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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 31 of 40

Gordon examining secure computation

Gordon examines secure computation to leverage user data without compromising privacy. He investigates three key tasks: handling large volumes of data with few parties, interacting with a large number of parties, and storing dynamic data in a distributed plane.

Next generation of greenhouses may be fully solar powered

A new study models the potential of semitransparent organic solar cells to power greenhouses, finding that many can become energy neutral in warm or temperate climates. The technology allows greenhouses to generate energy from unused light while minimizing impact on plant growth.

Microscopic eye movements vital for 20/20 vision

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that fixational eye movements are critical for achieving 20/20 vision. They discovered that even subtle eye movements allow people to read further on a Snellen eye chart than when these movements are absent or impaired.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Li developing robust design of chemical gas sensor arrays

The research aims to provide an effective and efficient simulation technology for designing high-performance gas sensors and sensor arrays. The team will model physisorption and chemisorption of gas molecules on sensor surfaces and study environmental effects.

One small grain of moon dust, one giant leap for lunar studies

Scientists discovered a new way to analyze lunar soil using atom probe tomography, allowing them to identify products of space weathering, pure iron, water, and helium. This technique can help researchers learn more about conditions on the Moon's surface and formation of precious resources.

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.

Understanding unexplained low blood sugar in children: More than normal variation

Researchers have identified four novel genes related to glucose metabolism that appear to explain unexplained low blood sugar in at least four families. The discovery may lead to the development of a novel drug against diabetes. However, more studies are needed to confirm the exact functional significance of these genetic mutations.

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.

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.

New CAR-T target yields promising results for multiple myeloma

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute developed a novel CAR T cell therapy targeting CD229, a molecule present on cancer cells and stem cells in patients with multiple myeloma. Laboratory tests showed promising results, including the ability to kill mature multiple myeloma cells and myeloma stem cells.

Cervical cancer screening saves lives

A new study from UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists reveals that cervical cancer screening every three years is protective against cervical cancer. Most cancers are caught before spreading, making treatment easier. Screening was found to reduce localized and distant cancers.

How long coronaviruses persist on surfaces and how to inactivate them

Coronaviruses can survive on surfaces for an average of four to five days, with low temperatures and high air humidity extending their lifespan. Effective disinfection solutions, such as those containing ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium hypochlorite, can significantly reduce the number of infectious particles within minutes.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UCSC genome browser posts the coronavirus genome

The UCSC Genome Browser has made available the complete biomolecular code of the coronavirus, allowing researchers to study its genetic structure and potential targets for treatment. The browser's features enable zooming in and out of the genome, annotation, and collaboration tools for global research.

St. Jude's scientist receives ACGT grant for sarcoma gene therapy

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are exploring genetically engineered immune cells to attack pediatric sarcoma using a new ACGT grant. The approach aims to target not only cancer cells but also blood vessels supporting tumor growth, offering a promising new treatment for children with solid tumors.

New platform for composing genetic programs in mammalian cells

A new synthetic biology toolkit called COMET allows researchers to design and tune gene expression programs in mammalian cells with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough could lead to the development of novel cell-based therapies for cancer and other challenging diseases.

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.

Plugging into a 6G future with users at the center

Researchers are exploring a human-centric approach for 6G communications, emphasizing the need for secure, affordable, and accessible networks that protect users' mental and physical health. The technology will also require innovative solutions such as decentralized blockchain networks and artificial intelligence to enhance performance.

Designer proteins

Researchers are now designing new proteins from scratch with specific functions using computational methods, enabling the creation of novel structures and properties. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as vaccine design, targeted drug delivery, and 'smart' therapeutics.

Cancer vaccine could boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy

A new study creates personalized cancer vaccines that amplify the effects of immunotherapy, curing mice with treatment-resistant tumors. Researchers used a molecule called APOBEC3B to drive rapid genetic changes in cancer cells, creating unique signatures vulnerable to immune checkpoint blockade.

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.

Startup incubator aims to spur life-saving innovations

The Center for Advancing Point of Care Technologies aims to improve quality of life and reduce hospital time for patients with these conditions. Innovations supported by CAPCaT include devices and technologies that help manage hypertension, promote mindfulness and support holistic disease management.

