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Science News for December 18, 2020


Study sets baseline for sleep patterns in healthy adult dogs

A new study from North Carolina State University has established a baseline for understanding sleep patterns in healthy adult dogs, shedding light on the effects of age, sex, and weight on their activity cycles. The research aims to improve detection and treatment of chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction in dogs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2020

Satellite data identifies companies fishing in high seas

A study using satellite data linked companies to fishing activity in high seas waters, shedding light on commercial fishing practices. Researchers found approximately two-thirds of detected fishing effort was attributed to 1,120 corporations owning nearly 2,500 vessels.

SourceNew York University·JournalOne Earth·DateDec 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Experts call for Europe-wide COVID-19 targets

A group of over 300 global scientists is urging European governments to adopt a coordinated approach to managing the pandemic by setting clear COVID-19 case number targets. The proposed strategy aims to achieve low case numbers, enhance mitigation measures, and develop long-term common vision to protect people's health, societies, and ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2020

New drug molecules hold promise for treating rare inherited terminal childhood disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new treatment approach for mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh Syndrome, by using novel drugs that metabolically reprogram mitochondria to generate energy. The study successfully normalized or improved energy production in genetically mutated microscopic worms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Inherited Metabolic Disease·DateDec 18, 2020

In liver, a stressed cell can be bad news for its neighbors

Researchers found that a protein called Cx43 allows stress signals from one liver cell to spread to neighboring cells, causing dysfunction. Mice with deleted Cx43 were protected from insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 18, 2020

New mechanism of force transduction in muscle cells discovered

The study reveals that metavinculin modulates mechanical force transduction on the molecular level, potentially resisting high peak forces observed in muscle tissues. Mice lacking metavinculin did not exhibit cardiomyopathy, suggesting a more complex pathophysiological role for the protein.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Plants can be larks or night owls just like us

A study found that a single DNA base-pair change in a specific gene can influence whether a plant is a lark or night owl, affecting its flowering time and ability to withstand climate change. The research could help farmers select plants with clocks best suited to their location.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateDec 18, 2020

World's first transmission of 1 Petabit/s using a single-core multimode optical fiber

Researchers demonstrated the world's first transmission exceeding 1 petabit per second in a single-core multi-mode optical fiber, increasing the current record data rate by more than 2.5 times. This achievement showcases the potential of single-core multimode fibers for high-capacity transmission using standard manufacturing processes.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateDec 18, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers determine factors associated with ovary removal in patients with ovarian torsion

A retrospective study of patients with ovarian torsion found that older age, larger ovarian size, and gynecologic oncologist performance were linked to increased oophorectomy rates. The study suggests that surgeon ability to diagnose necrosis is poor, and patient race does not impact the likelihood of oophorectomy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gynecologic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2020

Will we still need Covid-19 volunteers in the new year?

Local Authorities and the Voluntary and Community Sector are best placed to support the response to the Covid-19 crisis locally. Thousands of volunteers have helped their neighbours stay fed, safe, and connected, and will continue to play a central role during the festive period and into next year.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers reveal link between cryptocurrency coding and market behavior

A new study by Dr Andrea Baronchelli and colleagues reveals a connection between cryptocurrency coding and market behavior. The researchers found that 4% of developers contribute to the code of two or more cryptocurrencies, questioning the transparency surrounding the coding process.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2020

Humpback whale songs provide insight to population changes

Researchers analyzed acoustic data from humpback whale songs to track population changes in the North Pacific. The study found a significant decrease in acoustic energy levels between 2014-15 and 2018-19, mirroring the declining number of whales during this period.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Stem cell treatment for vascular diseases can be predicted through real-time observation

Researchers developed a method to predict therapeutic efficacy of stem cell treatment for vascular diseases based on initial distribution and migration of transplanted cells. The method enabled predicting superior therapeutic efficacy when treatment cells form into condensed 'round shape' during initial treatment.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 18, 2020

