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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 38 of 40

Tufts University team wins a grand prize in NSF Idea Machine Competition

A Tufts University team won a grand prize in the NSF Idea Machine Competition with their project 'From Thinking to Inventing,' focusing on what machines can invent and how. They aim to create resilient robots that can creatively solve problems, addressing pressing issues like climate change and wealth inequality.

Save the giants, save the planet

A new study found that protecting large animals and plants can reduce wild animal biomass by 44% and soil fertility by 92%, highlighting their fundamental role in ecosystem integrity. Larger organisms transport nutrients, promoting productivity and ecological services.

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.

JDRF honors type 1 diabetes research leaders

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) honored five researchers for their outstanding contributions to type 1 diabetes research, including breakthroughs in beta cell autoimmunity and immune therapies. The awards recognize significant progress toward curing T1D, with funded research totaling over $2.2 billion.

Herringbone pattern in plant cell walls critical to cell growth

A recent study reveals that the herringbone pattern in plant cell walls, created by alternating angles of cellulose layers and a protein called CSI1, is critical for cell growth. This discovery challenges existing theories about cell growth and has implications for biofuels research.

New hope for COPD patients possible with in-home device

In a new study, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that in-home bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy can significantly improve COPD patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and fewer hospital admissions. The treatment helps alleviate shortness of breath and reduces the risk of intubation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study shows advanced colorectal cancers at recommended screening age

A recent study reveals that cancers have already spread in a high percentage of people by the time recommended screening begins for colorectal cancer. The rate of colorectal cancer incidence increased significantly between ages 49 and 50, with 92.9% of diagnosed cases at age 50 being invasive.

Study paints picture of marijuana use in pregnant women

A Washington State University study found that pregnant women use marijuana to manage health issues and reduce stress, with many feeling stigmatized by healthcare providers. The research emphasizes the need for patient-centered care and more information on marijuana's safety during pregnancy.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How many rare diseases are there?

Researchers estimate that there may be as many as 10 million people worldwide suffering from a rare disease, which is likely to hinder treatment development due to inconsistent and imprecise definitions. The study calls for a unified definition of rare diseases to improve care for patients and develop effective treatments.

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.

Invest in social equity to improve health for low-income people

A recent CMAJ editorial emphasizes the importance of investing in social equity to address health disparities among low-income individuals. The authors highlight the persistent gaps in healthcare access and outcomes according to income, which result from poverty's association with various social determinants of health.

Nematode infections and mosquito immunity

A study sequenced mosquito transcripts to understand resistance to Dirofilaria immitis. Activation of immune genes blocks nematode development but prevents transmission-stage Brugia malayi., Mosquito immunity crucial for preventing parasitic worm development and transmission.

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.

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 method for removing oil from water

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an environmentally friendly technology to remove oil from water. Textiles with special surface properties passively skim off the oil and move it into a floating container without using chemicals.

Fragile: Handle with care

A recent study found that patients transferred between hospitals have a higher risk of dying than those admitted through the emergency department, even after controlling for patient-level characteristics. The researchers aim to improve transfer safety by identifying key variables and optimizing stabilization processes.

Scientists listen to whales, walruses, and seals in a changing Arctic seascape

A year-round acoustic study in the northern Bering Sea recorded over 30,000 calls from whales, walruses, and seals, providing valuable insights into climate change's effects on these species. The study supports previous scientific knowledge with a finer-scale resolution, revealing consistent seasonal distribution and movement patterns.

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.

Weather radar records drastic drop in mayfly populations

Researchers used radar technology to quantify mayfly swarms in the Upper Mississippi River and Western Lake Erie Basin, estimating up to 88 billion mayflies can swarm annually. A 50% decline in population was observed between 2012 and 2019, raising questions about causes of such reductions in mass emergence.

Tumbleweeds or fibrils: Tau proteins need to choose

Tau proteins exhibit distinct aggregation behaviors, with phosphorylation influencing their formation of either solid fibrils or disordered clumps. The researchers' findings offer new insights into the causes of Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic interventions.

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.

