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Science News for May 31, 2024


Relieving a fear of public speaking

A researcher at Singapore Management University is using virtual reality technology and AI to help students overcome their fear of public speaking. The PresentationPro platform uses avatars that respond realistically to verbal and non-verbal cues, allowing students to practice public speaking in a low-risk environment.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 31, 2024

Can ketones enhance cognitive function and protect brain networks?

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that ketones can rescue impaired neuronal function in the hippocampal network. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for preventing or delaying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Sorting complex light beams: A breakthrough in optical physics

A groundbreaking study introduces a method for sorting vector structured beams with spin-multiplexed diffractive metasurfaces, promising significant advancements in optical communication and quantum computing. This technology enables precise control over complex light beams, opening new avenues for scientific exploration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 31, 2024

CU researchers analyze prevalence, impact of ethical or religious barriers to providing medical aid in dying

A recent study published by CU researchers found that 26% of physician respondents reported large ethical or religious barriers to participating in medical aid in dying, but many were willing to discuss MAiD with patients. Despite these barriers, physicians were less likely to participate directly in MAiD.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 31, 2024

Designing environments that are robot-inclusive

Researchers developed a novel methodology utilizing digital twins to establish the usefulness of built environment design guidelines for robots. Digital twins allow for real-time monitoring, hazard identification, and training a robot's algorithm before deployment.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBuildings·DateMay 31, 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.

Overcoming barriers to heat pump adoption in cold climates and avoiding the 'energy poverty trap'

A University of Michigan study found that switching to electric heat pumps would increase annual utility bills by an average of $1,100 for Southeast Michigan households. Weatherization upgrades could offset the increase, but retrofits are expensive and infeasible for low-income households, potentially creating an energy poverty trap.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateMay 31, 2024

Stem cells shed new light on how the human embryo forms

A new study using stem cell-based models has revealed how early embryo cells decide between contributing to the foetus or to the supporting yolk sac. Understanding this decision is crucial for infertility treatment using in vitro fertilized (IVF) embryos, as producing the right number of yolk sac forming cells may be critical.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving the safety and reliability of self-driving cars

Researchers aim to assess the reliability and robustness of perception modules in autonomous driving systems (ADSs), which are critical for safe operation. The project seeks to develop new technologies that can detect perception errors and mitigate their impact on other modules, ultimately enhancing the overall system.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 31, 2024

Navigating new horizons: Pioneering AI framework enhances robot efficiency and planning

A groundbreaking study has introduced a new artificial intelligence framework that revolutionizes the way robots interpret and execute tasks. The CPMI framework leverages large language models to improve robot efficiency and effectiveness in complex instruction-based tasks, enabling adaptability and learning from experiences in real-time.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 31, 2024

A greener, more effective way to kill termites

Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a highly effective and nontoxic way to kill western drywood termites using a pleasant-smelling chemical called pinene. The method involves releasing the scent of pinene, which attracts termites and guides them to a spot where insecticide is injected into wood.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateMay 31, 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.

AI-controlled stations can charge electric cars at a personal price

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology shows that AI-controlled charging stations can offer personalized prices to electric vehicle users, minimizing both price and waiting time. However, the researchers highlight the importance of addressing ethical issues related to data exploitation by motorists.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part C Emerging Technologies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2024

News from "El Gordo": Study suggests dark matter may have collisional properties after all

Researchers used numerical simulations to analyze the behavior of dark matter in the giant galaxy cluster El Gordo. The study found that the physical separation between dark matter and other mass components can be explained using the Self-Interacting Dark Matter (SIDM) model.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2024

Clues to mysterious disappearance of North America’s large mammals 50,000 years ago found within ancient bone collagen

Researchers used novel biomolecular methods to analyze fossil bone fragments at the Smithsonian Museum, revealing excellent preservation of collagen proteins that can provide a molecular barcode for identification. The study provides new insights into the mysterious disappearance of North America's large mammals 50,000 years ago.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mammal Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 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.

Fjords are effective carbon traps regardless of oxygen levels

Research in three Swedish fjords shows that organic carbon is effectively trapped, regardless of oxygen levels. The study highlights the importance of sediments in storing carbon, with up to 18 megatonnes buried annually, representing 11% of global ocean carbon capture.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2024

New FRIB precision measurement program advances understanding of proton halos

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams' (FRIB) precision measurement program has verified the existence of a proton halo around aluminum-22. Researchers used a unique process to create and measure a high-energy beam of the isotope, achieving accurate mass measurements that confirm its rare properties.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Study links household chaos with sleep quality among teens with ADHD symptoms

A new study explores the relationship between sleep quality and ADHD symptoms in teens, revealing that household chaos and poor sleep hygiene are significant mediators. Improving daily routines and household stability can help alleviate sleep difficulties in adolescents with ADHD symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2024

Antibodies may aid effort to fight influenza B: Study

Vanderbilt University researchers have isolated human monoclonal antibodies against influenza B, which may aid in the prevention and treatment of this virus. The antibodies, particularly FluB-400, can broadly inhibit virus replication and protect against infection when administered intranasally.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateMay 31, 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.

