Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive February 2020


Page 29 of 40

DNA-like material could bring even smaller transistors

Researchers have discovered a new material that could lead to the creation of even smaller transistors, enabling faster computing and lower power consumption. The material, shaped like a one-dimensional DNA helix, is made from tellurium and can be encapsulated in nanotubes to build functional transistors.

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.

Human textiles to repair blood vessels

Scientists at Inserm have cultivated human cells in the lab to produce extracellular matrix deposits high in collagen, which can be woven into yarn to replace damaged blood vessels. This biologically derived material is expected to be well-accepted by the body and could lead to clinical trials.

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.

Quantum technologies: New insights into superconducting processes

Scientists at the University of Münster demonstrated energy quantization in nanowires made of high-temperature superconductors, enabling simplified cooling technology and longer lifetimes for resonators. This breakthrough paves the way for new experimentally verifiable theoretical descriptions and technological developments.

Cervical cancer elimination possible within two decades in the US

A new study suggests that scaling up cervical cancer screening coverage in the US to 90% can expedite elimination of the disease and avert more than 1,000 additional cases per year. Increasing HPV vaccination coverage also plays a critical role in reducing cervical cancer burden.

Drying effects of tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones have a drying effect on the Maritime Continent, exacerbating dry seasons. Forecasting tropical cyclone activity can improve predictions for this region's circulation patterns.

Observing proteins in their natural environment

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum successfully detect protein structures in Escherichia coli bacteria using EPR spectroscopy and nanobodies. They can measure distances between proteins within native membranes, opening up new possibilities for studying membrane protein dynamics and functions.

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.

Study: To slow an epidemic, focus on handwashing

A new study estimates that improving handwashing rates by travelers passing through just 10 major airports could significantly reduce the spread of many infectious diseases. The findings suggest that focusing handwashing messaging in these 10 airports could potentially slow the disease spread by as much as 37 percent.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

APS tip sheet: Predicting epidemics' speed

Scientists have developed a new model to predict the speed of epidemics in networks, providing insights into the trajectory and rate of global spread. The analysis assesses each node's likelihood of infection by a certain time, enabling more accurate forecasting of epidemic dynamics.

A thermometer can be stretched and crumpled by water

A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) has developed a new type of polymer ionic conductor that can be stretched and crumpled by water. This innovation enables the creation of stretchable thermometers that can measure body temperature with simple contacts, such as wearing clothes or shaking hands.

Oral traditions and volcanic eruptions in Australia

Researchers applied the 40Ar/39Ar dating technique to young volcanoes in southeastern Australia, providing independent age constraints for sites older than 10,000 years. The study reveals that oral traditions surrounding volcanic activity may be among the longest-lived in the world.

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.

Researchers virtually 'unwind' lithium battery for the first time

A team of researchers used a virtual unrolling technique to analyze a lithium battery's electrode layers, revealing unseen trends in performance degradation. By combining X-ray and neutron tomography with a mathematical model, the team gained a fuller understanding of how the battery works and how it degrades over time.

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.

Tumor vs. immune system: A battle to decide the host's fate

Researchers at University of Tsukuba found that tumor cells produce a protein called soluble CD155 to disable the immune system in mice. Soluble CD155 prevents NK cells from releasing toxic proteins to cancer cells by binding to DNAM-1, allowing tumors to grow and spread.

Long-term learning requires new nerve insulation

A study in mice reveals that new nerve insulation, myelin, plays a critical role in laying down long-lasting emotional memories. Increased myelin formation is necessary for the consolidation and maintenance of fear memories, which could lead to new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Platform for deployable structures

Researchers developed a mechanical linkage containing bistable joints that can transform into stable, locked curves through state-transitioning wave propagation. The approach enables the creation of deployable 3D structures of arbitrary shapes with potential for larger-scale applications.

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.

New study examines ways to improve cancer literacy in young students

A new study found that a cancer education intervention improved cancer literacy in middle and high school students in Kentucky by 30%. The study's results highlight the importance of providing cancer education material to vulnerable populations like young students, who are at risk for developing unhealthy behaviors.