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Researchers found prebiotic organic molecule hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, validating theories of its role in forming organic compounds. HMT is thought to be a stable source for ammonia and formaldehyde, which can form other important biological molecules.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers propose process to detect and contain emerging diseases

A global team of researchers has proposed a four-part approach to detect and contain zoonotic diseases in Africa. The strategy involves gathering information on diseases that can jump from animals to humans, testing hospital patients with fevers, analyzing blood serum in high-risk groups, and utilizing archived samples.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Inverted fluorescence

Researchers have discovered a new class of fluorescent dyes that can convert visible light into ultraviolet light, overcoming one of the biggest challenges to harnessing sunlight for energy. This breakthrough could enable more efficient solar-powered water splitting and other high-energy reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 2020

Novel crystalline oxide may solve the problem of overheating in composite materials

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology synthesized a novel material with negative thermal expansion properties, which may help avoid damage to composite materials. The material exhibits both phase transition and framework-type mechanisms, providing a potential solution for the overheating problem in composite materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateDec 18, 2020

New study identifies greatest risk factors of mortality from COVID-19

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are men, obese, or have complications from diabetes or hypertension have a higher risk of dying. The analysis also showed that age remains the strongest predictor of mortality from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Sound waves spin droplets to concentrate, separate nanoparticles

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method to concentrate and separate nanoparticles using sound waves, working in under a minute instead of traditional centrifugation methods which take hours or days. The technique can be used for precision bioassays, cancer diagnosis, and more.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2020

Land ecosystems are becoming less efficient at absorbing CO2

Scientists found that 86% of land ecosystems globally are becoming progressively less efficient at absorbing CO2 as atmospheric levels increase. This decline, known as the CO2 fertilization effect, is caused by limitations in water and nutrient availability, potentially weakening plants' ability to mitigate climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2020

The incredible, variable bacteria living in your mouth

A recent study published in Genome Biology reveals a high level of site-specificity in bacteria found in the human mouth, with distinct genetic forms associated with specific sites. The researchers used metapangenomics to identify novel bacterial strains and potential habitat-specific genes.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 18, 2020

Seeking answers in ferroelectric patterning

Ferroelectric materials display unique patterns due to non-equilibrium dynamics and topological defects, driving subsequent evolution. A new study finds phase separation kinetics as a common framework for understanding these patterns.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Ultra-fast gas flows through tiniest holes in 2D membranes

Researchers have identified ultra-fast gas flows through atomic-scale apertures in 2D membranes, confirming a century-old equation of fluid dynamics. The study's findings hold promise for applications in water and gas purification, air quality monitoring, and energy harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2020

APS plays foundational role in development of COVID-19 vaccines

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) has been instrumental in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, allowing for rapid progress through genetic mutations that increase effectiveness. Scientists used APS ultrabright X-ray beams to illuminate virus structures and design vaccine techniques, drugs, and treatments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2020

Developing smarter, faster machine intelligence with light

Developing a new era of optical signal processing, researchers created an optical convolutional neural network accelerator capable of processing large amounts of information per second. This innovation harnesses the massive parallelism of light to outperform top-of-the-line graphics processing units by over one order of magnitude.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalOptica·DateDec 18, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Social holidays improve overall well-being

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that social holidays increase overall life satisfaction, employment satisfaction, and feelings of equality among families with children. These holidays also have a positive impact on financial situations and leisure time experience.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateDec 18, 2020

Cannabis could reduce fentanyl use, reduce overdose risk: Study

Research suggests cannabis use by people in opioid addiction care can lower fentanyl-positive urine tests and reduce overdose risk. A study of 819 participants found that those with THC positive urine were 10% less likely to have fentanyl, highlighting potential benefits for treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 18, 2020

Genetic exchange discovered in anciently asexual rotifers

A recent study in Nature Communications found evidence of recombination and genetic exchange in bdelloid rotifers, which were previously thought to be asexual. The discovery suggests that these organisms may not be as evolutionarily dead-end as once believed.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

How does the brain project manage its learning?

