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Science News Archive October 2024


Page 17 of 44

New bacterial toxins discovered: A key to fighting infections

Researchers have identified a new group of bacterial toxins that can destroy cells of bacteria and fungi without harming other organisms. The study reveals how these toxins are used by bacteria to compete with other microbes, offering exciting possibilities for clinical and biotechnological applications.

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.

‘Visual clutter’ alters information flow in the brain

Researchers at Yale University found that visual clutter affects how information flows in the brain, altering perception and cognition. The study used macaque monkeys to investigate the neural basis of perception and discovered subunits within larger visual areas doing their own computations.

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.

Making it easier to verify an AI model’s responses

A new tool, SymGen, enables users to verify AI model responses more quickly and easily by displaying data citations. This speeds up the manual validation process by 20 percent, making it easier for users to spot errors in LLMs deployed in various real-world situations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Maternal eating disorders, BMI, and offspring psychiatric diagnoses

A large cohort study found that mothers with eating disorders were more likely to have children with psychiatric disorders, while those with pre-pregnancy BMI outside the normal range also showed an increased risk. The findings suggest that clinicians should consider these factors when preventing offspring mental illness.

World-first simultaneous lithium and magnesium extraction technology

A new standard in lithium processing has been set with the innovative EDTA-aided loose nanofiltration (EALNF) technology, which extracts both lithium and magnesium simultaneously. The method achieves 90% lithium recovery and turns leftover magnesium into a valuable product, reducing waste and its environmental impact.

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.

How melanoma cells escape oxidative stress to metastasize

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine identified a unique enzyme called FTSJ1 that enables melanoma cells to escape oxidative stress and spread. By targeting this enzyme, therapies may prevent or treat metastasis with minimal side effects.

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.

Microplastics and PFAS – Combined risk and greater environmental harm

Researchers discovered that when combined, microplastics and PFAS cause more severe toxic effects on aquatic life, including developmental failures and stunted growth. The study highlights the urgent need for regulatory frameworks addressing the unintended combinations of pollutants in the environment.

How the coronavirus defeats the innate immune response

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that counteracts the innate defense mechanism against viruses, allowing it to evade the innate immune system and become more infectious. Understanding this mechanism may lead to the development of new antiviral drugs and treatments.

Medicare has a revolving door, study suggests

A new study found that 3% of people with traditional Medicare switch to Medicare Advantage each year, but many switch back after a short period. The researchers discovered that people who switched from MA to traditional Medicare were more likely to choose higher-rated plans or those with broader networks.

Starving cancer cells of fat may improve cancer treatment

Researchers at Van Andel Institute discovered that cutting off cancer cells' access to fat makes them highly sensitive to ferroptosis and drugs that induce it. This finding has promising implications for developing new anti-cancer strategies and potentially tailoring diets to enhance treatment effectiveness.

Listening skills bring human-like touch to robots

A new system dubbed SonicSense allows robots to interpret the world through acoustic vibrations, giving them a richer ability to 'feel' and understand objects. The system, featuring a robotic hand with contact microphones, can identify materials, shapes, and recognize objects in complex environments.

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 imagery technique helps understand the Universe

Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a new technique to visualize 2D radio images in 3D, revealing distinct shapes and structures of galaxies and massive black holes. The technique uses Faraday rotation to estimate distances and analyze material interactions, potentially altering previous models.

Researchers succeed in taking 3D x-ray images of a skyrmion

Scientists have successfully captured 3D images of magnetic skyrmions, a nanoscale object that could revolutionize microelectronic storage devices and quantum computing. The breakthrough provides a foundation for nanoscale metrology and opens opportunities for the development of topological spintronic devices.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A national indicator for a just energy transition

The Energy Transition Vulnerability Index (ETVI) measures a nation's susceptibility to adverse effects of transitioning away from fossil fuels. Countries in the Global South face greater challenges than those in the Global North, with global vulnerability decreasing but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding access to weight-loss drugs could save thousands of lives a year

A new study led by Yale researchers estimates that expanding access to highly effective weight-loss medications could prevent over 40,000 deaths annually in the US. The findings highlight the need to remove barriers hindering people's access to effective treatments and address the national obesity crisis.

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.

Wearable cameras allow AI to detect medication errors

A team of researchers developed a wearable camera system that uses artificial intelligence to detect potential medication delivery errors. The AI achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying vial-swap errors, making it a critical safeguard in operating rooms, intensive-care units, and emergency-medicine settings.

Showing AI users diversity in training data boosts perceived fairness and trust

A new study by Penn State researchers suggests that making AI training data diversity information available can shape users' expectations of algorithmic fairness and trust. Displaying racial diversity cues in AI interfaces can enhance users' perceptions of algorithmic fairness and trust, according to the study's findings.

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.

A model for the decline of trends, fads, and information sharing

Researchers propose a bi-threshold model to explain the decline of trends and information sharing, identifying two adoption thresholds for behaviors. The model outperformed traditional linear threshold models in testing with Twitter conversations around the Higgs boson and Weibo discussions on COVID-19 vaccinations.

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.

Harnessing science to tackle global crises

An international team of researchers emphasizes the need for interdisciplinarity and transdisciplinarity in crisis management. Science can contribute to integrated decision-making by co-designing solutions with scientists, policymakers, and affected populations.

How fast is quantum entanglement?

Researchers at TU Wien have developed computer simulations to investigate the temporal development of quantum entanglement. They found that the 'birth time' of an electron flying away from an atom is related to the state of the remaining electron, demonstrating a quantum-physical superposition.

Novel 2D electro-polaritonic platform for future miniaturized spectrometers

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking 2D electro-polaritonic platform that integrates detection with the same material, overcoming limitations of traditional optical techniques. This breakthrough enables spectrally resolved electrical detection of nanoresonators and significantly enhances photodetection efficiency.

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.

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.

Ethical framework aims to counter risks of geoengineering research

A new framework for responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue has been launched by the American Geophysical Union to address the risks of geoengineering research. The framework proposes five key principles to guide research, funding and policy proposals, including consideration of physical, environmental and social consequences.