Dolphins gather in female family groups

A new study shows that female dolphins in southern Australia form social clusters with mothers' groups, while maintaining loose bonds with same-sex individuals. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect marine sanctuaries and regulate aquaculture and fishing practices.

Scientists closer to finding the cell of origin for ovarian cancer

Researchers at the University of Oxford have identified six previously unknown cell types in human Fallopian tubes using single-cell RNA sequencing, which may lead to a screening tool for ovarian cancer. The discovery sheds new light on the complexity of ovarian cancers and could lead to personalized treatments.

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.

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.

Common medication may lower risk of 'broken heart' during bereavement

A new study led by the University of Sydney has found that common medication can reduce the risk of heart attack during early bereavement. The research used a low daily dose of beta blockers and aspirin to mitigate cardiac risks without affecting grief, with reduced levels of anxiety persisting even after stopping treatment.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

CCNY chemists develop safer hydrogenation processes

Researchers at City College of New York developed a hydrogenation process that bypasses external hydrogen gas sources, reducing safety risks and costs. The new method has potential applications in undergraduate chemistry labs and medicinal fields.

Lack of transparency in urban sustainability rankings

Researchers found that urban sustainability rankings neglect complex causalities and lack transparency in data gathering, weighting, and aggregation processes. The study analyzed 21 similar rankings, indexes, and tools to identify methodological weaknesses and called for caution when using these tools.

Removing CO2 from the atmosphere and the Desarc-Maresanus project

The Desarc-Maresanus project uses an alkalinization process to counteract ocean acidification and remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The study found that dispersing calcium hydroxide on the surface of the sea could make it possible to halt the trend of ocean acidification, making it a promising solution to combat climate change.

Testosterone levels affect risk of metabolic disease and cancers

A new study found that higher genetic testosterone levels increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 37% in women and reduce it by 14% in men. Similarly, higher testosterone levels increase the risk of breast and endometrial cancers in women and prostate cancer in men.

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.

What makes a 'good Samaritan' good? That opinion depends on the beneficiary

A study published in Psychological Science found that people who help strangers are generally viewed as morally better and more trustworthy than those who help family members. However, this judgment changes when the helper has to choose between helping a stranger or a family member. The researchers suggest that familial obligations pla...

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.

Adapting to climate change: We're doing it wrong

A new research review argues that societal adaptation to climate change should focus on collective action and systems-level thinking, rather than individual coping strategies. The authors propose transformational change to ensure society's resilience in the face of increasing hazards.

Epigenetics: Inheritance of epigenetic marks

Researchers have elucidated the mechanisms that mediate the establishment of epigenetic histone modifications following cell division. The team found that methylation patterns influence each other and are associated with specific regions of the genome, known as domains.

Immune gene activity and late-life health disparities

Research suggests that inflammation-related genes are associated with biobehavioral factors like body mass index and smoking, while interferon-related genes are linked to individual demographic factors such as sex and race/ethnicity. The study's findings could help explain social disparities in chronic diseases that emerge decades later.

Superior 'bio-ink' for 3D printing pioneered

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a new 'bio-ink' for 3D printing that can serve as scaffolds for growing human tissues. The ink combines modified hyaluronic acid and polyethylene glycol to form a gel with controlled stiffness and binding sites for cells, enabling precise tissue growth and repair.

Most men do not regret their choices for prostate cancer surgery

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that most patients who underwent prostate cancer surgery experienced low levels of decision regret. Patients who played a more active role in treatment decision-making were less likely to experience regret about their choices, regardless of whether they opted for robot-assisted or o...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Single HPV vaccine dose may be effective against cervical cancer

A single dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is as effective as multiple doses for preventing preinvasive cervical disease, which can later develop into cervical cancer. The risk of preinvasive cervical disease was lower in adolescents who received one, two, or three doses of the HPV vaccine compared to unvaccinated teens.