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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 28 of 45

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Restoring degraded tropical forests generates big carbon gains

Research reveals that forest restoration can replenish carbon storage and preserve biodiversity, with actively restored forests recovering 50% faster than naturally regenerating ones. The study found that degraded forests can recover up to 2.9 tons of aboveground carbon per hectare annually if protected from agricultural conversion.

New tools catch and release molecules at the flip of a light switch

Researchers at Princeton University developed OptoBinders, light-switchable molecular tools that control cellular processes. These antibody-like proteins can bind or release targets in response to blue light, offering new capabilities for protein purification, biofuel production, and targeted cancer therapies.

When you're smiling, the whole world really does smile with you

Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia confirms that smiling can alter perception of facial expressions and body language, generating more positive emotions. The study found that facial muscular activity stimulates the amygdala, releasing neurotransmitters to encourage an emotionally positive state.

COVID-19 outcomes in french nursing homes with staff confinement

Researchers studied COVID-19 outcomes in French nursing homes that implemented voluntary staff confinement, finding improved mortality rates among residents. The study suggests that staff confinement can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care settings.

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.

New study shows increase in domestic violence injuries during COVID-19

A new study found a significant increase in domestic violence injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more severe injuries reported despite fewer patients seeking help. The study suggests that fear of contracting infection and limited access to ambulatory sites may be preventing victims from reporting abuse.

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.

Study suggests new potential approach against fatal childhood brain cancer

Researchers discovered that simultaneously targeting two energy-production pathways within cancer cells can help overcome the effects of a cancer-causing mutation in DIPG. In mouse models, inhibiting both pathways at once significantly improved survival rates compared to targeting each pathway individually.

Child disability can reduce educational outcomes for older siblings

A recent study published in The Economic Journal found that child disability can have a significant impact on the educational outcomes of their older siblings. The researchers analyzed data from Florida and Denmark and found that the second-born child was more adversely affected cognitively than the first-born child when the third-born...

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Systemic racism has consequences for all life in cities

A review paper examines the influence of systemic inequalities on ecology and evolution, finding that racism reduces biodiversity, increases urban heat island effects, and augments climate crises. The authors advocate for environmental justice and anti-racism practices to transform biological research and conservation.

Programmed bacteria have something extra

Researchers successfully engineered bacteria to produce a synthetic building block, a 21st amino acid, which prompts the bacteria to produce a protein that fluoresces under metabolic stress. This breakthrough enables the design of novel proteins and organisms with useful functions.

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.

Some dinosaurs could fly before they were birds

Researchers found that powered flight potential evolved at least three times in theropods: once in birds and twice in dromaeosaurids. This challenges the traditional view of bird origins, presenting a more complex picture of experimentation with wing-assisted locomotion.

Yoga shown to improve anxiety, study shows

A new study found that yoga significantly improved symptoms for those with generalized anxiety disorder, but not as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. Yoga was more effective than stress management, with 54% of participants experiencing improved symptoms compared to 33% in the control group.

Glass blowing inspires new class of quantum sensors

A team of scientists, led by RMIT University, has developed a new class of quantum sensors using high-performance diamond particles embedded in conventional glass fibers. This breakthrough enables the creation of cheap quantum sensor networks for applications such as underwater monitoring and mining.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New generation of drugs show early efficacy against drug-resistant TB

A new international study has shown that a newly developed treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is highly effective, with an 85% success rate among patients with serious comorbidities. The regimens, bedaquiline and delamanid, offer a promising alternative to the historical standard of care, which has approxim...

New advance in superconductors with 'twist' in rhombohedral graphite

Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a nanomaterial that mimics the 'magic angle' effect in twisted bilayer graphene, offering an alternative medium to study superconductivity. The new findings show strong electron-electron interactions in rhombohedral graphite, which could lead to game-changing effects in materi...

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.

'Reelin' in a new treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that depleting the key protein Reelin can protect against multiple sclerosis symptoms and promote recovery. By reducing monocyte adhesion on blood vessel walls, Reelin levels may be a novel way to treat MS.

