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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 272


Page 272 of 512
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.

Improved medical imaging improves cancer staging

Researchers developed a novel photoacoustic imaging method using clinically-approved carbon nanoparticles to trace lymph nodes and guide fine needle aspiration biopsies. The technique improved image quality and accuracy for breast cancer staging, offering a promising alternative to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 28, 2020

'Spear and shield' inspire high toughness microstructure

A team of scientists designed a discontinuous fibrous Bouligand architecture to create exceptional fracture toughness and crack orientation insensitivity. The study reveals the origin of biomimetic microstructures for high-performance advanced composite materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2020

Trends in the global burden of thyroid cancer

The global burden of thyroid cancer has increased significantly between 1990 and 2017, with a notable rise in younger age groups. The study found that the incidence rate varied greatly across different regions and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 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.

A new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease revealed by the 3D structure of Aβ protein

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

Planning for a growing elderly population

The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2020

Analyzing matter's building blocks

Nobuo Sato has been awarded a five-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop the FemtoAnalyzer, a tool that will help nuclear physicists image the three-dimensional internal structure of protons and neutrons. The project aims to produce unprecedented resolution in understanding the building blocks of matter.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 26, 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.

Cellulose for manufacturing advanced materials

Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateJun 26, 2020

Neuromarketing of taste

Marina Domracheva and Sofya Kulikova discovered a new method to analyze perceived similarity of food products using electroencephalography signals. They found that the power of gamma oscillations can reflect similarities in a cross-modal approach, providing a useful tool for neuromarketing studies.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 26, 2020

Life-emulating molecules show basic metabolism

Researchers discovered that self-replicating molecules can act as catalysts, speeding up ring formation and exhibiting a primitive form of metabolism. The system uses light energy to power growth, bringing artificial life one step closer.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Zhao receives NSF CAREER Award

Liang Zhao at George Mason University has been awarded a $102,873 NSF CAREER Award to develop transformative frameworks for spatial network generative modeling. The project aims to learn complex generation processes from massive datasets and create more interpretable models.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 26, 2020

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite analyzes Saharan dust aerosol blanket

The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed the expansive Saharan dust plume, which extended over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and impacted air quality in North and South America. The aerosol particles have significant effects on human health, weather, and climate, including cooling or warming the earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 2020

Sexist views on education within families affect future academic choices

A study by UOC researchers found that sexist views within families can impact academic decisions, with girls more likely to confront sexism and seek help, while boys tend to avoid it. The study also highlights the importance of educating both boys and girls on equality and dealing with sexism.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychology Revista de Psicología Social·DateJun 26, 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.

Computational model decodes speech by predicting it

Researchers from UNIGE developed a computational model that reproduces the brain's mechanism for analyzing spoken language. The model uses predictive coding to optimize perception by constantly trying to predict sensory signals. It has successfully recognized thousands of syllables in hundreds of sentences, validating the idea that neu...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

New study examines recursive thinking

A multi-institutional research team found that humans and non-human primates can represent recursive sequences, suggesting a universal cognitive ability. The study's findings dispel the long-held belief that only humans possess this capacity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 26, 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.

Chemistry paves the way for improved electronic materials

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, enabling its use in high-frequency electronics. The indium triazenide molecule allows for epitaxial growth of indium nitride on silicon carbide substrates, producing extremely pure material.

SourceLinköping University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 26, 2020

Beacon from the early universe

The discovery of Po?niua??ena, the second-most distant quasar, sheds light on the formation of massive black holes and galaxies in the young universe. The quasar's existence challenges current theories, requiring a new mechanism to explain its massive size formed so early in the universe's history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers report a lower incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) therapy. Further investigation is warranted to understand the findings' implications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and randomized trials.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 26, 2020

More evidence of causal link between air pollution and early death

Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2020
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.

