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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 24 of 40

Fewer liquor stores may lead to less homicide

A study suggests that reducing alcohol outlet density in Baltimore City could prevent violent crimes by lowering the homicide rate. The researchers analyzed three main policy changes and found that closing liquor stores in residential areas would eliminate 22 homicides a year, saving $27.5 million.

Poop matters: Making the mouse gut microbiome more human-like

Researchers found that mice consuming their own poop have higher microbial loads and different bile acid profiles compared to those not eating feces. This study highlights the importance of considering self-reinoculation in research involving mice, particularly in dietary, probiotic, and drug studies.

Romance, scent, and sleep: The stuff that dreams are made of

Research suggests that wearing a partner's favorite T-shirt can improve sleep quality, with participants sleeping over nine minutes more efficiently per night. This effect is comparable to that of melatonin supplements and may have broader health benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When frogs die off, snake diversity plummets

A new study found that after a chytrid fungus outbreak in Panama, decimated frog populations, the number of snake species declined dramatically, causing the snake community to become more homogeneous. The loss of amphibians had a ripple effect on the ecosystem, leading to a drop in body condition and occurrence rates among snakes.

How electric fields affect a molecular twist within light-sensitive proteins

Researchers studied green fluorescent protein to understand how electric fields impact its twisting motion. They found that tuning the chromophore's electronic properties can significantly alter this process. This discovery could lead to developing light-sensitive proteins for biological imaging and optogenetics.

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.

Movement of a liquid droplet generates over 5 volts of electricity

A device that generates over 5 volts of electricity directly from the movement of a liquid droplet has been developed by researchers at Nagoya University. The device, made of flexible thin films, uses molybdenum disulfide as an active material to harness energy from liquid motion.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fighting climate change at the sink: A guide to greener dishwashing

Researchers from University of Michigan found that using a manual dishwasher with the two-basin method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% compared to machine washing. They also suggest avoiding pre-rinsing and selecting energy-efficient settings to minimize environmental impact.

New mouse model for celiac disease to speed research on treatments

The new mouse model accurately reflects human genetic and immune system characteristics, enabling researchers to test new treatments. It can reverse damage to the small intestine once it has developed, providing a vital tool for improving quality of life for people with celiac disease.

Small altitude changes could cut climate impact of aircraft by up to 59%

Researchers found that altering aircraft altitudes could significantly reduce contrail-caused harm to the climate, with a potential reduction of up to 59%. The study suggests targeting flights responsible for the most climate forcing and using cleaner engine technology to achieve a total reduction of up to 90%.

Shingles vaccine may also reduce stroke risk

A new study found that the Zoster Vaccine Live shingles vaccination may prevent some older adults from having a stroke, reducing the risk by about 16% for ischemic stroke and 12% for hemorrhagic stroke. The vaccine's protection was strongest among people ages 66 to 79 years.

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.

Climate warming disrupts tree seed production

Research reveals that climate warming reduces year-to-year variability in beech tree seed production, favoring seed predators like moths. This shift results in fewer surviving seeds and reduced fitness for the trees themselves.

Optimism reduces stroke severity, inflammation

Research found that optimistic patients had lower inflammation levels, reduced stroke severity, and less physical disability after three months. Optimism was linked to better disease outcomes, suggesting a positive environment can benefit recovery.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CRISPR 'minigene' approach stops genetic liver disease in mice

Researchers developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that prevented genetic liver disease in mice by introducing a 'minigene' that expresses the enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase. The approach showed promise for treating rare metabolic disorders and other hereditary diseases.

Early treatment of schizophrenia may not slow disease progression

A Stony Brook University-led study finds that early intervention in schizophrenia does not improve long-term outcomes, contradicting common views. Comprehensive care has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve mental health, but treatment effects may be overstated due to lead-time bias.

Small altitude changes could cut the climate impact of aircraft

Scientists report that small altitude changes in flight paths could cut the climate impact of aircraft contrails, reducing warming effects by up to 59.3%. By targeting high-warming flights and making minor adjustments, contrail impact could be reduced by 91.8% with cleaner engines.

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.

Lane change in the cytoskeleton

Researchers identified a molecular mechanism for communication between microtubule and actin networks, enabling color change in amphibians and fish. A theoretical model supports the findings, highlighting the regulatory efficiency of cytoskeletal interactions.

New air-pressure sensor could improve everyday devices

A new air-pressure sensor developed by Binghamton University researchers uses a micro-switch mechanism to improve the performance of various devices, including those monitoring barometric pressure and oxygen levels in hospitals. The sensor's design allows for faster response times and longer lifespans compared to conventional sensors.

