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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 11 of 40

Greener spring, warmer air

A recent study by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that advanced leaf-out timing enhances annual surface warming in the Northern Hemisphere. The study revealed that early sprouting and opening leaves intensify water vapor release, leading to snow and cloud cover anomalies in northern high latitudes.

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.

New torula yeast product as digestible as fish meal in weanling pig diets

A new University of Illinois study shows that amino acids from a torula yeast product are more digestible by young pigs than those from fish meal. The yeast-based protein ingredient was found to provide the same amount of digestible amino acids and metabolizable energy as fish meal, but with lower phosphorus content.

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.

TMI: More information doesn't necessarily help people make better decisions

A study found that people become less confident in their choices when faced with new information related to familiar topics like finances and health, suggesting a critical gap in understanding how new information interacts with prior knowledge. This highlights the need for tailored information based on individual mental models.

Drug cocktail holds promise for spinal injuries

Researchers have found a combination of two existing medications that can trigger the release of stem cells from bone marrow, which can aid healing in spinal fractures. The study suggests using these drug combinations could speed up the repair process and potentially lead to new treatments for various bone fractures.

A plan to save Earth's oceans

A University of Queensland-led international study found that at least 26% of the world's oceans need urgent conservation attention to preserve Earth's marine biodiversity. The study identified a total ocean area required for conservation varying from 26-41%, depending on species range conservation proportions.

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.

Samara Polytech scientists created 'smart' farming

The AI-based smart farming system helps farmers select crops, develop rotation plans, monitor fields, and adapt resources in real-time. The system aims to provide accuracy of 2.5 sm for precise machines to keep plants secure in wheat production.

For weight-loss surgery patients who quit smoking, relapse is common

A new study published in Annals of Surgery found that nearly all weight-loss surgery patients quit smoking at least a month before their operation, but the prevalence of smoking steadily climbs back to pre-surgery levels within seven years. The researchers suggest that ongoing support is needed to reduce and quickly respond to relapses.

Osteosarcoma profiling reveals why immunotherapy remains ineffective

A new study has identified multiple factors contributing to osteosarcoma's poor responses to immunotherapy, including low immune cell infiltration and suppressed immune-stimulating neoantigens. The research provides insights into strategies for improving outcomes with immunotherapy in rare cancer types.

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.

Shaping the rings of molecules

Researchers at Université de Montrêl have successfully used biocatalysis to control the shapes of large ring molecules, called macrocycles. This breakthrough enables the creation of planar chiral macrocycles, which can be tailored for various applications including pharmaceuticals and electronics.

A better diagnosis of rare diabetes to adapt treatment

Scientists from UNIGE and HUG identify monogenic diabetes in 42% of pediatric patients, enabling tailored treatments. The study highlights the need for precision medicine to address chronic hyperglycemia, suggesting a systematic diagnosis approach to minimize long-term complications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social isolation during adolescence drives long-term disruptions in social behavior

Research in animal models shows that social isolation during adolescence can lead to disruptions in social behavior and activity patterns of inhibitory neurons involved in social approach. Increasing activity of these neurons in adult animals restores normal social behavior. The study highlights the importance of social experience duri...

The practice of meditation leaves marks in the brain

Researchers at IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca found that transcendental meditation reduces anxiety and stress levels. The study used fMRI to measure brain activity and connectivity in healthy young volunteers who practiced TM for three months.

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.

Alcohol-induced deaths in US

According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, US alcohol-induced deaths rates declined from 2000 to 2016, but significant disparities remained among demographic groups. The study found that women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those living in rural areas were disproportionately affected by alcohol-related deaths.

Where is the greatest risk to our mineral resource supplies?

The USGS report evaluates the global supply of and US demand for 52 mineral commodities between 2007 and 2016, identifying those posing the greatest supply risk. The top-risk minerals include rare earth elements, cobalt, niobium, and tungsten, which are crucial for mobile devices, renewable energy, aerospace, and defense applications.

Major discovery in the genetics of Down syndrome

Researchers have made a major breakthrough in understanding the genetics of Down syndrome by identifying a new mechanism involved in its expression. The study found that RCAN1, a gene overexpressed in Down syndrome brains, regulates synaptic plasticity, which affects learning and memory.

