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Science News Archive February 2025


Page 5 of 44

New screening tool for stroke survivors with visual perception problems

A new 15-minute screening tool can identify visual perception problems in stroke survivors, affecting their quality of life and independence. The Oxford Visual Perception Screen (OxVPS) assesses object and face recognition, reading, eye-hand coordination, and neglect, providing an easy-to-interpret guide for healthcare professionals.

A clear game-changer: Curtin’s water-repellent glass breaks new ground

Researchers at Curtin University have developed a new technique to make glass water-repellent, creating a durable and environmentally friendly surface that can improve safety in vehicles and buildings. The process uses ultrasound to trigger a chemical reaction, forming a stable organic layer on the glass surface.

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.

Aging and the brain’s sugar-coated shield

Aging mice show significant changes in glycocalyx, the sugary armor on cells that form the blood-brain barrier. Restoring glycals improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation. The study offers new avenues for treating brain aging and related diseases.

Better poverty mapping: New machine-learning approach targets aid more effectively

A new machine-learning approach to mapping poverty has been developed by Cornell University researchers, aiming to help policymakers and NGOs better identify the poorest populations in poor countries. The approach uses national surveys and Earth observation data to create actionable terms for policymakers, outperforming previous methods.

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.

Digital program reduces fall risk and boosts strength in older adults

Researchers have developed an online exercise program that improves posture, balance, and strength in older adults, reducing fall risk by up to 36% in some cases. The 'Strong Foundations' program uses semi-individualized instruction to correct exercise form and provide personalized guidance.

Tufts named a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students

Tufts University has received recognition as a top producer of U.S. Fulbright students, with 13 scholars selected for 2023-2024. The university's strong commitment to global citizenship is reflected in the diverse range of research and teaching projects undertaken by its Fulbrighters.

Problem-based learning helps students stay in school

Researchers at UniSA found problem-based learning improves engagement, creativity, and academic outcomes for disengaged high school students. The approach links learning to real-life challenges, empowering learners through project-based learning and service to their community.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Treatment strategy reprograms brain cancer cells, halting tumor growth

Researchers combine radiation with a plant-derived compound to combat glioblastoma, forcing cancer cells into a dormant state. The approach significantly slows tumor growth and improves survival in mice models, offering a potential new avenue for combating this deadly form of brain cancer.

No complications associated with early weight bearing on broken ankles

A new study suggests that early weight bearing on broken ankles is generally safe and can help speed up patient recovery by preventing muscle deconditioning and improving joint range of motion. Healthy patients can typically start bearing weight within three weeks of surgical intervention without experiencing increased complications.

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.

Select corn lines contain compounds that sicken, kill major crop pest

Researchers at Penn State have demonstrated that genetic lines of corn contain compounds that inhibit the growth and development of corn earworm larvae, leading to increased mortality and reduced body weight. The compounds, called flavonoids, are produced by high-flavonoid corn lines and have a lethal effect on the larvae.

Genomic tools provide clearer view of health for endangered bats

Researchers used advanced molecular tools to survey health status of endangered Indiana bats, identifying microbiome changes resulting from parasitic infections. The analysis revealed that bats with high loads of a protozoan parasite had a corresponding proliferation of certain bacteria.

Do starchy carbs cause cavities?

A new study published in Microorganisms explores the impact of starch on oral health and finds that high AMY1 copy numbers alter the oral microbiome, increasing disease risk. The researchers discovered that populations with a history of agriculture and starch consumption have more copies of the gene, which provides a survival advantage.

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.

The future of telescope lenses is flar

A team of Utah engineers has developed a large aperture flat lens that focuses light as effectively as traditional curved lenses while preserving accurate color. This technology could transform astrophotography imaging systems in space-constrained applications.

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.

New study supports caution regarding use of steroids

A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.

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.

Why brain cancer is often resistant to immunotherapy

Researchers at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have identified four coordinated gene expression programs in immune cells from glioma tumors that can lead to immunotherapy resistance. The study found two programs that could be targeted to improve patient response to immunotherapies, including one that may reduce the effectiveness of ...

What is it like in the core of Mars?

Scientists have identified a crystal phase that could theoretically crystallize under Martian core conditions, suggesting the Red Planet may have a solid inner core. This discovery was made using diamond anvil cells and single-crystal diffraction at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility.

