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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 11 of 37

High density EEG produces dynamic image of brain signal source

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel source imaging technology using high-density EEG to map underlying brain networks. This breakthrough can accurately estimate the size and scope of active areas within the brain, as well as interactions between functionally related regions.

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 changes in insect populations reflect both decline and growth

A meta-analysis of 166 long-term surveys across 1,676 sites worldwide reveals highly spatially variable global insect population trends, showing an average 9% per decade decline in terrestrial insects. In contrast, freshwater insect abundance increases by 11% per decade, possibly due to successful clean water efforts.

Amperometric sensors assist in analyzing food safety

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have created a novel amperometric sensor to detect sterically hindered phenols, including synthetic phenolic antioxidants. The sensor uses electropolymerized carminic acid as the sensitive layer and has been successfully tested on linseed oils, confirming high accuracy of antioxidant detection.

New test for COVID-19 may deliver faster results to more people

Scientists developed a novel RT-LAMP assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, achieving sensitivity comparable to RT-qPCR. The method can be run in decentralized facilities, providing faster test services for more people and overcoming limitations of centralized testing.

Icelandic DNA jigsaw-puzzle brings new knowledge about Neanderthals

Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 27,000 Icelanders to create a new image of Neanderthals, finding that they had children with Denisovans before meeting Homo Sapiens. The study reveals significant fragments of Denisovan genes in Icelandic DNA, challenging previous assumptions about hybridization and genetic transfer.

Health impacts of pollution upon indigenous peoples

A global review highlights broad patterns of environmental pollution's impact on Indigenous groups, primarily through consumption of polluted water and food. Innovative strategies by Indigenous communities aim to limit and abate pollution.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A cellular mechanism protecting against cancer

Bayreuth geneticists have discovered a natural protective mechanism that leads to the programmed death of potentially diseased cells. The separase enzyme plays a central role in this process and can be re-purposed to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

Reducing the carbon footprint of artificial intelligence

Researchers at MIT developed a new automated AI system that reduces the energy required for training and running neural networks. The system, called a 'once-for-all' network, trains one large neural network comprising many pretrained subnetworks, reducing carbon emissions by low triple digits.

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.

How birds evolved big brains

Researchers found that birds and non-avian dinosaurs had similar brain sizes before the mass extinction, but after, some bird families evolved large-brained birds by shrinking body size. Parrots and corvids, including crows, showed exceptional cognitive capacity and rapid brain evolution.

Gene-editing protocol for whitefly pest opens door to control

Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.

Iron deficiency in corals?

Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.

Conservation research on lynx

Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.

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.

Researchers are making recombinant-protein drugs cheaper

Researchers have developed a genome-editing technique that can eliminate up to 70% of contaminating proteins in recombinant-protein drugs, making them cheaper and purer. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to reduce purification demands and improve drug quality.

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.

Breakthrough in genome visualization

Researchers have devised a faster and less memory-intensive method for constructing pan-genome subgraphs, allowing scientists to create visualizations on different scales rapidly. The new method enables the analysis of specific genome parts in a more efficient manner.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Promising signs for Perseverance rover in its quest for past Martian life

Researchers analyzed satellite imagery and found river delta deposits in Jezero crater that formed over time scales promoting habitability and preservation of evidence. The study suggests ancient life could have existed near the Martian surface, with potential implications for understanding life evolution on Earth.

Recurrent genomic selection for wheat grain fructans

Breeding methodologies can increase fructan levels in winter wheat cultivars without reducing genetic diversity. Researchers successfully developed wheat cultivars with increased fructan levels using recurrent genomic selection, providing a proof-of-concept for improving nutritionally enhanced crops.

Study shows fewer kids enrolling in cancer clinical trials

A recent study found pediatric cancer trial enrollment decreased from 40-70% in the 1990s to 19.9% in the current study. This decline is partly attributed to improved treatments for common childhood cancers, shifting focus to rarer and higher-risk cancers.

Good news for the wheat-sensitive among us

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a way to detect and quantify wheat proteins that trigger intestinal inflammation and chronic ailments. This breakthrough has resulted in a reference map of wheat proteins across diverse varieties and an innovative technique to measure specific proteins.

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.

Rice researchers look to 'trap and zap' coronavirus

Rice University researchers have won a National Science Foundation RAPID grant to upgrade their wastewater-treatment technology. They aim to develop a system that can selectively adsorb viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and disable them using photocatalytic disinfection.

Inexpensive, portable detector identifies pathogens in minutes

A new, $50 smartphone-based testing device can detect viral and bacterial pathogens in under 30 minutes, providing a rapid solution for pandemic testing. The device uses a small cartridge containing reagents that break open the pathogen's outer shell to gain access to its RNA.

Avoid making exceptions for research quality during COVID-19 pandemic

The authors present five criteria of quality for evaluating research during the pandemic. Researchers and stakeholders must evaluate studies based on importance, rigor, analytical integrity, transparency, and feasibility to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

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.

Sensors woven into a shirt can monitor vital signs

Researchers have developed a way to incorporate electronic sensors into stretchy fabrics, allowing for the creation of shirts or other garments that can monitor vital signs. The sensor-embedded garments are machine washable, customizable, and can be worn by people who need to track their physical data.

How much does it cost california cannabis growers to safety test?

A new study by UC Davis finds that California cannabis safety testing costs growers around 10% of the average wholesale price, mainly due to rejected product disposal. Higher testing costs translate into higher prices for the licensed market, posing a risk to unlicensed alternatives.

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.

Boosting the immune system's appetite for cancer

A combination of immunotherapy agents encourages immune cells to consume tumors and alert others to attack, boosting survival for glioblastoma patients. The therapy, tested in a mouse model, successfully shrank tumors and extended life, with 55% of animals surviving over the course of the study.

Bid to lower COVID-19 deaths

A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.

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.

Novel coronavirus detected, monitored in wastewater

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.

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.

Dietary supplements an important weapon for fighting off COVID-19

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that daily multivitamins with high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can help fight off infections. The researchers recommend taking 200mg or more of vitamin C and 2,000 international units of vitamin D to support immune function.

University of Montana researchers work on COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Montana has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Researchers have implemented alternative work schedules, social distancing measures, and telecommuting to ensure safety while working on the project.

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.

A study finds neuropeptide somatostatin enhances visual processing?

Researchers at KAIST found that neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive functions by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The study provides a new insight into the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

Giant teenage shark from the Dinosaur-era

Scientists studied fossil vertebrae of a giant teenage shark, discovering it grew to 4-7m and lived 30 years. This rare find suggests ptychodontid sharks may have faced environmental changes that led to their demise.

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.

New research finds cost transparency can increase sales 20%

A new study published in INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that cost transparency boosts sales by 21%, increasing consumer trust and willingness to purchase. Voluntary disclosure of production costs has a significant impact on sales, even when prices are unexpectedly low or high.

PTSD partners feel invisible, study finds

A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for better support systems for PTSD partners of veterans and emergency workers. Partners reported feeling invisible in their recovery, with their contributions to trauma management often overlooked.