Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 40

An ultrafast microscope for the quantum world

Scientists have created a high-speed camera for the quantum world, enabling the precise tracking of electron movements at a resolution of a few hundred attoseconds. This microscope can be used to analyze processes in tiny electronic components and molecules, providing valuable insights for developing faster and more efficient electronics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2020

Ancient skulls tell new story about our first settlers

The analysis of four ancient skulls from Mexico suggests that early North Americans were more biologically diverse than previously believed, with affinities to various populations including Arctic, European, Asian, and Native American groups. This new finding challenges the previous narrative about the settlement of the Americas.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 29, 2020

Scientists discover link between autism and cognitive impairment

Researchers identified a tiny gene fragment impacting brain development and information processing in individuals with autism. The finding may lead to new treatments by targeting a specific microexon that contributes to social behavior and learning deficits.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 29, 2020

Robot sweat regulates temperature, key for extreme conditions

Researchers at Cornell University have created a soft robot muscle that can regulate its temperature through sweating, enabling untethered robots to operate for long periods without overheating. The technology is approximately three times more efficient than human sweat and can cool the actuators by 21C within 30 seconds.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Researchers studying motivational aspects of mindfulness find quality differs by situation

A new study finds that mindfulness arises from the interaction between individuals and their situations, rather than being a stable psychological property. The research, which included over 558 participants, reveals three key motivational forces: metacognitive beliefs, mental fatigue, and situational appraisal.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJan 29, 2020

Researchers identify mechanism that triggers a rare type of muscular dystrophy

A research team has identified a mechanism that triggers a rare type of muscular dystrophy, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) 1G. The study reveals that a specific protein isoform with two domains is prone to forming toxic aggregates, while another isoform with three domains can prevent aggregation through phase separation.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 29, 2020

Are you 'at risk' of being a habitual tofu eater?

A genome-wide association study found nine gene locations associated with eating certain foods, including tofu, cheese, and tea. The study identified six genetic variants linked to at least one disease phenotype, including several types of cancer and type-2 diabetes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Research team investigates abnormal neuron activity in Rett syndrome

A new study reveals that exposure to young pups changes signaling within the auditory cortex of female mice with intact Mecp2 gene, allowing neurons to become more responsive. In contrast, female mice with impaired Mecp2 gene show a strong dampening effect, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for Rett syndrome treatment.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateJan 29, 2020

Immune responses to tuberculosis mapped across 3 species

A new study maps TB immune responses in diverse models including genetically diverse mice and blood samples from adolescents with TB. The study reveals similarities and differences between human, mouse, and macaque responses, providing valuable insights for developing effective therapies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Antianxiety and antidepressant effects from a single dose of psychedelic drug persist years later in cancer patients

A long-term follow-up study found that psilocybin therapy significantly improves emotional and existential distress in cancer patients, with sustained benefits lasting nearly five years. The study's results suggest that psilocybin may provide a useful tool for enhancing the effectiveness of psychotherapy.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Psychopharmacology·DateJan 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Helping prevent eco-interventions from backfiring

The research uses detailed ecosystem population data to build models that aid environmental managers in selecting interventions, determining their impact on species populations. The models can be right more than 70% of the time, providing a better outcome than gut feeling or decisions that can't capture ecosystem complexity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 28, 2020

Major Asia gene study to help doctors battle disease

A new study of Asian genes aims to improve disease treatment and care by shedding light on human migration history. The research will create detailed reference databases for Asian populations, helping medical researchers identify genetic differences that can cause diseases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2020

Studying the geometry of a common skin disease

Hives affect 1 in 5 people, and researchers used a mathematical model to recreate the patterns of hives. The study suggests that certain mechanisms may inhibit histamine release, adding complexity to the disease. The findings will help create a more detailed picture of how the skin disease develops.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Citizen science discovers a new form of the northern lights

Researchers from the University of Helsinki, led by Professor Minna Palmroth, have discovered a new auroral form called 'dunes' through citizen science collaboration. The phenomenon is believed to be caused by waves of oxygen atoms glowing due to solar particles, and provides a novel way to investigate upper atmospheric conditions.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAGU Advances·DateJan 28, 2020

How active shooter incidents off campus lead to guns on campus

A new study by NYU researchers reveals that active shooter incidents off campus and political factors influenced the introduction of concealed carry laws on college campuses between 2004-2016. Republican legislatures introduced bills in response to mass shootings, while Democrat-controlled legislatures did not.

SourceNew York University·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJan 28, 2020

AI could deceive us as much as the human eye does in the search for extraterrestrials

A Spanish neuropsychologist used an artificial neural network to analyze how humans and machines recognize planetary images, revealing that AI can detect shapes that humans miss and vice versa. The results have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and highlight the need for caution in AI's implementation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 28, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Instant hydrogen production for powering fuel cells

Scientists have created an alloy that generates hydrogen on demand, enabling the use of portable fuel cells. The innovative method uses a gallium-indium-tin-bismuth alloy to produce hydrogen when combined with water and aluminum.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJan 28, 2020

Best urban design for reducing road injuries

A global study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 'High Transit' cities with strong rail networks have the lowest rates of road injuries. In contrast, 'Informal' type cities across India, China, and Africa experienced twice the injury rates due to poor urban design.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Rethinking land conservation to protect species that will need to move with climate change

A new study suggests that accounting for climate change in conservation planning can effectively protect biodiversity, but may come at a higher cost. Researchers analyzed 1,460 species and found that unless climate change impacts are considered, 14% would not have a viable place to live.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJan 28, 2020

Iron nanorobots show their true mettle

Researchers have developed iron nanowires that can selectively kill cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. These nanorobots use an external magnetic field to guide themselves to the tumor site and activate a three-step mechanism that releases chemotherapy and generates heat, leading to nearly complete cell ablation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Non-invasive electrostimulation leads to improved memory in mice

Researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra developed a non-invasive method of stimulating the vagus nerve in mice, leading to improved memory. The study used electrostimulation in the ear, which stimulated areas of the brain important for memory, resulting in better performance in object recognition memory.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJan 28, 2020

New study shows why women have to be likeable, and men don't

A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that likeability plays a crucial role in interactions between women and men, but not in same-sex interactions. Women benefit from being likable in all social situations, while men only experience advantages if they are likable when interacting with the opposite sex.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Senior Chemist Mark Beno receives posthumous AAAS fellow distinction

Mark Beno, a senior chemist at Argonne National Laboratory, was posthumously awarded the AAAS Fellow distinction for his pioneering work on chemical crystallography. He made significant contributions to understanding high-temperature superconductors and developed beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJan 28, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

A better building block for creating new materials

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to synthesize organic 'Legos' that can be easily connected to make new materials. The new method uses electricity to create thin films of 2D sheets stacked in multiple layers, resulting in lightweight and heat-tolerant materials with enhanced properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 28, 2020

Mayo medical student jump-starts curriculum to identify human trafficking

A Mayo Clinic medical student has developed a curriculum to train fellow students to identify and provide resources to potential human trafficking victims. The study highlights the need for standardized training resources in medical schools to recognize the signs of trafficking and care for these patients.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 28, 2020

Key to beating colorectal cancer hiding in plain sight?

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that serine racemase enhances the growth of colorectal cancer cells by producing pyruvate from serine. The research provides a novel target for anti-cancer therapies and shows promise in improving treatment efficacy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 28, 2020

Increasing tropical land use is disrupting the carbon cycle

A new study reveals that intensifying tropical land use is causing forests to contribute less to carbon dioxide uptake, affecting the global carbon cycle. Researchers used satellite data and dynamic vegetation models to estimate carbon dioxide absorption by different ecosystems worldwide.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Better primary care needed to help young stroke survivors return to work

A new study from Queen Mary University of London highlights the need for improved primary care support to help young stroke survivors return to work. The researchers found a mismatch between patient and carer needs, lack of awareness among GP's about invisible impairments, and inadequate coordination with other services.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJan 28, 2020

Presence of blood clot associated with rapid aortic aneurysm growth

A study published in Radiology found that patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and blood clots on the aorta wall experience faster growth and increased rupture risk. The researchers suggest adjusting imaging follow-up schedules for these patients to reduce the risk of rupture.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 28, 2020

Stem cells, CRISPR and gene sequencing technology are basis of new brain cancer model

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego developed a new type of cancer model using genetically engineered human pluripotent stem cells. The model replicates the intra-tumor heterogeneity observed in patients and enables the study of tumor evolution, making it a potential platform for drug discovery.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2020

Parkinson's Foundation awards new physical therapy grant

The Parkinson's Foundation has awarded a total of $30,000 to three physical therapists through its new Physical Therapy Faculty Award. The award will support individual project initiatives aimed at improving life for people with Parkinson's disease, including developing academic partnerships and heart rate monitoring protocols.

SourceParkinson's Foundation·DateJan 28, 2020

Squid brains approach that of dogs

A team of researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute has completed the first MRI-based mapping of the squid brain in 50 years. They proposed 145 new connections and pathways, with more than 60% linked to vision and motor systems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournaliScience·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Abnormal imaging findings key to EVALI diagnosis in vapers

Abnormal chest CT findings in patients with EVALI typically show diffuse lung injury with sparing of the periphery. Prompt medical treatment can decrease severity, but the exact cause of EVALI remains unclear. Long-term vaping risks pose concerns for nicotine and THC addiction, cardiovascular disease, and chronic pulmonary injury.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 28, 2020

Upper-plate earthquakes caused uplift along New Zealand's Northern Hikurangi Margin

Researchers found that upper-plate earthquakes, not subduction earthquakes, caused coastal uplift along New Zealand's Northern Hikurangi Margin. Marine terraces at two sites showed different uplift patterns, leading to the mapping of new offshore faults that may contribute to these earthquakes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 28, 2020

Connecting dots between higher blood pressure early in life and dementia

A new study explores the connection between early high blood pressure and increased risk of dementia. Researchers are using advanced brain imaging techniques to examine cerebral blood flow, cognitive function, and brain structure in midlife individuals with elevated blood pressure.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJan 28, 2020

Most innovative cancer drugs facing delays in reaching patients

Researchers found that highly innovative cancer drugs took 3.2 years longer to reach NHS patients than low-innovation treatments, highlighting a need for streamlined regulations and incentives for innovation. The study suggests that initiatives to prioritize the most innovative drugs have yet to be effective.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalDrug Discovery Today·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

'Scrambled' cells fix themselves

Researchers at University of Montreal found that human cells scramble their membrane fat to fix holes caused by microbes, preventing cell damage. The discovery identifies a molecule, TMEM16F, that can repair these holes and protect humans from certain diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 28, 2020

Weight loss surgery improves breathing issues in obese patients

A study published in Radiology found that weight loss surgery improves breathing issues in obese patients by reducing air trapping and tracheal collapse. CT scans revealed structural changes to the lung and trachea after surgery, which correlate with improved symptoms and reduced inflammation.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 28, 2020

Scientists short-circuit maturity in insects, opening new paths to disease prevention

Researchers have found that a hormone required for insect sexual maturity cannot freely pass through the blood-brain barrier unless aided by a protein molecule. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling mosquito populations and potentially boosting beneficial bee reproduction. The study's findings also suggest potential...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2020
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.