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Science News Archive February 2025


Page 42 of 44

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI boosts employee work experiences

A new study found that AI assistance increases worker productivity by 15% in customer service sectors, with significant improvements in speed and quality for less-experienced employees. However, its impact is minimal on higher-skilled workers, while adherence to AI recommendations leads to larger gains in productivity.

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.

Minecraft players can now explore whole cells and their contents

Researchers have developed a Minecraft plugin, CraftCells, that allows users to visualize and explore biological cells in three dimensions. The tool enables players to navigate through cell membranes, organelles, and cytoplasm, providing insights into cellular structure and organization.

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.

Russian scientists improve water purification membranes using metal ions

Researchers have developed polymer membranes with enhanced selectivity for monovalent ions, allowing for efficient water recycling. The use of metal ions such as copper, zinc, and chromium enables the separation of nitrates from sulphates, opening new possibilities for sustainable water treatment.

Neutrons bridge predictions and reality of quantum spin ice

The study found clear evidence for a quantum spin ice state in the material Ce2Sn2O7, with the experimental data well described by recent theoretical models. The findings may inspire technology for quantum computers and pave the way towards future unifications of theory and experiments.

New research raises questions about the addictiveness of dexamphetamine

A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Pea-based cappuccino: The greener future of food

Researchers at Institut Laue-Langevin and Aarhus University developed a new method to characterise foam structure, enabling the creation of plant-derived foaming ingredients in food. The technique uses small-angle neutron scattering, imaging, and electrical conductivity measurements to provide insights into pea albumin-based foams.

Taal volcanic ash can be used for radiation shielding, Filipino researchers find

Filipino researchers have discovered that Taal volcanic ash can be used as a sustainable and lightweight alternative to expensive materials like concrete and lead. The natural presence of iron-rich minerals in the ash gives it strong radiation attenuation properties, making it effective for shielding against harmful X-rays and gamma rays.

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.

Revolutionizing dental surgery with AI

Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Generative AI bias poses risk to democratic values

A study by the University of East Anglia found that generative AI tools like ChatGPT exhibit biases leaning towards left-wing political values. This can distort public discourse and exacerbate societal divides, highlighting the need for transparency and regulatory safeguards to ensure alignment with democratic values.

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.

Vilcek Foundation celebrates immigrant scientists with $250,000 in prizes

The Vilcek Foundation has awarded $250,000 in prizes to immigrant scientists recognizing their significant contributions to biomedical research. The awards include the Vilcek Prize and three Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise, honoring scientists such as Marianne Bronner, Elham Azizi, Guosong Hong, and Maayan Levy.

MIT engineers help multirobot systems stay in the safety zone

A team of MIT engineers has developed a training method for multiagent systems that can guarantee their safe operation in crowded environments. The method enables agents to continually map their safety margins, allowing them to scale up to any number of agents while maintaining system safety.

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.

Texas A&M researcher awarded NASA grant to study Martian dunes

Lauren Berger, a Texas A&M University doctoral student, has been awarded a prestigious FINESST grant from NASA to study Martian dunes. She aims to analyze the shapes and patterns of compound dunes on Mars using high-resolution images, comparing them to similar dunes on Earth.

Risk of attempted and completed suicide in persons diagnosed with headache

A cohort study reveals a robust association between headache diagnoses and suicidal behavior, highlighting the importance of behavioral health evaluation and treatment for these patients. The findings suggest that patients with headache diagnoses should be screened for suicidal ideation and provided with appropriate support.

Researchers solve a fluid mechanics mystery

A team of researchers has solved a puzzle in fluid mechanics using an experiment featuring an ink-on-milk maze. The study reveals how the presence of surfactants in milk helps the ink/soap mixture navigate the maze by exploiting variations in surface tension.

UT Dallas professor named National Academy of Inventors Fellow

Dr. Ted Moise, UT Dallas professor and director of the North Texas Semiconductor Institute, has been honored as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his groundbreaking work on ferroelectric random-access memory (FRAM). This technology enables faster data storage while using less power, with applications in ultra-low power microco...

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.

Don’t know something? Apes can tell

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that apes can intuit another's ignorance and communicate unknown information in the name of teamwork. The study demonstrates the rich mental foundations shared by humans and other apes, suggesting that these abilities evolved millions of years ago in common ancestors.

Selenoproteins: The fountain of youth?

Researchers from Osaka University found that selenoproteins are essential for counteracting lipid peroxides and maintaining hematopoiesis in human cells. The study also showed that dietary Vitamin E can protect hematopoiesis and repair impaired B cell differentiation, providing potential strategies for fighting age-related diseases.

Hidden images in Jackson Pollock paintings diagnosed

Research by Professor Stephen M. Stahl suggests that Jackson Pollock incorporated images into his pre-drip paintings, possibly due to spatial skills linked to bipolar disorder. The same images appear in multiple drip paintings, implying a deliberate encoding of images.

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.

Vitamin D matters during first trimester, researchers find

A new study led by Penn State researchers found that low vitamin D levels during the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with higher rates of preterm birth and decreased fetal length. Pregnant women with low vitamin D concentrations were four times more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to those with sufficient levels.

Octopuses have some of the oldest known sex chromosomes

Researchers at the University of Oregon identified a sex chromosome in the California two-spot octopus that has been around for 480 million years. This discovery sheds light on how cephalopods determine their sex and suggests that they have found an effective system that has remained unchanged over time.

Earth detecting Earth

Researchers found that radio signals, such as planetary radar emissions, are the most detectable technosignatures, visible from up to 12,000 light-years away. Atmospheric technosignatures like nitrogen dioxide emissions can be detected from 5.7 light-years away with the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

East Asian adults more prone to iron-related chronic disease

Research reveals East Asian adults have greater risk of elevated iron stores, increasing the likelihood of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and liver disease. Genetic influences suggest a need for tailored dietary guidelines to prevent iron-related toxicity.

We have underrated the climate effects of new particles in urban areas

A recent study published in One Earth reveals that the climate effects of new particles in urban areas have been significantly underestimated. Particle formation is more pronounced at higher altitudes, where factors such as sulfuric acid and increased relative humidity promote particle growth.

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.

How flooding soybeans in early reproductive stages impacts yield, seed composition

Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture conducted a two-year study exposing 31 soybean varieties to flood conditions during the early reproductive stage. The study found that four-day flooding did not significantly alter the seed composition of any variety, but grain yield losses were observed across al...

A roadmap for protecting our democracies in the age of AI

The University of Ottawa's AI + Society Initiative proposes a roadmap for protecting democracies in the age of AI, addressing challenges posed by fake news and deepfakes. Four priority actions aim to support institutions against AI interference on elections and democratic processes.

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.

Does the neuron know the electrode is there?

Researchers developed an innovative in vivo electrophysiological neural recording technology using a 5-µm-diameter microneedle electrode, significantly reducing neuronal death and stable recordings. The device enables long-term stable neural activity recordings for over a year.

How prenatal alcohol exposure affects behavior into adulthood

A rodent study identified a disrupted brain circuit that contributes to poor decision-making in adulthood after prenatal alcohol exposure. The study also developed an algorithm to predict whether rats were exposed to alcohol based on their behavior alone.

The right kind of fusion neutrons

A new Zap research paper validates the company's sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion approach by measuring nearly isotropic neutron energies, indicating stable thermal plasma. This achievement provides a benchmark milestone for scaling fusion to higher energy yields and confidence in reaching higher performance on the FuZE-Q device.

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.

Revolutionary lubricant prevents friction at high temperatures

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.