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Science News Archive February 2025


Page 8 of 44

Zero-shot classification of art with large language models

Researchers leveraged a large language model to classify artwork types without pre-prepared training data, achieving high accuracy. This approach enables performance comparable to conventional machine learning methods while reducing human effort and time required for data organization.

Tree diversity increases carbon sequestration

A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with multiple tree species store significantly more carbon than those with only one species. The Sardinilla experiment in Panama revealed that mixed-species forests sequester up to 57% more carbon in aboveground tree biomass.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New SIF model tracks drought effects in real-time

A new study unveiled a high-resolution SIF dataset to monitor vegetation photosynthesis during droughts, offering unprecedented insights into how plants respond to drought stress. The dataset provides continuous, high-resolution data, enhancing real-time monitoring of photosynthesis and vegetation health.

Scientists not so excited by AI responses to cancer-related questions

A recent study published in the European Journal of Cancer found that AI chatbots often provide inaccurate or misleading information on cancer-related topics, particularly in languages other than English. The researchers tested seven leading AI chatbots and found errors in 7 out of 294 non-English responses.

University of Houston researchers paving the way for new era in medical imaging

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new technology that uses photon counting detectors to capture X-ray images with multiple energy levels simultaneously. This allows for more precise 3D visualization of different tissues and contrast agents, which can improve cancer detection and other medical applications.

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.

Potbelly may be a sign of brain aging

Research reveals that visceral adipose tissue's protein CX3CL1 promotes BDNF production in the brain. In aged mice, this connection falters, leading to cognitive decline. The study suggests that steroid hormones causing lipolysis promote CX3CL1 expression and that aging mice become less responsive to these hormones.

A completely new type of microscopy based on quantum sensors

Researchers at TUM developed a new microscopy technique combining magnetic resonance spectroscopy with fluorescence microscopy, enabling high-resolution imaging of individual cells and structures down to the microscopic level. The technique has potential applications in cancer research, pharmaceuticals, and materials science.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Novel bone marrow transplant can cure sickle cell disease

A novel bone marrow transplant process has been shown to be safe and curative for adults with sickle cell disease, offering a viable alternative to recent gene therapy products. The treatment, which uses a 'half-matched' donor, results in high cure rates and low side effects, making it a more accessible option for patients.

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.

New insights into how gut cells respond to bacterial toxins

Scientists discovered that specific gut cells, BEST4/CA7+ cells, regulate electrolyte and water balance in response to bacterial toxins. These cells greatly increase in number when exposed to interferon-γ, presenting a potential target for therapies.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Superbugs in our food: a new hope for tackling drug resistance

Researchers highlight potential of quorum sensing inhibitors to tackle Pseudomonas aeruginosa's pathogenicity and resistance. The study explores various QSIs, including small molecules derived from natural sources, which can interfere with bacterial communication systems.

Today's forecast: Partially cloudy skies on an "ultra-hot Neptune"

Researchers discovered reflective clouds on the western hemisphere of LTT 9779 b, a rare 'ultra-hot Neptune,' creating a striking contrast to its hotter eastern side. The team's findings reveal a delicate balance between intense heat from the star and the planet's ability to redistribute energy.

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.

Mimicking shark skin to create clean cutting boards

Researchers created laser-textured metal that stops bacteria from attaching, reducing biofilm buildup and making surface cleaning easier. The technique alters water-repellent properties of the metal, a key factor impacting bacterial growth.

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 AI Tool Mimics Radiologist Gaze to Read Chest X-Rays

Researchers developed ItpCtrl-AI, a transparent AI framework that reads chest X-rays like a radiologist, providing accurate diagnoses and increasing trust in medical technology. The framework uses a gaze heat map to show the computer where to search for abnormalities and what section of the image requires less attention.

In the weeds: Amaranth genomes reveal secrets of success

Researchers have unlocked the genetic secrets of Palmer amaranth, a weed species that makes farming harder and less profitable. The new genome analysis provides insights into the weeds' ability to detoxify common herbicides and reveals key gene families involved in non-target-site resistance.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Predicting infant risk of exposure to mother’s medication

A new mathematical model developed at the University of Waterloo can determine a baby's overall drug exposure when their mother is taking medication, specifically Levetiracetam. The probability of negative effects on a breastfeeding infant is very low for typically prescribed doses.

