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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 14 of 40

A megalibrary of nanoparticles

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to produce over 65,000 different types of nanoparticles, each containing up to six different materials. This breakthrough allows for the creation of complex particles with precise interfaces, opening up new possibilities for electrical and optical applications.

Jewel beetles' sparkle helps them hide in plain sight

Researchers found that jewel beetles' bright colors can act as a form of camouflage, outperforming dull-colored counterparts in detection avoidance. The ability to remain hidden became even more pronounced when the iridescent wing cases were placed against a glossy leaf background.

Stressed-out dust is sharing antibiotic resistance genes

A Northwestern University study found that indoor dust bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance genes, potentially making infections more difficult to treat. The researchers believe this could lead to the spread of resistant pathogens, highlighting the need for increased caution in managing indoor environments.

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.

Can a tiny invasive snail help save Latin American coffee?

Researchers found that the Asian tramp snail B. similaris consumes fungal pathogens causing coffee leaf rust, reducing their numbers by up to 30% on infected leaves. However, further studies are needed to understand potential tradeoffs and the snail's effect on other controlling factors.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Will the future's super batteries be made of seawater?

Researchers are exploring seawater-based Na-ion batteries as a potential alternative to lithium ion batteries. A new study investigated electrode materials that increase voltage, capacity, and wattage. The development of these batteries could alleviate concerns around cobalt mining and reduce costs.

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.

Can I mix those chemicals? There's an app for that!

A new open-source computer program called ChemStor can find the safest way to store and dispose of reactive chemicals. The program adapts a computer science strategy to allocate resources for efficient processor use, allowing it to determine safe storage configurations.

Portable device helps doctors diagnose sepsis faster

A new portable biosensor developed by researchers at EPFL's School of Engineering can rapidly detect sepsis biomarkers in a patient's bloodstream, slashing diagnosis time from several days to just a few minutes. The device uses plasmonics technology and achieves accuracy on par with gold-standard laboratory methods.

Special issue: Chemistry for Tomorrow's Earth

This special issue of Science explores safer and more sustainable chemicals to address environmental and health concerns. Reviews argue for rethinking chemistry and considering inherent properties in early stages of design.

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.

Study identifies top strategies for successful weight loss maintenance

A new Cal Poly study found that building healthy dietary, self-monitoring and psychological coping strategies are key to maintaining weight loss. People who reported losing an average of 50 pounds and keeping it off for over three years used more frequent strategies like setting daily food intake goals and recording what was eaten each...

Keeping guns away from potential mass shooters

Researchers from Michigan State University found that 38% of known mass shooters had a history of domestic violence. The study highlights the need for better implementation of firearm restrictions to prevent mass shootings.

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.

Researchers uncover the genomics of health

Researchers have compiled a genome reference database of thousands of healthy older Australians, providing a powerful framework to identify new disease-causing gene variants. The database shows genetic changes associated with ageing, including shorter telomeres and less mitochondrial DNA, which may predict health outcomes for individuals.

Teens with obesity and PCOS have more 'unhealthy' bacteria

Research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that teens with obesity and PCOS have an altered gut microbiome compared to those without the condition. This altered microbiome is associated with higher testosterone levels, metabolic complications, and other health risks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Predicting the degradation behavior of advanced medical devices

The study suggests a fast and reliable method to determine the degradation behavior of complex biomacromolecules using Langmuir technique. The research paves the way for designing innovative, multifunctional polymers for regenerative medicine with improved performance in medical implants.

Study results will inform immunization programs globally

The study found good protection against meningococcal disease in vaccinated individuals, but no overall reduction in bacterial carriage. The findings highlight the importance of individual vaccination and identify high-risk behaviors associated with bacterial transmission.

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.

The color of your clothing can impact wildlife

Researchers at Binghamton University found that wearing orange shirts resulted in more water anoles being seen per hour and a higher capture percentage. Contrary to expectations, green shirts were less effective than bright orange, highlighting the complexity of animal color perception.

