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Science News Archive June 2020


Page 47 of 48

Mice are shrinking, but are climate change and cities to blame?

Researchers analyzed 70 years of records on North American deer mouse population trends, finding a general decrease in mass over time, despite expected links to climate and urbanization. Urban areas showed shorter mice with similar body mass, hinting at complex relationships between environmental factors and mammalian adaptation.

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.

AI stock trading experiment beats market in simulation

Researchers developed a novel AI-managed trading strategy that outperforms traditional methods, achieving greater gains and fewer losses. The proposed system utilizes convolutional neural networks to analyze layered images of current and past market data, leading to more accurate predictions and reduced randomness.

Dieting? Studies weigh in on opportunities and risks

Research highlights the importance of balancing healthy eating with nutrient-dense diets to avoid deficiencies. A new study also links weight loss diets to a higher risk of orthorexia nervosa, while another study suggests that gut microbes may play a role in predicting weight loss success.

Clever computing puts millions into charities' hands

A new model called Swiftaid has been developed to automate the process of claiming Gift Aid on donations, allowing charities to claim up to £2.50 for every £10 donated. This system uses formal methods to improve design and security, streamlining the process and unlocking millions in extra funding.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Playing video games linked with unhealthy behaviors for college men

A new study suggests that college men who play video games are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as poor eating habits and reduced physical activity. The research found that gamers consumed more saturated fat and sodium, while engaging in less fruit and vegetable consumption.

Kirigami grips could help seniors keep their footing

Researchers at Harvard and MIT have developed pop-up shoe grips inspired by snake skin that increase friction between the shoe and ground. These assistive grips could significantly reduce the risk of falls among older adults and improve the mobility of all-terrain robots.

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.

Latest climate models show more intense droughts to come

New climate model projections indicate that droughts will become longer and more frequent globally, particularly in regions like the Amazon, Mediterranean, and southern Africa. The study's findings suggest that variability in rainfall is a key factor in predicting future drought intensity.

Snowball Earth and Great Oxidation Event

Researchers determined that the Great Oxidation Event occurred within a time interval spanning the Paleoproterozoic Era's two sedimentary formations. The study suggests the GOE predated global glaciation, contrary to previous assumptions.

Eating whole grains could help lower diabetes risk

A large analysis of over 200,000 people found that high-quality carbohydrates like whole grains are associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Researchers also discovered that replacing low-quality carbohydrates with saturated fats is linked to a reduced risk of developing the condition.

Academic emergency departments are always open to all who need care

Academic emergency departments have a legal, historical, and ethical obligation to provide safe evaluation and care to anyone in need. The Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) prohibits EDs from turning away patients, ensuring access to medical screening and care for all 120 million ED visitors annually.

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.

Like a treasure map, brain region emphasizes reward location

Researchers at the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory discovered that the lateral septum tracks rewards with an emphasis on location. This brain region plays a crucial role in filtering and converting raw information about location into reward-specific output.

Disorder in fish shoals may reap rewards at dinner time

Research by the University of Bristol found that certain fish perform better in disordered groups due to their increased alertness and ability to detect food sources. This challenges the traditional view of orderly group behavior as always beneficial for foraging, highlighting individual diversity as a key factor.

A boost for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at MIT create nanoparticles that stimulate the immune system, making cancer immunotherapy more powerful. By combining these particles with checkpoint inhibitors, they achieved a synergistic effect that halted tumor growth and even stopped tumors from spreading.

Researchers identify a moving target in small cell lung tumors

Scientists have made a breakthrough discovery in understanding small cell lung cancer, finding that it can change and adapt to evade treatments. The study suggests that the tumor is like a 'moving target' that requires multiple treatments to be effective.

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.

Ancient genomes link subsistence change and human migration in northern China

A team of researchers sequenced 55 ancient genomes from northern China, finding correlations between genetic changes and subsistence strategy shifts. The study reveals that the West Liao River region experienced significant genetic changes over time, while the Yellow River showed a general stability but received genetic contributions f...

Climate action goes digital

A team of scientists suggests a digital COP26-Part 1 to complement the traditional event, ensuring transparency and accessibility. The proposal includes announcing unilateral pledges on ambitious national climate plans and initiatives to strengthen communities' resilience.

New effective treatment for inflammatory diseases found

Researchers have discovered a novel drug that selectively controls excessive inflammation, a key driver of conditions like osteoarthritis and COVID-19. APPA demonstrates anti-inflammatory potential without compromising the body's ability to fight off infections.

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.

The hidden underwater map of the past

A study by the University of the Basque Country reveals 12 former coastlines under the sea off the Basque coast, formed due to major climate changes and fluctuations in sea levels. The researchers used advanced technology to create 3D maps of the seabed, showing irregularly distributed rocky platforms that had not been predefined.

Does estrogen influence alcohol use disorder?

A recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that high estrogen levels may increase feelings of reward in response to alcohol in female mice. The research suggests that treatment for alcohol use disorder may be more effective if sex differences are considered.

Across the cell membrane

Research by Liao Chen reveals significant differences between simple and realistic models of aquaporins and glucose transporters, leading to a better understanding of their biological functions. The study's findings have implications for diseases such as de Vivo's syndrome and multiple forms of cancer.

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.

UNH Space Science Center offers out of this world experience

The Student Collaboration Project aims to diversify the field of space science by providing undergraduate and graduate students with a firsthand research experience. Students will design, build, and launch CubeSats that collect data on the Earth's upper atmosphere.

