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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 30 of 41

Powering the future with revolutionary lithium extraction technique

A world-first study has patented a new filtration technique that can filter lithium ions in an ultra-fast and highly selective manner. The technology, developed by Monash University, has shown a lithium recovery rate of approximately 90 percent, a substantial improvement on the current solar evaporation process.

Spending on experiences versus possessions advances more immediate happiness

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that consumers derive more happiness from experiential purchases than material ones. The researchers recruited over 2,600 adults and monitored their emotions and purchasing behavior, discovering that happiness was higher for those who spent on experiences a...

Male size advantage drives evolution of sex change in reef fish

A new study finds that sequential hermaphroditism in reef fish evolves when larger males dominate mating territories, controlling mates and resources. This theory is supported by comparative analysis of 89 species of wrasses and parrotfishes with different mating systems.

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.

Violence faced by sexual minority adolescents

A new study has quantified the risk of physical and sexual violence faced by LGBTQ+ high school students in the US. The research found a significant association between sexual minority status and increased rates of violence, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Nutrient dilution and insect decline

A study by Ellen A. R. Welti and colleagues found that nutrient dilution in plants contributes to the decline of insect herbivores like grasshoppers. Climate cycles, such as El Niño Southern Oscillation, accounted for 40-54% of grasshopper population variation.

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.

Effects of the proposed SNAP eligibility changes

A new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute examines the potential effects of proposed SNAP eligibility changes on health and healthcare affordability. Researchers found that families at risk of losing benefits face high rates of chronic illness, poor health status, and financial challenges.

A new method to improve tropical cyclone intensity forecasts

A new method using Nonlinear Forcing Singular Vector (NFSV) reduces model error in numerical weather forecasting models. The approach identifies the uncertainty of variable and area most likely to cause large errors, enabling adaptive satellite observations to improve short-term forecasts.

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 flexible brain for AI

Scientists at Osaka University created a flexible computing device from field-programmable gate arrays, increasing circuit density by 12 times and reducing energy usage by 80%. This innovation may lead to custom machine learning hardware with enhanced performance and reduced electricity consumption.

From climate change awareness to action

A new study published in Energy and Environment found that despite high awareness of climate change, people are hesitant to take action due to differing worldviews. The study identifies four major worldviews influencing opinions on policy interventions and individual responsibility.

Atomic fingerprint identifies emission sources of uranium

A team of scientists has identified a new isotopic signature, 233U/236U, that distinguishes between environmental emissions from civil nuclear industry and weapons fallout. This discovery provides a promising tool for tracing ocean currents and understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.

More taxpayers' money for the environment and public benefit

EU Common Agricultural Policy is set to be revised, with over 3,600 researchers urging that scientific data be taken into consideration. The position paper proposes ten measures to improve the policy, including adequate funds for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effective protection of natural habitats.

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.

Learning empathy as a care giver takes more than experience

Research at Thomas Jefferson University shows that nursing students' pre-existing assumptions about poverty are not challenged by existing training, and that service learning may even be detrimental to building empathy. The study suggests that nurses need more education on reflecting on their role in combating societal stigma of poverty.

Stone-Age social networks

A study of ostrich eggshell bead exchange reveals that relationships among hunter-gatherer groups existed across hundreds of kilometers in late Middle Stone Age southern Africa. The size of the network provided access to high ecological diversity and offered a social strategy against scarcity.

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.

Cell biology -- maintaining mitochondrial resilience

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a signaling pathway enabling mitochondria to transmit distress signals to the surrounding cytosol. This pathway involves enzymes OMA1 and DELE1, which trigger cellular responses to stress, potentially opening new therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.

Cryo-EM reveals unexpected diversity of photosystems

Researchers discovered diverse forms of Photosystem I in cyanobacteria and algae, including a specialized dimer in Anabaena and a minimal form in Dunaliella. These findings suggest new energy pathways, pigment binding sites, and phospholipids, providing insight into photosynthesis beyond traditional textbook descriptions.

'Strange' glimpse into neutron stars and symmetry violation

Researchers at RHIC have made precision measurements of hypertriton and antihypertriton binding energy and mass, shedding light on symmetry violations in neutron stars. The results could have significant implications for understanding astrophysical phenomena involving strange quarks.

Babies born prematurely can catch up their immune systems, study finds

Researchers found that premature babies can catch up with their immune systems after birth, equivalent to those born at term. The study suggests that preterm and term infants converge in a similar time frame for immune development, and that early identification of infection risk can lead to improved outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fresh groundwater flow important for coastal ecosystems

Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater for crops and drinking water. A new computer model reveals that 20% of the world's sensitive coastal ecosystems are at risk due to groundwater flow carrying pollutants. Fresh groundwater can provide essential resources, but its high variability poses risks to local ecosystems.

Tax incentives for businesses could contribute to the decline of the middle class

A new study by West Virginia University researchers found that economic development incentives may contribute to the decline of middle-class jobs. The study examined the impact of tax breaks on employment trends in two cities, San Antonio and Birmingham, and found that incentivizing creative-class industries led to job losses in workin...