OECD countries' politicians follow each other

The study found that democratic countries tend to copy each other's decisions, while the timing of implementation is crucial in containing the spread. The researchers conclude that political decisions during the pandemic were influenced by internal pressure and a desire for decisiveness.

Robot technology for everyone or only for the average person?

A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology researchers Roger Andre Søraa and Eduard Fosch-Villaronga calls for exoskeleton designers to consider inclusivity in their designs. The goal is to make the technology accessible to a broader range of users, including those with different heights, weights, and genders.

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.

The (neuro)science of getting and staying motivated

A study published in Neuropsychopharmacology found that the balance between glutamine and glutamate levels in the nucleus accumbens is crucial for sustained effort-based motivated performance. The research suggests a potential link to therapeutic strategies, including nutritional interventions, to address motivational deficits.

Why walking to work may be better for you than a casual stroll

A new study published in the Journal of Transport and Health found that walking to work can significantly improve a person's self-rated health compared to casual strolls. People who walked primarily for utilitarian purposes, such as commuting to work, reported better health than those who walked mostly for leisure.

How anxiety--and hope--can drive new product adoption

Researchers found that strong anxiety about outcomes from new products can enhance consequential adoption intentions and actual adoption, especially when combined with strong hope. This effect is due to action planning, which boosts perceived control over outcomes and leads to increased product satisfaction.

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.

Flipping a metabolic switch to slow tumor growth

A team of scientists from UC San Diego identified a metabolic switch that decreases tumor growth in mice by restricting dietary amino acids. They found that restricting serine and glycine led to the production of toxic lipids that slow cancer progression.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nutrition labelling is improving nation's diet - new study

A new study finds that Front-of-Pack labelling on food products leads to a reduction in the quantity of labelled store-branded food purchased and an overall improvement in nutritional composition of consumers' shopping baskets. The study, published in the Journal of Health Economics, shows significant improvements in poorer households.

NASA finds hurricane Elida's eye covered

Hurricane Elida's eye has become fully covered by high clouds, a sign of the storm weakening due to cooler waters. The storm is expected to weaken quickly and degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area on Thursday.

Cremation in the Middle-East dates as far back as 7,000 B.C.

A team of archaeologists uncovered evidence of the oldest direct cremation in the Middle-East, found in a pyre pit in Beisamoun, Israel, dating back around 9,000 years. The remains indicate a shift away from traditional burial practices towards shorter rituals.

A quick, cost-effective method to track the spread of COVID-19

A team of scientists from Hokkaido University has successfully developed an adsorption-extraction technique to efficiently detect SARS-CoV-2 in untreated wastewater. This breakthrough method, using a surrogate virus like murine hepatitis virus, offers a fast and economical way to track the spread of COVID-19 at a larger scale.

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.

Scientists propose method for eliminating damaging heat bursts in fusion device

Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a model that accurately reproduces the conditions for ELM suppression in the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. The model predicts wider operational flexibility for tokamaks, enabling enhanced fusion reactor operation and expanding the capabilities of fusion devices.

Assessment of lupus anticoagulant positivity in patients with COVID-19

This observational study found a significant prevalence of lupus anticoagulant (LA) positivity among patients with COVID-19, indicating a potential link between LA and severe disease outcomes. The study's findings suggest that monitoring for LA positivity may be crucial in managing COVID-19 patients.

Seafood study finds plastic in all samples

A new study found that five different types of seafood - oysters, prawns, squid, crabs, and sardines - contain plastic, with varying levels of pollution. The research used a newly developed method to identify and measure five different plastic types, revealing surprising differences in the amount of plastic present among species.

Spider silk inspires new class of functional synthetic polymers

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed a new class of proton-conducting polymers based on protein-like materials, which may be useful in future bio-electronic devices and sensors. The novel material has shown higher measured proton conductivity than any previously known biomaterials.

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.

The oldest known cremation in the near east dates to 7000 BC

A study published in PLOS ONE has uncovered the oldest known cremation site in the Near East, dating back to 7013-6700 BC. The remains of a young adult found in Beisamoun, Israel, show evidence of intentional cremation, suggesting a cultural shift in funeral practices during this period.