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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 4 of 40

How the brain separates words from song

Researchers created a collection of unique songs with manipulated acoustic information, demonstrating the left and right hemispheres handle speech and melody differently. fMRI scans revealed asymmetrical neural activity, with speech content primarily processed in the left auditory cortex and melodic content in the right.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

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Naked mole rats migrate above ground with no help from the moon

A recent study published in African Journal of Ecology found that naked mole rats do not disperse according to moon phases. Captured dispersing naked mole rats showed no correlation with full moon or new moon, suggesting cues from the social environment may be triggering this behavior.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tying up molecules as easily as you tie up your laces

Researchers from the University of Geneva have developed a new technique for tying molecules together, resulting in modified mechanical properties. The method uses fatty molecules that self-assemble into knots without losing material, allowing for analysis of changes in mechanical properties.

Could new discovery play a role in diagnosing Alzheimer's earlier?

Scientists have detected a potential new biomarker for Alzheimer's disease in the Presenilin1 gene, which shows promise for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The study found that changes in DNA methylation of this gene are common in people with Alzheimer's and could be used to monitor environmental triggers and treatment responses.

Antarctic ice walls protect the climate

Researchers found that glacier ice walls block warm seawater, preventing melting and raising global sea levels. The findings provide better tools to predict future water levels and create more accurate climate prognoses.

Using a cappella to explain speech and music specialization

A study using a cappella recordings revealed that humans have complementary neural systems for speech and music processing. The research found that temporal information is crucial for speech perception, while spectral information is key to music perception. This suggests that hemispheric specialization may be the nervous system's way o...

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Risk of recurrent fractures lowered by new care routines

A new study from the University of Gothenburg shows that structured and preventive care can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent fractures. The study found that patients who received fracture liaison services had an 18% lower risk of having another fracture compared to those without these services. This reduction in risk was attr...

Big data helps farmers adapt to climate variability

A new study by Michigan State University quantifies soil and landscape features and spatial and temporal yield variations in response to climate variability. The research identifies areas within individual fields where yield is unstable, with over one-quarter of corn and soybean cropland in the Midwest experiencing this issue.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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A common gut microbe secretes a carcinogen

Researchers at Hubrecht Institute and Princess Máxima Center found that Escherichia coli bacteria induce unique DNA mutations in human cells, similar to those found in colon cancer patients. The study establishes a direct link between the microbes inhabiting our bodies and genetic alterations that drive cancer development.

Genetic 'fingerprints' implicate gut bacterium in bowel cancer

Researchers found unique DNA damage patterns in cells lining the gut and bowel cancer tumours, linked to a specific strain of E. coli toxin colibactin. The discovery could enable early detection and prevention of bowel cancer through targeted screening tests.

Anthropogenic seed dispersal: rethinking the origins of plant domestication

A new manuscript by Dr. Robert Spengler suggests that all earliest traits of plant domestication are linked to a mutualistic relationship in which plants recruited humans for seed dispersal. This concept, known as seed-dispersal-based evolution, explains why the first traits of domestication in crops were similar across different species.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

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Vaping changes oral microbiome, increasing risk for infection

A new study led by NYU College of Dentistry researchers found that vaping alters the oral microbiome, making users more prone to inflammation and infection. E-cigarette users were found to have different bacteria in their mouths compared to smokers and non-smokers.

Understanding the link between nicotine use and misuse of 'benzos'

Research at Georgetown University Medical Center found that nicotine increases craving for benzodiazepines, known as benzos, in rats, leading to increased consumption. Boosting a specific protein KCC2 appears to restore normal brain function and decrease benzo consumption.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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Scientists discover dust from Middle East cools the Red Sea

Researchers at KAUST found that Middle East dust has a positive cooling effect on the land and Red Sea, with the largest radiative cooling effect in the world. This discovery highlights the complex role of dust aerosols in shaping global climate patterns.

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.

Slow, steady increase in exercise intensity is best for heart health

For most people, moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, intense exercise programs like marathons and triathlons can raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or heart attacks, particularly in inactive individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.

