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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 40

Radio waves detect particle showers in a block of plastic

Scientists use a cheap technique to mimic neutrinos colliding with ice, detecting radar echoes that carry information about high-energy particles. The method could eventually allow researchers to expand the energy reach of IceCube without breaking the bank.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Breaking the temperature barrier in small-scale materials testing

Scientists have developed a new method to test microscopic aeronautical materials at ultra-high temperatures, using electron microscopy and laser heating. This breakthrough reduces the time and expense required for such tests, paving the way for the development of new materials for commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 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.

Powerful mantis shrimp pull punches in air for self-preservation

Researchers found that mantis shrimp's hammer blows are significantly weaker in air compared to water, with forces averaging only 18 km/h. The crustaceans may be downgrading their attacks to avoid joint damage and injury.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental & Theoretical Artificial Intelligence·DateFeb 25, 2020

Diabetes drug reduces complications of long-term steroid therapy

A new study suggests that the diabetes drug metformin can improve the clinical status of patients on glucocorticoid treatment, reducing infections, hospital admissions, and metabolic side effects. The 12-week trial found a 30% reduction in infection rates and lower hospital admissions compared to the placebo group.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 25, 2020

'Lab in your phone' lets you play the scientific life

The game, developed by Cambridge sociologists and stem cell scientists, aims to provide a flavor of the lives and labor behind biotechnological advances. Players must balance competing demands, grow cells, and navigate the scientific career ladder while managing relationships and reputation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateFeb 25, 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.

Otago researchers shed light on 'arms race' between bacteria and viruses

A recent study published in Nature found that CRISPR anti-viral immunity is often a disadvantage to bacteria when infected by certain viruses. The research suggests that triggering the powerful defense systems can be risky for a bacterium, leading to significant implications for treatment design.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature·DateFeb 25, 2020

Scientists call on government to increase ambition to save our ocean

A team of marine scientists has called on the UK government to overhaul its approach to marine conservation management, citing declining biodiversity and the need for more effective habitat repair and integration with fisheries management. The researchers recommend four key changes to increase ambition and support the UK's target of be...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Policy·DateFeb 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Psychiatry: Five clearly defined patterns

Researchers have developed a new classification scheme for psychoses into five clearly defined subgroups based on machine learning analysis of clinical data. These subgroups exhibit distinct patterns in symptoms, functioning, and genetic risk factors.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateFeb 25, 2020

Small farmers sink or swim in globalization's tsunami

A new study examines how smallholder farmers integrate into global markets, revealing that their ability to seize control can lead to better economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The integrated framework of telecoupling shows surprising truths about the complex interactions between farmers and external pressures.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSustainability·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Big data could yield big discoveries in archaeology, Brown scholar says

Researchers using big data analytics have identified over three quarters of Spanish-founded colonial settlements in the former Inca Empire, providing new insights into social life and population history. The use of high-resolution satellite imagery also raises concerns about individual privacy and national security.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Field Archaeology·DateFeb 25, 2020

How your romantic attachment style affects your finances, well-being

A study by the University of Arizona found that individuals with high romantic attachment anxiety and avoidance report low life satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and financial satisfaction. They also engage in more irresponsible financial behaviors and perceive their partners' financial behaviors as irresponsible.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateFeb 25, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New sandboxing approach in web browser increases security

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Mozilla developed a new sandboxing approach for web browsers using WebAssembly. This approach shifts some browser code into secure sandboxes, preventing malicious code from taking over users' computers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 25, 2020

A nacre-inspired separator coating for impact-tolerant lithium batteries

Researchers developed a nacre-inspired separator coating to improve lithium battery safety and impact resistance. The coating exhibits higher tensile strength, better electrolyte wettability, and smaller thermal shrinkage compared to commercial ceramic nanoparticle coatings.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 25, 2020

Social banks rely on their motivated investors

Researchers found that social banks produce smaller returns to their owners, remunerate depositors at below market interest rates, and grant loans below market interest rates. This supports the hypothesis that ownership explains the results, as stakeholder banks exhibit different interest rate behavior.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalKyklos·DateFeb 25, 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.

Lab-free infection test could eliminate guesswork for doctors

A new paper-based device has been developed to enable quick diagnosis of bacterial infections at the point of care. The test uses lasers to identify the presence of bacteria and determine which antibiotic is most effective in treating it.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 25, 2020

The do's and don'ts of monitoring many wildlife species at once

A new analysis of 92 studies from 27 countries highlights common pitfalls in multi-species wildlife monitoring, including under-reporting and reporting bias. The study recommends best practices for future research, focusing on the use of appropriate methods and tools to ensure accuracy and precision in inferences made.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEcography·DateFeb 25, 2020

UTSA finds the best method to teach children augmented reality

Researchers at UTSA found that AR programs are best delivered using controller commands, followed by programs that communicate with age-specific language. This approach resulted in reduced time and error among elementary school students. The study aims to improve immersive learning tools for classrooms.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateFeb 25, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Predicting persistent cold pool events

Cold pools can trap pollutants, reduce wind speeds, and cause freezing rain, posing serious health risks in urban areas. The study aims to improve forecasting of these events to ensure a stable electrical grid and lower energy costs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Sequestered toxins and diet shift in snakes

Snakes' toxin production adapts to new diet source, maintaining predator defense. The Japanese colubrid snake Rhabdophis tigrinus accumulates bufadienolides from fireflies after switching from frogs and toads.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

New tool aids patients in selecting a transplant center

A new website, transplantcentersearch.org, allows patients to compare transplant centers for kidney, liver, heart and lung transplants. The tool uses data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to match factors important to each individual.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalLiver Transplantation·DateFeb 24, 2020

Just as tobacco advertising causes teen smoking, exposure to alcohol ads causes teens to drink

A new analysis by NYU School of Global Public Health and NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that exposure to alcohol advertising changes teens' attitudes about alcohol and can cause them to start drinking. The study applies a framework developed for tobacco advertising to show causality between alcohol advertising and youth drinking.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateFeb 24, 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.

