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Science News Archive October 2024 - Page 7


Page 7 of 44

Brain changes seen in lifetime cannabis users may not be causal

A large observational study found associations between cannabis use and brain structure and function changes in later life. However, genetic analysis using Mendelian randomization suggests that these associations may not be causal, with possible explanations including unmeasured variables or differences in statistical power.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024

Glycans can regulate their own biosynthesis by modifying enzyme activity

Researchers found that glycans attached to glycosylation enzymes' lectin domains inhibit the enzymes' activity, leading to self-regulation of their own biosynthesis. This unique mechanism sheds light on how glycosylation enzymes choose their substrate proteins in cells.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024
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.

Turning up the signal

Researchers developed a new biocompatible sensor substrate using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica, increasing fluorescence and Raman signals by 10 million times. The technique enables non-invasive monitoring of biological processes without disrupting cell function or causing damage.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 29, 2024

Strategy to reduce the amount of propofol waste in the operating room

A study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that using a single syringe pump for induction and maintenance of anesthesia reduces propofol waste by 30-50%. This eco-friendly approach can also save hospitals money by reducing the number of propofol vials needed. The researchers analyzed data from over 300 surgeries and ...

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateOct 29, 2024

Transcriptomics-based study on the mechanism of heart failure amelioration by water decoction and water-soluble alkaloids of Fuzi

Researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of Fuzi's cardioprotective effects on heart failure. Fuzi water decoction and alkaloids were found to regulate apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-fibrosis in heart failure models, with ABC transporters potentially being a key pathway for their action.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.

New software flags emergence of COVID variants

Researchers developed a new surveillance technique to track COVID-19 diversity using genomic data, predicting variant emergence with high accuracy. The software can forewarn public health officials of impending outbreaks, enabling timely responses and more effective disease monitoring.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalGenome Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 2024

Cardiovascular risk biomarkers in inflammaging

Researchers propose a comprehensive biomarker-based approach to assess cardiovascular risk by combining markers of chronic inflammation with cardiac health indicators. This approach reveals the significant impact of aging-related inflammation, or 'inflammaging,' on heart health and opens new avenues for targeted interventions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 29, 2024

Researchers develop approach to accurately predict pneumonia outcomes

A team of researchers from Northwestern University has developed a novel machine-learning approach to accurately predict pneumonia outcomes by analyzing electronic health records. The study identifies five distinct clinical states in pneumonia, three of which are strongly associated with disease outcomes and two that can help physician...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 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.

More than half of European heat-related deaths in summer 2022 attributed to anthropogenic warming

A new study by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health found that more than half of European heat-related deaths in summer 2022 were related to human-induced climate change. The research showed a higher number of heat-related deaths attributed to climate change among women and people aged 80 and over.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Open-access database compiles 3,500 substances measured in plastic products: Study highlights substantial knowledge gaps

A new open-access database, LitChemPlast, has compiled over 3,500 substances measured in plastic products across 47,000 samples. The study highlights substantial knowledge gaps, including contamination of recycled plastics with hazardous substances and limited regional coverage in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceFood Packaging Forum Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 29, 2024

New technique allows technicolor imaging of degenerative joint disease

Scientists used photon-counting CT scanner to track changes in protein expression and cartilage degradation in animal model. The approach revealed evidence of osteoarthritis long before clinical symptoms develop, offering potential for early diagnosis and monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Record-breaking Saharan dust events hit Spain between 2020 and 2022, confirms CSIC study

Researchers analyzed data from air quality monitoring stations in Spain and Portugal to reconstruct PM10 concentrations during extreme dust events. The study found that concentrations reached up to 5000 micrograms per cubic meter in the Canary Islands and exceeded EU standards.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

First steps towards national screening for Barrett's esophagus

Researchers found that using a multi-step strategy with less-invasive devices can identify patients with Barrett's oesophagus before an endoscopy. This approach is promising for cost-effective screening, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of oesophageal cancer.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 29, 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.

