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Science News Archive September 2024


Page 2 of 41

Oughton collecting data on space weather events

Edward Oughton is gathering perishable operational decision data from critical infrastructure operators to model space weather hazards. The project aims to improve future scientists' and engineers' understanding of space weather hazards, supported by $84,999 in National Science Foundation funding.

Expert panel calls for nutrition competencies in US medical education

A panel of experts recommends 36 nutrition competencies for US medical students and physician trainees to improve patient health outcomes and address diet-related diseases. The proposed competencies cover six categories, including foundational knowledge, assessment and diagnosis, and collaborative support.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

When detecting depression, the eyes have it

Researchers developed two new AI-powered smartphone apps to spot depression warnings in pupils' dilation, unconscious facial expressions, and head movements. The systems showed 76% accuracy in detecting depressed states, outperforming existing smartphone-based detection platforms.

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.

Wnt happens in kidney development?

Researchers found that low Wnt signaling levels regulate NPC self-renewal, while higher levels initiate differentiation into mature kidney cell types. The studies also reveal the role of beta-catenin in aggregating NPCs to form early kidney structures.

New synthesis strategy could speed up PFAS decontamination

Rice engineers developed a new synthesis strategy for covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can be used to trap gases, filter water and speed up chemical reactions. The approach enables faster production of COFs with superior crystallinity and high efficiency in breaking down harmful chemicals.

Single housing extends adult lifespan in African turquoise killifish

Researchers found that single-housed adult fish exhibited a longer egg-laying period and slower aging process compared to group-housed counterparts. The study suggests that early-life social environment may influence life-long attributes beyond the typical relationship between growth rate and lifespan.

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.

Combining AI and thermal video offers a new window into weightlifting

Researchers developed a method combining AI and thermal cameras to enhance weightlifting training, providing data-driven insights for targeted strategies. The approach enables real-time tracking of muscle activation, strain detection, and temperature changes, ultimately helping athletes optimize performance and safety.

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.

Support for meat rationing to protect climate

A new study from Uppsala University found that nearly 40% of the public support rationing of goods like meat and fuel to reduce their climate impact. The study, which surveyed over 9,000 people in five countries, also showed that acceptability of rationing is on par with taxes for emissions-intensive food.

Thaumatin: natural sweetener with anti-inflammatory potential

A new study reveals thaumatin, a widely used natural sweetener, produces bitter peptides that stimulate acid secretion and influence inflammatory reactions in human stomach cells. The peptides also show anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory interleukin 17A release via the TAS2R16 bitter taste receptor.

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 laser-based headset can measure blood flow, assess risk of stroke

A team of engineers and scientists from Caltech has developed a headset-based device that can noninvasively assess a patient's stroke risk by monitoring changes in blood flow and volume. The device uses speckle contrast optical spectroscopy to differentiate between individuals at low and high risk of stroke.

Could a bout of COVID protect you from a severe case of flu?

Researchers discovered that epigenetic changes in macrophages after SARS-CoV-2 infection enabled them to mount a better defense against influenza A virus. This innate immune memory can provide protection against future infections and may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies.

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.

Alzheimer’s genetic risk factors spark inflammation in females

Researchers found that combining APOE4 and TREM2 variants triggers inflammatory response in female brains, damaging brain regions involved in thinking and memory. This study emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to treat Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women.

First-ever imaging of pathogens on lettuce leaves in real-time

Scientists have created a method for imaging common plant infections without killing the plant, allowing for real-time tracking of disease development. This technique provides insights into how plants respond to pathogens, aiding in the cultivation of crops with broader resistance to 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.

Study coordinates satellite swarm for 3D imaging inside clouds

David Stanley's research uses a mixed integer linear program solver to optimize satellite pointing angles for efficient cloud imaging. The study simulates multiple satellites and clouds to understand convection transport effects on regrowth of new clouds, with potential implications for greenhouse gas emissions.

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.

Sewage secrets: economic factors shaping our microbiome exposed

Researchers identified distinct global patterns in human sewage microbiomes, with species richness increasing at higher latitudes. Economic factors, such as export values and social security, play a key role in shaping microbial diversity, with developed regions exhibiting more uniform communities.

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.

Honey, I shrunk the city: What should declining Japanese cities do?

A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.

Coral reef destruction a threat to human rights

A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.

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.

Where flood policy helps most — and where it could do more

A new study reveals the flood insurance program's effects differ greatly among communities, with higher-population and wealthier areas benefiting more from discounts on premiums. Lower-income communities also see benefits, but only in areas with less racial and ethnic diversity, realizing a gain of about $6,000 per household.

Cause-specific mortality rates among the US Black population

The study found that progress in reducing excess mortality among Black individuals was stalled by an increase in mortality from external causes. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers still pose significant health risks to the US Black population.

What is the moon's true origin story?

Two Penn State researchers propose an alternative theory: the moon was captured in a binary-exchange capture, where Earth's gravity snagged one of two objects, resulting in its current orbit. This new possibility opens up new questions and opportunities for further study.

Circular peptides in violets may aid in the fight against glioblastoma

Scientists at Brain Chemistry Labs discovered a promising compound called kalata B1 from violets that enhances the activity of chemotherapy TMZ against glioblastoma cells. The synthetic version of kalata B1 showed equal efficacy to the natural molecule, offering a potential new treatment option for patients.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Getting the flu and then your shot may benefit immunity

Researchers found that natural immunity from previous flu infections enhances vaccine efficacy, leading to stronger and broader antibody responses. This could benefit individuals who contract the flu each year, potentially improving protection against future strains.

Redlining and time to viral suppression among persons with HIV

A new study finds that persons with HIV diagnosed in redlined neighborhoods experience a significantly longer time to viral suppression. Systemic racism's enduring effects on present-day health outcomes among persons with HIV have been confirmed by the research.

Making soybeans smarter

Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.

AI promises to ramp up PCR tests for faster DNA diagnostics and forensics

A new study by Flinders University experts has developed an AI-powered PCR system that improves the quality of DNA profiling and increases the efficiency of cycling conditions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as forensic science, clinical diagnostics, and environmental monitoring.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Medical imaging breakthrough could transform cancer and arthritis diagnosis

A new hand-held scanner can generate highly detailed 3D images in seconds, paving the way for earlier disease diagnosis. The technology uses laser-generated ultrasound waves to visualize subtle changes in blood vessels, helping inform patient care and diagnose conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Helping robots zero in on the objects that matter

A new method called Clio allows robots to make task-relevant decisions by identifying the parts of a scene that matter. In real experiments, Clio successfully mapped scenes at different levels of granularity based on natural-language prompts and enabled robots to grasp objects of interest.

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.