Rice scientist goes deep to improve environmental tracers

Laurence Yeung's research aims to unify theory and experiments on oxygen isotopes to improve estimates of primary productivity in the oceans. He also seeks to resolve interlaboratory discrepancies and study biosphere productivity over a billion years.

COVID-19 outbreak lasts days longer for each day's delay in social distancing

A study of 58 cities found that each day's delay in implementing social distancing measures added 2.4 days to the outbreak duration. Early intervention can save lives and reduce transmission by acting quickly upon signs of resurgence. The findings have implications for US cities, particularly those with high rapid transmission rates.

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.

Mobile phone data and sustainable development

Research using 113,620 women's data found mobile phone ownership increased household decision-making power and HIV knowledge. Worldwide mobile phone adoption also linked to decreased gender inequality and mortality rates.

The Milky Way has one very hot halo, astronomers find

Researchers at Ohio State University found that the halo surrounding the Milky Way galaxy is much hotter than initially thought, with temperatures reaching up to 10 million degrees Kelvin. This new discovery could help astronomers understand how galaxies form and grow, as well as the elements that contribute to these halos.

OU College of Medicine awarded $11 million grant to study infections

The OU College of Medicine has been awarded a $11 million federal grant to create the Oklahoma Center for Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunity. The center will focus on researching various types of infections, including fungal, bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, and how the immune system recognizes and destroys them.

The human factor limits hope of climate fixes

A new laboratory experiment reveals that climate geoengineering can lead to increased inequalities and economic losses, particularly when countries employ 'free driving' strategies. The study also found high strategic uncertainty and miscoordination among countries through counter-geoengineering solutions.

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.

WVU researchers tap into wood for protection against COVID-19

Researchers at West Virginia University are developing reusable, environmentally friendly mask filters using wood-derived materials to address PPE shortages. The filters, made from polylactic acid, nanocellulose, and nano copper, aim to prevent viruses and microorganisms from penetrating masks.

Tracking fossil fuel emissions with carbon-14

Researchers estimate national fossil-fuel-derived CO2 emissions by observing carbon-14 in air samples. The new method uses a model of atmospheric transport to disentangle CO2 variations from natural sources, providing an independent and objective estimate.

New NiMH batteries perform better when made from recycled old NiMH batteries

Researchers at Stockholm University developed a new recycling method for NiMH batteries, which improves their performance and reduces production costs by up to 95%. The process involves mechanical washing and separation of reusable electrode material, making it easier and cheaper than traditional battery recycling methods.

People with Type 1 diabetes spend $2,500 a year in health care costs

A new study finds that people with Type 1 diabetes spend an average of $2,500 a year on healthcare costs, with diabetes-related supplies costing more than insulin. The study also highlights the importance of automating glucose monitoring and insulin delivery for young children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.

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.

Aiming for an enduring relationship

Recent research suggests that a higher degree of readiness is associated with higher commitment to a relationship. Readiness also predicts relationship maintenance beyond commitment, but surprisingly, it's also linked to less loyalty. The study found that individuals who feel more ready may prioritize relationships over other issues an...

Climate change an imminent threat to glass sponge reefs

A long-term lab study reveals that climate change is drastically reducing the skeletal strength and filter-feeding capacity of glass sponges. The findings indicate that ongoing climate change could have serious, irreversible impacts on these sprawling reefs in the Pacific Northwest.

An MRI technique has been developed to improve the detection of tumors

A new MRI technique has been developed to improve the detection of tumors by enhancing the accuracy of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements. The technique uses a phantom designed to assess imaging quality and simulate hindered and restricted diffusion, allowing for more precise tumor differentiation.

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.

Blockchain to the rescue of small publishers

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology developed a blockchain prototype system for digital rights management and royalty distribution, creating new revenue streams for small publishers. The project enabled micro-payments via smart contracts to creative professionals involved in the writing and publishing process.

Thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy being overdiagnosed, overtreated

Researchers found TSH testing performed on most pregnant women without thyroid disease, leading to unnecessary thyroid hormone therapy. The study suggests that minor elevations in TSH may not require treatment, raising concerns about overmedicalization during pregnancy.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A good egg: Robot chef trained to make omelettes

A team of engineers at the University of Cambridge has successfully trained a robot chef to prepare an omelette using machine learning, with improved taste and texture. The robot's culinary skills were refined to produce a reliable dish that meets human standards, overcoming the subjective nature of cooking.

Army Research Laboratory supporting Texas A&M research on armor performance

A Texas A&M University research project, led by Dr. Justin Wilkerson, aims to identify the damaging effects of vacancies in aluminum's atomic structure on ballistic performance. The study uses supercomputing facilities to calculate changes due to vacancies over time and may lead to improved armor materials for the US Army.

These flexible feet help robots walk faster

Researchers created flexible feet using coffee grounds and structures inspired by nature, allowing robots to walk up to 40% faster and grip better on various terrains. The new design outperforms traditional robot feet in adapting to natural environments.

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.

A remote control for neurons

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University develop a novel material called NT-3DFG, which enables remote optical stimulation of neurons without genetic modification or cellular stress. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding cell interactions and developing new therapies that harness the human body's own cells.

Genetic cause of difference in sexual development uncovered

Researchers at The Francis Crick Institute identified a genetic cause of testicular tissue developing in people with female chromosomes. They found that mutations affecting the Wilms' Tumor 1 (WT1) gene lead to an imbalance that favors male testis development.

Long-term use of rituximab associated with lower rates of AAV relapse

A randomized trial found that extended rituximab infusions were associated with lower relapse rates in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Long-term rituximab use is considered an effective and probably safe treatment option for patients with AAV, according to the study's findings.