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.

Program’s expansion boosts student research opportunities

UTA's expansion of its undergraduate research program has enabled students to present their work at major symposiums, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics conference. The program has strengthened students' commitment to pursuing graduate studies in various fields.

Earliest evidence for humans in rainforests

Researchers have discovered human habitation in African rainforests dating back approximately 150 thousand years, challenging previous assumptions that humans were absent from these areas. This finding highlights the complexity of human evolution and suggests that ecological diversity played a key role.

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.

Sea sponge inspires super strong compressible material

Researchers developed a new material inspired by the Venus' flower basket deep-sea sponge, showcasing remarkable compressive strength and stiffness. The double lattice design overcomes limitations of existing auxetic materials, offering potential applications in construction, sports gear, and medical devices.

Eavesdropping on whale songs sparks new discoveries in whale ecology

Researchers tracked changes in baleen whale song detection over six years, finding correlations with shifts in foraging conditions and food availability. The study's findings suggest that whale song data can provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems and inform conservation efforts.

New spatial mechanism for the coexistence of tree species

Researchers discovered a novel spatial mechanism underlying the coexistence of tree species in forests, with mechanisms such as seed dispersal driving patterns in tropical forests and mycorrhizal fungi shaping patterns in temperate forests. This finding has implications for understanding biodiversity stability and species coexistence.

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.

Unraveling the brain’s hidden motor modules

Researchers discovered a horizontally distributed and modular organization of cortical movement units, with different types of neurons forming functional clusters in distinct regions. The study also found that the brain re-networks and adapts to learn new motor skills.

New method developed to dramatically enhance bioelectronic sensors

Researchers developed a new method to amplify weak bioelectronic signals using OECTs, enabling highly sensitive and low-power biosensors for health and environmental monitoring. The technique overcomes previous challenges in integrating fuel cells with electrochemical sensors.

When dads take leave, moms breastfeed longer

A recent survey by Northwestern University found that fathers who take at least two weeks of leave are more likely to report their infant being breastfed at eight weeks. Additionally, families where dads took at least two weeks off had a higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to those with shorter leave.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Beyond the burn: Harvesting dead wood to reduce wildfires and store carbon

A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.

Staying one step ahead of cyberattackers

Researchers at Mizzou have developed a proactive approach using artificial intelligence to address evolving threats against smart grids. The CIBR-Fort system can predict cyberattacks with 91.88% accuracy and defend against them in real-time, enabling scalable security for power grids of the future.

A new legal standard for medical malpractice

The American Law Institute has established a new legal framework for resolving medical malpractice claims, focusing on clinical care, patient communication, and practice environment. This updated standard aims to improve healthcare quality and accountability.

Female physicians at elevated risk for suicide

Researchers found female physicians had a 53% higher suicide risk compared to females in the general population, highlighting the need for comprehensive suicide prevention strategies. The study suggests that factors such as under-recognition, inequitable pay, and work-life imbalance may contribute to this increased risk.

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.

Supercomputing illuminates detailed nuclear structure

Researchers developed a new technique to predict nuclear properties, revealing how nucleus structure relates to its holding force. The study advances quantum physics and has implications for energy production and national security.

Adsorptive regolith on mars soaks up water, researchers reveal

Researchers from Tohoku University have improved a Mars climate model to account for the planet's non-uniform regolith properties. The enhanced model shows that highly absorptive regolith in mid- and low latitudes retains substantial amounts of absorbed water, which remains on the surface as stable adsorbed water.

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.

Human chromosomes evolved at hyperspeed to give us better brains

Scientists found that parts of human chromosomes have evolved rapidly to enable complex brain development in humans. However, this acceleration may also lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. The study used artificial neurons derived from human and chimpanzee cell lines.

Bacteria consumed by immune cells become part of the cell

A new study reveals that when macrophages eat bacteria, they don't store them in compartments but convert them into critical nutrients for protein synthesis and energy production. The researchers also found that dead bacteria contain a molecule that signals immune cells to adjust their metabolism and control inflammation.

Protein design: Flexible components allow new architectures

A team of scientists has found that some artificially designed proteins contain flexible components that can take on multiple structures, leading to surprising properties and potential applications. This discovery could open up new avenues for the development of customized proteins.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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