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Science News Archive January 2025


Page 8 of 44

Nourishing T cells to fight cancer

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new way to grow T cells that can live longer and better destroy cancer cells in mice. By adding a compound called dichloroacetate to growth media, they created T cells less reliant on glucose and more efficient at using other energy sources.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New numbering system facilitates comparability of protein domains

Researchers at Leipzig University developed a new standardised numberinng system for adhesion G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) to improve comparability and analysis. The system is based on AI analysis of over 14,000 modelled structures and facilitates deeper insights into disease-relevant mutations in GAIN domains.

Empathy for other peoples’ pain peaks in young adulthood

A new study found that empathy responses peak in young adulthood, with increased sensitivity to social pain. This development demonstrates that empathy strengthens as people age, but also accompanies reduced ratings of pain for others, highlighting the complexities of empathic responses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Towards a natural control of robotic limbs

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia and Imperial College London demonstrate the connection between hand movement patterns and motoneuron control patterns, enabling natural control of bionic limbs. The study reports successful testing of a soft prosthetic hand with individuals with physical impairments.

How a multitasking protein keeps the body’s clock in sync

A KAUST-led research team discovered EZH1 plays a dual role in circadian regulation, stabilizing RNA Polymerase II and reshaping chromatin to activate or silence genes on schedule. This ensures genes involved in metabolism, sleep, and other essential processes rise and fall on cue.

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.

Beating the dark current for safer X-ray imaging

Researchers have developed a perovskite X-ray detector that uses cascade engineering to reduce dark current, enabling high-quality medical images at ultra-low doses. The device achieved a detection limit of 100 nGy·s−1, a significant improvement over previous limits.

Climate change and the future of lignin production

Rising temperatures alter lignin deposition in plant cell walls, requiring adaptive strategies for a resilient supply chain. Understanding regional variations, exploring alternative sources, and developing climate-resilient plant varieties are crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming.

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.

Pancreas cells secrete neuroprotective factor

Researchers discovered that pancreatic β cells produce a neuroprotective agent called Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23), which can stop amyloid-β-induced neuronal cell death. FGF23 may increase ribosomal proteins, helping to maintain homeostasis in neurons.

Ocean-surface warming four times faster now than late-1980s

A new study found that ocean temperatures have more than quadrupled since the late 1980s, rising from 0.06°C/decade to 0.27°C/decade. This accelerating warming is driven by the Earth's growing energy imbalance and is expected to lead to even more rapid temperature increases in the future.

Individual cells can be connected to plastic electrodes

A team of scientists at Linköping University has developed a method to anchor conductive polymers to individual living cell membranes without affecting the cell's functions. This innovation opens up new possibilities for treating neurological diseases with high precision.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Testing the effect of thousands of compounds on cellular metabolism

A new method of testing the metabolic effects of thousands of active substances at the same time has been developed by researchers at the University of Basel, providing valuable insights into the modes of action of known medications. The study reveals previously unknown mechanisms and potential side effects.

The oral microbiome and dementia

A study found a link between oral microbiome and dementia risk, with certain bacteria associated with better executive function. A nitrate-rich diet may favor beneficial oral bacteria, potentially delaying cognitive decline.

Follow the water: Searching for a lunar oasis

Scientists from University of California San Diego use thermal release to extract water molecules from lunar rocks, revealing origin as either moon itself or comet impacts. The study provides valuable clues for NASA's Artemis program and future human settlements on the moon and Mars.

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.

Cell death and aging in cancer research review

A review of cell death and aging in cancer research reveals the significance of cellular senescence in promoting cancer growth. The study highlights the potential of various types of programmed cell death, such as necroptosis and pyroptosis, as therapeutic targets against senescent cells.

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.

Drug-maker DNA ‘fingerprint’ can be linked to capsules

Experiments found DNA accumulates differently depending on involvement in the process, aiding identification. The study also discovered DNA from capsules can be transferred to ziplock bags, providing a complete profile with minimal contact.

Plant-based substitute for fossil fuels developed for plastic foams

A Washington State University-led research team has developed a plant-based substitute for fossil fuels in polyurethane foams, which are used in various products. The bio-based foam is as strong and flexible as typical polyurethane foam, making it a promising sustainable alternative.

Structural color shields: water repellent coatings

Researchers developed a novel coating material that captures the brilliance of structural colors using melanin particles, producing non-iridescent color even when viewed from different angles. The coatings displayed a contact angle of over 160 degrees, monochromatic hues, and a self-cleaning surface.

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.

Paywalls shape newspaper coverage

Adopting paywalls leads to a strategic shift in newspaper coverage, with a 5.1% decrease in local news and modest declines in soft news, according to a study of US newspapers between 2006-2022. Smaller cities and urban areas experiencing demographic changes exhibit notable declines in local news and increases in popular content.

Slashing industrial emissions using a hybrid model approach

A hybrid modeling approach predicts optimal nanofiltration membranes for chemical separations, reducing energy consumption by up to 40% and CO2 emissions by 90%. The AI-powered tool evaluates millions of potential separation options, enabling industries to make informed decisions.

Kenya study highlights complexity of tree-planting schemes

A new study from the University of Exeter reveals that Kenyan smallholder farmers face barriers when trying to increase the diversity of trees and shrubs on their land. Factors such as past experiences, influence of other farmers, and perceived ability to grow different tree species play a crucial role in decision-making.

Q&A: How rate of CO2 rise can affect a global ocean current

A recent University of Washington study found that a slower increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels has less impact on the Atlantic Ocean's circulation. The research, published in PNAS, suggests that this slowdown allows the ocean system more time to adapt to rising CO2 levels and mitigates its effects.

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.

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.

An injectable hydrogel for local bone densification

Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that targets rapid localized increase in bone density. The results show a four- to five-fold increase in bone density in the legs of rats with bone loss. The study combines systemic osteoporosis drugs with local hydrogel injections, offering hope for future fracture prevention therapies.

Optimal coupling heights improve surface-atmosphere modeling

Recent study finds that optimal reference heights provide better estimates of surface turbulent fluxes and thus better Earth system model predictions. The results show that computing momentum flux and heat flux are particularly improved with these new reference heights.

Archaeologists find ‘lost’ site depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry

Researchers believe they have located Harold Godwinson's private power centre, a high-status house with latrine, at Bosham, West Sussex. The site is significant as it represents an Anglo-Saxon show-home and provides insight into the origins of aristocratic centres in England.

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.

Senior Bowl players learn CPR, join the Nation of Lifesavers movement

The American Heart Association and Reese's Senior Bowl teamed up to teach Hands-Only CPR and AED use to NFL Draft prospects. Early recognition and action in cardiac emergencies can double a person's chance of survival, emphasizing the importance of having confident and capable individuals nearby.

Humanoid robots join human musicians for synchronized musical performances

Researchers develop a human-robot musical band featuring humanoid robots that perform alongside human musicians, achieving natural synchronization through advanced robotic systems. The project showcases the potential of humanoid robots in creative fields like music, highlighting real-time interaction, adaptability, and artistry.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Australian innovation ‘sifts’ space for mysteries

A new Australian-developed technology has detected mysterious fast radio bursts and neutron stars, improving location data of pulsars. The system, CRACO, sifts through signals from space like sand on a beach to find anomalies.

Annals of Family January/February 2025 Tip Sheet

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends guiding principles for AI use in research and publishing, emphasizing full disclosure, accountability, and understanding of AI limitations. AI can improve efficiency and accessibility but risks perpetuating bias and generating inaccurate information.

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.

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.