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Science News Archive November 2024


Page 6 of 44

World’s oldest lizard wins fossil fight

A fossilized skeleton found in Bristol has been identified as Cryptovaranoides microlanius, a tiny lizard with sharp teeth, and dated to the Triassic period. The discovery shifts the origin of the Squamata group back by 35 million years, confirming its relationship to modern anguimorphs.

Brain test shows that crabs process pain

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have conducted a groundbreaking study on shore crabs, revealing that they possess pain receptors and neural reactions in response to painful stimuli. The findings provide conclusive evidence for the existence of pain in crustaceans, highlighting the need for more humane treatment methods.

Transplanting healthy reef ecosystems to damaged reefs improves coral health

A pioneering study reveals that transplanting vibrant invertebrate and microbial communities from healthy reefs to damaged ones significantly boosts coral health. The innovative approach, known as 'a coral reef ecosystem transplant,' demonstrates notable improvements in coral photosynthetic efficiency and physiological function.

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.

Drinking plenty of water may actually be good for you

A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.

NASA data reveals role of green spaces in cooling cities

A study using NASA satellite data found that cities in the Global South have significantly less green space and cooling capacity than those in the Global North, with an average of 70% less cooling capacity. This compounds existing problems, as cities in the South are predicted to see more heat extremes due to lower latitudes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advances in the molecular diagnostic methods for circular RNA

Researchers reviewed advancements in detecting circRNAs, highlighting isothermal amplification, CRISPR, and digital droplets assay. These methods offer improved sensitivity and specificity for circRNA detection, enabling better understanding of its biological function and tracking disease progression.

Soft patch electrode for monitoring human body signals

A new soft patch electrode has been developed to monitor human body signals, offering improved conductivity and flexibility for accurate measurements. The electrode reduces resistance while enhancing ion transport performance, paving the way for long-term wearable tech applications.

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.

Concussions slow brain activity of high school football players

A new study reveals that concussions impact aperiodic brain activity in high school football players, leading to slowed cognitive function and worse post-concussion symptoms. The research highlights the importance of protective measures in contact sports and may lead to new treatments for concussion recovery.

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.

Occurrence of blue and fin whales in the Arctic

The study reveals that blue whales primarily occur in summer and autumn, while fin whales can be heard throughout the year. The data also confirms the sporadic occurrence of blue whales during winter months, which may be related to climate change.

Tropical Indian Ocean warming: A key player shaping the Hadley Circulation

This study reveals that the tropical Indian Ocean is the primary driver of Hadley Circulation's future weakening and poleward shifts, while the tropical Pacific Ocean is the main source of uncertainty. The results highlight the critical role of regional ocean warming in shaping atmospheric circulation changes.

Under-ice species at risk as Arctic warms

Under-ice species in the Arctic are facing significant threats as sea ice melts at a faster rate than anywhere else on Earth. Researchers studying microbial organisms in four environments found that the under-ice mix of species was the least diverse, composed mainly of specialist plankton and microbes adapted to harsh conditions.

Delay and pay: Tipping point costs quadruple after waiting

A new study finds that reversing climate change effects quickly climbs nearly fourfold soon after a tipping point is crossed. The cost of intervention also increases steeply if waiting occurs, with the degree of needed action rising over time. Researchers have quantified these costs for the first time.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

It might be wrecking the climate, but CO₂ is actually good for your cells

A team of University of Utah chemists discovered that bicarbonate in CO₂ helps balance pH levels and alters the Fenton reaction, producing milder radicals. This finding challenges how cell damage has been studied for decades and may reshape our understanding of oxidative stress in diseases like cancer or aging.

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.

Can we avert the looming food crisis of climate change?

A mathematical model reveals a critical threshold for anthropogenic CO2 emission, beyond which crop yield starts to decrease significantly. Developing temperature-tolerant crops is crucial in maintaining agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.

Machine-vision technology shows promise to reduce herbicide use

Researchers used machine-vision technology to compare targeted sprays with traditional broadcast applications, saving an average of 28.4-62.4% on postemergence herbicides. This study demonstrates potential for lower herbicide costs and improved environmental stewardship in soybean farming.

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.

Inside the ‘swat team’ – how insects react to virtual reality gaming

Researchers from Flinders University and international partners developed a VR platform to observe insect behavior, including hoverflies and crabs. The study provides insights into how these tiny creatures interact with virtual reality environments, paving the way for future research on animal behavior and decision-making.

Gold beats platinum for chemo drugs in new lab study

A new gold-based compound has been developed that slows tumour growth in animals by 82%, targeting cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs. It also blocks cancer cells' ability to form new blood vessels, a promising approach to reducing toxic side effects.

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.

When club teammates become World Cup rivals

A new study examines the hidden tension when coworkers compete on behalf of rival organizations, using soccer players as a case study. The researchers found that teammates who competed against each other on opposing national teams reduced collaboration within their shared clubs, passing the ball to each other around 11% less often in t...

Transformation of UN SDGs only way forward for sustainable development

A new study calls for the integration of climate resilience into every aspect of the UN SDGs to secure a sustainable future. The researchers propose five key recommendations, including aligning the Paris Agreement's climate objectives with the SDGs and empowering local communities to develop climate-focused policies.

Nerve cells of blind mice retain their visual function

Researchers at TU Wien found that retinal ganglion cells retain their ability to produce different signals even after blindness. These intrinsic properties are stable and can be utilized in retinal implants, leading to better stimulation strategies for blind patients.

New prognostic model enhances survival prediction in liver failure

A new prognostic model, the CATCH-LIFE-MELD score, has been developed to predict short-term survival outcomes in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The model's enhanced accuracy allows clinicians to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from urgent interventions, such as liver transplantation.

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.

Same plant, different tactic: Habitat determines response to climate

Research found that plants adapted to colder temperatures have a higher rate of photoinhibition repair when exposed to cold conditions. This adaptation allows them to survive in colder regions. The study used Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from around the world to demonstrate this phenomenon.

New tool makes quick health, environmental monitoring possible

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison develop a new method called Sensor-seq to identify small molecules in samples quickly and inexpensively. This can help detect pollutants and environmental toxins, improve first-response and emergency medicine, and enable at-home health monitoring.

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.

Air fryers confirmed as least polluting cooking method

A new study by the University of Birmingham has found that air fryers emit significantly lower levels of particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other cooking methods. The researchers measured pollutant levels in a well-controlled research kitchen and found that improving ventilation can help reduce indoor pollution.

OU College of Medicine professor earns prestigious pancreatology award

Min Li will receive the 2024 Palade Prize for his contributions to pancreatology, recognizing his pioneering work on pancreatic cancer and metabolic reprogramming. He has been continuously funded by the National Cancer Institute for 15 years and has published over 200 high-impact articles.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genuinely ethical management begins with dismantling unscientific myths

A nearly century-old study on employee productivity is reevaluated in a new dissertation, highlighting the unscientific basis of human relations school. The study's findings, led by Elton Mayo, have been widely accepted as scientific fact but are actually based on storytelling and deception.

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.

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.