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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 27 of 40

How to make it easier to turn plant waste into biofuels

Researchers at Rutgers University develop innovative ammonia-salt based solvent that rapidly dissolves plant fibers, slashing enzyme use by up to 50-fold. The process can reduce biofuels production costs and extract more lignin from plant waste.

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.

CAREER Award recipient to explore potential of promising new material

Sufei Shi's lab at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been working on fabricating high-quality transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) to study their properties and potential applications. The researchers have found an exciting particle called an exciton, which holds a lot of energy that can survive at room temperature.

Sugar changes the chemistry of your brain

Researchers found that sugar intake alters the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, activating the reward system after just 12 days. This suggests that sugar can be an addictive substance, pushing natural stimuli like social interaction or learning into the background.

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.

Reduced inhaler use is safe for infants with bronchiolitis

A new treatment protocol at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia reduced albuterol use in infants with bronchiolitis without compromising care. The protocol change prevented over 600 unnecessary treatments and did not impact patient admission rates or length of stay.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Who's liable? The AV or the human driver?

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Law School develop a joint fault-based liability rule using game theory to regulate self-driving car manufacturers and human drivers. They find that an optimally designed liability policy is critical to prevent moral hazard and improve traffic safety.

Watching complex molecules at work

A team developed a new instrument to detect rapid and irreversible reactions in biological molecules like rhodopsin. The Féry spectrometer allows analysis of very fast processes with high time resolution.

Susan Solomon earns the ISSCR Public Service Award

Susan Solomon, CEO of The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Research Institute, receives the 2020 ISSCR Public Service Award for her tireless efforts to support stem cell science and researchers. NYSCF has raised over $350 million for stem cell research projects.

Racial disparities in heart failure explained

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found a significant association between malignant left ventricular hypertrophy and an increased risk of heart failure among black individuals. The study, published in the journal Circulation, suggests that early intervention can be beneficial in preventing future risk.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Hydrogen alarm for remote hydrogen leak detection

The new sensor detects hydrogen molecules at concentrations below 2%, outperforming traditional methods that require expensive equipment and trained personnel. Its sensitivity and resistance to interfering gases make it a game-changer for remote hydrogen leak detection.

Bacteria-shredding tech to fight drug-resistant superbugs

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new technology to destroy bacteria and bacterial biofilm without harming good cells, offering a potential solution to the deadly problem of antibiotic resistance. The technology uses precision-engineered liquid metals to physically rip bacteria to shreds and smash through the biofilm wher...

Recycled plastics transformed into 3D printing material

A new project at Aarhus University aims to develop a standardized, documentable 3D printing filament from recycled plastics. The goal is to improve the industry's reliance on new plastics and reduce waste., This innovation has the potential to significantly impact the environment and climate in the long term.

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.

Climate change and violent conflict

Researchers used microeconomics and hydrology models to study the relationship between climate change and violent conflict. They found that human adaptation to changed conditions may decrease conflicts over coveted resources.

Global diets are converging, with benefits and problems

Research found that South Korea, China, and Taiwan have experienced significant changes in food supply, with increased animal source foods and sugar contributing to obesity issues. In contrast, many Western countries have seen declines in animal source foods and sugar, accompanied by increases in vegetable availability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stars need a partner to spin universe's brightest explosions

Researchers have discovered that tidal effects from a close binary companion can cause a star to spin fast enough to launch material into space, forming a gamma-ray burst. This phenomenon is necessary for creating the most luminous events in the universe, observable from Earth when their jet of material is pointed directly at us.

Carnegie Mellon leverages AI to give voice to the voiceless

Researchers developed an AI system to analyze hundreds of thousands of comments on social media, identifying positive comments defending disenfranchised minorities. The system can reduce manual efforts to find these 'help speech' comments by up to 88%.

Yale-led team finds parents can curb teen drinking and driving

A Yale-led team found that parental monitoring and teen awareness of their parents' attitudes on alcohol use can have life-saving effects. The study showed that teens who knew their parents disapproved of drinking were less likely to drive while impaired four years later.

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.

Genetics of glucocorticoid resistance in asthma

Researchers identified a variant in the HSD3B1 gene associated with resistance to glucocorticoids in severe asthma patients. The study suggests that genetic testing may help tailor treatment strategies for individuals with severe asthma, offering new hope for improved management of this chronic condition.

Study finds potential new treatment for preventing post traumatic stress disorder

Researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have identified a protein complex elevated in PTSD patients, which could serve as a blood-based biomarker for diagnosis and treatment. A developed peptide has been shown to prevent recall or encoding of fear memories, suggesting potential for symptom prevention or treatment.