Frozen bird turns out to be 46,000-year-old horned lark

A 46,000-year-old horned lark found in Siberian permafrost has provided valuable insights into the evolution of sub species and the transformation of ecosystems during the last Ice Age. The analysis suggests that the bird belonged to a population that was a joint ancestor of two sub species of horned larks living today.

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.

Bariatric surgery effective against early-onset obesity too

A new study from the University of Gothenburg shows that bariatric surgery is as effective for individuals who developed obesity early in life as it is for those who developed it later. The study found no difference in weight loss or obesity-related complications between the two groups.

The integrated catalysts can simplify pharmaceutical manufacturing

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed catalytic nanoreactors that can simplify the manufacturing process of fine chemicals like drugs and medicines. The new catalysts allow for multistep cascade reactions with high yields and optical activity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Opportunity blows for offshore wind in China

A recent study suggests that China's coastal provinces can be powered by offshore wind farms, potentially increasing the country's wind power capacity to meet its Paris Agreement goals. The research estimates that offshore wind could provide up to 6,000 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to 200% of total energy demand.

Essential oil components can be tested as drug candidates

Recent technical developments and restrictions on chemicals have renewed interest in natural product drug discovery. Essential oil components show promise as sources of new drugs due to their unique properties and potential therapeutic applications.

Global database for Karst spring discharges

The World Karst Spring hydrograph dataset (WoKaS) offers a comprehensive collection of over 400 karst spring discharge data, providing valuable insights into the world's fastest-flowing groundwater. This database supports trend analyses, impact studies, and model evaluations for sustainable water management.

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.

Surgeons successfully treat brain aneurysms using a robot

Researchers successfully treated brain aneurysms using a robotic system, enabling precise stent and coil placement. The technology has the potential to deliver rapid care through remote robotics, improving patient outcomes and expanding access to cutting-edge care.

Mental health challenges four times higher in young mothers

Two out of three young mothers have at least one mental health problem, with almost 40% having multiple issues including depression and anxiety. The study's findings can be used to develop better screening processes for this vulnerable population.

Traditional biomass stoves shown to cause lung inflammation

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society has found that traditional biomass stoves significantly increase indoor levels of harmful PM2.5 and carbon monoxide, leading to lung inflammation and potentially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in developing nations.

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.

Study finds certain genetic test not useful in predicting heart disease risk

A study published in JAMA found that polygenic risk scores are not a reliable predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients, contradicting long-held expectations. The researchers analyzed data from over 7,000 adults and concluded that these genetic tests provide limited information about who will develop CHD.

Secondary analysis confirms safety of blood thinning agent

A secondary analysis of the AUGUSTUS trial confirms that apixaban is safer than warfarin in patients with prior stroke or blood clot, while also reducing the risk of bleeding, hospitalization, and death. The study found that a strategy of apixaban plus a P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin has the most favorable outcomes.

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.

NASA sees tropical cyclone 18p form near American Samoa

Tropical cyclone 18P has organized into a tropical depression near American Samoa, with maximum sustained winds of 30 knots. It is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm by Feb. 22 and then dissipate due to vertical wind shear.

A genetic map for maize

Researchers have decoded a genetic map for maize, revealing how tropical varieties can be adapted to temperate climates. The study aims to improve the crop's resistance to emerging diseases and drought, ensuring global food security.

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.

Antibiotics in animals: More research urgently needed

A special issue of Animal Health Research Reviews examines the science behind antibiotic use in food-producing animals to prevent illness. Despite some effective interventions, the evidence base is inconsistent, and more research is urgently needed to guide decision-making on antibiotic stewardship.

Finding new clues to brain cancer treatment

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic have developed a new method to determine the relative life expectancy of glioblastoma patients using AI, MRI scans, and genomic analysis. This approach identifies patients who could benefit from experimental clinical trials.

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 findings: Pacific marine national monuments do not harm fishing industry

Researchers found that expansion of Pacific Remote Islands and Papahanaumokuakea marine national monuments increased catch per unit effort for the Hawaii-based longline industry, showing no significant economic losses. The study controlled for factors like ocean conditions and regulations to assess impacts on the fishery.