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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 2 of 40

Toward a portable concussion detector that relies on an infrared laser

A team of doctors and engineers developed a noninvasive device that measures brain metabolism using an infrared laser, enabling faster and more certain concussion diagnoses. The technology could guide treatment for serious brain injuries and other conditions, improving patient outcomes.

Can't sleep or think clearly? Maybe the culprit is bacteria

Researchers at Washington State University and UMass Amherst will explore the role of bacterial fragments in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms. They aim to determine how these fragments affect brain functions, including sleep, cognition, mood, and appetite.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fewer scars in the central nervous system

A team of scientists led by Prof. Dr. Christian Schachtrup found that fibrinogen inhibits the neuronal differentiation of NSPCs, leading to increased astrocyte formation and reduced scars. By reducing fibrinogen levels, they were able to block astrocyte formation from NSPCs.

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.

Fed grant backs Rice earthquake research

Melodie French has earned a prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Award to support her research on the physics responsible for earthquakes. The grant will enable her lab to study rocks exhumed from subduction zones, characterizing the strength of rocks deep underground where plates meet.

DNA extracted in museum samples can reveal genetic secrets

Researchers extracted DNA from museum specimens using a vortex fluidic device (VFD), accelerating the process from days to hours. The breakthrough enables exploration of historical and extinct species' genetic information, shedding light on human impact on ecosystems.

The most human algorithm

A team from Universitat Rovira i Virgili developed an algorithm that makes accurate predictions and generates interpretable models. This allows for a better understanding of the data, reducing biases in original data and providing valuable information for scientists.

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.

Hot pots helped ancient Siberian hunters survive the Ice Age

Researchers analyzed ancient fats and lipids in pottery from the Amur River in Russia, dating back 16,000-12,000 years. The study reveals that separate groups developed similar technological solutions to process food during periods of major climatic fluctuation.

Got slime? Using regenerative biology to restore mucus production

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that mechanical cues can drive goblet cell regeneration on the surface of frog embryonic organoids. The study, published in Nature Communications, shows that changing the stiffness of the environment can induce significant changes in cell behavior. This finding has implications for...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Near caves and mines, corrugated pipes may interfere with bat echolocation

Researchers found that corrugated pipes can interfere with bat echolocation, causing them to become disoriented and abandon roosts. In a study, bats successfully navigated through tunnels with smooth pipes but struggled with those containing raised rings, leading to the conclusion that such spaces create significant difficulties for bats.

Drug class provides cardiovascular benefit for all patients with type 2 diabetes

A large meta-analysis of SGLT2 inhibitor trials found consistent cardiovascular benefits in diverse subsets of patients with type 2 diabetes, including those without established cardiovascular disease. The study showed a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events, cardiovascular deaths, and hospitalizations for heart failure.

Schizophrenia genetics analyzed in South African Xhosa

Researchers analyzed genetics of schizophrenia in South African Xhosa population, finding rare genetic mutations linked to the disorder. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms for effective treatments and informs understanding of schizophrenia across human populations.

'Remainers' and 'Leavers' more united than divided, study finds

A new study by the University of Bath and Essex found that 90% of Remainers and Leavers agree on important topics such as poverty, climate change, and housing. The research suggests that there is more to unite them than divide them, challenging the popular perception of a deeply divided society.

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.

New research shows sustainability can be a selling point for new ingredients

A study by the University of Nottingham found that sharing information on sustainable features increases consumers' positive emotional connection to food. The researchers tested Bambara Groundnut-based products and discovered that participants rated them higher when told about climate change and sustainability issues.

Sustainable 3D-printed super magnets

Scientists at TU Graz have successfully manufactured super magnets with high relative density and controlled microstructures using 3D printing technology. The developed process enables efficient material use by tailoring magnetic properties according to the application, making it a promising alternative to rare earth metals.

How HIV develops resistance to key drugs discovered

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have discovered the mechanism behind HIV's resistance to a widely-prescribed group of drugs. By exploring the structure of integrase using cryo-electron microscopy, they found that the virus can weaken the bond between the drug and its target, enabling its key enzyme to work again.

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.

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.

Physics of giant bubbles bursts secret of fluid mechanics

Researchers at Emory University found that mixing different molecular sizes of polymers within a solution increases the ability of a thin film to stretch without breaking. This discovery holds implications for improving industrial processes like oil flow through pipes and foam clearance in streams and rivers.

Biological diversity as a factor of production

A study by TUM found that higher biodiversity increases economic value, but only up to a certain point. Adding more species beyond this threshold doesn't produce significant benefits. Instead, a medium level of biodiversity is often most beneficial for ecosystem functionality and risk diversification.

