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Science News Archive 2020


Page 16 of 512

ARPA-E funds UVA-led team to develop new coating for turbine engin

A UVA-led team has been awarded $600,000 to develop a new coating that will enable a niobium alloy to perform at 1800°C. The HERO coating aims to increase the materials' temperature tolerance by 200 degrees Celsius, addressing a critical challenge in turbine engine technology.

Balancing climate and development goals

A new study explores the climate consequences of developing countries reaching a specific per-capita GDP level before reducing carbon emissions. The research suggests that delaying decarbonization in these countries would result in less than 0.3°C of additional warming and only a 6% increase in total cumulative CO2 emissions by 2100.

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.

Penn vision researchers honored by End Blindness 2020

Researchers Gustavo D. Aguirre, Jean Bennett, and Albert M. Maguire receive $1 million prize for developing FDA-approved gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis, a genetic disease causing visual impairments. Their work has enabled routine treatment of the condition, restoring vision in children and adults.

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.

New, ultrastable tetrahedral "chiral zinc" added to synthetic chemistry toolbox

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have designed a new tetrahedral 'chiral zinc' molecule with exceptional stability and catalytic activity. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in pharmaceuticals and optical electronics by allowing for more efficient synthesis of chiral molecules, which are essential for many drugs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

DARPA and JPEO-CBRND award $37.6M to The Wistar Institute and collaborators

Scientists at The Wistar Institute, INOVIO, AstraZeneca, and Indiana University are developing synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) to combat COVID-19. These novel therapeutics instruct the body to produce highly specific antibodies against pathogens, offering advantages in scale-up and delivery.

Weak force has strong impact on nanosheets

Rice University scientists found that van der Waals force can indent rigid nanosheets, changing their electromagnetic properties. The researchers discovered that the force is sufficient to deform 8-nanometer-thick silver sheets into curvilinear structures with potential applications in nanophotonic research and catalytic systems.

Do tumors stiff-arm the immune system?

Tumor cells produce excess complement protein iC3b to mask abnormal proteins, evading immune cell attack. The immune system relies on a flexible receptor CR3 to distinguish between 'I belong' and 'I don't belong' tags.

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.

Earable computing: A new research area in the making

The SyNRG team at the University of Illinois is exploring a new sub-area of mobile technology called 'earable computing' that will run on earphones. This platform aims to continuously sense human behavior, provide acoustic augmented reality, and offer seamless security, among other capabilities.

Gene therapy for placental insufficiency moves toward the clinic

A new study identified an adenovirus gene therapy vector carrying a VEGF isoform that can improve uterine blood flow in placental insufficiency. Reduced uterine blood flow and lack of bioavailable VEGF are major causes of severe fetal growth restriction, leading to serious neonatal morbidity and death.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

St. Edward's University study finds a manly beard may help drive sales

A study by St. Edward's University found that bearded sales personnel are viewed as more expert and trustworthy than clean-shaven counterparts, leading to increased purchase likelihood and satisfaction. The researchers discovered this effect regardless of the salesperson's race or ethnicity, age, attractiveness, and context.

An avocado a day keeps your gut microbes happy

A new study from the University of Illinois found that consuming avocados as part of a daily meal increased beneficial bacteria and improved gut health in adults with overweight or obesity. The research also showed that avocado consumption reduced bile acids and increased short-chain fatty acids, leading to positive health outcomes.

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.

Supporting renewable electricity: EU member states should coordinate reform efforts

A new study highlights the importance of coordinated policy reforms in supporting renewable electricity across EU member states. Without coordination, investors may shift their focus to subsidized technologies or countries with available subsidies, increasing the overall costs of expanding renewable energy generation in Europe. Strengt...

Fighting hypertension through electrical impulses

Researchers used bioelectronic stimulation to modulate lymphocyte activation in the spleen, potentially influencing hypertension. The study suggests a non-pharmacological approach to treating high blood pressure.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles ease brain bleeding in newborn rats

Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University found that stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles can reduce severe intraventricular hemorrhage-induced brain injuries in newborn rats. The neuroprotection is primarily mediated by BDNF transfer via EVs, providing a promising potential treatment for bleeding in the brain.

Drug may boost vaccine responses in older adults

A preliminary study found that a drug helping immune cells self-clean can improve vaccine protection in older adults. The drug boosts autophagy, which is blunted in older individuals, restoring immune cell function and enhancing vaccination efficiency.

Finland makes use of excellent population research data

The COHORT Academy Programme has become a global leader in collaborative use of existing research data, integrating basic and clinical research to improve scientific impact. This collaboration is exemplified by six multidisciplinary projects that combined different datasets for healthy ageing studies.

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.

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.

Evapotranspiration in an arid environment

Researchers quantify water usage of landscape plants in arid environments to inform irrigation practices. The study found that mature trees become more water efficient, reducing the need for turfgrass, and that removing turfgrass can lead to significant water savings.

Novel MRI contrast agent sidesteps toxic effects of current products

Researchers developed a manganese-based contrast agent that is diagnostically equivalent to gadolinium-based contrast agents but without the toxicity, offering a safer alternative for patients with chronic kidney disease. The new agent, Mn-PyC3A, is rapidly and completely eliminated from the body and does not accumulate in tissues.

3D printers may be toxic for humans

Research studies have found that 3D printer emissions can cause moderate toxicity in human lung cells and minimal toxicity in rats. The emitted particles can affect indoor air quality and public health, particularly for children who are more susceptible to the effects of these emissions.

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.

Poverty linked to higher risk of Covid-19 death, study suggests

A nationwide study found that people in Scotland's poorest areas were more likely to be affected by severe Covid-19 and die from the disease. The study highlights the need for extra support to critical care units in poorer areas and tackling health inequalities.

What is an aerosol-generating procedure?

Aerosol-generating medical procedures are a concern due to their high SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk. Four key factors discussed in the article highlight the importance of understanding and mitigating these risks.

The mask matters: How masks affect airflow, protection effectiveness

Researchers found that wearing a mask can actually increase the inhalation of aerosols into the nose, making fine particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers more problematic. The study suggests that choosing a more effective mask and wearing it properly are crucial to curb COVID-19 transmission.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Bermudagrass versus the armyworm

Researchers evaluated 14 experimental bermudagrasses for resistance to fall armyworm damage, identifying a few promising genotypes that are comparable to the industry standard 'TifTuf'. These new genotypes may offer an alternative to environmentally unsound insecticides and help reduce turfgrass damage.

New fullerene crystal production method 50 times faster than predecessor

Researchers have successfully developed a highly efficient technique for producing one-dimensional fullerene crystals, called fullerene finned-micropillar (FFMP), that can be produced in an hour. The team achieved this significant breakthrough by utilizing a small heating apparatus and annealing process.

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.

Digital trackers for mental health not yet fit for purpose

A University of Bath expert cautions that digital trackers for mental health are not yet fit for purpose due to unclear links between online and offline behavior. The researcher highlights concerns over privacy, data protection, and the potential impact on vulnerable populations.