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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

Robust high-performance data storage through magnetic anisotropy

A team of scientists has found that iron-platinum thin films exhibit minimal expansion when heated, making them suitable for HAMR memories. The discovery was made using ultrashort X-ray pulses to measure the crystal lattice's response to laser excitation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2020

USDA grant to support Cornell indoor ag training programs

The $496,000 USDA grant will help design new CEA training programs at Cornell University to address the industry's growing need for a skilled workforce. Participants will gain expertise in CEA infrastructure and advanced knowledge in environmental monitoring and marketing skills.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 10, 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.

How Venus flytraps snap

A new study reveals that a single slow touch on the Venus flytrap's trigger hair can also trigger trap closure, allowing it to catch slow-moving larvae and snails. The researchers used highly sensitive sensors and mathematical models to determine the forces needed to trigger the mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 10, 2020

Mom and baby share 'good bacteria' through breast milk

Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of Manitoba found that certain bacteria in breast milk co-occur with their infants' stool. Breastfeeding directly at the breast was strongly associated with a baby's overall gut microbiota composition.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 10, 2020

Liquid crystals create easy-to-read, color-changing sensors

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a way to stretch and strain liquid crystals to generate different colors, leading to a wide range of optical effects. This technology has potential applications in temperature and strain sensors, enabling remote measurement without contact.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2020

New study warns of misinformation about opt-out organ donation

A new study warns of the power of social influence in shaping organ donation decisions, revealing the 'lone wolf' effect where individuals opting out trigger a cascade of similar behavior. The researchers found that people are more likely to opt out if they perceive others doing so.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Study shows that aerosol box used to protect healthcare workers during COVID

A new study reveals that aerosol boxes designed to protect healthcare workers during COVID-19 may not be effective and could even increase exposure to airborne particles. The research found that the boxes increased airborne particle contamination by a factor of 5 times or more, posing a significant risk to frontline health workers.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateJul 10, 2020

Scientists may have found one path to a longer life

Researchers found that the drug mifepristone blocks inflammation and reduces health decline in female fruit flies after mating, leading to longer lifespans. This effect is similar to what happens in women who take the drug, suggesting it may also extend human lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateJul 10, 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.

Orbital engineering of quantum confinement in high-Al-content AlGaN quantum well

Researchers propose orbital engineering to overcome efficiency limitations in high-Al-content AlGaN quantum wells. By inclining the quantum well plane, they modify energy variations induced by orbital coupling, enhancing quantum confinement and radiative transition rates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 10, 2020

Like humans, beluga whales form social networks beyond family ties

A study of beluga whale social behavior reveals that they form complex societies with multiple group types and dynamic membership. Like humans, belugas exhibit a wide range of grouping patterns and have long-term affiliations with unrelated individuals, indicating the importance of kinship in their social structure.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 10, 2020

Fast-spreading mutation helps common flu subtype escape immune response

A fast-spreading mutation in the H3N2 flu subtype has effectively blocked antibodies from binding to a key viral protein, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study suggests that flu vaccines focusing on one protein may not be enough to protect against evolving viruses.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 10, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nano-radiomics unveils treatment effect on tumor microenvironment

Researchers developed a noninvasive method to assess the effect of cellular immunotherapies on the tumor microenvironment, which inhibits the immune response and evades cancer treatments. Nano-radiomics combines imaging technology with radiomics to analyze changes in the TME that conventional methods cannot detect.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJul 10, 2020

Alaskan volcano linked to mysterious period with extreme climate in ancient Rome

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have found evidence suggesting that a megaeruption of an Alaskan volcano, Okmok, may be responsible for widespread climate change in ancient Rome and Egypt. The eruption is believed to have occurred around 43 BCE, causing temperatures to drop by as much as seven degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2020
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.

T-ray camera speed boosted a hundred times over

A research team at the University of Warwick has developed a single-pixel terahertz imaging technology that reaches 100 times faster acquisition than the previous state-of-the-art. This breakthrough enables potential use in biomedical and industrial applications, including non-invasive security and medical screening.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Fat cell hormone boosts potential of stem cell therapy

Researchers from Osaka University found that adiponectin, a fat cell hormone, improves the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-based treatment for heart failure. The study showed that increasing adiponectin levels strengthens cardiac function following MSC therapy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJul 10, 2020

Sobering reminder about liver disease

Australian experts warn of a surge in chronic liver disease due to alcohol misuse and obesity-related liver disease. The number of cases has increased three-fold over the past 10-15 years, with over 6 million Australians affected.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 10, 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.

