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Science News Archive October 2024


Page 34 of 44

Should doctors be suspended for unlawful climate activism?

Experts debate whether doctors should face sanctions for protesting against climate change, with some arguing that civil disobedience can lead to positive social change. Doctors like Sarah Benn have been suspended after breaching an injunction order, but others argue that the GMC's actions erode trust in the medical profession.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ultra-sensitive robotic “finger” can take patient pulses, check for lumps

Researchers developed a soft robotic finger that can perform routine doctor office examinations, including taking patient pulses and checking for abnormal lumps. The device's advanced sense of touch allows it to detect stiffness similar to human fingers, enabling early disease detection and more efficient medical exams.

Flash defect-engineering of oxygen-deficient zirconia

Researchers developed a flash sintering treatment to rapidly fabricate oxygen-deficient zirconia, reducing band gaps and introducing mid-gap states that enhance optical absorption and photocatalytic activity. The process is simple, cost-efficient, and suitable for industrial production.

Arrhythmic hearts after excessive alcohol consumption

A recent study by the MunichBREW II team discovered that binge drinking can cause clinically relevant arrhythmias in healthy young adults, especially during the recovery phase. The study found that peak blood alcohol values of up to 2.5 grams per kilogram led to an increasingly rapid pulse and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Citizen scientists will be needed to meet global water quality goals

A new policy brief argues that citizen scientists are crucial for meeting global water quality targets, providing valuable data and community involvement. Successful case studies show how collaboration with locals can improve water quality monitoring, education, and rapid response.

Study uncovers mutations and DNA structures driving bladder cancer

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that antiviral enzymes and chemotherapy can cause early mutations in bladder cancer, leading to resistance to treatment. Complex circular DNA structures also play a key role in driving the progression of urothelial carcinoma, a common type of bladder cancer.

Extreme rainfall linked to heightened risk of death

An analysis of global data from 34 countries found a strong association between extreme rainfall events and increased mortality rates. The study identified locations with lower rainfall variability and scarce vegetation as having higher risks of deaths after extreme rainfall events.

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.

Original or copy: How Chlamydia manipulate the host cell

The study reveals how Chlamydia pneumoniae exploits the host's endocytic machinery by mimicking molecular structures, altering the process to benefit the bacteria. The bacterium uses a protein called SemD to hijack this mechanism, which is optimally tailored to bind with human proteins.

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.

Can weight-loss surgery help prevent pancreatic cancer in people with obesity?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that weight-loss surgery reduces pancreatic cancer risk among individuals with obesity by 44%, and among those with both obesity and type 2 diabetes by 79%. The study suggests that metabolic-bariatric surgery may play a crucial role in reducing the risk of pancreatic cancer.

AI-trained CCTV in rivers can spot blockages and reduce floods

Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.

Snowflake dance analysis could improve rain forecasts

A new study has found that analyzing the physical motion of falling snowflakes can improve rainfall predictions by estimating where and when ice crystals will melt into raindrops. The research revealed four main types of ice crystal motion, including stable, zigzag, transitional, and spiralling movements.

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.

New antibody targeting nerve cells offers long-lasting pain relief

A new antibody, 3E1, has been developed to target cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) on nerves, offering a potential long-lasting pain relief solution. The study found that 3E1 exhibited analgesic effects lasting up to 24 hours, significantly longer than existing treatments.

Why people think they’re right, even when they are wrong

A new study found that people naturally assume they have all the necessary information to make a decision or support their position, even when they don't. Researchers call this phenomenon the 'illusion of information adequacy,' which leads people to be more confident in their decisions despite lacking full knowledge.

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.

New technique could unlock potential of quantum materials

A new technique, RODAS, combines imaging and spectroscopy to capture fleeting atomic structures, providing unprecedented insights into material properties. This allows for rapid analysis without destroying the sample, enabling the study of defects and their influence on material behavior.

Scientists create first map of DNA modification in the developing human brain

A UCLA-led study has mapped DNA modification in the developing human brain, shedding light on how gene regulation evolves and shapes lifelong mental health. The research provides new insights into early brain development and its connection to neuropsychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

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.

Are ideas contagious?

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided researchers with an opportunity to explore the role of social connections in the spread of both disease and ideas. By analyzing data on human interaction networks, mathematician Nicholas Landry aims to understand how ideas are transmitted and how they can be tracked.

Do fungi recognize shapes?