Columbia team discovers new way to control the phase of light using 2D materials

Researchers develop a new method to manipulate light's phase without changing its amplitude, reducing optical loss and electrical power consumption. This breakthrough enables the scaling of photonic circuits and reduces power dissipation in applications like LIDAR and neural circuits.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateFeb 24, 2020

Directing nanoparticles straight to tumors

Scientists create tiny nanoparticles made of dendritic polyglycerols to target cancer cells via EGFR receptors. The particles are designed to visualize tumor cells using imaging techniques and can be modified to carry therapeutic agents, offering a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalSmall·DateFeb 24, 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.

Alcohol ads lead to youth drinking, should be more regulated, experts say

Public health experts conclude that exposure to alcohol marketing is a cause of drinking onset during adolescence and binge drinking. The authors recommend stricter government-enforced laws to limit alcohol-marketing exposure and message appeal to youth.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateFeb 24, 2020

Many older adults face new disabilities after hospital stays for serious illnesses

A study of older adults found that many experience new disabilities after hospitalization for serious illnesses, affecting daily tasks and healthcare access. The study revealed that recovery from disability is often incomplete six months after discharge, highlighting the need for improved support systems for older adults.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateFeb 24, 2020

Wildfire cycles and climate change

Researchers analyzed high-resolution soot deposition to determine how dry glacial periods affected wildfire events. The results revealed clear glacial-interglacial cycles of wildfire, linked to drier glacial periods and higher dust loads in the atmosphere.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Local nitrogen pollution and coral bleaching

A study found that local nitrogen pollution enhances coral bleaching severity, even at low heat stress levels. High nitrogen levels increased the severity of bleaching up to two-fold, while heat stress primarily drove colony proportions affected.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

The combination of plant-based particles and water forms an 'eco' super-glue

Researchers at Aalto University have developed an eco-friendly adhesive using plant-derived cellulose nanocrystals and water, demonstrating exceptional strength and performance. The new glue outperforms commercial products in terms of sustainability and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising solution for various industries.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 24, 2020
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.

CRISPR gene cuts may offer new way to chart human genome

Researchers successfully used CRISPR to make targeted cuts in human breast cancer genes, allowing for efficient sequencing of critical alterations. The technique has the potential to streamline cancer treatment selection and use of targeted therapies.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Simple blood test could help reduce heart disease deaths

Scientists at Newcastle University have discovered a link between amyloid-beta levels in the blood and cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of amyloid-beta may indicate a higher risk of developing serious heart complications, such as heart failure and progression to heart disease.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Researchers propose new disease classification system for obesity

A new disease classification system for obesity is proposed by researchers, replacing the current BMI-based diagnosis. The ABCD system has four domains: pathophysiology, body mass index classification, complications, and complication severity. This new framework aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateFeb 24, 2020

Watching magnetic nano 'tornadoes' in 3D

Researchers developed time-resolved magnetic laminography technique to visualize magnetic state in three dimensions. This allows for understanding of complex magnetization patterns and behavior, crucial for next-generation data storage and processing.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 24, 2020
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.

How cancer cells stiff-arm normal environmental cues to consume energy

Researchers found cancer cells can override mechanical regulation of energy use by sequestering TRIM21 protein, preventing its degradation and keeping metabolism high. This discovery could help understand how cancer cells adapt to their environment and lead to new therapeutic strategies.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2020

Quadrupling turbines, US can meet 2030 wind-energy goals

Researchers at Cornell University found that quadrupling wind turbine capacity can achieve a 20% share of US electricity from wind power without expanding to new lands. This scenario eliminates approximately 825 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 24, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Let it snow: Researchers put cloud seeding to the test

Researchers used radar and tools to accurately measure the volume of snow produced through cloud seeding. The study found that three cloud seeding events in Idaho's Payette Basin produced a total of about 282 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of water.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

'Grand Challenge' review stresses global impact of microplastics

The review highlights the global scope of microplastic pollution, affecting not just oceans but also land surfaces and the air. Researchers emphasize the need for holistic studies and improved analytical tools to understand microplastics' impacts on ecosystem health and human health.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateFeb 24, 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.

Soft robot fingers gently grasp deep-sea jellyfish

Researchers used soft robotic fingers to study deep-sea jellyfish, finding they expressed fewer stress-related genes when handled gently. This technology allows for less invasive and more accurate collection of ecological data in the ocean.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Recent research points the way toward a practical nutraceutical strategy for coping with RNA virus infections including influenza and coronavirus

Researchers propose that certain nutraceuticals can reduce inflammation in the lungs and enhance the body's primary antiviral response. Studies suggest that supplements like NAC and elderberry extracts may shorten the duration of influenza and reduce its severity, with potential benefits for COVID-19 as well.

SourceElsevier·JournalProgress in Cardiovascular Diseases·DateFeb 24, 2020

Study puts spin into quantum technologies

Scientists have successfully demonstrated the ability to control the spin of atom-like impurities in a 2D material, opening up new possibilities for quantum sensing and applications. The discovery has enormous potential for use in nanoscale medical diagnostics, GPS-free navigation, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 24, 2020
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.

USask computer-based simulator tests insects for effects of new pesticide

Researchers used a virtual flight simulator to compare the effects of two pesticides on locusts, finding that the newer sulfoxamine pesticide does not impair motion detection ability at low dosages. The study suggests that the pesticide may be safer than current neonicotinoid options for agriculture use.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020