A study published in Science found that the perirhinal cortex accumulates information from multiple senses and sends it back to the rest of the cortex, enabling coordinated learning. Without this connection, animals struggle to retain information, resembling patients with anterograde amnesia like H.M.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Shifting gears toward chemical machines

Pittsburgh engineers build a two-dimensional sheet that spontaneously transforms into a three-dimensional gear, performing sustained work without external power. The innovation enables the development of self-powered machines for resource-poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·DateDec 18, 2020

New curriculum improves students' understanding of electric circuits in schools

Researchers developed a new teaching concept for secondary physics that focuses on intuitive understanding of voltage and its application to electric circuits. The curriculum, which uses analogies such as air pressure differences, significantly improved students' understanding compared to traditional tuition.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateDec 18, 2020

Stroke and altered mental state increase risk of death for COVID-19 patients

A study published in Neurology found that COVID-19 patients with neurological problems, including stroke and confusion, had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those without these conditions. Individuals with stroke were twice as likely to die, while those with confusion had a 40% mortality rate.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateDec 18, 2020

Concern about loved ones might motivate people to mask up and get vaccine

A new study finds that when people consider being a protector for others, they approach risk differently. They are less likely to let their personal beliefs and politics discourage them from practicing COVID protection. Emphasizing the act of protecting others may help people feel independent and strong, rather than compliant or obedient.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateDec 18, 2020

The Milky Way primordial history and its fossil findings

Researchers found a fossil fragment of one of the giant stellar clumps that formed the central region of the Milky Way approximately 12 billion years ago. Liller 1 is composed of two stellar populations with dramatically different ages, one as old as the Milky Way and the other much younger.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

A step toward understanding why COVID-19 boosts stroke risk

A UCLA-led study uses 3D-printed models to identify possible link between COVID-19 and stroke. The researchers found that the coronavirus increases the production of a molecule called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which affects blood vessel cells in the brain.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalStroke·DateDec 18, 2020

Machine intelligence accelerates research into mapping brains

Researchers in Japan have used machine intelligence to fine-tune algorithms for brain mapping by MRI, improving the accuracy and reliability of connectome estimation. The new technique generates more convincing results, particularly in detecting long-range nerve fibers, crucial for understanding brain function.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2020

UH Mānoa researcher examines why people choose to wear face coverings

A recent national study found that factors such as perceived importance of others, confidence to wear a face covering, and personal importance of use positively associated with intention to wear a face covering. The study suggests that messaging strategies targeting individual intentions and social norms may be more effective than focu...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateDec 18, 2020

Prenatal testing has halved the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Europe

A new study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics found that prenatal testing has halved the number of babies born with Down syndrome in Europe. The growth of noninvasive prenatal screening has led to a significant reduction in DS births, with some countries experiencing reductions of up to 71%.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 18, 2020

Roadmap to renewables unites climate and sustainability goals

A new study from University of California, Davis and John Hopkins University aims to help decision-makers avoid unintended environmental consequences of renewable energy development. The study identifies key research priorities, including site selection and wildlife interactions, to promote sustainable solar and wind developments.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Sustainability·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

'Poverty line' concept debunked by new machine learning model

A new machine learning model uses computer algorithms to measure poverty in different countries, providing a more holistic and multi-dimensional approach. The model can predict future poverty levels and plan interventions to alleviate the problem.

SourceAston University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

When light and atoms share a common vibe

Scientists at EPFL demonstrate a state of vibration that exists simultaneously at two different times, showing entanglement between light and vibration. This finding creates a bridge between daily experience and the realm of quantum mechanics, paving the way for ultrafast quantum technologies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Study shows incorporating telemedicine helps surgical practices

A study at Stony Brook University found that telemedicine helped reduce patient volume by 75% and surgical visits by 55% while increasing follow-up visits for non-surgical practitioners. This shift suggests a template for post-pandemic adoption of multidisciplinary telehealth clinics.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateDec 18, 2020

Study finds growing numbers of critically endangered sawfish in Miami waters

A new study has documented a significant increase in sightings of critically endangered smalltooth sawfish in coastal waters off Miami. The research highlights the need to better understand the effects of coastal urbanization on these endangered species and inform conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateDec 18, 2020

