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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 22


Page 22 of 41

Silicon-graphene hybrid plasmonic waveguide photodetectors beyond 1.55 μm

Scientists from Zhejiang University and Southeast University in China proposed a novel silicon-graphene hybrid plasmonic waveguide, achieving high-performance photodetectors beyond 1.55 μm. The graphene absorption efficiencies are as high as 54.3% and 68.6%, with measured responsivities of 30-70 mA/W at 2 μm and 0.4 A/W at 1.55 μm.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 13, 2020

Flexible 'heroes' save delicate proteins from stress

A new class of proteins, dubbed 'Hero', has been discovered that protects vulnerable proteins from aggregation and denaturation under extreme heat and other stresses. These flexible proteins may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Huntington's disease by preserving molecular order.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 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.

Scientists work toward more reliable prediction of South Asian summer monsoon rainfall for the upcoming 15-30 years

Researchers used ensemble simulations to quantify uncertainty caused by internal variability in SASM rainfall projections. They found a linkage between the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) phase and the spread in projected SASM rainfall, identifying IPO as a leading internal mode influencing near-term projection.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020

New study presents hygroscopic micro/nanolenses along carbon nanotube ion channels

A novel technology using salt crystals allows easy observation of carbon nanotubes under room temperature, revealing their shape and position changes. The coating also enables the amplification of optical signals up to hundreds of times, facilitating the detection of molecules on the surface of CNTs.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 13, 2020

Invisible plastics in water

A study by Washington State University researchers reveals that over 90% of US tap water contains nanoscale plastics, with unknown health and environmental consequences. The team is now working on techniques to remove these plastics from water.

SourceWashington State University·JournalWater Research·DateMar 13, 2020

Buffed-up avatars deter us from exercising hard

Researchers discovered that competing against an idealised avatar negatively impacts physical performance, whereas a realistic avatar increases motivation and improves outcomes. The study suggests that exergame designers should use realistic avatar customisation to enhance player experience and performance.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateMar 13, 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.

Catherine Daus named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Catherine Daus recognized for her dedication to teaching and research in emotions in the workplace. She has made significant impacts through her consulting work on emotional intelligence and stress in organizational settings.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

Mariangela Battista named SIOP fellow

Dr. Mariangela Battista, a prominent figure in industrial-organizational psychology, has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow. Her work has substantially impacted business leaders and educated hundreds of thousands globally on effective talent practice.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

Alzheimer's and an unusual molecular chaperone

Researchers from University of Konstanz discover that a molecular chaperone helps form Alzheimer fibrils by exposing a vulnerable area on the protein tau, preventing longer, more toxic fibril formation. The findings suggest a possible defense mechanism against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 13, 2020

The need for speed

Researchers at NCBS discovered that dopamine released by nerve cells activates faster motor neurons, allowing zebrafish to swim faster. This finding suggests motor neuron plasticity can be exploited for rehabilitation after spinal cord injury or stroke.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Racial and ethnic disparities in insurance access impact maternal-infant health

A new study found that racial and ethnic minority women are more likely to experience gaps in insurance coverage during pregnancy, leading to increased risks of maternal morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that extending Medicaid coverage to one year after birth could reduce disparities in postpartum health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 12, 2020

Statins starve cancer cells to death

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that statins can kill cancer cells by blocking the creation of a molecule necessary for their survival. The study suggests that statins may be valuable in combating certain types of cancer and could lead to new treatment options.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2020

Responding to golden hour emergencies with rescue drones!

The 911$ Rescue Drone, a flying stretcher designed by UNIST's design team, has won the iF Design Award 2020 for its innovative features. It includes an emergency stretcher bed, compact propellers, and follow-me feature, making it an efficient tool in responding to golden hour emergencies.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateMar 12, 2020

A new use for museum fish specimens

Researchers propose using preserved museum fish specimens to calculate length-weight relationships, aiding in estimating biomass and studying hard-to-reach species. This method improves data accuracy by leveraging existing specimen information.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Ichthyology·DateMar 12, 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.

Three million euros in funding for new nano water filters

Researchers at Bielefeld University are developing ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out impurities from water, producing ultrapure water and beverage concentrates. The technology aims to reduce energy consumption and preserve flavors in food production and pharmaceutical applications.

