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Science News Archive January 2020


Page 35 of 40

Marijuana detected in homicide victims nearly doubles

The prevalence of marijuana detected in homicide victims increased significantly between 2004 and 2016, with a notable rise among adolescent victims. The study found that over two-thirds of victims aged 15-20 years tested positive for marijuana, highlighting the potential risks associated with marijuana use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Next generation wound gel treats and prevents infections

Researchers at Lund University developed a hydrogel based on the body's natural peptide defense, preventing and treating wound infections while reducing inflammation. The gel kills multi-resistant bacteria and has an immunosuppressive effect.

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.

LED lighting in greenhouses helps but standards are needed

Rutgers research reveals information gaps on optimal LED light intensity and colors for indoor crops, aiming to improve energy efficiency. The study recommends using a spectroradiometer to calculate light ratios and develop standard definitions for specific wavebands essential for plant growth.

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.

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.

Smartphone cameras can speed up urinary tract infection diagnosis

A new smartphone camera-based test can identify urinary tract infections in just 25 minutes, potentially making accurate testing more widely available in developing nations. The test uses a smartphone camera and reagents to detect the presence of E. coli bacteria, which is present in 80% of bacterial UTIs.

Human immune cells produced in a dish in world first

Researchers have successfully produced human immune cells in a lab dish, shedding light on the formation of these crucial cells. The breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments and autoimmune disease interventions.

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.

Cellular clock regulating human spine development

Scientists have unveiled the first lab-dish models of human spine development, providing evidence of the segmentation clock in humans. The models allow for the study of early spine development and could lead to new treatments for conditions such as congenital scoliosis.

A molecular switch for stomach disease

Researchers have discovered a molecular switch that regulates inflammation in the stomach, triggered by H. Pylori bacteria. The 'switch' uses a previously unknown mechanism to control the infection, allowing it to evade the immune system and cause stomach diseases such as ulcers and cancer.

Sea-ice-free Arctic makes permafrost vulnerable to thawing

A new study reveals that a sea-ice-free Arctic will accelerate the melting of permafrost, leading to significant releases of carbon dioxide. The research, based on ancient cave stalagmites, suggests that past periods without summer sea ice were associated with warmer air and increased snowfall in Siberia, destabilizing the permafrost.

Study examines childhood weight and obesity in adolescence

A study examining childhood weight and obesity in adolescence found that excess weight at age 3 was associated with a higher risk of being overweight or obese at age 15. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity in mothers was also a significant predictor of this outcome.

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.

Many in LA jails could be diverted into mental health treatment

A RAND Corporation study estimates that 3,300 people in the Los Angeles County jail mental health population are suitable candidates for diversion into community-based clinical services. The study found that 61% of inmates were appropriate candidates for diversion, with men making up 85% of the jail's mental health population.

Affordable Care Act led to fewer disruptions in care

A study found that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) decreased coverage disruptions among low-income adults. The researchers estimated that half a million fewer adults experienced churning annually, leading to improved access to care and reduced emergency department visits.

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.

Attosecond control of an atomic electron cloud

Scientists successfully manipulate helium atom's electron cloud using coherent control technique and synchrotron radiation. This breakthrough enables the study of ultrafast phenomena and opens new avenues for functional materials and electronic devices development.

Versatile in use -- FBH semiconductor light sources

The Ferdinand-Braun-Institut presents its developments in diode lasers and UV LEDs, including high-power stacks for industrial laser technology and a compact dual-wavelength system for SERDS spectroscopy. The institute also exhibits a terahertz camera sensor with high sensitivity and fast response time.

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.

When college students post about depression on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University suggests that college students' Facebook friends rarely provide support to encourage help for depression. The study found that most friends responded with supportive gestures, but participants were unlikely to ask for help.

Kangaroo Island shows burn scars on one third of the land mass

The NASA Terra satellite captured before-and-after images of Kangaroo Island, showing the extensive burn scars and areas still affected by fires. The island's protected nature reserves, home to native wildlife such as sea lions and koalas, have been severely impacted by the bushfires.