Viscosity measurements offer new insights into the earth's mantle

A team of scientists has successfully measured the viscosity of silicate melt under pressure and temperature conditions similar to those in the lower earth mantle. The data suggests that a bridgmanite-enriched rock layer was formed during the early history of the Earth, with implications for our understanding of the planet's formation.

Microplastic hotspots

Researchers discovered a substantial concentration of microplastics in the Delaware Bay, accumulating in hotspots driven by tidal, wind, and buoyancy variations. The study used field sampling and modeling to simulate microplastic distribution and found high concentrations near salinity fronts where surface currents converge.

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.

Hospital websites lack usability for non-English speakers

A recent study found that hospital websites in Washington state lack essential information on language services, making it difficult for non-English speaking patients to access care. Only 20% of hospitals listed language services on their homepage, and most were not translated into the patient's native language.

If cancer were easy, every cell would do it

A new paper explores how bodies evolve to prevent cancer by making growth factors costly to use and limiting cell proliferation. Individual cancer cells are kept in check when there's a high energetic cost for creating growth factors that signal cell growth.

Dams and freshwater habitat fragmentation

A study analyzing dam impacts on freshwater fish habitats found that extant dams contribute most to habitat fragmentation in China, India, South Africa, US, and Europe. Future dams are projected to mainly affect tropical species in river basins like Amazon, Congo, Niger, Mekong, and Salween.

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.

Past climate safe havens now most vulnerable

A new study reveals that the world's most biodiverse regions are under threat from human-driven climate change, with tropical ecosystems expected to lose over 75% of their climate-safe habitats by the end of the century.

The one ring -- to track your finger's location

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has developed AuraRing, a wearable device that can detect precise finger movements and track hand orientation. This technology enables new applications in gaming, healthcare, and more.

UNH researchers find clues to how hazardous space radiation begins

Researchers observed solar energetic particle events and found that pre-accelerated particles build up in front of coronal mass ejections, creating a new phase of the energization process critical for radiation hazards. The study highlights the complex interplay between flares, particle populations and CMEs.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Making high-temperature superconductivity disappear to understand its origin

Researchers used a new technique to study the origin of superconductivity in cuprates by overdoping a material until it disappeared. They found that purely electronic interactions likely lead to high-temperature superconductivity and that this interaction emerges exactly when superconductivity starts, strengthening as it gets stronger.

More grocery stores means less food waste -- and a big carbon cut

According to new research from Cornell University, opening more grocery stores can significantly reduce global warming by lowering food waste. The study found that even small increases in store density can have a high impact on reducing waste, with benefits comparable to converting thousands of cars to electric power.

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.

Shift workers at risk for heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes

Shift workers are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease and type 2 diabetes due to disrupted circadian rhythms. Employers and workers can take steps to mitigate these risks, including establishing consistent sleep schedules, controlling light exposure and promoting healthy nutrition and exercise.

Heart disease risk grows as women move through menopause

A new analysis from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) finds that heart disease risk increases significantly as women enter menopause, with arterial stiffness rising by up to 7.5% within a year before and after the last menstrual period.

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.

Seeing the invisible -- A novel gas imaging system

Researchers developed a novel gas imaging system to visualize and measure gases released through the skin in real-time. The system uses VOCs present in circulating blood to diagnose metabolic disorders, genetic diseases, and cancer.

A study identifies 17 key compounds in wine aromas

Researchers analyzed 80 volatile compounds and identified 17 key compounds responsible for wine fragrance. These compounds relate to fruity, woody, toasted, and citric aromas and can help guide the creation of more affordable wines with specific aromatic profiles.

Smartphone texting linked to compromised pedestrian safety

A pooled analysis of 14 studies found that text messaging was associated with significantly lower rates of looking left and right before crossing, as well as moderately increased rates of collisions and close calls. Listening to music was not linked to any heightened risk of pedestrian behaviours.

Birth timing may affect brain development

New research suggests that moving birth a day early can trigger an early start to widespread neuron death in the developing brain. Delaying birth has no apparent effect on when this cell death occurs, indicating a developmental process takes over in this scenario.

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.

Meat isn't good for you

A new study from Northwestern University and Cornell University links red and processed meat consumption to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The research suggests that reducing red meat intake may be an important strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease and premature death.