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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 17 of 41

Ethylene sensor could help monitor plant health

Researchers developed an easy-to-use sensor that can sensitively detect changes in ethylene levels, a key hormone in plant health. The sensor uses a network of single-walled carbon nanotubes to monitor fluctuations in ethylene gas levels, with high sensitivity suitable for monitoring plants in the field.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To prevent tick encounters, where you dump your leaves matters

A new study suggests that raking leaves just out to forest edges can result in a three-fold increase in blacklegged ticks. Homeowners can reduce tick habitats by removing leaves from high-use areas, composting them, or taking advantage of municipal curbside leaf pickup.

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.

How gene therapy may hold key to treating life-threatening cardiac disease

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel way to treat Danon disease using gene therapy, adding a specially designed gene that restores LAMP2 function. The treatment improved cardiac and liver function in mice with the disease, offering a new approach beyond heart transplants.

New COVID-19 info for gastroenterologists and patients

Key information for gastroenterologists and patients with chronic digestive conditions about COVID-19 includes prioritizing patient safety and maintaining medication regimens. Laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients also include liver function test abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring.

Access to forbidden rings

Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new technique for creating chains of molecular rings that do not use standard chemical interactions but instead contact with large molecular surfaces. This discovery helps answer an old contradiction in classical chemistry and provides new prospects for molecular cyclization.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Trauma relapse in a novel context may be preventable

A Korea Brain Research Institute study found that the posterior parietal cortex plays a role in fear renewal in novel contexts. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and fear-related disorders.

Shedding light on optimal materials for harvesting sunlight underwater

Researchers at New York University develop guidelines for optimal band gap values in wide-band gap semiconductors for efficient underwater use. Various materials, such as organic and alloys, are shown to be suitable for deep waters, potentially extending the range of autonomous submersible vehicles.

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.

Supercomputers unlock reproductive mysteries of viruses and life

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study viral reproduction and DNA replication mechanisms. They discovered that twisting stress in protein filaments plays a key role in creating membrane deformations, which is crucial for virus release and cellular processes.

Sugar brings a lot of carbon dioxide into the deeper sea

Researchers found that laminarin plays a central role in the marine carbon cycle, storing an average of 12 gigatons of carbon annually. The study also revealed that laminarin comprises 50% of organic carbon in sinking diatom-containing particles.

Ancient fish fossil reveals evolutionary origin of the human hand

A 1.57-meter long ancient Elpistostege fish fossil found in Canada has yielded the missing evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods, revealing a humerus (arm), radius, ulna, carpus, and phalanges organized in digits (fingers). The discovery pushes back the origin of digits in vertebrates to the fish level.

How does an intersex bee behave?

Researchers discovered a Megalopta gynandromorph, exhibiting both male and female characteristics. The bee's activity patterns closely resembled those of females, with higher intensity periods during the day.

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.

Getting too little -- or too much -- sleep may be bad for the heart

Research found that sleeping seven or eight hours a night is associated with lower evidence of arterial stiffness and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, both short and long sleep durations were linked to increased plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A balanced sleep pattern may be key to maintaining cardiovascular health.

New details revealed on how plants maintain optimal sperm-egg ratio

A team of UMass Amherst biologists discovered how plants maintain an optimal sperm-egg ratio by controlling the environment in their ovules. FERONIA regulates a gene that interacts with pectin, a sugar polymer in cell walls, to create a receptive environment for pollen tubes and prevent polyspermy.

Having a low birthweight baby may increase risk for early heart failure

A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...

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.

New technique has potential to protect oranges from citrus greening

Researchers identified peptides that trigger immune responses in multiple plant species, including citrus, potentially preventing or reducing yield loss from citrus greening. This discovery offers a new hope for the devastated citrus industry, where no resistant varieties are available and limited disease control measures exist.

Proximity of hospitals to mass shootings in US

Nontrauma center hospitals are disproportionately close to mass shootings in the US, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The researchers found that these hospitals were the nearest to most of the mass shootings that occurred in 2019, with an average distance of just 1.8 miles.

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.

Where you live may influence your baby's behavior

Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.

Closing the carbon cycle to stop climate change

Researchers at TIFR create metal-free catalyst that converts CO2 to methane with excellent productivity and selectivity. The catalyst is recyclable and shows significant increase in production rate after regeneration cycles.

Alzheimer's disease: Inflammation triggers fatal cycle

Researchers discovered that an immune reaction in the brain adds fuel to the fire of inflammation, leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The microglia cells' activation of inflammasomes makes degradation of Aß proteins more difficult, creating a devastating process.

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.

Model simulator helps researchers map complex physics phenomena

A Cornell-led collaboration has successfully created a solid-state platform to simulate the Hubbard model in two dimensions, mapping a longstanding conundrum in physics: the phase diagram of the triangular lattice Hubbard model. The team observed a Mott insulating state and mapped the system's magnetic phase diagram.

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.

Bad sleep habits can depress teens

A study by Flinders University found that bad sleep habits in teenagers are linked to negative thoughts, perfectionism, and an increased risk of depression. The researchers recommend alternative treatments for repetitive negative thinking and perfectionism, including encouraging regular bedtime routines and limiting screen time.

Patient navigators cut ER visits, hospitalization for high risk health care users

A study by TTUHSC investigators found that an interprofessional patient navigation program reduced emergency room visits and hospital admissions among high-risk patients. The program, which used DSRIP guidelines, resulted in a significant decrease in hospital utilization, with participants experiencing 1.13 ER visits per year compared ...

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.

Kidney injury risks higher for hospitalized pregnant women

A new study found that hospitalized pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), with black and Native American women at increased risk. The study also suggests that awareness and detection of AKI may be contributing to the rising rates of kidney damage in pregnant women.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hollow-core fiber technology closes in on mainstream optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a significant leap in hollow-core fibre performance, enabling faster data transmission rates and reducing latency. The new technology has shown a 50% reduction in attenuation and a doubling of maximum transmission length compared to conventional glass fibres.

Engineered botox is more potent and safer in mice

A new study engineered a form of botulinum toxin B with improved binding to nerve cells, increasing potency and reducing diffusion into surrounding tissue. The modified toxin demonstrated enhanced therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects.

Predicting reaction results: Machines learn chemistry

Researchers at University of Münster develop AI tool to predict reaction outcomes using molecular structures, enabling accurate predictions for yields and stereoselectivities. The model can be applied to diverse reactions and is expected to significantly change the approach to chemical syntheses.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Immunotherapy combo achieves reservoir shrinkage in HIV model

Researchers at Emory University have achieved significant shrinkage of the viral reservoir in SIV-infected nonhuman primates using a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. However, this approach does not prevent or delay viral rebound when antiviral drugs are stopped. The findings have important implications for HIV cure research.

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.

Innovative NICU training lauded as 'best article' by national journal

A NICU training program at Children's National Hospital has been recognized for its innovative approach to emergency evacuation preparedness. The program, led by Lisa Zell and Lamia Soghier, involves periodic evacuation simulations and has been named the 'best article' by The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

Composing new proteins with artificial intelligence

Researchers use machine learning to translate protein structures into musical scores, generating new proteins with unique properties. The method has the potential to design entirely new biomaterials and improve existing enzymes.

Observed 'gateway' effect of e-cigarettes among teens 'likely to be small'

Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.