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Science News Archive January 2025


Page 2 of 44

The big chill: is cold-water immersion good for our health?

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cold-water immersion can reduce stress levels within 12 hours, improve sleep quality, and boost quality of life. However, these benefits may fade after three months. Cold showers also showed promise in reducing sickness absence and improving mood.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fans ineffective in heat waves

A recent study found that electric fans provide little cooling relief for older adults indoors during extreme heat due to their limited sweat production. Dr. Fergus O'Connor from Griffith University suggests using air conditioning at a higher temperature in conjunction with a fan to provide effective cooling and reduce operating costs.

Aging reactors need a concrete solution

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have verified the impact of neutron radiation on concrete expansion, finding a 'flux effect' that reduces degradation. This discovery may allow nuclear power plants to operate more safely over longer periods.

Researchers identify protective properties of amniotic fluid

A study published in Research and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis found that adding amniotic fluid to plasma improves blood's ability to thicken and clot. The research also identified changes in amniotic fluid composition over time, which can affect maternal and fetal health.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ventilation in hospitals could cause viruses to spread further

Researchers found that using ventilation and air cleaners can increase aerosol spread by up to 29% between neighboring rooms. This suggests that careful consideration of airflow dynamics and device placement is necessary to reduce the risk of exacerbating viral transmission in hospitals.

The pressure to explore

Caltech researchers have developed a platform to characterize ultrathin membranes that could be used in lightsails for interstellar space travel. The team's experiments mark the first step towards achieving this audacious goal, which aims to reach ultrafast speeds and explore distant star systems.

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.

Burn grasslands to maintain them: What is good for biodiversity?

A Kobe University research team found that prescribed burning on young lava flows leads to higher total species richness and prevalence of endangered plant species. The study suggests that acidic soils and shallow depths favor slow-growing plants, allowing rare species to gain a foothold.

Harnessing generative AI to treat undruggable diseases

A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a novel AI-based platform that can design and match small peptides with complex proteins, previously considered unreachable. The PepPrCLIP platform utilizes generative large language models to create peptide guide proteins and an algorithm framework to screen and test the peptides.

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.

New evidence suggests the temporomandibular joint is a neurogenic joint: Sympathetic-sensory interaction promotes pain in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via bone sensing mechanisms

The temporomandibular joint is a neurogenic joint susceptible to peripheral nerve regulation, as confirmed by previous studies. A new study reveals the pivotal role of sympathetic nerves in modulating TMJ osteoarthritis pain and highlights a previously unexplored interaction between the sympathetic and sensory nervous system.

Your fridge uses tech from the 50’s, but scientists have an update

Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of refrigeration using thermogalvanic cells. The new technology produces a cooling effect through reversible electrochemical reactions, requiring significantly less energy input than traditional methods.

Most engineered human cells created for studying disease

Scientists create complex human cell lines with random genome structural changes to study their impact on cell survival and gene expression. They found that essential genes must remain intact for significant structural changes to be tolerated.

PROTAC technology for prostate cancer treatment

The latest therapeutic strategies for castration-resistant prostate cancer focus on innovative proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology, which degrades target proteins and holds potential as effective treatments. PROTAC technology is a novel means to combat resistance mechanisms in PRPC.

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.

New MSK research a step toward off-the-shelf CAR T cell therapy for cancer

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have made a breakthrough in creating allogeneic CAR T cells that can persist in fighting cancer without being rejected by patients. By modifying donor cells with the HIV protein Nef, the cells can survive and remain potent in treating various types of cancer.

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.

Polar bear energetic model reveals drivers of polar bear population decline

A new bioenergetic model reveals that sea ice loss and feeding limitations are the primary drivers of a ~50% polar bear population decline since the mid-1990s. The study's findings have implications for conservation efforts, suggesting that individual energetic constraints can shape population-level outcomes.

Why you shouldn’t scratch an itchy rash: New study explains

A new study explains how scratching aggravates inflammation and swelling in a type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis. Scratching activates mast cells, which drive itchiness and inflammation, but also triggers the release of substance P, which protects against bacteria.

