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Science News Archive 2020


Page 114 of 512

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

More young adults are abstaining from alcohol

A new study by the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that more college-age Americans are abstaining from alcohol, with a significant decrease in alcohol misuse. However, the study also shows an increase in marijuana use and co-use of alcohol and marijuana.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Primates aren't quite frogs

Scientists have discovered that spinal modules in macaques can independently control forelimb force direction and magnitude, offering new insights into movement disorders and potential recovery methods. This finding, known as the 'spinal motor module hypothesis,' has significant implications for robotics and clinical medicine.

COVID-19 pandemic and $16 trillion virus

The study aggregates mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, and economic losses to estimate the total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The estimated cost is $16 trillion, with an optimistic assumption that the pandemic will be substantially contained by fall 2021.

One-two punch

Researchers found that repeated droughts generally increase a forest's detrimental effects, making trees more vulnerable to stress. Conifers are particularly affected due to their vascular systems, which sustain more damage in initial droughts and hinder recovery.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to catch fire

Researchers at the University of Virginia are working on a project to improve the durability and efficiency of air-breathing hypersonic engines. Using advanced laser techniques, they aim to capture snapshots of gas-phase combustion reactions in supersonic environments.

New grant fuels better nutrient management in vineyards

A new grant from Cornell University's researchers will help vineyard growers identify and address nutrient deficiencies. Using high-resolution sensors, they aim to provide precise information on nutrient levels and enable real-time decision-making for better yield and environmental sustainability.

Moon to Earth: WA to host space communications station

A new optical communications ground station is being built in Western Australia to receive high-speed data transmissions from space. The station will be part of a larger network and support groundbreaking projects, including NASA's Artemis mission.

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.

Scientists discover mosquitoes' unique blood-taste detectors

Researchers found a group of neurons in female mosquitoes' stylets that activate only when sugar, salt, and other components of blood are present together. This discovery opens the door to further examination of novel forms of taste detection and unique feeding strategies.

COVID-19 recovery at home possible for most patients

A new study published in Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open confirms that most patients with COVID-19 symptoms can recover safely at home. The study found that none of the patients died and fewer than 1% required intensive care.

Hurricanes, heavy rains are critical for Hawai'i's groundwater supply

Research led by University of Hawai'i at Mānoa scientists reveals that rain from hurricanes and Kona storms is a key source of fresh water for Hawaii's groundwater. The study analyzed rainfall and stable isotopes to determine the origin of water in aquifers, finding significant amounts of rainwater recharging groundwater.

Single gene disorders not so simple after all

A new study finds that patients with single gene disorders like Bardet-Biedl syndrome carry three times as many additional mutations, clustered around specific genes, which contribute to disease severity. This discovery challenges the traditional view of simple vs complex disorders and opens up new avenues for therapy development.

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.

Using electric current to stabilize low-permeability soils

Scientists at EPFL's LMS have developed a geoelectrochemical system that enhances biocement production and improves soil stabilization for low-permeability clay soils. The method harnesses bacterial metabolism and electric current to produce calcite crystals that durably bond soil particles together.

14 recommendations for the protection of freshwater biodiversity beyond 2020

The article highlights the urgent need to protect freshwater biodiversity, with international research team IGB issuing 14 recommendations for political follow-up agreements. The recommendations focus on recognizing inland waters as a separate ecological 'third realm' and improving monitoring and management of freshwater ecosystems.

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.

Rainforest at biosphere 2 offers glimpse into future of the Amazon

A new study published in Nature Plants suggests that tropical forests like the one at Biosphere 2 may be more resilient to predicted temperature increases than previously thought. The rainforest's ability to photosynthesize steadily even at high temperatures, up to 38C, challenges current climate change predictions for the Amazon.

New therapy improves treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Chicago have designed a new therapy for multiple sclerosis by fusing a cytokine to a blood protein. This combination prevented destructive immune cells from infiltrating the central nervous system and decreased MS development, leading to fewer symptoms and disease prevention.

Reward-related brain region predicts childhood weight gain

A study using MRI found a positive association between nucleus accumbens cellular density and waist circumference in childhood. Higher cellular density predicted greater increases in waist circumference over time, linking unhealthy eating to obesity.

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.

Mental health disorders related to COVID-19-related deaths

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in mental health disorders and substance use issues, with evidence indicating a significant increase in these conditions. Researchers have found that the pandemic's impact on daily life has contributed to this rise.

The perfect angle for e-skin energy storage

Materials scientists developed a method to spray graphene ink onto flexible substrates at a specific angle and temperature, creating micro-supercapacitors with excellent performance. The new design stores up to 2 times more charge per square centimeter than previous devices, making it suitable for wearable electronic skin devices.

