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Science News Archive November 2024


Page 27 of 44

Key influenza-severity risk factor found hiding in plain sight on our antibodies

A study by Stanford Medicine researchers has identified a critical link between the composition of antibodies and the severity of influenza infection. The discovery highlights the importance of a specific sugar molecule on antibodies in determining whether an individual becomes mildly ill or severely ill from a flu infection.

Children's gut bacteria may hold the key to diarrhea treatment

A new study maps the gut microbiome of over 1,300 children under five years old in Ethiopia, revealing a clear link between gut bacteria composition and the duration of diarrhea. The researchers identify beneficial bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which are lacking in children with chronic diarrhea.

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.

Persistent racial disparities in vascular surgery outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.

Vaccine shows promise against aggressive breast cancer

A small clinical trial found a vaccine designed to prevent recurrence of tumors in patients with triple-negative breast cancer to be well-tolerated and stimulate the immune system. After three years, 16 out of 18 patients remained cancer-free.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

2024 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award winners named

The 2024 AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Awards honored journalists for their immersive stories on scientists, physicians, and the human body. Winners included Simar Bajaj for a profile on gun violence prevention and Kate Evans for her piece on the red-billed gull's decline.

Organ donation: Opt-out defaults do not increase donation rates

A longitudinal study found no significant difference in deceased donor rates between opt-in and opt-out countries, but fewer living donors in opt-out countries. The results suggest that switching to an opt-out system does not automatically lead to more organ donations without accompanying measures.

12,000-year-old spindle whorls uncovered in the Jordan Valley

Researchers from Hebrew University have identified 12,000-year-old spindle whorls at the Nahal-Ein Gev II dig site, providing key insights into Natufian culture's technological advancements. The discovery predates previous textile tools by 4,000 years and marks an important stage in human innovation.

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.

NASA’s swift studies gas-churning monster black holes

Researchers observe oscillating pattern in light from binary supermassive black hole system AT 2021hdr, shedding light on tidal disruption of gas cloud. The system, located 1 billion light-years away, contains 40 million times the Sun's mass and will collide in approximately 70,000 years.

Psychedelic use linked to increased risk of schizophrenia, study finds

A new study found that individuals with hallucinogen-related emergency department visits are at a high risk of developing schizophrenia. The study analyzed health data for over 9.2 million individuals in Ontario, Canada, and found a 21-fold increased risk of schizophrenia compared to the general population.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers develop minimally invasive neural interface in revolutionary study

Researchers at Rice University developed a minimally invasive neural interface technique called endocisternal interfaces (ECI), allowing for simultaneous access to the brain and spinal cord without skull surgery. The innovative method uses cerebral spinal fluid as a pathway to deliver targeted devices, enabling new possibilities for th...

UAB researchers cure liver disease MASH by a one-time gene therapy

Researchers from UAB have developed a gene therapy that reverses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in mice, and most obese and type 2 diabetic patients could benefit from this treatment. The therapy, based on the fibroblast growth factor 21 protein, mediates long-term reversal of liver fibrosis and MASH.

Revolutionizing tech to produce sustainable fuel

The SRI and University of Houston-affiliated project aims to develop a modular microreactor technology that converts carbon dioxide into methanol using renewable energy sources. The project has the potential to transform sustainable fuel production, offering a clean alternative for sectors like transportation.

UTokyo and NARO develop new vertical seed distribution trait for soybean breeding

Researchers have developed a novel image analysis pipeline called Multi Scale Attention Network (MSAnet) to precisely measure soybean seed distribution and plant architecture in the field. This technique enables breeders to select superior varieties with ideal traits and facilitate genetic analysis, advancing modern soybean breeding.

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.

An advance toward inhalable mRNA medications, vaccines

Researchers have made significant strides toward creating inhalable mRNA medicines using a novel lipid-polymer nanoparticle. The nanoparticles successfully deliver aerosols to mice's lungs and demonstrate uniform protein expression in tissues.

