Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2020


Page 12 of 45

Early adversity and mental health

A longitudinal study of 167 children found that early adversity increases the risk of depression by flattening testosterone slopes, leading to reduced hippocampal growth and increased emotion dysregulation. The findings suggest a need for interventions targeting mental health problems resulting from early poverty.

Spurring our understanding

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have identified a gene critical to the development of columbines' iconic spurs, which has led to rapid expansion in the genus. The discovery provides new insights into how key innovations evolve and could shed light on the genetic changes underlying this trait.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Birds of a feather flock together, but timing depends on typhoons

A team of researchers found that black-naped terns adjust their migration timing and path based on typhoon activity, with those migrating during peak typhoon season targeting stopover areas. The study used geographic tracking data from 20 birds to understand how the birds respond to environmental cues and optimize their routes.

Wide variations in car seat breathing assessment conducted on premature newborns

A new study found significant differences in how hospitals assess premature newborns' breathing safety in car seats, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines to ensure consistent safety practices. The research recommends improved education for parents and caregivers on proper car seat placement and post-discharge follow-up.

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.

Growth of children living at higher altitudes

Children growing at higher altitudes showed variations in growth rates, with some experiencing slower growth and others faster growth compared to those living at lower elevations. The study's findings suggest that altitude may play a role in shaping children's growth patterns.

Japanese expedition identifies East Antarctic melting hotspot

A Japanese expedition has identified a surprising melting hotspot in East Antarctica, with ice beneath Shirase Glacier Tongue melting at an alarming rate of 7-16 meters per year. This finding could significantly impact predictions of sea level rise and climate change, as the Antarctic ice sheet is Earth's largest freshwater reservoir.

Pigs grow new liver in lymph nodes, study shows

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that pigs can grow a new liver in their lymph nodes, which could potentially treat various liver diseases. The study found that large animals with damaged livers can regenerate hepatocytes, forming an ectopic liver that takes over liver functions.

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.

Fuel cells for hydrogen vehicles are becoming longer lasting

A team of international researchers, led by the University of Bern, has created an electrocatalyst that improves the electrochemical reaction in fuel cells without a carbon carrier. This breakthrough technology promises stable fuel cell operation even at higher temperatures and high current density.

CPR choices of dialysis patients suggest many lack context

A study found that nearly 85% of dialysis patients prefer CPR in the event of a cardiac arrest, despite having poor survival rates. The respondents' appreciation for life is acknowledged, but the findings highlight the need for better discussions between doctors and patients about resuscitation and end-of-life care.

Lensless light-field imaging through diffuser encoding

A novel modality for computational light-field imaging using a diffuser as an encoder has been developed, enabling lensless imaging with adjustable spatio-angular resolutions. This approach avoids the resolution limitation of traditional sensors, allowing for viewpoint shifting, post-capture refocusing and depth sensing capabilities.

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.

Examining shifts in hominin diet

Researchers analyzed stable carbon isotope data from hominin fossils to determine the timing of dietary shifts. The study found that Paranthropus robustus and boisei had different diets, with P. boisei consuming C4-plant-based foods.

Are antivitamins the new antibiotics?

Researchers from the University of Göttingen have developed a promising new approach involving antivitamins to combat bacterial infections. The study found that antivitamins can inhibit bacterial proteins, preventing their function and leading to potential antibiotic effects.

RNA quality control system goes awry in frontotemporal lobar degeneration

A new study by Osaka University researchers reveals that an abnormality of the C9orf72 gene leads to toxic protein production and hinders the cell's ability to destroy defective RNA. This creates a vicious cycle that accelerates disease progression in FTLD/ALS, opening up avenues for potential therapy options.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Autistic people's nerve cells differ before birth

Researchers found autistic nerve cells differ in structure and gene expression from typical individuals as early as 9 days into development. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells to model brain development and provides new insights into the origins of autism.

Study offers new insights for sun-gathering technologies

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new strategy to harness sunlight and store it as carbon-neutral fuels. The study highlights the importance of catalysts in photoelectrosynthesis and proposes a less-is-more approach to improve energy efficiency.

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.

Scientists get atomistic picture of platinum catalyst degradation

Researchers have deciphered the movements of platinum atoms leading to surface degradation, enabling the development of more stable catalysts. This breakthrough paves the way for longer-lasting electrochemical energy conversion devices like fuel cells in the transportation sector.

Advanced biofuels show real promise for replacing some fossil fuels

A new study by Colorado State University predicts significant climate benefits from advanced biofuel technologies, accounting for carbon flows and comparing them to grasslands and forests. The team found clear strategies for biofuels to have a net carbon benefit, particularly in regions where planting trees is not an option.

