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Science News Archive October 2024


Page 33 of 44

The secret to slimming? Special ‘skinny genes’ double weight loss

A recent study discovered 14 'skinny genes' associated with significant weight loss in response to regular exercise. Participants who carried more of these genes lost up to 5kg during an eight-week period. Exercise was found to be crucial for unlocking the full potential of these genes, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes.

Study finds mercury pollution from human activities is declining

Researchers analyzed atmospheric mercury concentrations and found a 10% decline between 2005 and 2020, contrary to global inventories that indicate an increase. The study suggests that human activity-driven emissions are driving the trend, but limitations in data and scientific understanding remain.

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.

Simulated forest multifunctionality under climate change and forest management

A recent study applied transition matrix growth models to simulate the effects of various management strategies on forest ecosystem services and multifunctionality in northeastern China. The findings highlighted the significant impact of forest management on ecosystem services, which outweighed the effects of climate scenarios alone.

Sexist textbooks? Review of over 1200 English-language textbooks from 34 countries reveals persistent pattern of stereotypical gender roles and under-representation of female characters across countries

A study analyzing over 1200 English-language school textbooks from 34 countries found a persistent pattern of stereotypical gender roles, with male-coded words appearing twice as often as female-coded words. The analysis also revealed under-representation of female characters in textbooks across countries.

High-dimensional photonics accelerates quantum computing

A new study by Prof. Yaron Bromberg and Dr. Ohad Lib from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has made significant progress in quantum computing through photonic-measurement-based quantum computation. They successfully generated cluster states with over nine qubits at a frequency of 100 Hz, overcoming scalability barriers.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The changing geography of “energy poverty”

A study by MIT researchers reveals that households in the US South and Southwest are struggling with energy costs, particularly air conditioning needs, as temperatures rise. The current federal program, LIHEAP, does not fully match these trends, with southern states receiving relatively less funding.

Viruses are teeming on your toothbrush, showerhead

Researchers discovered an extremely diverse collection of viruses on toothbrushes and showerheads, including previously unknown species. These bacteriophages target bacteria, not humans, and have potential uses in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

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.

Another step towards decoding smell

A study published in Nature elucidates the role of individual brain neurons in human odor perception, revealing distinct neural responses to smells, images, and names. The research demonstrates that different brain regions process specific functions of olfaction, shedding light on the complex mechanisms behind human scent detection.

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.

New insights into glioblastoma treatment for older adults patients

A recent clinical trial analysis found that patients with truly unmethylated MGMT promoter do not benefit from temozolomide treatment, challenging current treatment protocols. This study aims to transform the treatment landscape for older adults glioblastoma patients by identifying biomarkers for more personalized therapies.

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.

Can adrenaline auto-injectors prevent fatal anaphylaxis?

A recent review published in Clinical & Experimental Allergy suggests that intravenous adrenaline infusions can prevent fatal anaphylaxis, but adrenaline autoinjectors may have little impact in such deadly cases. Fatal anaphylaxis is rare, with a population incidence of 0.03–0.51 per million per year.

Scientists discover viral trapdoor blocking HIV and herpes

Researchers have discovered how a protein linked to the human immune system wards off HIV-1 and herpes simplex virus-1 by assembling structures in the cell that lure in viruses and trap them. This discovery offers new avenues for antiviral therapies and could be used to devise strategies to combat these viruses.

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.

Ancient climate analysis reveals unknown global processes

A new Stanford review of hundreds of studies found little to no sediment dating back to the 34 million-year-old Eocene-Oligocene climate transition, contradicting conventional models. The researchers attribute this globally extensive gap in the geologic record to vigorous ocean bottom currents triggered by major climate shifts.

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.

Study finds persistent infection could explain long COVID in some people

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that people with wide-ranging long COVID symptoms were twice as likely to have SARS-CoV-2 proteins in their blood compared to those without long COVID symptoms. This persistent infection could explain some of the long COVID sufferers' symptoms, suggesting a potential treatment target.

Rapid blood cancer diagnostic could speed decisions and save lives

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a CRISPR-based rapid molecular diagnostic for two forms of leukemia, detecting gene fusions with 100% accuracy. The technology could improve outcomes by increasing accessibility and timeliness of diagnostic testing, particularly in resource-limited countries.

Scientists caution no guarantees when it comes to overshooting 1.5°C

A new study published in Nature highlights the risks of exceeding 1.5°C warming, which may result in irreversible climate damage, including rising sea levels. The researchers emphasize that ambitious emissions reductions and carbon dioxide removal technologies are necessary to limit damages.

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.

The new fashion: clothes that help combat rising temperatures

Researchers have developed a natural fabric that reflects sunlight and allows heat to escape, while blocking the sun's rays and lowering temperature. The fabric leverages radiative cooling, with three layers designed to optimize cooling, promising relief to city dwellers experiencing warmer temperatures.

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.

Light pollution disturbs moths even in the dark

Researchers found that light pollution disturbs moth behavior outside the illuminated area, causing them to fly in curvy paths. The study also revealed an interaction between artificial light and the moon's phase, affecting moths' orientation and flight patterns.

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.

Predatory birds from the same fossil formation as SUE the T. rex

Scientists discovered two new species of predatory birds in the Hell Creek Formation, which lived alongside dinosaurs like T. rex 68 million years ago. The fossils indicate that these birds could have hunted small mammals and baby dinosaurs using their powerful foot bones.

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.

New tool aims to boost ocean-based renewable energy

Researchers created a modeling tool to design more robust marine hydrokinetic technologies and inform risk assessments for financing and permitting. The tool estimates the fragility curve of devices, helping developers create mooring systems that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Octopus-inspired adhesive works well in wet conditions

Researchers developed an octopus-inspired adhesive with elastic, curved stalk and membrane that adheres to multiple surfaces in wet environments. The adhesive demonstrated strong attachment to complex objects and could be rapidly attached and released.

Breakthrough in micelle technology for effective dye and drug dispersion

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a new type of micelle that can effectively dissolve dyes, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective formulations. The micelles were created using block copolymers and showed improved dye solubilization capacity compared to random copolymers.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

No bolts about it: New technology improves structural strength

Researchers have developed functional interlocking metasurfaces that offer more structural strength and stability than traditional techniques like bolts and adhesives. These metasurfaces can selectively disengage and re-engage on demand while maintaining consistent joint strength.

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.

Understanding aging through the lense of gut microbiome

Research highlights the dynamic interplay between the gut microbiome and aging, with microbiota-dependent mechanisms regulating aging. Microbiome modulation through prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary interventions shows promise in promoting healthy aging.