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.

Huge bacteria-eating viruses close gap between life and non-life

Researchers identified 351 large phages carrying bacterial genes, including CRISPR and ribosomal proteins, which blur the line between life and non-life. These enormous phages use these genes against their bacterial hosts and have the potential to provide new tools for genome engineering.

Extinct giant turtle had horned shell of up to three meters

The extinct turtle Stupendemys had a carapace reaching almost three meters and weighed an estimated 1,145 kg, making it one of the largest turtles to have existed. Males carried horns on their shells, indicating two sexes with sexual dimorphism.

Scientists find ally in fight against brain tumors: Ebola

Researchers have found that a component of the Ebola virus can selectively target and kill glioblastoma brain tumors, providing a potential new approach to treating this deadly form of cancer. The Ebola glycoprotein MLD helps protect normal cells from infection while allowing cancer cells to be targeted by the immune system.

Preparing for climate change

Scientists are developing new ways to mitigate climate change while enabling people and ecosystems to survive and thrive. Researchers are reengineering crops to increase yield and resist disease, modifying coral DNA to make reefs more resilient, and creating innovative solutions for cities to protect infrastructure from extreme weather.

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.

Three NYU faculty win Sloan Foundation research fellowships

NYU assistant professors Anna Choromanska, Christine Constantinople, and Daniele Panozzo have been awarded Sloan Fellowships for their innovative research in machine learning, brain science, and partial differential equations. The fellowships provide $75,000 over two years to support their research.

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.

Mind the trust gap: it's wider than you think

A study from York University reveals a wide trust gap between Americans in southern and northern regions. The gap persists even after considering internal migration, with southerners generally exhibiting lower trust levels due to the region's collectivist culture.

How kirigami can help us study the muscular activity of athletes

Researchers developed an elastic kirigami patch to capture electromyographic signals from palm muscles of baseball players, revealing differences between curveballs and fastballs. This innovation enables better understanding of muscular activity in various sports and could aid medical research for motor disorders.

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.

Human language most likely evolved gradually

Researchers question the idea that human language arose instantaneously through a single gene mutation, proposing instead a gradual evolution through accumulation of smaller biological changes. They argue that the cognitive operation Merge, key to human language, evolved gradually over time.

Study: Diet makes a difference in fight against hospital-acquired infection

A new UNLV study found that a high-carbohydrate diet nearly eliminated symptoms of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections in mice, whereas high-fat/high-protein diets exacerbated the infection. The research suggests that diet may promote microbial groups that can be protective against C. diff even after antibiotics.

Nutrition a key ingredient for psychological health in Canadian adults

A study found that malnourishment is linked to psychological distress among Canadians aged 45 years and older, with indicators including low fruit and vegetable intake and higher chocolate consumption. Chronic pain, multiple health problems, poverty, and immigrant status were also strongly associated with psychological distress.

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.

Algae team rosters could help ID 'super corals'

Researchers have discovered that coral colonies with similar groups of algae survive better under stress. The study found that the symbiotic community diversity of dinoflagellates in good-performing corals is more constrained and works well together with their host, while poorly performing corals have less coordinated communities.

Army researchers develop new method for analyzing metal

Researchers at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command developed a new approach to analyze tribological response between steel and silicon nitride during high-speed sliding tests. The study found that frictional heating induces chemical reactions leading to lubricating thin films, reducing wear and friction.

Children's fingertip injuries could signal abuse

A Rutgers study found that children with a documented history of abuse or neglect were 23% more likely to suffer a fingertip injury before age 12. The researchers analyzed medical records from 79,108 children and identified a link between fingertip injuries and abuse or neglect.

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.

Love matters: How parents' love shapes children's lives

A new study found that parents who report loving each other tend to have children who stay in school longer and marry later. The researchers followed the children of 151 married couples in Nepal for 12 years, using data from the Chitwan Valley Family Study.

Circular reasoning

Researchers discovered that lower circHomer1a levels in the brain's frontal cortex are correlated with schizophrenia symptoms and impaired cognitive flexibility in mice. The study suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression, potentially serving as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment targets.

Researchers develop smaller, lighter radiation shielding

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique for shielding electronics from ionizing radiation, using oxidized metal powder - rust. The approach reduces weight and improves shielding, with potential applications in space exploration technology and aerospace devices.

Maintaining social relationships is important for more than finding a mate

Florida Scrub-Jays' social lives reveal that maintaining relationships is crucial for both breeders and helpers, reducing costs of territory defense and predation risk. The study shows that helpers associate with many more individuals than breeders, increasing the importance of connecting individuals in the social network.

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.