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.

A leap forward for biomaterials design using AI

A team of researchers at Tokyo Tech successfully used machine learning with an artificial neural network model to predict two key properties of self-assembled monolayers, enabling advanced material screening and design. This approach opens up new possibilities for the development of biomaterials with desired functions.

IKBFU scientists suggest using heather as an antioxidant

Researchers at IKBFU have discovered that heather is a rich source of biologically active compounds with various medicinal properties. The study found that the budding stage of heather plants contains the highest amount of flavonoids, which are of great medicinal value.

NCI and Cancer Research UK to announce new partnership

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Cancer Research UK will establish the Cancer Grand Challenges program to tackle cancer research challenges. The initiative aims to facilitate global collaboration, foster innovation, and accelerate progress against cancer.

Machine learning peeks into nano-aquariums

Researchers developed a machine learning workflow to streamline the analysis of liquid-phase electron microscopy videos, enabling the extraction of valuable information from nanoparticle dynamics. The new technique has potential applications in medicine, energy, environmental sustainability, and biomaterials research.

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.

Energy-efficient design for mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks

Researchers designed an energy-efficient transmission scheme for mmWave-enabled NOMA-UAV networks by optimizing UAV placement, hybrid precoding and power allocation. The proposed design achieved better performance in user fairness, spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency compared to other schemes without UAV placement optimization.

Iron deposition and past supernova activity

Scientists detected high levels of the radioactive isotope 60Fe in deep-sea sediment samples, indicating exposure to supernova ejecta. The findings suggest that supernova-produced 60Fe permeates the interstellar medium and has been deposited on Earth over the past 33,000 years.

Roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits

Scientists developed a new automated movement-tracking system, LocoMouse, to capture fine details of locomotion in mice. The study identified highly-detailed 'locomotor signatures' for two mouse models, providing a roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits.

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.

NASA's Terra Satellite shows smoky pall over most of California

A massive wildfire complex has engulfed California, with over 650 fires burning in the state. NASA's Terra satellite captured the smoke-engulfed state on August 24, 2020, revealing a pervasive smoky pall that has affected areas from California to Minnesota and Nebraska.

Shifts in herbivore ecology and hominin environment

Fossil records show a shift from mixed feeders to grazers in herbivore diets between 3.6 and 1.05 million years ago. This change coincides with the emergence of Paranthropus and suggests Australopithecus lived in a wooded ecosystem.

Velcro method for more precise binding of drug particles

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology prove the Velcro method enhances selectivity in drug particle binding based on receptor number and strength. This allows precise targeting of diseased cells while distinguishing them from healthy ones.

Hitting the nail on the head: overcoming therapeutic resistance in lung cancer

A team of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina has identified a critical player in resistance to targeted therapy in lung cancer. The protein NRP2b was found to drive resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells that had become resistant to therapy, and inhibiting it caused the death of these cells.

Why COVID-19 infection curves behave so unexpectedly

COVID-19 infection curves showed expected exponential growth, but instead of flattening, they remained constant with a similar number of new infections every day. The complexity scientists proposed a network effect where the virus spread from cluster to cluster, leading to linear growth and low infection prevalence.

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.

Study identifies first step to beating water scarcity

A new US study reveals that improving water productivity in certain regions and industries can help conserve water. By setting realistic benchmarks, the research found that areas with high water stress have the most potential for water savings, with around half of those gains coming from agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

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.

Pot of gold engineered to help with early disease detection

The new diagnostic technique allows direct detection of disease-specific miRNA, breaking through current limitations in early disease detection. The technology is expected to be available to medical practitioners in the next five years, offering a cost-effective solution for rapid and early diagnostics.

Travel duration and disease transmission

A study published in PNAS examines how travel duration affects disease transmission in Namibia from 2010 to 2014. The researchers found that longer trips were associated with increased disease transmission in low-density areas.

UK/UPenn researchers provide insights into new form of dementia

Researchers have identified a new form of dementia, LATE disease, which shares symptoms with Alzheimer's but is caused by different brain processes. The study provides criteria to differentiate between frontotemporal dementia and LATE disease, offering hope for future therapy development.

Heart repair factor boosted by RNA-targeting compound

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a new class of compounds that can restart cellular production of VEGF-A, a key factor in rebuilding blood vessels and muscle in damaged heart tissue. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

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.

Researchers to investigate wind power effects on bats in the Baltic Sea region

Researchers from University of Turku and Helsinki have conducted a review on wind farm impacts on bats in the Baltic Sea region, finding that impacts have barely been investigated due to limited data. The study aims to monitor bats for several years to define high-risk areas and design measures to reduce wind turbine impact.

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.