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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 41

Composite metal foams take the heat, move closer to widespread applications

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated that composite metal foams can withstand extreme temperatures, passing the simulated pool fire test with flying colors. The material's performance was predicted using a model developed by the team, which showed accurate results within 10 degrees Celsius.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Thermal Sciences·DateMar 19, 2020

The right dose of geoengineering could reduce climate change risks

A new study by UCL and Harvard researchers found that halving warming by adding aerosols to the stratosphere could moderate important climate hazards in almost all regions, with only a small fraction experiencing increased climate change. The approach should be considered as a complementary measure to emissions cuts.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 19, 2020

New drug combination passes safety test in pancreatic cancer

A new study found that a novel peptide antagonist given in combination with a PD-1 inhibitor is safe and well-tolerated in patients with advanced, refractory pancreatic and rectal cancer. The highest dose tested resulted in no adverse events leading to the recommendation for use in future trials.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Pancreatic Cancer·DateMar 19, 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.

Seductive details inhibit learning

A meta-analysis of 58 studies involving over 7,500 students found that seductive details can lower learning outcome measures. The analysis suggests that students' attention is diverted towards irrelevant information, leading to decreased performance. However, good details can still engage students if they are pertinent to the topic.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMar 19, 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.

UC identifies populations most at risk of opiate addiction

Researchers found that white men between 30 and 39 are most at risk of fatal overdoses, followed by black men ages 30 to 39. The study identified 12 clusters or hot zones across Ohio where opiate-related mortalities are highest.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020

Nature-inspired green energy technology clears important development hurdle

A team of scientists has developed a nature-inspired design for artificial photosynthesis, capable of generating large sources of renewable energy using CO2. The system consists of nanoscale tubes that mimic the structure of living photosynthetic cells, allowing for efficient conversion of sunlight into fuel.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 19, 2020
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.

NTU scientists transform ultra-tough pollen into flexible material

Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a way to turn pollen into soft and flexible microgel particles, which could serve as building blocks for new eco-friendly materials. The resulting pollen-based particles show promise for applications such as wound dressing, prosthetics, and implantable electronics.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2020

Nurse practitioner clinical settings key to delivery of patient-centered care

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that organizational supports for nurse practitioners enhance their ability to deliver patient-centered care. NPs working in good practice environments were more likely to integrate patient preferences into care compared to those in mixed or poor environments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalThe Journal for Nurse Practitioners·DateMar 19, 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.

Symmetry-enforced three-dimension Dirac phononic crystals

Researchers have created a 3D phononic crystal that hosts symmetry-enforced Dirac points at the Brillouin zone corners. These points exhibit conical dispersion and vanishing density of states around them, making the material an ideal platform for simulating relativistic Dirac physics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020

A nanoscale laser made of gold and zinc oxide

Researchers have created a nanoscale laser made of gold and zinc oxide, which can precisely localize and amplify incident laser light. The hybrid nanomaterial has the potential to be used as ultrafast optical switches or transistors in future optical computers.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 19, 2020

SIOP recognizes Mahima Saxena with Humanitarian Award

Mahima Saxena, PhD, has been honored with the SIOP Humanitarian Award for her sustained efforts in improving lives through I-O science. Her research focuses on marginalized workers and has influenced public health policies and policy recommendations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eating more protein could help ward off atrial fibrillation in women

A study of over 99,000 postmenopausal women found that consuming 58-74 grams of protein per day significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Increasing protein intake by 10-20 grams daily can potentially lower this risk and has implications for cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 19, 2020

Glucagon receptor structures reveal G protein specificity mechanism

The study provides detailed molecular maps of interaction patterns between a GPCR and different G protein subtypes, revealing key features that govern G protein specificity. The sixth transmembrane helix adopts a similar outward shift in the two G protein-bound GCGR structures, forming a common binding cavity to accommodate Gs and Gi.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020

Shedding light on how much carbon tropical forests can absorb

New research by IIASA reveals that tropical forest ecosystems' strength as global carbon sinks depends on multiple interacting factors, including species diversity, soil type, and climate. The study found that abiotic and biotic factors interact to determine the amount of carbon stored by the ecosystem.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 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.

Learning to synthesize: Robust phase retrieval at low photon counts

The Learning to Synthesize (LS-DNN) approach splits input signals into low and high spatial frequency bands, enabling deep neural networks to process and synthesize them. The algorithm is robust in handling noisy intensity signals, making it suitable for applications like x-rays and sonograms.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020

Social policies might not only improve economic well-being, but also health

A comprehensive review of US social policies found that early life and education interventions can reduce smoking by 8%, while income support and health insurance programs show the most promise in improving population health. However, some studies showed no health impact, highlighting the need for careful policymaking.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateMar 19, 2020

On-chip single-mode CdS nanowire laser

Researchers from Light Publishing Center demonstrated an on-chip single-mode CdS nanowire laser with high coupling efficiency, achieving lasing at approximately 518.9 nm with a linewidth of 0.1 nm and side-mode suppression ratio of 20.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 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.

