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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 28 of 37

New hardware project would boost 5G networks

A University of Houston engineer is developing a system capable of supporting 5G infrastructure, enabling faster speeds and greater bandwidth. The $1.7 million grant-funded project aims to improve radio frequency communication capacity and advance power electronics to support the demands of 5G networks.

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.

Astronomers measure wind speed on a brown dwarf

Researchers have successfully measured wind speed on a brown dwarf, an object intermediate in mass between a planet and a star. The study found that the brown dwarf's atmosphere is rotating faster than its interior, with a calculated wind speed of about 1425 miles per hour.

How do mantis shrimp find their way home?

Researchers found that mantis shrimps rely on external cues from the sun, followed by polarization patterns in light, before using their internal navigation system when other options are unavailable. These findings provide new insights into the complex behaviors of these fascinating creatures.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Greenland ice sheet meltwater can flow in winter, too

Scientists have found that liquid meltwater from Greenland's glaciers can flow deep below the ice sheet during winter, raising questions about sea-level rise and future climate change. This discovery highlights the need for year-round Arctic hydrological investigations to understand how meltwater moves through the ice sheet.

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.

Broad spectrum

A hybrid material has been developed that can detect a broad range of light wavelengths, from ultraviolet to near infrared, due to its small bandgap. The material's electronic properties were investigated, revealing promising results for optoelectronic applications.

Rare, damaging inherited mutations work together to reduce lifespan

A new study suggests that rare, damaging inherited mutations can have a significant impact on an individual's healthspan and longevity. Researchers found that people with more ultra-rare protein-truncating variants (PTVs) had shorter lifespans and healthspans, with each additional variant accounting for a six-month reduction in lifespa...

Now metal surfaces can be instant bacteria killers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses laser-texturing to create nanoscale patterns on metal surfaces, instantly killing bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in medical devices such as orthopedic implants and wearable patches for chronic wounds.

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.

3D-printed corals provide more fertile ground for algae growth

Researchers have successfully 3D printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, up to 100 times more densely than natural corals. This breakthrough could lead to the development of efficient bioreactors for producing algae-based biofuels and help restore coral reefs.

Stuttering DNA orchestrates the start of the mosquito's life

Researchers discovered that a type of junk DNA in mosquitoes orchestrates the start of their life by regulating the activity of other RNA molecules. The breakdown of maternal RNA is essential for further development and is controlled by the stuttering DNA.

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 study shows how oxygen transfer is altered in diseased lung tissue

Researchers developed graphene-based sensors to measure oxygen transport in bovine lung tissue, revealing that a surfactant called cardiolipin disrupts oxygen balance in pneumonia patients. The study also found damaged spots in diseased tissue, which may be responsible for increased oxygen transfer.

COVID-19 drug lead treatments identified

An international team of researchers has identified six potential COVID-19 treatment candidates after testing over 10,000 compounds. The targeted therapeutics were found to be effective in inhibiting the main protease enzyme of the virus.

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.

Researchers successfully repair stroke-damaged rat brains

Using reprogrammed human skin cells, researchers successfully restored mobility and sensation in stroke-afflicted rats by transplanting them into their brains. The study showed that the transplanted cells formed connections correctly, repairing damaged nerve circuits.

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.

Researchers assess bird flu virus subtypes in China

In a recent study published in Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, researchers isolated two H16N3 subtype influenza viruses that can bind to both human and avian-type cell receptors. The viruses showed evidence of genetic material from other species, suggesting they could infect humans and animals in the future.

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.

Security guards struggle with PTSD and lack mental health support

A recent study by the University of Portsmouth found that almost 40% of UK security guards suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to frequent episodes of verbal and physical abuse. The research also highlighted a lack of provision for employee mental health and wellbeing services by security companies.

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.

Drinking green tea may help with food allergies

Research at Shinshu University found that green tea consumption increases Flavonifractor plautii bacteria in the gut, leading to a suppressed Th2 immune response to food allergies. This study suggests that drinking green tea may be a potential anti-allergy probiotic.

Wallflowers could lead to new drugs

A team of researchers has identified the wallflower as a suitable model plant for discovering new cardenolides, which could lead to safer versions of heart disease and cancer treatments. The study provides a foundation for understanding the biosynthesis of cardenolides and their potential applications.

A rapidly changing Arctic

A new study finds that freshwater runoff from rivers and shelf sediments are bringing significant quantities of carbon and trace elements into the Arctic Ocean. This increase in nutrients may boost Arctic marine productivity, but also exacerbates climate warming.

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.

COVID-19 critical care bed modelling study: potential shortage in Canada

A national modelling paper suggests that Canada's ICU beds may not be enough to handle the demand during a COVID-19 outbreak, highlighting the need for higher rates of self-isolation. The study projects that at the outbreak's peak, the need for ICU beds per 10,000 population could be 2.6 times higher than the number of available beds.

UC San Diego to advance stem cell therapies in new space station lab

Researchers at UC San Diego Health are developing a dedicated space stem cell orbital research laboratory within the International Space Station (ISS) to study microgravity's effects on human biology. The studies aim to understand aging, degenerative diseases, and cancers in space, with potential applications for therapeutics on Earth.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

KIST develops foldable and washable luminescent film

A Korean research team has developed a multi-functional luminescent film that can visualize near-infrared light through wavelength conversion, increasing its application range. The film's high efficiency enables the use of infrared or ultraviolet light for displays or imaging devices.

Mutation reduces energy waste in plants

Researchers identified mutations that improve photosynthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana by reducing protein degradation and increasing chlorophyll production. The findings suggest a potential mechanism to enhance plant energy efficiency and biomass production.

Premature birth linked to the mother's vaginal microbiome

Researchers found that women who deliver prematurely have a more diverse vaginal microbiome, especially in the first trimester. This link highlights specific bacteria associated with premature birth, which could aid future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

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.

Impulse for research on fungi

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize fungi using expansion microscopy, allowing for detailed studies of fungal biology and potential applications in medicine. The technique has been successfully applied to three fungal species, including the clinically relevant Aspergillus fumigatus.

COVID-19 in children in Spain

A study from Madrid's Hospital Infanta Sofía of COVID-19 testing and treatment in children shows promising results, with over 90% of pediatric patients experiencing mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The study's findings highlight the importance of early detection and treatment in managing childhood COVID-19 cases.

First mobile app for caregivers of children with FASD reaches trial stage

A new mobile app, FMF Connect, has been designed to support caregivers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The app provides easily accessible information and connects users with others who understand their experiences. Researchers conducted focus groups and beta tests to refine the app's components, including a Fa...

Restricting sleep may affect emotional reactions

Participants in a study perceived pleasant and neutral pictures in a more negative way when their sleep was restricted. Insufficient sleep may impose a negative emotional bias, leading to an increased tendency to evaluate emotional stimuli as negative.

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.

Brain discovery suggests source of lifelong behavioral issues

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made a groundbreaking discovery suggesting that improper cellular cleanup during brain development may cause lifelong behavioral issues. This process, mediated by the AIM2 inflammasome, plays a critical role in ensuring proper brain assembly and function.

STEM students learn as well online as in classrooms

A study by Cornell University found that STEM students learned equally well in online courses as they did in traditional classroom settings, with significant cost savings. The research, which tracked over 300 students in Russia, showed that online courses can deliver the same learning outcomes at a fraction of the cost.