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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 285


Page 285 of 512

MSU researchers team with colleagues in $3.7M project to advance nuclear physics

Researchers at MSU are working on a $3.7M project to create more accurate models of scientific phenomena using Bayesian statistics and machine learning. The team aims to improve the characterization and reduction of uncertainties in nuclear processes, making it easier for scientists to design experiments and allocate resources.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·DateJun 18, 2020

Two-dimensional carbon networks

Researchers have developed a simple bottom-up synthesis method for graphdiyne, a two-dimensional carbon network with adjustable electronic properties. The material demonstrates excellent lithium-storage capacity and stability, making it suitable for electrochemical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Cancer drug cures COVID-19 patient with acute respiratory distress

A cancer drug called ruxolitinib was used to treat a COVID-19 patient with acute respiratory distress, resulting in clinical stabilization and rapid improvement in respiration and heart function. The treatment's success has led to the approval of a clinical trial to test its effect on additional COVID-19 patients.

SourcePhilipps-Universität Marburg·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 18, 2020

Study: Urban density not linked to higher coronavirus infection rates — and is linked to lower COVID-19 death rates

A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no significant association between urban density and COVID-19 infection rates. However, it was linked to lower COVID-19 death rates, possibly due to better healthcare systems in densely populated areas. Larger metropolitan areas with closely linked counties are ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateJun 18, 2020

KU Leuven researchers shed new light on solar flares

Researchers at KU Leuven have created a self-consistent simulation of solar flares, allowing them to calculate the energy conversion efficiency. This breakthrough enables the prediction of key aspects of space weather phenomena, including the Northern Lights.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 18, 2020

Off the scales: Fish armor both tough and flexible

Researchers characterized carp scales using X-ray imaging, revealing a toughening mechanism called adaptive reorientation. The study's findings may inspire the design of advanced synthetic materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateJun 18, 2020
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.

Women and men still choose partners like they used to

Research from Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that people tend to choose partners based on similar criteria as they did in the past. Key findings suggest a lack of significant changes in partner selection over the past three decades.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 18, 2020

A deep-learned E-skin decodes complex human motion

A deep-learning powered single-strained electronic skin sensor captures complex five-finger motions in real-time, creating a virtual 3D hand. The sensor's rapid situation learning system ensures stable operation regardless of its position on the skin.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nanoparticle for overcoming leukemia treatment resistance

UConn researchers use patented nanoparticle with common chemotherapy drug doxorubicin to target leukemia stem cells, reducing treatment-resistant relapses. The nanoparticle enables slow release of the drug to bone marrow, improving survival rates and inhibiting cancerous stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2020

Bobwhites listen to each other when picking habitat

Researchers found that northern bobwhites are drawn to habitats based on the presence of other birds, which could aid in conservation efforts. This phenomenon, called conspecific attraction, was studied using recordings of bobwhite songs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Field Ornithology·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers study a novel type of extracellular vesicles

The study reveals that matrix-bound vesicles (MBVs) have a similar size to liquid-phase EVs but contain different proteins, lipids, and microRNAs. MBVs also share common characteristics with parent cells, suggesting a possible origin from mitochondria.

SourceSechenov University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 18, 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.

Study shows sedentary behavior independently predicts cancer mortality

A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that greater inactivity is independently associated with a higher risk of dying from cancer. Replacing sedentary time with physical activity, such as 30 minutes of cycling or walking, can lower this risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 18, 2020

New Argentine fossils uncover history of celebrated conifer group

Researchers discovered well-preserved conifer fossils in Patagonia that show the Araucaria genus has roots in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The findings suggest that relatives of Norfolk Island pines were part of a rainforest stretching across Australasia and Antarctica.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 18, 2020
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.

The first model proposed to simulate the functioning of concept cells in the brain

Researchers from Lobachevsky University and international colleagues have developed a model that demonstrates the existence of concept cells in the brain, which can process and learn abstract concepts. The study suggests that individual neurons, rather than large neuronal complexes, are responsible for complex tasks performed by humans.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Less sleep reduces positive feelings

A study found that sleeping less than normal impairs positive feelings, reducing joy, enthusiasm, and attention. Participants experienced a flattening of emotions when they slept less, scoring worse on accuracy tests. This impact persists for multiple days after sleep deprivation, affecting mental health.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 18, 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.

