Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive May 2024


Page 36 of 44

Study pinpoints cellular response to pressure in sea star embryos

Researchers found that cells adapt by packing into unusual geometrical shapes, known as scutoids, in response to pressure changes. This discovery sheds light on how cells cope with physical environment changes and has potential implications for understanding healthy cell adaptation.

Seeking medical insights in the physics of mucus

Researchers developed a system to grow mucus-producing intestinal cells for in vitro testing, allowing for the exploration of mucus behavior under different conditions. The platform simulates infections and tests drug effects on mucus without affecting its properties.

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.

This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces

A team of researchers from MIT created a lightweight, compact, and efficient mechanism to reduce noise transmission using a sound-suppressing silk fabric. The fabric uses vibrations to cancel out unwanted sounds in two different ways, one for small spaces and another for larger areas like rooms or cars.

The Academic Payvider model: enhancing value-based care

The Academic Payvider model enhances value-based care by fostering improved coordination, reduced insurance hassles, and increased staff attention. This joint approach between payers and providers aims to drive complex care down through innovative reimbursement structures.

Few tenure-track jobs for engineering PhDs

Engineering PhD graduates have a low chance of securing a tenure-track faculty position, with an average annual likelihood of 12.4%. Alternative career tracks in government and industry are recommended to match student expectations with the realities of the job market.

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.

Gut bacteria metabolite shows promise of fighting inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers found that gut bacteria-generated linoleic acid metabolite KetoC markedly reduced inflammation and immune cell expansion. gKetoC also suppressed prolonged T-cell proliferation and dendritic cell activation. The study suggests a potential molecular axis governing the immunomodulatory effects of gKetoC.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New genetic mutation identified for congenital thyroid condition

A team of researchers from the University of Chicago has identified a genetic mutation in a non-coding region of DNA that alters thyroid hormone regulation, leading to a rare form of congenital thyroid abnormality. This discovery sheds light on a previously unexplained phenomenon and may lead to new treatments for individuals with this...

New super-pure silicon chip opens path to powerful quantum computers

Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Manchester have invented a breakthrough technique for manufacturing highly purified silicon, making it ideal for creating powerful quantum computers. The new technique uses qubits of phosphorous atoms implanted into crystals of pure stable silicon, extending the duration of notoriously fra...

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.

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.

Millions in costs due to discharge of scrubber water into the Baltic Sea

A new study by Chalmers University of Technology finds that ship scrubber water discharges caused EUR 680 million in pollution costs between 2014 and 2022. The researchers also found that most shipping companies have already recouped their investments in scrubbers, making cheap heavy fuel oil a more lucrative option.

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.

From fossils to fuel: Mozambique's Maniamba Basin’s energy potential

A recent study found that Mozambique's Maniamba Basin has a high total organic carbon content, indicating its potential for generating hydrocarbons. The research identified mixed kerogen types, primarily of terrestrial origin, suggesting the basin's rocks were once lush with vegetation typical of Gondwana ecosystem.

Hidden citations in physics

A study by Albert-László Barabási and colleagues used machine learning to identify phrases representing allusions to foundational papers in the physics literature. The findings suggest that hidden citations obscure true impact in science, with influential ideas becoming so familiar that researchers stop citing their sources.

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.

Emergency department packed to the gills? Someday, AI may help

Researchers at UCSF used an AI model to analyze clinical notes and determine patient urgency, achieving an accuracy rate of 89% and surpassing human physician performance in 88% of cases. The study suggests AI could help alleviate ED overcrowding by providing backup decision-making tools for clinicians.

Why is breaking down plant material for biofuels so slow?

The study reveals that cellobiose fragments can bind to the tunnel's back door and block subsequent cellulose molecules, as well as bind to Cel7A near the front door, preventing enzyme binding. New methods could be developed to fine-tune this process, improving biofuel production efficiency.

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.

Chimps learn and improve tool-using skills even as adults

A study found that adult chimpanzees continue to learn and refine their tool-using skills well into adulthood, suggesting a prolonged learning capacity is key to the evolution of complex tool use in chimps and humans. Chimpanzees developed motor skills for handling sticks by age six, but continued to hone techniques until age 15.

Columbia researchers “unzip” 2D materials with lasers

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a technique to modify 2D materials using lasers, creating tiny nanopatterns that can capture quasiparticles called phonon-polaritons. This method uses commercially available tabletop lasers and doesn't require an expensive cleanroom or etching equipment.

Road of recovery in gastrointestinal surgery: From ERAS to FRAS

Researchers have proposed a new concept called fastest recovery after surgery (FRAS) to expedite recovery in patients undergoing elective major gastrointestinal surgery. The approach has shown zero complications, reduced hospital stay duration, and improved comfort and satisfaction compared to traditional ERAS protocols.

Computing takes the guesswork out of chemistry

A team of researchers from Osaka University used machine learning to identify a highly effective boron-based catalyst for chemical transformations of amino acids and peptides. The new catalyst generates only water as a coproduct and promotes high-yield reactions with minimal environmental impact. By leveraging computational methods, th...

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.

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.

Sedentary lifestyle puts strain on young hearts

A recent Finnish study discovered that high levels of sedentary behavior and low physical activity in children are associated with a higher cardiac workload and increased risk of heart disease in adolescence. Regular moderate to vigorous physical activity from childhood can help prevent these issues.

A smart neckband for tracking dietary intake

A smart neckband can differentiate between eating, drinking, and similar movements using machine-learning algorithms and sensors. The device achieved an accuracy rate of 89% for concurrent activities in a study involving six volunteers.

More feelings of misinformation, more news avoidance, U-M study shows

A University of Michigan study shows that as people struggle to distinguish fact from fiction in the US, they are more likely to avoid news and step out of conversations about politics. The researchers found that strong Democrats rely on nonpartisan news media when feeling misinformed, while Republicans use less news media overall.

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.

Free-forming organelles help plants adapt to climate change

Researchers have determined the molecular level function of free-forming structures in plant cells that help sense light and temperature, enabling plants to distinguish a range of different light intensities. The formation of these organelles is not random but is linked to specific locations within the cell, particularly near centromeres.

Grandmothers could be the answer to adolescent angst

New research found that maternal grandmothers' investment in grandchildren who experienced adverse early life experiences can significantly reduce emotional and behavioral problems. The study suggests that supportive caregiving from grandparents can protect children from negative effects of early adversity-induced behavioral issues.

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 physicians’ exam scores tied to patient survival

A study published in JAMA found that newly trained internal medicine physicians with top scores on the board certification exam had lower risk of dying within seven days or being readmitted to hospital. The analysis used nearly 7,000 patients and showed a significant link between exam scores and patient outcomes.

How a ‘conductor’ makes sense of chaos in early mouse embryos

A new study published in Stem Cell Reports has identified the key player in coordinating early mouse embryo development, revealing the importance of NKX1-2 protein. The protein ensures that genetic instructions are executed correctly and at the right times, managing cell machinery production and chromosome organization.