Morning blue light therapy improves sleep and daily activity in older adults

New research from the University of Surrey found that morning blue light therapy improved sleep quality and daily activity in older adults. The study, which investigated 36 adults aged 60 and over, revealed that exposure to blue-enriched light in the morning led to greater daytime activity and regular sleep patterns.

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.

Research reveals potential alternatives to ‘forever chemicals’

Scientists have identified over 300 applications of PFAS and proposed 530 alternative substitutes, highlighting opportunities for industries to make safer choices. However, 83 industrial processes lack forever-chemical alternatives, presenting a gap for further research.

From scraps to sips: Everyday biomass produces drinking water from thin air

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a molecularly functionalized biomass hydrogels system that can pull drinkable water out of thin air. The system uses a two-step molecular engineering process to convert various natural products into sorbents, which can then be heated to release clean water.

Using brain scans to forecast human choice at scale

Researchers used fMRI data to predict choices made by thousands of people on crowdfunding websites, finding consistent associations in the NAcc region. This neuroforecasting technique has potential for scaling up predictions of human behavior across diverse populations.

Rising wages drive innovation in automation technology

A new study by UZH economists found that higher minimum wages lead firms to develop more automation technologies to reduce production costs. The study analyzed past labor market reforms and their impact on innovation trends, showing a 2% to 5% rise in innovation in response to a 1% wage increase.

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.

New photochemical tools based on thioketal

A new universal photocage modification strategy based on thioketal enables real-time live cell subcellular imaging. The thioketal-based probe SiR-EDT exhibits improved dark stability and can be specifically activated by UV-visible light.

AI’s emotional blunting effect

Large language models (LLMs) can alter sentiment in research summaries, making it difficult to accurately assess public opinion on climate change. LLMs tend to display a more neutral tone than original texts, regardless of prompts or model sophistication.

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.

SwRI-led PUNCH spacecraft poised for launch into polar orbit

The PUNCH mission will study the solar corona and its impact on the solar wind, improving space weather forecasting capabilities. The four small spacecraft, launched by NASA's Small Explorers program, will create a virtual instrument to image the Sun's corona, revealing previously invisible phenomena.

Modifying graphene with plasma to produce better gas sensors

Researchers found that functionalizing graphene sheets via plasma treatment can lead to enhanced sensitivity for specific gases, such as ammonia. The study discovered different types of defects created on the graphene sheets depending on the gas used during plasma treatment.

JWST provides insights into rare ultra-hot Neptune LTT 9779 b

A team of researchers used JWST to study the exotic atmosphere of LTT 9779 b, revealing reflective clouds on its cooler western hemisphere. The planet's asymmetrical dayside reflectivity is driven by powerful winds that transport heat and cloud formation.

“Ultra-rapid” testing unlocks cancer genetics in the operating room

Researchers developed Ultra-Rapid droplet digital PCR to quickly identify genetic mutations in brain tumors, enabling accurate removal during surgery. The tool can detect small numbers of cancer cells and has the potential to become a practical tool for real-time detection during brain surgery.

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.

Mesoporous silicon: Semiconductor with new talents

Researchers at HZB have produced mesoporous silicon layers with tiny pores, revealing the electronic transport mechanism. The material has great potential for applications, including thermally insulating qubits for quantum computers. Disorder plays a key role in understanding charge transport.

New insights into efficient water splitting

A recent study reveals three distinct mechanisms of recombination in photocatalytic water splitting, including over-penetration induced recombination and excess hole induced recombination. The discovery of a previously unknown slow reaction, called the 'satellite peak,' is crucial for pinpointing the rate-limiting step in water splitting.

LA’s urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, USC Dornsife study finds

A new study from USC Dornsife finds that LA's urban greenery absorbs up to 60% of daytime fossil fuel CO2 emissions in spring and summer, providing valuable insights into the impact of trees on air quality. The research provides data-driven insights for future planting efforts and informs the USC Urban Trees Initiative.

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.

Successful strategies for collaborative species conservation

A study by the University of Göttingen found that bridging structures, regional coordinators, and addressing stakeholder expectations are crucial for long-term success. The project promoted habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.

Alliances among animals

Researchers explore cognitive foundations of cross-species social behavior using octopus and reef fish as examples. These alliances challenge traditional views of intelligence and cooperation in the animal kingdom.

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.