Physicists prove that 2D and 3D liquids are fundamentally different

Researchers discovered that two-dimensional liquids exhibit collective motion and long-wavelength fluctuations, which differ from the random Brownian motion seen in three-dimensional liquids. This finding helps explain puzzling differences in liquid dynamics and opens avenues for understanding complex fluid behavior.

Study: 'Value instantiation' key to luxury brands' and social responsibility

A new study suggests that luxury brands can overcome the clash between self-enhancement values and social responsibility by showcasing philanthropic activities of celebrities like Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. This approach helps consumers reconcile their desire for status with a sense of altruism, leading to more favorable responses ...

PREVAC-UP: The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccination extends follow-up

The Partnership for Research on Ebola Vaccination (PREVAC) has received additional funding to evaluate three Ebola vaccine regimens for long-term safety and durability. The PREVAC-UP project will assess these factors over 5 years after vaccination, as well as the impact of co-infections like malaria and helminths on immune responses.

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.

Truvada should remain first choice for HIV prevention, experts say

Experts argue against switching from Truvada to Tenofovir Alafenamide for PrEP, citing limited data on the newer drug's effectiveness in diverse populations. The current medication, Truvada, has been shown to be safe and effective with ample evidence of its safety and effectiveness.

Atomic tuning on cobalt enables an eightfold increase of H2O2 production

Researchers have developed a new cobalt-based catalyst that enables an eightfold increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, a major electronic cleaning chemical. The catalyst, Co1-NG(O), is highly stable and efficient, producing up to 8 times more H2O2 than existing noble metal-based electrocatalysts.

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.

Study finds novel molecular therapeutic target for colon cancer

Scientists identified a new biological pathway (RICTOR/mTORC2) as a potential therapeutic target for colon cancer. Targeting this pathway could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. The study also highlights the importance of SMAD4 gene mutations in colon cancer progression.

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.

Using light to learn

Research in fruit flies found that environmental light exposure activates light-sensitive neurons, triggering the production of memory maintenance proteins. This study suggests that long-term memories require active maintenance through natural lighting conditions.

Wayne State University to address urgent need for STEM educators

The TRUE Project will prepare 36 diverse professionals as K-12 STEM teachers over 18 months, integrating culturally responsive education and trauma-informed learning. The project aims to fill openings in science and math classrooms with a diverse pool of teachers.

Reducing the risk of blood clots in artificial heart valves

Researchers have identified a mechanism that contributes to clot formation in mechanical heart valves. By modifying the valve's design, turbulent vortices can be eliminated, reducing the risk of blood clots and strokes. This breakthrough could lead to life without blood thinners for thousands of people with artificial heart valves.

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.

Leviathan polymer brush made with E. coli holds bacteria at bay

Researchers created a biocompatible material by engineering E. coli to overproduce an enzyme that makes extremely long polymer brushes. These bristles are virtually impenetrable to bacteria, hindering the spread of biofilms and potentially improving medical applications.

Study sheds light on link between cannabis, anxiety and stress

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found a molecule produced by the brain that reduces anxiety-causing connections between two brain regions. This discovery could lead to pharmacologic treatments regulating anxiety and depressive symptoms in people with stress-related anxiety disorders.

Boost to lung immunity following infection

New research found that after recovery from a respiratory infection, particular cells in the innate immune system in the lung are more effective, offering extra protection against new infections. This heightened immunity is due to the production of cytokines by lung macrophages, which cause inflammation and help fight pathogens.

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.

New mechanism may safely prevent and reverse obesity

Blocking a cellular receptor called AHR prevents and reverses obesity in mice by inhibiting key genes involved in fat metabolism. Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center found that the drug NF, which blocks AHR, can not only prevent but also reverse obesity in study mice.

Engineering artificial organisms

Scientists created artificial organisms by combining contractile and passive tissues, achieving high-performing candidates that matched predicted behaviors. The developed method can be applied to designing living machines for various applications.

First robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus

The researchers have created a robust cell culture model for the hepatitis E virus, producing approximately 100 times more infectious virus particles than previous models. This allows for extensive studies on the virus and its impact on human liver cells, enabling the identification of key genes involved in the infection.

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.

'Swiss cheese' bones could be cause of unexplained low back pain

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that age-related changes to spinal cartilaginous tissue can lead to painful nerve growth, causing unexplained low back pain. The research found that a porous structure in the cartilage endplates can invite abnormal nerve growth, making the normal load-bearing work of the spine painful.

Higher rates of post-natal depression among autistic mothers

A new study reveals that autistic mothers experience higher rates of post-natal depression, with 60% reporting difficulties in coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities. Despite challenges, many reported prioritizing their child's needs and seeking help when needed.

Grasshoppers' response to gravity

The American grasshopper's circulatory system responds dramatically to changes in body position due to gravity, affecting blood and air distribution. Physiological compensation mechanisms similar to vertebrates suggest an ancient, widespread response to gravitational forces.