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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 15 of 47

Optimizing neural networks on a brain-inspired computer

A study by Heidelberg University and Max-Planck-Institute found that the distance to criticality can be adjusted in a brain-inspired chip, but only complex tasks benefit from it. Optimal network dynamics can be tuned using homeostatic plasticity by adapting mean input strength.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Fine-tuning adoptive cell therapy for advanced cancers

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a phenomenon where some patients' T cells lose expression of transgenic TCR over time, potentially due to DNA methylation. This study aims to inform the design of future cellular immunotherapies and improve treatment outcomes for advanced cancer patients.

NASA infrared confirms Douglas still a tropical storm

NASA's infrared data revealed strong thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures around Tropical Storm Douglas, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. Despite the threat, Douglas is moving westward at 15 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on July 23.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Keeping pinto beans away from the dark side

A new variety of pinto bean has been developed with a slow-darkening trait, which improves agronomic performance and cooking time. The beans show higher yields compared to regular varieties, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

Sweet coolers a gateway to increased alcohol consumption

A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.

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.

No honor among cyber thieves

A study examining online user activity on two carding forums reveals the vast majority of users aren't buyers or sellers but rather seek free tutorials, malware source codes, and hacking guides. Actual buyers and sellers comprise a fraction, primarily using stolen identity info for unauthorized purchases.

Researcher receives $5M grant to further cancer studies

Dr. Tanmay Lele's research focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how cells sense external mechanical forces and generate mechanical forces in cancer. He aims to develop new knowledge of human cancers and their progression, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists develop new material for longer-lasting fuel cells

Researchers created a durable graphene-based catalyst that outperforms commercial catalysts and lasts longer, potentially enabling widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells. The breakthrough could address the high cost of platinum catalysts and reduce environmental impact.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

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Science sweetens native honey health claims

A recent study has identified trehalulose, a rare sugar in native stingless bee honey, as having a low glycaemic index and not causing tooth decay. This discovery strengthens the market for stingless bee honey and creates new opportunities for its use in food products.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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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.

New study finds access to food stamps reduces visits to the physicians

A new study found that access to the food stamp program lowers repeat physician visits by over 14% due to improved immune response. This reduction in healthcare utilization results in significant savings for individuals and the federal government, with estimates suggesting $9 per person in cost savings.

More flowers and pollinator diversity could help protect bees from parasites

Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Chocolate is good for the heart

A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.

Digitizing chemistry with a smart stir bar

Researchers created an inexpensive smart stir bar that can automatically measure and transmit data on a solution's properties to a smartphone or computer. This device uses open-source software and low-cost components to detect parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, and viscosity.

USDA funds study of dairy cattle's environmental footprint

A new open-source computer model is being developed to simulate production and quantify the environmental effects of management decisions on dairy farms. The Ruminant Farms Systems Model project aims to address limitations of current farm management models and provide tools for economic and environmentally balanced decision-making.

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.

Is it a bird, a plane? Not superman, but a flapping wing drone

A team of engineers has designed a 26 gram ornithopter that can hover, dart, glide, brake, and dive like a swift, making it more versatile and safer than quadcopter drones. The drone's ability to fly in cluttered environments and stop quickly from fast speeds avoids collisions.

Invention offers new option for monitoring heart health

Researchers at Purdue University developed self-powered wearable devices that can monitor cardiovascular health using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and transform mechanical energy into power. These devices have the potential to be non-invasive, personalized, and cost-effective for detecting common heart diseases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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How a few negative online reviews early on can hurt a restaurant

A recent study published in Papers in Applied Geography found that just a few negative online reviews can determine early on how many reviews a restaurant receives long-term. The study also discovered that restaurants with a smaller number of reviews had a higher likelihood of low ratings, while those with more reviews were more likely...

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.

Study finds clothing-based racist stereotypes persist against Black men

A recent study from Oregon State University found that people often hold negative stereotypes about Black men based on what they're wearing. Despite formal attire reducing some biases, it does not eliminate them entirely. The study suggests that awareness and resistance to stereotypes are key to overcoming racist assumptions.

Siblings can also differ from one another in bacteria

A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.

Even if you want to, you can't ignore how people look or sound

A new Ohio State University study found that people can't completely ignore how someone looks or sounds, even when told to do so. This has implications for racial stereotyping, as participants were more careful to avoid showing bias when evaluating accents, but not when judging physical attractiveness.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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What happens in Vegas, may come from the Arctic?

A new UNLV study provides a 13,000-year climate history from stalagmite specimens, showing that Nevada was even hotter and drier in the past than it is today. The research warns of potential permanent aridity in the region due to human-induced Arctic and tropical Pacific warming.

Flood data from 500 years: Rivers and climate change in Europe

A major international research project shows that flooding characteristics in recent decades are unlike those of previous centuries. Historical data analysis identified nine flood-rich periods and associated regions, with a shift in the timing and relationship between floods and air temperatures.

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.

Proteins -- and labs -- coming together to prevent Rett syndrome

Researchers have made new discoveries about the disruption of condensates in Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that MeCP2's condensate-forming ability is disrupted in Rett syndrome and suggests that therapies targeting condensates associated with the protein may be promising.

Tracking misinformation campaigns in real-time is possible, study shows

A team of researchers developed a technique to identify malicious internet accounts and track online foreign misinformation campaigns in real time. They found that their model was effective in identifying posts and accounts that were part of a foreign influence campaign, including those by accounts that had never been used before.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Novel 'on-off' switch discovered in plant defenses

Researchers at UC San Diego identified a new RNA-binding protein that regulates plant immune responses, enabling rapid on and off signals to fight pathogens. The discovery provides insights into the complex mechanisms of plant defense and paves the way for improved disease resistance and food security.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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