NYS can achieve 2050 carbon goals: Here's how

A study by Cornell University researchers suggests that New York can reach a carbon-free economy by 2050 with five years to spare. The key to achieving this goal lies in the widespread adoption of offshore wind energy, geothermal heating, and electric air heat pumps.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

CAPTUREing Whole-Body 3D movements

A newly developed behavioral monitoring system, CAPTURE, combines motion capture and deep learning to continuously track the three-dimensional movements of freely behaving animals. The system allows for precise measurement of behavior in naturalistic settings, providing valuable insights into brain function and behavior.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNeuron·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers make 'high vis vests' to help monitor bee behaviour

A team of researchers has developed a low-cost system to monitor bee species in the UK using retroreflective vests. The system uses real-time tracking technology to record the foraging behaviour and 3D flight path of various bees, providing valuable insights into their ecology.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·DateDec 18, 2020

Fire-resistant tropical forest on brink of disappearance

A new study reveals that only 10% of remaining tropical forest cover remains fire-resistant, while the rest has been fragmented or degraded. Tropical forests play a crucial role in preventing catastrophic fires, emphasizing the need for preservation and regeneration.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Identifying where to reforest after wildfire

A new predictive mapping tool, POCSCRPT, aids forest managers in determining which areas of western US forests will naturally regrow following wildfires. The tool's accuracy is enhanced by incorporating climate and seed production data.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 18, 2020

The 'crazy beast' that lived among the dinosaurs

Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of Adalatherium, a giant mammal that defies explanation due to its unusual trunk vertebrae and limbs. The creature's front legs were adapted for sprinting, while its hind legs resembled those of crocodiles.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·DateDec 18, 2020

Nanotechnology -- nanoparticles as weapons against cancer

Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can breach cell barriers and kill tumor cells, reducing tumor sizes by 40-70% in mice. The highly selective toxicity of the particles offers new hope for treating aggressive cancers.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalChem·DateDec 18, 2020

AI-supported test predicts eye disease three years before symptoms

Researchers at UCL developed a pioneering new eye test called DARC that can predict wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) three years before symptoms appear. The test uses a fluorescent dye to detect stressed retinal cells, which then predicts future AMD activity.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalExpert Review of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Compressive fluctuations heat ions in space plasma

Simulations reveal that longitudinal fluctuations preferentially mix with ions, leaving electrons cooler, while transverse fluctuations can mix with both. This finding has significant implications for understanding astronomical observations of supermassive black holes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 18, 2020

US public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine mandates

A recent study assessed the acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine mandates in the US public, revealing mixed attitudes towards mandates. The study found that while some individuals strongly supported vaccine mandates, others were more hesitant or opposed.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 18, 2020

Cell atlas of tropical disease parasite may hold key to new treatments

Researchers have developed a cell atlas of Schistosoma mansoni, a parasitic worm that poses a risk to hundreds of millions of people each year. The study identified 13 distinct cell types within the worm at the start of its development, including new cell types in the nervous and muscular systems.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

COVID-19: what strategies are beneficial to the state

Researchers from HSE University analyzed human behavior strategies during COVID-19 restrictions, showing that unequal access to medical care contributes to irresponsible behavior. Targeted information campaigns for healthy populations can encourage compliance with restrictions if expected losses are significant.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPublic Administration Issues·DateDec 18, 2020

New discovery brings analogue spintronic devices closer

Scientists from the University of Groningen have shown that nonlinear effects can be achieved using 2D boron nitride, enabling spin signals to multiply and be measured without ferromagnets. This technology has potential applications in neuromorphic computing and spin-based electronics.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

NASA's Webb sunshield successfully unfolds and tensions in final tests

The five-layer sunshield of the James Webb Space Telescope has completed a final series of large-scale deployment and tensioning tests, putting the observatory one step closer to its launch. The sunshield protects the telescope from heat and light, maintaining an extremely cold temperature for groundbreaking science in infrared light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 18, 2020

