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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 48

Metasurface opens world of polarization

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences designed a metasurface that can continuously tune from linear to elliptical birefringence, opening up the entire space of polarization control with just one device.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pinpointing the origins of Jerusalem's Temple Mount

A recent study using radiocarbon dating and microarchaeology has pinpointed the construction dates of Wilson's Arch on Jerusalem's Temple Mount to between 20 BC and 60 AD during Herod the Great's reign. This new timeline resolves a long-standing debate about the entrance to the holiest site in Jerusalem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2020

Penn State researchers evaluate 2020 Census data privacy changes

A Penn State research team examined the effects of differential privacy on mortality rates in 2010, revealing dramatic changes in population counts for racial and ethnic minorities. The findings highlight concerns about data accuracy, funding allocations, and understated health risks in some areas.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2020
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 broken mirror: Can parity violation in molecules finally be measured?

Researchers at PRISMA+ Cluster of Excellence and Helmholtz Institute Mainz propose a realistic path to demonstrating parity violation in molecules. They develop a special NMR measurement variable and carry out complex theoretical analyses to calculate the expected effect within the molecule.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJun 3, 2020

Researchers develop sustainable method for extracting vanillin from wood processing waste

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new sustainable method to extract vanillin from lignin, reducing toxic waste and increasing commercial viability. The process uses electrolytic depolymerization in caustic soda, producing high-quality vanillin with a yield of around four percent.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 3, 2020

Ultra-bright X-ray source awakens near a galaxy not so far away

A team of Indian scientists has detected a broad-energy X-ray pulsation in the new source, classifying it as an ultra-luminous X-ray pulsar (ULXP). The object is thought to be a neutron star with a rotation period of up to 100 times per second.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 3, 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.

Largest, oldest Maya monument suggests importance of communal work

The newly discovered Aguada Fénix site in Mexico's Tabasco state is the largest and oldest known Mayan monument, constructed between 1,000 to 800 B.C. The site suggests that the Maya civilization developed more rapidly than previously thought and had less social inequality than later periods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2020

Here be methane: Skoltech scientists investigate the origins of a gaping permafrost crater

Researchers from Skoltech studied a 20-meter wide and 20-meter deep crater in the Yamal Peninsula that formed after an explosive release of gas, mostly methane, from the permafrost. They found that the strongly negative δ13C ratio of methane pointed to a biogenic source, while other ratios suggested a deeper thermogenic source.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalGeosciences·DateJun 3, 2020

Study demonstrates association between exposure to air pollution and vascular damage

A study published in Environment International found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon increases the risk of vascular damage in people living in India. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals, showed a non-linear association between PM2.5 exposure and vascular injury.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 3, 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.

JCESR lays foundation for safer, longer-lasting batteries

Researchers at JCESR are working on enhancing ion conductivity in solid-state electrolytes using the paddlewheel effect. This can lead to faster and more stable battery performance, eliminating thermal runaway reactions that cause fires.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateJun 3, 2020

New Papua New Guinea research solves archaeological mysteries

New research at the 'Joe's Garden' site in Papua New Guinea reveals insights into past subsistence patterns, including the consumption of starchy plants like tree nuts and tubers. The findings confirm the long-term survival of these microfossils in an equatorial context.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Holocene·DateJun 3, 2020

Graphene and 2D materials could move electronics beyond 'Moore's Law'

Researchers have made significant advancements in graphene spintronics, enabling the efficient creation, transport, and detection of spin information. This field holds promise for applications in quantum computation, space communication, and high-speed radio links.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJun 3, 2020
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.

Tracking cancer's immortality factor

Researchers successfully tagged telomerase with fluorescent molecules, revealing its two-step binding mode to chromosomes. The study also shows how telomerase mutation promotes tumorigenesis, offering a new target for therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 3, 2020

Women at lower risk for cardiovascular disease than men

A study of over 160,000 participants in 27 countries found that women have a more favorable risk pattern for cardiovascular disease. Women had lower blood pressure and healthier blood fat levels, and were less likely to smoke, which contributed to their lower risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 3, 2020

New method predicts spin dynamics of materials for quantum computing

Researchers developed a new computational tool to predict spin dynamics in materials, enabling rapid design and identification of suitable materials for quantum computing applications. The approach has been applied to various materials, including silicon, iron, graphene, molybdenum disulfide, and gallium nitride, with promising results.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2020

Children improve their narrative performance with the help of rhythmic gestures

A study found that children who used rhythmic gestures while narrating improved their oral narrative skills in terms of structure and fluency. The research suggests that body movements play a crucial role in language development, and multimodal training can enhance oral storytelling abilities.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateJun 3, 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.

Engineered T cells for type 1 diabetes move closer to clinic

Researchers have developed a therapy using engineered T cells to target and treat type 1 diabetes by restoring balance in the pancreas. The treatment involves genetically engineering a patient's own T cells to function like normal regulatory T cells, which then help suppress the overactive immune response.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 3, 2020

How bacteria fertilize soya

Researchers have discovered that the symbiotic relationship between plants and rhizobia is more complex than previously thought, with plants actively trying to exploit the bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The study sheds light on how soya and clover harness bacterial nitrogen fixation, a process that could be applied to other crops.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 3, 2020

'Unparalleled' discovery of ancient skeletons sheds light on mystery of when people started eating maize

The discovery of well-preserved ancient skeletons in Belize has provided new insights into the introduction of maize as a key part of people's diets in Central America. The study shows that maize became a major food source around 4,700 years ago, with its consumption increasing over time and eventually becoming a staple crop.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Vision loss influences perception of sound

Research from Anglia Ruskin University's Vision and Eye Research Institute found that people with severe vision loss can less accurately judge the distance of nearby sounds. This impairment may put them at risk of injury in real-life situations.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 3, 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.

