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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 21 of 40

Statewide prevalence of gun ownership tied to police use of lethal force

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Daniel S. Nagin found a strong positive correlation between statewide gun ownership and police use of lethal force, suggesting that more guns lead to more police shootings. The analysis also showed that access to trauma centers can lower rates of deaths in police encounters.

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.

Brief bursts, big insights

Researchers developed a new method to analyze short beta wave bursts in real-time, associated with rats' movements and behavior. The study shows that increasing the recurrence of these bursts can improve motion control and neuroprosthetics.

Our memory prefers essence over form

A study by UNIGE and CY Cergy Paris University reveals that our memory organises experiences based on structural features, rather than superficial similarities. This finding has significant implications for education, highlighting the need to focus on conceptual aspects of situations to help pupils make use of relevant features.

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.

New pathogenic mechanism for influenza NS1 protein found

Researchers found that the influenza NS1 protein can bind to the cell's RIG-I protein, quelling the alarm that activates the cellular innate immunity defense against infection. This newly described mechanism increases viral survival and highlights the need for better vaccines and antivirals.

Iodide salts stabilize biocatalysts for fuel cells

Researchers have discovered that adding iodide salts to electrolytes can prevent hydrogen peroxide formation, leading to the stabilization of biocatalysts for fuel cells. This extends the life of catalysts, making them suitable for energy conversion processes such as solar fuel generation and electrosynthesis.

Catalyst deposition on fragile chips

Researchers have developed a new method of depositing catalyst particles to tiny electrodes, providing a clean and easy-to-use approach for testing various catalyst materials. This innovative technique allows for the stable and reproducible application of different catalysts on liquid cell TEM chips.

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.

Tennessee infants exposed to hepatitis C at birth often not tested for virus

A recent study published in Pediatrics found that fewer than 1 in 4 Tennessee infants exposed to hepatitis C at birth were tested, highlighting inadequate testing rates. The study also revealed disparities in testing rates based on the mother's racial background, with African American mothers being tested less frequently.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

WWI helmets protect against shock waves just as well as modern designs

Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that historical helmets can provide similar protection from blast-induced brain trauma as modern ones. The French Adrian helmet demonstrated superior performance in protecting the brain from overhead blasts, with its crest feature potentially playing a key role.

Advancing an oral drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Scientists have created a protein drug composed of angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and its product angiotensin (1-7) that can be taken orally to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug has shown promise in animal models, reducing pulmonary artery pressure and improving cardiac function.

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.

The catalyst that removes CO2 and produces hydrocarbons

Researchers develop a catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into simple chemicals, transforming greenhouse gas into useful products for industry. The technology uses water electrolysers with a polymer coating to facilitate CO2 transport, increasing productivity and efficiency.

University of Montana researchers study how birds retweet news

Researchers at the University of Montana studied how black-capped chickadees and red-breasted nuthatches encode information in their calls, revealing that they can distinguish between direct and indirect threats. The study suggests that birds are capable of sophisticated decision-making and avoiding spreading false information.

Electrons in rapid motion

Scientists successfully track oscillations with a period of about 150 attoseconds, revealing the temporal decay of quantum interference. This experiment paves the way for new applications in studying atomic and molecular processes triggered by high-energy radiation.

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.

Computer-generated genomes

The Christen Lab has successfully produced a fully artificial genome, the Caulobacter ethensis-2.0, with over 580 functional genes. This breakthrough demonstrates the promise of synthetic biology in producing designer genomes for industrial and health applications.

Deconstructing Schrödinger's cat

Laloë's theory combines adding a random term to the Schrödinger equation with another concept from de Broglie and Bohm, relating quantum collapse to the universal gravitational field. This approach can be applied to both macroscopic objects like cats and atoms.

Sikdar, Chitnis & Diao studying upper limb prosthetics

The researchers aim to develop a compact sonomyographic prosthetic system that can provide robust control signals proportional to muscle activity. They plan to evaluate the system's performance compared to existing methods, including clinical outcome measures and user satisfaction questionnaires.

Jones & Van Aken monitoring water quality for city of Fairfax

Researchers R. Christian Jones and Benoit Van Aken are conducting stream monitoring for the City of Fairfax, analyzing parameters such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and E. coli levels. The study will provide data to support the city's VA Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit requirements.

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.

How social media makes breakups that much worse

A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that social media makes breakups harder to get distance from due to constant reminders and encounters with exes. Even when users take measures to remove their exes from their online lives, social media returns them multiple times a day.

Early treatment for PTSD after a disaster has lasting effects

A long-term UCLA-led study of Armenian earthquake survivors found that early psychotherapy significantly improved depression and PTSD symptoms in adolescents, with benefits continuing into adulthood. Factors such as social support and chronic medical illnesses also played a role in the development of PTSD and depression.

