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Science News Archive January 2020


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New research looks at type 1 diabetes and changes in the environment

New research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that changes in the environment may contribute to the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes. The study examined various environmental exposures and found that none of the associations were strong enough to explain the rapid increase alone.

Ecologist Exequiel Ezcurra receives AAAS Science Diplomacy Award

Exequiel Ezcurra, a professor of ecology, has been recognized for his leadership in bringing together research, education, outreach, and policy to protect the environment. He has made significant contributions to conservation science, ecosystem management, and policy outcomes.

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.

First view of hydrogen at the metal-to-metal hydride interface

University of Groningen physicists have visualized hydrogen atoms at the titanium/titanium hydride interface, resolving a long-standing challenge in materials science. The new technique allows for the observation of both heavy titanium and light hydrogen atoms, shedding light on their interaction and properties.

Biophysics: Orientation of protein patterns

Researchers have discovered two crucial mechanisms that contribute to the robust orientation of polarized proteins along the long axis of the fertilized egg. The study shows that the ellipsoidal geometry of the egg influences patterning and selection of the long axis polarization.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Simplifying simple sequence repeats

A recent study by Dr. Mark Chapman optimizes protocols for identifying simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in genomic and transcriptomic data, increasing efficiency in microsatellite discovery. The research found that small assemblies of two million read pairs can generate sufficient markers for basic population genetic studies.

Global science team on red alert as Arctic lands grow greener

A global team of scientists is analyzing satellite and drone data to better understand the impact of climate change on Arctic vegetation. The research found that the greening of Arctic regions is caused by more than just warming temperatures, with other changes including differences in snowmelt and landscape wetness.

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.

How the immune system becomes blind to cancer cells

Cancer cells use a camouflaging effect to escape the immune system by binding to SHP2 and PD1, activating a response switch-off mechanism. Researchers at the University of Freiburg and Leibniz University Hannover have identified this protein interaction as a target area for new treatments.

Phantom genes keep diabetes at bay

A recent study published in Nature Communications discovered that a specific Long noncoding RNA called LincIRS2 is essential for maintaining healthy metabolism. Mice lacking this gene developed metabolic complications, while those with activated LincIRS2 maintained normal blood sugar levels even in obesity.

Mutation's role in blood cancers revealed by ideal team-up

A genetic mutation in SRSF2 disrupts DNA's message sending process, leading to excessive NMD activity that destroys healthy blood cells. This excessive activity is a hallmark of blood cancer. Researchers discovered an effective treatment approach using antisense oligonucleotide therapy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Safe potassium-ion batteries

Researchers create a novel, flame-retardant electrolyte for potassium and potassium-ion batteries, enabling safe operation at reduced concentrations. The new electrolyte allows for stable cycling of batteries with concentrations suitable for large-scale applications.

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.

Accelerating chemical reactions without direct contact with a catalyst

Researchers developed a Noncontact Catalysis System (NCCS) to accelerate chemical reactions using gold nanoclusters as intermediaries, enabling independent reactions of normally incompatible substances. This breakthrough could lead to more versatile, efficient, and cost-effective industrial chemical production processes.

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.

Exotic new topological state discovered in Dirac semimetals

Researchers found that Dirac semimetals exhibit robust, conducting electronic states in 1D, challenging previous conclusions about the nature of these materials. The discovery settles the decades-old problem of whether condensed matter Dirac fermions have topologically protected surface states.

Ultra-high energy events key to study of ghost particles

Physicists propose using ultra-high energy neutrinos to study interactions beyond the standard model, with a new resonance dubbed the 'Zee burst.' This detection could reveal exotic particles such as supersymmetric partners and heavy decaying dark matter.

Cleveland clinic study clarifies genetic autism risk in PTEN patients

Researchers found CNVs to be genomic modifiers of ASD/DD risk in individuals with PHTS, providing insight into the disorder's clinical outcomes and potential predictors for medical management. The study suggests CNV burden analysis may aid in predicting clinical outcomes for other clinically heterogeneous disorders.

Seeking better guidelines for inventorying greenhouse gas emissions

Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies argue that the IPCC guidelines need improvement to accurately calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions. They suggest using satellite imagery and machine-learning tools to expedite quantitative synthesis and address data gaps.

