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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 23 of 40

Visualizing molecular patterns of membrane TNF receptors

Membrane TNFR1 receptors exist as monomers and dimers in the absence of TNFα, but form trimers and oligomers upon activation. The study reveals new insights into the physiology and patterns of TNFR1 in the cell membrane, which could be relevant for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Detecting and mitigating network attacks with a multi-prong approach

A team of researchers has developed a novel attack detection scheme that captures vulnerable communication links, allowing systems to react optimally even under attack. The approach uses an adaptive observer to detect the onset of attacks and learns how they disrupt the system, enabling it to perform better under duress.

Body's natural signal carriers can help melanoma spread

Researchers found that melanoma cells secrete extracellular vesicles via the hedgehog signalling pathway, intensifying malignant properties in target cells. This discovery can help develop better treatment and diagnostics for melanoma.

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.

Improved brain chip for precision medicine

The Akay Lab has developed a new microfluidic brain cancer chip that can simultaneously administer multiple drugs and assess their response to glioblastoma cells. The device enables fast drug combination testing in as little as two weeks, potentially improving patient survival rates.

Fossil is the oldest-known scorpion

Researchers have discovered a fossilized scorpion from the Silurian period, revealing its transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. The ancient animal's internal organs show similarities to modern-day scorpions and horseshoe crabs, indicating it was pre-adapted for life on land.

Are bigger brains better?

A larger hippocampus may not guarantee better memory in older adults, with a new study highlighting the significance of its white matter connectivity. The research analyzed over 330 participants and found that faster learning was only seen in those with both a larger hippocampus and uniform white matter structure.

Neuromuscular organoid: It's contracting!

Researchers developed functional neuromuscular organoids that form complex neuronal networks directing muscle tissue contraction. These organoids overcome limitations in studying human neuromuscular diseases, which are caused by defects in the control of body movement.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In death of dinosaurs, it was all about the asteroid -- not volcanoes

A Yale-led team of researchers argue that asteroid impacts, not volcanoes, were the primary cause of the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs. The study's findings contradict recent work on the Deccan Traps, massive eruptions in India that occurred around the time of the K-Pg extinction event.

A sea monster's genome

Researchers successfully sequenced and annotated the giant squid's genome, providing a unique opportunity to explore its evolutionary history. The genomic draft reveals insights into the giant squid's size, growth rate, and age.

A new look at 'strange metals'

A new synthesis method has been developed to unlock the secrets of 'strange metals', which exhibit unusual temperature behavior. The research team's findings confirm that quantum-critical charge fluctuations play a key role in their behavior.

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.

Helping patients prep mind and body for surgery pays off, study suggests

A prehabilitation program that encourages patients to move more, eat healthier, cut back on tobacco, breathe deeper, reduce stress, and focus on their goals after surgery has been shown to reduce hospital length of stay and total costs. The study involved hundreds of patients in 21 hospitals across Michigan and found that prehab patien...

Deep learning enables real-time imaging around corners

Researchers developed a new laser-based system that can image around corners in real time, enabling applications such as detecting hazards or pedestrians in self-driving cars. The system uses deep learning to reconstruct hidden objects at high resolutions and speeds.

Focus on opioids and cannabis in chronic pain media coverage

Media reports on chronic pain focus on opioid-based treatments and cannabis, overlooking evidence-based non-pharmaceutical options. Research analysis reveals limited attention to adverse effects of medicinal cannabis and inadequate resources for pain management.

Banking on a new community isotope database

IsoBank aims to provide a centralized repository for stable isotope data, addressing the need for accessible and organized datasets. The database will facilitate comparison across time, space, and subject, enabling researchers to build on existing knowledge.

Professors create free research-backed games to train your brain

New York University professors created three digital games to train cognitive skills, which have proven effective through research studies. The games, including Gwakkamolé, CrushStations, and All You Can ET, improve executive functions like memory, inhibition, and working memory.

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.

Study unravels new insights into a Parkinson's disease protein

A study led by University at Buffalo biologist Shermali Gunawardena has explored the properties of alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that deleting a specific region of the protein may help prevent key problems that occur when too much alpha-synuclein is produced.

Diabolical points in coupled active cavities with quantum emitters

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have successfully demonstrated diabolical points (DPs) in two strongly coupled microdisks with embedded quantum dots. The system enables a controllable phase shift between the microdisks, indicating potential applications in directional laser and quantum phase control.

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.

How cells assemble their skeleton

Scientists from Heidelberg University discovered the formation of spiral-shaped microtubules using state-of-the-art cryo-EM. The study reveals how the gamma-tubulin ring complex serves as a structural template for microtubule assembly, enabling quick regulation of division and cell growth.

