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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Highly sensitive sensors show promise in enhancing human touch

Researchers developed a highly sensitive sensor, the ultrathin crack-based strain sensor (UCSS), which can detect small movements. The UCSS is inspired by a spider's slit organ and has remarkable sensitivity to movement, allowing it to monitor tiny pulse movements and detect subtle changes in temperature.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Army researchers develop efficient distributed deep learning

Army researchers developed a new algorithm that enables collaborative and communication-efficient deep learning, reducing the need for centralized data pooling. The algorithm decreases communication overhead by up to 70% without sacrificing performance accuracy or learning rate.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateFeb 18, 2020

A blueprint for building transgender health programs in primary care

A blueprint for implementing transgender health programs in primary care is provided, including tips on accessing low-cost clinical training and generating organizational buy-in. The guide aims to address significant health inequities faced by this underserved population.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Slithering snakes on a 2D plane

A team of engineers at Johns Hopkins University has developed a snake robot that can nimbly climb large steps using movement inspiration from snakes. The robot's suspension system allows it to maintain stability and climb up to 38% of its body length with a high success rate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Helpful oxygen carriers

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered a novel flavin N5-peroxide that reacts differently than previously known flavin C4a-peroxide, enabling the breakdown of stable chemical compounds and environmental pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 18, 2020

More purple than blue: Religiously unaffiliated vary in political beliefs

New research from University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel reveals the religiously unaffiliated are more varied in their political beliefs than previously believed. Atheists and agnostics tend to be liberal, while a larger conservative group exists within this demographic.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Time of day affects global brain fluctuations

A study published in PLOS Biology found that global brain fluctuations decrease as the day progresses, affecting cognitive function and connectivity. The researchers analyzed fMRI data from over 900 subjects and observed a cumulative decrease in global signal fluctuation and functional connectivity with time of day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 18, 2020

Reporting the facts on indigenous STIs

Young Indigenous people are being discouraged from getting routine STI screenings due to incorrect assumptions. This stigma can lead to poorer health outcomes, as it discourages them from reporting underlying infections. The median age for first-time sex is around 16 years old in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateFeb 18, 2020

Researchers show advance in next-generation lithium metal batteries

A WSU research team has developed a unique protective layer around lithium anode, protecting batteries from degradation and allowing them to work longer under typical conditions. The innovation could make high-energy batteries more viable for next-generation energy storage.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNano Energy·DateFeb 18, 2020

Comparison of primary care in hospital- and community-based practices

A cross-sectional study in Japan compared primary care experiences in hospital-based practices and community-based office practices. Patients reported better patient experience of community orientation at community-based offices, while hospital-based practices offered better first contact experiences.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hubble turns lens towards gender bias, yielding lessons for Earthlings

Researchers analyzed 16 application cycles for Hubble Space Telescope time allocations and found that stripping out personal info can nearly eliminate gender bias. Female lead scientists performed slightly better than men when proposals were completely anonymized, indicating a more equitable review process.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateFeb 18, 2020

Topological materials outperform through quantum periodic motion

Researchers discovered that applying vibrational motion in a periodic manner can prevent dissipations of desired electron states, making topological materials promising for technological applications. This approach, called dynamic stabilization, enhances protected topological states, enabling longer-lived electronic excitations.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateFeb 18, 2020

APS tip sheet: Capturing election interference

A game theory model captures and assesses election interference by analyzing social media activity and polls, echoing the 2016 election. The model's results reflect real-world scenarios, including Russian Twitter fake accounts' influence.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review E·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Catching light: How cobalt can help utilize visible light to power hydrogen production from water

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have created a visible-light photoelectrochemical system using cobalt-enhanced TiO2. The process enables efficient water oxidation, producing hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel. Cobalt domains on the surface enhance light absorption and catalytic sites facilitate water oxidation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 18, 2020

Amazon forest disturbance is changing how plants are dispersed

The study found that human disturbance increased the proportion of trees with seeds dispersed by animals, leading to a shift towards small-seeded species. These changes could have long-term implications for carbon storage and drought sensitivity in tropical forests.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateFeb 18, 2020

Exposure to cleaning products in first 3 months of life increases risk of childhood asthma

A new study finds that young infants exposed to common household cleaning products are more likely to develop childhood wheeze and asthma by three years of age. The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests that chemicals in cleaning products can damage respiratory tract cells, increasing the risk of asthma.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 18, 2020

Gene tests for heart disease risk have limited benefit

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that genetic tests for heart disease risk had only modest improvement over conventional testing. The test analyzed thousands of genetic variants linked to heart health but did not significantly enhance predictive power.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

IU researcher makes skin cancer discovery

Researchers have identified eight new loci that increase a person's risk for squamous cell skin cancer, bringing the total to 22. The study confirmed previously known risk loci while adding new genomic locations, providing insight into genetic associations and molecular pathways involved in skin cancer development.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

First baby born to cancer patient from eggs matured in the lab and frozen

For the first time, a cancer patient has given birth to a healthy baby using lab-matured eggs that were frozen, thawed, and fertilized five years later. The breakthrough achievement demonstrates the potential of in vitro maturation (IVM) for fertility preservation in cancer patients.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateFeb 18, 2020

Social factors play a key role in missed well-child care visits

Caregivers and pediatricians identify transportation, childcare, and financial stress as key barriers to attending scheduled well-child visits. The study suggests that addressing these social determinants of health could improve attendance rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

Declines in heart attacks greater among men than women

A study published in Circulation shows that declines in heart attacks are greatest among men, with a nearly 50% decrease between 2000 and 2014. While women also experienced a decline, their rate slowed in the last five years of the study.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 18, 2020

