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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 30 of 40

Sensitive and specific potassium nanosensors to detect epileptic seizures

Researchers have developed sensitive and specific potassium nanosensors that can monitor dynamic changes of potassium ions in the brain during epileptic seizures. These nanosensors enable the accurate sensing of potassium levels in different parts of the brain, facilitating the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.

NASA analyzes ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's rainfall in Western Australia

GPM mission core satellite analyzed rainfall generated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's remnants, showing heaviest rainfall occurring south of the center at a rate of at least 0.2 inches per hour. Heavy rainfall is forecast over the southeastern Gascoyne and adjacent Goldfields, posing a risk of flash flooding.

Black carbon and haze formation

Researchers discovered that black carbon catalyzes sulfate production during regional haze events in the North China Plain, leading to significant air quality issues. The study suggests reducing SO2, NOx, NH3, and black carbon emissions is crucial to improve air quality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skin cancer diagnosis apps are unreliable and poorly regulated, study shows

A study by University of Birmingham experts reveals that smartphone skin cancer detection apps are unreliable and poorly regulated, with only a small number of studies showing variable and unreliable test accuracy. The researchers call for stricter regulations and better evaluation processes to protect public safety.

New study will ask why poor children fare worse after heart surgery

A new study led by pediatric cardiologist Brett Anderson aims to uncover the reasons behind health inequities in poor children who undergo heart surgery. The research will analyze data from 11 hospitals across New York state to identify mechanisms driving disparities in outcomes.

Supercharged light pulverises asteroids, study finds

According to a University of Warwick astronomer, the majority of stars in the universe will become luminous enough to blast surrounding asteroids into successively smaller fragments. This process will be triggered by the YORP effect, which creates an imbalance that spins up orbiting asteroids until they break apart.

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.

Species extinction and survival under climate change

A study analyzing climate-associated range shifts found larger temperature increases linked to extinctions. Niche shifts may allow some species to survive, reducing predicted extinctions to 30%. The analysis suggests niche shifts are more important for species survival under climate change than range shifts.

New technology could help solve AI's 'memory bottleneck'

Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device that could support the surge of data-centric computing, enabling faster and more secure processing. The device uses antiferromagnetic materials and operates with record-low electrical current to write data.

Statins may lower mortality in high-risk prostate cancer patients

Research found that statins, alone or with metformin, increase survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer. Metformin plus statin was associated with a 36% reduction in risk of death compared to non-users, while statins alone showed a 54% reduction in PCA mortality among patients with high-risk prostate cancer.

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.

But what about flow? The effect of hydrodynamics on liquid-liquid transitions

A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science has expanded our understanding of liquid behavior by describing the role of hydrodynamics in these transitions. They found that changes in density lead to hydrodynamic fluctuations, affecting domain growth and long-range interactions.

The many lives of charcoal

African charcoal production supports nomadic lifestyles, while its large-scale use contributes to deforestation. Despite efforts to regulate, charcoal remains a significant source of energy worldwide, with millions of metric tons produced annually.

Phenology in urban heat islands

A study found that urban areas in the US experience an earlier start to plants' greening season compared to rural areas. The advancement of spring phenology is driven by warmer temperatures, but the rate of change slows down under continued warming.

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.

Pharmacological migraine prophylaxis shows almost no effect in children

A systematic review of 23 studies on pharmacological migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents found that none of the tested medications had a significant long-term effect compared to placebo. Short-term improvements were seen for propranolol and topiramate, but these effects were not sustained.

Child mortality in Africa

A study examining child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa found that many mothers experienced child death, even as global rates declined. The research suggests that child mortality remains a significant issue in the region.

Feds back Rice computer scientist's security strategy

Ang Chen, a Rice University assistant professor, has been awarded a $550,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a new security strategy for future networks. His proposal, Poise, aims to make security an equally important goal as connectivity in the next-generation internet.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Financial pressure makes CFOs less likely to blow the whistle

A recent study found that CFOs are reluctant to blow the whistle on potential fraud when their company is under pressure to meet a financial target. Financial managers are adept at detecting red flags, but become less willing to report externally when facing pressure.

Palliative vs. standard care for Parkinson's disease

A randomized clinical trial found that outpatient palliative care was associated with better patient and caregiver outcomes for patients with Parkinson disease. The study included 210 patients and 175 caregivers and examined the effects of palliative care on quality of life, mood, and sleep.

Youth with HIV less likely than adults to achieve viral suppression

A study of over 1,000 youth found that only 12% achieved viral suppression, compared to 32-63% in adult studies. The study highlights the need for tailored HIV intervention services and frequent contact with trained peer counselors to ensure enrollment and retention in care.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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'Rule breaking' plants may be climate change survivors

Research found that plantains, a small plant native to Europe, have become one of the world's most successfully distributed species by adapting in unconventional ways. The study revealed that multiple introductions into new environments led to high genetic diversity and adaptability, making invasive plants more successful.

