Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2020


Page 2 of 40

New platform for engineering ribosomes to 'cook new cuisines'

Synthetic biology researchers at Northwestern University have created a system that can rapidly create cell-free ribosomes in a test tube, then select the ribosome that can perform a certain function. This platform could help enable new manufacturing approaches to sustainable materials and targeted therapies.

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.

Machine learning picks out hidden vibrations from earthquake data

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine learning method to fill in the missing low-frequency seismic waves in human-generated seismic data, allowing for more accurate mapping of underground structures. The technique was trained on simulated earthquakes and used to infer missing frequencies from new input data.

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.

Containing methane and its contribution to global warming

A new study reveals that implementing available technology can significantly reduce methane emissions and mitigate climate change. The study estimates that between 30% and 50% of future global methane emissions can be removed at a cost below 50 €/t CO2eq, but acknowledges the need for regional- and sector-specific approaches to mitigat...

How much does black carbon contribute to climate warming?

A new framework reconciles model simulations with laboratory and empirical observations, providing a more accurate understanding of black carbon's climate forcing effect. The study finds that black carbon particles are not uniformly coated, resulting in lower absorption rates than models suggest, but still contribute to climate warming.

A dam right across the North Sea

A proposed North Sea dam could protect over 25 million Europeans from the consequences of a predicted sea level rise. The estimated cost of building such a dam is between 250-500 billion euros, which is relatively small compared to the potential costs of inaction.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Asteroid impact enriches certain elements in seawater

Researchers have linked enriched chalcophile elements like copper and silver to the end-Cretaceous asteroid impact at the Yucatán Peninsula. These elements were likely supplied to the ocean through processes related to the impact, including iron oxides/hydroxides acting as a carrier phase.

Inhalation therapy shows promise against pulmonary fibrosis in mice, rats

A new study from North Carolina State University found that lung stem cell secretions delivered via nebulizer can help repair lung injuries due to multiple types of pulmonary fibrosis in mice and rats. The treatment resulted in a nearly 50% reduction of fibrosis compared to mesenchymal stem cells counterparts.

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.

MRI shows blood flow differs in men and women

A new study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging found that healthy men and women have distinct blood flow characteristics in their hearts. The research used 4D flow MRI to analyze gender differences in the left ventricle, revealing higher kinetic energy in men and greater strain in women.

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.

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.

Not falling far from tree: Ecologists study seed-to-seedling transitions

Researchers examined spatial patterns of seeds and surviving seedlings to understand mechanisms creating these patterns and potential for plant species coexistence. The study suggests that host-specific natural enemies may inhibit seedling survival near parent trees, leading to regular spacing of plants.

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.

Extra olive virgin oil keeps healthy properties when used for cooking

Researchers simulated cooking conditions in a domestic kitchen to assess the degradation of antioxidants in extra virgin olive oil. The results show that cooking time and temperature affect the polyphenol content, with antioxidant levels decreasing by 40% to 120ºC and 75% at 170ºC.

Socially assistive robot helps children with autism learn

Researchers at USC developed personalized learning robots for children with autism, which could autonomously gauge engagement in long-term therapeutic interventions. The robots achieved 90% accuracy in detecting a child's interest in tasks.

Researchers solve old biodiversity mystery

The study reveals that species richness is largely determined by the evolution of animal niches and their subsequent dispersal across the continent. The researchers used models to calculate species richness in South America and found a clear pattern following natural habitats or vegetation biomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Outsmarting pathogens

Scientists develop a new model to predict bacterial resistance to antibiotics and explore approaches for universal flu vaccines. Researchers also create a platform to accelerate drug development and study the impact of antibiotics on gut bacteria.

A better way to detect underground water leaks

A new method has been proposed to swiftly and accurately detect underground water leaks in transmission mains. By assimilating data from pressure sensors into a mathematical model, the researchers claim faster results with higher accuracy than current methods, reducing computational costs and improving speed.

Team deciphers how myotonic dystrophy generates lethal heart dysfunctions

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that myotonic dystrophy's genetic abnormalities lead to the overproduction of an alternative-splicing factor that regulates protein processing. This triggers abnormal splicing of proteins essential for heart cell function, causing cardiac conduction defects.

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.

How enzymes build sugar trees

The study reveals the modular design of ALG6, an enzyme responsible for forming lipid-linked oligosaccharides, enabling its adaptation to various substrates. The researchers also developed methods for synthesizing complex glycans in the lab, providing new insights into LLO biosynthesis.

Telecommuting found to have little impact on corporate careers

A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute finds that telecommuters and non-telecommuters receive an equal number of promotions. However, telecommuters who signal a 'devotion' to their workplace through additional work hours outside normal working hours benefit in terms of both promotions and salary growth.

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.

Fine particle air pollution linked with poor kidney health

A recent study found that exposure to fine particulate matter is associated with a higher degree of albuminuria and a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. The study suggests that efforts to improve air quality may yield health benefits, including reducing rates of chronic kidney disease.

Identifying pathogenic genes in virus strains at a glance

Researchers are developing new algorithms to quickly compare genetic data from viruses, bacteria, and other organisms to identify pathogenic genes. This project, Pangaia, aims to make computer-assisted pangenomics faster and more user-friendly for biomedicine applications.

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.

Distrust of past experience may underlie obsessive-compulsive symptoms

People with higher obsessive-compulsive symptoms tend to distrust their past experience, leading to increased uncertainty and exploratory behaviors. This study found that individuals with OCD have difficulty trusting acquired knowledge, resulting in an excessive need for updated evidence.

Eat less, live longer

A new study by Salk scientists shows that caloric restriction can protect against aging in cellular pathways, reducing inflammation and increasing life span. The study found that 57% of age-related changes in cell composition were not present in rats on a restricted diet.

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.

Rare diseases - Key insights from small samples

A team of researchers has identified a membrane-associated protein crucial for human T-cell development and immune function. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying rare genetic diseases that cause severe immune deficiencies.

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.

The era of quantum supremacy is here

Researchers highlight successes and challenges of quantum computing in the NISQ era, a period where quantum computers approach evidence of quantum supremacy. Key findings include the development of new strategies to reduce measurement errors and the demonstration of programmability on quantum computers.

Unlocking animal behavior through motion

Researchers use physics and technology to track animal movement, revealing key findings on flock behavior, neural network tracking, and burrowing forces. By analyzing animal motion, scientists gain a deeper understanding of collective behavior and individual animal actions.

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.