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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 3 of 40

Patterns in the brain shed new light on how we function

Scientists have identified recurring patterns in brain neurons that can be used to explain their behavior and function, paving the way for creating artificial intelligence that mimics the human brain. By understanding these patterns, researchers aim to develop new treatments for neurological disorders and improve current technology.

Sun, wind, and hydrogen: New Arctic station will do without diesel fuel

The International Arctic Station (IAS), dubbed Snowflake, will be a fully autonomous facility powered by renewable energy sources and hydrogen fuel. The station aims to test and promote environmentally friendly technologies for life support and remote settlement maintenance in the Arctic region.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cooling a 'massive' solid-state nanoparticle into its quantum ground state

Researchers laser-cooled a 150-nanometer glass sphere containing 100 million atoms to its quantum ground state, revolutionizing the study of macro-quantum physics. This achievement enables unprecedented opportunities to test fundamental physics and probe the boundaries between classical and quantum mechanics.

Vision may be the real cause of children's problems

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that children with dyslexia and math difficulties may struggle with visual processing, which can impact movement detection. Researchers used an app to investigate the issue, highlighting the importance of understanding individual learning challenges.

New research could aid cleaner energy technologies

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new technique to examine gas and oxide interactions, leading to better understanding of catalysts, batteries, and vehicle longevity. The study's findings could also improve materials design for various industrial applications.

New target identified for repairing the heart after heart attack

Researchers at University of Oxford have identified a new target for repairing the heart after a heart attack by modulating the immune response. Macrophages play a key role in forming cardiac scars, and modifying their behavior could lead to more efficient repair and potentially avoid heart failure.

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.

In Cuba, cleaner rivers follow greener farming

A joint Cuba/US research team discovered that Cuban fertilizer pollution is significantly lower than in the US's Mississippi River, with much lower phosphorus and nitrogen levels. The study suggests improved management strategies to reduce animal manure and sediment loads could further improve central Cuban river water quality.

Lost in translation: Organic matter cuts plant-microbe links

New research reveals that adding carbon-rich organic matter to agricultural fields can cut plant-microbe links by up to 70%. This reduces the efficiency of nitrogen fixation, a symbiotic relationship between legume plants and rhizobial microorganisms.

To best treat a burn, first cool with running water, study shows

A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that cooling burns with running water decreases skin grafting requirements by over 40%, hospital admission by 35.8% and operating room treatment by 42.4%. Cool running water also accelerates healing, reducing scarring risk.

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.

Health: Daily smoking and drinking may be associated with advanced brain age

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that daily smoking and heavy drinking may be associated with modest increases in relative brain age. Researchers used machine learning methods and MRI to analyze data from over 17,000 individuals and discovered a correlation between smoking habits and increased brain age.

Hemp 'goes hot' due to genetics, not growing conditions

A study by Cornell University researchers found that hemp plants' propensity to become unusable due to high THC levels is determined by genetics, not environmental factors. The team discovered a correlation between the plants' genetics and chemical production, providing new insights into breeding low-THC hemp varieties.

Putrid compound may have a sweet side gig as atherosclerosis treatment

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found putrescine, a compound responsible for the foul smell of decomposing flesh, may help treat atherosclerosis. The study suggests putrescine's role in removing dead cells through efferocytosis could improve plaques and prevent chronic inflammation.

Rapid weather swings increase flu risk

Researchers found that rapid weather variability, common in warming climates, can kick-start the flu season and lead to densely populated areas experiencing high contagion rates. The study suggests incorporating environmental factors into flu spread models may improve predictions of future epidemic severity.

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.

The Atlantic Ocean fingerprint on the climate of the Middle East

A study revealed a North Atlantic-Middle East teleconnection that influences Middle East summer temperatures, with ocean-atmosphere interactions driving the variability. The connection involves AMV, a low-frequency fluctuation of basin-wide anomalously warm and cold phases.

Brain drowns in its own fluid after a stroke

Research in mice shows that the glymphatic system floods the brain during a stroke, triggering severe swelling and cell death. This discovery could lead to new treatment strategies focused on restoring blood flow and inhibiting the spread of depolarization.

Self-learning heating control system saves energy

A self-learning heating control system has been developed by Empa researchers, allowing for energy savings of up to 25% in residential buildings. The system uses machine learning and weather forecasts to optimize temperature settings, providing greater comfort while reducing energy consumption.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanotechnology: Putting a nanomachine to work

Researchers at LMU München successfully couple a light-activated molecular motor to a receiver unit, demonstrating the motor's ability to accelerate rotation and perform useful work. The study provides unprecedented insights into the operation of an integrated molecular machine.

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.

Likelihood of e-book purchases increase 31% by combining previews and reviews

Research reveals that consumers leverage a combination of e-book previews and reviews when making purchasing decisions, resulting in a 31% increase in purchase likelihood. The study found that exposure to both previews and reviews significantly influenced consumer behavior, whereas individual components had limited impact.

