Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive July 2020


Page 26 of 47

Learning the wiring diagram for autism spectrum disorders

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a key brain region, the cerebellum's Rcrus1, which regulates repetitive and inflexible behaviors in individuals with autism. Inhibiting activity in this region improved social behaviors, while stimulation restored social functions, offering potential new therapies for ASD.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Tulane scientists build high-performing hybrid solar energy converter

Researchers developed a hybrid solar energy converter that generates both electricity and thermal energy with high efficiency and low cost, enabling zero-net-energy development and greenhouse-gas-free operations. The system demonstrated 85.1% efficiency and is projected to have a system levelized cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour.

Unleashing the potential of tethered drones

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a new model for positioning tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) to improve cellular phone and internet networks. The study shows that TUAVs can outperform free-flying UAVs in most scenarios with longer tethers.

Marine drifters: Interdisciplinary study explores plankton diversity

Researchers from OIST Graduate University explored how ocean currents impact plankton diversity, finding that currents create barriers that limit dispersal and force coexistence of species. The study used mathematical models and metagenomics to uncover the mystery behind high plankton diversity in oceans.

The road to a battery-powered Europe

European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.

Hyksos, 15th Dynasty rulers of Ancient Egypt, were an internal takeover

A study using chemical analysis reveals that the Hyksos rulers of Ancient Egypt were a multi-cultural group who rose to power from within. The research found that a large percentage of the population in the ancient capital city were non-locals who immigrated from various places, contradicting the common story of a sudden invasion.

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 of natural gas flaring finds high risks to babies

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.

Don't Let social isolation keep you from being active

Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Does eating fish protect our brains from air pollution?

A new study found that older women who eat more fish may counteract the negative effects of air pollution on their brains. The research discovered a link between higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and greater brain volumes, particularly in white matter and the hippocampus.

COVID-19 'price gouging' could be prevented

A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that excessive pricing due to COVID-19 can be prevented by enforcing EU competition law and applying price controls. The research suggests that imposing fines may not be effective in addressing price gouging, as companies may continue to raise prices in the future.

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.

Antarctica more widely impacted than previously thought

A team of researchers has quantified human activity across Antarctica, revealing that almost every area has been visited. Biodiversity is not well-represented within these areas, highlighting the need for swift action to declare new protected areas.

Love-hate relationship of solvent and water leads to better biomass breakup

A team of scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass. They identified optimal temperatures for the process, which can aid in the rational design of even more efficient technologies.

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.

Translating skeletal movements, joint by joint

A global team of computer scientists developed a novel deep-learning framework to automate precise translation of human motion. The framework can accurately replicate motion retargeting without specifying explicit pairing between varying data sets, enabling the training of stronger models.

Four winners of the Schmidt Marine Costal Pollution Challenge are named

The Schmidt Marine Coastal Pollution Challenge selected four innovative solutions to address the urgent need to eliminate the causes and reduce the impact of coastal pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorous. The winning projects include a biodegradable plastic alternative and a low-cost nitrogen sensor technology.

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.

'Bystander' Cs meet their match in gene-editing technique

Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.

Renewable energy transition makes dollars and sense

Researchers found that transitioning to renewable energy technologies has high energy return on investment (EROI) values, making it a worthwhile transition. The study analyzed dozens of studies on wind and solar renewables in regions with high solar and/or wind resources.

Monitoring groundwater changes more precisely

Researchers from Potsdam and the USA combined gravity field data from GRACE satellites with local measurement methods to track groundwater changes more precisely. This new approach allows for accurate water storage analysis in smaller regions, even for catchments as small as 1000 square kilometers.

When should you neuter your dog to avoid health risks?

A comprehensive study of 35 dog breeds found that vulnerability to joint disorders varies greatly depending on the breed, with smaller breeds generally unaffected. The study also identified significant increases in certain cancers in smaller dogs when neutered, highlighting the need for personalized neutering decisions.

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.

Extinction Rebellion's activists more likely to be new to protesting, study shows

A recent study by the University of Exeter reveals that Extinction Rebellion activists are more likely to be new to protesting, with 10% of participants being first-time demonstrators. The research also shows that these protesters are predominantly middle-class and highly educated individuals, with a strong presence from southern England.

Blood test could reveal when rheumatoid arthritis will strike

Researchers have discovered a novel cell type called PRIME cells that accumulate in the blood before rheumatoid arthritis flares, allowing for potential early prediction of disease onset. The findings could lead to better management of the condition and its symptoms.

Elderly Alzheimer's patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection

A recent study has found that elderly Alzheimer's patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to increased expression of the ACE2 gene, which acts as an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The research, published in the Journal of Infection, suggests that elevated ACE2 levels can lead to a higher risk of infection.

Dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change

A new study reveals that dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and dry conditions posing a dual threat. By 2080s, habitats may become too hot or dehydrating for many species, forcing them to adapt by moving between habitats more often.

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.

New material mimics strength, toughness of mother of pearl

Researchers have created a new material that mimics the strength and toughness of mother of pearl, with layers of aragonite stacked in an intricate herringbone pattern. The material is almost twice as strong and four times as tough as previous nacre mimics, making it suitable for sustainable medical uses.

Data analytics can predict global warming trends, heat waves

A new study from Arizona State University and Stanford University uses data analytics to predict global warming trends and heat waves. The researchers tracked temperature variances over years and days, identifying early warning signs of catastrophic changes. Urban greening strategies may promote reverse tipping to restore climate syste...

In the sharing economy, consumers see themselves as helpers

A new study by Ohio State University suggests that consumers view independent providers in the sharing economy differently from traditional employees. Firms like Uber and Airbnb should focus on people who provide their services to effectively market themselves to consumers. This shift in perception may have implications for consumer be...

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.

CUNY ISPH landmark national cohort study awarded $3.4 million NIH grant

The CHASING COVID study follows a diverse cohort of thousands of adults to understand the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, and economic outcomes. The study aims to inform the response to the pandemic and future pandemics with knowledge generated from its longitudinal epidemiologic design.

Penn researchers find three distinct immune responses for sicker COVID-19 patients

A new study from Penn researchers identified three distinct immune profiles in severely ill COVID-19 patients. These immunotypes were characterized by different levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activity, with the third type showing little to no immune response. The findings could help predict disease severity and guide treatment strategies.

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.

"Alexa, go to the kitchen and fetch me a snack"

Researchers create 3D Dynamic Scene Graphs, enabling robots to quickly generate maps of their surroundings and extract relevant information. The new model is modeled after human perception and allows robots to navigate and make decisions like humans.

Bacteria with a metal diet discovered in dirty glassware

Researchers at Caltech have found bacteria that use manganese as their primary source of energy, converting carbon dioxide into biomass through chemosynthesis. This discovery sheds light on the geochemistry of groundwater and has implications for understanding manganese nodules on the seafloor.

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.

Prediabetes - a window of opportunity to reduce healthcare burden?

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers analyzed over 10 million people and found that early detection and proper treatment can have significant benefits in reducing the burden of these conditions.

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.