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Science News for November 28, 2024


The Moon’s biggest and most ancient crater is more circular than previously thought

Researchers at University of Maryland have discovered that the South Pole-Aitken basin, the moon's oldest and largest visible crater, is more circular than previously believed. The team used high-resolution data to analyze mountain formations around the basin, revealing a rounder shape indicating a more vertical impact angle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 28, 2024

Deciphering how the ancestors of the human species moved around

Researchers used 3D technology to study key areas in brachiating primates, providing new insights into human evolution. The study confirms that early hominin species combined bipedal locomotion with arboreal locomotion similar to current bonobos.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 28, 2024
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.

A new approach to predicting malaria drug resistance

Researchers analyzed hundreds of malaria parasite genomes to identify genetic variants associated with drug resistance. The study's findings can help scientists predict antimalarial drug resistance and prioritize experimental treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024

Resurrecting an ancestral protein as a novel tool to study RNA biology

Scientists have developed a novel enzyme, SUPer RNA EcoGII Methyltransferase (SUPREM), which can selectively modify RNA and has high methylation activity. This tool can be used to investigate RNA modifications in various diseases, providing new insights into their role in cell health.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 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.

New footprints offer evidence of co-existing hominid species 1.5 million years ago

Researchers discover two distinct patterns of bipedalism among Pleistocene hominids in East Turkana region, suggesting contemporaneous use of lake habitats by different species. The findings provide evidence for the co-existence of multiple hominid lineages and challenge previous inferences based on fossil dates.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024

Refining hardwood by bioluminescence

Scientists at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created luminous wood by combining fungal threads with hardwood. The process involves a two-stage enzymatic reaction that stimulates the production of luciferin, emitting green light from the treated wood.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

Moral outrage helps misinformation spread through social media

A new study by Killian McLoughlin and colleagues reveals that moral outrage evokes more sharing of misinformation on social media. Outrage-driven posts can spread misinformation as strongly as trustworthy news, with people sharing them without verifying accuracy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024

Atom-thin insulator grown into perfect films

Researchers create high-quality hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) films just one atom thick using a new growth method. The films exhibit excellent insulating properties and are suitable for high-performance electronic devices.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 28, 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.

New model advances our understanding of quantum black holes

Researchers have developed a mathematical model that provides strong evidence for the cosmic censorship conjecture in three dimensions, suggesting singularities inside black holes will always be hidden. The model has implications for quantum gravity and advances efforts to understand thermodynamic properties of black holes.

SourceKing's College London·DateNov 28, 2024

CNIC scientists discover a key mechanism in fat cells that protects the body against energetic excess

Researchers identify caveolae's role in protecting adipocytes from rupture and inflammation; this discovery opens new avenues for treating metabolic diseases like obesity. The study highlights the importance of the caveolin-1 protein in maintaining cellular integrity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LIAB Award 2024: In recognition of the humble beetroot

Dr Bøsch's work explores betalains' potential to impact blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gut microbiota. The award highlights the significance of her research in advancing functional food and feed applications with implications for human and animal health.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Science and Technology·DateNov 28, 2024

The key to “climate smart” agriculture might be through its value chain

The United Nations has recognized the significance of agriculture in addressing climate change through its value chain approach. Small businesses play a crucial role in supporting small- and medium-sized farms by providing resources, training, and loans, leading to 'climate smart' practices.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2024

Delivery mechanism discovery resolves gene expression puzzle

Researchers have shed new light on gene expression by visualizing ribosomes in unprecedented detail. The study reveals a molecular mechanism for mRNA delivery to the ribosome, advancing our understanding of gene expression at the molecular level.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2024

Fast super-resolved microscopy with a structured illumination and extended depth detection

Extended Depth-of-Field Random Illumination Microscopy (EDF-RIM) offers a breakthrough in fluorescence microscopy, combining super-resolution with extended depth-of-field detection. This innovation allows for efficient imaging of large and complex 3D structures, minimizing light exposure and acquisition time.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateNov 28, 2024

Leicester combines expertise with NASA to power spacecraft into new frontiers

The University of Leicester is collaborating with NASA to develop a novel Radioisotope Power System design and conduct laboratory tests. This collaboration aims to improve the efficiency of electrically heated simulators and Stirling convertor technologies, enabling spacecraft to venture into new frontiers. The project builds on previo...

