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Science News Archive February 2025


Page 16 of 44

Biologists discover a new type of control over RNA splicing

Biologists have identified a new type of regulation that influences the expression of about half of all human genes by targeting specific introns. This discovery adds complexity to the process of gene expression and suggests potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as blood cancers and spinal muscular atrophy.

Screen time linked to bipolar and manic symptoms in U.S. preteens

Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.

Pushing the limits of ‘custom-made’ microscopy

Researchers have made a significant leap forward in Brillouin microscopy, providing a 1,000-fold improvement in speed and throughput. The new technology enables full-field imaging with minimal light intensity, opening up new possibilities for life scientists.

Deep Nanometry reveals hidden nanoparticles

Deep Nanometry enables high-speed analysis of nanoparticles, detecting even trace amounts of rare particles like extracellular vesicles indicative of colon cancer. This technique has potential applications in various fields including vaccine development and environmental monitoring.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unveiling the intricate mechanisms behind oxysterol-induced cell death

Researchers at Doshisha University reveal that 25-hydroxycholesterol causes a specific type of cell death called ferroptosis, which could contribute to various diseases. The study identifies two key mechanisms by which 25-OHC induces ferroptosis, including inhibition of cellular pathways and disruption of antioxidant systems.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists warn of increased mpox transmission

Researchers have identified a new variant, clade 1b, of the mpox virus that has become more infectious and is spreading rapidly across borders. The study found that this variant primarily spreads through heterosexual contact in densely populated areas, with an estimated fatality rate of 3.4%.

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.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Racism in medicine - are things getting better?

Despite increased efforts to address racism, underreporting remains a significant issue, particularly on clinical placements. Initiatives are transforming workforce experience and representation, but true equity will take time to achieve.

Fitness apps fuelling disordered eating

A systematic review of 38 studies found that frequent use of health and fitness apps is associated with problematic habits related to food and exercise. The research highlights the need for app developers to consider the psychological impacts of these tools on users' mental health.

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.

Duke-NUS study targets proteins to reverse lung scarring

Scientists have pinpointed two proteins in immune cells that, when blocked, can significantly reduce lung tissue scarring and restore regeneration. Blocking YAP and TAZ can curb scar formation by dampening inflammation, maintaining a healthy immune cell ratio, and disrupting their communication with nearby cells.

Nitrogen fixation on marine particles is important in the global ocean

Researchers have confirmed that aggregates called 'marine snow particles' can support nitrogen (N2) fixation by bacteria worldwide. The study reveals that this process accounts for about 10% of total N2 fixation in the global ocean, with bacterial activity distributed latitudinally across different temperature ranges.

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 funding to support food security, economic resiliency

The Grubhub Community Fund has awarded the American Heart Association a $2 million grant to support food security, technology innovation, and economic resiliency in New York City and Chicago. The funds will be allocated to up to 12 organizations and entrepreneurs focused on improving health equity and expanding access to capital.

FDA approves vimseltinib for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT)

The FDA has approved vimseltinib, a targeted therapy, for treating symptomatic tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT). Vimseltinib demonstrated significant reduction in tumor volume and improvement in quality of life for patients, with fewer side effects compared to pexidartinib.

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.

A new way to observe electrons in motion

A new experimental concept called ultrafast vortex electron diffraction allows for direct visualization of electron movement in molecules. This technique effectively isolates coherent electron dynamics, enabling deeper insights into energy transfer and material behavior.

Holmes receives Sloan Research Fellowship

Assistant Professor Tova Holmes at University of Tennessee Knoxville received a $75,000 Sloan Research Fellowship for her work on searching for new fundamental particles using colliders in high-energy particle physics research.

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.

Columbia Climate School launches M.S. in Climate Finance

The Columbia Climate School has launched a one-year master's degree program in Climate Finance, combining courses in climate science, adaptation, mitigation strategies, international climate finance, capital markets, and more. The program aims to equip students with financial decision-making skills needed to respond to the climate crisis.

Study reveals palm trees once thrived in subarctic Canada

A new study by Connecticut College reveals that palm trees once thrived in subarctic Canada during the late early Eocene, approximately 48 million years ago. This finding indicates a warmer climate with ice-free winters, unlike previous assumptions.

Study: UTA research drives widespread economic impact

UTA research projects contributed $59 million to the national economy in 2024, supporting student development and collaboration with other research organizations. The university's research infrastructure, including cutting-edge equipment, helped drive economic impact in North Texas and beyond.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Illegal market would dampen effects of menthol cigarette ban

A new study suggests that a menthol cigarette ban could be less effective due to the emergence of an illegal market. The research found that demand for menthol cigarettes would remain high even with limited access to e-cigarettes, leading to a significant black market. This could blunt the intended public health benefits of the ban.

Is smoking tied to unexplained stroke in younger adults?

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking is a key factor in unexplained strokes among younger adults. Researchers discovered that heavy smokers had nearly four times the risk of stroke compared to non-smokers, with the highest risk seen in male participants and those aged 45-49.

Kimberly Stegmaier named as Pediatric Oncology Chair at Dana-Farber

Kimberly Stegmaier appointed as Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Associate Chief of Division of Hematology/Oncology at Boston Children's Hospital. She will focus on acute leukemias and pediatric solid tumors, pioneering genomic approaches to identify new therapies for childhood cancer.

U.S. facing critical hospital bed shortage by 2032

A new study reveals US hospital occupancy has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, driven mainly by a 16% reduction in staffed hospital beds. This could lead to a bed shortage as early as 2032, posing significant risks to patient safety and mortality rates.

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.

CRISPR manipulates plants’ flower powers

Researchers have used CRISPR gene editing to study the regulation of the Unusual Floral Organs (UFO) gene in plants, uncovering the importance of conserved non-coding DNA sequences in controlling flower formation.

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.

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.

Devastating storms define Appalachia’s 2024 climate

Record-breaking temperatures and devastating floods ravaged Southern Appalachia in 2024, claiming lives and destroying homes. The region faced unpredictable conditions, including scorching heat and heartbreaking losses from flooding.