Caregiving hours increase menopause burden, researchers find

A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that women who care for others for more than 15 hours a week are more likely to experience moderate or severe menopause symptoms. The study highlights the need for greater advocacy and support systems for midlife women in caregiving roles.

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.

Aston University strengthens collaboration in the Philippines

Aston University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mapúa University in the Philippines to explore joint academic programs, research projects, and events. The agreement marks a significant step in Aston's global commitment to sustainability, building on its existing experience in the country.

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.

Digital Science announces external Advisory Board

The Digital Science Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance to the company, ensuring responsible and reliable innovations for the communities that invest trust. The board comprises six global experts from various fields, including research funding, academic management, and technology development.

Lead contamination in ancient Greece points to societal change

Researchers from Heidelberg University found the oldest evidence of human-caused lead contamination in the Aegean region, dated to approximately 5,200 years ago. This early contamination is linked to socioeconomic change and historical events such as the Roman conquest of Greece.

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.

Research update: Generating electricity from tacky tape

Researchers have developed a new, low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that harnesses the power of tacky tape to generate electricity. The device produces up to 53 milliwatts of power and can light over 350 LED lights or power a laser pointer.

No scientific link found between sickle cell trait and sudden death

A systematic literature review found no evidence to support a link between physical exertion without rhabdomyolysis or heat injury and sudden death in individuals with sickle cell trait. The review's findings refute the attribution of sudden death to SCT, a condition affecting over 100 million people worldwide.

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.

Why maggots love the texture of decaying fruit

A study on fruit fly larvae revealed the presence of neurons with mechanoreceptors in their peripheral taste organs, allowing them to sense food texture. This discovery sheds light on the complex process of tasting texture and highlights the importance of multisensory contributions in food perception.

Antibody treatment prevents severe bird flu in monkeys

A broadly neutralizing antibody has been shown to protect monkeys against severe H5N1 avian flu disease. The antibody's stable structure ensures it can withstand virus variants, providing universal protection against a globally spreading airborne infection. Serum levels of the antibody remained stable for up to 12 weeks.

Can AI be governed by an ‘equity by design’ framework?

The 'equity by design' framework proposed by Daryl Lim aims to maximize AI benefits while minimizing harm, particularly for underrepresented individuals. The approach embeds equity principles throughout the AI lifecycle, addressing biases and increasing inequality.

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.

Artificial intelligence improves personalized cancer treatment

Researchers developed an AI approach using artificial intelligence to analyze multiple parameters, including medical history, laboratory values, imaging, and genetic analyses. The AI model combined the data to calculate an overall prognosis for each individual patient, making it a potential tool for personalized cancer therapy.

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.

Magnetic whirl simulation in real time

A team of researchers from Mainz University successfully simulated skyrmion dynamics on real-time experimental scales using a novel collaborative approach. By combining theoretical and experimental methods, the researchers were able to accelerate the development of skyrmion-based applications for energy-saving computer architectures.

SCAI mourns Frank J. Hildner, MD, FSCAI: A founder and leader

Frank J. Hildner, MD, FSCAI, was a founding member and past president of SCAI, establishing the organization's journal and promoting innovation in interventional cardiology. His legacy continues through the Hildner Lecture and numerous awards recognizing his contributions to cardiovascular care.

Being social may delay dementia onset by five years

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that frequent social activity may help prevent or delay dementia in old age, with socially active individuals showing reduced rates of cognitive decline over a five-year period. Social activity strengthens neural circuits and activates areas o...

Faster response to new virus variants

Researchers developed a new approach to quickly identify mutations that enable viral immune escape. By analyzing the effects of individual mutations in reverse, they found three key mutations in the spike protein responsible for immune evasion.

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.

Women’s pelvic tissue tears during childbirth unstudied, until now

A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.

A spintronic view of the effect of chiral molecules

Researchers at Mainz University confirmed the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect using spintronic methods. The study shows that chiral molecules can convert spin currents to charge with varying efficiency, depending on their chirality and orientation.