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Science News Archive May 2024


Page 41 of 44

AI can tell if a patient battling cancer needs mental health support

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia can accurately predict if a patient receiving cancer care will require mental health services. The AI analyzes oncologist's notes and identifies subtle clues that suggest a patient may benefit from early psychiatric or counselling interventions.

Agricultural management practices evaluated in new nitrous oxide accounting method

A new accounting method evaluates the impact of agricultural practices on nitrous oxide emissions, finding long-term no-till management and specific fertilizer types can effectively cut emissions. The study provides a more accurate estimate of N2O emissions than previous methods, enabling policymakers to make informed recommendations.

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.

X-ray satellite XMM-newton sees ‘space clover' in a new light

Astronomers have discovered an enormous circular radio feature around a galaxy, dubbed the Cloverleaf, which was created by clashing groups of galaxies. The XMM-Newton satellite has detected X-ray emission associated with this structure for the first time, revealing clues about its formation and the merger process.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Random robots are more reliable

Researchers developed a new AI algorithm called Maximum Diffusion Reinforcement Learning (MaxDiff RL) to improve robot reliability. The algorithm enables robots to learn complex skills more efficiently by encouraging exploration of their environments.

Orangutan treats wound with pain-relieving plant

A male Sumatran orangutan applied sap from a climbing plant with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to a facial wound, closing it within five days. This self-medication behavior may have originated in a common ancestor shared by humans and orangutans.

Epigenomic analysis sheds light on risk factors for ALS

Researchers analyzed epigenetic modifications in motor neurons from nearly 400 ALS patients, identifying 30 locations with modifications linked to disease progression. The findings may help develop targeted treatments for specific types of ALS.

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.

How the brain’s arousal center helps control visual attention too

Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.

‘Baby asteroid’ just a toddler in space years, researchers say

Researchers at Cornell University used novel statistical calculations to estimate the age of asteroid Selam, finding it to be 2-3 million years old. The method complements traditional crater counting and has advantages in accuracy and applicability to other binary systems.

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.

Climate is one culprit in spread and growth of dust in Middle East

A new study reveals that climate change is transforming natural dust storms into a more frequent and widespread threat to the Middle East. The region's increased dust levels are attributed to global warming, oil extraction, military conflicts, and lack of cross-border coordination of water management.

Low intensity light to fight the effects of chronic stress

A study reveals that photobiomodulation applied to the brain-gut axis is effective in recovering cognitive alterations caused by chronic stress. The technique stimulates the activity of both the brain and the gut, promoting changes in the intestinal microbiota and improving neuroinflammatory processes.

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.

A link between breast changes and … UTIs?

Researchers found that UTIs can provoke structural changes in breast tissue in mice, which are reversible once the infections are resolved. The study suggests a possible link between UTIs and abnormal breast cell growth, highlighting the importance of considering everyday occurrences on women's well-being.

NREL invites robots to help make wind turbine blades

Researchers at NREL successfully automate the finishing process of wind turbine blades, improving consistency and reducing labor-intensive work. The technology enables US-based blade manufacturing to become more economically viable, creating jobs and supporting domestic production.

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.

New study shows liver patients see benefits after going meatless for one meal

Researchers from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center discover that replacing meat with plant-based proteins for one meal reduces harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease. The study found significant differences in blood and urine samples, revealing lower amino acids associated with ammonia production.

SCAI announces recipients of 2024 early career research grants

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has awarded 3rd Annual Early Career Research Grants to support junior investigators in interventional cardiology. The grants, funded by Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, and Shockwave Medical, aim to advance scientific knowledge and impact clinical practice.

Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method

A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.

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.

Warning from the scientific community: Beware of AI-based deception detection

Researchers caution that current AI-based deception detection methods are plagued by a lack of explainability, risk of biased results, and deficits in theoretical foundation. They emphasize the need for controlled laboratory experiments, large and diverse data sets, and validation on independent datasets to ensure accurate results.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

Blood diagnostics modelled on leeches

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new device for taking blood samples using the leech principle, reducing invasiveness and increasing reliability. The device is made of silicone and steel microneedles, with plans to create biodegradable versions in the future.

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.

Sugar-based catalyst upcycles carbon dioxide

A new sugar-based catalyst has successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing fuels that can replace gasoline. The catalyst, made from an inexpensive and abundant metal, offers a potential solution for disposing of captured carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Young adults reduced drinking during and after pandemic

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University found that young adults who were heavy drinkers before the pandemic reduced their alcohol consumption significantly during and after the pandemic. The study also showed a decrease in negative emotions and no change in using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Physicists arrange atoms in extremely close proximity

MIT physicists arrange dysprosium atoms as close as 50 nanometers apart, a limit previously set by the wavelength of light. This allows for enhanced magnetic forces, thermalization, and synchronized oscillations, opening new possibilities for studying quantum phenomena.

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.

Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed

Researchers found that oil palm plantations in Indonesia's Kais River Watershed are causing significant increases in precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture, leading to dramatically worse water quality. The transition from tropical rainforest to oil-palm plantation has resulted in a 16.9% increase in sedimentation, 78.1% increase in n...

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.

Promising new treatment strategy for deadly flu-related brain disorders

Researchers from Osaka University found that influenza-associated brain disorders may be caused by the virus entering the brain and producing proteins. Antivirals blocking protein production are unlikely to be effective, but those targeting transcription and translation may offer hope for treatment.

Grey's Anatomy or Me Before You helps in coping with death

Researchers found that people who watched 'meaningful' films like Grey's Anatomy or Me Before You learned more about death after being asked to think about it beforehand. This suggests a greater acceptance of death as part of life, leading to reduced avoidance behaviors.