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Science News for March 6, 2020


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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalTheranostics·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMar 6, 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.

$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.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateMar 6, 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 waves of 'clutches' in the motor cortex help our brains initiate movement

Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2020

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...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateMar 6, 2020

Moderate-to-high posttraumatic stress common after exposure to trauma, violence

Research by Yale School of Public Health reveals that over 30% of injury survivors experience moderate-to-severe PTSD symptoms within the first year. The study found factors such as physical assault, interpersonal violence, and lower educational attainment contribute to increased symptom severity.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry·DateMar 6, 2020

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...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateMar 6, 2020

Depressed, rural moms face greater health challenges--and so do their kids

Research reveals that mothers with chronic depression in poor rural communities experience increased health problems, distrusted doctors, and a worse outlook on life. Their children also suffer from emotional and behavioral issues due to lack of childcare options and support.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Family Social Work·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalCell·DateMar 6, 2020

Study reveals breast cancer cells shift their metabolic strategy to metastasize

Researchers have discovered that breast cancer cells change their metabolism to move to other parts of the body, a finding that could lead to new strategies for preventing the spread of cancer. This shift in metabolism may be targeted with drugs to prevent metastasis and improve survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 6, 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.

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Thinking in acids and bases

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a novel probe to measure changes in brain pH in mice during exposure to visual stimuli. The study reveals distinct patterns of pH changes in the primary visual cortex that correlate with specific visual stimulus patterns.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020

Machine learning illuminates material's hidden order

Physicists used a combination of ultrasound and machine learning to study uranium ruthenium silicide's phase transition at 17.5 kelvin. The machine-learning algorithm eliminated over half of the possible explanations, providing new insights into the material's behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Zywicki receives funding for CFPB task force

George Mason University's Todd J. Zywicki has received $226,944 from the CFPB to lead a task force on harmonizing and updating federal consumer financial laws. The project aims to improve and strengthen consumer financial laws and regulations by end of 2020.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateMar 6, 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.

A filter for cleaner qubits

A team at Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrates a new method to increase the lifetime of qubits, enabling faster cycle times and reduced noise. This could lead to practical quantum computing applications in fields like finance and chemistry.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 6, 2020

The impact of energy development on bird populations

A new study reveals energy development has negative impacts on sage-grouse reproduction, affecting their ability to nest and raise chicks. The study's findings emphasize the importance of preserving sagebrush habitats when positioning renewable and non-renewable energy projects to balance species conservation with energy demands.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateMar 6, 2020

Super magnets from a 3D printer

A team of researchers has successfully created super magnets using laser-based 3D printing, allowing for high-density magnet production with tailored magnetic properties. This breakthrough enables precise control over microstructure and geometric requirements, addressing the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalMaterials·DateMar 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A multi-dimensional optical storage medium: Photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic

Scientists have developed a new photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic medium for three-dimensional volumetric optical data storage, enabling expanded storage capacity and improved information security. The material's high transparency and controlled crystallization lead to a highly ordered nanostructure with low bit error rates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 6, 2020

The brain has two systems for thinking about others' thoughts

Researchers found that 4-year-olds can understand others' thoughts, but younger children can predict behavior based on surface-level cues. The brain has two distinct systems for perspective-taking, which mature at different ages.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2020

New imaging technique enables the study of 3D printed brain tumors

A new imaging technique allows researchers to study 3D printed brain tumors in unprecedented detail, revealing how treatments affect complex tumor cells. This method provides a more accurate evaluation of drug effectiveness than traditional methods, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastomas.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Individual response to COVID-19 'as important' as government action

Researchers stress that individual actions, such as self-isolation and social distancing, are key in controlling the pandemic. Governments can also take measures like banning large events and ensuring healthcare provision, but these must be balanced with economic considerations.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 6, 2020

Nanoscale 4D printing technique may speed development of new therapeutics

Researchers have developed a nanoscale 4D printing technique that combines nanolithography, microfluidics, and organic chemistry to create synthetic surfaces with precise structures and tailored chemical composition. This technology has potential applications in drug research, biosensor development, and advanced optics.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020
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.

Specialized helper cells contribute to immunological memory

Researchers have discovered that T follicular helper cells can persist for at least 400 days after infection, supporting antibody production even in late stages. This finding opens up new prospects for creating long-term acquired immunity through vaccination strategies.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 6, 2020

Making puffer fish toxin in a flask

Researchers have introduced a novel total synthesis method for tetrodotoxin, a strong nerve toxin with potential as a pain reliever for cancer treatment. The new route enables easy and reliable production of the compound.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2020

Comprehensive review of heterogeneously integrated 2D materials

Researchers from Sungkyunkwan University provide a comprehensive review of heterogeneously integrated two-dimensional materials, enabling the design of novel devices. The review discusses various 2D heterostructures, their physical characteristics, and new functional applications.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateMar 6, 2020

The complex biology behind your love (or hatred) of coffee

A study of 4,788 child-parent pairs and 2,380 siblings found that 36-58% of coffee intake is genetically determined, with environmental factors influencing the amount consumed. The correlation between parent's and offspring's coffee drinking increased with each quantile, suggesting a complex interplay between genetics and environment.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateMar 6, 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.

