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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 27 of 40

Stroke: Macrophages migrate from the blood

Researchers discovered that shortly after a stroke, macrophages from the blood attack dead and adjacent healthy brain tissue. This process was hindered by inactivating the Cxcr4 gene, which acts like an antenna for inflammatory processes in the brain.

Can T'ai Chi alleviate chronic low back pain in older adults?

A randomized controlled trial found that T'ai Chi was feasible and acceptable for improving chronic low back pain in adults over 65. High attendance rates and perceived benefits were observed among participants, suggesting a potential treatment option for this population.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Local genetic adaption helps sorghum crop hide from witchweed

Research finds that sorghum crops in areas with high witchweed prevalence have genetic adaptations to resist the parasite, altering hormone production. While these mutations confer some resistance, they also affect photosynthesis and growth, raising potential trade-offs.

Disease found in fossilized dinosaur tail afflicts humans to this day

Researchers discovered a rare disease called Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in the fossilized tail of a young dinosaur that lived in Canada 60 million years ago. The study found that the disease has survived for over 60 million years and still affects humans, particularly children under 10.

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.

Studies gauge effect of soft drink taxation, advertising and labeling laws

Two studies found that soft drink taxation and labeling laws led to a decrease in beverage purchases high in sugar, sodium and saturated fat. In Chile, front-of-packaging warning labels reduced consumption by 22.8mL per capita per day, while the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy increased prices by 31% and resulted in significant reductions...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Is modern urban life making us unhealthy?

The University of Bristol is working with the Children of the 90s health study to examine the effect of environmental exposures on health. The project aims to develop tools to predict disease risk based on environmental factors and will combine data from multiple studies across Europe.

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.

Researchers look to fungus to shed light on cancer

Researchers at Florida State University discovered a fungus that stabilizes key proteins involved in cancer and neurological disease signaling pathways. The natural product fusicoccin has been identified as a tool to study these networks, leading to the discovery of 14 promising protein-protein interaction targets.

New sensor provides better leak protection in buildings

A new, battery-free sensor can detect water leaks in buildings, enabling greater protection and reducing costs. The sensor, powered by nanotechnology, sends alerts to smartphones when exposed to moisture, making it more accessible for building owners.

Lupus patients who take their medications lower their diabetes risk

Patients with lupus who take their medications consistently have a 39% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study found that antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine significantly protect patients against the complication if taken as prescribed for at least 90% of the time.

How some butterflies developed the ability to change their eyespot size

African satyrid butterfly Bicyclus anynana adjusts its wing eyespot size in response to low temperatures, changing the pattern to resemble a dead leaf. This complex physiological and molecular response is unique among butterfly species, suggesting it evolved gradually over millions of years.

UTA's Maddalena named fellow of Royal Aeronautical Society

Professor Maddalena, director of UTA's Aerodynamics Research Center, has been elected a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society for his outstanding contributions to hypersonic research. He is a leading expert in mixing and combustion in turbulent supersonic flows and their application to hypersonic airbreathing propulsion.

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.

Revenge is more enjoyable than forgiveness -- at least in stories

A study published by Ohio State University found that people enjoy seeing bad guys get punished more than being forgiven, but appreciate forgiveness stories as the most meaningful. The researchers discovered that readers take less time to respond to narratives with equitable retribution than those with under- or over-retribution.

Why egalitarian values don't catch on in post-Soviet countries

A recent study found that personal values in post-Soviet countries are primarily determined by national pride, rather than education, age, religiosity, or social status. Despite high rates of divorce and abortion, respondents expressed conservative views on individual choice practices, highlighting a cultural shift towards patriotism.

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.

A novel formulation to explain heat propagation

Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel formulation that describes how heat spreads within crystalline materials. This breakthrough will help engineers design next-generation electronic devices by explaining hydrodynamic phenomena, which are prevalent in materials like graphite and graphene.

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.

New synthesis methods enhance 3D chemical space for drug discovery

Researchers at Emory University have developed a new approach to organic synthesis that can efficiently transform simple molecules into complex ones with 3D structures. This method opens up whole new chemical space for potential drug targets, enabling the creation of more direct and efficient pathways for pharmaceutical research.

'Surprise' out-of-network bills after in-network elective surgery

A study using large health insurer claims data found that approximately 1 in 5 patients received surprise out-of-network bills after having in-network elective surgery. The average potential balance was $2,011, with anesthesiologists and surgical assistants being the most common providers involved.