Giving cryptocurrency users more bang for their buck

A new cryptocurrency-routing scheme, Spider, has been developed to boost the efficiency of certain networks designed to speed up blockchain transactions. This routing scheme lets users invest only a fraction of funds in each account, allowing for roughly four times more transactions before rebalancing on the blockchain.

Computer servers now able to retrieve data much faster

Researchers at University of Waterloo have developed a novel approach called FLAIR, which optimizes data storage systems by utilizing all servers within a network. This leads to improved storage efficiency and output speed, resulting in faster data retrieval times up to 97%.

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.

Smoke two of these and call me in the morning? Not quite, study finds

Researchers found that cannabis enthusiasts have a disconnect between their beliefs about the drug's medicinal use and empirical evidence, with most failing to accurately answer questions on its effectiveness for various medical conditions. The study also revealed a lack of awareness about potential risks associated with cannabis use.

Research brief: Mothers on antiepileptic medication can safely breastfeed

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that breastfeeding does not pose a risk for infants of mothers with epilepsy who take antiepileptic drugs. The study measured the drug concentrations directly in infants through breast milk, showing substantially lower levels than maternal blood concentrations.

If it takes a hike, riders won't go for bike sharing

New Cornell research reveals that bike-share systems often deter users due to long distances between docking stations. The study recommends creating denser networks with smaller stations and increasing bike availability to grow ridership. Placing stations near grocery stores provides the most benefit, according to the findings.

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.

Bats inspire detectors to help prevent oil and gas pipe leaks

Engineers have developed a new system that combines fast neutrons and gamma rays to detect corrosion in oil and gas pipelines. The technology mimics the natural world's use of ultrasound waves by bats to detect objects, enabling real-time detection of pipeline flaws.

Your gums reveal your diet

A new study suggests that a diet rich in sugar increases the risk of both dental cavities and gum inflammation. Healthy eating habits should be prioritized to avoid expensive treatments.

New program aims to help socially excluded groups become entrepreneurs

The Elie 2.0 project aims to improve entrepreneurship opportunities for socially excluded groups by providing skills training, confidence boosting and local business partnerships. The programme will work across the UK, Poland, Bulgaria and Greece, building on success stories from the Eliemental programme.

Partisan polarization helps Congress pass bills

A study from Michigan State University and the Max Planck Institute suggests that a partisan Congress is more productive than bipartisan groups. The research used mathematical programming models to analyze coalitions of lawmakers, finding that partisanship often helps bills pass into law.

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.

Machine learning technique speeds up crystal structure determination

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a computer-based method to determine crystal structures of materials and molecules using a machine learning algorithm, achieving at least 95% accuracy. The new approach autonomously analyzes electron diffraction patterns and can perform analysis on large samples with multiple length scales.

ASU scientists boost gene-editing tools to new heights in human stem cells

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method called TREE to edit genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease, achieving 90% efficiency in human stem cells. The breakthrough uses base editors to make single DNA edits with high accuracy, paving the way for personalized medicine and disease modeling.

MSU researcher aids discovery of new cellular mechanism

A Montana State University biotechnology researcher discovered a previously unknown tool that cells can use to protect their proteins from irreversible damage caused by redox reactions. This mechanism involves adding an extra sulfur atom onto existing sulfurs in protein molecules, allowing cells to recover and make new proteins.

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.

Solving the riddle of strigolactone biosynthesis in plants

Researchers at Kobe University discovered the orobanchol synthase responsible for converting non-canonical strigolactone carlactonoic acid into canonical strigolactone orobanchol. This breakthrough enables artificial regulation of plant growth and weed germination, with potential applications in improving crop production and mitigating...

Less chemotherapy may have more benefit in rectal cancer

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received lower-than-recommended doses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy experienced a complete response and tumor shrinkage similar to those receiving the full dose.

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.

Researchers develop new standards for quality of life measurement in cancer

Researchers have established new guidelines for analyzing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cancer clinical trials, aiming to provide more consistent and comparable Quality of Life (QoL) results. The adoption of these standards will ensure that trial results are more reliable and beneficial for patients.

Why a single molecule called CD166 could unlock new cancer therapies

Researchers at IU Simon Cancer Center aim to improve understanding of hematopoietic stem cell function in the bone marrow using CD166. The team is investigating CD166's role in sustaining stem cell function and identifying a molecule that allows separation of osteomacs from macrophages.

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.

US birth weights drop due to rise in cesarean births, inductions

A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that US birth weights have fallen significantly due to increasing rates of cesarean deliveries and inductions. The average length of pregnancy decreased from 40 weeks to 39 weeks, resulting in a decline of 67 grams (about 2.4 oz) in baby weight over 23 years.

Trees struggle when forests become too small

Forest fragmentation negatively impacts seed dispersal, leading to reduced biodiversity and ecosystem imbalance. Climate change amplifies this effect, threatening tree species that rely on animal-mediated seed dispersal.