Researchers regrow damaged nerves with polymer and protein

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created a biodegradable nerve guide that can regenerate long sections of damaged nerves without stem cells or donor nerves. The technology has been tested in monkeys and shown promising results, including restored nerve conduction and replenished Schwann cells.

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.

Deep diving scientists discover bubbling CO2 hotspot

Researchers have discovered a unique CO2 hotspot in the ocean, with readings of up to 95,000 parts per million. The site, known as Soda Springs, is being studied for its potential to understand how coral reefs cope with climate change.

Old molecule, new tricks

Researchers at UCSB have developed an electrochemical method for extracting uranium from solution, using carboranes as a key component. This technology enables efficient and reliable capture and release of uranium ions, with potential applications in nuclear waste reprocessing and seawater uranium extraction.

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.

FSU Research: Despite less ozone pollution, not all plants benefit

Despite decreasing ozone concentrations in the air, plants' ozone uptake trends don't follow suit. FSU researchers tracked ozone uptake into plants over 10 years at 30 test sites and found that environmental factors like weather conditions have a greater impact on plant ozone dose than atmospheric ozone concentration.

Preventing, healing tooth decay with a bioactive peptide

Researchers developed a bioactive peptide that coats tooth surfaces to prevent cavities and heal existing ones. The peptide inhibits bacterial adhesion and promotes remineralization, offering a potential new strategy for treating tooth decay.

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.

First ancient DNA from West/Central Africa illuminates deep human past

The study reveals new insights into the origins of Bantu languages, previously unknown populations, and human migration patterns. The ancient DNA sequences from west and central Africa enhance our understanding of the deep ancestral relationships among populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sustainability claims about rubber don't stick

A new study led by the University of Göttingen calls into question the sustainability claims made by large corporations like Michelin regarding rubber production. The researchers found that local villagers' reports indicated land-ownership, ecosystems, and biodiversity suffered due to deforestation and poor pay conditions.

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.

Researchers trace coronavirus outbreak in China to snakes

A new study reveals that the 2019-nCoV coronavirus likely originated from a combination of a bat coronavirus and an unknown coronavirus, with recombination allowing cross-species transmission to humans via snakes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding viral origins for effective control of emerging outbreaks.

Reducing dangerous swelling in traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that injecting nanoparticles into the bloodstream can significantly reduce brain swelling and damage after a traumatic brain injury. The treatment may provide new hope for individuals with significant traumatic brain injuries, including young athletes and soldiers.

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.

Solving a biological puzzle: How stress causes gray hair

Researchers found that stress activates nerves that release norepinephrine, which causes premature depletion of pigment-producing cells. This leads to permanent damage and loss of stem cells, resulting in gray hair. The study advances understanding of stress impact on the body and paves way for new treatments.

Physicists trap light in nanoresonators for record time

Researchers successfully trapped an electromagnetic wave in a gallium arsenide nanoresonator for a record-breaking time exceeding 200 periods of one wave oscillation. The study demonstrates the potential for efficient light frequency nanoconversion and applications in compact sensors, night vision devices, and optical data transmission.

Male fertility after chemotherapy: New questions raised

A pilot study conducted by INRS researchers highlights the effect of chemotherapy on male fertility before and after puberty. The study found that all patients were at higher risk of infertility due to low sperm production, regardless of age at diagnosis.

Study examines a new model for older adult wellness

A new model of community-based wellness called Person-centered Wellness Home (PCWH) helps patients manage chronic diseases and maintain wellness. The study found improvements in self-reported physical functioning and empowerment through personalized health records.

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.

Coating helps electronics stay cool by sweating

Researchers have developed a coating that releases water vapor to dissipate heat from running devices, outperforming existing strategies in cooling efficiency. The coating uses metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and can absorb moisture from the air, providing effective cooling and quick recovery.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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