Children more resilient against coronavirus, study reveals

A large systematic review of children with COVID-19 from 26 countries found that most cases had mild symptoms, with 19% having no symptoms. Laboratory findings showed abnormal inflammatory markers, but severe cases were rare, with only seven deaths reported.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 26, 2020

Non-tobacco plant identified in ancient pipe for first time

Researchers identified Rhus glabra, a smooth sumac plant, as the first non-tobacco plant found in an archeological pipe. The discovery sheds light on ancient plant mixtures used by Native American tribes for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateJun 26, 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.

The nature of nuclear forces imprinted in photons

Researchers confirmed the need to include three-nucleon interactions in electromagnetic transitions, using state-of-the-art gamma-ray detectors and femtosecond lifetimes measurements. The experiment found significant differences in lifetime predictions between two-body and three-body nuclear interactions.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateJun 26, 2020

Unknown currents in Southern Ocean have been observed with help of seals

Using highly novel techniques, researchers observed upper ocean currents of approximately 0.1-10 km in size, critical for controlling heat and carbon movement between the ocean and atmosphere. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of small-scale ocean and climate processes with impacts globally.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 26, 2020
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.

New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 26, 2020

Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005

Long-term use of muscle relaxants has increased dramatically since 2005, particularly among older adults, who are prescribed these drugs at a rate nearly three times that of their proportion in the US population. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to dangerous interactions with opioids and other serious side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

Gas cooker exposure can lower blood pressure, study finds

A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...

SourceKing's College London·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 26, 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.

Al2Pt for oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids developed a new intermetallic compound Al2Pt as a precursor for oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst material. The compound's reduced density of states and polar chemical bonding provide inherent OER activity, increasing stability under harsh oxidative conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 26, 2020

WHOI researcher dives to Challenger Deep

Dr. Ying-Tsong Lin, the 12th person in history to visit Challenger Deep, is an acoustic scientist studying sound propagation in the ocean. His research aims to improve acoustic communication and geo-location at extreme depths.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJun 26, 2020

Stephen S. Fuller Institute updating Affordable Housing Master Plan

The Stephen S. Fuller Institute is updating Arlington County's affordable housing master plan using the latest available data from the American Community Survey. The researchers will analyze housing needs, affordability, and population forecasts to provide a comprehensive set of statistics for county officials.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 26, 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.

Developing new techniques to improve atomic force microscopy

Developing new techniques to improve atomic force microscopy has reduced the noise associated with the technique. By utilizing a piezo component to maintain zero deflection, researchers can record IR signals with improved precision and image smaller sample volumes, like cell membranes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

Tiny Japanese dinosaur eggs help unscramble Cretaceous ecosystem

A new study reveals a nest of exceptionally small non-avian theropod egg fossils in Japan, providing insights into Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The Kamitaki Egg Quarry yielded over 1300 fossil eggs, mostly belonging to the newly discovered Himeoolithus murakamii genus.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCretaceous Research·DateJun 26, 2020
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.

Pantera leo's family tree takes shape

Researchers have expanded the lion species' family tree through genetic analysis, revealing two main branches and shedding light on subspecies relationships. The study suggests that cave lions diverged from modern lions around 500,000 years ago, with some populations showing minimal interbreeding.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2020

FCC grant to expand UVA Health's COVID-19 telehealth care

The Federal Communications Commission awarded UVA Health a $767,139 grant to expand its use of telehealth for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support remote patient monitoring, virtual urgent care, and videoconferencing to reduce exposure for patients and care providers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 26, 2020

Process for 'two-faced' nanomaterials may aid energy, information tech

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 26, 2020
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.

SNAP work requirements put low-income Americans at risk

A new study finds that SNAP work requirements lead to a 21% drop in program participation among adults aged 18-49. Black adults experience a significantly higher loss of food assistance benefits compared to white adults, with disabled individuals also facing significant declines.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

A free hobby as part of the school day for all chil­dren in Fin­land

The Finnish model combines research, collaboration, and consultation with children to provide free hobby services as part of the school day, focusing on well-being and accessibility. The initiative has shown promising results in strengthening cultural capital and promoting active participation in society.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·DateJun 26, 2020