Cerebral embolic protection by geographic region

The PROTECTED trial found no significant impact of cerebral embolic protection on periprocedural stroke risk, but suggests a trend towards greater stroke reduction in US cohorts compared to outside the US

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 29, 2024

Discovery of cancer risk associations for six novel genes

Researchers identified six novel genes associated with a significant increase in cancer risk, including BIK for prostate cancer, ATG12 for colorectal cancer, and CMTR2 for lung and melanoma. Loss of AURKB was found to protect against any cancer type, while loss of PPP1R15A was linked to a 53% lower risk of breast cancer.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Study finds important link between genetic markers and neuropathic pain

A large multicentre cohort study has identified a specific gene linked to human pain and found that low insulin levels, depression, and alcohol use disorder are causally linked to neuropathic pain in people with diabetes. This research may lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating condition.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPain·DateOct 29, 2024

Unidirectional imaging technology breakthrough

Researchers at UCLA developed a new type of imaging technology that forms images in only one direction, enabling efficient and compact methods for asymmetric visual information processing and communication. The technology works exceptionally well under partially coherent light, achieving high-quality imaging with high power efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateOct 29, 2024

Spirited away: Key protein aids transport within plant cells

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a key protein involved in transporting boron into plant cells. The protein complex, containing KNS3 and its homologs, facilitates the movement of boric acid channels from endoplasmic reticulum to plasma membrane.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024
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.

Trick and Treat: Black cat's prey harbored a new, exotic virus

Researchers discovered a new type of jeilongvirus in a Florida mouse, which can infect humans and non-human primates, posing a risk of serious illness. The virus is genetically distinct from others and can cause disease in various species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalPathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Unifying sJIA and Still’s Disease

The new guidelines aim to unify the diagnosis and management of children and adults with Still's disease, previously separated by age. The recommendations emphasize shared decision-making between patients and treating teams, and prioritize achieving drug-free remission through treat-to-target strategies.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateOct 29, 2024

Physical activity of any intensity linked to lower risk of death after dementia diagnosis

Research finds that sustained engagement in regular physical activity before and after a dementia diagnosis is associated with the greatest reduction in risk of death, regardless of dementia type. Maintaining an exercise routine or starting new activities also reduces mortality risk, with higher levels associated with greater reductions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024
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.

Major events like presidential elections bring online hate communities together

A new study published in npj Complexity found that the 2020 U.S. election drew online hate communities closer together, inciting new hate content around immigration, ethnicity, and antisemitism. The research team developed an 'online telescope' to map the online hate universe at unprecedented scale and resolution.

SourceGeorge Washington University·Journalnpj Complexity·DateOct 29, 2024

Britain’s brass bands older than we thought and invented by soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars, new study reveals

A new study reveals that Britain's earliest brass bands were founded by military musicians in the 1810s, contradicting the long-held assumption that they emerged with industrial communities. The research, published in The Historical Journal, shows that regimental bands first experimented with all-brass formats after the Napoleonic Wars.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Historical Journal·DateOct 29, 2024

Bowel cancer breakthrough

Researchers identified three long noncoding RNAs associated with worse outcomes in colorectal cancer patients, potentially serving as prognostic markers. The study's findings could enable doctors to separate high-risk patients from those at low risk of disease recurrence, leading to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Otago·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·DateOct 29, 2024

Tiny gold radiators fry bacteria on implants

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology presents a technology that can destroy bacteria on implants using gold nanorods and near-infrared light. The method heats up the gold rods, killing bacteria without damaging surrounding tissue.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Subtle eye movements optimize vision

Researchers from Universitatsklinikum Bonn found that tiny eye movements and photoreceptor density in the fovea contribute to sharp vision. The study used high-resolution imaging and micro-psychophysics to demonstrate how finely tuned eye movements provide optimal sampling by cones, leading to better visual acuity.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournaleLife·DateOct 29, 2024

12 new Oriental weevil species discovered using advanced imaging tools

Researchers used x-ray microtomography to discover and describe 12 new weevil species from Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The technique revealed significant morphological differences between species, which cannot be easily observed using other methods.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalZooKeys·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 29, 2024

Study shows how social observation shapes decision making

A study found that people's choices between safe and risky options are influenced by their perception of an observer's opinion. After initial biases, participants learned to correctly predict their partners' choices and adjusted their behavior accordingly.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2024
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Internet activity reveals national allergy patterns

Researchers analyzed Twitter posts and Google searches from 2016-2020 to identify seasonal allergy patterns across the US. They found a strong national pulse of allergy symptoms in March-May, with significant regional variations.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateOct 29, 2024

