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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 4


Page 4 of 44

How community stress affects Black Americans’ mental health and wellbeing

A new study found that community stress significantly impacts the mental health and emotional well-being of Black Americans, particularly women. Objective neighborhood quality was related to lower levels of negative emotions in women, while perceived community stress had a similar effect on men's emotionality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

New electrostatic sampler boosts indoor virus detection speed

The new electrostatic air sampler enhances the rapid monitoring of airborne viruses through high airflow rates and improved collection efficiency. It can detect viral presence in indoor environments within 40 minutes using PCR analysis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2024

Physical and chemical properties of boiled oil: A traditional method of extracting oil from boiled olive fruits

Researchers found that bubbling olive products before oil extraction decreases oil quality. The study measured absolute phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and acidity levels in bubbled oil (BO) compared to virgin olive oil (VOO). BO had lower antioxidant properties and higher acidity levels than VOO.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Agriculture Journal·DateMay 30, 2024

Historic iceberg surges offer insights on modern climate change

A study by Yuxin Zhou of UC Santa Barbara's Department of Earth Science found that Greenland's ice sheet retreat is not sufficient to completely derail the Atlantic circulation. The AMOC will be determined by a tug-of-war between decreasing ice flux and increasing freshwater runoff, which can disrupt the ocean current.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High groundwater depletion risk in South Korea in 2080s

A recent study predicts that three million people in Korea could face groundwater depletion by 2080 due to climate change and water overuse. The research analyzed surface and deep groundwater level data from 2009 to 2020, revealing critical spatiotemporal patterns in groundwater levels.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 30, 2024

New method makes hydrogen from solar power and agricultural waste

University of Illinois Chicago engineers have designed a new method to make hydrogen gas from water using only solar power and agricultural waste, reducing the energy needed to extract hydrogen from water by 600%. This process creates new opportunities for sustainable, climate-friendly chemical production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateMay 30, 2024

Rapid urbanization in Africa transforms local food systems and threatens biodiversity

A new study reveals that urbanization in Africa affects food security through dietary shifts, particularly rice consumption, leading to increased methane emissions and biodiversity loss. The research highlights the need for policymakers to adopt holistic approaches to address future sustainability challenges.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 30, 2024

Controlling ion transport for a blue energy future

A team from Osaka University demonstrates greater control of ion passage through a nanopore membrane by applying a voltage to a gate electrode. This leads to a six-fold increase in osmotic energy efficiency and a power density of 15 W/m^2, enabling the potential for scaling up the technology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 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.

Research offers hope and reassurance for adults with eating disorders

Researchers found that an inpatient treatment approach using high-energy refeeding can improve both physical and psychological health in adults with eating disorders. The study, led by Fiona Salter, investigated 97 voluntary hospital patients and found significant improvements in weight change and psychological wellbeing.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

UAB researchers uncover protein SRSF1’s uncommon ability to bind and unfold RNA G-quadruplexes

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have discovered that the protein SRSF1 can bind and unfold complex RNA Guanine-quadruplexes. This finding could provide new avenues for treating illnesses such as cancer, which is often linked to misfunctioning splicing processes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 30, 2024

Assessment of knowledge of general and local anesthesia among patients undergoing elective surgery

A study of 370 patients undergoing elective surgery found that those with higher levels of awareness about anesthesia had better understanding of general and local anesthesia. Patients who underwent surgeries related to eyes, nose, and throat scored higher on the knowledge test due to limited sources of information.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Anesthesia Journal·DateMay 30, 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.

