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Science News for October 18, 2024


American lobster population, habitat preferences shifting, study finds

A study by University of Maine researchers found that American lobster populations are relocating to new habitats, while their numbers are dwindling in abundance. The lobsters are now favoring open spaces over rocky shelters, with a significant increase in those living without shelter at all.

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateOct 18, 2024

Innovative mental health training could transform workplaces in Uganda

A new study adapted acceptance-based mental health intervention ACT-W to fit Uganda's unique socio-cultural context. The programme aims to equip employees with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and common mental health issues at work.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2024
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.

Shrouded in axions

Researchers from the Universiteit van Amsterdam and other institutions show that axion clouds around neutron stars could provide a new way to observe these elusive particles. The formation and properties of these clouds are studied, offering new opportunities for axion research and potentially solving the dark matter puzzle.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2024
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.

Kumamoto University researchers identify key enzyme in aging cells to promote healthy aging

Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Materials of the future can be extracted from wastewater

A team of researchers has developed a method to extract valuable materials such as biopolymers and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants. These biomaterials can be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-based products in various industries, including paper production, building materials, and water purification.

SourceAalborg University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2024

Finding could help turn trees into affordable, greener industrial chemicals

Researchers at North Carolina State University identify molecular property of lignin that determines ease of using microbial fermentation to turn trees into industrial chemicals. The discovery could lead to more sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based chemicals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 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.

Kumamoto University scientists achieve successful reproduction of hematopoietic stem cell developmental process in an in vitro culture system

Researchers at Kumamoto University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in stem cell biology by reproducing the developmental process of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. This culture system enhances our understanding of HSC development and has the potential to be instrumental in stem cell therapy and blood disease treatments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Nonnative plants are a major force behind global insect invasions, new study finds

A recent study by American Institute of Biological Sciences reveals that nonnative plant species are a major force behind the growing number of insect invasions worldwide. The research challenges traditional assumptions and highlights the importance of controlling the spread of nonnative plants in mitigating biological invasions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2024
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.

ImSpiRE: A novel method for enhancing spatial transcriptome resolution

ImSpiRE redistributes gene expression data across tissue sections using histological image features, allowing for finer resolution and capturing subspot-level detail. This improves visualization of gene expression with unprecedented clarity, aiding in identifying tissue domains and detecting complex interactions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateOct 18, 2024

Molecular insights into differences in color and shape of male and female chicken feathers

The study reveals hormone-dependent molecular mechanisms that cause sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers, including the role of thyroid hormone activation/inactivation system. The findings also shed light on the cultural significance of chickens in Japanese society and its impact on promoting social cohesion.

SourceOkayama University·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Global study reveals people, including those most affected by climate change, do not understand climate justice

A global study found that people across 11 countries recognize the social and economic injustices caused by climate change, but struggle to understand the concept of climate justice. Two-thirds of respondents had never heard of the term, while most supported related beliefs and actions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 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.

Liver function discovery could lead to better cardiovascular disease treatments

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that bile production is affected by blood flow in the portal vein, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease. This breakthrough provides an opportunity for the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly devised covert eye tracking “CovET” system succeed in measuring visual recognizability of Saizeriya logo

A new covert eye-tracking system, CovET, has been developed to evaluate visual recognizability of brand logos in peripheral visual fields. The study found that participants could recognize the Saizeriya logo even when it was presented outside their line of gaze, indicating higher visual recognizability on covert attention.

SourceChuo University·JournalInternational Journal of Affective Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

New study urges enhanced recruitment strategies to help address US primary care physician shortages

A new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute suggests that policy interventions tailored to the citizenship status of international medical graduates can help address US primary care physician shortages. The research found significant effects on IMGs' choices of specialties and practice locations, with varying trends depend...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2024

Photonic computing harnesses electromagnetic waves

Researchers at Newcastle University developed a novel approach using electromagnetic waves to solve partial differential equations, specifically the Helmholtz wave equation. The innovative structure, known as a metatronic network, effectively behaves like a grid of T-circuits and allows for control over PDE parameters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 18, 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.

