Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 15, 2020


Climate change is not the only threat for our plants

A recent study published in PNAS found that fires have a significant impact on plant survival and distribution, often exceeding the effects of climate change. The research highlights the importance of considering other environmental factors, such as human land use practices, in understanding biodiversity.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2020

The verdict is in: Courtrooms seldom overrule bad science

A new study found that only 40% of psychological assessment tools used in courts are favorably rated by experts. Lawyers rarely challenge these conclusions, and when they do, only one-third succeed. The study examined over 360 tools and 372 legal cases across the US.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateFeb 15, 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.

Factories reimagined

Future factories will require new skills and organizational structures that prioritize human collaboration with robots. Research explores the psychological effects of working alongside large industrial robots and developing tools to enhance robot design.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·DateFeb 15, 2020

Cancer immunotherapy target helps fight solid tumors

Researchers have engineered immune cells to target solid tumors using a new cancer immunotherapies approach. They found that T cells can be reprogrammed to turn on tumor cells when exposed to high concentrations of transforming growth factor beta, a protein that suppresses the activity of T cells in the tumor environment.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 15, 2020

The paradox of dormancy: Why sleep when you can eat?

Researchers discovered that dormancy is a natural response to over-predation, allowing zooplankton to survive during food scarcity. Laying dormant eggs can aid population recovery, while regular eggs may not.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 15, 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.

In court, far-reaching psychology tests are unquestioned

Research by Arizona State University's Tess Neal found that psychological tests used in courts are not always scientifically valid and are rarely challenged. The study examined 364 commonly used psychological assessment tools and found that only about 40% have generally favorable reviews of their psychometric properties.

SourceArizona State University·DateFeb 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Energized by enzymes -- nature's catalysts

Researchers are exploring enzymes' essential features to convert abundant raw materials into usable fuel. PNNL scientists designed an artificial enzyme that converts carbon dioxide to formate, a potential kind of fuel.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateFeb 15, 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.

New technique tracks individual protein movement on live cells

A new microscopy technique allows researchers to follow individual proteins over long periods of time as they move along and inside live cells. The technique, called interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy, can track proteins with microsecond speeds for extended periods.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateFeb 15, 2020