Salk scientists link rapid brain growth in autism to DNA damage

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a unique pattern of DNA damage that arises in brain cells derived from individuals with macrocephalic form of autism spectrum disorder. The observation helps explain what might go awry in the brain during cell division and development to cause the disorder.

A quantum of solid

Scientists have isolated and cooled a nanoparticle in a solid, achieving macroscopic quantum control for the first time. By removing thermal energy and isolating the particle from its environment, researchers successfully cooled the glass bead to ultra-cold temperatures near absolute zero.

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.

Shriners affiliation, fertility research, and microbiome paper

The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has announced a research affiliation with Shriners Hospitals for Children to study genetic orthopedic conditions in children. JAX scientists have also published papers on recombination and its role in meiosis and fertility, as well as the impact of microbiome diversity on skin health.

Researchers combine X-rays and laser light to image sprays

A new laser-based method combines X-rays and laser-induced fluorescence to observe and quantify atomizing spray phenomena, providing details on the sprayed liquid's form and distribution. The technique can detect smaller amounts of liquid than previously detected with x-rays and has the potential to study sprays in real-time.

Autonomous vehicles could benefit health if cars are electric and shared

The study found that autonomous vehicles can reduce road accidents and promote physical activity, but the impact depends on factors like technology implementation and fuel use. If implemented correctly, autonomous vehicles could have a significant positive impact on public health, especially if used in electric and shared formats.

The first roadmap for ovarian aging

Researchers analyzed ovarian cells from young and old non-human primates to understand ovarian aging. They identified genes that could be used as biomarkers and point to therapeutic targets for diagnosing and treating female infertility and age-associated ovarian diseases.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study provides first look at sperm microbiome using RNA sequencing

A new study provides the first in-depth look at the human sperm microbiome using RNA sequencing. The researchers found that non-targeted sequencing of human sperm RNA can identify micro-organisms such as bacteria and viruses, offering a potential diagnostic tool for microbial status and fertility assessment.

Autonomous microtrap for pathogens

Scientists have developed a self-propelled chemical trap to corner and destroy pathogens in body fluids, reducing the need for antibiotics. The device uses a magnesium metal engine propelled by hydrogen bubbles, trapping bacteria with an acid-soluble polymer cage that releases a toxin to kill them.

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.

Mechanism for improvement of photoluminescence intensity in phosphor material

The study analyzed the changes in crystal structure of a red phosphor material due to heat treatment and addition of P2O5 and Eu2O3, revealing its relationship with photoluminescence intensity. The researchers discovered an incommensurate (IC) phase with a complex modulation structure that decreases photoluminescence intensity.

Pre-eruption seismograms recovered for 1980 Mount St. Helens event

Seismologists have recovered nearly 40-year-old seismic data tapes from the 1980 Mount St. Helens eruption, providing a near-continuous sequence of activity leading up to the May 18th event. The data analysis suggests no significant change in seismic signals that would have hinted at an imminent major eruption.

What makes fear decrease

A study by Professor Grit Hein found that the presence of an unknown person can reduce anxiety and physiological tension in individuals. The effect was strongest when the test subject perceived the other person as less similar to themselves.

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.

Trees might be 'aware' of their size

Researchers found that trees can adjust their stem radial growth in response to added weight, but this response varies along the stem. The study used a birch mutant that lacks this ability, revealing a key genetic locus involved in the mechanism.

Wearable health tech gets efficiency upgrade

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a flexible device that harvests body heat energy to monitor health and power wearable technologies, surpassing previous flexible harvesters in efficiency. The device uses a novel elastomer material with high thermal conductivity to improve performance.

Can exercise improve video game performance?

A new study found that a single bout of intense cardiovascular exercise can improve video game performance. The research, led by Dr. Marc Roig, challenged the idea that video gaming and physical activity are antagonistic activities. Exercise was shown to benefit players regardless of their fitness level or emotional response.

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.

Gene hunting: The power of precision medicine

Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying the genetic mutation responsible for Chédiak-Higashi syndrome in domestic cats. This finding has significant implications for treating inherited diseases and preventing their transmission to future generations.

Cervical cancer could be eliminated within a century

Two studies published in The Lancet conclude that cervical cancer could be eliminated worldwide by the next century, with North America expected to see almost complete eradication by 2040. High vaccination coverage and high uptake of screening and treatment are key to achieving this goal.

New clues into the genetic origins of schizophrenia

Researchers found participants with schizophrenia carry damaging genetic mutations affecting brain and synaptic function, disrupting neural pathways that elevate risk. This discovery informs understanding of schizophrenia across human populations and suggests potential mechanisms for more effective treatments.

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.

Poliovirus therapy shows potential as cancer vaccine in lab studies

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a poliovirus-based therapy that stimulates a natural immune attack on cancer cells in animal studies. The modified virus, called PVSRIPO, induces an immune response against mutated cancer cells found in diffuse midline glioma tumors, which are universally deadly in children.

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.