Study: Medicaid expansion meant better health for the most vulnerable low-income adults

A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion program significantly improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes and chronic health conditions. The program also saw improvements in health among participants of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 10, 2020

New biomarker for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), associated with cognitive decline in old age. The study found that ADMA levels were linked to decline in cognitive performance assessments after four years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA infrared data shows Cristina strengthening

Tropical Storm Cristina has become better organized with a curved band around the center and ragged eye visible in satellite images. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall, and maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2020

Trust me if you can

Researchers found that shared values are insufficient for mutual trust between stakeholders; beliefs and emotions play a stronger role. Improved awareness of each other's views and emotions can benefit collaboration and find solutions to the conflict.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalEnergy Reports·DateJul 9, 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.

Distorted passage of time during the COVID-19 lockdown

A survey of 604 UK participants found that over 80% experienced changes to their perception of time during the lockdown, with slower passage associated with older age and reduced social satisfaction. The study suggests that significant changes to daily routine can distort our perception of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2020

Streamlining acute malnutrition treatment brings same recovery in children at lower cost

A new simplified protocol for treating acute malnutrition in young children shows similar recovery rates as the standard approach but is more cost-effective. The streamlined protocol resulted in $123 less per child recovered and reduced ready-to-use food required, providing a potential solution to addressing the issue of nearly 50 mill...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 9, 2020

UQ researchers solve a 50-year-old enzyme mystery

UQ researchers have solved a 50-year-old enzyme mystery, revealing the complete structure of an essential amino acid synthesizing enzyme. This discovery could lead to the development of new herbicides and antimicrobial agents, potentially restoring effective treatment options for infections such as tuberculosis and invasive Candida.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

Scientists urge caution, further assessment of ecological impacts above deep sea mining

A new study highlights the need for further assessment of ecological impacts from deep-sea mining, which could harm vast midwater ecosystems and affect fisheries, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The International Seabed Authority must consider midwater research efforts to minimize environmental harm.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2020

How vaping companies are use Instagram to market to young people

Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of Instagram posts about vaping and found that 40% were promoting flavored e-liquids to young audiences. The study highlights the need for stricter laws and regulations on social media advertising targeting younger users.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

Parents' smartphone use does not harm parent/child relationships

A recent study published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that parental smartphone use is rarely associated with poor parenting. In fact, at low levels of displacing family time, more smartphone use was linked to better parenting.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2020

A complex gene program initiates brain changes in response to cocaine

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a complex gene program that regulates brain changes in response to cocaine. By using single-nucleus RNA sequencing approaches, they found that only a small fraction of neurons in the nucleus accumbens were transcriptionally responsive to cocaine administration.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

What happens when food first touches your tongue

A new study from Ohio State University finds that food's molecular size and movement on the tongue influence how quickly we perceive taste. The researchers modeled flavor flow over papillae to understand why some tastes register faster than others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 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.

Climate change: Heavy rain after drought may cause fish kills

A study found that heavy rainfall can lead to massive fish kills in lakes suffering from oxygen depletion, triggered by labile organic matter. Researchers released breeding stock to help recover lake Filsø's pike population, which has never fully recovered after the event.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 9, 2020

Scientists discover protective Alzheimer's gene and develop rapid drug-testing platform

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a naturally suppressive gene that prevents Alzheimer's Disease in brain cells, leading to the development of a rapid drug-screening system. The system demonstrates proof-of-principle for early preventative-drug testing and identifies a potential biomarker for risk assessment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 2020

Study reveals scale of habitat loss for endangered birds

A new study reveals that the last remaining agro-steppe habitats for endangered bird species in Europe may decline by up to 50% in the next century. The Natura 2000 network, a biodiversity conservation strategy, has failed to prevent habitat loss despite protecting approximately 36,000 hectares of agro-steppe area in Iberia.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 9, 2020

Brain benefits of exercise can be gained with a single protein

A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 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.

How can education researchers support education and public health and institutions during COVID-19?

The article provides recommendations for education researchers to support education and public health institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that researchers can provide research support to medical fields, synthesize and translate research for educational leaders, and develop timely professional development oppo...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJul 9, 2020

New evidence of long-term volcanic, seismic risks in northern Europe

Researchers have discovered ancient volcanic activity and subtle, unusual movements in the Earth's surface in the Eifel region of Germany, suggesting a greater risk to northwestern Europe. The study suggests that the region is an active volcanic system with significant seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateJul 9, 2020

Vulnerability for at-risk populations identified in US influenza data

A new influenza-monitoring system reveals critical biases in US disease surveillance, particularly among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. The study suggests that these disparities are linked to reduced access to healthcare and increase the risk of hospitalization for flu-related complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 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.