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Weak evidence behind how we measure pain in babies

A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 13, 2025

SwRI-led PUNCH constellation launches

The PUNCH spacecraft will study the solar corona and track space weather events in three dimensions for the first time. The constellation includes four small suitcase-sized spacecraft that will provide a clear view of the Sun's outer atmosphere, allowing scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections.

Longest-runout undersea sediment flows analysed in unprecedented detail

A team of scientists has developed a new method to monitor undersea sediment flows, allowing them to track the longest-runout sediment flows ever recorded. The study reveals that turbulent mixing with seawater influences the behavior of these powerful canyon-flushing turbidity currents over long distances.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 25, 2025

High PM2.5 levels in Delhi-NCR largely independent of Punjab-Haryana crop fires

The study used a network of 30 sites to analyze air pollution in Delhi-NCR and found that crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana has a lower contribution to PM2.5 levels than previously thought. The research suggests that the buildup of PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR is primarily of local origin.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 4, 2025

Simon Stellmer receives ERC Proof of Concept Grant

Professor Simon Stellmer from the University of Bonn is awarded a €150,000 ERC Proof of Concept Grant to improve measurement accuracy and monitor ground motion with high-precision rotation sensors. The technology aims to enhance natural disaster early warning systems and commercialize innovative gyroscope technology.

Family income predicts adult problems more than neighborhood poverty

A new study published in the Journal of Public Health found that household income is a stronger predictor of several major health-related problems for 17-year-olds than growing up in a poor neighborhood. The study also found that family income has a more consistent impact on health outcomes across different neighborhood groups.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 10, 2024

Autonomous imaging robot plays a crucial role in assessing embryos’ response to environmental change

The LabEmbryoCam is a robotic instrument that autonomously monitors embryonic development in aquatic species, providing insights into how environmental conditions impact early life stages. The open-source instrument enables scientists to track key features such as heart rate and growth in large numbers of embryos simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalHardwareX·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Warming temperatures may shrink wetland carbon sinks

A global study using teabags to measure carbon release from soil in wetlands found that warmer temperatures led to increased decay of organic matter, reducing carbon preservation. Freshwater and tidal marshes showed the highest potential for carbon storage.

SourceRMIT University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2024

The world's first nuclear clock

Scientists at TU Wien and JILA/NIST have successfully created the world's first nuclear clock, leveraging thorium atomic nuclei to achieve ultra-high precision measurements. The breakthrough combines a high-precision optical atomic clock with a high-energy laser system, setting the stage for future improvements in precision.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

CalTech team develops first noninvasive method to continually measure true blood pressure

A CalTech research team has developed a noninvasive device that uses sound waves and ultrasound to measure true blood pressure continuously, providing full waveform data without the need for invasive procedures. The device holds promise for improved vital-sign monitoring at home, in hospitals, and in remote locations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration

A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Juno spacecraft measures oxygen production on Jupiter’s moon, Europa

The Juno spacecraft has directly measured charged oxygen and hydrogen molecules from Europa's atmosphere, providing key constraints on the potential oxygenation of its subsurface ocean. The findings suggest that oxygen is continuously produced in the surface ice shell, with an estimated 12 kg per second, which could support habitability.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 5, 2024

Black carbon sensor could fill massive monitoring gaps

A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSensors·DateFeb 26, 2024

SwRI scientists identify water molecules on asteroids for the first time

Scientists detected water molecules on two asteroids, Iris and Massalia, indicating a distribution of water in our solar system that can inform searches for life beyond Earth. The discovery was made possible by using the FORCAST instrument to isolate mid-infrared spectral signatures indicative of molecular water.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 12, 2024

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Disability, Politecnico di Milano experiments with AI to make historic city centers accessible

Researchers used machine learning and mobile mapping systems to analyze the town of Sabbioneta's streets and pavements, identifying accessible trajectories and paths for citizens with motor disabilities. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of AI in assessing physical accessibility in historic urban contexts.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 1, 2023

Dense measurement network revealed high level of PM2.5 in Punjab due to crop residue burning and its transport to Haryana and Delhi NCR

A recent study used a dense measurement network to track the transport of crop residue burning pollutants from Punjab to Delhi NCR, revealing high levels of PM2.5. The measurements showed that the Indian national air quality standard for PM2.5 were frequently exceeded in the region.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

Investigators identify translation gaps in instrument that measures nursing practice environment

Researchers have identified translation gaps in the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, a tool measuring nursing practice environments. The study found that half of available translations require additional cultural equivalence or psychometric evaluation, highlighting an area for improvement to support worldwide quali...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNursing and Health Sciences·DateJul 27, 2023