Scientists update eruption history of Oregon’s South Sister volcano

Researchers analyzed crystals in volcanic rocks to show that South Sister was historically active with greater intensity over a shorter time window than previously believed. The study reveals two distinct periods of eruptions from different sources, providing insights into the volcano's past activity and potential future risks.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalGeochemistry Geophysics Geosystems·DateOct 18, 2024

Seismic image of the crust and upper mantle beneath the northern Tibetan Plateau suggests lithospheric mantle removal promotes the plateau’s growth

A recent study using seismic imaging has found that the removal of lithospheric mantle beneath the northern Tibetan Plateau leads to post-collisional magmatism, thickening the crust and driving the plateau's northward growth. This process is supported by correlated melting in both the crust and upper mantle.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 18, 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.

Butterfly brains reveal the tweaks required for cognitive innovation

A species of tropical butterfly with expanded brain structures demonstrates a remarkable ability to learn and remember spatial information about food sources. The study reveals that specific aspects of neural circuits have been tweaked to bring about enhanced cognitive capacities in Heliconius butterflies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2024

Cancer drug resistance causes and categories identified

A new study has identified four categories of cancer mutations that cause drug resistance, providing targets for drug development and potential effective second-line therapies. The research highlights DNA changes that could be explored further to treat patients with specific genetic mutations.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 18, 2024

Announcing the new editor-in-chief of ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies

Dr. Wai Hong Lo, PhD, has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies, succeeding Dr. Bruce Melancon. Dr. Lo aims to enhance online accessibility, incorporate visuals, and increase social media engagement to reach a broader audience.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAssay and Drug Development Technologies·DateOct 18, 2024

Loss of ‘nitrogen fixers’ threatens biodiversity, ecosystems

Increased nitrogen deposition from human activity is reducing diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness of nitrogen-fixing plants. The loss of these plants threatens both biodiversity and ecosystem stability, according to a study published in Science Advances.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 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.

ASA invites media to virtual acoustics meeting Nov. 18-22

The Acoustical Society of America is hosting a virtual meeting from November 18-22, showcasing recent work on various topics including Alzheimer's disease detection and windfarms' impact on wildlife. Journalists can pre-register for press conferences and technical sessions.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateOct 18, 2024

Novel quantum lidar achieves high-sensitivity wind detection

Researchers developed a quantum lidar system using up-conversion detector technology to record optical signals over a wide bandwidth. The system achieved wind field detection at a distance of 16 km with improved sensitivity and consistency compared to traditional lidar systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 18, 2024

Preoperative nutrition program cuts surgery costs and complications

Implementing a preoperative nutrition program leads to significant reductions in hospitalization days and postoperative complications, resulting in cost savings of $7.8 million annually. The program's financial implications include reduced 'outlier days' and long-term complication rates, contributing to overall cost savings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 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.

UVA professor tackles graph mining challenges with new algorithm

A UVA professor has developed a new computational algorithm to find tightly connected clusters, or triangle-dense subgraphs, within large networks. This breakthrough can help uncover suspicious activity in fraud detection and identify community dynamics on social media with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2024

Listening to music may speed up recovery from surgery

Research suggests that listening to music after surgery can significantly reduce pain levels, anxiety, and heart rate, with patients experiencing a lower need for opioid medication. Music's calming effect may also contribute to faster recovery by easing the transition from waking up after surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 18, 2024

Three experts explain how research is being done to make immunotherapy effective in an increasing number of breast cancers

Immunotherapy holds promise for treating breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Researchers Karin de Visser, Sandra Demaria, and María Casanova-Acebes discuss advances and challenges in applying immunotherapy to this common tumor. They highlight the importance of factors like diet, biorhythms, and personalized approaches to impro...

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·DateOct 18, 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.