Protein closely linked to commonest cause of blindness

A study published in Nature Communications reveals a major link between protein FHR4 and age-related macular degeneration, affecting 1.5 million people in the UK alone. The findings show that higher levels of FHR4 in the blood increase the risk of AMD by activating part of the immune system.

No clear path for golden rice to reach consumers

A new study by Washington University in St. Louis reveals that many families at risk for Vitamin A deficiency can't grow Golden Rice, while commercial farmers won't plant it due to its breeding into existing lowland rice varieties.

Simple, solar-powered water desalination

The system uses multiple layers of flat solar evaporators and condensers to harness sunlight and produce fresh potable water. It achieves an overall efficiency of 385 percent, surpassing previous records by two times.

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.

Menopause timing hard to determine in every third woman

A University of Gothenburg study reveals that menopausal age is unclear for many women, particularly those using hormonal birth control. Researchers found that after 1992, the number of women still menstruating decreased, leaving uncertainty in determining exact menopausal ages.

Fighting against multi-resistant bacteria

A team from JMU will investigate new antibiotics that can be used to treat specific types of bacteria, using digital methods for designing RNA antibiotics. The aim is to create a powerful digital platform for the future application of RNA-based antibiotics against various bacteria.

Combined drug treatment for lung cancer and secondary tumors

Researchers discovered that combining alectinib with EGFR-inhibitors prevents CNS metastasis progression in mouse model. This combination treatment overcomes alectinib resistance, offering potential novel therapies for NSCLC and secondary cancers.

Epigenetics: Inheritance of epigenetic markers

Researchers uncover complex mechanisms controlling epigenetic modifications on histones after cell division. The study provides deeper insights into the inheritance of epigenetic marks and has implications for understanding cellular differentiation and tumor development.

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.

Mindfulness helps obese children lose weight

A study published in Endocrine Connections found that mindfulness-based therapy can lead to greater weight loss and reduced stress in obese children compared to a calorie-restricted diet alone. The therapy was found to counteract the negative effects of anxiety on weight loss.

New progress in turbulent combustion modeling: Filtered flamelet model

Researchers have developed a new filtered flamelet model for predicting turbulent combustion, reducing uncertainty by using filtered quantities instead of unfiltered ones. The model demonstrates promising performance and agrees well with experimental data, paving the way for further improvement and case tests.

The complex effects of colonial rule in Indonesia

A study by MIT economists found that areas in Indonesia where Dutch colonial rulers built a huge sugar-producing industry in the 1800s remain more economically productive today. The research shows that villages with Dutch-built sugar-processing factories have greater economic activity, manufacturing, and higher local education levels c...

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.

More people and fewer wild fish lead to an omega-3 supply gap

A new study reveals that 70% of the world's population lacks sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA and DHA, found in fish and seafood. The researchers suggest optimizing existing sources, such as improved fisheries management and recycling of by-products, to boost supplies.

Mapping the future direction for bioprinting research

The bioprinting research roadmap identifies key areas of progress and development, including advancements in bioinks, 3D printing processes, and crosslinking techniques. The report also highlights the potential for bioprinting to create complex biological models and therapeutic products.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mystery of marine recycling squad solved

Researchers have solved the mystery of marine nitrogen cycling, discovering that abundant nitrite oxidizing bacteria, Nitrospinae, are more active and efficient than previously thought. This reveals a key to their low abundance despite being crucial in the process.

Family dynamics may influence suicidal thoughts in children

Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that suicidal thoughts in children as young as 9 and 10 years old, with family conflict and parental monitoring being key factors, contrary to the long-held belief that such thoughts only arise in adolescence.

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.

Synthetic biology: Risk reduction, uncertainty and ethics

Joyce Tait discusses re-engineering biological components through computational modelling and bio-systems design technologies. She emphasizes the need for an equitable balance between promoting innovation and ensuring safety in synthetic biology.

Mediterranean sea urchins are more vulnerable than previously thought

A recent study reveals that Mediterranean sea urchin populations are more genetically isolated than previously thought, with strong selection pressure on temperature adaptation. The analysis of genetic distribution suggests a progressive adaptation from west to east, highlighting the impact of global warming and geographical barriers.

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.

A new learning model to enhance citizen participation

A new learning model, Deliberative Walks, combines citizens' juries and development walks to engage citizens in urban planning. The method aims to collect all opinions, not just expert views, and promotes inclusive discussions, leading to increased civic engagement and understanding of participatory democracy.