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Science News Archive January 2025


Page 18 of 44

NASA rockets to fly through flickering, vanishing auroras

Two NASA rocket missions, GIRAFF and Black and Diffuse Aurora Science Surveyor, will study fast-pulsating and flickering auroras respectively. The missions aim to determine the electron acceleration processes responsible for these phenomena.

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.

Study shows spillover benefits from large marine protected areas

Researchers found that large marine protected areas can have a positive impact on species populations and catch rates, with the strongest effects near the boundaries of the MPAs. The study also highlights the importance of well-enforced MPAs in protecting highly migratory species like tuna.

Effect of pediatric obesity treatment on long-term health

A recent study found that effective pediatric obesity treatment is associated with lower incidences of mortality in young adulthood. The treatment was also linked to reduced long-term morbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

Clean hydrogen in minutes: Microwaves deliver clean energy faster

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a technology that uses microwaves to produce clean hydrogen in minutes, overcoming limitations of existing methods. By leveraging microwave energy, the team achieved significant breakthroughs in reducing production temperatures and time.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What microbes tell us about Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

A study identified unique microbiome signatures associated with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), allowing for precise diagnoses and new therapeutic approaches. These signatures predict bacterial metabolites and are linked to the development of NAFLD, providing insights into disease mechanisms.

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.

Why our biological clock ticks: Research reconciles major theories of aging

A new study reveals a link between genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications, challenging the current anti-aging strategies based on epigenetic clock theory. The research found that mutations can cause a cascade of epigenetic changes across the genome, making it harder to reverse aging than previously thought.

Novel molecular insights into bone remodeling

Researchers identify Fam102a as a key regulator of both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, leading to enhanced osteoblast formation and bone volume. The study reveals significant protein-protein interactions involving Fam102a and Kpna2, shedding light on the critical molecular interactions involved in bone remodeling.

An approach for detecting prenatal depression based on semantically embedding

Researchers propose a method to detect prenatal depression using semantically embedded questionnaire options, achieving an F1 score of 0.8 and demonstrating low computational complexity. The approach is verified through comparison with other machine learning methods, showcasing its potential for analyzing psychiatric disorders.

Can ChatGPT pass a Ph.D.-level history test?

A new study assesses the historical knowledge of AI chatbots like ChatGPT-4 and finds they struggle with nuanced, PhD-level inquiry. The models performed best on legal systems and social complexity but struggled with topics such as discrimination and social mobility.

Illuminating an asymmetric gap in a topological antiferromagnet

Researchers have discovered a previously unverified gap in the electronic band structure of MnBi2Te4, a topological insulator. The team found that the material is gapless in equilibrium but develops a gap when exposed to different orientations of circularly polarized light.

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.

Mass shootings increase alcohol sales

A study analyzing data from 35,000 retailers found that public mass shootings lead to a 3.5-5.5% increase in weekly alcohol sales for at least two years. The authors suggest whole-community approaches to address the trauma of mass shootings and its impact on alcohol consumption.

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.

Fizzy water might aid weight loss by boosting glucose uptake and metabolism

A recent study suggests that fizzy water may help with weight loss by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism. However, the effects are minimal and should not be relied upon as a sole means of shedding pounds. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain essential components of sustainable weight management.

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.

Treatment for children with obesity has lasting effect

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.

Structural insights reveal drug target in trypanosome parasites

Researchers at EMBL Grenoble identified significant differences between the trypanosomal and human nuclear cap-binding complex, a key player in cellular RNA metabolism. The study reveals major differences that could serve as a potential drug target for treating neglected tropical diseases.

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.

Electromagnetic metamaterial agent

The metaAgent system leverages various sensors to interpret environmental information and independently execute actions, such as real-time user tracking and vital sign monitoring. It utilizes large foundation models to reason and plan tasks without human intervention.

Study links popular herbicide to problems with infant health

A study by University of Oregon economists found that increased glyphosate use in genetically modified crop counties is associated with lower birthweights and early births. Glyphosate exposure was found to have a significant impact on infants expected to be at the lowest birthweight end of the scale.

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.

Building sentence structure may be language-specific

Researchers investigated how people build grammatical structure in Dutch using brain activity measurements, finding that Dutch speakers use a predictive strategy to build sentences, unlike English speakers who adopt a 'wait-and-see' approach.

High-performance colloidal quantum-dot surface-emitting laser array

Researchers have developed a CQD-based SEL array with low lasing threshold, high stability and high integration density of up to 2100 PPI. The new design features a graded alloyed core-shell structure and circular Bragg resonator, resulting in enhanced optical field confinement and Purcell effect.

Self-induced optical non-reciprocity

Researchers introduce a novel concept harnessing nonlinear non-reciprocal susceptibility to achieve high-performance optical isolation, setting new records. The study demonstrates an ideal optical isolation ratio of 63.4 dB and an isolation bandwidth exceeding 20 dB of 12.5 GHz.

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.

Boosting decision-making skills

A new review article highlights the potential of behavioral science for public policy, focusing on developing self-control and decision-making skills. The authors argue that boosting is essential to navigate and resist manipulative forces in a highly commercialized environment.

Weaving a net or fabric battery for use in seawater

Researchers have developed a seawater-safe battery that can be woven into various shapes, such as a fishing net or fabric. The yarn-like battery prototype was tested in saltwater and retained most of its charging efficiency and storage capacity over 200 charge and discharge cycles.

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.

Little birds, little poops, little food safety risk

A new study from UC Davis suggests that farmers can co-manage their areas for both agriculture and conservation by assessing the size of bird droppings. Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, making it unnecessary to remove habitat or implement no-harvest buffers.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

What's behind preterm birth? Scientists just found a big clue

UCSF researchers identify a molecular timer controlling mouse birth timing, which could lead to new tests for human preterm labor risk and interventions. DNA packaging during pregnancy plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, with KDM6B working as a 'timer' that winds down over time.

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.

Antibiotics modulate E. coli’s resistance to phages

New research reveals that certain antibiotics can suppress the evolution of resistance to phages in E. coli bacteria by targeting a subset of LPS mutants. By modulating these mutants, antibiotics like chloramphenicol and gentamicin reduce phage resistance.

Preference for the smell of decay

Researchers discovered that fruit fly Drosophila busckii can detect and thrive on toxic food sources, including dimethyldisulfide, an unpleasantly smelling sulfur compound. The fly's unique adaptations provide a valuable model for studying toxin tolerance and ecological concepts.

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.

Looking to Kenya's Lake Victoria for what may come for Lake Erie

Researchers conducted a survey of cyanobacteria in Kenya's Lake Victoria to understand how harmful algal blooms might evolve in Lake Erie. The study found that areas with turbidity can mask the visibility of blooms, and toxins like microcystin can cause liver damage and interact with other toxins in the human body.