Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 111


Page 111 of 512

Cameras that can learn

Researchers from the University of Bristol and Manchester have developed cameras that can learn and process visual information in real-time, eliminating the need to record and transmit images. This breakthrough enables intelligent machines to perceive the world more efficiently and securely.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateOct 13, 2020

Perception of risk and optimism barriers in behavior during coronavirus

A study by King's College London found that people tend to believe they are less likely to contract COVID-19 than others, leading to comparative optimism and potentially poorer compliance with lockdown guidelines. This perception of low risk can make individuals more relaxed about future lockdown measures, increasing the likelihood of ...

SourceKing's College London·JournalHealth Expectations·DateOct 13, 2020

Sleep health dictates success of practicing mindfulness

Research published in Sleep Health found that extra 29 minutes of sleep per night can improve mindfulness, reducing daytime sleepiness. Better sleep leads to greater mindful attention, essential for healthcare workers providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalSleep Health·DateOct 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

IU study examines effects of low-level lead exposure and alcohol consumption

A new IU study found that low-level developmental lead exposure in mice may increase the propensity to relapse to alcohol consumption, making it harder for individuals to refrain from turning back to alcohol. The research also highlights the potential harm of even low levels of lead exposure and its association with cognitive impairments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 13, 2020

Young women who suffer a heart attack have worse outcomes than men

Women aged 50 or younger with a heart attack face higher mortality rates compared to their male counterparts. The study found that women were less likely to undergo invasive procedures after admission and to be treated with certain medications upon discharge.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 13, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

And the winner is... dependent on judging accountability

Research shows that high-status individuals can face biases in award decisions when judged publicly, but benefits from close social ties to judges in private settings. The study emphasizes the need for accountability and transparency in decision-making processes.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2020

Evolution: No social distancing at the beginning of life

A recent study challenges traditional views of bacterial life, finding that biofilms exhibit characteristics similar to animal embryogenesis. Researchers discovered that bacteria follow a developmental pattern, with stage-organized architecture and increased use of multicellularity genes, similar to those found in animal development.

SourceRuđer Bošković Institute·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateOct 13, 2020

Perovskite materials: Neutrons show twinning in halide perovskites

Scientists have used neutrons to study the twin structure of halide perovskites, a class of materials crucial for high-efficiency solar cells. The research reveals that crystals grown at room temperature also form twins, providing new insights into their crystallization and growth process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

How deadly parasites 'glide' into human cells

Scientists discovered how deadly parasites from the phylum Apicomplexa, such as Plasmodium and Toxoplasma, glide into human cells using actin and myosin proteins. The study reveals the molecular structure of essential light chains that facilitate gliding movements.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 13, 2020

Children's pain 'swept under the carpet for too long' - Lancet Commission

A major new report suggests that children's chronic pain is often ignored or undertreated, with up to 10% of young people experiencing disabling conditions. The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health Commission recommends four key goals: making childhood pain matter, understanding it, making it visible, and managing it effectively.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Well-formed disorder for versatile light technologies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel approach to frequency doubling in nonlinear crystals, utilizing disordered nanocrystals to achieve efficient light conversion. The method, which combines two seemingly irreconcilable approaches, enables wide-range frequency tuning and minimizes material usage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 13, 2020

Multiple neurodevelopmental conditions may lead to worse educational outcomes

Children with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions experience greater school absenteeism, poorer exam attainment, and increased unemployment. The study highlights the need for interventions to address the unique challenges faced by these children, who often fall through the cracks due to a lack of recognition of their complex needs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Layer of strength, layer of functionality for biomedical fibers

Researchers have developed core-sheath polymer fibers that combine strength with bioactivity, enabling various biomedical applications. The fibers can be tailored to specific needs by carefully selecting inner and outer layer materials, and can even include antiviral agents or drugs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 13, 2020

'Less pain' to remove tonsils

A 10-year study from Flinders University has found that removing only a portion of the tonsil can significantly reduce pain and bleeding after surgery. Children who underwent this partial removal procedure returned to normal activities in under half the time compared to those who had their entire tonsil removed.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

How psychological ownership can enhance stewardship for public goods

Research finds that increasing feelings of ownership towards a public good enhances stewardship behavior, causing individuals to take direct action to care for the setting. Participants who felt a sense of ownership were more likely to pick up trash or donate money to park maintenance efforts.

SourceNew York Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 13, 2020

Television advertising limits can reduce childhood obesity, study concludes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that restricting television advertising for food and beverages high in fat, sugar, and salt could lead to a significant reduction in childhood obesity rates. The research suggests that limiting ads between 5:30am and 9pm could result in a 4.6% decrease in obese children, equivalent to 40,000...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 13, 2020

Scientists replicated self-cleaning anti-reflective coating of insects' eyes

Researchers from Russia and Switzerland successfully replicated the self-cleaning anti-reflective coating found in fruit flies' eyes, which can be applied in various fields such as textiles, medical implants, and contact lenses. The new nanocoating boasts antimicrobial, anti-reflective, and self-cleaning properties.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Alcohol use changed right after COVID-19 lockdown

