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Science News for February 25, 2020


Instrument may enable mail-in testing to detect heavy metals in water

A new device called SEPSTAT can absorb trace contaminants from water and preserve them in a dry state, allowing for easy mail-in testing. This technology has the potential to improve water quality monitoring, particularly in resource-constrained regions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seagulls favor food humans have handled

New research shows that seagulls are more likely to peck at food that has been handled by humans. This suggests they use human actions when deciding what to eat. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, also found that gulls' preference for food is not just based on the sight of food.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 25, 2020

New pieces added to the molecular puzzle of rheumatoid arthritis

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers have pinpointed immune cells called natural killer (NK) cells as an unexpected source of the inflammatory protein GM-CSF in rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery may indicate potential new therapeutic targets for reducing joint inflammation in this autoimmune disease.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2020

Heatwave exposure linked to increased risk of preterm birth in California

A new study by researchers at University of California San Diego identified a strong link between heatwave exposure and increased risk of preterm delivery. The study found that longer duration heatwaves were associated with the highest risk of preterm birth, while ambient humidity also played a role in exacerbating the issue.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 25, 2020

Stabilizing freeze-dried cellular machinery unlocks cell-free biotechnology

Researchers developed a low-cost preservative that extends the shelf life of freeze-dried cellular machinery to two weeks at room temperature. This breakthrough enables cell-free biotechnology applications in bio-manufacturing, point-of-care diagnostics, and educational platforms.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateFeb 25, 2020

New study shows the effects of obesity mirror those of aging

A recent study published in Obesity Reviews reveals that obesity can lead to premature aging, causing DNA damage, weakened immune systems, and increased risk of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's. Researchers argue that obesity should be considered a form of premature aging.

SourceConcordia University·JournalObesity Reviews·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

MicroRNA regulates process vital to placenta growth in early pregnancy

Researchers at USF Health discovered how a large human non-protein coding gene regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, a process crucial for placental implantation and fetal growth. Activating this microRNA cluster inhibited EMT, while reduced expression led to increased invasion and tumor-like behavior.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2020

Stanford scientists link ulcerative colitis to missing gut microbes

A study by Stanford University School of Medicine investigators found that patients with ulcerative colitis have depleted levels of secondary bile acids and Ruminococcaceae bacteria in their intestines. These findings suggest that supplementing or restoring these missing metabolites may effectively treat intestinal inflammation.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateFeb 25, 2020

Stimulating resonance with two very different forces

Parametric oscillators can be made to resonate when driven by high and low frequencies, a discovery that could improve our understanding of nonlinear systems in various fields. This is achieved through the tuning of the high-frequency driving force to match the low frequency, causing the system to exhibit resonance.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Opioids for chronic non-cancer pain doubled in quarter century

The number of people prescribed opioids for chronic non-cancer pain increased from approximately 20% to 40% between 1991 and 2015. However, there is a crucial evidence gap in global prescription data outside the US, with few studies reporting on opioid prescribing practices in other countries.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2020

'Hawk' supercomputer inaugurated at University of Stuttgart

The Hawk supercomputer boasts a peak performance of 26 Petaflops, enabling cutting-edge academic and industrial research in areas like energy efficiency, climate modeling, and pandemic research. The system will also support the digitalization of industry in Baden-Württemberg and Germany.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·DateFeb 25, 2020

USTC realizes the first quantum-entangling-measurements-enhanced quantum orienteering

Researchers at USTC enhance quantum orienteering using entangling measurements via photonic quantum walks, achieving unprecedented efficiency. The method demonstrates a nonclassical phenomenon due to entanglement in quantum measurements, offering an effective recipe for realizing entangling measurements.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Treatment to reset immune cells markedly improves TBI symptoms

A preclinical study suggests that targeting overactive immune cells in the brain can limit brain cell loss and reverse cognitive and motor difficulties caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mice treated with an experimental drug recovered markedly better than control mice, showing less tissue loss and improved motor and cognitive per...

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2020

What makes an Airbnb host look trustworthy?

Researchers found that women are deemed more trustworthy than men in host photos, while high-quality images with the host interacting with others attract more bookings. Younger hosts and those with poor-quality photos are less sought after.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Babies from bilingual homes switch attention faster

Research found that babies in bilingual homes quickly and frequently shift their gaze between stimuli, adapting to a more complex environment. This adaptation may help infants learn multiple languages by matching speech sounds with mouth movements.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 25, 2020

By gum! Scientists find new 110-million-year-old treasure

Researchers found a 110-million-year-old fossilized plant gum, which defies previous assumptions that it couldn't be preserved due to its water-soluble properties. The discovery sheds new light on the survival of plant chemicals in fossils and has significant implications for understanding ancient ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2020