SourceBielefeld University·DateMar 12, 2020

Heat and light create new biocompatible microparticles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to create new shapes of biocompatible microparticles by applying heat and light to proteins. These particles can be tailored for various applications such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2020

Genes tell a story about diabetic kidney disease

Scientists have identified several genes that may be involved in the development of diabetic kidney disease. By analysing Finnish samples with diabetes, researchers found connections between specific proteins and the condition. The study's findings suggest new potential targets for treating diabetic kidney disease.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 12, 2020

The Protein Society announces its 2020 award recipients

The Protein Society announced its 2020 award recipients, recognizing leaders and innovators in protein science. Professor Karen Fleming received the Carl Brändén Award for her pioneering work on membrane protein folding, while Professor Stephen Sligar was honored with the Christian B. Anfinsen Award for his development of nanodiscs.

SourceThe Protein Society·DateMar 12, 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.

Novel IR-LEGO system enables single-cell labeling and tracking in zebrafish embryos

A team of scientists at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology develops a novel optical technique to label single hemogenic endothelium cells in zebrafish embryos and track their descendants. The technology uses infrared laser-evoked gene operator (IRLEGO) to achieve precise single-cell labeling, overcoming previous limitations.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·DateMar 12, 2020

Low-dose aspirin linked to reduced liver cancer risk

A recent analysis found that low-dose aspirin significantly reduces the risk of liver cancer and mortality from liver disease in high-risk adults. Over an 8-year follow-up, 4.0% of patients who took low-dose aspirin developed liver cancer, compared to 8.3% of nonusers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 12, 2020

Plant physiology: Safeguarding chloroplasts from sunburn

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown signaling pathway that protects chloroplasts from damage caused by intense sunlight. This pathway, involving the protein SAFE1, suppresses light-induced programmed cell death and promotes stress tolerance in plants.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2020

A molecular map for the plant sciences

A comprehensive map of the proteome of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana has been created, detailing the presence, location, and quantity of approximately 18,000 proteins in the plant. This study provides new insights into plant biology and offers potential avenues for improving crop yields and disease resistance.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 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.

Alcoholism without borders

A study by HSE researchers reveals that alcohol-related mortality hot spots exist in regions such as north-western Russia, Belarus, south-eastern Lithuania, and eastern Poland. The study also found that standardized mortality ratios across the four countries indicate a mosaic of homogeneous and heterogeneous regions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·DateMar 12, 2020

What causes an ice age to end?

A study by University of Melbourne researchers found that increased tilt angle of the Earth's axis triggers warmer summers, melting Northern Hemisphere ice sheets and ending ice ages. The team used stalagmites and ocean sediment records to determine the age of two terminations around 960,000 years ago.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 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.

SIOP recognizes Ning Li for early career contributions

Ning Li has been recognized with the Distinguished Early Career Contributions-Science Award for his significant contributions to I-O psychology within seven years of receiving his PhD. His work on individual differences and team dynamics has garnered over 2,700 citations and an h-index of 19.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 2020

Bacteria might help other bacteria to tolerate antibiotics better

A study by the Dynamical Systems Biology lab reveals that bacteria can make each other more tolerant to antibiotics when coexisting. The response of bacteria to antibiotics depends on other species they live with, suggesting new strategies to combat bacterial infections.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 12, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Heat stress may affect more than 1.2 billion people annually by 2100

A Rutgers University study predicts that heat stress from extreme heat and humidity will affect areas home to 1.2 billion people annually by 2100, with four times more people affected than today. The research highlights the dangers of combined extremes of heat and humidity on human health, agriculture, and the economy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 12, 2020

Healthier and happier without Facebook

Participants who reduced their Facebook usage experienced fewer depressive symptoms, were more active physically, and showed increased life satisfaction. Reducing social media time may help prevent addictive behavior and support a healthier lifestyle.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 12, 2020

Banded mongoose study reveals how its environment influences the spread of infectious disease

The study found that land type significantly influences the interaction of vigilance and scent marking behavior in banded mongooses. In environments with high predator presence, such as national parks, mongoose exhibited reduced scent marking behaviors, while in areas with low predator risk, like tourism lodges, these behaviors increased.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 12, 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.