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.

Religiousness linked to improved quality of life for people with HIV

Patients living with HIV who attend religious services regularly experience higher emotional and physical well-being, while privately religious individuals face mental health challenges. Researchers suggest integrating spiritual beliefs into holistic treatment programs to improve health outcomes.

Study finds first major discovery in hydroformylation in 50 years

Researchers at Louisiana State University have developed a new cationic cobalt bisphosphine hydroformylation catalyst system that is highly active and extremely robust. The discovery has the potential to replace rhodium-based catalysts, which are currently expensive and in short supply.

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.

Congenital heart disease more deadly in low-income countries

A comprehensive study of congenital heart disease found lower predicted long-term survival, higher remission rates, and lower prevalence in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. The study revealed a significant disparity in CHD mortality rates between countries, with most deaths occurring in infants under one year old.

Choice of anesthesia may affect breast cancer metastases

A new study published in Nature Communications found that sevoflurane anesthesia leads to more metastatic burden in the lung after breast tumor resecting surgery than propofol. The findings may guide clinicians in optimizing anesthesia choice for breast cancer surgery to achieve best long-term outcomes.

Exploring strangeness and the primordial Universe

Dr Johann Rafelski reviews decades of work on quark-gluon plasma, exploring strangeness production and discovery methods. He highlights the evolution of understanding this primordial material, which once filled the Universe, and the ongoing experimental efforts to recreate it.

FEFU scientist kicks off developing of photopolymer silicone for 3D printing

A Far Eastern Federal University scientist is working on a new photopolymer silicone that can be quickly cured through UV radiation, enabling complex configurations. The compound aims to overcome the challenges of current silicone printing technology, which is currently unsuitable for producing detailed parts.

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.

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.

Pinpointing rare disease mutations

Researchers developed a new database of gene essentiality, providing insight into the causes of rare childhood diseases. The study identifies new mutations likely responsible for these conditions and offers a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.

Discovery takes pressure off blood measurements

Researchers at Monash University developed a wearable device using continuous wave radar and photoplethysmogram sensors to calculate continuous blood pressure measurements. The device achieved high accuracy rates, with 93% success during sedentary tasks and 83% during exercises.

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.

Migraine rats, medical facts

Pre-clinical studies reveal that cortical spreading depression and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play significant roles in migraine. Botox, CGRP, and PACAP-38 show promise as potential treatments.

Army research may improve stroke, TBI treatment

Researchers have discovered that the glymphatic system goes awry during a stroke, promoting brain cell drowning and swelling. This finding may lead to novel interventions to reduce stroke severity and improve outcomes.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mason joins NIH grant to study young environmental exposures

Researchers at George Mason University will investigate the role of early life exposures in childhood health and disease as part of a $1.5M NIH grant. The project aims to understand how early life experiences impact children's development and health outcomes.

Infant and toddler teachers receive specialized training on helping young minds

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a $3 million grant to provide child development strategies to infant and toddler specialists and teachers. The training focuses on improving interactions between teachers and children, as well as family engagement strategies to build strong emotional and social skill...

Efficient cryopreservation of genetically modified rat spermatozoa

A new cryopreservation technique has been developed to preserve genetically modified rat spermatozoa, which are difficult to store due to their large size and sensitivity to temperature changes. The method, tested on genetically modified rats, successfully produced over 300 offspring from a single male rat.

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.

Researchers describe unique genetic identity of primordial lung progenitors

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the unique genetic program behind primordial lung progenitors, a rare and transient cell type. This discovery may lead to improved stem cell protocols for treating respiratory diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and lung interstitial disease.

Do state regulations affect adult use of e-cigarettes?

A recent study using national data from over 895,000 US adults examined the association between state regulations and e-cigarette use. The results show that stricter state regulations are linked to lower adult e-cigarette use.

Could resetting our internal clocks help control diabetes?

Disturbances in the internal clocks of pancreatic cells are linked to type-2 diabetes. Researchers successfully restored clock function using a natural compound, improving insulin secretion and providing new hope for diabetes care. The study shows that synchronizing the internal clocks can help regulate blood sugar levels.

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.