Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2024


Page 19 of 41

Quantum speedup and limitations on matroid property problems

Researchers investigate quantum query complexity of basic matroid problems and present asymptotically optimal quantum algorithms for some of them. They apply the quantum adversary method to prove lower bounds on quantum algorithms, demonstrating that fundamental matroid problems can achieve quantum speedup.

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.

A smoother way to study ‘twistronics’

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new device that can easily twist and study 2D materials, opening up new possibilities for discovering new phases of matter. This innovation uses micro-electromechanical systems to control the twist angle, making it easier to produce unique samples and study their properties.

NIH releases mpox research agenda

The NIH has released an update on its priorities for mpox research, focusing on understanding the virus's transmission, vaccine development, and treatments. The agenda aims to improve detection and prevention strategies for the disease, which is most severe in people with compromised immune systems.

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.

Soil footprint: a simple indicator of a crop's impact on soil erosion

Researchers propose a simple indicator of crop's impact on soil erosion, calculating its 'soil footprint' for Spain's main crops. The study reveals that olive trees have the largest 'soil footprint', while onions and potatoes have the smallest, emphasizing the need to adopt protective strategies to reduce soil erosion.

Improved epidemic monitoring via sewage

A new study from European universities has developed a method to analyze wastewater data from seven major cities, identifying thousands of disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance. This approach can detect potential health threats simultaneously, potentially preventing epidemics from escalating into outbreaks.

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.

A wobble from Mars could be sign of dark matter, MIT study finds

Researchers suggest that if most dark matter is composed of microscopic primordial black holes, they should pass through the solar system at least once per decade, introducing a wobble into Mars' orbit. This detection could lend support to the idea that primordial black holes are a primary source of dark matter.

Identifying body-scan postures suitable for people with hyperactivity tendency

Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.

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.

Up to one-third of antibody drugs are nonspecific, study shows

A study published in mAbs reveals that up to one-third of antibody-based drugs exhibit nonspecific binding to unintended targets, a serious concern for patient safety. The Membrane Proteome Array technology helped identify this issue, challenging the long-held belief in absolute antibody specificity.

The unexpected protein connection in maize growth and defense

A recent study discovered that COI1 proteins in maize balance growth and defense by degrading JAZ and DELLAs. This finding could lead to developing more resilient maize varieties. The research revealed an unexpected role of COI1 in regulating DELLA levels, enabling maize to thrive under hot and arid climates.

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.

Can Google street view data improve public health?

Researchers analyzed 2 million Google Street View images to explore the utility of digital data in informing public health decision-making. They found that neighborhoods with more crosswalks had lower rates of obesity and diabetes, but no significant link was found between sidewalks and health outcomes.

Childhood trauma linked to major biological and health risks

A new study found that childhood trauma can have specific consequences for biological health and risk of developing 20 major diseases later in life. The study's findings differ by sex and type of stressor, highlighting the need for a precision medicine approach based on patients' sex and specific stress profile.

Study shows SIM models improve health data

A study by Tarang Parekh found small but significant improvements in capturing social determinants of health using Internal Classification of Diseases codes. This breakthrough research aims to better understand the impact of social factors on health outcomes and target interventions more effectively.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain divides meal into different phases

A recent study by FAU researchers reveals how the brain coordinates food intake to ensure we receive the right amount of energy. The hypothalamus, a control center in the brain, triggers behaviors like eating and satiety through a complex mechanism involving four teams of neurons that work together like relay runners.

Mapping out matter’s building blocks in 3D

Physicists use lattice quantum chromodynamics to calculate how quarks and gluons interact within the proton, revealing a 3D picture of parton distributions. This approach helps explain the proton's spin and distribution of matter, with implications for understanding particle interactions.

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.

ChatGPT and cultural bias

A recent study found that ChatGPT exhibits cultural values similar to those in English-speaking and Protestant European countries. The model's responses consistently reflected a focus on self-expression values, such as environmental protection and tolerance for diversity.