Studied on social media: The real-world impacts of factual but misleading content & the characteristics of “supersharers”

A new study reveals that unflagged, factual but misleading vaccine content is 46 times more effective at driving vaccine hesitancy on Facebook. Meanwhile, a second study identifies supersharers on Twitter as responsible for spreading 80% of fake news during the 2020 US presidential election.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 30, 2024

New study finds people living with dementia who had surgery for hip fractures lived longer than those treated non-surgically

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2024

UMA scientists have modified the configuration parameters of “phantom sensations” so that they are perceived by individuals

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed an instruction manual to understand the operating limits of phantom motion, allowing for cost-effective and lighter haptic devices. The study found that individuals can perceive phantom sensation when a vibrating point travels at least 20% of the separation between actuators.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalDisplays·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Marine Protected Areas don’t line up with core habitats of rare migratory fish, finds new research

A new study found that 62% of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) designated to protect rare migratory fish species are outside of their core habitats. The study suggests that existing MPAs are not adequately protecting these species due to a lack of data on their distribution and habitat.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 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.

Could a medicated foam make gene therapies more accessible?

Researchers have developed a medicated foam that can deliver expensive gene therapies to cells, showing promise for treating cancers and autoimmune diseases. The foam outperformed liquid formulations in laboratory studies and showed no significant side effects when injected into mice.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

How did the zebrafish get its stripes? Researchers are one step closer to finding out

Researchers have pinpointed the cellular machinery behind zebrafish's ability to rapidly change the color of their characteristic stripes from blue to yellow when distressed. By precisely altering the orientation of light-reflecting crystals, the fish can change the color of their stripes across the entire length of their body in seconds.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

AIM algorithm enhances super-resolution microscope images in real time

A new algorithm called adaptive intersection maximization (AIM) removes high-frequency noise from super-resolution optical microscope data in real time, achieving sub-nanometer precision. This allows scientists to study chemical and biological systems far more easily and precisely than before.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2024

Identifying the initial steps in colorectal cancer formation

Research led by Weill Cornell Medicine found that most colorectal cancers begin with the loss of intestinal stem cells, even before cancer-causing genetic alterations appear. This new understanding suggests a unified model for colorectal cancer initiation where damage to intestinal crypts causes a decrease in aPKC protein expression.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 29, 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.

Chicken feathers to deliver chemotherapy drugs and repair enzymes

Researchers at King's College London have developed a novel drug delivery system using biologically compatible peptides found in chicken feathers and skin tissue. This innovative approach enables targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs and repair of faulty enzymes, potentially reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceKing's College London·JournalChem·DateMay 29, 2024

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced caregiver burden scores by 15%. The program provided education and strategies to manage stress, including self-care techniques like breathing and meditation.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Risky path to meeting climate targets for Stockholm

Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2024

Pushing the high-k scalability limit with a superparaelectric gate layer

A team of material scientists has proposed a solution to the 'polarizability-scalability-insulation robustness' trilemma by using an ultrathin film of ferroelectric oxide in its superparaelectric state, achieving stable k value down to 0.46 nm and excellent dimensional scalability.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Maintenance of male-related genes after loss of males in stick insects

Researchers investigate gene preservation after loss of male traits in stick insects and find that genes involved in multiple biological processes are more likely to be maintained. This suggests that the molecular ground plan for the lost male reproductive process may persist due to pleiotropic effects on other traits.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change. A new study shows exactly where they are

A new study reveals that nearly 30 million acres of abandoned US cropland could be used to grow crops and trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The researchers mapped the lands at field-level resolution, providing valuable insights into their potential for sustainable energy production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

BGU researchers and colleagues discover therapeutic potential of increasing MIF protein levels as a novel approach for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and international colleagues found that augmenting MIF protein levels delays motor function decline, modulates critical pathways, and extends lifespan in a SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Diminished MIF levels are also observed in familial and sporadic ALS cases.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Black people who fatally overdose in Pennsylvania are half as likely to receive naloxone as white people

A new study of 11,000 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania found that Black people who died from an overdose were half as likely to have received naloxone as white people. This racial disparity in naloxone administration highlights the need for targeted strategies to distribute life-saving medication and educate communities about its use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Experimental physics leads to award-winning research

Holly Szumila-Vance has won the prestigious 2024 Guido Altarelli Award – Experimental Physics for her outstanding contributions to investigations of color transparency and other nuclear manifestations of QCD. Her work revealed new details of how protons interact with the strong force inside matter, but did not observe color transparent...

