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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 29 of 40

Isotopically enriched cubic boron nitride reveals high thermal conductivity

Researchers confirmed the high thermal conductivity of isotopically enriched cubic boron nitride, a discovery that could lead to breakthroughs in cooling microelectronics. The team made the unique compound and measured its thermal conductivity, confirming theoretical predictions and opening up new avenues for research.

Ages of interstellar dust particles

Researchers used neon isotopes to date silicon carbide grains in the Murchison CM2 meteorite, finding 60% with ages under 300 million years. Grains over 1 billion years old suggest shielded survival through supernova shockwaves.

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.

WSU study aims to prevent adverse drug reactions in dogs

A recent WSU study discovered a rare genetic mutation in greyhounds that affects their ability to break down certain anesthetics, but also found similar mutations in popular breeds like golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers. The research team is working on a simple cheek swab test to detect the mutation and provide accurate advice ...

A single gene for scent reception separates two species of orchid bees

A study in Nature Communications reveals that the unique perfume chemistry of two species of orchid bees, Euglossa viridissima and Euglossa dilemma, is driven by a single olfactory receptor gene. The researchers found that the two species can be distinguished by their distinct perfume compounds, which are mediated by the OR41 gene.

Collective leadership groups maintain cohesion and act decisively

New research reveals that collective leadership groups in professional service firms can maintain cohesion and act decisively when faced with a crisis. The study found that an individual 'heroic' leader within the collective played a crucial role in resolving the crisis, with the Senior Partner mobilizing a hidden hierarchy to build su...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tuning optical resonators gives researchers control over transparency

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created an optical resonator system that can turn transparency on and off, allowing for control over a process called electromagnetically induced transparency. This technology has far-reaching implications for applications such as quantum computing, communications, and more.

Iodine in the stratosphere

Researchers detected inorganic iodine in the stratosphere at a concentration of 0.77 parts per trillion by volume, suggesting it plays a crucial role in ozone depletion. Iodine emissions from humans may increase particle formation and continue to affect stratospheric ozone levels.

Program proves effective in preventing dating violence with middle school students

A new program has been shown to reduce abusive behaviors among middle school male athletes towards their female peers. The Coaching Boys Into Men program, which trains coaches to speak frankly with their male athletes about stopping violence against women and girls, was found to increase positive bystander behaviors by over 50% in part...

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.

'Real' rape stereotype may affect child rape trials

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that the presence of a weapon and outdoor location significantly influenced jury verdicts in child stranger rape cases. Verdicts were predicted by two offense-related factors, increasing the odds of conviction by 412% and 360%, respectively.

Connecting the dots in the sky could shed new light on dark matter

Researchers discovered a correlation between the unresolved gamma-ray background and matter distribution in the distant universe, suggesting that dark matter could be a source of the faint cosmic glow. The study used data from the Dark Energy Survey and Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope to analyze the correlation.

Future subtropical warming accelerates tropical climate change

A new study published in Nature Climate Change concludes that future subtropical warming is the main culprit behind accelerated tropical climate change. This phenomenon originates from the interaction of atmospheric and oceanic circulation changes, as well as cloud processes between subtropical and tropical regions.

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.

Missing link in palaeognath evolution

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a surprising anatomical connection between the giant cassowary, its closest relative the emu, and the extinct New Zealand moa and small South American tinamou. The study reveals that the syrinx, hyoid, and larynx structures of these birds are more similar than previously thought, provi...

Jane Lubchenco selected as the first recipient of the Mary Sears Medal

Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a pioneering marine biologist and educator, has been awarded the first-ever Mary Sears Medal for her groundbreaking work on biodiversity and rocky seashore ecology. Her contributions to restoring ocean health and sustainable fisheries have had a lasting impact on the field of marine biology.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm Claudia battling wind shear

Tropical Storm Claudia is battling strong vertical wind shear as it moves away from Western Australia and through the Southern Indian Ocean. The storm's shape, elongated from west to east, provides forecasters with an idea of its organization and strength.

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.

Using caffeine as a tool to study information processing

A new study uses caffeine to explore active cognitive processing stages in adults using a Go/NoGo task. The researchers found qualitatively different effects of caffeine on adults compared to children, providing clues about adult cognitive strategies and their dependence on the adenosine system.

Online educational videos boost cancer knowledge

Rutgers researchers found that online educational videos boost cancer knowledge and awareness among viewers, leading to increased behavioral changes such as self-skin inspections and lung cancer screening. The study highlights the potential of digital health videos to reach disadvantaged populations and improve health outcomes.

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.

How nodules stay on top at the bottom of the sea

A new study published in Geology reveals that deep-sea nodules remain uncovered due to their association with seafloor fauna, which forages and burrows sediment around them. The findings suggest that the regions where nodules occur are more extensive than previously thought, highlighting potential economic and conservation implications.

Man versus machine: Can AI do science?

Researchers develop a machine capable of solving complex theoretical physics problems, outperforming humans in speed and accuracy. The machine successfully reproduces phase diagrams and independently figures out mathematical equations, opening up new possibilities for quantum computing.

Atlantic circulation collapse could cut British crop farming

A new study suggests that a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to widespread cessation of arable farming in Britain, resulting in a substantial reduction in agricultural output. The AMOC brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be.

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.

Vitamin B6, leukemia's deadly addiction

Researchers found that leukemia cells are 'addicted' to vitamin B6, using it to accelerate cell division. By limiting this enzyme's activity, a new drug could slow or stop cancer growth without harming healthy cells.