Freshwater flowing into the North Pacific plays key role in North America's climate

A new study published in Science Advances shows that freshwater flowing into the North Pacific Ocean triggered widespread changes throughout the northern hemisphere during the last ice age. The researchers used computer modeling and fossil records to track the movement of floodwaters, which mixed with saltwater and altered ocean circul...

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

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Helpful interactions can keep societies stable

New research challenges traditional models of community ecology, suggesting that mutualism is compatible with stable communities. The balance of mutualism with other types of interactions plays a determinative role in community dynamics and stability.

Using light to put a twist on electrons

Physicists have induced and measured nonsymmetrical states in a layered material using circularly polarized mid-infrared light. This phenomenon, known as chirality, can be controlled and enhanced by shining the light beam at specific conditions, demonstrating a new tool for manipulating electronic behavior in materials.

Fur-friendly 'wearable for pets' developed at Imperial

Researchers develop a new health tracking sensor that can monitor vital signs like heart and breathing rates through fur or up to four layers of clothing. The sensor could help owners track their pets' health and improve the work of sniffer dogs used to detect bombs and missing persons.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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The force is strong in neutron stars

Researchers characterized the strong nuclear force at extremely short distances, revealing a surprising transition that challenges current understanding. The findings have huge implications for neutron stars and nuclear systems as a whole.

How resident microbes restructure body chemistry

Researchers created a map of molecules in mouse organs, revealing that microbes control bile acid structure. This modification changes how cells communicate and genes are expressed, potentially affecting disease development. Novel microbial-modified bile acids were found in up to 25% of human samples.

Each Mediterranean island has its own genetic pattern

A new ancient DNA study reconstructs the genetic history of Mediterranean islands, showing complex patterns of immigration and trade. The research reveals distinct ancestry profiles for Sicily, Sardinia and the Balearic Islands, tracing migration routes from Africa, Asia and Europe.

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.

Eat or be eaten

A new study reveals that biodiversity increases the efficiency of energy use in grasslands by storing more energy, having greater flow of energy and using energy more efficiently across all trophic levels. Ecosystems with higher plant diversity contain twice as much standing biomass compared to monocultures

Structural framework for tumors also provides immune protection

In aggressive colorectal cancers, a structural framework called cancer-associated fibroblasts helps tumors evade the immune system by expressing high levels of CD73, an immune checkpoint enzyme. CAFs create a self-serving process that amplifies their own CD73 expression, suppressing immune responses.

Possible new treatment strategy for fatty liver disease

Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that, when silenced, restores immune cells' normal function in people with fatty liver disease. Silencing a microRNA molecule called miR144 increases the endogenous antioxidant response, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

SWOG study shows genetic effects of pre-surgical chemo in breast cancer

The study found that patients whose breast cancer was completely eradicated by chemotherapy had a higher proportion of DNA mutational 'signature 3', indicating defects in DNA repair. This signature is associated with genes like BRCA, which could help doctors predict patient response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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.

Study reveals potential new treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma

A pilot study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati shows that radiation therapy before immunotherapy may increase patient survival for those with brain metastases. The combination therapy was found to be superior to radiation alone, with genes associated with cell death signaling and inflammation present in tissue.

Ancient meteorite site on Earth could reveal new clues about Mars' past

A new study reveals that a site in southern Germany's Nordlinger Ries crater may provide insights into Mars' ancient atmosphere. The team used nitrogen isotope ratios to estimate the pH of ancient waters, suggesting high levels of carbon dioxide could have made liquid water possible on the red planet.

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.

Journal maps intersection of immigration and aging

The journal special issue examines how contemporary trends in immigration affect aging populations, with a focus on social ties, filial obligation, and culturally accessible services. Strongest common themes include the importance of social connections for promoting health and well-being.

CT provides best diagnosis for COVID-19

A recent study found that chest CT imaging has a sensitivity of 98% for detecting COVID-19, compared to RT-PCR's 71%, making it a reliable and practical method for early diagnosis. This is particularly important given the highly contagious nature of the virus.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Examining enlargement of the aorta among older endurance athletes

Researchers evaluated aorta dimensions in older competitive runners and rowers to examine the association between long-term endurance exercise and aorta enlargement. The study found a significant positive correlation between years of endurance exercise and aortic diameter.

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.