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateNov 28, 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.

Preschool education: A key to supporting allophone children

Allophone children who attended preschool services show improved cognitive development, social emotional skills, and communication abilities compared to those who did not. Preschool education is a key factor in bridging the language gap for these children.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateNov 28, 2024

Climate change as unjust enrichment: A new legal framework for climate litigation

A new legal framework proposes addressing climate change through the lens of unjust enrichment, circumventing challenges of quantifying abstract harms and allowing for accountability without strict proof of wrongdoing. This approach offers a means to address environmental violations even when specific damages are difficult to establish.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·DateNov 28, 2024

These hibernating squirrels could use a drink—but don’t feel the thirst

During winter hibernation, thirteen-lined ground squirrels reduce the activity of neurons in circumventricular organs, suppressing their sensitivity to physiological cues for thirst. This adaptation enables them to survive for months without drinking, despite their bodies crying out for water.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

Decoding consumer behaviour via large language models

The project uses generative AI to examine whether scientific toolkits can help better study consumer behaviour in an effective way. By leveraging modern AI models and data from platforms like YouTube, researchers aim to extract meaningful patterns without needing to build a model from scratch.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateNov 28, 2024

Migration is a marathon – not a sprint – for hoverflies

New research shows that migrating marmalade hoverflies in the Pyrenees flew twice as far as non-migratory ones in the UK. The study found that stored energy in their abdomens is crucial for long-distance migration, and that throttle-speed can be more energy-efficient than flying faster.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournaliScience·DateNov 28, 2024

Study reveals how eDNA could bear fruit for farmers and the environment

A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.

SourceCurtin University·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 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.

Enhanced Battolyser stores electricity four times faster than before

Researchers from Delft University of Technology have developed a new 3D electrode design for the Battolyser, enabling it to store twice the amount of electricity and charge four times faster. This innovative design reduces space and costs while producing green hydrogen comparable to existing electrolysers.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 28, 2024

Barbarian warriors in Roman times used stimulants in battle

Archaeologists have found evidence that Roman-era barbarian warriors used stimulants before battle, including small spoon-shaped objects attached to their belts. The researchers believe that these stimulants may have been widely used throughout history to motivate soldiers and reduce stress and fear during warfare.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalPraehistorische Zeitschrift·TypeNews article·DateNov 28, 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.

Association of waist circumference with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2018

A U-shaped association between waist circumference and all-cause mortality was found in women, while a J-shaped trend was observed in men with type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that optimal waist circumference thresholds for minimizing mortality risk are 107 cm for women and 89 cm for men.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·DateNov 28, 2024

Coral adaptation unlikely to keep up with global warming

A recent study suggests coral heat tolerance adaptation may not keep pace with ocean warming, and some sensitive species may face extinction. The research modelled different climate scenarios, revealing that natural selection may be insufficient to ensure coral survival under expected warming levels.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 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.

Emory-led Lancet review highlights racial disparities in sudden cardiac arrest and death among athletes

A recent Lancet review highlights racial disparities in sudden cardiac arrest and death among athletes, with Black athletes facing a significantly higher risk. The study emphasizes the need for increased research into social determinants of health and adequate pre-participation evaluation to mitigate these disparities.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 28, 2024

Researchers uncover link between quantum information theory and particle and condensed matter physics

Theoretical physicists establish a close connection between quantum information theory and non-invertible symmetries in particle and condensed matter theories. A recent study proves that any non-invertible symmetry operation is a quantum operation, providing a general property of these operations.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 28, 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.

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.

Healthy Crops team supports regional solutions in East Africa

A research team has developed three new rice varieties resistant to bacterial leaf blight, a detrimental crop disease affecting smallholder farmers in East Africa. The varieties were created using marker-assisted backcross breeding and are expected to protect local rice harvests against aggressive strains.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·DateNov 28, 2024

Hormone therapy affects the metabolic health of transgender individuals

Long-term hormone therapy in transgender individuals leads to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Transgender men experience increased muscle volume and abdominal fat, while women's muscle mass decreases, according to a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateNov 28, 2024