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Science News for November 22, 2024


Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

Scientists at Purdue University have identified new molecular markers for neurodegenerative diseases by analyzing protein behavior with age. The study sheds light on how phosphorylation causes protein aggregation, a hallmark of these diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateNov 22, 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.

Emergency bulletin from science

Researchers from 14 scientific journals worldwide are urging governments and industry to collaborate on microbiological research to tackle climate change. They identify six promising fields of action, including binding CO2 and making living organisms more resilient.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateNov 22, 2024

Defense grant funding research on arms market

The study will investigate value arms capabilities and their impact on military effectiveness, with potential implications for defense policy and economic development in the Southeastern region. Researchers aim to create a dataset on the value arms market, which can inform future research on defense manufacturing and international arms...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateNov 22, 2024

Four Würzburg researchers are “Highly Cited”

University of Würzburg researchers Hermann Einsele, José Pedro Friedmann Angeli, Ronny Thomale, and Christoph Wanner have been named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate Analytics. Their work in medicine and cell biology has garnered significant attention, with Einsele's research on cancer immunotherapy and Angeli's studies on ferropt...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateNov 22, 2024

Most don’t know that alcohol raises cancer risk

Less than half of Americans know that drinking alcohol raises cancer risk, despite the CDC's claim that reducing alcohol intake lowers cancer risk. The Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 40% were unaware or misinformed about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·TypeSurvey·DateNov 22, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Caste differentiation in ants

A recent study on pharaoh ants found that worker larvae can be treated with juvenile hormone to develop gyne-like physical characteristics, including wings and a sperm storage organ. However, this does not lead to the development of ovaries, highlighting the limitations of reprogramming somatic cells for reproductive roles.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·DateNov 22, 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.

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 insights into sleep uncover key mechanisms related to cognitive function

A new study from Rice University and Houston Methodist reveals that NREM sleep enhances neuronal and behavioral performance by fostering brain synchronization and information encoding. Researchers replicated these effects through invasive stimulation, suggesting promising possibilities for future neuromodulation therapies.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2024

3D-printing advance mitigates three defects simultaneously for failure-free metal parts

Researchers at UW–Madison developed an approach to simultaneously mitigate three types of defects – pores, rough surfaces, and large spatters – in metal parts produced using laser powder bed fusion. This breakthrough enables the production of high-quality parts with increased manufacturing productivity.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Black men — including transit workers — are targets for aggression on public transportation, study shows

A new study by Gwendolyn Purifoye found that Black men are targeted with aggression on buses and trains, leading to erosion of their sense of dignity and self-worth. The researchers observed repeated avoidance behaviors by non-Black passengers and surveillance by authority figures.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2024

Standing at work can be detrimental to blood pressure

A Finnish study found that prolonged standing at work had a negative impact on 24-hour blood pressure, while sedentary work was not necessarily harmful. The study suggests that engaging in recreational physical activity during leisure time can help maintain fitness and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateNov 22, 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.

São Paulo to host School on Disordered Systems

The São Paulo Advanced School on Disordered Systems will bring together students and researchers in complexity, bio-inspired applications, information science, and quantum materials. The school, supported by FAPESP, aims to establish a common forum for learning and discussing theories of general interest.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateNov 22, 2024

Overthinking what you said? It’s your ‘lizard brain’ talking to newer, advanced parts of your brain

A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 22, 2024

Probiotic may counteract fire-retardant chemical damage

A UC Riverside study found that probiotic supplementation can reduce the negative impacts of PBDEs on neurodevelopment, behavior, and metabolism in mouse offspring. The researchers discovered that LR treatment helped normalize body weight gain and tooth eruption timing, as well as improved glucose metabolism and insulin levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalArchives of Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 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.

Cooking up a breakthrough: Penn engineers refine lipid nanoparticles for better mRNA therapies

Researchers at Penn School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new method to refine ionizable lipids, key ingredients in lipid nanoparticles. This approach combines precision with rapid output, enabling safer and more effective mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 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.

Engineered additive makes low-cost renewable energy storage a possibility

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have invented a water-soluble chemical additive that improves the performance of bromide aqueous flow batteries, making them more efficient and long-lasting. The additive solves issues such as ion leakage and gas formation, enabling the use of these batteries for grid-scale storage.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Nano-patterned copper oxide sensor for ultra-low hydrogen detection

Researchers developed a nano-patterned copper oxide sensor to detect hydrogen at low concentrations, outperforming previous CuO-based sensors. The sensor detects hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per billion and responds quickly, making it suitable for leak detection and ensuring safe adoption of hydrogen technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Innovative protocol maps NMDA receptors in Alzheimer's-Affected brains

The study found decreased NMDA receptors in synapses and increased extrasynaptic membranes in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting neuronal toxicity-related activity. The novel protocol allows for precise analysis of these receptors in human postmortem brains, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Earliest fish-trapping facility in Central America discovered in Maya lowlands

A large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facility was discovered in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize, dating back to the Late Archaic period around 2000-1900 BCE. The facility, which included a network of linear channels and ponds, would have yielded enough fish to feed up to 15,000 people year-round.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 22, 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.