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateMay 29, 2024

International experts reach consensus on the labeling of spatial neglect

A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Bird flu: diverse range of vaccines platforms “crucial” for enhancing human pandemic preparedness

A new review emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing avian influenza spread among humans. The study suggests that a diverse range of vaccine platforms, including inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, as well as emerging alternatives like mRNA vaccines, will be crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 29, 2024

USTC reveals how to effectively utilize large language models

Large Language Models (LLMs) can be effectively utilized with well-crafted prompts, which enhance response accuracy and relevance. Researchers from USTC proposed strategies for prompt engineering, including explicit instructions and relevant context.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2024

Electrochromic films — like sunglasses for your windows?

Researchers have developed a new electrochromic film based on metal-organic frameworks that can quickly switch between transparent and colored states to block or allow sunlight. The film demonstrated reliable performance for over 40 hours and 4,500 cycles of switching.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMay 29, 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.

Grow the skin you’re in: in vivo generation of chimeric skin grafts

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University successfully generate autologous skin grafts by introducing mutations into mouse embryos, which then form sheets of epidermis containing hair follicles. These grafted skin patches survive up to 3 months and mimic mature epidermis structure.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2024

Visible light-induced photocatalysis–self-Fenton degradation of P-Clphoh over graphitic carbon nitride by a polyethylenimine bifunctional catalyst

A novel bifunctional catalyst, Fe-PEI-CN, was synthesized to degrade p-chlorophenol through photocatalysis and Fenton reaction. The catalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity due to enhanced light absorption and reduced electron-hole recombination.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalTransactions of Tianjin University·DateMay 29, 2024

Is a train’s risk of derailment affected by its length?

A new study published in Risk Analysis found that longer freight trains are more likely to derail compared to shorter trains. The research, which analyzed US freight train accidents between 2013-2022, showed a 24% higher risk for 200-car trains.

SourceWiley·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Do epilepsy medications taken during pregnancy affect a child’s creativity?

A new study published in Neurology found that taking newer epilepsy medications during pregnancy does not affect a child's creativity. However, the study suggests that adjusting doses to reach an optimal balance between controlling seizures and minimizing negative effects on the developing child may be necessary.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 29, 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.

A new Hungarian method may aid protein research

Researchers develop LoCoHD algorithm to compare protein structures based on chemical information of atoms, enabling analysis of molecular machines and identifying critical amino acids. The method shows promise in predicting protein functions, including studying the internal motion of proteins like podocin.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2024

The case of the missing black holes

Researchers propose a novel approach to correct the leading model of primordial black hole (PBH) formation, aligning with cosmic microwave background observations. This could imply fewer PBHs than expected, potentially affecting the dark matter theory and gravitational wave events.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

What makes some plant groups so successful?

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that over 10,000 species have been described in just 83 big genera since 2000, with roughly one in four flowering plant species belonging to these groups. Understanding the success of these large genera may help predict their response to climate change and inform conservation efforts.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

Bifunctional CoFeP-N nanowires synthesized for sustainable water splitting

Researchers successfully synthesized bifunctional CoFeP-N nanowires for high-efficiency electrocatalytic water splitting, achieving synergistic interactions with the catalyst. The study demonstrates a low-cost and stable method for producing hydrogen gas with zero carbon emissions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalApplied Catalysis B Environment and Energy·DateMay 29, 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.

Some species may better tolerate climate change than expected

A new model predicts a decrease in species diversity by 39% due to climate change, compared to traditional models' forecast of 54% loss. The study reveals that some species may better tolerate climate change than expected, with 49% of species living in climate niches that could expand under warming conditions.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 29, 2024

New immunotherapy could treat cancer in the bone

A new type of immunotherapy has been developed to treat bone cancer osteosarcoma, with promising preclinical results in mice. The treatment uses gamma-delta T cells, which are less well-known immune cells that can be engineered to target tumours.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024