Primary care patients assess econsult model for provider-to-specialist consultations

Patients across five academic medical centers reacted favorably to an electronic consultation (eConsult) service for primary care provider-to-specialist consultations. Key benefits included quicker access to specialty care and convenience, with approval rates high among patients with a trusted primary care provider.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Study reveals how too much fluoride causes defects in tooth enamel

Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry discovered that excessive fluoride causes dental fluorosis by altering calcium signaling, mitochondrial function, and gene expression in tooth enamel cells. This understanding provides a promising mechanistic view of how fluorosis arises.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Signaling·DateFeb 18, 2020

Creating custom light using 2D materials

Scientists have created custom light using 2D materials by combining different transition metal dichalcogenides to form artificial semi-conductors emitting specific colors. This discovery opens up new strategies for manipulating light with precise energy and color, paving the way for mass industrialization of tailor-made lighting.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Reproductive genome from the laboratory

Max Planck researchers have successfully developed a self-replicating genome, enabling the regeneration of proteins and DNA. The artificial system, assembled from modular DNA pieces, can produce its own translation factors and maintain chemical systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 18, 2020

Rice boosts 'internet of things' security -- again

Rice University engineers have introduced a technique to make security for the 'internet of things' more than 14,000 times better than current state-of-the-art defenses. The new strategy leverages power regulators to obfuscate information leaked by encryption circuits.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 18, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Community LGBTQ supportiveness may reduce substance use among sexual minority adolescents

Research found that community-level LGBTQ supportiveness is associated with lower odds of lifetime substance use among sexual minority boys and girls. Living in a large population center also reduced the risk of lifetime alcohol use for boys, while a progressive political climate increased the risk of marijuana use for girls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalLGBT Health·DateFeb 18, 2020

Cancer screening among women prescribed opioids

Researchers found no association between opioid use and cancer screening, despite higher healthcare utilization among opioid users. Key cancer screenings were more common in women with frequent doctor visits regardless of opioid status.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

GI societies issue updated colorectal cancer screening recommendations

Experts provide a timeline for patients to be rechecked for colorectal cancer based on their initial colonoscopy and recommend the safest techniques to completely remove polyps. Screening is recommended to begin at age 50, with follow-up colonoscopies every 3-10 years depending on polyp size and removal.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateFeb 18, 2020

Solar technology breakthrough at the University of Queensland

Researchers at the University of Queensland have achieved a significant breakthrough in solar technology by developing a unique surface engineering strategy that improves the conversion of solar energy to electricity. The team set a world record for quantum dot solar cell efficiency, reaching 16.6%, which is a major improvement over pr...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Global climate frameworks miss the 'big picture' on food, say scientists

Researchers argue that current disjointed approaches may harm strategies to reduce food emissions and safeguard food from climate impacts. A comprehensive approach is needed to track emissions beyond the farm gate and understand how different components work together.

SourceInternational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 18, 2020

Study: Difference in breast milk concentrations impacts growth up to age 5

A new study by researchers at the University of California San Diego confirmed an association between human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in breast milk and infant growth. High concentrations of certain HMOs were linked to increased height and weight, while low concentrations were associated with reduced growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

Unexpected insights into the dynamic structure of mitochondria

Researchers discovered that inner mitochondrial membranes constantly change their structure every few seconds in living cells, increasing energy performance. This dynamic adaptation process is enabled by the MICOS complex and allows cristae membranes to exist as isolated vesicles before re-fusing with the inner membrane.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalEMBO Reports·DateFeb 18, 2020

Study suggests later school start times reduce car crashes, improve teen safety

A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that later school start times significantly reduce vehicle accidents involving teen drivers. Teenagers who get more sleep are less likely to make poor decisions such as not wearing a seat belt or engaging in distracted driving.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2020

NIH study supports new approach for treating cerebral malaria

Researchers found that drugs targeting T cells may be effective in treating cerebral malaria, a deadly disease mainly affecting young children. The study suggests that CTLs damage brain blood vessels, leading to brain swelling and death.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

APS tip sheet: Harnessing radar echoes for future neutrino detection

Researchers created a new detection method using radar echoes to identify ultra-high energy particle cascades. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a neutrino telescope capable of detecting high-energy neutrinos with energies beyond current observable range.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2020

Exploring the diet of ancient mammals

A study suggests that zinc isotope analysis can reconstruct past food webs in ancient mammals by analyzing stable isotopes in fossil tooth enamel. The results show distinct patterns in δ66Zn values for carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores, with potential applications in archeological and paleontological research.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Off-grid sanitation systems show promise, despite toilet paper

Researchers from Duke University have conducted field trials of their off-grid sanitation system, finding that critical components lasted longer than expected. However, the system still requires improvement in nutrient removal processes and addressing cultural practices to ensure sustainability.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 17, 2020

Gut bacteria's interactions with immune system mapped

Researchers have created the first detailed cell atlas of the human colon's immune cells and gut bacteria, showing changes in the microbiome and immune cells throughout the colon. This study will enable new research into diseases affecting specific regions of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateFeb 17, 2020

Kidney patients benefit using organs from Hepatitis C-infected donors

Using HCV-infected donor kidneys can reduce average wait time for dialysis patients from four years to 1.56 years and improve quality of life. Patients receiving transplants with HCV-infected kidneys gain nearly 10 months in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to those who waited longer.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateFeb 17, 2020

UTA's Konsta-Gdoutos elected fellow of European Academy of Sciences

Konsta-Gdoutos is recognized for her leading contributions to the development of high-performance smart cementitious nanocomposites and advancing UTA's efforts in this area. Her election as a fellow honors her work, which positions UTA at the forefront of impactful research in civil engineering and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateFeb 17, 2020
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.