New research shows that El Niño contributes to insect collapse in the Amazon

A recent study has found that intense droughts and wildfires during the last El Niño climate phenomenon, combined with human disturbance, led to a significant decline in dung beetle numbers. The beetles, which play a crucial role in spreading nutrients and seeds, fell by more than half and took at least two years to recover.

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.

Place-based tax incentives stimulate employment in remote regions

A study by University College London found that place-based payroll tax incentives can be effective in stimulating employment in remote and underdeveloped regions. The researchers discovered a significant decline in local employment and wages in response to the tax hike.

Biodiversity yields financial returns

An interdisciplinary study found that biodiversity increases yield and revenue in semi-natural grasslands. The researchers discovered that maintaining higher levels of plant diversity leads to improved forage quality and increased income from milk sales, comparable to the difference between extensively and intensively farmed land.

Light burns with new acids

Researchers at NAIST developed a new photo-acid generator that produces Lewis acids with a significantly higher quantum yield than existing Brønsted acids. This breakthrough enables the activation of previously inaccessible biological and photo-polymer systems, opening up new opportunities for organic synthesis.

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.

Scientists resurrect mammoth's broken genes

Researchers resurrected Wrangel Island mammoth's mutated genes to test their functionality. They found the genes did not function normally, suggesting the last mammoths were genetically unhealthy and unable to smell, providing a cautionary tale for endangered species.

Understanding gut microbiota, one cell at a time

A novel technique called SAG-gel allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple draft genomes from raw data, identifying bacteria that respond to dietary fiber without reference genomes. The study reveals specific gene clusters and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down inulin.

Inequitable medicare reimbursements threaten care of most vulnerable

A recent study by Saint Louis University found that Medicare's current risk payment system unfairly reimburses healthcare providers for caring to patients with certain conditions. The system fails to account for factors like frailty, dementia, depression, and poverty, leading to unequal reimbursement rates.

Fly model offers new approach to unraveling 'difficult' pathogen

Researchers at UC San Diego created transgenic fruit flies to study the effects of CDTa toxin on host cells, revealing a collapse of networks essential for nutrient absorption. The fly model mimics symptoms in human C. difficile-infected patients, offering a potential avenue for novel therapies.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Using neutrons and X-rays to analyze the aging of lithium batteries

A team of researchers investigated electrode surfaces during charging and discharging using X-ray and neutron tomography methods. They found deformations, discontinuities, and areas with low electrolyte levels that affect battery performance. The analysis allows for the development of strategies to improve lithium battery design.

Linguistics: The pronunciation paradox

A study by LMU linguists reveals that language learners believe their own pronunciation is better than others', even when they make the same mistakes. This overestimation hinders progress in learning foreign languages, highlighting the importance of external feedback to improve skills.

Oligomers observed mimicking the combination of DNA strands: Study

A team of scientists at Monash University has successfully created dynamic covalent oligomers that mimic the combination of complementary DNA strands. This breakthrough could lead to improved nanostructures for solar capture technology and molecular electronics, as well as enhanced interfaces between prostheses and human tissue.

Invisible X-rays turn blue

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new reaction system that detects X-rays at the highest sensitivity ever recorded using organic molecules. The system can detect even the faintest X-ray levels considered dangerous, making it safer for workers exposed to radiation.

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.

Mayo researchers discover way to prime cancer tumors for immunotherapy

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a method to make tumor cells more responsive to immunotherapy. By promoting genetic mutations in tumor cells, they found that these cells become vulnerable to immune system attacks. The approach showed promise across different types of tumors and patient genomes.

Jackiw-Rebbi zero-mode: Realizing non-Abelian braiding in non-Majorana system

Scientists have discovered a new method to realize non-Abelian braiding in a non-Majorana system by constructing Jackiw-Rebbi zero-modes in a quantum spin Hall insulator. This breakthrough has the potential to enable topological quantum computation without superconductivity, offering advantages over Majorana-based systems.

New commuter concern: Cancerous chemical in car seats

A new UC Riverside study reveals that commuters exposed to a known carcinogen called TDCIPP for less than a week experience elevated levels of the chemical. The research found that the longer one commutes, the higher their exposure to TDCIPP.

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.

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.

Build it and they will come

Researchers found that residents of smaller cities are more likely to buy apartments in Moscow region suburbs due to affordability. In contrast, city dwellers prioritize central locations. These findings highlight the impact of regional inequality on urban development and migration patterns.

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.

Princeton's Bonnie Bassler receives $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize

Geneticist Bonnie Bassler received the $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize for her pioneering research on quorum sensing, a process by which bacteria communicate using molecular languages. Her discoveries have expanded our understanding of the microbial world and opened up new approaches to promoting health and preventing disease.

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.