New study associates intake of dairy milk with greater risk of breast cancer

A new study by Loma Linda University Health found that dairy milk consumption is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in women. The study of nearly 53,000 North American women found that even moderate amounts of dairy milk can increase the risk of breast cancer, up to 80% depending on consumption levels.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Seeds in Tibet face impacts from climate change

A new study examines the impact of warming and increased precipitation on seeds in the Tibetan Plateau's soil seed banks. The research finds that these changes can harm the seeds, affecting their ability to germinate, grow, and survive due to factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and pathogens.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 25, 2020

Spending time in nature reduces stress, research finds

Research from Cornell University found that spending as little as 10 minutes in a natural setting can improve mood and lessen physical and mental stress in college students. The study suggests that 10-50 minutes of time spent outside is most effective in improving focus, physiological markers, and overall well-being.

SourceCornell University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2020

Trials show new drug can ease symptoms of chronic cough

Trials show that Gefapixant can ease the often distressing symptoms of chronic cough with minimal side effects. A dose of 50mg reduced coughing by 67% and another study showed that as little as 30mg was effective in reducing cough frequency.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Tropical nations worst hit by climate-related fish shifts

A new study projects significant shifts in fish species distributions due to climate change, with tropical countries losing up to 40% of their species by 2100. The researchers highlight the need for international cooperation and strict greenhouse gas emissions reductions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable nations.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 25, 2020

New RNA mapping technique shows how RNA interacts with chromatin in the genome

Scientists developed RADICL-seq to map genome-wide RNA-chromatin interactions, identifying distinct patterns of genome occupancy for different classes of transcripts. The study highlights the role of transcription in establishing chromatin structure and suggests a new understanding of non-coding RNA's regulatory function.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2020

NIH clinical trial of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 begins

The NIH has begun a randomized, controlled clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of remdesivir in hospitalized adults with COVID-19. The study aims to assess whether remdesivir can improve clinical outcomes for patients with severe respiratory illness.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2020

CaPtAs: A new noncentrosymmetric superconductor

Researchers have found a new noncentrosymmetric superconductor, CaPtAs, exhibiting unusual properties and potential for studying unconventional superconductivity. The discovery offers new opportunities to explore the effects of broken inversion symmetry on superconducting gap structure.

SourceScience China Press·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Lava flows tell 600-year story of biodiversity loss on tropical island

A 600-year study of lava flows on Réunion Island reveals a significant decline in large frugivore species after human colonization, leading to reduced plant diversity. The findings suggest that rewilding projects could help restore native frugivores and promote ecosystem recovery.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 25, 2020

When it comes to conservation, ditch the 'canary in the coal mine'

A new study from UBC Okanagan campus suggests that monitoring and protecting multiple species habitats offers better conservation outcomes than relying on a single representative species. The research found that a mixture of five to 10 game and non-game species serves as the best surrogates for biodiversity conservation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCanadian Journal of Zoology·DateFeb 25, 2020

Regular walnut consumption linked to health and longevity in women, according to new study

A new epidemiological study found that women consuming at least two servings of walnuts per week had a greater likelihood of healthy aging compared to those who did not eat walnuts. The study, supported by the California Walnut Commission, suggests that adopting simple habits like snacking on walnuts can help slow down the effects of a...

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalJournal of Aging Research·DateFeb 25, 2020

Chronic inflammation in pregnancy linked to childhood neurodevelopmental delays

A large study found that prenatal exposure to maternal metabolic conditions or mental health adversities increased the risk of childhood neurodevelopmental delays. The study suggests a potential therapeutic target in pregnancy to give children a healthier start in life, with antenatal intervention as a possible avenue for prevention.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2020

Using social media to understand the vaccine debate in China

A recent study found that social media significantly increased expressions of distrust in government regarding vaccines after the 2018 Changchun Changsheng Biotechnology vaccine incident. The researchers also observed a decrease in self-reports of vaccination and expressed support for vaccine acceptance in China.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalVaccine·DateFeb 25, 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.

Scientists develop algorithm for researching evolution of species with WGD

A team of scientists created an algorithm to analyze genetic information and draw conclusions about the evolutionary history of species with whole-genome duplications. The program can identify when duplication occurred, how it affected the population, and make predictions about the evolutionary path of a species.

SourceITMO University·JournalBioinformatics·DateFeb 25, 2020

Reduced stress changes profile of various lipid compounds

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that reduced stress is associated with changes in the plasma lipid profile, including lower levels of certain lysophosphatidylcholines and higher levels of plasmalogens. This suggests a potential molecular mechanism linking psychological well-being to metabolic health.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

What to expect when you're expecting electric transportation

A new study explores strategies that could help reduce emissions from the transport industry by combining economic and transport models and data from 17 regions around the world. In one scenario, countries producing only electric vehicles and implementing a carbon pricing strategy led to a global mean temperature increase of 1.82 degre...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Community support groups vital to African American women with breast cancer

Breast cancer support groups play a crucial role in helping underserved African-American women in Memphis overcome economic, social, and psychological barriers to diagnosis and treatment. The groups act as connectors between healthcare providers and the community, reducing death rates from breast cancer among black women in the city.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 25, 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.

