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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 22 of 37

When damaged, the adult brain repairs itself by going back to the beginning

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that adult brain cells revert to an embryonic state after injury, allowing them to regenerate new connections. The study identifies the essential genetic pathway involved in this process, which sustains regeneration by a gene known as Huntingtin.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Light from stretchable sheets of atoms for quantum technologies

The researchers have demonstrated a world record for the largest spectral, color-tuning range from an atomically thin quantum system. By stretching the material, they induced mechanical expansion of the quantum source, resulting in dramatic tuning range of colors emitted by quantum light.

COPD as a lung stem cell disease

Abnormal stem cells in COPD patients drive key features of the disease, including mucins that block airways and fibrosis and inflammation. Researchers have identified specific cells responsible for COPD pathology and are screening them against drug libraries to discover new treatments.

Researchers create tools to help volunteers do the most good after a disaster

Researchers developed tools to help emergency response and relief managers assign volunteers efficiently. The 'Largest Weighted Demand' (LWD) policy assigns volunteers to the task with the most work left, prioritizing importance. However, for tasks with unclear workloads, alternative policies like 'Largest Queue Clearing Time' (LQCT) m...

Two is better than one

A team of scientists has developed a new 2D catalyst that can improve the efficiency of water purification using hydrogen peroxide. The catalyst, composed of two co-catalysts on one nanosheet, was designed to increase the efficiency of the process without additional chemical treatment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Antiviral drug baloxavir reduces transmission of flu virus among ferrets

Researchers found baloxavir treatment reduced infectious viral shedding and transmission of the flu virus among infected ferrets. The study suggests antivirals could reduce community-based viral spread and support the idea that decreasing viral shedding could also reduce influenza transmission in humans.

Speeding-up quantum computing using giant atomic ions

Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a method to speed up quantum computing using giant Rydberg ions, which can exchange quantum information in under a microsecond. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of scalable quantum computers for complex calculations.

Bornean treeshrews can take the heat

Researchers measured oxygen consumption in wild-caught lesser treeshrews across various temperatures. The study found that Bornean treeshrews have a high upper limit of the thermoneutral zone, contradicting current assumptions.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

National clinical trial to treat hospitalised patients with COVID-19

A new clinical trial aims to find effective alternative solutions for critically ill COVID-19 patients, reducing the need for treatment with a ventilator and improving patient outcomes. The RECOVERY-RS Respiratory Support trial will compare standard care with non-invasive treatments using masks or high-flow oxygen.

New textile could keep you cool in the heat, warm in the cold

Researchers develop strong, comfortable fabric that adapts to changing weather conditions by absorbing and releasing thermal energy. The fabric, made from silk and chitosan with phase-changing polymer PEG, can be worn indoors or outdoors, reducing the need for air conditioning or heat.

Logging threatening endangered caribou

A recent study by University of Guelph researchers found that logging in Ontario's boreal stands is threatening the population of endangered woodland caribou. The team analyzed video collars attached to 30 caribou, as well as GPS-tracking radio collars on wolves and caribou, to monitor their movements and find evidence of predation.

Economists find carbon footprint grows with parenthood

A new study found that households with children emit over 25% more carbon dioxide than childless households. Parents' concerns about the environment do not translate to a reduction in carbon footprint, but rather increased transportation and food consumption. This disparity is likely due to time constraints and the need for convenience.

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.

New COVID-19 test quickly and accurately detects viral RNA

Researchers have created a faster and more accurate COVID-19 test using plasmonic photothermal sensing, detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in minutes. The test can discriminate between SARS-CoV-2 and its close relative, reducing false-positive results.

Genetics linked to childhood emotional, social and psychiatric problems

Research analyzing genetic data of over 42,000 children reveals a strong link between childhood emotional and psychiatric issues and increased risk of adult depression, insomnia, and other conditions. Higher genetic vulnerability scores were associated with reduced educational attainment and emotional wellbeing.

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.

Studying pterosaurs and other fossil flyers to better engineer manmade flight

Researchers study pterosaur fossils to understand their wing anatomy and flight capabilities, revealing novel tactics for bioinspired flight technology. By analyzing the morphology and predicted flight mechanics of these ancient creatures, scientists may be able to overcome hurdles still hindering man-made flight.