Collision helped make the Milky Way -- and now we know when

Astronomers have pinpointed an early galactic merger that helped shape the Milky Way, occurring 11.5 billion years ago when Gaia-Enceladus slammed into what then existed of the galaxy. This discovery provides important insights into the accretion process that formed the Milky Way.

Grant to help UniSA researchers develop personalised cancer treatment

A $300,000 grant will help UniSA researcher Dr Stephanie Reuter Lange explore how computer-based modelling can optimise cancer treatment and remove the need for expensive clinical trials. The goal is to tailor drug dosages to individual patients to maximise tumour response and minimise side effects.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanosatellites improve detection of early-season corn nitrogen stress

Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed nanosatellite technology that can detect nitrogen stress in corn early in the season. This allows farmers to plan in-season nitrogen fertilizer applications and alleviate nutrient stress for crops, potentially increasing yield and reducing environmental impact.

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.

AI can detect low-glucose levels via ECG without fingerprick test

Researchers at the University of Warwick developed an AI technology that can detect hypoglycaemic events from raw ECG signals using wearable sensors with 82% reliability. This non-invasive method could replace fingerprick testing, particularly useful for pediatric patients.

Decoy molecule neutralizes a range of viruses

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a decoy molecule called Arenacept that can neutralize a range of viruses, including arenaviruses. The molecule is based on a rodent receptor and has been shown to be highly effective in binding strongly to viruses and recruiting the immune system to mount an attack.

Otago Global Health Institute invests in research with Fiji and East Timor

The Otago Global Health Institute is investing in new research initiatives with the Fiji National University and the National University of East Timor. The collaborations aim to lay the foundation for long-term research collaborations and tackle health issues such as antibiotic-resistant bacteria, non-communicable diseases, and HIV.

Climate change unlikely to drive sugar maples north

A recent study published in the Journal of Ecology found that climate change is unlikely to force a northern migration of sugar maples due to soil composition constraints. The research, conducted by Alexis Carteron and colleagues, found that boreal forest soil negatively affects sugar maple survival rates and growth.

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.

Amount of sugar sold in soft drinks drops by 29% in the UK

The UK saw a significant reduction in the amount of sugar sold in soft drinks between 2015-2018, with nearly three-quarters of the decrease attributed to product reformulation or introduction of lower-sugar drinks. Consumer behavior also played a key role, with more consumers opting for low- or no-sugar content drinks.

Specific insulin-like peptide regulates how beetle 'weapons' grow

A team of scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University discovered that a specific insulin-like peptide called ILP2 regulates the size of mandibles in broad-horned flour beetles. The study found that larvae fed sufficiently, showed elevated expression of ILP2, leading to larger mandibles.

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.

Plant physiology: One size may not suit all

A new study published in Nature Plants reveals that there is no simple or universal solution to the problem of engineering plants to cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Higher levels of photoprotection may actually interfere with other mechanisms important for plant growth, and targeted adaptation is a complex task.

Laserphysics: At the pulse of a light wave

Physicists have developed a novel detector that precisely determines the oscillation profile of light waves, enabling research on dynamic processes at molecular levels. The new technique allows for real-time investigation of molecule responses to intense light fields.

Speech-disrupting brain disease reflects patients' native tongue

A study found that Italian and English speakers with primary progressive aphasia experience different speech and reading difficulties due to their native languages. Italian speakers tend to produce simpler sentences but struggle with pronunciation, whereas English speakers have more trouble pronouncing words.

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.

Deep learning differentiates small renal masses on multiphase CT

A deep learning method using a convolutional neural network (CNN) accurately differentiates between malignant and benign solid masses in small renal masses on contrast-enhanced CT scans. The corticomedullary phase showed the highest AUC value, indicating its effectiveness in malignancy prediction.

Malnutrition linked with increased risk of Zika birth defects

A recent study by University of Oxford researchers has found a strong link between maternal malnutrition and the severity of Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), a devastating condition caused by Zika virus infection. The study suggests that poor diets, particularly those lacking in protein, can exacerbate the effects of CZS, highlighting t...

Shocked meteorites provide clues to Earth's lower mantle

A recent study published in Science Advances analyzed a shocked meteorite sample, revealing the presence of bridgmanite and metallic iron nanoparticles. Bridgmanite is considered the dominant material in the Earth's lower mantle, making up about 38 volume percent of our planet.

Low-fat diet linked to lower testosterone levels in men

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a low-fat diet may be associated with lower testosterone levels in men. The study analyzed data from over 3,100 men and found that those on a low-fat diet had lower serum testosterone levels compared to those on an unrestricted diet.

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.

Technique allows dolphin pregnancy exams to mirror those in humans

A new ultrasound technique allows veterinarians to evaluate dolphin pregnancies at all stages of gestation, similar to human pregnancy exams. This breakthrough enables the early detection of fetal abnormalities and maternal illness, crucial for saving dolphin pregnancies and informing conservation efforts.

Deep learning, 3D technology to improve structure modeling, create better drugs

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel approach using deep learning and 3D technology to model protein interactions. This innovation aims to create more accurate structure models of proteins involved in various diseases, ultimately leading to the design of targeted drugs that block specific protein-protein interactions.

Always counterclockwise

A study by Kiel University researchers has identified a consistent counterclockwise deviation in the orientation of newly built Early Neolithic houses in Central and Eastern Europe. The finding is attributed to the phenomenon known as pseudo-neglect, where humans tend to prefer their left visual field.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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