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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 32 of 47

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

Family caregiving may not harm health of caregivers after all

A nine-year longitudinal study found that family caregivers did not experience significantly greater inflammation levels compared to non-caregivers, challenging past research findings. The study suggests that caregiving may have minimal effects on physical health for most caregivers.

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Turning off 'junk DNA' may free stem cells to become neurons

A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...

POSTECH solves the durability issue of hydrogen cars

A research team at POSTECH developed a new catalyst that improves the durability of automotive fuel cells when shut down. The Pt/HxWO3 catalyst promotes hydrogen oxidation and selectively suppresses oxygen reduction reactions, solving the corrosion issue.

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.

Earwig-inspired folding structures

Scientists create geometrical drawing method and software to design fan-like structures based on earwig wing folding. The method was used to recreate a Paleozoic earwig's wing folding pattern, shedding light on evolutionary pathways.

How a Minecraft mod is helping build smarter AI

UT Dallas researchers are using the Minecraft mod Polycraft World to simulate dynamic and unexpected events to train AI systems. They aim to create artificial intelligence agents that can respond appropriately in novel scenarios, such as changing weather or unfamiliar terrain.

Parasite infestations revealed by tiny chicken backpacks

A new insect detection system using tiny chicken backpacks with wearable sensors has been developed to detect blood-feeding livestock mites. The technology, nicknamed 'Fitbits for chickens,' can help farmers identify infestations and improve poultry welfare.

Is delirium associated with long-term cognitive decline?

A combined analysis of 23 studies found that episodes of delirium are a risk factor for long-term cognitive decline. The research suggests that individuals who experience delirium may be more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive impairments over time.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces long-lasting solar storage

Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar-flow battery that can store and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun. The device achieved a record efficiency of 20 percent conversion, outperforming previous records by 40%. This breakthrough could potentially yield a new way to harness, store and use the sun's energy for sol...

Biosignatures may reveal a wealth of new data locked inside old fossils

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel approach to finding biological signals in ancient fossils, providing insights into major evolutionary questions. The study has already revealed valuable information about the soft shells that encased early dinosaur eggs and identified an ancient creature known as the Tully Monster.

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.

STRIDE study tests ways to prevent injuries from falls

A new study by Yale University researchers found that a nurse-delivered strategy to prevent falls among older adults reduced the rate of first adjudicated serious fall injury by nearly 10%. The approach also produced significant reductions in self-reported injuries, highlighting its potential in reducing fall-related harm.

Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lethal lung disease

A Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lungs affected by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), revealing how cells change in response to the disease. The findings deepen understanding of IPF and could improve treatment of it and other fibrotic lung diseases.

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.

Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, receives SNMMI 2020 Paul C. Aebersold Award

Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, has been recognized for her pioneering work in radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer and other diseases. Her research focuses on developing imaging agents for upregulated receptors on immune cells involved in inflammation related to lung diseases.

Differential scanning calorimetry to quantify protein-ligand binding

Researchers from Kazan Federal University developed a program to predict DSC curves from known binding constants and concentrations. This approach allows for the accurate measurement of high and weak binding constants, as well as stoichiometry of complexes, using albumin as a model protein.

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.

Total-body PET/CT captures full picture of systemic inflammatory arthritis

The uEXPLORER TB-PET/CT scanner offers a new imaging option for inflammatory arthritis by capturing glucose metabolism in normal and diseased joint tissues across the body. This allows for quantifying systemic inflammatory burden, which could have direct implications for disease staging, treatment selection, and monitoring of treatment...

Health disparities published in new volume

The new volume uses a health equity approach to focus on factors associated with cancer disparities research and identifies potential solutions. Studies highlight the impact of lifestyle on breast cancer risk and link mammary gland development to breast cancer disparity.

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.

Study pinpoints brain cells that trigger sugar cravings and consumption

A new study has pinpointed the specific brain cells responsible for triggering sugar cravings and overconsumption. The research, led by Matthew Potthoff and Matthew Gillum, reveals that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts on glutamatergic neurons to lower sugar intake and sweet taste preference.

Farmers' climate change conundrum: Low yields or revenue instability

A new study by Cornell University and Washington State University found that climate change will force farmers to choose between lower yields and higher revenue volatility. The research team used a model to explore the impact of drought-tolerant crop varieties, which can improve average yields but also increase revenue fluctuations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study finds fatty acid that kills cancer cells

Researchers at Washington State University discovered a fatty acid called dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) that can induce ferroptosis in human cancer cells. This iron-dependent type of cell death has been linked to various diseases and may hold potential as a treatment for cancer.

More than meets the eye

A new study finds that people with face blindness use different memory processes for face recognition, relying on familiarity rather than recollection. The research suggests that successful facial recognition requires more than a vague familiarity with a face.

Satellite data show severity of drought summers in 2018 and 2019

The GRACE-FO satellites measured significant water mass deficits in Central Europe during the two consecutive summer droughts of 2018 and 2019. The deficits reached 112 Gt in 2018 and 145 Gt in 2019, accounting for 73% and 94% of the average fluctuation in seasonal water storage.

Construction: How to turn 36 seconds into USD 5.4 billion

A study from Aarhus University links national productivity statistics with actual work done on construction sites, revealing a decline in productivity since the 1970s. By optimizing processes, contractors can generate an estimated $5.4 billion annually in the US and Canada by spending just 36 seconds more per hour on value-adding work.

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.

UC Riverside postdoc receives NIH Pathway to Independence grant

Rebekah Charney, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Riverside, has received a five-year Pathway to Independence grant from the NIH to study Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Her research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying neural crest cell development and craniofacial pathologies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Extraordinary regeneration of neurons in zebrafish

Biologists at the University of Bayreuth have discovered a unique form of rapid regeneration in zebrafish neurons. Mauthner cells, responsible for escape behavior, can regenerate their axons within a week after injury. This finding disproves the widely accepted view that these cells are unable to regenerate.

Zhao and Cheng studying model-parallelism for large-scale deep learning

Zhao and Cheng are working on a project to develop new gradient-free methods for training various types of deep neural networks. They aim to create an algorithmic and theoretical framework for model parallelization based on gradient-free optimization, as well as efficient distributed workflow systems.

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.

Couldn't socially distance? Blame your working memory

A UC Riverside-led study highlights the importance of working memory capacity in social distancing compliance. Individuals with higher working memory capacity are more likely to follow recommended guidelines, even after controlling for psychological and socioeconomic factors.

Montana State research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology

A Montana State University professor's research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology reveals increased greening across the Northern Great Plains and Northern Rockies. The study found decreased levels of nitrogen and increased levels of carbon in recent plant samples, as well as improved water use efficiency.

Building surge ICU capacity during COVID-19

The MUSC team, led by Leslie Lenert and Dee Ford, developed a prototype called Portable Remote Operational Wireless Enabled Surge Specialist ICU (Prowess-ICU) to address COVID-19 surge capacity. The Prowess-ICU model integrates technology-based and patient-centered care solutions within existing regional health care networks.

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.

NASA tracks tropical storm fay's development and strongest side

NASA tracked Tropical Storm Fay's development using satellite data, creating an animation of the storm's progression. The strongest storms were located in the northeastern quadrant, with temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful thunderstorms and potential heavy rainfall.

Arctic Ocean changes driven by sub-Arctic seas

Research reveals complex changes in the Arctic Ocean driven by anomalous influxes of oceanic water from lower-latitude oceans. This process, known as borealization, affects physical, chemical, and biological communities in distinct ways.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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