Face up to eating disorders, and seek help

A recent study found that young adults in Australia are leaving it 'too late' to seek help for eating disorders due to various barriers. Concerns about autonomy, fear of being a burden, and perceptions of the illness's severity prevent many from seeking professional advice.

China's viticulture in transition

China's wine culture dates back over 9,000 years, with archaeological evidence showing the oldest known alcoholic drink. Viticulture emerged around 8,000 years ago in Georgia, but China played a significant role in Eurasian wine history.

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.

Discovering the secrets of the enigmatic caspase-6

Caspase-6 plays a critical role in regulating the ZBP1-NLRP3 inflammasome, facilitating PANoptosis during viral infection. Modulation of caspase-6 could be beneficial for treating viral diseases like influenza and other inflammatory diseases including cancer.

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.

COVID-19 puts new science to the pressure test

Scientists are working at breakneck speeds to develop new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for COVID-19. Researchers are testing existing drugs, developing brand-new diagnostics, and utilizing gene-editing tools like CRISPR to combat the novel coronavirus.

Skin that computes

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara find the skin's elasticity helps process tactile information, enabling efficient data compression. This discovery may lead to new prosthetic limb designs and improved tactile sensing for robots.

Improving the treatment of periodontitis

A study by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin reveals that the amoeba Entamoeba gingivalis plays a key role in periodontitis, causing inflammation and tissue destruction. The parasite's elimination may improve treatment outcomes for patients with gum disease.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Breastfeeding may lead to fewer human viruses in infants

Research found that breastfeeding significantly influences viral populations in infant guts, providing a protective effect against pathogenic viruses. Even small amounts of breastmilk can reduce the risk of early gastrointestinal disorders.

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.

T2K results restrict possible values of neutrino CP phase

The T2K Collaboration has published new results showing the strongest constraint yet on the parameter governing the breaking of matter-antimatter symmetry in neutrino oscillations. The analysis of data collected through 2018 reveals a significant enhancement of the oscillation probability of neutrinos, favoring values close to δcp=90º.

COVID-19: Exercise may protect against deadly complication

Research suggests exercise can prevent or reduce severity of ARDS, a major cause of death in COVID-19 patients. Regular physical activity increases production of antioxidant EcSOD, which may provide protection against severe respiratory disease.

Milk pioneers: East African herders consumed milk 5,000 years ago

Researchers discovered evidence of milk processing in ancient pottery from east Africa, confirming the story that bones have been telling us about pastoralist societies' way of life. The findings suggest that herders who specialized in cattle were drinking milk and survived better due to lactase persistence.

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.

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.

Journey to the center of the Earth

Scientists have successfully determined the density of liquid iron and sound propagation speed through it at extremely high pressures. They found the density of the molten outer core to be about 8 percent less dense than pure liquid iron, suggesting the presence of additional lighter elements.

Applying mathematics to accelerate predictions for capturing fusion energy

Scientists at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new technique to predict fusion energy performance using advanced mathematical modeling. This approach combines millisecond behavior with longer-term forecasts, enabling accurate predictions of plasma temperature profiles and heat fluxes at significantly reduced computa...

WPI researcher's paper on COVID-19 published in Viruses journal

A WPI researcher's paper on the novel coronavirus has been published in a leading virology journal, revealing key findings on its structure and potential targets for treatment. The study found similarities between the COVID-19 virus and SARS, suggesting new antiviral strategies.

Unusually clear skies drove record loss of Greenland ice in 2019

The study found that exceptional atmospheric circulation patterns contributed significantly to the record ice loss, which may be underestimated by current climate models. The lack of snowfall and resulting clear skies led to increased melting and runoff, resulting in a sea level rise of about 1.5 millimeters.

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.

Speeding-up quantum computing using giant atomic ions

Researchers have developed a new approach to speed up trapped ion quantum computing using giant Rydberg ions, increasing computational capacity exponentially. The experimental work confirms that the system can scale up without slowdowns, enabling large-scale quantum computation.

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.

What is an individual? Information Theory may provide the answer

Researchers propose a new approach to understanding individuality in biology using Information Theory, focusing on dynamical processes and environmental influences. This perspective suggests that individuals are best thought of as continuous, emergent entities rather than stationary objects.,