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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 12 of 40

The 'place' of emotions

A study by IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca found that a specific region of the right temporo-parietal junction can represent various affective states. The researchers used fMRI data and found smooth transitions in this region, which allows the brain to map emotions in a single patch of cortex.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shaping the social networks of neurons

A protein complex of Teneurin, Latrophilin, and FLRT attracts neighboring neurons during development, enabling synapse formation and information exchange. In early brain development, however, the same proteins repel migrating nerve cells, guiding them to their target brain area.

Lung microbiome may help predict outcomes in critically ill patients

Research suggests that lung bacteria can predict clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, with certain bacteria associated with worse outcomes and the presence of gut-associated bacteria found in the lungs. The study's findings have implications for developing new therapies to prevent and treat critical illness.

The regulators active during iron deficiency

A team of researchers has developed an artificial intelligence method to predict iron deficiency responses in plants, identifying key regulatory elements and transcription factors. This breakthrough can lead to improved plant cultivation by increasing iron uptake in new varieties, enhancing adaptation to poor soil conditions.

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.

Marburg virus found in Sierra Leone bats

Scientists detected Marburg virus in Egyptian rousette fruit bats in Sierra Leone, highlighting the risk of human exposure. The presence of Marburg virus means people living nearby could be at risk for becoming infected without reported cases of illness.

MTU engineers examine lithium battery defects

Michigan Tech engineers focus on lithium's unique mechanics at small scales to address battery defects. They find that at tiny lengths, lithium is much stronger than at macroscopic scales, relying on diffusion instead of dislocation motion to relieve stress.

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.

The highways of our brain

A new technique reveals that myelin produces multiple waves of electrical potentials traveling at high speeds, contradicting earlier assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for understanding demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Horror movies manipulate brain activity expertly to enhance excitement

Researchers at the University of Turku studied how horror movies affect brain activity and found that unseen threats are the scariest. The study revealed that brains continuously anticipate and prepare for action in response to threat, making horror movies an effective way to enhance excitement.

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.

Stanford researchers conduct census of cell surface proteins

Researchers conducted a global census of diverse proteins on the outer membrane of cells, governing their interactions and assembly into organs. The study's agnostic approach revealed 20 new cell surface proteins important for brain wiring in fruit flies.

New species of Allosaurus discovered in Utah

A new species of Allosaurus, Allosaurus jimmadseni, has been discovered in Utah, inhabiting the flood plains of western North America during the Late Jurassic Period. The species possesses unique features, including a short narrow skull and relatively long legs and tail.

Advancing frozen food safety: UGA evaluates environmental monitoring programs

A University of Georgia study evaluated environmental monitoring practices across the frozen food industry to identify effective methods for controlling Listeria monocytogenes. The research found that facilities were predominantly testing for Listeria spp., but there is a need for facilities to review their sampling strategy.

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.

Going with the flow: New insights into mysterious fluid motions

Researchers develop a new approach for studying transitional flows, finding that the energy spectrum of small eddies conforms to Kolmogorov's universal theory. This breakthrough has practical applications in engineering, particularly in predicting friction between flow and pipe.

Study: Commercial air travel is safer than ever

A new study by MIT professor Arnold Barnett reveals that airline passenger fatalities have declined significantly between 2008 and 2017, with a global fatality rate of one death per 7.9 million passenger boardings.

'Jumping genes' help stabilize DNA folding patterns

Researchers found that jumping genes, also known as transposable elements, play a crucial role in stabilizing the 3D folding patterns of DNA molecules. This discovery contradicts the long-held assumption that the precise order of letters in the DNA sequence dictates the broader structure of the DNA molecule.

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.

The skin of the earth is home to pac-man-like protists

Researchers discovered that most soil protists consume smaller organisms, while others thrive in tropical soils and are affected by annual precipitation. The study provides new insights into the ecological roles of these single-celled organisms in ecosystems worldwide.

How Chinese opera masks compare to spider evolution

Biology student Jenny Yi-Ti Sung studies how Beijing operas convey details about motivation and character through colorful masks. Her research reveals recurring archetypes and facial features, similar to those found in jumping spiders, which use pattern and color to communicate species, sex, and romantic intentions.

