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Science News Archive May 2025


Page 38 of 50

Mass General Brigham researchers share tool to improve newborn genetic screening

Researchers from Mass General Brigham introduce a data-driven approach to prioritizing genes for public health consideration in newborn genomic sequencing programs. The model achieves high accuracy in predicting gene selection across programs, providing a ranked list of genes that can adapt to new evidence and regional needs.

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.

Four organizations receive funds to combat food insecurity

The American Heart Association has awarded $900,000 to four organizations to improve food access in under-resourced communities through the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund. The funding supports social enterprises that specifically address food security, particularly among mothers, infants, and people with diabetes.

Sexual problems often overlooked at the doctor's office

A new study highlights the need for better patient-provider communications regarding sexual health, particularly among general practitioners. Despite considering treating sexual problems an important healthcare practice, GPs are more likely to report barriers due to short appointment times and lack of knowledge about sexual medicine.

Chimpanzee groups drum with distinct rhythms

Researchers found that eastern and western chimpanzees exhibit different drumming patterns, including evenly spaced hits and alternating intervals. Western chimpanzees use a faster tempo and integrated their drumming earlier in pant-hoot vocalizations.

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.

Bringing superconducting nanostructures to 3D

An international team led by the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids created three-dimensional superconducting nanostructures with controlled superconducting states and demonstrated motion of nanoscale defects in a 3D bridge-like superconductor. This breakthrough enables the exploration of novel effects and development ...

Virtual nurse can persuade you to get vaccinated

Researchers from SWPS University developed a virtual nurse, FLORA, to persuade people to get vaccinated. Studies show that conversations with FLORA significantly increase willingness to vaccinate, even in low-risk groups. The approach can combat misinformation and conspiracy theories, promoting public health.

Widespread hearing problems among newly arrived in Sweden

A study found that 17% of newly arrived immigrants in Sweden reported hearing conversation difficulties, with over half experiencing established hearing problems. The study highlights the crucial role of hearing in language acquisition and social integration for this population.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat- and oxygen-stable biocatalyst for hydrogen production

A new biocatalyst for hydrogen production has been discovered in a thermophilic bacterium, demonstrating exceptional heat and oxygen stability. The research team used various techniques to gain insights into the protein's structure and mechanism, revealing crucial amino acids that contribute to its high oxygen resistance.

Mitochondria follow tissue-specific rules, not a unified body plan

A recent study reveals that mitochondrial activity and gene expression vary significantly between tissues, even within the same person. The researchers found minimal correlation in mitochondrial function between tissues, with some cases showing negatively correlated functions.

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.

Machine learning powers new approach to detecting soil contaminants

A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.

Skia: Shedding light on shadow branches

Skia identifies and decodes shadow branches, storing them in a memory area to alleviate bottlenecks and improve throughput. The technique can lead to quicker performance and less power consumption for data centers.

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.

A more realistic look at DNA in action

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that DNA's behavior changes in a crowded environment, affecting the amount of stress required for strand separation. The study used microscopic magnetic tweezers to investigate interactions between DNA and various molecules.

Bacterium produces “organic dishwashing liquid” to degrade oil

A marine bacterium produces an organic detergent to attach to oil droplets, allowing it to feed on energy-rich chains. The synthetic pathway of this detergent involves three enzymes and has potential biotech applications for microbial production of key chemical compounds.

Studies point to redlining as a ‘perfect storm’ for breast cancer

A University at Buffalo study found that historically redlined neighborhoods have a disproportionate impact on breast cancer factors and survival, with lower socioeconomic status and exposure to pollution contributing to the increased risk. The research suggests that addressing environmental disparities in these communities is crucial ...

Green fabrication of hybrid materials as highly sensitive X-ray detectors

Researchers have developed highly sensitive X-ray detectors using green fabrication methods, surpassing commercial detectors in both sensitivity and long-term stability. The new materials, which can be produced without solvents through ball milling, enable lower radiation exposure during medical imaging procedures.

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.

Is air pollution exposure equal across South Korea?

A recent study from POSTECH University evaluated ground-level NO2 concentrations using satellite remote sensing data, revealing significant socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure. The research found that areas with higher socioeconomic levels had higher NO2 concentrations, contradicting previous findings in other countries.

Wasp mums use remarkable memory when feeding offspring

Mother wasps exhibit exceptional brainpower in managing food for their young, using visual landmarks to locate and remember up to nine separate nests. This intricate scheduling ensures the survival of their offspring, with mothers adjusting feeding orders based on availability and larval development.

Fatty liver in pregnancy may increase risk of preterm birth

Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.

World record for lithium-ion conductors

Researchers at TUM have developed a new material that exceeds existing records for ion conductivity in solid-state batteries by incorporating scandium into a lithium antimonide compound, creating specific gaps for easier lithium movement

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.

Impacts of road networks on the geography of floristic collections in China

A study found that road networks have a significant effect on the distribution of plant specimens in China, with collection activities becoming increasingly reliant on roads. To improve representativeness and completeness of survey outcomes, future surveys should prioritize areas with limited road network coverage.

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.

System lets robots identify an object’s properties through handling

Researchers developed a technique that enables robots to learn about an object's weight, softness, or contents by picking it up and gently shaking it. This method uses internal sensors and simulation processes to rapidly identify characteristics of the object, making it suitable for applications where cameras might be less effective.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

MXenes in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs): Present status and the future

Researchers classify MXene applications in TENGs into four types: conductive layer, triboelectric layer, filler of polymer film as triboelectric layer, and charge trapping layer. MXenes exhibit excellent performance due to their unique combination of properties, such as electronegativity, electrical conductivity, and flexibility.

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.

Generalist pests cause more damage, specialists kill more trees

A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers highlights the critical need for understanding and managing nonnative forest specialist and generalist pests. Specialists caused more tree deaths, while generalists inflicted more nonlethal damage due to their broader impact across multiple species.

Urine, not water for efficient production of green hydrogen

Scientists create two innovative electrolysis systems that use urea found in urine and wastewater to produce green hydrogen at a lower cost than traditional methods. The breakthrough overcomes limitations such as toxic by-products and corrosion issues, paving the way for scalable production.

A small bicycle handlebar sensor can help map a region’s riskiest bike routes

Researchers developed a small sensor system that tracks passing cars and sends data to riders' phones. The team tested the system in Seattle and found a significant correlation between close passes and other indicators of cycling risk. The system could support mapping or navigating cyclists on safer bike routes through cities.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

North Korea’s illegal wildlife trade threatens endangered species

A groundbreaking study finds North Korea engages in unsustainable and illegal wildlife trade, breaching its own laws and posing a threat to biodiversity recovery. The country's economic hardship drives black market trade, with hunters simultaneously engaging in state-sanctioned and black market trade.

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.

Turning light into usable energy

Scientists at UC Riverside are investigating plasmonic materials that can transfer energy when struck by light. Their findings could lead to sensors capable of detecting molecules at trace levels and other technologies with practical applications.

St. Jude neurologist Richard Finkel named to TIME100 Health

Richard Finkel, MD, is named to TIME100 Health for his pioneering work in treating spinal muscular atrophy prenatally with the orally administered drug risdiplam. This breakthrough has shown promising results, with no identifiable features of SMA observed two years after treatment.

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.

Unique model of rare epileptic disease helps pinpoint potential treatment route

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital created a cortical organoid model for the rare disorder UBA5-associated encephalopathy, revealing stunted GABAergic interneuron growth and imbalance in neuronal excitation and inhibition. The model suggests boosting the expression of the existing partially functioning copy of UBA5 may...