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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 26 of 40

Having fewer children reduced the education gap in China

A study found that China's one-child policy contributed significantly to the increased education levels of women, with a delay in marriage and childbearing. The research suggests that some Chinese women postponed their family plans due to the policy, allowing them to pursue higher education.

The use of jargon kills people's interest in science, politics

A new study by Ohio State University found that using specialized terms in science and technology topics leads to disengagement and decreased confidence among readers. Even defining the jargon had no effect on perception of difficulty, while non-jargon versions led to increased interest and empowerment.

ASU's Stephanie Gil wins Sloan Research Fellowship

Stephanie Gil, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for her groundbreaking robotics research. Her work focuses on coordinating control across systems of multiple robots, with implications for search and rescue operations and emergency services.

New drug leads could battle brain-eating amoebae

Researchers have designed new quinazolinone derivatives that effectively kill brain-eating amoebae, including Naegleria fowleri and Balamuthia mandrillaris. The compounds' low toxicity for human cells makes them promising candidates for drug development.

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.

Half of US deaths related to air pollution are linked to out-of-state emissions

A study by MIT researchers found that over half of US air-quality-related early deaths are caused by emissions from other states. Electric power generation is the main culprit, accounting for up to 75% of cases. However, deaths associated with air pollution have decreased significantly since 2005, with a 30% reduction in 2018.

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.

Cracking the code for hookworm infestation

Researchers at Monash University have discovered a key mechanism that enables hookworms to evade the human immune system. By understanding how these parasites destroy neutrophil extracellular traps, scientists may be able to develop vaccines to boost immunity and prevent reinfection.

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.

Heart rate measurements of wearable monitors vary by activity, not skin color

A study by Duke University found that wearable devices like smart watches and fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate across different skin tones but have varying levels of accuracy during various activities. The research highlights the need for better understanding of device accuracy and its impact on medical decisions.

Vapers show chemical changes in their genome linked to cancer

A recent study by the Keck School of Medicine found that vapers and smokers exhibit similar epigenetic changes in their genome, which can cause genes to malfunction. These chemical alterations are commonly found in human cancer and other serious diseases.

Research reverses the reproductive clock in mice

A study at the University of Queensland found that a non-invasive treatment can maintain or restore egg quality and alleviate the biggest barrier to pregnancy for older women. The treatment uses a metabolic compound to boost energy levels in cells, which were found to be lower in older female mice.

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.

How roots find their way to water

Researchers found that plants' lateral roots know where to find water early on, guiding growth towards nutrient-rich areas. This flexible response enables plants to react to environments with fluctuating resources.

Pollinating opossums confirm decades-long theory

Researchers found opossums removing bracts and eating nectar from Scybalium fungiforme flowers, confirming a nearly three-decade-old theory. The study also revealed hummingbirds as secondary pollinators, adding complexity to the plant's adaptation.

Pea instead of soy in animal feed

The study found that heat treatment can improve the nutritional properties of peas by preserving proteins and reducing anti-nutritive factors. This process does not impact gas production or alter starch molecules. The results suggest that peas could be a viable alternative to soy in animal feed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Graphene forms under microscope's eye

Researchers at Rice University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new method to produce laser-induced graphene (LIG) with features more than 60% smaller than traditional macro versions. This technique creates LIG with almost 10 times smaller dimensions, making it ideal for flexible electronics applications. The scientists su...

Physics of Life -- Lane change in the cytoskeleton

Scientists have identified a molecular mechanism that enables amphibians and fish to change their color by communicating between the actin and microtubule networks. The discovery reveals potential evolutionary paths and highlights the importance of motor proteins adapting to different cytoskeleton systems.

Answers to microbiome mysteries in the gills of rainbow trout

Scientists have uncovered a crucial role of mucosal antibodies, specifically IgT, in regulating the microbiome and defending against pathogens in fish. By manipulating the immune system of rainbow trout, researchers found that IgT plays two paradoxical roles: reducing bad microbes while promoting beneficial bacteria.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Portable MRIs bring diagnostics to stroke patients' bedside

A portable, low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system has been developed to provide safe and practical brain imaging at a patient's bedside, according to preliminary research. The device used 85 stroke patients, with most completing the exam in under 30 minutes, while factors like claustrophobia halted some tests.

Citizen scientists discover rare cosmic pairing

Two brown dwarfs, one about 34 times the mass of Jupiter and the other about 72 times the mass, are found to be linked despite being 341 astronomical units apart. The discovery confirms that brown dwarf systems can be very low-mass and extremely far apart yet connected.