Researchers found that fungi can communicate information throughout their network and adjust growth patterns based on shape. The mycelial network demonstrated pattern recognition abilities, suggesting a form of cognition that is both fascinating and unexplored in the fungal kingdom.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tiny antibodies to fight the dangerous effects of opioids

Researchers have discovered molecules capable of limiting the side effects of opioids by blocking the receptor responsible for their action. The scientists created even smaller molecules that retain the same properties, which could prove far more effective than current treatments in mitigating the harmful effects of opioids.

Coffee during pregnancy safe for baby’s brain development

A University of Queensland-led study has failed to find any strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. The researchers used genetic data from mothers, fathers, and babies to analyze the impact of caffeine consumption on fetal brain development.

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.

New therapeutic strategy identified for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers at Mass General Brigham discovered that combining two therapeutic agents can selectively kill tumor cells in triple negative breast cancer, differentiating them and triggering a process similar to involution. The study provides support for clinical trials testing this new approach.

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.

The bright and dark sides of Pacific salmon biotransport

A team of researchers estimated Pacific salmon nutrient and contaminant movements over 40 years, revealing the largest fluxes for large animal groups. The study found changes in the Pacific salmon community impacted nutrient and contaminant transport, with pink salmon carrying more nutrients and Chinook salmon higher contaminant loads.

Researchers discover new insights into bacterial photosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered new understanding of bacterial photosynthesis using cutting-edge techniques, unveiling intricate detailed images of the key photosynthetic protein complexes. These findings have potential applications in developing artificial photosynthetic systems for clean energy production.

You get your energy from your mom. A new study explains why

A new University of Colorado Boulder study sheds light on why paternal mitochondrial DNA is eliminated during development. The research found that delaying this process can lead to lasting neurological and behavioral problems in adults. Treatments such as Vitamin K2 may offer new hope for preventing or treating these disorders.

What's in a mineral name? Not very many women, U-M study finds

A study by University of Michigan researcher Chris Emproto found that 94% of minerals are named after men, while just 2.8% are named after women. The researchers analyzed nearly 6,000 mineral names and found that growth in the proportion of women among new minerals named for people stalled decades ago.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Uncovering pandemic inequities

A recent study found that non-white individuals were more likely to test positive for COVID-19, highlighting disparities in testing access and community-level factors. The research also identified differences in the prevalence of novel variants of concern among racial and ethnic minority groups.

People with dyslexia and dyscalculia show less bias, study shows

Researchers found those with dyslexia exhibited less implicit bias than those with no disability, while those with dyscalculia showed even less bias compared to both groups. This study provides new insights into the development of people with conditions like dyslexia and dyscalculia.

Zika virus as a treatment for brain cancer: A systematic review

Researchers evaluated the efficacy and safety of using Zika virus for treating CNS tumors, finding that it reduces cell viability, inhibits growth, and decreases Bcl2 expression, potentially enhancing chemotherapy and radiotherapy effects. This ultimately led to significant tumor remission and improved long-term survival through an enh...

NASA’s Hubble, New Horizons team up for a simultaneous look at Uranus

Astronomers used the combined perspective of Hubble and New Horizons to study the atmosphere of Uranus, a proxy for similar planets beyond our solar system. The results suggest that exoplanets may be dimmer than predicted at partial phases, offering new clues to their potential habitability.

Caffeine is a heart-healthy habit

Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.

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.

Underwater caves yield new clues about Sicily’s first residents

A new study in PLOS ONE reports on the contents of 25 coastal and underwater cave sites in southern Sicily, uncovering three new sites with potentially important archaeological sediments. The findings provide key data for understanding the early expansion of Homo sapiens into the Mediterranean.

Inspired by Spider-Man, a lab recreates web-slinging technology

Researchers at Tufts University develop a web-slinging technology that shoots fibers from a needle, solidifies into a string, and adheres to objects. The innovation uses silk fibroin solution with added dopamine and chitosan to increase tensile strength and adhesiveness.

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.

Rice bioengineers awarded $3.4M for project to end polio

Researchers at Rice University have developed a time-release technology called PULSED that could help protect against poliomyelitis in combination vaccines. The technology would allow poliovirus-like particles to be released from microparticles after a few days, ensuring full vaccination efficacy.

Over 160,000 new virus species discovered by AI

A recent study using AI has discovered over 160,000 new RNA virus species, shedding light on the diversity of life on Earth. The machine learning tool, LucaProt, was able to organize and categorize genetic sequence data, revealing a previously unknown branch of life.

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.

In double breakthrough, mathematician solves two long-standing problems

Pham Tiep, a Rutgers University professor, has solved the Height Zero Conjecture and a problem in Deligne-Lusztig theory, providing deeper insights into symmetries of structures and objects in nature and science. These breakthroughs may lead to advances in fields like chemistry, physics, engineering, computer science, and economics.