Moving beyond 'defensive medicine'

A new study by MIT economists finds that doctors who have immunity from liability lawsuits perform slightly more C-section operations compared to those who are legally liable, about 4% more over a 10-year period. This challenges the common perception that defensive medicine leads to less treatment of patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateMar 12, 2020

Something in the water

A Brazilian study found that consuming contaminated water with saxitoxin worsens Zika neurotoxicity, tripling cell mortality and causing microcephaly-like malformations. This research highlights the public health problem of low water quality in the Northeast region, exacerbating the effects of arbovirus diseases.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 12, 2020

Perturbation-free studies of single molecules

Researchers at the University of Basel developed a non-invasive technique to study individual molecules precisely. The new force spectroscopy method detects molecular vibrations without perturbing its quantum state.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2020

At 8 months, babies already know their grammar

At 8 months, babies demonstrate a grasp of grammatical concepts in French, recognizing function words such as articles and prepositions. They exhibit limited interest in new functors, suggesting an innate understanding of their mother tongue's linguistic structure.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

Digital tools for agriculture

The AgriSens research network is developing digital tools to assist farmers in crop production, including planning irrigation and making harvest forecasts. The project aims to create low-threshold services for farmers to utilize remote sensing data and satellite information.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateMar 12, 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.

New study presents efficient, solution-processed, hybrid tandem solar cells

Researchers have developed a novel technology to maximize the performance of colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells. The new hybrid tandem photovoltaic devices feature CQDs and organic bulk heterojunction photoactive materials, improving photon harvesting and achieving high power conversion efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 12, 2020

Juliet R. Aiken receives SIOP Distinguished Award

Dr. Juliet R. Aiken has made significant contributions to the practice of industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology within ten years of receiving her PhD. She drives diversity and inclusion improvement through community, research, practice, and education.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 12, 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.

How brain biology promotes starvation in patients with anorexia nervosa

A study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with anorexia nervosa have altered brain circuitry that impairs the motivation to eat, leading to severe weight loss. The research suggests a powerful biology contributes to restricted eating behavior and offers new potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 12, 2020

Rare driver mutations disrupt NOTCH signaling to promote squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers identified 15 potent tumor suppressor genes that, when mutated, triggered rapid growth of HNSCC in mice. These genes include ADAM10 and AJUBA, which are also mutated in human HNSCC. The study reveals the identity of rare driver mutations in tumor-suppressing genes using a mouse-based CRISPR screen.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 12, 2020

Researchers create focus-free camera with new flat lens

The new flat lens design allows for a depth of focus several orders of magnitude larger than that of an equivalent conventional lens, enabling simultaneous focus on objects at varying distances. This breakthrough has significant implications for camera applications, including smartphones, biomedical imaging, and automobile cameras.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMar 12, 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.

Bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota

Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that certain bacteria can mutate 1000-fold higher than normal, leading to bursts of diversity in the gut microbiota. A beneficial mutation was identified that increases the ability of the bacteria to eat a specific sugar.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

Cancer: The immune system attacks tumors remotely

Researchers at Institut Pasteur found that immune cells can attack cancer cells remotely through soluble molecules like interferon-gamma. This discovery supports a key target for future immunotherapy approaches and may enable T lymphocytes to act on a large number of cancer cells.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Cancer·DateMar 12, 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.

Evidence clearly favors taxing sugary drinks -- new study

A new review of international research on food taxes highlights the strong evidence showing such taxes work in reducing sugary drinks consumption. A 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages could raise NZ$40 million annually, which could be recycled back into the community to fund healthy initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Otago·DateMar 12, 2020

Protective brain-cell housekeeping mechanism may also regulate sleep

A signaling pathway that helps prevent protein aggregates in brain cells is also required for sleep in fruit flies and zebrafish, suggesting its presence in humans. The study found that suppressing this mechanism led to reduced sleep duration, while overproducing it caused increased sleepiness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 12, 2020

Early blood marker may predict future risk of kidney transplant failure

A newly discovered blood marker has been linked to a patient's subsequent risk of kidney transplant failure in a study of 284 kidney transplant recipients. The composition of immune cells called CD8+ memory T cells 1 year after kidney transplantation was found to be a critical factor in predicting organ rejection.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 12, 2020