obesity on the rise

A new study found that rates of obesity and severe obesity increased among Black, Hispanic, and foreign-born students in NYC public schools. Despite overall decline in obesity prevalence, these groups saw significant increases, with Black students experiencing a larger relative increase.

More women on hospital teams mean better surgery outcomes

A recent study published in the British Journal of Surgery found that hospitals with a higher proportion of female surgeons and anesthesiologists had better post-operative outcomes for patients. The study suggests that a team diversity threshold of 35% female members is crucial for optimal performance.

Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last

RMIT's low-carbon concrete has been shown to recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, reducing cement requirements by half. The new mixture also performs exceptionally well over time, with large concrete beam prototypes meeting Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.

The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London reveal that baobab trees originated in Madagascar before traveling to Africa and Australia, where they evolved unique pollination mechanisms. The study provides new insights into how climate change has influenced baobab distribution and speciation patterns over millions of years.

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.

Now we know, what gets roots to grow: Can help in future droughts

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen discovered that a biological mechanism called autophagy plays a key role in plant root growth. By understanding how plants control their root growth, scientists can develop climate-resilient crops to thrive in harsh conditions.

A simple internet with significant possibilities

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first metro-area quantum computer network in Boston, using existing telecommunication fiber to send hacker-proof information via photons. The breakthrough overcomes signal loss issues, enabling the creation of a secure quantum internet.

Link between COVID-19 vaccine complication and rare ‘common cold’ blood disease

Researchers from Flinders University and international experts have found a link between COVID-19 vaccine complications and a rare blood disease related to adenovirus infections. The study identified identical molecular fingerprints in both vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (VITT) and classic adenoviral vectored VITT.

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.

Hertz Foundation announces 2024 Hertz fellows

The Fannie and John Hertz Foundation has announced 18 recipients of the 2024 Hertz Fellowships, pursuing solutions to pressing challenges like advanced therapeutics and AI system design. Fellows will receive five years of funding and access to lifelong programming for mentorship, events, and networking.

Some mice may owe their monogamy to a newly evolved type of cell

Scientists discovered a new type of cell that promotes nurturing behavior in mice, which is also present in humans and has been linked to increased parental care. The study suggests that this newly evolved cell type may be responsible for the monogamous behavior of oldfield mice.

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.

Regenerating worms have genetic control over their algal partners

Researchers discovered that the regeneration process of certain marine worms is controlled by a common transcription factor called runt, which also regulates the communication with the algae living inside them. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions between species in symbiotic relationships.

Surprising new details revealed about fentanyl laced with xylazine

Scientists at UNC-Chapel Hill discovered that xylazine binds too kappa opioid receptors, suggesting why fentanyl/xylazine withdrawal is so harsh. This finding could have big implications for future scheduling recommendations and treatment approaches for patients experiencing respiratory depression.

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.

Researchers identify new marker for breast cancer prognosis

Researchers found elevated expression of RPGRIP1L in invasive breast cancer specimens, correlating with shorter survival times and unfavorable clinicopathological features. The study identified 50 genes and 15 proteins related to RPGRIP1L expression, including those involved in immune response and metabolism.

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.

Repurposed beer yeast may offer a cost-effective way to remove lead from water

Researchers from MIT and Georgia Tech have developed a filter made from yeast encapsulated in hydrogels that can quickly absorb lead from contaminated water. The process, called biosorption, uses waste beer yeast to bind to and remove heavy metal ions, offering a potentially cost-effective alternative to existing technologies.

Newly discovered Earth-sized planet may lack an atmosphere

The newly discovered SPECULOOS-3b is an Earth-sized, likely airless planet orbiting a nearby ultracool dwarf star. The planet's extremely close proximity to its star has likely vaporized any atmosphere, allowing scientists to study its surface composition and history in unprecedented detail.

Unveiling the impact of job loss on the health of immigrants

A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that job loss has a more severe impact on the health of immigrants compared to German-born individuals. Immigrants experience a decline in health that worsens with age, especially after experiencing detrimental life events like divorce and unemployment.

A miniaturized, implantable multi-sensors device to monitor vessels health

The IV-Lab project aims to develop a miniaturized, implantable multi-sensors device to monitor blood vessel health. The device will integrate multiple sensors measuring blood pressure, vessel deformation, and cardiovascular biomarkers, enabling timely and personalized treatment for patients with cardiovascular diseases.

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.

Some forms of augmented brain stimulation recommended for major depression

A review of clinical studies suggests that combining TMS or tDCS with certain types of psychotherapy or medication can lead to greater symptom reduction in patients with major depressive disorder. However, the research has limitations and more sophisticated trial designs are needed to move the field forward.

Scientists want to know how the smells of nature benefit our health

Researchers propose expanding research on nature's scents and olfactory cues to better understand their impacts on human health. The study aims to investigate the complex links between smell, nature, and human well-being, including the potential for unconscious biochemical processes.

Eurasian jays can use “mental time travel” like humans

A study published in PLOS ONE found that Eurasian jays can recall visual characteristics of cups with unique features after a 10-minute delay, demonstrating episodic-like memory. This ability may aid the birds in finding food stores and could be explored further.

Heating proteins to body temperature reveals new drug targets

Researchers have discovered new binding sites for medications in proteins by heating them to body temperature, revealing previously unknown structures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective drugs for various health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new family of beautiful-charming Tetraquarks

Theoretical studies predict the existence of a new family of exotic subatomic particles called beautiful-charming tetraquarks. These particles are composed of four quarks, including two beauty and charm quarks, and two light anti-quarks. The prediction arrives at a fortuitous moment, coinciding with recent discoveries in this domain.

Businesses unintentionally discourage diverse ideas

An analysis of 1.44 million ideas from over 100 organizations revealed that businesses tend to favor similar ideas, reducing diversity in proposals submitted. However, limiting interactions among external contributors and reducing the visibility of selected ideas can help managers tap into diverse perspectives.

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.