Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive 2020


Page 4 of 512

High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz

An international team of scientists has developed a novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spanning 7 optical octaves from the UV to the THz. This breakthrough enables future research on time-domain analysis of substances, opening new opportunities for multimodal measurement approaches.

Capturing 40 years of climate change for an endangered Montana prairie

Researchers studied a 40-year-old bunchgrass prairie in Montana and found that climate change is altering the ecosystem. Annual aboveground primary production increased by 110%, but plant composition changed with a 108% increase in invasive species, while dicot non-grass plants decreased by 65%.

Perfect transmission through barrier using sound

A new study by the University of Hong Kong has experimentally proven the existence of Klein tunneling, where relativistic particles can pass through barriers with 100% transmission. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental physics and potential applications in sound manipulation and acoustic signal processing.

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.

Covering faces around kids won't mask emotions

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison psychologists shows that children can accurately identify emotions from faces covered by masks, suggesting they will adapt to real-life situations. The researchers found that even with parts of the face obscured, kids correctly identified emotions at a rate better than chance.

Tracing the many paths of vision

A new study decodes the molecular diversity of neurons in the zebrafish retina, identifying at least 32 different types of retinal ganglion cells. These cell types are linked to specific functions and behaviors, shedding light on how the brain processes visual stimuli.

Graz research group develops health portal of the future

A research group at Graz University of Technology is developing an interactive and adaptive health information system that uses machine learning and cognitive psychology to provide personalized content. The system aims to improve doctor-patient communication, enhance health literacy, and make decisions beneficial to users' health.

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.

'Soft' nanoparticles give plasmons new potential

Scientists at Rice University developed hybrid particles combining plasmonic nanoparticles with flexible polymer coatings to harness light energy. The resulting nanoparticles deliver improved efficiency in transferring energy from the metal core to the coating.

New drug inhibits the growth of cancer cells

Researchers developed a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells by targeting mitochondrial function, without severe side effects. The compound prevents genetic information within mitochondria from being read, starving cancer cells into dying.

A blazar in the early universe

Astronomers observed a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years from Earth, revealing previously unseen details in its jet of material ejected at three-quarters the speed of light. The analysis supports theoretical models for blazar rarity in the early universe.

What pandemic messaging around changing holiday rituals gets wrong

A new study by Berkeley Haas researchers reveals that altering holiday rituals can lead to strong moral outrage, as people resist even minor changes due to the importance of tradition and group values. The study suggests that public officials should focus on changing rituals in ways that still allow people to celebrate these values.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Brain gene expression patterns predict behavior of individual honey bees

Researchers analyzed gene expression in the brains of thousands of individual honey bees to find consistent differences between foragers and egg-layers. The study identified 15 transcription factors that explained behavioral differences, suggesting changes in these genes can lead to strikingly different behavior.

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.

Cannabis use blunts stress reactivity in female rats

A new study by Washington State University researchers found that chronic cannabis use significantly dampens stress reactivity in female rats, but not males. The study suggests there may be significant differences in how chronic cannabis use affects males and females.

How roundworms decide the time is right

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called BLMP-1 that coordinates gene activity in response to environmental changes. The protein pauses development when nutrients are scarce and resumes it when conditions improve.

Chemists synthesize 'flat' silicon compounds

The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.

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.

RedHill's phase 2/3 COVID-19 study of opaganib passes second DSMB review

The global Phase 2/3 study with orally-administered opaganib in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia has received a second unanimous recommendation to continue, based on an analysis of unblinded safety data from the first 155 patients treated for 14 days. Enrollment is over 60% complete and top-line data expected in Q1/...

New imaging method views soil carbon at near-atomic scales

A new study reveals the physical and chemical interactions that sequester carbon in soil, showing layers of carbon around organic interfaces and a crucial role for nitrogen. This breakthrough technique may help develop strategies for sequestering more carbon in soil, mitigating climate change.

COVID immunity lasts up to 8 months, new data reveals

Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 retain immunity for at least 8 months through virus-specific memory B cells. This discovery alleviates concerns about vaccine efficacy and provides real hope for long-term protection against the virus.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Japanese art technique inspires new engineering technique

Engineers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique using kirigami cuts to create complex 3D structures and nanoscale tools. The technique, inspired by traditional Japanese paper-folding practices, enables the creation of unusual shapes and functions.

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.

Americans underestimate public support for key gun policies

A new study found that Americans significantly underestimated public support for key gun safety policies, including universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods. When people learned about the true levels of support, they were more likely to express stronger public support in both private and public settings.