Long Covid could cost the economy billions every year

A new study found that individuals with Long Covid experience persistent functional impairment and poor quality of life, leading to significant economic burdens on patients and the economy. The study estimated that the economic cost of Long Covid could reach £20billion annually due to productivity losses and working days off.

Research reveals unseen factors behind lithium-ion battery degradation

An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.

New species discovered with refined DNA technology

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have discovered four new species of daisies in South Africa using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. The discovery highlights the importance of integrating traditional observations with modern genetic analysis to better understand plant relationships and biodiversity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Microbial load can influence disease associations

A new study developed a machine-learning model to predict microbial load, the density of microbes in our guts. The model revealed that many factors can influence microbial load, including lifestyle, diseases, and medications.

When it comes to corporate climate action, a single policy isn’t enough

A study published in PLOS Climate found that single corporate climate policies have limited value for policymakers and investors. Companies with a range of climate policies, however, show an average of over 20% emission reductions. This suggests that a comprehensive policy mix is more effective for supporting climate action.

EphA2 signaling in eye lens aging: wild-type, knockout, and aging mice

Researchers from Indiana University have uncovered how the EphA2 protein receptor contributes to cataract formation. The study found that canonical ligand-dependent EphA2 signaling remains stable in aging lens tissue, while non-canonical signaling increases with age, affecting lens fiber cell maturation.

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.

Grief-specific cognitive behavioral therapy vs present-centered therapy

A randomized clinical trial shows cognitive behavioral therapy for prolonged grief outperforms present-centered therapy in treating comorbid symptoms, while both treatments demonstrate effectiveness and acceptability. The findings suggest potential for dissemination and increased patient choice.

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 guideline provides treatment recommendations for restless legs syndrome

The new clinical practice guideline recommends significant changes in the standard treatment of RLS in adults, emphasizing iron evaluation and supplementation. The guideline also suggests alternative treatments, including alpha-2-delta ligand calcium channel blockers and bilateral high-frequency peroneal nerve stimulation.

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.

Chewing xylitol gum linked to decrease in preterm birth

A recent study published in Med found that pregnant women who chewed xylitol-containing gum twice daily experienced a 24% decrease in preterm births compared to those who did not receive the intervention. The study also saw a 30% drop in low-birthweight babies.

Beer-only drinkers’ diets are worse than wine drinkers

A study found that beer-only drinkers have lower-quality diets and are more likely to be male, younger, smokers, and low income. They also reported the highest total daily caloric intake and lowest level of physical activity compared to other alcohol consumers.

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.

Continuous psychological distress in pregnant mothers may be associated with higher epilepsy diagnosis rates in their young kids, per Japanese study of more than 97,000 1-3-year-olds

A Japanese study of over 97,000 1-3-year-olds found a possible link between maternal prenatal psychological distress and increased epilepsy diagnosis rates in their offspring. The research suggests that continuous stress during pregnancy may be a contributing factor to the development of epilepsy in young children.

New discovery may lead to more effective treatment for cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new target for treating atherosclerosis by identifying an inflammation-reducing molecule called itaconate. This finding may lead to the development of a new therapeutic approach that mimics the beneficial effects of a low-fat diet without requiring drastic lifestyle changes.

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.

Stress is contagious – for animals, too

Researchers found that stress responses can spread to unexposed group members, altering their activity levels and social behaviors. This impact on social cohesion could have profound effects on the fitness of individual members and the dynamics of groups.

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.

Anti-fatberg invention could help unclog city sewers

Engineers from RMIT University have invented a protective coating for concrete pipes that can help drastically reduce the formation of fatbergs in sewers. The coating reduces build-up of FOG on concrete by 30% and is stable in water, withstanding temperatures up to 850 degrees Celsius.

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.

Which risk factors are linked to having a severe stroke?

A study published in Neurology found that people with conditions like high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and smoking are at a higher risk of having severe strokes. Researchers also found that managing these risk factors can help prevent severe stroke.