Synthetic plugs offer alternative to total knee replacements

Dr. Melissa Grunlan's team creates regenerative osteochondral plugs, a potential off-the-shelf device to treat OCDs and avoid total knee replacement surgery. The technology offers an alternative to autografting or total knee replacement, providing immediate support for joint function and potentially reducing post-operative complications.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 31, 2024

U of T researchers discover ‘trojan horse’ virus hiding in human parasite

Researchers at the University of Toronto discovered a new RNA virus, Apocryptovirus odysseus, associated with severe inflammation in humans infected with Toxoplasma gondii. The virus is found in two hypervirulent strains of the parasite, exacerbating toxoplasmosis disease and triggering an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalVirus Evolution·DateMay 31, 2024

Swiss study of Portuguese immigrants looks into the impact of citizenship on identity

A Swiss research team surveyed 400 Portuguese immigrants to understand how their desire for citizenship influences their attachment to home and host cultures. The findings suggest that acquiring citizenship can lead to a decrease in attachment to the immigrant's original group, while increasing identification with the host culture.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 31, 2024

Focus on cities will boost benefits of air pollution action for most vulnerable

A study by Imperial College London researchers shows that focusing on urban sources of fine-particle air pollution can reduce health inequalities in deprived areas. By targeting these sources, the UK population's exposure to PM2.5 air pollution can be reduced, benefiting everyone while alleviating the impact on the most vulnerable.

SourceImperial College London·JournalEnvironmental Advances·DateMay 31, 2024

Traumatic brain injury strikes 1 in 8 older Americans

Among Medicare enrollees, researchers found that being female, white, healthier, and wealthier was associated with a higher risk of TBI. The study also found that participants who went on to be diagnosed with TBI were less likely to have lung disease or cognitive impairment at enrollment.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

The importance of assets for coping with COVID-19 and other shocks

Household wealth is strongly associated with food security, with higher relative wealth households experiencing less probability of falling into food insecurity. Assets help preserve human capital by reducing costly coping strategies like dietary modification and spending reductions. Eradicating poverty and inequality is key to reducin...

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2024

Engineered circulatory systems may help fight disease

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed vessel-chip technology to create a platform for preclinical drug discovery, reducing the need for animal testing. The system mimics human circulatory systems using tissue-engineered microfluidic devices.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 31, 2024

Efficient genome editing in rice with miniature Cas12f variants

This study successfully edits the rice genome with AsCas12f variants, achieving editing efficiencies of up to 53.1%. The research reveals unique deletion patterns primarily concentrated at positions 12-24, suggesting substantial potential for targeted DNA deletion using these miniature Cas12f variants.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalaBIOTECH·DateMay 31, 2024

Revolutionizing interaction recognition: The power of merge-and-split graph convolutional networks

The Merge-and-Split Graph Convolutional Network (MS-GCN) tackles interaction dynamics between multiple individuals, understanding nuanced relationships between body parts during interactions. It achieves state-of-the-art results on NTU60 and NTU120 datasets, advancing action recognition and intuitive AI systems.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Work-life imbalance significantly increases risk of cardiovascular diseases

A recent study found that work-life imbalance significantly predicts higher triglycerides and lower HDL levels in midlife and older adults. This suggests that spillover effects of workplace stress on home life can contribute to physiological changes linked to cardiovascular diseases. The research highlights the importance of organizati...

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research·DateMay 31, 2024

AMS Science Preview: Sea-ice loss may accelerate; tornadoes and flying cars

Arctic sea ice is expected to lose mass in the coming decade due to dominant natural climate patterns. Exposure to extreme temperatures, particularly heat, may lead to adverse birth outcomes in China. Researchers also found that ocean warming intensifies typhoons, but moderation comes from atmospheric temperature and humidity changes.

SourceAmerican Meteorological Society·JournalJournal of Climate·DateMay 31, 2024

Moving beyond cubicles: How an active workplace design can drive workers’ behaviors

Researchers identify gaps in understanding how workplace design influences employee active and sedentary behaviors. A new study suggests that accurately measuring behaviors and analyzing spatial layouts can inform the design of work environments that facilitate engagement with inactive behaviors.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateMay 31, 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.

This self-powered sensor could make MRIs more efficient

A self-powered sensor using triboelectric nanogenerator technology can detect movement during MRI scans, shutting them down in real time to produce clearer images. This innovation aims to improve the efficiency and reduce frustration for patients and technicians.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 31, 2024

Mediterranean diet tied to one-fifth lower risk of death in women

Researchers found a significant association between higher Mediterranean diet intake and lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that modest changes in established risk factors can yield substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2024

Lighting up the brain: What happens when our ‘serotonin center’ is triggered?