Boosting immune cell tolerance may help prevent early pregnancy loss

A new study suggests that boosting T-regulatory cells may improve the chance of healthy pregnancy and reduce miscarriage risk. Researchers found that treatment with interleukin-2 and antibodies targeting these cells improved pregnancy outcomes in mice, reducing miscarriage rates from 30% to 11%.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

A molecular switch reshapes a dividing cell in minutes

Researchers have developed a laboratory system that can precisely control and study cell division mechanisms in real-time. By manipulating the phosphorylation state of the protein PRC1, they discovered that large-scale transitions in cytoskeleton organization can be induced in just a few minutes.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Survey assesses Mexican consumers’ opinions on GMO corn import ban

A recent study found that over 90% of Mexican consumers would be willing to pay a premium of up to 73% for non-genetically modified products, including chicken, eggs, and tortillas. The ban on genetically modified corn could have significant impacts on US farmers who rely heavily on Mexico as their second-largest importer.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalJournal of Food Security·TypeSurvey·DateOct 29, 2024
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.

Dartmouth study lauded as key new climate science insight

A Dartmouth study has quantified the global economic fallout of El Niño, finding it costs the economy $4.1 trillion and $5.7 trillion in the half-decade after each event. The study's findings are included in the 10 New Insights in Climate Science report ahead of COP29.

SourceDartmouth College·DateOct 29, 2024

Noninvasive malaria test could be global game changer

A new noninvasive test using a device called the Cytophone can detect malaria without taking a single drop of blood, showing 90% sensitivity and 69% specificity in tests with adult patients diagnosed with symptomatic malaria. The technology has potential to improve detection of malaria cases and help initiate treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The Megacheiran candidate: Fossil hunters strike gold with new species

Fossil hunters have identified a new species of ancient bug, Lomankus edgecombei, which spent 450 million years covered in pyrite, or fool's gold. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of life in oceans during this period and indicates that Megacheirans continued to evolve longer than previously thought.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 2024

Can a positive outlook on aging lead to better cognitive performance?

A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...

SourcePenn State·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 29, 2024

New study confirms beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, but researchers warn of future risks

Researchers confirm beehive fences as highly effective in reducing human-elephant conflict, deterring 76-86.3% of elephants from raiding crops during peak seasons. However, ongoing habitat degradation and droughts may compromise the long-term effectiveness of this nature-based solution.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateOct 29, 2024

Oceanographers record the largest predation event ever observed in the ocean

Scientists used acoustic mapping technique to track vulnerable capelin species and observe massive predation event involving Atlantic cod. The study revealed that as climate change causes Arctic ice sheet to retreat, capelin will be more stressed and vulnerable to natural predation events.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 29, 2024

Transforming patient care: study finds bedside interdisciplinary rounds boost satisfaction for patients and providers

A study led by CU researchers reveals that bedside interdisciplinary rounds build trust between patients and healthcare providers and within teams, leading to improved care experiences. Patients reported positive feelings about being involved in their care plans, while healthcare professionals reported respect and trust among colleagues.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 29, 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.

Advanced biodegradable plastics run rings around their predecessors

Researchers from Osaka University have developed tough biodegradable plastics with movable cyclodextrin crosslinks, which improve both durability and degradation capabilities. The new polymers can be broken down by enzymes into useful precursor molecules, reducing waste generation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Histones against bacterial infections

Researchers found that human histones have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms, reducing bacterial mass by up to 70% and survival time in infected larvae by 50%. The study suggests using histones or parts of these proteins as a promising alternative to combat acute and chronic infections.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Correlating fruit fly and human data via machine learning and systems biology results in the identification of key metabolites that impact lifespan in both species

Researchers analyzed correlations between fruit fly and human data to identify key metabolites impacting lifespan. Threonine was found to extend lifespan in flies and show promise as a therapeutic target for aging interventions.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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.

Emerging technology for extended preservation of organs for transplant requires new ethical & legal guidelines

Emerging technology allows long-term storage of human organs, addressing severe time constraints that limit organ viability. New governance and legal rules are needed to guide this application, including oversight from the FDA and ethics guidance on organ storage.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 29, 2024