Sticky situation inside blood vessels can worsen stroke damage

After a stroke, sticky exosomes accumulate on the lining of blood vessels, activating platelets and causing them to adhere to the vessel walls. This buildup can lead to additional brain damage and worsen stroke outcomes. Synthetic exosomes may hold promise as potential treatment options.

Beauty sleep could be real, say body clock biologists

Researchers found that a body clock mechanism boosts collagen production when we're most active, replenishing sacrificial fibrils at night. This discovery sheds light on the extracellular matrix and its role in maintaining body structure, with implications for understanding aging and wound healing.

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.

Gut bacteria hold clues to improving mental health after spinal injury

University of Alberta researcher Karim Fouad found that rats with spinal injuries experienced changes in gut bacteria and anxiety-like behavior. Fecal transplants from healthy rats restored normal gut bacteria, reducing anxiety. The study suggests that gut health may play a crucial role in mental well-being after spinal cord injuries.

Advisers not enough to guarantee a strong retirement

New research highlights the importance of employees actively participating in retirement planning to ensure strong plan performance. A study by University of Missouri professor Rui Yao found that relying solely on plan advisors is not enough to guarantee a good retirement plan, especially during market downturns.

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.

Alcohol tax reform needed

La Trobe University researchers found introducing a minimum unit price of $1.30 per standard drink in Australia could dramatically reduce alcohol consumption. This policy, already proven successful in Canada and Eastern Europe, could see a 10.7% fall in overall consumption and a 14.2% reduction among harmful drinkers.

Blue light can help heal mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered that early morning blue light exposure therapy can aid in the healing process of people impacted by mild traumatic brain injuries. The study found that improved sleep quality led to improvements in cognitive function, reduced daytime sleepiness, and actual brain repair.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Air pollution from oil and gas production sites visible from space

Satellite data reveals significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution from oil and gas production sites in the US, particularly in the Permian, Bakken, and Eagle Ford basins. The study uses a new inventory to confirm trends and provides valuable insights for addressing emissions in a cost-efficient manner.

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.

Scientists explain how leaf apex enhances water drainage

Researchers discovered that the tiny apex structure in plant leaves controls water drainage, allowing for fast absorption of excess water. This adaptation enables understory plants to survive high precipitation and humidity conditions in rainforests.

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.

Imprinted color patterns

Chinese researchers create an azopolymer that allows light-induced nanoimprinting at room temperature, overcoming heat-dependent issues in traditional photolithography. The technique enables the creation of structurally colored surfaces and has potential applications in nanofabrication and electronics industry.

MDI Biological Laboratory will use new animal model to study aging

The MDI Biological Laboratory will use the African turquoise killifish, a vertebrate with a short lifespan of four to six months, to study aging and its relation to regeneration. This model shares symptoms of aging with humans, including loss of muscle mass and decline in immune function.

Male songbirds can't survive on good looks alone, says a new study

Researchers found that males with longer, more elaborate plumage produce longer-lasting sperm, which helps them compete for mates. The study, published in Biology Letters, analyzed 278 species of songbirds and suggests that intense competition drives both the evolution of plumage and sperm quality.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Whooping cough evolving into a superbug

UNSW researchers found that whooping cough bacteria are adapting to evade vaccine-generated immunity by producing more nutrient-binding proteins and fewer immunogenic proteins. A new vaccine is needed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly newborns and those with weakened immune systems.

Predicting the year in chemistry

The American Chemical Society forecasts a year marked by environmental improvements, such as reducing plastic use and recycling. Regulatory actions are also expected, including updated chemical risk assessments and classification of PFAS as hazardous materials.

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.

Taking the temperature of dark matter

Researchers at the University of California, Davis used gravitational lensing to study dark matter's properties. They found that dark matter particles could be lighter and more rapidly-moving, which may affect galaxy formation.

Overactive brain waves trigger essential tremor

Researchers identify excessive brain activity in the cerebellum as the source of essential tremor, a condition affecting 4% of people over 40. Using neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial direct-current stimulation or drugs to reduce transmission between nerve cells, may provide new treatment options.

Beach-combing Neanderthals dove for shells

A new study suggests that Neanderthals may have spent time at the beach and dove into the Mediterranean Sea to gather clam shells. Researchers found that nearly three-quarters of shell tools had been sanded down, indicating they were collected from the seafloor.

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.

It's 2020: Time to teach teens 'safe' sexting

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire suggest teaching youth 'safe' sexting practices to prevent long-term consequences. They provide 10 specific, actionable messages to share with adolescents to exercise wisdom and discretion when sharing explicit images.