Researchers at OIST used a novel technique to study how activating the brain's serotonin center affects awake animals. They found that serotonin from the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) activates brain areas influencing behavior and motivation, including the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 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.

Do shape-memory alloys remember past strains in their life?

Researchers at Texas A&M University are investigating the historical effects of strain on shape-memory alloys to improve predictive capabilities. They will use a synergistic experimental and numerical approach to understand and predict history effects in these alloys, with potential applications in heart stents and airplane wing flaps.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateMay 31, 2024

Mount Sinai experts present research at SLEEP 2024

Researchers from Mount Sinai presented three studies on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) at SLEEP 2024, exploring its effects on thalamic activity, overnight memory performance, and symptom improvement with CPAP treatment. The findings suggest that OSA can impair cognitive function and that hypoxic burden may predict clinical improvement.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 31, 2024

Breakthrough in using bispecific antibodies for solid tumors

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a method to boost bispecific antibody therapies in treating solid tumors. Using rhIL-7-hyFc, they found that bystander T cells can be activated by bispecific antibodies to destroy tumor cells, overcoming limitations of existing treatments.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateMay 31, 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.

Children’s visual experience may hold key to better computer vision training

A novel approach to training AI systems uses information about spatial position to identify objects and navigate surroundings, inspired by children's visual development. The method improves contrastive learning models' effectiveness by incorporating simulated spatial context information, outperforming base models in various tasks.

SourcePenn State·JournalPatterns·DateMay 31, 2024

BU study finds policy makers’ use of in-hospital mortality as a sepsis quality metric may unfairly penalize safety-net hospitals

A Boston University study suggests that in-hospital mortality for patients with sepsis may not accurately reflect true short-term mortality rates, potentially harming safety-net hospitals. The researchers found no difference in 30-day mortality between safety-net and non-safety-net hospitals, contrary to previous reports.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2024

Martian meteorites deliver a trove of information on Red Planet’s structure

Scientists analyzed Martian meteorites to understand the planet's mantle and crust structure. The study found that these rocks are related through a process known as fractional crystallization within a volcano, revealing details about Mars' internal structure and volcanism.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 31, 2024

Prenatal testing offers a window for finding a mother’s cancer risk

Researchers found that adding BRCA1 testing to prenatal carrier screening is cost-effective and can identify at-risk individuals before they develop cancer. The study simulated a cohort of pregnant patients and found that this approach could prevent 1,394 breast and ovarian cancer cases and 1,084 fewer deaths.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMay 31, 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.

A new way to see viruses in action

The team created finely detailed images of the viral RNA and replication structures, revealing spherical shapes around the nucleus of infected cells. The images provide insight into how the virus evades cell defenses and could lead to new therapeutic targets for drug development.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 2024

Innovating learning with ChatGPT-based Prompt Tutor

The Prompt Tutor is a learning tool that provides personalized prompts to students, clarifying doubts and improving retention of learned material. The tool is based on Cognitive Load Theory and uses ChatGPT to evaluate student understanding, offering timely feedback to support effective online learning.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 31, 2024

The route into the cell influences the outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Research finds that viral genome replication increases with efficient TMPRSS2-mediated entry, leading to stronger immune response and faster death. The presence of TMPRSS2 also enhances virus production and drives convergent evolution in SARS-CoV-2 variants.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 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.

Researchers identify a genetic cause of intellectual disability affecting tens of thousands

Researchers identified a genetic cause of intellectual disability, caused by mutations in the non-coding gene RNU4-2, which affects tens of thousands of people worldwide. The discovery is significant, as it represents one of the most common single-gene genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2024

Sleep moderates the link between bullying and suicide in teens

A study found that adolescents who slept less than 4 hours a night were two times more likely to attempt suicide, while improved sleep duration could potentially lower suicide risk among teens. Sleep moderates the association between bullying and suicide in U.S. teenagers.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2024

Korea University College of Medicine’s team predict hearing conditions in vestibular schwannoma patients using radiomics

A recent study demonstrates that radiomics can effectively forecast the hearing status of patients with vestibular schwannoma. The research team isolated specific radiomics features from MRI images that best predict hearing status, offering an objective method to predict patient outcomes.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2024

Repeated thoracic paravertebral blocking to alleviate pain symptoms in 66-years-old man with post-herpetic neuralgia: A case report

A case report describes the successful use of thoracic paravertebral blocking to manage severe chronic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia. The procedure, involving repeated injections of levobupivacaine and dexamethasone, resulted in significant pain subsidence and reduced medication needs.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Anesthesia Journal·DateMay 31, 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.