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Science News Archive February 2020


Page 5 of 40

Abandoned cropland helps make Europe cooler

A recent study using satellite data reveals that abandoned cropland in Europe can moderate temperatures, with seasonal cooling of up to one degree C. The research found that forested areas increased by about 23 million hectares after agriculture abandonment, contributing to regional climate benefits.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sweat sensor detects stress levels; may find use in space exploration

A wireless sweat sensor developed by Caltech researcher Wei Gao accurately detects cortisol levels in near real-time, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of stress and mental health conditions. The sensor has been tested on healthy individuals and patients with depression and PTSD, showing promising results.

New study allows brain and artificial neurons to link up over the web

A novel nanoelectronics device has enabled brain neurons and artificial neurons to communicate with each other over the internet. This breakthrough study shows how three key emerging technologies can work together: brain-computer interfaces, artificial neural networks and advanced memory technologies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

These feet were made for walking

Researchers discovered that the transverse arch (TA) contributes significantly to the stiffness of the human foot, with half of its stiffness attributed to this structure. The study's findings have implications for understanding flatfoot disorder and the design of robotic feet.

Insight into integrating social determinants of health into patient records

Regenstrief Institute researcher Brian Dixon is presenting strategies for integrating social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status and access to food, into patient records. This integration aims to better address individual and public health needs by combining clinical data with social determinants.

Wildness in urban parks important for human well-being

A new study by the University of Washington reveals that experiencing wildness in urban areas is essential for physical and mental health. Researchers surveyed hundreds of park-goers and found that encounters with wildlife, water views, and solitude were key to visitors' meaningful experiences.

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.

TRAX air quality study expands

Researchers validate TRAX air quality sensor data, showcasing its ability to capture air pollution events, including summer fireworks and winter inversions. The expanded dataset provides insights into air mass exchange between the Salt Lake and Utah counties.

'Low' socioeconomic status is the biggest barrier to STEM participation

A new study finds that socioeconomic status has the strongest impact on STEM science enrollment in Australian secondary schools. Lower SES schools lack resources and diversity in syllabi, making it difficult for underrepresented students to engage with science. Initiatives promoting inclusivity and cultural capital can help increase pa...

Scientists discover new clue behind age-related diseases and food spoilage

Researchers found that hydroxyl radicals have a surprising partner in crime - Criegee intermediate. This new pathway could help explain age-related diseases and cancer, as well as how food decomposes over time. The study points to an unexpected link between atmospheric chemistry and our bodies' ability to ward off disease.

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.

Researchers make asthma breakthrough

A breakthrough discovery by Trinity College Dublin researchers identifies Caspase-11 as a key driver of allergic inflammation in asthma. This finding holds great promise for developing new therapeutic options to treat the debilitating disease.

Isotope movement holds key to the power of fusion reactions

Scientists in Japan have reached a breakthrough in controlling fusion plasma's uniformity by studying the movement of hydrogen isotopes. The research found that turbulent states, such as ion temperature gradient turbulence, result in more uniform isotope ratios, which is favorable for fusion reactions.

Intensive blood pressure control can extend life up to 3 years

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators found that aggressively lowering blood pressure levels can add six months to three years to a person's lifetime, depending on their age. The analysis used age-based methods to estimate the long-term benefits of intensive blood pressure control.

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.

Revving up immune system may help treat eczema

A drug strategy aimed at boosting natural killer cells appears to effectively treat eczema in mice, reducing inflammation and improving skin rash. Researchers hope this approach could help patients with asthma and food allergies as well.

How low can you go? Lower than ever before

Researchers at NIST have made the most sensitive measurements to date of silicon's conductivity using a novel method that allows them to test relatively thick specimens. The new technique has the potential to improve semiconductor materials and their applications, including solar cells and next-generation high-speed cellular networks.

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.

Immune therapy reduces risk of recurrence in aggressive breast cancer

A clinical trial led by Queen Mary University of London found that immune therapy drug pembrolizumab significantly reduced the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with early triple negative breast cancer. Nearly 65% of women showed no sign of cancer after treatment, compared to 51% on chemotherapy alone.

