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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 6 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.

Older adults's faced mental health issues during the pandemic

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that older adults experienced increased depression and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, having close social networks served as a protective factor against negative mental health outcomes for some.

QUT algorithm could quash Twitter abuse of women

A team of researchers from Queensland University of Technology has developed an algorithm that can identify misogynistic content on Twitter with a high degree of accuracy. The algorithm uses a deep learning model to analyze language patterns and context, allowing it to distinguish between abusive language and innocent expressions.

A tailor-made molecule that ties nerve connections

Researchers developed a synthetic compound called CPTX that improved symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, and cerebellar ataxia in mice. The protein restored neural connections, increased excitatory transmission, and promoted memory formation.

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.

Meteorite study suggests Earth may have been wet since it formed

Researchers found that enstatite chondrite meteorites contain sufficient hydrogen to deliver at least three times the amount of water in the Earth's oceans and probably much more. These rare meteorites, composed of material from the inner solar system, are believed to be the building blocks of the planet.

Microbes working together multiply biomass conversion possibilities

Researchers have developed a novel approach for converting lignocellulose biomass into valuable chemicals by combining multiple microorganisms. This modular system, known as the lactate platform, enables the production of diverse chemicals, including butyric acid and lactic acid, with high efficiency.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Newtonian gravitational constant: Latest advances of the measurements

Scientists at Sun Yat-sen University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology review the history of G measurements, highlighting inconsistent results and proposing future experiments to reduce uncertainty. They also present their own latest values, achieving high accuracy and confidence levels.

Genomes published for major agricultural weeds

Researchers have published the most comprehensive genome information for three troublesome agricultural weeds, which could lead to better understanding of herbicide resistance. The genomes will help identify specific enzymes responsible for detoxifying herbicides, enabling scientists to develop new control methods.

Char application restores soil carbon and productivity

Researchers found that char can rapidly restore soil carbon and sulfate concentrations, but did not affect physical properties or crop yields. The study suggests char as a potential strategy to enhance soil properties and crop yields in low-carbon soils.

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.

Hubble maps giant halo around Andromeda Galaxy

A team of scientists using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has mapped the immense envelope of gas surrounding the Andromeda galaxy, our nearest large galactic neighbor. The study reveals a layered structure with two main shells of gas, and sheds light on the fuel for future star formation and outflows from supernovae.

Breakthrough in using stem cells to treat enteric nervous system disorders

Researchers at University of Sheffield and UCL identified a key stage in forming the enteric nervous system using pluripotent stem cells. This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, which is initiated in the enteric nervous system before reaching the brain.

Are all vegetarian diets healthy?

Research suggests that not all vegetarian diets are created equal, with healthier choices linked to maintaining normal blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood sugar. Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil were found to be key contributors to better heart health.

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.

Study confirms link between influenza, heart complications

A CDC study of over 80,000 adult patients hospitalized with flu found that sudden, serious heart complications occurred in 12% of patients, or 1 in 8. The study underscores the importance of getting a flu shot early to prevent these complications. Researchers recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every flu season.

A new method for making a key component of plastics

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a novel way for bacteria to produce ethylene gas, a crucial chemical in plastics manufacturing. This breakthrough could lead to new methods for producing plastics sustainably, replacing fossil fuels.

Two discoveries boost next-generation organoid development

Scientists from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and RIKEN report discovering signals that control the formation of human organs from fetal foregut. The study provides a roadmap for growing more complex and functional organoids using human stem cells.

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.

Why 'one day at a time' works for recovering alcoholics

A Yale University study finds that the brain takes time to normalize after abstaining from alcohol, making 'one day at a time' an effective recovery strategy. The study also suggests potential medications to aid in long-term abstinence.

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.

NASA finds new Tropical Storm Iselle already battling wind shear

Tropical Storm Iselle formed on Aug 26 with enhanced infrared data showing strongest storms west of the center, indicating large amounts of rain. Wind shear will likely prevent strengthening over the next couple of days, and forecasts predict weakening late this weekend.

A government program that reduces mortgage defaults

A national study found that housing finance agencies' supportive services and loan structure significantly reduced mortgage defaults and foreclosures among low- and moderate-income households. The results suggest government programs can help low-income households afford and keep their homes, with potential impacts on local economies.

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.

Genetic link between cattle temperament and autism

Researchers at the University of Queensland have found a strong association between genes influencing cattle temperament and autism in humans. The study's findings could lead to improved animal welfare and meat quality by identifying genetic markers for better temperament.

Vertebral body tethering shows clinical success as treatment for scoliosis

A retrospective study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that vertebral body tethering (VBT) is a promising alternative to posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for treating scoliosis in pediatric patients with growth remaining. VBT yields a high success rate, preserving mobility and correcting curves in 74% of patients.

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.

Weight in first years of life can affect lung health in later childhood

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children with accelerated weight gain before age four have higher lung function at age seven, but also exhibit airflow limitation. The research suggests that early childhood growth patterns can be a useful tool for identifying respiratory health issues.

Rejuvenating old organs could increase donor pool

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered that senolytic drugs can rejuvenate older organs, reducing inflammation and improving survival rates. The study suggests that these drugs could help close the gap between organ demand and supply, benefiting patients on transplant waitlists.

Daylight study reveals how animals adapt between seasons

Researchers found a biological switch in the pituitary gland that enables animals to adapt to changing seasons, governed by hormones and genes. The study reveals a crucial role of the circadian gene BMAL2 in seasonal adaptations, shedding light on the underlying processes.

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 establish first lethal mouse model for COVID-19

Researchers developed a lethal mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 by infecting genetically engineered K18-hACE2 mice with the virus. The study reveals acute disease symptoms and fatal outcomes in these mice, providing a valuable platform for medical countermeasure development.

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.

A topography of extremes

Scientists successfully combined high pressures, magnetic fields, and ultra-low temperatures to study cer-rhodium-indium-five metal's conducting properties. The resulting phase diagram reveals exciting insights into the mysterious superconductivity of this metal.

Cigarette-like 'cigarillos' flout efforts to curb smoking

Researchers warn that the introduction of 'cigarillos' to the UK market is exploiting loopholes in public health measures, targeting cigarette smokers with low-cost products. The authors advocate for urgent adjustments to the tax system to raise pack prices and reduce the incentives behind these products.

Land use change leads to increased flooding in Indonesia

A new study by researchers from the University of Göttingen and IPB University reveals that land use change leads to more frequent and severe flooding in Indonesia. The expansion of monocultures such as oil palm and rubber plantations causes soil degradation, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased water runoff.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Life expectancy gap between Black and white people in Washington, DC, analyzed

A study published in Scientific Reports found that life expectancy for Black men in Washington, DC, was on average 17.23 years shorter than for white men, while Black women had a gap of 12.06 years. The study attributed these disparities to factors such as heart disease, homicide, cancer, and socioeconomic conditions.

A spatial regime shift to stickleback dominance

A new study reveals a large-scale change from predatory fish to stickleback dominance in the Baltic Sea, threatening local ecosystems. The shift is linked to eutrophication and climate change, and its effects include reduced recruitment of pike and perch.

Spouses shed more pounds together than alone

A recent study found that couples who worked on healthy habits together had better chances of losing weight, especially when they participated in lifestyle programs. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 patients, showed that having a partner with similar lifestyles helped maintain motivation and overcome practical challenges.

Quantum simulation of quantum crystals

Researchers from the University of Freiburg and their collaborators have developed a new method to simulate the formation of quantum crystals using dipolar atoms. This allows for unprecedented precision in measuring structures that have not been observed before, providing insights into the quantum properties underlying crystal formation.

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.