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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 30 of 40

Plants found to speak roundworm's language

Researchers found plants manipulate nematode pheromones to repel these pests, which cause more than $100 million in damage to crops every year. Plants metabolize ascarosides and secrete the metabolites back into the soil, broadcasting propaganda that 'this is a bad place'.

Scientists examine how a gut infection may produce chronic symptoms

Researchers study how gut infections damage the nervous system, leading to chronic inflammation and conditions like IBS. They find that specific genes contribute to cell death and propose potential treatments by boosting polyamine production or restoring gut microbial communities.

Antibiotics could be promising treatment for form of dementia

A class of antibiotics called aminoglycosides has been found to be effective in treating frontotemporal dementia by fixing a genetic mutation that prevents the production of progranulin protein. Researchers discovered two specific antibiotics, Gentamicin and G418, which were able to recover up to 50-60% of progranulin protein levels.

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.

Scientists develop 'Twitter' for cells

Researchers developed NicheNet, a method to analyze intercellular communication, using machine learning and statistical techniques. The tool helps gain insight into how gene expression is regulated by interacting cells, with potential applications in immunology and tumor biology.

Molecular 'doormen' open the way to potential obesity treatment

Yale researchers identify O-GlcNAc transferase enzyme as key regulator of fat droplet doorman, which controls cellular access for nutrients and lipids. Mice lacking the enzyme exhibit reduced fat cell size and improved lipid burning, while overexpression triggers obesity by increasing carbohydrate intake.

Water governance: Could less sometimes be more?

A study of six European countries' water governance systems from 1750 to 2006 found that the introduction of new regulations can lead to conflicts, inefficiencies, and a decrease in system coherence. The researchers argue that less regulation may be more effective in achieving positive environmental impacts.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Explosion or collapse?

A team of scientists has successfully measured the electron capture rate in intermediate-mass stars, revealing that they are more likely to undergo a thermonuclear explosion than collapse. This finding has significant implications for galactic chemical evolution and the discovery of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments.

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.

What happens to deferred intentions in the brain?

Researchers analyzed 20 years of research on intention deactivation and found that completed intentions can sometimes continue to affect people, particularly when reminders or stimuli trigger their retrieval. This effect is often rare but can play a role in learning new routines.

Causes and consequences of manufacturing deviations

A research group at FAU is investigating the causes and consequences of manufacturing deviations, focusing on gear wheels and other complex machines. The project aims to develop methods and tools for reliable tolerance management, improving product function and lifespan.

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.

Satellite constellations harvest energy for near-total global coverage

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to make four-satellite constellations possible, enabling advances in telecommunication, navigation, and remote sensing. The new design harnesses energy from gravitational and solar radiation forces, reducing propellant needs and extending lifespan.

Study examines costs of closing nuclear plants in Germany

A new study found that closing nuclear plants in Germany resulted in substantial increases in global and local air pollution, with an estimated annual social cost of $12 billion. The shift to fossil fuel-fired power also led to increased mortality rates associated with air pollution.

Gasification goes green

Researchers create light-powered nanoparticle that shrinks the carbon footprint of syngas production, a valuable chemical feedstock used to make fuels, fertilizer, and other products. The low-energy, low-temperature process produces a mix of carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas.

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.

Study finds 95 percent satisfaction rate with Mohs surgery

A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients who received Mohs surgery for melanoma reported a 95% long-term satisfaction rate with their results. The highly precise excision technique resulted in minimal scarring and a nearly 99% cure rate for early melanoma.

Pearls of wisdom

Researchers analyzed genome-wide genetic data from Japanese pearl oysters to understand their population structure and adaptability. They found that sea surface temperature and oxygen concentration strongly correlated with genetic variation, leading to the discovery of distinct northern and southern populations. The study provides insi...

Trace Metals in Leatherback Turtle Eggs May Harm Consumers

Leatherback turtle eggs laid in Bocas del Toro nesting beaches contain high concentrations of trace metals, posing a health risk to local communities. The ingestion of these eggs could lead to increased lifetime carcinogenic risk for adults and children.

New cellular player involved in obesity discover

Researchers have discovered that blocking the iRhom2 protein increases energy consumption in fat depots, protecting against fat accumulation and inflammation. The study found no deleterious side effects, suggesting iRhom2 blocking may be a promising treatment for obesity.

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.

It's not about East and West, it's about top and bottom

A German study finds that social appreciation and disrespect in daily life significantly vary based on socio-economic factors. Individuals with higher incomes and education levels tend to feel more recognized and respected, whereas the unemployed are at a greater risk of experiencing less recognition and respect.

