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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 18 of 37

Catalyst enables reactions with the help of green light

Chemists have developed a titanium catalyst that makes light usable for selective chemical reactions, producing highly selective products that can be used for antiviral drugs or luminescent dyes. The new catalyst uses green light to trigger reactions without destroying organic compounds.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Continued CO2 emissions will impair cognition

A new study led by CU Boulder suggests that continued CO2 emissions will significantly reduce our basic decision-making ability and complex strategic thinking. Indoor CO2 levels could reach up to 1400 parts per million, leading to a 25% reduction in basic decision-making ability and a 50% reduction in complex strategic thinking.

Finding leukemia's weakness using genome-wide CRISPR technology

A team of researchers used genome-wide CRISPR technology to identify RNA-binding proteins, including Staufen2, that sustain and protect drug-resistant leukemia stem cells. Loss of Staufen2 led to a reduction in leukemia growth and improved survival in mouse models.

Changes in snowmelt threaten farmers in western US

Farmers in parts of the western United States will be among the hardest hit by climate change, which will reduce seasonal water availability for irrigation. The study found that basins globally most at risk include the San Joaquin and Colorado river basins, where snowmelt runoff is projected to decrease significantly.

Infant temperament predicts personality more than 20 years later

A long-term study found that infant behavioral inhibition is linked to a more reserved personality and higher levels of internalizing psychopathology in adulthood. The research also identified a neurophysiological marker, error-related negativity, as a potential predictor of risk for developing anxiety disorders.

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.

Chris Vanderwal to receive Springer Heterocyclic Chemistry Award 2020

Chris Vanderwal has made significant contributions to the field of heterocyclic chemistry, particularly in the development of short chemical synthesis strategies for natural products. He is being recognized for his outstanding research on complex, bioactive natural compounds with various therapeutic properties.

Virtual reality makes empathy easier

New research uses virtual reality to increase identification with others by activating brain networks, aiding in treatment of violent offenders. The technology also helps improve understanding and relationships by simulating multi-sensory feedback.

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.

Turning on the 'off switch' in cancer cells

Researchers at Michigan Medicine and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center identified the binding site where drug compounds can activate a key braking mechanism against cancer. This discovery paves the way for developing new anti-cancer drugs that enhance tumor suppressor proteins.

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.

Rating pain: Not just a numbers game

A new study found that almost 4 out of 5 patients with moderate pain intensity considered it tolerable, and 30-40% of those with severe pain also described it as tolerable. This suggests an alternative to traditional 0-10 rating scales could help doctors better understand patient needs.

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.

Scientists discover new features of molecular elevator

Researchers visualize nearly complete transport cycle of mammalian glutamate transporter homologue, revealing efficient mechanism for sodium and substrate molecules. The discovery sheds light on potential treatments for schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

Study identifies last-line antibiotic resistance in humans and pet dog

A study found the dangerous mcr-1 gene in two healthy humans and a pet dog in Portugal, providing resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort. The presence of this gene in humans and animals raises concerns about potential transmission and the emergence of untreatable infections.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Latest findings from expanded research on Antarctic meteorology and climate

A recent special issue of Advances in Atmospheric Sciences presents the latest findings from expanded and ongoing research efforts in Antarctic meteorology and climate. The studies reveal signs of climate change, including strong warming over the Antarctic Peninsula, rapid ice loss, and changes in precipitation patterns.

Nanobodies hold the key to imaging COVID-19

Nanobodies have been isolated and made available for researchers to study the 'spike' protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus. These proteins can stabilise the 'spike', enabling better imaging at an atomic scale, which could lead to new diagnostics and treatments.

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from the National Institute for Infectious Diseases in Italy have reported an early detection of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in ocular fluids from a patient with COVID-19. The study found prolonged viral RNA detection, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring the pandemic.

COVID-19 possibly striking more children than expected

A new study estimates that for every child requiring intensive care for COVID-19, there are 2,381 children infected with the virus. The US CDC and state health departments should begin reporting confirmed cases by age group to understand the true extent of the outbreak.

Stem cells in human embryos commit to specialization surprisingly early

A team of researchers at the Francis Crick Institute identified early-commitment genes that trigger irreversible cell specialization in human embryos. These genes, which include GATA3, activate a positive feedback loop, ensuring cells remain differentiated and do not reverse back to a stem cell state.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Exercise during pregnancy reduces obesity among offspring

A study published in Science Advances found that exercise during pregnancy stimulates the production of brown adipose tissue in fetuses, leading to improved metabolic health and reduced obesity. The findings suggest that physically fit women exercising during pregnancy may be setting their children up for better fitness too.

Papua New Guinea highland research redates Neolithic period

Researchers in Papua New Guinea have found evidence of early agriculture and trade routes dating back to 5050-4200 years ago. This discovery challenges previous assumptions of the Neolithic period and sheds light on the development of cultural diversity in the region.

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.

A key brain region for controlling binge drinking has been found

A study by Medical University of South Carolina researchers identified a specific brain region and system that can be manipulated to decrease binge drinking. The kappa opioid-receptor system plays a crucial role in driving binge and compulsive alcohol use, as well as contributing to stress and unease during withdrawal.

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.

Africa in the path of COVID-19

Global experts call for international assistance as African nations battle COVID-19 and HIV. The authors argue that success in one country is limited if epidemics continue elsewhere.

Relying on 'local food' is a distant dream for most of the world

A recent study found that only 27% of the world's population can get temperate cereal grains within a 100 km radius, highlighting the difficulty of relying solely on local resources. The study modeled global distances between crop production and consumption, revealing complex dependencies in current diets.

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.

From watching reruns to relationships, there are many ways of feeling connected

New research from the University at Buffalo suggests that non-traditional social strategies, such as 'guilty pleasures,' can fulfill critical social needs just like traditional ones. Studies show that feeling connected through various means, including music, TV shows, or pets, predicts positive outcomes and is essential for well-being.

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 treatment for liver cancer

Researchers at Skoltech and MIT have developed a new combinatorial therapy for liver cancer using a siRNA approach coupled with lipid nanoparticle technology. This treatment caused a significant decrease in tumor load in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Rinker receives funding for project on anthropology teaching

Cortney Hughes Rinker is developing an open education resource textbook for introductory-level courses in cultural anthropology. The textbook aims to support learning for all students with a focus on translation, application, and real-world engagement.

Shin & Borup receive funding for webinar series about online teaching

Researchers Joan Kang Shin and Jered Borup developed a three-webinar series and wrote three blogs to support English teachers worldwide in remote learning. The webinars, recorded and posted on National Geographic Learning's website, focused on engaging students and building a supportive classroom environment.

Cell biology: Your number's up!

The study found that an mRNA molecule's lifetime is correlated with the rate of protein synthesis, and a key protein complex plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to identify the molecular basis for the link between mRNA degradation and ribosomal efficiency.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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