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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 2 of 37

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.

Defining geographic regions with commuter data

Researchers developed a new method to define metropolitan areas based on census commuter data, identifying 182 clusters that account for over 90% of commuters. These clusters are larger than traditional regional definitions, suggesting important connections extending beyond expected boundaries.

Gentler, safer hair dye based on synthetic melanin

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new hair dye process using synthetic melanin that mimics natural human hair pigmentation. The dye, tested under mild conditions, produces natural-looking colors that persist for at least 18 washes, avoiding toxicity and allergies associated with traditional hair dyes.

Better understanding of nature's nanomachines may help in design of future drugs

A research team at McGill University has gained a deeper understanding of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), tiny natural machines that produce biologically active compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new potent antibiotics, immunosuppressants and other modern drugs by leveraging bacteria and fungi.

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.

NASA space laser missions map 16 years of ice sheet loss

Researchers used ICESat-2 to track changes in ice sheet elevation over 16 years, finding significant losses in West Antarctica and Greenland's shrinking ice sheet, responsible for 14 millimeters of sea level rise. The study also reveals complex patterns of change in individual glaciers and ice shelves.

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.

The commercial consequences of collective layoffs

A study by Erasmus University Rotterdam and IESE Business School found that collective layoff announcements lead to decreased sales, lower advertising elasticity, and reduced advertising spending for affected brands.

Heart attack, stroke risk declines among people with diabetes

A 20-year study by the Endocrine Society found that cardiovascular complications among individuals with diabetes have declined. Meanwhile, mortality rates remain higher than those in the general population, highlighting ongoing concerns about cancer and dementia risks for people with diabetes.

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.

UCF researchers develop groundbreaking new rocket-propulsion system

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a rotating detonation rocket engine that can sustain continuous Mach 5 explosions, improving rocket-engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. This technology has the potential to increase space mission capabilities and reduce emissions.

Telemedicine transforms response to COVID-19 pandemic in disease epicenter

A study by NYU Langone Health shows a massive expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, with virtual urgent care visits growing by 683% and non-urgent virtual care visits increasing by 4,345%. The rapid growth was made possible by US insurers expanding coverage and state licensing relaxations.

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.

Scientists find highest ever level of microplastics on seafloor

Scientists have discovered the highest levels of microplastics ever recorded on the seafloor, with concentrations concentrated by powerful deep-sea currents. Microplastics are mainly comprised of fibres from textiles and clothing, and their distribution is linked to sediment-transport processes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Breathable' electronics pave the way for more functional wearable tech

Researchers at North Carolina State University created ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that is gas permeable, allowing sweat and volatile organic compounds to evaporate away from the skin. This breakthrough enables more comfortable long-term wear for biomedical or wearable technologies.

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.

Catastrophic outburst floods carved Greenland's 'Grand Canyon'

A team of scientists proposes that catastrophic outburst floods carved Greenland's megacanyon network, influenced by large meltwater-filled lakes. The study suggests that these floods could have impacted ocean circulation and caused abrupt climate changes with regional significance.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new approach to measuring inequalities in development

Researchers from IIASA and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology used the Human Life Indicator to measure progress in development, finding it easier to calculate and interpret than the Human Development Index. The new approach can provide a clearer idea of regional inequalities, helping policymakers design means to bridge gaps.

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.

Neurotrauma Reports launching Spring 2020

Neurotrauma Reports is a peer-reviewed open access journal publishing research on traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. The journal aims to provide a dedicated forum for the neurotrauma field, including original papers, review articles, and studies on regional scope or patient populations.

New discovery explains how the prostate gland regenerates itself

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that nearly all cells in the prostate gland contribute to its regrowth after androgen-deprivation therapy. Luminal cells acquire stem-like properties without hormone influence, leading to implications for prostate cancer treatment and potential therapeutic strategies.

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.

Civil engineering Professor Sharon Di wins NSF CAREER Award

Di's project aims to develop a novel modeling and simulation platform to project future mixed-traffic dynamics and assist in socially optimal policy-making. She will leverage her expertise in travel behavioral modeling and network optimization to create a game-theoretic framework that incorporates game theory, dynamic control, data sci...

Obese adults facing Medicaid expansion gap

A recent study by the University of Georgia found a slower uptake of Medicaid enrollment among low-income obese individuals compared to non-obese counterparts. The study revealed a 5.6% increase in coverage for obese individuals versus 7.4% for non-obese individuals.

Cultivating cooperation through kinship

Researchers attribute unique human cooperation to cultivating a shared social identity among group members, enabled by reflective self-consciousness. This fosters feelings of obligation toward cultural kin, sustaining cooperative behavior within the group.

Water is key in catalytic conversion of methane to methanol

Scientists have discovered three essential roles for water in the catalytic conversion of methane to methanol, which facilitates high selectivity while blocking unwanted side reactions. The findings could speed the development of catalysts that make use of methane escaping from gas and oil wells.

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.

Cardiovascular impairment in COVID-19

Researchers recommend using cardiovascular anti-inflammatory therapies to treat COVID-19 patients with severe cardiovascular problems, citing potential risks with current treatments. The study provides guidance for clinicians on selecting specific therapies depending on disease severity and patient response.

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.

3D-printed concrete to help build offshore wind energy infrastructure

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a method to fabricate wind turbine substructures and anchors using 3D-printed concrete, which could reduce material costs and increase design flexibility. The team is collaborating with RCAM Technologies to develop concrete additive manufacturing for offshore wind energy technology.

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

Two new articles from Annals of Internal Medicine explore the availability of telemedicine services and pandemic surge modeling for COVID-19. A cross-sectional study found that many US hospitals lack existing telemedicine programs, while a podcast discussion highlights the importance of rapid investment in remote care infrastructure.