Open sesame: Micro RNAs regulate plant pores

Researchers found that micro RNAs, like miR399, play a crucial role in regulating stomatal pore development and density in response to environmental cues. The study could lead to strategies for improving crop productivity by adjusting stomatal pore density.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2020

Impact of postdilation on intervention success and MACE

Performing postdilation after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes may improve intracoronary nitrate infusion rates, myocardial blush grade, and drug-eluting stent use. However, it does not predict final TIMI flow grade or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020

Starlings sleep less during summer and full-moon nights

Researchers found that starlings sleep five hours less per night during the summer and two hours less under full-moon nights. This study provides new insights into flexible sleep regulation in birds, highlighting the importance of natural conditions for understanding sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2020

New technology helps in hunt for new cancer drug combinations

A new mass cytometry technique has identified key proteins in blood cancer cells, revealing why some cells are resistant to standard anti-cancer drugs. The research team hopes to apply this protocol to clinical trials to better understand why some cancers are resistant to therapies and match patients with more effective treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·DateMar 19, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New brain disorder discovery

A new neurodegenerative disorder has been discovered in children, characterized by developmental regression and severe epilepsy. The disorder is caused by a variation in the NRROS gene and appears to require two copies of the defective gene.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 19, 2020

Can stress trigger a second heart attack? Yes, new research suggests

Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease. Among over 300 young and middle-aged individuals, those who endured myocardial ischemia with mental stress had a two-fold higher likelihood of ha...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 19, 2020

'Feeling obligated' can impact relationships during social distancing

A Michigan State University study found that people distinguish between massive and simple obligations, with the latter creating a 'norm of reciprocity' and strengthening relationships. Obligations that disrupt daily life or create financial burdens can harm relationships.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateMar 19, 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.

Compact beam steering studies to revolutionize autonomous navigation, AR, neuroscience

Researchers have developed a low-power beam steering platform that enables scalable optical systems for ultra-small LiDAR on autonomous vehicles, AR/VR displays, trapped-ion quantum computers, and optogenetics. The technology reduces power consumption while maintaining operation speed and broadband low loss.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 19, 2020

NASA finds little strength left in Tropical Cyclone Herold

Tropical Cyclone Herold's strength dwindled as it moved into high wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures. The system's low-level circulation center was partially exposed, with minimal strong convection, according to NASA's Aqua satellite imagery.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 19, 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.

Removing belly fat before it sticks to you

Researchers have successfully produced human protein Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) in the laboratory to metabolize and clear excess levels of triglycerides. The study demonstrates a potential pathway for developing drugs that trigger this process.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateMar 19, 2020

Study reveals secret of 18th-century portrait

A team of Russian researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology analyzed a 1789 portrait by Dmitry Levitsky, revealing that the two extension pieces were indeed painted by the artist. The study used modern methods for local analysis of materials and nanomaterials to confirm the painter's involvement.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalHeritage Science·DateMar 19, 2020

New contrast agent for early diagnosis of brain metastases

Researchers have developed a new contrast agent that detects brain metastases in certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, at an early stage using minimal amounts of contrast agent. The agent works by detecting the formation of new blood vessels, improving MRI sensitivity and visualization.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateMar 19, 2020

Alzheimer risk genes converge on microglia

A study reveals that Alzheimer risk genes are linked to microglia's response to amyloid-beta, a key protein in the disease. The researchers identified 11 new risk genes that are upregulated when facing increased amyloid-beta levels.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

Rapid, automatic identification of individual, live brain cells

Researchers developed a computer program to identify each nerve cell in fluorescent microscope images of living worms, overcoming previous challenges by creating unique genetic modifications. The program uses a mathematical algorithm to analyze images and assign neuron identities based on position variations between individual animals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMC Biology·DateMar 18, 2020

Distortion isn't a drag on fluid-straddling particles

A team of researchers found that drag forces experienced by particles straddling interfaces between un-mixable fluids are less affected by the shape of the distortion. The study's discovery could have implications for self-assembling properties of various species, including nano- and microparticles, proteins, and other molecules.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 18, 2020

Scorpion venom shows promise for treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

A scorpion venom-derived drug has shown promise in treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by reversing motor skill deficits. The study found that administering the drug at 30 days of life improved large- and small-muscle motor skills, suggesting potential treatment for children with FASD.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

PTSD strongly linked with heart disease in female veterans

A large-scale study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ischemic heart disease in female veterans. Women with PTSD were 47 years old on average, five years younger than those without the condition, highlighting the need for earlier screening and routine care.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2020

New technique 'prints' cells to create diverse biological environments

Scientists have developed a new technique that can rapidly print two-dimensional arrays of cells and proteins mimicking various cellular environments. This method harnesses photolithography and programmable DNA, allowing for high-throughput study of cell interactions contributing to tissue function.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

New study: National monuments can boost the economy in the American West

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that national monuments have positive effects on local economies in the American West. The study found that designations led to a 10% increase in nearby business establishments and an 8% rise in jobs, primarily in service industries like business services, financial services, and constr...

SourceResources for the Future (RFF)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

Salmon provide nutrients to Alaskan streambanks

Researchers found that salmon-derived nutrients decrease over time but are retained in soils, supporting microbial and plant growth. The study revealed contrasting nutrient cycling pathways between two soil types, with potential for increased plant growth in the riparian zone.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 18, 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.

Three-drug combination reduces COPD patient mortality

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reports that a three-drug combination of fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol reduces all-cause mortality by 42% in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with an inhaler once daily.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 18, 2020

'Breastfeeding gap' exists among Mexican-origin women living in Texas

A study by the University of Texas at Austin found that Mexican women living in Texas breastfed longer than their counterparts born and educated in the US. The research showed that early formula use, returning to work, and smoking were risk factors for discontinuing breastfeeding earlier than intended.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 18, 2020

How 'pioneer' protein turns stem cells into organs

A new study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine reveals that the pioneering protein FoxA2 simultaneously binds to chromosomal proteins and DNA, opening gates for gene activation. This discovery helps untangle mysteries of embryonic stem cell development into organs, moving regenerative medicine forward.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 18, 2020

Heatwaves risky for fish

A recent study found that heatwaves have varying effects on different fish species, with some struggling more than others. The research tracked changes in gene expression in five coral reef fishes before, during, and after a severe marine heatwave, revealing species-specific responses to the heightened temperatures.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 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.