Storm-induced sea level spikes differ in origin on US east, gulf coasts

Research led by the University of Arizona found that the US East and Gulf Coasts have different responses to storm surges due to ocean and atmospheric circulation interactions. The Gulf Coast, particularly New Orleans, is highly sensitive to tropical cyclone characteristics, leading to elevated storm surge heights.

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.

'Atomic dance' reveals new insights into performance of 2D materials

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to visualize the dynamic motion of atoms in atomically thin 2D materials. The technique reveals that sulfur atoms in MoS2 move continuously to vacant areas, causing grain boundaries to separate and leading to material failure.

Build-up of brain proteins affects genes in Alzheimer's disease

New research found that the accumulation of tau and amyloid proteins in the brain significantly alters gene expression, particularly in genes related to inflammation. The study provides new insights into the progression of Alzheimer's disease and highlights potential pathways for treatment.

Deep learning can fool listeners by imitating any guitar amplifier

Researchers created a digital amplifier model using a deep neural network that can accurately simulate the sound of various guitar amplifiers, including popular brands like Marshall and Orange. The study uses black-box modelling to replicate the observed input-output mapping of analogue circuitry.

A better way to rebuild cartilage

A team of scientists has created a new class of 3D-printed biomaterials that can direct the regeneration of functional tissue in damaged cartilage. The materials are designed to provide cells with the exact cues they need to form tissue organized in the same way as natural cartilage.

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.

Live imaging of flowers reveals hidden secrets of plant reproduction

Researchers have developed a live-cell imaging technique that enables the visualization of fundamental processes in flower development and opens up new avenues for research on plant sexual reproduction. The technique, called light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM), records movies of plant reproductive events for the first time.

Inquiry-based labs give physics students experimental edge

Researchers at Cornell University found that traditional lab models hinder student engagement, while inquiry-based labs promote active learning and ownership over experiments. Exam scores remained the same, but inquiry-based labs improved student attitudes toward experimentation and scientific thinking.

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.

Software updates slowing you down?

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a tool to identify the source of errors caused by software updates using deep learning. The algorithm, which analyzes performance counters, can find bugs in a matter of hours instead of days.

Rabies: New prophylactic and therapeutic avenues

Researchers have visualized a broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibody, RVC20, which blocks the entry of the rabies virus into cells. The findings highlight new perspectives for prevention and treatment of the deadly disease.

Understanding recent US mumps outbreaks

A recent study analyzing over 200 mumps virus genomes provides insights into the US outbreaks, revealing a dominant strain responsible for many cases. The research also demonstrates the value of high-quality genomic data in public health surveillance and suggests future efforts should incorporate whole genome sequencing.

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.

Simulations show effects of buoyancy on drift in Florida Current

Researchers have developed a new model to track object drift based on satellite data from GPS-equipped buoys in the Florida Current. The study finds that buoyancy has the greatest effect on an object's trajectory, with implications for cleaning up ocean litter and tracking algae movement.

IADR announces the IADR Centennial Emerging Leaders award winners

The IADR Centennial Emerging Leaders Award recognizes young investigators who will lead groundbreaking research and discovery in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. The award winners are poised to advance health and well-being worldwide with their outstanding promise for service and leadership.

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.

Teens with a history of ADHD need stronger monitoring of health risks

Researchers found that primary care doctors rarely discuss safe driving and monitor patients for risky sexual behavior with adolescents who have a history of ADHD. The study highlights the need for additional resources and training to provide better care for these patients as they transition from childhood to young adulthood.

UC research could help reduce disease incidence in organ donors

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are using APOL1 genotyping to identify high-risk African American donors and reduce their chances of developing kidney disease. The study aims to optimize the health of organ donors by protecting them from genetic factors that increase their risk of kidney disease.

Mice 'detectives' hint at how humans read between the lines

Scientists at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown designed an experiment where mice had to infer water reward locations using indirect evidence. The study revealed key brain regions involved in inference and compared mouse performance to a human version of the task, highlighting the cognitive skill's importance.

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.

Why the goby can conquer the waters of the world

The round goby's exceptional adaptability is attributed to its immune system, which features up to 30 times more inflammatory genes than comparable species. This enables the fish to deal with pathogens and extreme environmental conditions, facilitating its successful colonization of diverse waters around the world.