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Science News Archive April 2025


Page 46 of 51

Corpse flowers are threatened by spotty recordkeeping

A study by Northwestern University scientists found that incomplete historical records have led to low genetic diversity and population decline among corpse flowers. The lack of standardized data makes it challenging for conservationists to make informed decisions about breeding, resulting in a high percentage of cloned plants.

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.

Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.

A new path to understanding black holes

Physicists have discovered a new theoretical framework called supermazes that redefine the concept of black holes, providing a more universal picture of their microstructure. Supermazes are based on string theory and offer a detailed portrait of the microscopic structure of brane black holes.

Tropical forests aren’t keeping pace with climate change

A major new study reveals that tropical forests across the Americas are not adapting quickly enough to climate change. The study found that tree communities are responding too slowly to shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns, making them more vulnerable to extreme climate events.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Recover chaos for secure communications

A recent study overcomes challenges of turbulence in free-space optical links by using a multi-aperture system combined with a photonic chip. This allows for the recovery of chaotic signals even under harsh turbulence conditions. The technology mimics a smart eye to capture light from several angles and reconfigure it into a clear signal.

Researchers teach LLMs to solve complex planning challenges

A new framework developed by MIT researchers allows large language models (LLMs) to break down complex planning problems into manageable parts and find optimal solutions using software optimization tools. The framework achieves an 85% success rate on nine complex challenges, outperforming the best baseline.

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.

Innovative CO2 adsorbent shows promise for greener future

A novel adsorbent captures carbon dioxide from ambient air more efficiently, addressing a key challenge in direct air capture technology. The study demonstrates improved stability and thermal resistance over multiple cycles, paving the way for practical applications.

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.

Runaway battery improves safety

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a simple and cost-effective method to test lithium-ion battery safety, enabling researchers to quickly screen battery effects on safety factors such as materials, design, storage conditions, and degradation. The innovative method uses miniaturized batteries that are intentionally un...

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.

Microtubule mysteries revealed

Researchers used NSF-funded Frontera supercomputer to model microtubule tips, revealing new behavior and key differences in structures depending on GTP or GDP binding. This basic research could aid in understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as design cancer drugs.

An answer to green energy in hydrogen-generating marine microbes

Researchers found two new types of gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen in marine bacteria. The study suggests that the diversity in these clusters is related to speciation and ecological niches, with some species producing higher levels of hydrogen than others.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Are lifetimes of big appliances really shrinking?

The study found that product lifetimes for large appliances in Norwegian households remained relatively consistent over the decades, except for washing machines and ovens. Washing machine lifetimes decreased by 45% due to increased laundry cycles, while oven lifetimes decreased by 39% likely due to renovation trends and changing kitche...

Pink skies

Scientists at ISTA create a new brain organoid model that incorporates microglia to study viral infections, such as Rubella, and test the effectiveness of ibuprofen. The results show that microglia play a crucial role in inflammatory reactions and that ibuprofen exerts its protective effects by inhibiting two inflammatory enzymes.

Monkeys are world’s best yodellers - new research

Researchers discovered how monkeys produce 'voice breaks' and 'ultra-yodels' using their vocal membranes, which allow for a wider range of calls. These unique vocalizations enable monkeys to communicate in different ways, particularly in complex social lives.

Key differences between visual- and memory-led Alzheimer’s discovered

A new study by UCL researchers found that people with visual Alzheimer's disease have a unique distribution of proteins and markers in their brain, leading to symptoms such as reading difficulties. In contrast, those with memory-led Alzheimer's disease have different protein patterns, resulting in symptoms like memory loss.

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.

New research shows that propaganda is on the rise in China

Researchers at the University of Oregon discovered that propaganda campaigns are increasingly used to control and constrain information in China, including natural disaster and public health reporting. On average, at least one front-page article in party newspapers is planted by the state, growing fourfold over a decade.

Study identifies brain areas that influence political intensity

Researchers have identified specific brain structures that regulate political passion, finding damage to the prefrontal cortex increases intensity and amygdala decrease it. The study suggests emotion plays a role in shaping expressed political beliefs rather than determining ideology.

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.

Life work, not homework

A new report by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recommends strengthening Tennessee's financial education requirement for high school students. The study suggests that increasing the instructional time devoted to personal finance in the curriculum and recommending full-credit courses would be beneficial. Additionall...

Unexpected protein structure may lead to new cancer treatments

A University of Iowa-led study has revealed the unexpected structure adopted by the DNA repair protein RAD52 as it binds and protects replicating DNA in dividing cells. This understanding may help researchers develop new anti-cancer drugs targeting RAD52.

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.

Novel genes linked to rare childhood diarrhea

Researchers at SickKids identified three new genes associated with rare childhood diarrhea, providing a diagnosis for 48% of cases. The study found that genetic testing and targeted treatments can improve the quality of life for children like Sophie, who was diagnosed with CODE at just two days old.

Turning wood waste into metal alternative

A research project at the University of Tennessee is developing a method to turn mixed wood waste into a densified material with high strength and toughness. The approach involves removing lignin and compressing the wood, resulting in a substance comparable to steel.

How this tiny snake could change our view of genetics

Researchers at UTA uncovered how the flowerpot snake repairs its DNA and prevents harmful mutations, shedding light on genetic repair mechanisms that could deepen our understanding of human gene evolution. The study also reveals surprising findings about reproductive strategies and immune-related genes in reptiles.

Novel point-of-care technology delivers accurate HIV results in minutes

A new point-of-care technology developed by Northwestern University scientists can detect multiple HIV antigens at high sensitivity in a matter of minutes. The technology uses a nanomechanical platform and tiny cantilevers to measure the binding of p24 antigens to surface antibodies, demonstrating high specificity.

Hunga volcano eruption cooled, rather than warmed, the Southern Hemisphere

A new UCLA-led study reveals that the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai volcano eruption in 2022 actually cooled the Southern Hemisphere by 0.1 C due to the formation of smaller sulfate aerosols. This effect was more significant than initially thought and challenges geoengineering efforts to combat climate change.

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.

% weight loss targets in obesity management – is this the wrong objective?

A new review of studies on percentage weight-based targets in obesity interventions found that these targets often result in a 'success or failure' outcome, leaving little room for improvement in obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning. The study recommends shifting focus towards more...

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.

Southern Ocean warming will mean a wetter West Coast

A Cornell University-led study predicts long-term increases in precipitation over East Asia and the Western U.S. as the Southern Ocean warms, regardless of climate mitigation efforts. The research suggests that accounting for cloud feedbacks in climate models can help explain uncertainties and improve predictions.

An app can change how you see yourself at work

A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

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.

In pancreatic cancer, a race against time

Scientists have found a way to effectively 'intercept' pancreatic cancer by targeting the KRAS and FGFR2 genes. This approach slows tumor formation and reduces the number of 'early versions' of cancer in the pancreas. Researchers believe this therapy could be a game-changer for patients with a family history of pancreatic cancer.

McGill discovery sheds new light on autism, intellectual disabilities

A new study by McGill University researchers sheds light on the disruption of calcium transport in the brain's AMPA receptors, linking it to autism and intellectual disability. The findings could pave the way for treatments targeting these receptors, offering hope for patients with related neurological disorders.

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.