Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive August 2020


Page 26 of 45

Machine learning in sustainable chemistry

Researchers develop new machine learning methods to predict polymeric carbon nitride compounds suitable for sustainable photocatalytic water splitting. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without using rare earths or expensive metals.

Patients' access to opioid treatment cumbersome

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that pregnant women face significant challenges accessing opioid treatment, including limited provider availability and high out-of-pocket costs. The study calls for policymakers to intervene and establish systems for timely access to life-saving medications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unexpectedly-fast conduction electrons in Na3Bi

A study finds that exchange and correlation effects significantly impact the electron mobility of Na3Bi, leading to unexpectedly fast conduction electrons. The research uses a scanning-tunnelling microscope technique to map the electronic structure in the material.

Decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoids, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a significant decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoid use, particularly affecting grassland birds. The research found a 2.2% decline in grassland bird populations for every 100 kg increase in neonicotinoid usage per county.

Cardiovascular risk factors tied to COVID-19 complications and death

A recent study analyzed data from over 77,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients to understand the impact of pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities or risk factors on clinical outcomes. The results show that these patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular complications and die from COVID-19 infection.

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.

Teachers College to use NSF grant for teacher fellowships

The project aims to improve Next Generation Science Standards by developing a technological ecosystem that enables students to create, test, and compare their own ideas about science. The funding will focus on sixth- and seventh-grade science, but the results will be adaptable to other age groups.

Dynamic membranes set to solve problems of liquid waste treatment

The study introduces a new type of composite membrane with a polystyrene surface layer that increases its resistance to aggressive media. The developed dynamic membranes show high separation efficiency for emulsions and can be reused by replacing the contaminated surface layer, making them suitable for liquid waste treatment.

Changes in climate and land cover affecting European migratory bird populations

A new study reveals that European migratory bird populations are most affected by changes in climate on breeding grounds, while land cover changes have a greater impact on their migration routes. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors in conservation efforts to mitigate population declines.

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.

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Josephine

Tropical Storm Josephine is being affected by southwesterly wind shear, which is pushing clouds and precipitation to the northeast of its center. This wind shear is expected to continue, potentially affecting the storm's trajectory and weakening it over the next couple of days.

Research helps explain source of pathogen that causes bitter rot disease

A two-year study found that fungal spores of Colletotrichum fioriniae, the cause of bitter rot disease, reside symbiotically within apple leaves. The research suggests that the fungus is a leaf endophyte, with most spores coming from forest samples, and has important implications for fruit tree management.

Linking sight and movement

A team of Harvard researchers found that image-processing circuits in the primary visual cortex are more active when animals move, suggesting a complex relationship between vision and movement. The study's results offer new insights into how neural activity works in sensory regions of the brain.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

German-Argentinean doctoral program bears first fruits

A German-Argentinean doctoral program has borne its first fruits with a joint publication in the renowned journal Plant Physiology. Dr. Regina Mencia's research on increasing plant resistance to pathogens via the salicylic acid pathway has shown promising results.

Remains of 17th century bishop support neolithic emergence of tuberculosis

A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology has reconstructed a tuberculosis genome from the calcified lungs of a 17th-century bishop, supporting the idea that TB emerged within the last 6,000 years. The discovery sheds light on the origins of TB and challenges the prevailing assumption about its global distribution.

For pregnant patients, number of clinic visits not tied to risk of getting COVID-19

A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between the number of in-person health care visits and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that necessary in-person care can be safely performed.

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.

Plavchan and collaborators studying newly discovered planet

Scientists are using a High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) and iSHELL/IRTF to observe the newly discovered planet AU Mic, aiming to disentangle its radial velocity signal from stellar activity. This will allow for precise calculations of the planet's orbital parameters and mass.

The flax wilt agent has been sequenced

The study completes the genome assembly of F. oxysporum f.sp. lini, a highly destructive fungal parasite infecting flax. This milestone contributes to the development of resistant crop varieties and aids in eliminating plant disease outbreaks.

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.

'Madsen' wheat as source of disease resistance

The 'Madsen' wheat cultivar exhibits excellent resistance to various diseases and stresses, contributing to its widespread success in the Pacific Northwest. Its impact has been felt globally, with researchers using it as a parent in breeding programs to protect wheat crops from numerous threats.

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.

Reconstructing global climate through Earth's history

Researchers have developed a framework to reconcile discrepancies in ancient sea surface temperature estimates and climate model results. By accounting for location-biased paleoclimate data, scientists can better reconstruct global climate conditions in the past and improve predictions of future climate scenarios.

The larynx has evolved more rapidly in primates

Researchers found that primates have evolved larger, more variable larynges with faster adaptation rates compared to carnivores. This difference is linked to vocal communication systems, suggesting a key role for the larynx in primate behavior.

A watershed moment for US water quality

A new federal rule leaves millions of miles of unconnected US streams and acres of wetlands unprotected, potentially undermining decades of taxpayer investment in improving water quality. The move risks higher floods, loss of biodiversity, and threats to drinking water and recreational fishing.

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that household contacts had a 1 in 10 chance of infection, while asymptomatic patients were less likely to infect close contacts. Patients with severe disease were more likely to spread COVID-19 to their close contacts.

Rochester leads effort to understand matter at atom-crushing pressures

The University of Rochester is leading a new initiative to understand matter under extreme pressures, with potential implications for understanding planets and stars. Researchers will explore four main areas, including the behavior of hydrogen and helium, element reactions, energy transport, and direct astrophysical implications.

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.

Engineered capsids for efficient gene delivery to the eye

Researchers developed novel variants of adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids with improved transduction properties in the mouse retina and cornea. The efficient gene delivery of these variants was confirmed in non-human primate tissue, adding to their potential use in treating human ocular diseases.

Studying how skin cancer starts

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how quickly certain pre-cancerous lesions can form on the DNA of our skin when exposed to sunlight, a finding that could lead to more effective prevention methods. The research reveals that these mutations can form in as little as three picoseconds after exposure to UV light.

Academia from home

A recent study suggests that remote work can be beneficial for postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to overcome financial and family constraints. By leveraging digital tools and establishing transparent communication channels, remote research can facilitate collaboration, reduce stress, and promote productivity. This shift in perspe...

Who's your daddy? Male seahorses transport nutrients to embryos

Researchers have found that male seahorses transport nutrients to their developing babies during pregnancy, a complex process similar to human pregnancy. This breakthrough provides new insights into the biology of seahorse pregnancy and its potential parallels with human reproduction.

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.

How do we prioritize what we see?

A new study reveals that the occipital cortex is essential for guiding involuntary attention to prioritize visual information. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt cortical excitability in this region, finding that it eliminates behavioral benefits and costs at attended and unattended locations.

Big dogs face more joint problems if neutered early

A new study from UC Davis found that mixed-breed dogs weighing over 44 pounds are at higher risk for joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. The study suggests that dog owners should consider their options carefully when deciding whether to spay or neuter their pet.

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.

Exercise Enhancement

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.

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.

A new neurofeedback strategy to treat pain

A new neurofeedback approach, Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), has been explored in a preclinical study to treat chronic pain. The study found that DecNef enhances the brain's natural ability to control pain by boosting the 'endogenous pain control system', which is often dysfunctional in chronic pain patients.

A new, 20-minute assay for COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers developed a rapid molecular test called N1-STOP-LAMP that can diagnose SARS-CoV-2 with 100% accuracy in just 20 minutes. The test uses a portable machine and is highly efficient, making it suitable for settings with limited testing capabilities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic

A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.