New study shows significant increase in weight after breast cancer

A recent study published in BMC Cancer found that nearly two-thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer experience significant weight gain, with the majority gaining over 20 kilograms. The study highlights the importance of early intervention and management strategies to prevent weight-related issues after a breast cancer diagnosis.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalBMC Cancer·DateFeb 25, 2020

The discovery of ancient Salmonella

Researchers discovered ancient Salmonella genomes in human skeletons dating back 6,500 years, shedding light on the evolution of a human pathogen. The study suggests that the Neolithic revolution facilitated the emergence of human-adapted pathogens, including Paratyphi C.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 25, 2020

Insulin signaling suppressed by decoys

Researchers found a truncated receptor called DAF-2B that acts as a decoy to capture insulin molecules, reducing insulin signaling. This discovery may offer new insights into insulin resistance, a feature of type 2 diabetes and aging.

SourceScripps Research Institute·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Parasitic worms have armies, and produce more soldiers when needed

A new study found that parasitic trematode worms produce greater standing armies in areas of greater threat, demonstrating for the first time that animal societies can adjust army size to meet threat levels. The research showed that snails collected in locations with high risk of invasion had larger numbers of soldier worms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study finds gender disparities in hematology research success

A study published in Blood Advances found that hematologists with caregiving responsibilities had fewer first- or senior-author publications and less percent effort in research compared to those without. Men were negatively affected by caregiving duties, while women showed similar performance regardless of their caregiving status.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateFeb 25, 2020

Adults don't need tetanus, diphtheria boosters if fully vaccinated as children, study says

A recent study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that adults who completed their childhood vaccination series against tetanus and diphtheria are protected for life. The researchers compared data from millions of people across North America and Europe between 2001 and 2016, concluding that booster shots are not necessary.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 25, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Still a fan of the golden tan?

A new study from University of South Australia found that social media literacy can help individuals change their perceptions of the 'tanned ideal' and reduce their risk of skin cancer. The research tested 151 young Australian adults and found that those with higher media literacy skills were less likely to idealize a golden tan.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSocial Media + Society·DateFeb 25, 2020

Sustainable light sources: LEDs from bacterial production

Researchers are developing bacterial proteins to create new, artificial fluorescent compounds. The goal is to produce biodegradable and sustainable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) using these novel compounds. By harnessing the power of bacteria, scientists hope to create more eco-friendly lighting solutions with minimal environmental impact.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateFeb 25, 2020

NUS-led study suggests mangrove forests provide cause for conservation optimism, for now

A recent study suggests that mangrove forests are making progress in conservation efforts, with a significant reduction in global loss rates. The team attributes this success to improved monitoring, data access, and management practices. However, the study also highlights challenges in scaling up successful rehabilitation projects and ...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 25, 2020

Weight-based bullying linked to increased adolescent alcohol, marijuana use

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that adolescents who are bullied about their weight or body shape may be more likely to use alcohol or marijuana. The link between appearance-related teasing and substance use was strongest among overweight girls, raising special concerns about this group.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study finds key mechanism for how typhoid bacteria infects

Researchers have identified a crucial role for the typhoid toxin protein in delivering toxins to host immune cells and disrupting their function. The study's findings suggest that targeting specific sugars on immune cells could prevent the bacteria from entering and infecting them, paving the way for new treatment options.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Data Science Institute team wins Facebook award to enhance machine learning

The Data Science Institute team received the Facebook Systems for Machine Learning Award for their research on co-training machine learning models. The project aims to enhance machine learning models for scalability and adaptability, particularly in recommendation systems used by Netflix, Amazon, and Facebook.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study investigates moral distress of physicians who care for older adults

A study finds that about 42% of physicians experience moral distress when making decisions for surrogate decision-makers, leading to burnout, depression, and compromised professional integrity. Effective communication with surrogates and patients is key to diminishing physician moral distress.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateFeb 25, 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.

England off track to meet government's 2030 smoke-free target

England is off track to meet its 2030 smoke-free target, with projections suggesting a 20-year gap in smoking rates between the least and most deprived communities. To achieve the goal of a 5% smoking rate, significant funding for stop-smoking services and national education campaigns must be reinstated.

