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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 8 of 45

Octupole corner state in a three-dimensional topological circuit

Researchers have experimentally observed a 0D corner state in a 3D topological circuit, which is induced by the nontrivial octupole moment of the circuit. The corner state is protected by three anticommuting reflection symmetries and exhibits robustness against certain types of disorder.

Antagonistic genes modify rice plant growth

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered two genes, ACE1 and DEC1, that counteract each other to regulate rice plant stem growth. The findings suggest a new approach for genetically modifying rice crops to improve yield and adaptability.

Study finds association between nightmares and heart disease in veterans

A new study discovered a significant association between frequent and severe nightmares and cardiovascular disease in veterans. The research found that 32% of veterans reported frequent nightmares and 35% reported severe nightmares, which were linked to heart problems, high blood pressure, and heart attack.

New neural network differentiates Middle and Late Stone Age toolkits

Researchers developed a neural network to distinguish between Middle and Late Stone Age assemblages by analyzing frequent tool combinations. The study found that the combined occurrence of backed pieces, blade technologies, and absence of core tools reliably identifies Late Stone Age assemblages.

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.

Scientists to discover the unique ductile properties of aluminum

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University produced a metal with increased ductility, three times higher than specified in standard. This discovery can change component design and improve material performance for industries like Aerospace.

How cold was the ice age? Researchers now know

Researchers have determined that the Last Glacial Maximum was approximately 6 degrees Celsius (11 F) cooler than today. The study's findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperature, allowing for more accurate climate predictions.

US political parties become extremist to get more votes

New research shows that US political parties have become increasingly polarized due to their quest for voters. The study challenges a 1950s model by economist Anthony Downs, finding that voters remain moderate but parties move towards extremes to minimize constituency overlap.

USDA says current poultry food safety guidelines do not stop salmonella outbreaks

The study concludes that a more holistic approach to poultry food safety is needed to better protect the public from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella. It highlights the limitations of current guidelines, which only consider pathogen prevalence and do not account for other risk factors such as serotype virulence and temperature abuse.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NTU Singapore scientists use fruit peel to turn old batteries into new

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel method using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse precious metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The process creates minimal waste and can be scaled up for industrial use, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

Cosmic rays may soon stymie quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have found that cosmic rays and low-level environmental radiation can cause decoherence in superconducting qubits, limiting their performance. This effect could limit the practicality of quantum computing within a few years, prompting scientists to explore shielding or design improvements.

Tag team gut bacteria worsen symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at RIKEN IMS discovered that a combination of gut bacteria worsens multiple sclerosis symptoms in a mouse model. Two specific bacteria, OTU002 and Lactobacillus reuteri, enhance immune cell activity that attacks the brain and spinal cord.

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.

Domesticated chickens have smaller brains

Researchers found that selective breeding of junglefowl for reduced fear led to changes in brain composition and affected fear memory. The domesticated birds became accustomed to non-hazardous events more rapidly due to smaller brains relative to body size.

Nanodots made of photovoltaic material support waveguide modes

Researchers developed a novel spectroscopic technique to study stibnite nanostructures, revealing their potential as high-optical-quality waveguides. The technique allows for the measurement of spectrally resolved intensity profiles within individual nanodots, demonstrating that they can support four modes over a 200-nm bandwidth.

Natural radiation can interfere with quantum computers

A multidisciplinary research team found that low-level ionizing radiation degrades superconducting qubit performance. To maintain coherence and achieve practical quantum computing, radiation shielding will be necessary. Researchers emphasize the need to exclude radiation-emitting materials and consider underground experimental setups.

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.

Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

A study by the University of Montreal has revealed the rules of synaptic plasticity, a process underlying learning and memory. The research found that dendritic spines, tiny protrusions on neurons, amplify or suppress incoming information based on its strength.

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.

Study rules out DM destruction as origin of extra radiation in galaxy center

Researchers have eliminated dark matter candidates as the origin of excess gamma rays detected in the Milky Way's galaxy center through extensive modeling exercises. The study puts strongest constraints yet on dark matter properties, ruling out weakly interacting massive particles up to very high-mass particles.

Why flat-faced dogs remain popular despite health problems

Despite severe health problems, 93% of flat-faced dog owners want to own their breed again in the future. Positive behavioral attributes and suitability for a sedentary lifestyle are common reasons for reacquisition or recommendation. However, owners acknowledge significant health risks, including respiratory disease and heat stroke.