Mapping the landscape of citizen science

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores the role of citizen science in supporting science learning and education. The study found that citizen science can facilitate large-scale research, provide opportunities for diverse perspectives, and enhance science education when designed with inc...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Major study shows climate change can cause abrupt impacts on dryland ecosystems

A major study reveals that climate change can cause abrupt changes in dryland ecosystems, resulting in drastic reductions in plant productivity, soil fertility, and vegetation loss. The study found three phases of accelerated ecosystem change in response to increasing aridity, with thresholds above a certain level leading to system col...

Molecule offers hope for halting Parkinson's

Researchers have discovered a promising molecule, BT13, that may slow or stop Parkinson's disease. By increasing dopamine levels and protecting brain cells, BT13 has shown promise in treating the condition.

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.

Coral reefs: Centuries of human impact

Long-standing human stressors like agricultural run-off and overfishing have contributed to coral reef die-offs. Coral communities were being transformed by human activities much earlier than previously thought, according to recent studies.

Researchers were not right about left brains

Researchers measured brain asymmetry in humans and great apes, finding a shared pattern in brain shape and connectivity. Humans exhibited greater variability in brain asymmetry than expected, suggesting increased functional modularization.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Differences in airway size develop during puberty, new study finds

A new study by the University of Waterloo found that hormonal changes around puberty cause sex differences in airway size, which can impact exercise performance and the development of respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Larger airways in males generally led to better breathing efficiency compared to females.

Scientists reveal catalytic mechanism of lovastatin hydrolase

The study reveals the structure-function relationship of the specific and efficient lovastatin hydrolase PcEST, which determines its efficient and specific lovastatin hydrolysis. A variant of PcEST improved solubility and thermostability, suggesting a promising application in industrial processes for green production of monacolin J.

New CRISPR-based tool can probe and control several genetic circuits at once

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a CRISPR-Cas tool that can detect and debug faulty genetic circuits, facilitating more precise treatments for diseases like cancer. The technology allows for greater precision in identifying and eliminating diseased cells, with potential applications beyond cancer treatment.

A prescription for the pain of rejection: Acetaminophen and forgiveness

Research suggests that taking acetaminophen with a tendency to forgive can reduce social pain by influencing pain signaling in the brain. Forgiveness also lessens feelings of stress and anger following experiences of social exclusion. The combination may provide an antidote to the emotional and physical pains of rejection.

New technology for pathogen detection driven by lasers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a lanthanide-based assay coupled with a laser to detect toxins and pathogenic E. coli in various samples. The technology uses a high-powered laser pulse to obliterate a sample, collecting spectral signatures that are compared to a database for identification.

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.

Research reveals unique reproductive trait for seagrass

Research reveals that seagrass species have evolved a winged seed trait that harnesses underwater currents to hold it on the seafloor for rooting. This adaptation allows seeds to maintain their position until they can grow anchoring roots, providing valuable insights for seagrass restoration efforts.

Cobalt-based catalysts promise to enhance heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed cobalt-based catalysts that improve heavy oil refinement by breaking down asphaltene-resinous compounds. The study found a decrease in asphaltenes' molecular masses and sulfur content, leading to improved oil viscosity.

WHO underestimates the spread of the coronavirus

Researchers at Umeå University reviewed 12 studies on coronavirus transmissibility, finding it to be significantly higher than WHO estimates. The reproduction number calculated from these studies ranges from 2.79 to 3.28, indicating a high risk of rapid spread.

Habitat fragmentation imperils Madagascar's large-bodied lemurs

A recent study highlights the urgent need for reforestation and conservation efforts to protect Madagascar's unique lemur species, with over 95% threatened with extinction. Habitat fragmentation has been found to negatively impact lemur populations, particularly folivores, emphasizing the importance of on-the-ground conservation action.

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.

Ceramides predict vascular brain injury and dementia

Higher ratios of very-long-chain to long-chain ceramides were associated with reduced dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks, suggesting a potential role for plasma ceramides as biomarkers. Elevated ceramide ratios may also have protective effects against dementia, while altered lipid metabolism is linked to its development.

Scientists propose new properties in hollow multishell structure

Researchers propose novel temporal-spatial ordering and dynamic smart behavior in hollow multishell structures (HoMS), enabling efficient energy conversion and storage. The unique structure facilitates sequential electromagnetic wave harvesting and cascade catalytic reactions.

Kitsch religious souvenirs can rekindle pilgrimage experience

Research by Lancaster University and the University of Strathclyde found that kitsch religious souvenirs bring a deeper connection for pilgrims and their loved ones. These objects serve as tangible links to the pilgrimage experience, conveying a sense of belonging even for those who didn't make the journey.

Remdesivir prevents MERS coronavirus disease in monkeys

A new study from NIH scientists found that remdesivir successfully prevented MERS-CoV disease in rhesus macaques and improved their condition when given after infection. The results support additional clinical trials of remdesivir for MERS-CoV and COVID-19.

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.