SourceCancer Research UK·DateFeb 25, 2020

A better starting point for exploring entanglement

Researchers propose updated equations that simplify calculations for distinguishing between two types of 'non-Gaussian curve' and genuinely quantum states. This approach could speed up advances in quantum communication and computation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateFeb 25, 2020

Stanford research maps a faster, easier way to build diamond

Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a method for synthesizing pure diamonds from hydrogen and carbon molecules found in crude oil and natural gas. The process uses high pressure and surprisingly little heat, producing tiny specks of diamond in the lab.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Radio waves detect particle showers in a block of plastic

Scientists use a cheap technique to mimic neutrinos colliding with ice, detecting radar echoes that carry information about high-energy particles. The method could eventually allow researchers to expand the energy reach of IceCube without breaking the bank.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Breaking the temperature barrier in small-scale materials testing

Scientists have developed a new method to test microscopic aeronautical materials at ultra-high temperatures, using electron microscopy and laser heating. This breakthrough reduces the time and expense required for such tests, paving the way for the development of new materials for commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Powerful mantis shrimp pull punches in air for self-preservation

Researchers found that mantis shrimp's hammer blows are significantly weaker in air compared to water, with forces averaging only 18 km/h. The crustaceans may be downgrading their attacks to avoid joint damage and injury.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence·DateFeb 25, 2020

Diabetes drug reduces complications of long-term steroid therapy

A new study suggests that the diabetes drug metformin can improve the clinical status of patients on glucocorticoid treatment, reducing infections, hospital admissions, and metabolic side effects. The 12-week trial found a 30% reduction in infection rates and lower hospital admissions compared to the placebo group.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

'Lab in your phone' lets you play the scientific life

The game, developed by Cambridge sociologists and stem cell scientists, aims to provide a flavor of the lives and labor behind biotechnological advances. Players must balance competing demands, grow cells, and navigate the scientific career ladder while managing relationships and reputation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateFeb 25, 2020

Otago researchers shed light on 'arms race' between bacteria and viruses

A recent study published in Nature found that CRISPR anti-viral immunity is often a disadvantage to bacteria when infected by certain viruses. The research suggests that triggering the powerful defense systems can be risky for a bacterium, leading to significant implications for treatment design.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2020

Scientists call on government to increase ambition to save our ocean

A team of marine scientists has called on the UK government to overhaul its approach to marine conservation management, citing declining biodiversity and the need for more effective habitat repair and integration with fisheries management. The researchers recommend four key changes to increase ambition and support the UK's target of be...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Policy·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Psychiatry: Five clearly defined patterns

Researchers have developed a new classification scheme for psychoses into five clearly defined subgroups based on machine learning analysis of clinical data. These subgroups exhibit distinct patterns in symptoms, functioning, and genetic risk factors.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Small farmers sink or swim in globalization's tsunami

A new study examines how smallholder farmers integrate into global markets, revealing that their ability to seize control can lead to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The integrated framework of telecoupling shows surprising truths about the complex interactions between farmers and external pressures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSustainability·DateFeb 25, 2020

Big data could yield big discoveries in archaeology, Brown scholar says

Researchers using big data analytics have identified over three quarters of Spanish-founded colonial settlements in the former Inca Empire, providing new insights into social life and population history. The use of high-resolution satellite imagery also raises concerns about individual privacy and national security.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Field Archaeology·DateFeb 25, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How your romantic attachment style affects your finances, well-being

A study by the University of Arizona found that individuals with high romantic attachment anxiety and avoidance report low life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and financial satisfaction. They also engage in more irresponsible financial behaviors and perceive their partners' financial behaviors as irresponsible.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateFeb 25, 2020

New sandboxing approach in web browser increases security

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Mozilla developed a new sandboxing approach for web browsers using WebAssembly. This approach shifts some browser code into secure sandboxes, preventing malicious code from taking over users' computers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 25, 2020

A nacre-inspired separator coating for impact-tolerant lithium batteries

Researchers developed a nacre-inspired separator coating to improve lithium battery safety and impact resistance. The coating exhibits higher tensile strength, better electrolyte wettability, and smaller thermal shrinkage compared to commercial ceramic nanoparticle coatings.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 25, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Social banks rely on their motivated investors

Researchers found that social banks produce smaller returns to their owners, remunerate depositors at below market interest rates, and grant loans below market interest rates. This supports the hypothesis that ownership explains the results, as stakeholder banks exhibit different interest rate behavior.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalKyklos·DateFeb 25, 2020

Lab-free infection test could eliminate guesswork for doctors

A new paper-based device has been developed to enable quick diagnosis of bacterial infections at the point of care. The test uses lasers to identify the presence of bacteria and determine which antibiotic is most effective in treating it.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 25, 2020

The do's and don'ts of monitoring many wildlife species at once

A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcography·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

UTSA finds the best method to teach children augmented reality

Researchers at UTSA found that AR programs are best delivered using controller commands, followed by programs that communicate with age-specific language. This approach resulted in reduced time and error among elementary school students. The study aims to improve immersive learning tools for classrooms.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateFeb 25, 2020