UC creates living tribute to Ohio botanist

A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.

Too many COVID-19 patients get unneeded 'just in case' antibiotics

A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that over half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics soon after arrival, despite only 3.5% having both virus and bacterial infection. Faster testing and understanding infection risk factors could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and harm.

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.

Meteorite strikes may create unexpected form of silica

Scientists have discovered a novel disordered crystalline phase of silica that forms under dynamic shock compression, challenging longstanding assumptions about the material's behavior. The findings provide new insights into planetary formation and evolution, and may reveal details about the Earth's geologic history.

New therapy targets breast cancer metastases in brain

A new combination therapy targeting breast cancer tumors in the brain has been shown to reduce tumor size and increase survival in a study with mice. The treatment, which combines vinorelbine and I-BET-762, was found to be effective in curing up to 75% of mice with brain metastases.

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.

Interventions stem antibiotic prescribing rates in telemedicine

Researchers found that interventions reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in telemedicine practices significantly decreased inappropriate prescriptions. Education and feedback on dashboards led to the most substantial reductions, particularly for conditions where antibiotics should not be prescribed.

Study finds that water efficiency achievable throughout US without decree

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency can save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. The research found that some regions and industries have the greatest potential for water savings, with improved water productivity in corn, cotton, and alfalfa contrib...

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.

CabildoXLatAm: A space for digital participation in Latin America

The CabildoXLatAm platform hosts a participatory digital space for Latin America's civil society actors, governments, and communities to discuss new forms of governance. The event aims to design a roadmap for self-management and address regional challenges such as food sovereignty and digital governance.

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.

Using math to examine the sex differences in dinosaurs

Paleontologists used a new approach to estimate sexual variation in dinosaur fossils, finding patterns in size differences between males and females. The study suggests that using effect size statistics can produce accurate estimates of sexual dimorphism even with limited fossil data.

Researchers discover gene controlling nectar spur development

A team of researchers has identified a key gene, POPOVICH, responsible for the development of nectar spurs in Aquilegia. The study used a spurless species to pinpoint the gene and found that it promotes cell divisions in the regions where the spur develops.

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.

How vitamin C could help over 50s retain muscle mass

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that vitamin C consumption is linked to higher skeletal muscle mass in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 13,000 participants, found that those with the highest amounts of vitamin C had the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass.

New method to combat damage, help revive NY berry industry

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method using thin mesh covering, called exclusion netting, to control spotted wing drosophila infestation in New York berry crops. The technique has shown significant benefits, including reduced pesticide use and lower costs, with minimal SWD incidence.

Obesity linked with higher risk for COVID-19 complications

A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study reveals that individuals with obesity are at a greatly increased risk for hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death from COVID-19. Obesity is associated with numerous underlying health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which can impair immune function.

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.

Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty

A new study has identified major gaps in the international ozone treaty, which must be addressed to avert stronger climate change and serious risks to human health. The treaty's loopholes include unaccounted for CFC and HFC emissions, leakages from old air conditioners, and emissions of nitrous oxide from agriculture.

Long naps may be bad for health

A large meta-analysis of 20 studies found that long naps (over 60 minutes) are associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Napping can also increase the risk of death in women and older participants.

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.

Novel alkaline hydrogel advances skin wound care

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.

Progress toward a treatment for Krabbe disease

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers describes an effective gene therapy for Krabbe disease in dogs, which has shown promising results with no significant symptoms after four years. The treatment approach, using the AAV9 vector, has also been found to positively affect both central and peripheral nervous systems.

Got fatigue? Study further pinpoints brain regions that may control it

Researchers identified areas of the brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue, which could lead to new strategies for healthy individuals and therapies for those with depression, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The study used MRI scans and computer modeling to analyze brain activity and behavior in participants.

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.

Hip fracture risk linked to nanoscale bone inflexibility

Researchers found that donors without fractures had more flexible collagen and mineral nanostructure than those with fractures. The study suggests that flexibility at the nanoscale could be an important predictor of future bone fractures, highlighting the need for new treatments targeting nanoscale bone health.

Placenta can indicate how body responds to opioids during pregnancy

Researchers found that opioid use during pregnancy can negatively affect the placenta's structure, reducing cells that produce essential by-products for normal brain development. The study also identified specific genetic expression differences between female and male placentas in response to maternal oxycodone exposure.