Simplicity is key to understanding and achieving goals

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that people's preference for simple explanations mirrors their desire for efficient actions. The study discovered that individuals are more attracted to explanations involving common and reliable causes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCognitive Psychology·DateNov 22, 2024

Accessing the lesser known nucleon

Researchers successfully detect neutron participating in DVCS reaction using a new detector installed at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. The experiment provides unprecedented insight into the distribution of partons inside neutrons, a crucial step towards understanding nucleon structure and spin.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 22, 2024

Ancient hot water on Mars points to habitable past: Curtin study

A Curtin University-led study has found geochemical 'fingerprints' of water-rich fluids in a 4.45 billion-year-old zircon grain from the Martian meteorite NWA7034. This discovery opens up new avenues for understanding ancient Martian hydrothermal systems and the planet's past habitability.

SourceCurtin University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 22, 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.

New model of neuronal circuit provides insight on eye movement

A new model of neuronal circuit provides insight into how the brain handles short-term memory and guides eye movement. The study used a simplified artificial circuit based on the architecture of the zebrafish brainstem network to predict activity in the system.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 22, 2024

Scientists identify key mechanism in development of skin cancer

Researchers found that the interaction between TPC2 and Rab7a promotes tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma. The study suggests that targeting this signaling pathway could lead to new therapeutic strategies for skin cancer treatment.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2024

Building climate resilient cocoa farming in West Africa

A study published by researchers from Göttingen University sheds light on the critical role of leaf phenology in trees providing shade and improving climate resilience in cocoa agroforestry systems. The research found that certain shade tree species can significantly influence productivity and environmental stability.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAgriculture Ecosystems & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 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.

Weeping forsythia genome: A treasure trove for ecology and medicine

The complete genome of Forsythia suspensa has been assembled, providing a detailed genetic map and shedding light on centromere complexity. The study's findings highlight the importance of centromeres in genetic stability and evolutionary mechanisms.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·DateNov 22, 2024

Peaches spread across North America through Indigenous networks

Researchers at Penn State found that Indigenous communities played key roles in the adoption and dispersal of peaches across the continent. Peaches were likely widespread across Interior Southeast settlements as early as 1620, 100 years after Spanish expeditions in Florida and Georgia.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2024

South Korea completes delivery of ITER vacuum vessel sectors

South Korea successfully delivered four out of nine ITER vacuum vessel sectors, showcasing its expertise in manufacturing complex components for the fusion reactor. The completed sectors are a significant achievement, contributing to the development of nuclear fusion energy technologies.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateNov 22, 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.

Study: Brilliant white male characters more believable, some viewers say

A recent study found that audience members tend to dismiss brilliant female and non-white characters as unrealistic, even when they portray real people and events. The researchers discovered an association between intelligence-related stereotype endorsement and decreases in viewers' perceived realism across different social identities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMedia Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 22, 2024

AI-RACS: Innovative tool for mining aluminum-tolerant strains in acidic soils

Scientists have developed an innovative system using artificial intelligence and Raman spectroscopy to identify and isolate aluminum-tolerant microorganisms from acidic soils. The AI-RACS system enables high-throughput automated workflows for functional analysis of specific microbes, uncovering new perspectives on microbial survival an...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 22, 2024
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.

How cancer cells adapt while moving across tissues

Researchers studied ovarian cancer cell migration patterns on soft and stiff surfaces, finding that epithelioid cells are more migratory than mesenchymal cells on stiffer matrices. The study used a novel software toolkit to analyze cell behavior over time, revealing a unique 'slip' movement pattern in epithelioid cells.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateNov 22, 2024

Alcohol use identified by UTHealth Houston researchers as most common predictor of escalated cannabis vaping among youths in Texas

Researchers found that alcohol use was a consistent factor in those who had never vaped cannabis to begin or experiment. Depression also predicted cannabis vaping initiation among certain demographics. The study suggests that targeting both alcohol and mental health prevention can help delay substance initiation in youth.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 22, 2024

Animal characters can boost young children’s psychological development, study suggests

A recent study suggests that iconic animal characters can influence children's theory of mind skills, with younger children performing better on tests featuring animal characters. The research also highlights the importance of adapting educational activities to incorporate both human and non-human characters for optimal development.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024
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.

Achieving high >90% energy efficiency in relaxor ferroelectric

Researchers have developed a BNT-based ceramic with high discharge density and energy efficiency, achieving 91% efficiency with a recoverable energy density of 2.1 J/cm³ at low electric fields. The team attributes this improvement to defect-induced phase competition between tetragonal and pseudo-cubic phases.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateNov 22, 2024

New technology points to unexpected uses for snoRNA

Scientists at UChicago developed a new approach to study snoRNAs, uncovering thousands of previously unknown targets in human cells and mouse brain tissues. These discoveries suggest that snoRNAs may have a broader range of functions beyond guiding RNA modifications.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

New gene drive reverses insecticide resistance in pests… then disappears

A new gene drive technology, known as e-Drive, has been developed to reverse insecticide resistance in pests by replacing mutant genes with native ones. The system is designed to spread and then disappear, leaving only a population of insects susceptible to pesticides.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2024

Study on gene regulation with surprising results

Researchers at the University of Bonn and LMU Munich discovered that enhancers controlling a key gene in fruit flies are not isolated but share extensive DNA regions, blurring previous ideas on their modular nature. This finding has significant implications for understanding evolutionary mechanisms and how traits change over time.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 22, 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.

Need a landing pad for helicopter parenting? Frame tasks as learning

A new study by Yale researchers found that framing everyday tasks like getting dressed as learning opportunities reduces overparenting and increases children's autonomy. The study showed a significant decrease in parental intervention when tasks were framed as educational opportunities.

SourceYale University·JournalChild Development·DateNov 22, 2024