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.

A new twist on quantum communication in fiber

A team from Wits and HUST shows that multiple quantum patterns of twisted light can be transmitted across a conventional fibre link, enabling a new approach to realising a future quantum network. The researchers demonstrated transfer of multi-dimensional entanglement states over 250m of single-mode fibre.

Chemist and nanoscientist Chad Mirkin receives 2020 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize

Mirkin is being honored for multiple contributions to the fields of chemistry and nanoscience, including the discovery and development of spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) with unique chemical and physical properties. He has also invented and developed scanning probe-based tools and techniques that allow researchers to pattern nanostructu...

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.

Organoids open window into development of human forebrain

Brain region-specific organoids reveal transcriptional signatures of neuropsychiatric disorders and allow researchers to study chromatin accessibility and gene expression in specific cells over critical developmental stages. The development of the human forebrain is a complex process guided by epigenetic gene regulation.

Taking aim at gastric cancer

FerriIridium, a novel drug, can diagnose and treat gastric cancer by selectively activating in tumor cells. The iron-based compound reduces side effects by targeting cancer cell mitochondria, leading to their destruction.

Researchers uncover two-drug combo that halts the growth of cancer cells

Researchers have discovered a two-drug combo that can counter resistance to a promising new breast cancer therapy. The combination of neratinib and everolimus effectively blocks the growth of cancer cells with HER2 mutations, providing a novel treatment option for patients with these types of cancers.

Warmer, dryer, browner

The 2018 Four Corners drought in the US was exacerbated by human-induced warming, with temperatures rising 2 degrees Celsius. The region's vegetation turned brown due to increased evaporation, resulting in economic losses of over $3 billion and impacts on Native American communities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

UW research expands bilingual language program for babies

A new study by UW's Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences found that bilingual teaching led to sustained English-language comprehension and vocabulary-building in infants, regardless of socioeconomic background. Online training enabled the replication of the research-based method globally.

How old are they? Some non-photosynthetic orchids consist of dead wood

Researchers used radiocarbon analysis to determine the carbon age of non-photosynthetic orchids, revealing they obtain carbon from dead wood via saprotrophic fungi. This finding overturns traditional views and opens a new perspective on how these plants have become ecologically successful.

New light shed on damaging impact of infrared and visible rays on skin

A new study by Newcastle University scientists found that both UV and non-UV light from sunlight can damage the skin's cells, with visible and infrared rays causing greater harm at deeper levels. The research aims to improve sunscreen protection strategies against all three types of light.

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.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

How we learn is a quantum-like manner!

Researchers developed a quantum reinforcement learning framework to explain human decision-making behaviors, revealing a quantum-like neural mechanism. This breakthrough suggests that the human brain functions similarly to quantum systems, with potential implications for machine learning efficiency.

NIAID officials discuss novel Coronavirus that recently emerged in China

The emergence of a new coronavirus from animals to humans poses a significant threat, prompting the need for swift action. Researchers are developing diagnostic tests, exploring broad-spectrum anti-viral drugs, and adapting approaches used with earlier outbreaks to jumpstart candidate vaccine development.

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.

Liver fibrosis 'off switch' discovered in mice

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine identified genetic switches that determine whether or not liver cells produce collagen, leading to a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis. By manipulating these transcription factors, liver fibrosis progression can be addressed.

New experimental vaccine for African swine fever virus shows promise

A new experimental vaccine for African swine fever has shown promising results, with both low and high doses being 100% effective against the virus when challenged 28 days post-inoculation. The vaccine was developed to combat the highly contagious and lethal ASFV-G strain, which has been devastating Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.

Why cells need acidic lysosomes

Researchers discovered that a rise in pH within lysosomes causes iron depletion, leading to cell death and inhibition of proliferation. This finding has implications for understanding and treating diseases, including cancer.

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.

Brilliant iridescence can conceal as well as attract

A new study reveals iridescence can act as highly-effective camouflage, increasing prey survival and explaining its evolution in many animal species. Researchers found that iridescent beetle models survived best against bird attacks, suggesting a clever strategy to confuse predators.

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.