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.

Powering devices goes skin deep

Scientists have developed a method to recharge bioelectronic implants wirelessly using soft and flexible materials that absorb sound waves. The new technology could minimize surgical treatments and improve patient comfort. Researchers have successfully demonstrated the concept by charging devices with ultrasonic energy.

Modern women with heart disease need flexible lifestyle programs

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that women with heart disease often face barriers to cardiac rehabilitation due to lack of time, social support and transportation issues. The authors identified ways to modernize cardiac rehabilitation by offering enjoyable physical activities, flexible class tim...

Radar and ice could help detect an elusive subatomic particle

A new study detects ultra-high-energy neutrinos using radar echoes, a potential breakthrough in studying these elusive particles. Researchers at Ohio State University created an experiment that uses radio waves to detect the cascades of charged particles left by neutrino collisions.

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.

Exploring the deep tissues using photoacoustic imaging

A team of researchers has created a novel photoacoustic imaging method that can penetrate up to 3.4 cm into deep tissues using a nickel-based nanoparticle contrast agent. This advancement enables the visualization of deep organs without causing harm or using ionizing radiation, paving the way for improved clinical diagnosis and practices.

Neuroscientists discover new structure of important protein in the brain

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have successfully mapped a novel conformation of LeuT, a bacterial protein similar to neurotransmitter transporters. This discovery sheds light on the mechanism of these proteins and may lead to better drugs for treating conditions such as ADHD, depression, and epilepsy.

Older beetle parents 'less flexible'

Researchers found that younger females adapt their reproductive strategy based on the size of the carcass available, while older females consistently put high effort into reproduction. This age-dependent plasticity in parental care allows younger beetles to conserve resources for future reproductive opportunities.

Could cancer immunotherapy success depend on gut bacteria?

Researchers found that gut bacteria can accumulate within tumors and enhance the effectiveness of anti-CD47 immunotherapy. The study suggests that a probiotic might improve treatment outcomes, and identifying specific bacterial strains is crucial for future research.

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.

Showing robots how to do your chores

Researchers at MIT developed a system called PUnS that lets robots plan and perform complex tasks like setting a dinner table under uncertain conditions. The system enables robots to weigh multiple requirements and choose the most likely action, based on a 'belief' about probable specifications for the task.

Music intervention and mindfulness reduces the effect of mental fatigue

A new study found that music-intervention (binaural beats) and 4 weeks of daily mindfulness training significantly reduced the effect of mental fatigue on sustained attention. The experienced mindfulness group performed better than others, indicating that practicing mindfulness helps focus and handle stressful situations.

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.

$3 million grant may result in fewer unnecessary breast biopsies

Dartmouth engineers are developing a multi-modal breast imaging platform combining Microwave and Magnetic Resonance Imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce anxiety in patients. The approach aims to minimize unnecessary biopsies and eliminate the need for gadolinium contrast injection.

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.

How communication about environmental issues can bridge the political divide

A new study from Ohio State University suggests that communication about environmental issues can help bridge the political divide by appealing to moral foundations. The researchers found that conservative moral messaging was more effective at increasing support for transitioning away from fossil fuels among conservatives, especially w...

How drones can hear walls

Researchers have developed an algorithm that uses the transit time of sound waves to assign echoes to specific walls. The drone's six degrees of freedom are sufficient for optimal microphone placement, reducing ghost wall detection. This innovation opens a new pathway towards practical applications in various fields.

SARS influencing response to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic in Singapore

The article highlights key areas of review for diagnostic radiologists, vascular and interventional radiologists, nuclear medicine and molecular imaging specialists, as well as radiographers and nursing units. It emphasizes the need for rapid sharing of accurate information, infection prevention, and control knowledge, and emotional ma...

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.

Study: Cough that spreads tuberculosis has pain-linked trigger

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas identified a molecule that induces coughing in tuberculosis patients, providing a potential target for treatment and prevention. The discovery could help reduce the spread of TB, which kills over 1.3 million people worldwide annually.

New aerial image dataset to help provide farmers with actionable insights

Agriculture-Vision dataset enables farmers to analyze aerial images and gain actionable insights into crop performance. The dataset, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering and Intelinair, includes over 100,000 images from corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA satellite offers urban carbon dioxide insights

A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.

Confusing standards lead to extra sugar in kids' breakfast cereals

A new study found that breakfast cereals marketed to children often contain more sugar per ounce than intended due to inadequate industry guidelines. Many companies participating in self-regulation programs like CFBAI fail to promote lower-sugar options, leading parents to unknowingly consume excessive sugar.

Machine sucks up tiny tissue spheroids and prints them precisely

Researchers at Penn State developed a novel bioprinting technique that uses aspiration-assisted printing to place tiny tissue spheroids in precise locations, enabling the creation of homogeneous and heterocellular tissues. This method has potential applications in regenerative medicine, drug screening, and microphysiological systems.