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.

Community-based programs reduce sexual violence, study shows

Researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Promundo-US significantly reduced sexual violence among teenage boys in areas of concentrated disadvantage through community-based programs. The proportion of youth reporting the use of sexual or partner violence decreased by about 12 percentage points in both groups.

Fluvial mapping of Mars

Researchers have created the largest image ever made of Mars' surface, mapping three billion-year-old sedimentary rocks and identifying 18 new fluvial ridges. The study provides unprecedented insight into ancient river systems on Mars, which could prove valuable targets for future exploration of past climates and tectonics.

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.

Nanoparticles could improve oil production

Researchers from Siberian Federal University found that nanoparticles can dramatically change rock wettability characteristics, leading to increased oil recovery. The study showed that even small amounts of nanoparticles added to the liquid improved oil production efficiency by weakening capillary forces and reducing interfacial tension.

Bait and switch

A study by Arizona State University found that approximately 3.4% to 4.3% of consumed seafood is mislabeled, with substituted species coming from fisheries performing worse in terms of population impacts 86% of the time.

Masks not enough to stop COVID-19's spread without distancing

Researchers tested mask materials' effectiveness in blocking droplets carrying coronavirus. While masks blocked most droplets, distances under 6 feet still allowed many to escape, posing a risk of illness. Masks can offer protection but not complete protection when combined with distancing.

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.

Global study on bird song frequency

A global analysis of bird songs reveals that size, not habitat type, is the primary driver of song frequency. The study also suggests that males with larger bodies produce lower-frequency songs due to competition for mates.

Astigmatism measures and corneal power obtained with different devices

Researchers found significant differences in astigmatism measures obtained by Pentacam, Cassini, and IOL-master systems, affecting cataract surgery outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into refractive predictability studies to determine the best optometric device.

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.

In shaky times, focus on past successes, if overly anxious, depressed

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that individuals with clinical anxiety and/or depression have difficulty making sound judgments when faced with changing circumstances. Emotionally resilient people, on the other hand, are better equipped to adapt to these changes by focusing on their past successes.

Even after long-term exposure, bionic touch does not remap the brain

A new study on people with amputations using bionic hands for over a year found that the brain never shifted its perception of touch sensations to match the prosthetic thumb. The participants' brains persisted in perceiving the sensation in other locations, such as their middle finger or palm.

The brain's protein factories at work

Researchers at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin have visualized the structure of ribosomes in nerve cells at near-atomic resolution, revealing a new key factor Ebp1 controlling brain development and protein synthesis. This study provides insights into the regulatory processes involved in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.

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.

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 2

This issue of CVIA features papers on current management strategies for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as well as a systematic review on epicardial adipose tissue in obstructive sleep apnea. The journal also presents research on detecting myocardial infarction using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.

The college student in a pandemic

A longitudinal study of first-year university students found that those enrolled in the University of Vermont's Wellness Environment program had improved mood levels and fewer attention problems compared to non-participants. The study suggests that colleges and universities should track students' emotional health and develop specific p...

Enzyme discovery can help rein in blood vessels that fuel cancer

A study from Scripps Research Institute has identified an enzyme that limits blood vessel growth, providing insights into potential medicines to kill tumors and stop cancer from spreading. The findings also may enable new interventions for healthy blood-vessel development in people with heart disease and other conditions.

Secondary bloodstream infections associated with severe COVID-19

Patients with severe COVID-19 who developed secondary bloodstream infections were more likely to be severely ill upon admission, have longer hospital stays and poorer health outcomes. The study found that these patients were also more likely to require intensive care and had higher odds of mortality.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Slow start of plate tectonics despite a hot early Earth

Researchers discovered that mantle convection on early Earth was surprisingly slow and spatially restricted until around 3 billion years ago. This finding suggests that the onset of modern plate tectonics triggered the emergence of large continental masses and an oxygen-rich atmosphere, setting the stage for complex life.

Regulatory RNAs promote breast cancer metastasis

Researchers at CSHL have discovered a gene-regulating RNA that contributes to breast cancer metastasis. By targeting this RNA, they found a molecule that can reduce tumor growth and metastases in animal experiments.

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.

Mouse-controlled mouse helps researchers understand intentional control

Researchers used a brain machine interface to enable mice to guide a cursor using only their brain activity. The study found that visual cortical areas in the mouse brain were involved during the task, including the parietal cortex, which may act as a way station between sensory and motor areas.