Improved mobility in frail and elderly adults linked to common gene variant

Research finds that older, frail adults with a high-dopamine genotype are more likely to maintain a faster gait and may be more resilient to mobility disablement as they age. The study suggests that dopamine levels could influence mobility in elderly populations, with potential implications for pharmacologic supplements.

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.

Human impacts on carnivore foraging and trophic niches

A study examining the impact of human activity on carnivore niches found that more than a quarter of average carnivore diets consist of human food. Human disturbance leads to significant dietary changes, increasing trophic niche overlap and conflict among species.

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.

Scientists develop new precise therapeutic leukemia vaccine

Researchers have developed a new type of precise therapeutic vaccine against leukemia utilizing self-healing polylactic acid microcapsules. The vaccine co-encapsulates a new epitope peptide and PD-1 antibody, demonstrating superior performance over commercialized adjuvants in various models.

Machine-learning technique from Sandia Labs could improve fusion energy outputs

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a machine-learning technique to improve the control of nuclear fusion reactions, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production. By modifying reactor walls using computer-generated data, they aim to reduce damage from plasma interactions and i...

Getting the full scope

Researchers aim to understand how electrical stimulation affects glia and vasculature in the brain, with potential implications for treating neurological diseases. They'll use two-photon microscopy and optogenetics to investigate inner workings of the brain.

The distance local energy goes to bring power to the people

A study by the University of California, Davis, compares three types of energy providers in California, finding that community choice aggregations (CCAs) purchased more renewable energy but went farther to source it. The study highlights the need for energy providers to prioritize local and renewable sources.

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.

Literal rise of the internet enables new climate science

Researchers aim to improve weather and climate prediction by modeling atmospheric gravity waves using Loon LLC's internet-connected balloon data. The project will help scientists better understand the impact of these wave phenomena on jet streams, polar vortex, and extreme weather.

Which is more creative, the arts or the sciences?

Research shows that creativity in science and arts are similar, indicating the need for holistic teaching approaches to foster creative capabilities. This study provides valuable insight into assessing and developing students' creative skills.

Improved insecticide for malaria control

A study developed a new crystal structure of deltamethrin that kills mosquitoes 12 times faster than the original form. This could lead to more effective malaria control even in areas with high insecticide resistance.

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.

Fuels, not fire weather, control carbon emissions in boreal forest

A large retrospective study suggests that the amount of carbon stored in soils is the biggest predictor of how much carbon will combust during a fire. The study found that soil moisture was also significant in predicting carbon release, and that vegetation patterns were complex and interacted with each other to predict combustion amounts.

Clinical study aims to better understand COVID-19 immunity

The COVID PROFILE study aims to investigate the immune response to COVID-19, understanding how long protection lasts and predicting reinfection. Researchers will follow participants for 12 months with regular blood samples and nose and throat swabs.

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.

Liquid metals come to the rescue of semiconductors

Scientists at UNSW have created a method to produce high-quality two-dimensional MoS2 semiconductors without grain boundaries. By using gallium metal in its liquid state, researchers were able to form the desired MoS2 material on an atomically smooth surface, paving the way for ultra-low energy electronics with fast switching speeds.

VAV1 gene mutations trigger T-cell tumors in mice

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered how VAV1 gene mutations can promote the development of T-cell tumors in laboratory mice. The study found that mice with both VAV1 mutations and lack of p53 developed mature tumors resembling human peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

New research on SARS-CoV-2 virus 'survivability'

New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days, with longer survival times found on smooth surfaces like glass and stainless steel. The study suggests establishing surface survivability is critical for developing risk mitigation strategies in high contact areas.

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.

In the eye of a stellar cyclone

Apep, the newest star to join an elite club of elegant binary pairs, has been found to break all rules. Its dust spiral is expanding four times slower than the measured stellar winds, a phenomenon unheard of in other systems. This discovery makes Apep a strong contender for producing a gamma-ray burst when it does finally explode.

Osteoarthritis biomarker could help 300 million people worldwide

Researchers at UniSA have identified a new biomarker for osteoarthritis using mass spectrometry imaging, which may improve early diagnosis and treatment. The study found specific sugars associated with damaged tissue compared to healthy tissue, potentially helping slow the progression of the disease.

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.

Sapphires show their true colors: Not water-loving

Researchers found that sapphire crystal faces exhibit contact angles far greater than 10°, with the (1-102) face being hydrophobic. This discovery provides insights into intrinsic wettability and its potential applications in materials science and technology.