Mathematician identifies new tricks for the old arch in our foot

The study found that the transverse arch is a bigger source of foot stiffness than previously thought, and it may have evolved to become human-like over 3.5 million years ago. The researchers used mechanical mimics and fossil record analysis to support their findings.

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.

A tactile robot finger with no blind spots

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have introduced a new robotic finger with a highly precise sense of touch over complex, multicurved surfaces. The finger uses overlapping light signals to detect contact and can localize touch with very high precision, making it suitable for dexterous hands.

Do girls read better than boys? If so, gender stereotypes may be to blame

A longitudinal study in Germany found that classmates' gender stereotypes have a negative effect on boys' reading outcomes, including lower motivation and achievement. In contrast, girls experienced positive effects from their classmates' stereotypes. The study suggests that reducing stereotypical behaviors in classrooms can help creat...

Turbulent times revealed on Asteroid 4 Vesta

Researchers from Curtin University analyzed volcanic meteorites from Antarctica to understand Asteroid Vesta's geological history. The study found that Vesta was volcanically active for at least 30 million years after its formation, contradicting previous models and suggesting pockets of magma survived on the asteroid.

Researchers identify novel anti-aging targets

Conserved epigenetic regulators BAZ2B and EHMT1 identified as novel anti-aging targets in aging research. The study reveals a mechanism for regulating cognitive aging by reducing mitochondrial function.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Largest ever study of eating disorders launches in England

The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) will help researchers better understand eating disorders and enable the design of new treatments. Up to 5% of the population will experience an eating disorder, with genetic factors involved in some cases.

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.

Cannabis compound acts as an antibiotic

Researchers have identified cannabigerol (CBG) as a potent antibacterial agent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). CBG targets the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, showing promise in treating MRSA infections.

Comparing greenhouse gas footprints of online versus traditional shopping

Research estimates that online shopping for fast-moving consumer goods produces varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional and 'Bricks & Clicks' models. Shoppers can reduce their footprint by walking or biking to stores, while retailers can cut emissions by switching to electric cargo bikes.

Connectedness to nature makes children happier

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that connectedness to nature has a positive association with sustainability practices and behaviors in children, leading to higher levels of happiness. The study suggests that promoting exposure to nature can encourage pro-environmental behaviors and environmental care in younger g...

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.

HKUST scientists shed light on COVID-19 vaccine development

A team of HKUST scientists has identified potential vaccine targets for SARS-CoV-2, leveraging genetic similarity with SARS-CoV. The study found that only 20% of SARS-CoV epitopes map identically to SARS-CoV-2, but these promising candidates may offer protection against COVID-19.

STATICA: A novel processor that solves a notoriously complex mathematical problem

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new processor architecture, STATICA, that can efficiently solve combinatorial optimization problems. The proposed system is fully connected and considers all spin-to-spin interactions, enabling parallel updating using stochastic cell automata, which reduces calculation time.

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.

What we learned after 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties

A study analyzing 5,000 non-surgical rhinoplasties found high efficacy and safety with low complication rates. The procedure involves targeting critical aesthetic points on the nose and using hyaluronic acid filler for reversibility and convenience. Long-lasting results were observed in approximately 32% of patients.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Job insecurity negatively affects your personality: Study

Chronic job insecurity has been shown to alter a person's personality over time, particularly in regards to emotional stability and agreeableness. Researchers found that those exposed to job insecurity for over four years became less conscientious as well.

New CRISPR base-editing technology slows ALS progression in mice

Scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a new CRISPR gene-editing methodology that inactivated a key gene responsible for ALS, slowing disease progression and improving muscle function. The treatment also increased overall survival in mice with aggressive forms of ALS.

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.

Scientists 'film' a quantum measurement

Researchers created a 'film' of a single atom's measurement process, showing that the state changes gradually over time. This study provides new insights into the inner workings of nature and sheds light on the predictions of modern quantum physics.