Odstrcil receives funding for heliospheric model project

Dusan Odstrcil and his team are developing a high-quality heliospheric model using Python to accelerate visualization and increase output availability. ENLIL--a time-dependent MHD model--is the only code that can simulate coronal mass ejections up to Jupiter or Saturn orbit.

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.

Long-term medication for schizophrenia is safe

A 20-year study found that long-term antipsychotic treatment significantly reduced mortality in people with schizophrenia compared to those without medication. The study also showed no increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among those receiving antipsychotic therapy.

An 18-carat gold nugget made of plastic

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new form of 18-carat gold that weighs about five to ten times less than traditional gold, with a density of just 1.7 g/cm3. The lightweight gold is created by embedding thin discs of gold nanocrystals in a matrix of protein fibres and polymer latex.

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.

Plavchan seeking precise near-infrared radial velocity mass measurements

Researchers are using NASA's iSHELL spectrometer to measure masses of planets in the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) discovery list, including super-Earths with Earth-like properties. The study aims to confirm and refine mass estimates for these exoplanets, advancing our understanding of their potential habitability.

76 ERC grantees funded to bring frontier research to market

The European Research Council has awarded 76 researchers with €150,000 Proof of Concept grants to explore the commercial potential of their frontier research. This funding will support projects in various fields, including medicine and education.

Lonely in a crowd: Overcoming loneliness with acceptance and wisdom

Researchers identified three main themes that shape people's experience of living with loneliness, including individual differences, social isolation, and lack of meaningful activities. The study suggests that effective interventions can be developed by understanding the underlying causes of loneliness in senior housing communities.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New study finds 8% of Chinese men are problem drinkers

A recent study published in Addiction found that eight percent of Chinese men are problem drinkers, with higher rates among men from lower socio-economic status and rural areas. Problem drinking is associated with increased risk of physical and mental health problems, as well as premature death.

Prenatal Exposure to Flame Retardants Linked to Reading Problems

A new study found that prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, a type of flame retardant, may increase the risk of reading problems in children. The study suggests that these chemicals can alter brain processes involved in reading, leading to a less efficient reading network.

Thermolysis helps rid petroleum of viscous components

Thermolysis helps rid petroleum of viscous components by analyzing composition and mechanisms of catalytic activity during in-situ refining of heavy oils. The technique aims to improve efficiency and selectiveness in reactions with destruction of asphalt-resin compounds, reducing oil viscosity.

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.

Improving solar cells' back-contact is goal of $3.5 million DOE project

The CSU team aims to improve the performance of cadmium telluride solar cells by tackling efficiency problems associated with the back contact layer, currently a bottleneck in widespread adoption. They hope to achieve a 25% light-to-energy efficiency with an improved back contact architecture.

Sun and Jajodia receive funding for subcontract agreement

Kun Sun and Sushil Jajodia's Center for Secure Information Systems (CSIS) at George Mason University received a $50,000 grant to develop a security analysis toolset. The project aims to provide abuse prevention and malware detection solutions for high-performance computers.

Losing tongue fat improves sleep apnea

Researchers found that reducing tongue fat is a primary factor in lessening the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Weight loss resulted in improved sleep apnea scores by 31% after the weight loss intervention, as measured by a sleep study.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Cracks in Arctic sea ice turn low clouds on and off

Researchers found that greater lead occurrence is associated with fewer low-level clouds during winter in the Arctic. The study revealed that rapidly freezing leads can shut off moisture supply and accelerate sea ice freezing.

Leading astronomers and geophysicists honored in RAS bicentenary

The Royal Astronomical Society has awarded its highest honors to Professor Sandra Moore Faber and Professor Yvonne Elsworth for their groundbreaking research in galaxy structure, cosmology, and solar physics. Their achievements have significantly advanced our understanding of the universe.

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.

Randomness opens the gates to the land of attophotography

Scientists have developed a new method to record extremely fast processes using X-ray lasers. By harnessing the random nature of these pulses, they can now create images with precisely controlled parameters. This breakthrough enables the study of non-linear effects and chemical reactions.

Parents aren't powerless when it comes to sleep-deprived teenagers

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that parents' consistent bedtime enforcement is associated with longer sleep duration and better mental health outcomes for teenagers. The study suggests that even without pre-bedtime conflict, parents' role in setting bedtimes yields positive results.

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.

Smoking HIV out of dormancy

Researchers at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found a previously unknown way for the immune system to detect and respond to HIV infection. This discovery may hold the key to allowing the 'shock-and-kill' approach to work, where the virus is activated to be visible to the immune system and then killed.

Tea drinkers live longer

A study of 100,902 participants found that habitual tea consumption was linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. Green tea showed the strongest association, while black tea had no significant effects.