Your doctor's ready: Please log in to the videoconference

A new study suggests that video visits may become a permanent feature of the patient-provider landscape due to the coronavirus pandemic. The study found that patients with eating disorders required significant workarounds to provide regular monitoring of weight and vital signs.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJun 3, 2020

New test of dark energy and expansion from cosmic structures

A new study has provided precise tests of dark energy and cosmic expansion by analyzing the distribution of galaxies in the Universe. The research uses a combination of cosmic voids and baryon acoustic oscillations, yielding more accurate results than previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 3, 2020
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.

Clinical trials in the era of digital engagement: A SWOG call to action

The SWOG Cancer Research Network is sparking discussion and creating consensus on how cancer clinical trial stakeholders can best interact on social platforms. The growing role of social media in raising awareness about trials and boosting accrual highlights both promises and challenges, including legal, ethical, and logistical hurdles.

SourceSWOG·DateJun 3, 2020

Innocent and highly oxidizing

Researchers at University of Freiburg developed a novel, stable oxidizing agent that overcomes common disadvantages of existing oxidants. The new reagent allows for the synthesis of reactive species in standard laboratory solvents and has broad applicability in inorganic, organic chemistry, electrochemical research.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 2020

Next-generation cockroach-inspired robot is small but mighty

Researchers at Harvard have developed HAMR-JR, a half-scale cockroach-inspired microrobot that can run, jump, carry heavy payloads, and turn on a dime. The tiny robot, about the size of a penny, boasts unprecedented dexterity and speed, defying conventional design limitations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateJun 3, 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.

Cognitive behavior therapy tops other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation

A review of 56 randomized clinical trials found that cognitive behavior therapy is superior to other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. CBT was most effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 3, 2020

Anisotropy of spin-lattice relaxations in molecular magnets

Scientists investigated how dynamic magnetic properties of individual molecular magnets change with orientation in a magnetic field. They found strong anisotropy, which is crucial for building functional quantum computer components.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 3, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Slow easing of lockdowns may be better for global economy

A new modelling study suggests that a cautious approach to easing lockdown restrictions can be better for the global economy in the long run. The study found that shorter, stricter lockdowns minimize supply chain impacts, while gradually easing measures over 12 months may also be less disruptive.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 3, 2020

Discrimination may erase 'birthweight advantage' of black US immigrants in one generation

A recent study published by Princeton University researchers reveals that the 'healthy immigrant' effect experienced by foreign-born black women is lost within a single generation due to discrimination and inequality. In contrast, foreign-born Hispanic women maintain a modest advantage in birthweight across generations.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalEpidemiology·DateJun 3, 2020

Study finds PFAS exposure may cause early menopause in women

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that PFAS exposure may cause menopause to occur two years earlier in women. High levels of PFAS were associated with an increased risk of early menopause, which could have significant impacts on cardiovascular and bone health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 3, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ocean uptake of CO2 could drop as carbon emissions are cut

A new study suggests that the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide will slow down as global emissions decrease, due to the slowed growth rate of atmospheric CO2. This could lead to a decrease in ocean carbon uptake and an increase in atmospheric CO2, contributing to additional warming.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalAGU Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Living near oil and gas wells tied to low birth weights in infants

A study of nearly 3 million California births found that living near active oil and gas wells may increase the risk of low birth weight babies, with rural residents being more affected. The study also found a slightly increased risk of small for gestational age babies in urban areas.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJun 3, 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.

Studies of brain activity aren't as useful as scientists thought

Researchers found that functional MRI measurements are highly suspect for predicting individual brain patterns, leading them to shift focus to brain structure measures instead. The study's findings have significant implications for the field of fMRI research, highlighting the need for more reliable methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 3, 2020

Experts debate saturated fat consumption guidelines for Americans

Researchers disagree on whether reducing saturated fat intake can lower rates of heart disease, with some arguing that the evidence is inconclusive and others citing a strong link between saturated fats and increased LDL cholesterol levels. Experts caution against replacing foods high in saturated fat with added sugars and refined carb...

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 3, 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.

Unique cells found in lung cancer patients may predict survival

Researchers identified a type of cell fusion between cancer cells and white blood cells called tumor-macrophage fusion (TMF), where the size and number of TMFs may predict disease-free survival. Larger TMFs were linked to shorter disease-free survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJun 3, 2020

Pioneer of modern datacenter design receives Eckert-Mauchly Award

Barroso's designs paired inexpensive hardware with powerful distributed systems software to dramatically change system design. His work led to the development of hyperscale datacenters and has had a significant impact on industry, resulting in reduced hardware and operating costs.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 3, 2020
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.

COVID-19 spurs increase in self-care, new survey shows

A new survey found that 80% of U.S. adults will prioritize self-care after the pandemic, while nearly half report struggling to maintain their physical and mental health. The study highlights the need for a robust healthcare system to promote healthy habits and support self-care.

SourceThe Reis Group·DateJun 3, 2020