£6.7m to 'harness' the power of NHS patient data and develop targeted care

Barts Life Sciences is leveraging £6.7m in funding from Barts Charity to analyze patient data and develop personalized medicine approaches. The initiative focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, with the goal of improving health outcomes for patients in east London and beyond.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·DateDec 18, 2020

Gene biomarkers indicate liver toxicity quickly and accurately

Researchers developed a gene biomarker identification technique to predict liver toxicity in just 24 hours, reducing lengthy animal studies. The method uses machine learning approaches to identify key genes in messenger RNA, enabling accelerated testing for agrochemical and pharmaceutical companies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2020

Simple and cost-effective extraction of rare metals from industrial waste

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a simple and cost-effective way to extract palladium and silver from industrial waste. The new method uses ultrasmall particles of cellulose to selectively adsorb metal ions, resulting in high metal ion adsorption capacities and efficient recovery of pure and elemental metals.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Ice sheet uncertainties could mean sea level will rise more than predicted

A new assessment suggests sea level rise could be higher than current estimates by 2100 due to uncertainties in ice sheet dynamics and warming oceans. Scientists identify key areas of research needed to improve models and predictions, including better mapping of glacier ground and improved coupling of atmosphere-ocean-ice sheet models.

SourceImperial College London·JournalOne Earth·DateDec 18, 2020

Monkeys, like humans, persist at tasks they've already invested in

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that both capuchin monkeys and rhesus macaques exhibit the sunk cost phenomenon, persisting longer than optimal when uncertain about outcomes. This behavior is driven by evolutionary mechanisms and uncertainty, suggesting it may be deeply embedded across species.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateDec 18, 2020

Fourteen honored by Society for Risk Analysis

The Society for Risk Analysis awarded six scholarly and service awards, naming seven new Fellows for outstanding contributions to risk analysis. The recipients include Roger Flage, Ann Bostrom, Amber Jessup, Richard Forshee, Tom Burke, Anthony Fauci, and six others.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

A weather station for epileptic seizure

Researchers at Université de Genève have developed a technique that can predict epileptic seizure periods between one and several days in advance. By recording neuronal activity over six months, they can detect individual cycles of epileptic activity and provide information about the probability of a future seizure.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 18, 2020

Blood pressure drug may be key to increasing lifespan, new study shows

Researchers at Osaka City University discovered that metolazone, a drug used to treat hypertension, activates a mitochondrial stress response that prolongs lifespan in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. The study suggests that repurposing existing drugs for aging control may be possible.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalBiogerontology·DateDec 18, 2020

Scientists develop new land surface model including multiple processes and human activities

Scientists developed a new land surface model incorporating multiple processes and human activities to improve water-energy simulations and environmental protection. The CAS-LSM model can evaluate ecohydrological effects of stream water transfer and provide advice for urban planning.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Self-managed abortion attempts among US women

Researchers estimated that US women of reproductive age attempted to end unwanted pregnancies on their own, with nearly half attempting the procedure by 15-19 years old. The study used nationally representative survey data to track this trend and its potential implications for public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 18, 2020

New solutions for addressing systemic risks

Researchers recommend integrating modelling tools and empirical data to gain a comprehensive understanding of systemic risks. Effective governance requires interdisciplinary cooperation, close monitoring systems, and public stakeholder participation to ensure adaptable and inclusive management of these complex risks.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalRisk Analysis·DateDec 18, 2020

Polymer to capture ammonia pollution realized at the Niels Bohr Institute

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute designed a porous polymer capable of capturing small molecules, including toxic ammonia. The polymer's strong binding properties have significant implications for reducing environmental harm and improving human health.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2020

NASA finds what a glacier's slope reveals about Greenland Ice Sheet thinning

Scientists analyzed 141 outlet glaciers on the Greenland Ice Sheet to predict how far thinning may spread along their flow lines. Glaciers flowing over gentle slopes could have a greater impact on sea-level rise due to their ability to let thinning expand hundreds of kilometers inland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2020
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.