A study of twins found that one in four adults changed their alcohol use almost immediately after stay-at-home orders were issued, with 14% reporting higher levels of stress and anxiety. The study suggests a link between decreased drinking and increased mental health issues, highlighting the need for better support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 13, 2020

NASA animation tracks the end of Tropical Storm Delta

Tropical Storm Delta made landfall in Louisiana, weakening to a tropical depression with maximum sustained winds near 25 mph. The NASA Terra satellite captured visible imagery of the storm's organization, which was compiled into an animation showing its landfall and movement.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 13, 2020

Winners and losers of energy transition

A new UNIGE study models 100 feasible scenarios to achieve Central European electricity sector targets by 2035. The research highlights trade-offs between cost-efficiency, renewable electricity, and regional equality, suggesting a compromise is possible to share costs and benefits evenly across regions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals

The Great Barrier Reef has lost half its corals in the past three decades, with small, medium, and large coral populations declining by more than 50 percent. This decline is driven by climate change, which is causing record-breaking temperatures to trigger mass bleaching events.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateOct 13, 2020

UCF researchers are working on tech so machines can thermally 'breathe'

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a technology that enables large machines to breathe in and out cooling blasts of water, keeping their systems from overheating. The system uses pulsed water-jet cooling and has been found to be effective in cooling hot electronic devices and surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

American Pikas show resiliency in the face of global warming

Research by Arizona State University professor Andrew Smith finds that American pikas are adapting well to warm temperatures, with healthy populations across their range. The species is able to tolerate a broader set of habitat conditions than previously understood, coping with heat by retreating to underground habitats.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateOct 13, 2020

Trees and lawns beat the heat

A new study from the University of Utah reveals that mixed landscapes, comprising both trees and grass, are the most effective way to cool temperatures in the Salt Lake Valley. Lawns actually outperform trees in reducing daytime and nighttime temperatures by acting as a swamp cooler, while more open areas allow for better heat escape.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateOct 13, 2020

Empathy prevents COVID-19 spreading

A new study published in Psychological Science reveals that empathy is a key factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The research shows that individuals with higher empathy levels are more likely to keep their distance and wear face masks to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 13, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Modelling extreme magnetic fields and temperature variation on distant stars

A team of scientists developed a mathematical model simulating the disruption of heat distribution by strong magnetic fields, creating hotter and cooler regions that emit x-rays of differing intensity. The findings help explain the observed changes in brightness of magnetars studied over several decades.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 13, 2020

Cover crop could solve weed problems for edamame growers

A new study shows early-terminated rye can effectively suppress weeds in edamame without harming the crop, increasing yield and reducing contamination. However, other crops like lima bean may not benefit from this approach due to their nitrogen-fixing limitations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateOct 13, 2020

COVID-19 frequently causes neurological injuries

A new study shows that COVID-19 can cause neurological injuries in approximately one in seven infected patients. These injuries range from temporary confusion due to low oxygen levels to stroke and seizures in the most serious cases, significantly raising a patient's risk of dying while still in hospital.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Illinois research links soil nitrogen levels to corn yield and nitrogen losses

Researchers establish relationship between soil nitrogen at different growth stages and corn yield, finding a tradeoff between productivity and environmental impact. Soil nitrogen explains majority of grain yield variation, with optimal levels resulting in 22% yield increase.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 13, 2020

Machine learning predicts how long museum visitors will engage with exhibits

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a machine-learning model to predict how long individual visitors will engage with exhibits. The model achieved accurate predictions using only facial expressions and posture data, with better performance when visitors interacted with the exhibit for longer periods.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 13, 2020

Bacterial toxin with healing effect

A study by the University of Jena found that a toxic substance from Staphylococcus aureus stimulates immune cells to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue healing. The researchers also demonstrated that these substances promote tissue regeneration in an animal model.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 13, 2020
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 deep learning models: Fewer neurons, more intelligence

A new deep learning model inspired by tiny animals has shown decisive advantages over previous models in tasks such as autonomous driving. The model achieves better performance with fewer neurons and is more interpretable than complex 'black box' systems.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 13, 2020

SwRI's laser coating removal robot wins R&D 100 Award

The LCR robot can remove full-range aircraft coatings layer-by-layer, shortening processing time by up to 80% and reducing cost-per aircraft. It is compatible with all types of aircraft and helicopters, and can also be used for off-airframe parts.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateOct 13, 2020

Record high values of peak power with picosecond generators

Scientists developed compact solid-state pulse generators that can produce electrical pulses of less than one billionth of a second in duration and up to 50 billion watts in power. This breakthrough sets the groundwork for new applications in fields such as high-power microwave electronics and X-ray imaging devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

The puzzle of the strange galaxy made of 99.9% dark matter is solved

Astronomers find galaxy Dragonfly 44 has normal amount of dark matter, contrary to earlier claims. The team discovered only 20 globular clusters, reducing the amount of dark matter, and confirming that the galaxy is not unique or anomalous.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 13, 2020

Technique to recover lost single-cell RNA-sequencing information

MIT researchers developed a new technique to recapture lost information from single-cell RNA-sequencing, enabling the extraction of 10 times more data per cell. This breakthrough helps identify subtle differences between healthy and dysfunctional cells, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalImmunity·DateOct 13, 2020