Using sound and light to generate ultra-fast data transfer

A breakthrough in controlling terahertz quantum cascade lasers enables the transmission of data at rates of 100 gigabits per second. The innovation uses acoustic waves to modulate the lasers, overcoming previous limitations and paving the way for ultra-fast wireless links and satellite communications.

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.

New method predicts individual response to Ebola infection

A team at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health has developed a new method that accurately predicts human disease outcomes based on gene expression in individuals infected with Ebola. The model uses machine learning and was tested on a data set collected from Ebola patients in western Africa, confirming its accuracy.

Personalized cancer vaccines

Researchers at EPFL have created a prototype vaccine that can travel to the desired location and activate immune cells, overcoming two major obstacles in therapeutic cancer vaccines. The Polycondensate Neoepitope (PNE) combines a patented technique with an algorithm for predicting mutated tumor antigens.

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.

Biologists reveal cellular architecture of potential fountain of youth

Researchers Alyssa Johnson and Adam Bohnert have discovered a new class of lysosomes, dubbed 'tubular lysosomes,' which can form complex networks that affect aging, disease, and stressors. Their findings could lead to medical therapies and treatments to extend health and longevity in humans and animals.

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.

Atom or noise? New method helps cryo-EM researchers tell the difference

Researchers developed Q-scores to assess true resolution at every point in cryo-EM maps, enabling accurate interpretation of atomic models. The approach validated on large molecules, achieving high-resolution maps close to 1.75 angstroms, and demonstrates improved confidence in molecular interpretations.

Artificial atoms create stable qubits for quantum computing

Researchers from UNSW Sydney have created artificial atoms in silicon chips that provide improved stability for quantum computing. The artificial atoms, with shells of electrons whizzing around the centre, offer robust qubits that can be reliably used for calculations.

Coincidences influence the onset and ending of ice ages

Researchers argue that coincidences displace ice ages from predictions, making them harder to predict and potentially leading to abrupt changes. The analysis shows that the climate system is more chaotic than expected, with underlying periodic processes but also significant background noise.

Alarmingly low rates of HIV testing among at-risk teenage boys

A new study finds that fewer than one in four gay, bisexual and questioning teenage boys have ever received an HIV test, despite high risk of transmission. The study identified factors that increase the likelihood of testing, including frank conversations with doctors about sexual health and testing.

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.

Recent advances in addressing tuberculosis give hope for future

Recent advances in TB diagnostics, treatments and prevention offer hope for reducing and ultimately eliminating the burden of tuberculosis. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has made significant progress in improving TB diagnostics, therapeutic regimens and prevention approaches.

Bayreuth researchers discover new arsenic compounds in rice fields

Researchers have developed a new measuring method to detect sulphur-containing arsenic compounds in rice soils, which have not been accounted for in health assessments. The study identifies the need for further research on the formation and transport of these compounds to assess health risks.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Pedal to the metal: Speeding up treatments for ALS

Researchers found that healthy cells clear harmful aggregates via endocytosis, a process previously thought to occur only on external substances. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for ALS by increasing the efficiency of endocytosis. The next step is to develop ways to enhance this process using genetic and chemical methods.

Telemedicine helps pregnant women tackle taboo issue

A recent study by MUSC Health found that telemedicine can be an effective way to reach pregnant women with opioid use disorder, with no significant differences in maternal and newborn outcomes compared to in-person care. Integrated, collaborative care models are crucial for treating this chronic disease, and telemedicine maximizes the ...

Prater is first UTA professor to be appointed Jefferson Science Fellow

Edmund Prater, a professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been appointed as the first UTA professor to be selected as a Jefferson Science Fellow. He will spend a year working with the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Office of American Spaces.

DIY tools TalkBox and SenseBox help people with disabilities to communicate

Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County developed DIY assistive technology platforms, including TalkBox and SenseBox, to facilitate communication for people with disabilities. These open-source platforms use low-cost sensors and a Raspberry Pi to enable users to communicate through images, sounds, or tactile objects.

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.

Making 3-D printing smarter with machine learning

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering develop machine learning algorithms to predict shape deviations in 3-D printing, resulting in improved accuracy across various applications and materials. The software tool, PrintFixer, is designed to be accessible to industry professionals and hobbyists alike.

Foot-and-mouth-disease virus could help target the deadliest cancer

Scientists have identified a peptide from the foot-and-mouth-disease virus that targets a protein on pancreatic cancer cells, allowing for highly potent drug delivery and complete tumour killing in mice. The research offers a promising new approach to treating pancreatic cancer with limited side effects.

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.