Researchers identify key steps in development of kidneys

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that a protein called AP-2 beta induces expression of KCTD1, which triggers kidney structure differentiation. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches to block reactivation of beta-catenin in the adult kidney to inhibit renal fibrosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 18, 2020

New research says displaying fake reviews increases consumer trust in platforms by 80%

A new study published in INFORMS Journal Information Systems Research suggests that displaying fake reviews alongside truthful ones can increase consumer trust in review platforms by 80%. Consumers want to view both types of reviews together, and this transparency can help build trust. The study also highlights the importance of provid...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJun 18, 2020

Goodbye 'extinction,' hello 'evanescence'? Validating a new paradigm

A new article validates the paradigm of multigenerational attritional loss of reproductive fitness (MALF) as a complete explanation for extinction. This shift from 'extinction' to 'evanescence' provides a clearer understanding of cause and effect, allowing for intervention in ongoing extinction events.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateJun 18, 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.

Popular doesn't mean influential among Cambodian farmers

Researchers found that providing less popular farmers with new information and technologies leads to wider community adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study suggests that relying on prominent farmers may not be effective in spreading sustainable practices.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateJun 18, 2020

Human brain size gene triggers bigger brain in monkeys

Researchers find that the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B causes an enlarged neocortex in common marmosets, a non-human primate. The study suggests that this gene may have played a key role in the expansion of the human neocortex during evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Strenuous daily exercise may shorten, not prolong, longevity

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology found that Kabuki actors had shorter lifespans compared to other traditional arts performers who led sedentary lifestyles. The study suggests that excessive endurance training and physical activity may overwhelm the beneficial aspects of regular exercise.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateJun 18, 2020

Vapor fix lifts up perovskite crystal performance

Researchers from KAUST developed a simple and noninvasive treatment to optimize perovskite solar cell materials. A bromine vapor treatment penetrates the surface of crystals, removing defects and producing a dramatic increase in electrical conductivity and carrier mobility.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 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.

Diabetic ketoacidosis threatens hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common and severe complication in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, causing dehydration and breathing difficulties. A new clinical perspective outlines simpler methods of management to protect healthcare providers and keep ICU beds available for severe cases.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 18, 2020

Hookworm trial offers new hope to MS patients

Researchers found that infecting patients with a safe dose of Necator americanus induces immunoregulatory responses and boosts regulatory T cells, which help control the immune system. The study showed that more than half of patients receiving the hookworm had no new lesions at all.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 18, 2020

Clear signs of brain injury with severe COVID-19

A study from University of Gothenburg found that COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms exhibited brain injury signs, including elevated GFAP and NfL biomarkers. These biomarkers were also associated with disease severity and ventilator treatment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers study catastrophic disease events in marine mammals

A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 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.

Optogenetic odors reveal the logic of olfactory perception

Researchers created an electrical signature that mimics an odor in the brain's smell-processing center, advancing our understanding of olfactory perception. The approach revealed key spatial and temporal neural features that combine to form a code for converting sensory information into perception of an odor

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 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.

Researchers discover unique material design for brain-like computations

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a unique material design inspired by the human brain's neural structure for brain-like computations. This design strategy promises orders of magnitude reductions in power consumption, suitable for complex data classification and processing.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalMaterials Today·DateJun 18, 2020

Neandertal genes in the petri dish

A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers used stem cells and organoids to analyze the role of Neandertal DNA in human development. The team found that archaic DNA is present in nearly all modern humans outside Africa, with certain genes associated with skin and hair color being highly prevalent in Europeans.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 18, 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.

Scientists decode how the brain senses smell

Researchers have decoded the brain's smell-processing center, identifying a code for converting sensory information into perception. By manipulating nerve signaling, they found changes in glomeruli activation led to significant drops in odor recognition accuracy, with timing and order crucial for correct detection.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Veterinary medicine: Risk factors for heatstroke in UK dogs

A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Fish fossils become buried treasure

Researchers discovered that ancient fish fossils near Japan hold valuable rare-earth elements, indicating potential new global supply sources. The findings suggest that fish populations were drawn to specific locations due to climate change and underwater geology, resulting in concentrated deposits of these metals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 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.

Exploring mass dependence in electron-hole clusters

Research by Alexei Frolov finds distinct relationships between particle masses and cluster properties, improving understanding of semiconductors' optical spectra. The study's formulas could be adapted to describe clusters with varying masses, enabling finer tuning of semiconductor properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 18, 2020

Homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 30 days

A new study found that homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days due to chronic diseases and limited access to medical care. The study, conducted across three states, revealed a 17% combined 30-day readmission rate among homeless patients compared to 14% among housed individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 2020

How EU safety legislation has affected UK vapers

A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that EU safety regulations have reassured UK vapers but also led to concerns about restricted e-liquid products and black market sales. The research highlights the need for awareness about vaping product safety and regulation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateJun 18, 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.

Cloning stem cells to find a cure for Crohn's disease

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified three different stem cell types in Crohn's biopsies, with two variants contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. The team is developing new drug therapies to selectively destroy these rogue cells and create new treatments for pediatric and adult Crohn's disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 18, 2020