Dimming Betelgeuse likely isn't cold, just dusty, new study shows

Researchers at the University of Washington and Lowell Observatory found that Betelgeuse's surface temperature remains relatively stable despite recent dimming. The team calculated the average surface temperature of the star using a filter to 'dampen' its light, revealing a surface temperature of around 3,325 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

Argonne's pioneering user facility to add magic number factory

The Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS) is being upgraded with a new capability to produce beams of heavy atomic nuclei consisting of 126 neutrons, a 'magic number', for nuclear structure and astrophysics research. This upgrade will help scientists test a reigning theory on the formation of heavy elements.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateMar 6, 2020

Don't blame the messenger -- unless it's all stats and no story

A University at Buffalo researcher found that telling stories when communicating can make the speaker appear more warm and trustworthy, as opposed to speaking statistics. People rely on warmth and competence when forming impressions of someone, and previous research suggests scientists are perceived as smart but distant.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 6, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

World-first system forecasts warming of lakes globally

Scientists have developed a global system to predict future warming of lakes, which could threaten cold-water species like salmon and trout. By 2100, average lake temperature is expected to rise by 4 degrees Celsius under extreme climate change scenarios.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2020

Improving the vision of self-driving vehicles

A team from Deakin University in Australia developed an improved sight-correcting system for self-driving vehicles. By watching human operators complete tasks, the vehicles can learn to make decisions based on visual information, reducing the need for extensive training data.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 6, 2020

One species to four: New analysis documents new bird diversity in the Pacific

International team parses Pacific Robin populations across South Pacific islands into several distinct species, revealing complex relationships and major conservation implications. The study highlights the importance of understanding biodiversity units for effective conservation, particularly for small, isolated island populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateMar 6, 2020

Aggressive features in some small thyroid tumors increase the risk for metastasis

A study of 30,180 patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma found that nearly 20% had pathological signs of aggressive disease, increasing the risk of distant metastasis. The research emphasizes the need for new preoperative tests to identify high-risk tumors and thorough patient counseling on all treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2020

Alcohol marketing and underage drinking

A systematic review of 38 cross-sectional studies found a positive association between alcohol marketing exposure and young people's alcohol use behaviors. The researchers concluded that future policies should regulate alcohol marketing more strictly to reduce underage drinking and related problems.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateMar 6, 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.

Topology protects light propagation in photonic crystal

Researchers have successfully observed topologically protected light waves propagating along a special boundary in a photonic crystal, unaffected by sharp corners or imperfections. This breakthrough enables the development of optical chips with enhanced reliability and potential for quantum information transfer.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Scholars explore role of digital environments in international marketing

The Journal of International Marketing explores the impact of digital environments on international marketing, with research highlighting key trends and frameworks. Studies examine social media, global brand building, customer journeys, dark net markets, and more, shedding light on the latest developments in the field.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of International Marketing·DateMar 6, 2020

Biomarker in saliva predicts childhood obesity risk

A molecular marker in saliva is associated with childhood obesity emergence in preschool-aged Hispanic children. Salivary methylation of the NRF1 gene predicted childhood obesity three years later, even after controlling for maternal BMI and behavioral factors.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalBMC Medical Genetics·DateMar 6, 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.

Using technology during mealtimes may decrease food intake, study finds

Researchers found that participants who consumed a meal while playing a computer game ate significantly less than those who ate without distractions. The study also showed that the effect of distraction on food consumption can persist even after the initial distracted eating experience.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMar 6, 2020

What women really want

Researchers at the University of Göttingen investigated whether changes in a woman's menstrual cycle affect her preferences for men's behavior. The study found that women find all men slightly more attractive when fertile and perceive flirtier men as more attractive for short-term relationships, but less attractive for long-term ones. ...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Healthcare innovators focus on 'quality as a business strategy' -- update from Journal of Healthcare Quality

The Journal for Healthcare Quality has published a special issue on quality as a business strategy, featuring six innovative approaches to improving healthcare. These programs include improving clinical documentation, assessing the costs of pressure injuries, and implementing bundled payments for joint replacement.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateMar 6, 2020

Argonne's Valerii Vinokur awarded Fritz London Prize

Valerii Vinokur, a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, has made significant contributions to understanding topological properties of matter and their related phase transitions. His research has enabled the discovery of novel superinsulating states of matter in disordered superconducting films.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateMar 6, 2020

Recovering phosphorus from corn ethanol production can help reduce groundwater pollution

Researchers developed a process to recover 80-90% of phosphorus from dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), reducing excess phosphorus in manure and minimizing algae production. The process is estimated to add $1 million annually in revenue for ethanol plants, while improving environmental sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalCereal Chemistry·DateMar 6, 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.

Endangered species on supermarket shelves

A study published in Science Advances found nearly 50% of retail eel products in Hong Kong supermarkets contained endangered European eel. The investigation exposed a surprising prevalence of illegally traded glass eels from Europe, posing a significant threat to the species' survival.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020

Damaging impacts of warming moderated by migration of rainfed crops

A new study finds that warming temperatures have been substantially mitigated by the migration of rainfed corn, wheat, and rice. However, continued migration may result in significant environmental costs, including biodiversity loss and increased carbon emissions.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 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.

Space lettuce

Researchers at Kennedy Space Center successfully grew red romaine lettuce in space onboard the International Space Station, demonstrating its safety and nutritional value. The study found that space-grown lettuce was similar to Earth-grown controls in terms of composition but showed increased levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMar 6, 2020

Gut bacteria can penetrate tumors and aid cancer therapy, study suggests

Researchers found that Bifidobacteria accumulate in tumors and activate the stimulation of interferon genes pathway, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy of CD47 immunotherapy. Supplementation with Bifidobacteria improved treatment response in mice with previously non-responsive tumors.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 6, 2020

Fire from the sky

Researchers discover cosmic impact evidence at Abu Hureyra archaeological site in northern Syria, dating back to the earliest human settlement. The impact is believed to have caused destruction and burning of the settlement nearly 12,800 years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2020

Lunar lasers and cosmic crops: NASA funds UArizona space exploration missions

Researchers at the University of Arizona are working with NASA to develop new methods for harvesting water from the lunar surface using lasers. The mission aims to create a system that can efficiently extract water and nutrients from the lunar environment, enabling sustainable food production in space. With the help of tiny satellites ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMar 6, 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.