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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 15 of 45

The age of the Earth's inner core revised

The revised estimate of the inner core age is 1-1.3 billion years old, solving a paradox that arose from younger estimates. The researchers also found that the geodynamo was maintained by two different energy sources and mechanisms, providing new insights into the Earth's habitability.

A new molecular guardian of intestinal stem cells

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a critical role of interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF2) in maintaining the stemness of intestinal stem cells. IRF2-deficient mice exhibited impaired regenerative responses, highlighting its importance in preserving intestinal stem cell function.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Study to ID brain neurons that control metabolism

A new study led by Dr. Christopher Morrison reveals the nervous system cells and circuits that influence our metabolism and health in response to dietary changes. FGF21, a hormone produced by the liver, plays a crucial role in signaling to the brain when protein intake is low, triggering metabolic changes that improve health.

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.

Nutrients make coral bleaching worse

Researchers have discovered that nutrients exacerbate the negative impacts of climate change on corals, increasing the risk of mass coral bleaching. High levels of nutrients stress corals, making them more susceptible to heat-induced bleaching.

Meet hedge fund managers of avian world

Researchers found that brood parasites living in variable habitats diversify their egg-laying choices among multiple host species, increasing reproductive success. This 'bet-hedging' strategy allows them to counter environmental threats and ensure survival over time.

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.

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.

Concussions can cause long-term sleep problems

A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that concussions can cause persistent and common sleep problems, affecting quality of life. The research tracked 378 patients with concussions for one year, revealing that 53% experienced sleep or daytime problems lasting three months or longer.

Why babies not always remember what they have learned

A study published in Child Development found that babies can't always remember what they've learned due to fluctuations in their internal state. Research suggests that changes in mood affect learning and memory in infants, particularly when recalling experiences from a different emotional state.

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.

Psychological disease avoidance linked to preventative behavior, study finds

A study by UConn School of Nursing researchers found that strong feelings of germ aversion and pathogen disgust are significantly associated with concern about COVID-19 and increased engagement in preventative health behaviors. Individuals who indicated higher levels of psychological disease avoidance also reported greater concern for ...

KDD 2020 showcases brighest minds in data science and AI

KDD 2020 features four keynote talks on meta-provenance, AI for intelligent financial services, state-space multi-taper time-frequency analysis, and computational epidemiology. The conference will also include 18 applied data science invited talks and 217 accepted research papers.

Skat and poker: More luck than skill?

Heidelberg economists developed a rating system to measure skill levels in skat and poker. The study found that both games have over 50% luck, but skill takes over in the long term, with a skilled player winning 75% more games against an average opponent after 100 games.

Revealed: How billions in EU farming subsidies are being misspent

A unique study reveals that EU agricultural subsidies flow to intensively farmed regions causing environmental damage, while poorer regions are underfunded. The Common Agricultural Policy's €54 billion annual budget is concentrated in the hands of only 20% of farmers.

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.

NASA nighttime imagery finds Tropical Storm Laura developing

Tropical Storm Laura has become better organized than yesterday, with improved structure, but still lacks well-defined banding features. The storm is expected to move west-northwestward over the next couple of days, potentially affecting the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new analysis from Harvard Medical School and Hunter College found that 2.3 million teachers and 28.6 million adults are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to age or chronic diseases. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive clinician mental health support in the post-pandemic era.

NASA's Terra satellite analyzes Caribbean's Tropical Depression 14

Tropical Depression 14 is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm and potentially become a hurricane, according to NASA's Terra satellite data. The depression's coldest cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, generating heavy rainfall and affecting Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

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.

Large tin monosulfide crystal opens pathway for next generation solar cells

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully grown large single crystals of tin monosulfide (SnS), a promising material for next-generation solar cells. The achievement marks a significant step towards developing SnS solar cells with high conversion efficiency and could accelerate their practical application.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UCF researchers generate attosecond light from industrial laser

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a method to generate attosecond pulses using industrial-grade lasers, making it more accessible to scientists from various disciplines. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in power generation, chemical- and biological-weapon detection, and medical diagnostics.

Simple test could improve public attitudes to autism

Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.

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.

Energy transition away from coal in China will yield benefits

A study by Stony Brook University proposes strategies for China's transition away from coal, emphasizing employment and social justice impacts. The authors estimate a rapid transition could reduce premature deaths by 224,000 and water consumption by 4.3 billion m3 in 2050.

Smart responsive lasing signals for high-security optical encryption

Researchers propose a strategy to achieve multiple responsive lasing emission states for high-security optical encryption by modulating the competition between radiative rate of donor and the rate of energy transfer in FRET microlasers. This approach enables dynamic lasing action control, resulting in distinguishable lasing states.

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.

Urine sediment test results, diagnoses vary significantly across nephrologists

A new study reveals significant variability in urine sediment test interpretations among nephrologists, emphasizing the need for standardized education and training to improve reliability. This variation can lead to misinterpretation and potential patient harm, necessitating a more standardized approach to diagnose kidney diseases.

Loop, resonate, and accelerate!

Researchers identified a new role for bi-directional connections in accelerating communication between brain regions. By creating loops, these connections can establish resonance and amplify signals, reducing the need for synchronization and increasing network efficiency.

COVID-19 pooling test method from Ben-Gurion U. IDs asymptomatic carriers

A new COVID-19 pooling test method, P-BEST, has been developed to identify all positive subjects, including asymptomatic carriers, in a single round of testing. The algorithmic method increases testing efficiency and reduces costs, making it ideal for conducting carrier screening when infection rates are low.

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.

NASA nighttime image shows a weaker Genevieve moving away from Mexico

Tropical Storm Genevieve has weakened rapidly due to various factors, including moderate southerly vertical wind shear and cooler sea-surface temperatures. As of Aug. 21, the storm is expected to degenerate into a post-tropical cyclone, moving further away from the Baja California peninsula.

Scientists discover a social cue of safety

Researchers found that when flying alone, individual fruit flies freeze as a response to an imminent threat, but this behaviour changes in the presence of others. When other flies begin to move after the threat has passed, it signals safety and causes the freezing fly to exit its frozen state.

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.

Arctic ocean moorings shed light on winter sea ice loss

Researchers found Arctic winter ice grew less than half as much as normal due to increased ocean heat from the interior. This weakening of the halocline barrier allows for more efficient mixing between warmer and colder waters, limiting sea ice growth.

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.

Mass General researchers create bioluminescent tag to detect DNA break repair

Researchers created a novel bioluminescent system to monitor DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair pathways, which play a crucial role in multiple conditions including cancer. The BLRR-based system allows for direct tracking of DSB repair pathways in animals and cell lines, providing new insights into cancer treatment resistance.

Researchers link end of Green Sahara with SE Asia megadrought

Scientists have discovered a connection between the end of the Green Sahara and a previously unknown megadrought in Southeast Asia, which lasted over 1,000 years and affected human settlement patterns. The drought, linked to changes in the Saharan vegetation, led to reduced monsoon moisture across the region.

Nasal vaccine against COVID-19 prevents infection in mice

A new COVID-19 vaccine delivered via the nose produces a strong immune response in mice, preventing infection and sterilizing immunity. The vaccine uses adenovirus technology with mutations to stabilize the spike protein, allowing for a single dose to induce robust protection against COVID-19.

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.

Scientists discover a social cue of safety

Researchers at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown have discovered that fruit flies freeze as a social cue of danger, but also resume movement when others start moving again, signaling safety. Group size plays a crucial role in this behavior, with smaller groups freezing less and larger groups showing a more complex response pattern.