Sweet success -- sugar levels drop in UK yogurts

A study by the University of Leeds found a 13% decrease in total sugar content in UK yogurts over two years. However, experts warn that yogurt is still not a straightforward choice for consumers looking for healthy foods due to hidden sugars and added sweeteners.

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.

Stanford researchers recommend 5 practices to improve doctor-patient relationships

Researchers identified five practices: prepare with intention, listen intently and completely, agree on priorities, connect with the patient's story, and explore emotional cues. These practices aim to improve patient experiences and clinician satisfaction in medicine. The team is now evaluating their effectiveness in clinical settings.

From the mouths of babes: Lessons in humility

A pediatrician at Children's National Hospital wrote a 27-line poem inspired by her young patients' comments about vaccines. The poem, part of the 'Poetry and Medicine' series, aims to capture the optimism and resilience of children despite challenges. Dr. Sims hopes the poem will help build self-efficacy and resiliency in her patients.

Evolution on the vine: A history of tomato domestication in Latin America

A new study has confirmed the history of tomatoes from South America, from blueberry-sized wild tomatoes to large-fruited common tomatoes. Scientists have reconstructed a putative domestication history of tomato groups, focusing on the intermediate stage represented by SLC, which originated in Ecuador around 78 KYA.

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.

Need to control blood sugar? There's a drink for that, says UBC prof

Researchers found that a ketone monoester drink can help participants with Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes better control their blood sugar levels without insulin changes. The study's lead author notes that while ketone supplements are not a magic bullet, they may be another strategy for managing the disease.

Ratings system may penalize hospitals serving vulnerable communities

A study by University of Chicago Medicine found that hospitals caring for patients in disadvantaged areas may garner lower quality scores due to social risk factors. Hospitals' ability to improve certain quality outcomes is hindered by these factors, such as income and education levels in the community.

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.

Scientists make breakthrough in ion-conducting composite membranes

Researchers have created an ultra-thin ion-conducting membrane with high selectivity and conductivity, which can boost the power of flow batteries. The membrane overcomes the trade-off between ion selectivity and conductivity, resulting in improved flow battery performance.

BU finds Medicaid expansion improves access to postpartum care

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health finds that Medicaid expansion in Colorado improved access to postpartum care, particularly for mothers with pregnancy/childbirth complications. This narrowing of the 'postpartum coverage cliff' has significant implications for reducing maternal mortality.

'Census' in the zebrafish's brain

Dresden scientists discovered two types of newly formed neurons in zebrafish brains, which have the same cell types as humans. These findings could lead to new therapies for stroke, craniocerebral trauma, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

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.

Does timing matter for initiating HIV therapy in infants?

A recent study published in E-Clinical Medicine found that about 75% of infants with HIV attained viral suppression on ART, but only 52% sustained it. Early treatment within the first two weeks of life led to similar outcomes as starting within the first two days of life.

Can the flu shot help fight cancer?

Researchers found that injecting influenza vaccines into tumors increases the immune system's response, changing cold tumors to hot ones. This triggers an immune-stimulating effect, reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates. The study suggests that flu shots could be repurposed as cancer treatments.

Million Veteran Program study sheds light on genetic basis of anxiety

A new study using VA Million Veteran Program data identified five locations on the human genome related to anxiety risk in Americans of European descent and one in African Americans. The findings could lead to new understanding and treatment of anxiety disorders, which affect 1 in 10 Americans.

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.

NASA planet hunter finds its first Earth-size habitable-zone world

NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered its first Earth-size planet in its star's habitable zone, TOI 700 d. The planet orbits a small, cool M dwarf star located just over 100 light-years away and is thought to be rocky with surface temperatures suitable for liquid water.

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.

Research team traces evolution of the domesticated tomato

A research team led by Ana Caicedo at the University of Massachusetts Amherst has identified missing links in the tomato's evolution. The study reveals that the modern cultivated tomato is most closely related to a weed-like tomato group found in Mexico, not semi-domesticated intermediate types found in South America.