Amsterdam UMC led research sets a step forward in the battle against MRSA

A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine has discovered an important immune component that offers protection against MRSA infection. The researchers found that IgM antibodies are required for clearance of S. aureus during an infection, suggesting a new direction for future vaccine strategies and therapies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

No major concerns about risks to offspring for would-be dads taking epilepsy meds

A systematic review of studies on antiseizure drugs in men with epilepsy suggests that there is no clear evidence of a detrimental impact on offspring outcomes. While some isolated harmful side effects were found, they were not replicated in other investigations. The review casts doubt on the stance taken by the UK drugs regulator and ...

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.

Norwegian Afghanistan veterans more prone to anger

A recent survey found that Norwegian Afghanistan veterans are struggling with mental health issues, including PTSD and problematic anger. Anger problems among veterans have received little attention internationally, but the study highlights the need for a holistic approach to treating these issues.

$21 million from NIH to study sensory input and resulting movement

A team of researchers led by University of California San Diego's David Kleinfeld will study the coordination of multiple sensory inputs and head movements using laboratory mice and rats. They aim to understand how individual cells and complex neural circuits interact in time and space.

Building better DNA editors: Retrons raise the bar for gene research

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a diverse range of retrons that can edit DNA more quickly and efficiently than current methods, including CRISPR. The new retrons showed high editing rates in both bacteria and human cells, with some performing 10-fold better than the gold-standard retron.

One in eight is genetically protected against jaundice

A study published in Nature Communications found that one in eight newborn babies has a genetic protection against jaundice. The researchers identified a specific gene variant that codes for an enzyme linked to increased bilirubin metabolism, providing an opportunity for personalized medicine.

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.

An OLED for compact, lightweight night vision

A new type of OLED device can amplify and convert near infrared light into visible light, promising low power consumption and long battery life. The device has a memory effect that could enable computer vision systems to sense and interpret incoming light signals.

Recent study reveals reduced maths performance of adults with Dyspraxia

A recent study from the University of Surrey found that adults with Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder) exhibit lower math performance compared to neurotypical peers. The research highlights the crucial role of working memory in math tasks for individuals with DCD, suggesting a need for tailored educational approaches.

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.

Unhealthy behaviors contribute to more coronary artery disease deaths in the poor

A new study finds that four unhealthy behaviors, including smoking and physical inactivity, contribute significantly to socioeconomic disparities in coronary artery disease mortality. The researchers conclude that targeted public health policies can help reduce these disparities and improve heart health for low-income individuals.

Cancer patients want financial screening early in care, study finds

A Northwestern University study finds that cancer patients prefer their providers assess their financial concerns early in treatment. Most patients (83%) want their providers to reach out regarding financial needs, with 82% preferring this at diagnosis or starting treatment.

Shrinking the pint can reduce beer sales by almost 10%

Research published in PLOS Medicine found that reducing the serving size for beer, lager and cider in UK pubs resulted in a 9.7% decrease in daily mean volume of beer sold. The study suggests smaller serving sizes could contribute to reducing alcohol consumption and decreasing the risk of various diseases.

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.

Ten-year study shows tomosynthesis improves breast cancer detection

A 10-year study found that digital breast tomosynthesis increases cancer detection rates and reduces advanced cancers compared to conventional 2D digital mammography. DBT detected more aggressive cancers at an earlier stage than digital mammography, leading to improved cancer detection and lower recall rates.

New study increases understanding of HIV drug’s negative effects on the brain

A new study in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science investigates the molecular mechanisms behind Efavirenz's negative effects on brain function. The research reveals that the drug alters lipid metabolism and downregulates certain enzymes, which could lead to the development of new drugs to block its negative activity.

Juan Jimenez named Blavatnik Regional Awards finalist

Juan Jimenez, a Goldhaber postdoctoral fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory, has been recognized as a Blavatnik Awards Finalist for his work on developing new catalysts to convert greenhouse gases into industrially useful materials. His research focuses on minimizing hazardous byproducts and using solvent-free processes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New research shows how oral cancer cells avoid immune system

Researchers at Macquarie University discovered that oral cancer cells use protein interactions to block the immune response, offering new clues for treatment. The study found that a protein called STAT3 and its partner proteins may be involved in pathways that help cancer avoid the immune system.

What happens to patients when their GP retires or relocates?

A Norwegian study found that patients losing their regular GP due to retirement or relocation experienced a 3-5% increase in healthcare use, but no difference in mortality rates. Despite this, the researchers suggest that long-term doctor-patient relationships may still be beneficial for health.