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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 41

Unexpected discovery: Blue-green algae produce oil

Cyanobacteria, previously thought to lack oil production ability, can now produce oil from water and carbon dioxide with light. This discovery opens up possibilities for producing animal feed or biofuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 5, 2020

Cooling magnets with sound

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a method to cool microparticles using sound waves, enabling quantum experiments without photons. This innovative approach also provides a path to probe and manipulate exotic dynamics of acoustic and magnetic waves in small particles.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2020

Novel sepsis treatment enhances bacterial capture by neutrophil 'traps'

Researchers developed a novel treatment that compacts and stabilizes neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) to enhance bacterial capture, resist degradation, and improve sepsis outcomes. The treatment improved survival in mice with sepsis by reducing severity of illness and decreasing bacteria levels.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·DateMar 5, 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.

Artificial Intelligence to improve the precision of mammograms

A combination of AI algorithms and radiologist interpretations improved mammogram accuracy, avoiding unnecessary tests for 10% false positives. This approach has the potential to increase detection value and make healthcare more sustainable.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJAMA·DateMar 5, 2020

Spin-preserving chiral photonic crystal mirror

Researchers have developed a novel planar chiral mirror that preserves the spin of light upon reflection, overcoming limitations of traditional mirrors. This innovation has potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 5, 2020

Satellite data boosts understanding of climate change's effects on kelp

Researchers used 35 years of satellite imagery to study the effects of climate change on kelp forests in Oregon, finding that warm water isn't always bad news for these near-shore seaweeds. The study also challenged previous assumptions about the impact of large winter waves on kelp populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology·DateMar 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Tickling' an atom to investigate the behavior of materials

Scientists have developed a diagnostic technique using electron microscopy to measure the behavior of individual atoms in materials. This allows them to detect and monitor impurities at the atomic level, with potential applications in various fields such as electronics and materials science.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2020

Food scientists slice time off salmonella identification process

Researchers from Cornell and Mars Global Food Safety Center developed a method for whole-genome sequencing to determine salmonella serotypes in two hours. This improves the efficiency of food safety response to salmonella contamination incidents, which can occur in various foods.

SourceCornell University·JournalFood Microbiology·DateMar 5, 2020

Ultra-wide field retinal imaging techniques cannot be used interchangeably

A new study from the Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that ultra-wide field (UWF) fluorescein angiography detects over three times more microaneurysms than UWF color imaging, highlighting the need for cautious use of these techniques when evaluating and treating diabetic retinopathy. The research also suggests that AI can automate the gr...

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateMar 5, 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.

PET imaging offers new insights into post-transplant care for heart patients

Researchers used PET myocardial perfusion imaging to quantify myocardial blood flow and flow reserve, successfully detecting cardiac allograft vasculopathy and predicting prognosis. The study found MFR had higher accuracy in predicting overall prognosis for cardiac transplant patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateMar 5, 2020

Skoltech scientists break Google's quantum algorithm

A team of Skoltech scientists discovered reachability deficits in the widely adopted QAOA algorithm, limiting its ability to solve certain problems. The study found that QAOA's performance depends on the problem density, with high-density instances having optimal solutions that cannot be approximated with guaranteed success.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 5, 2020

App, AI work together to provide rapid at-home assessment of coronavirus risk

A new coronavirus app coupled with machine intelligence will enable individuals to get an at-home risk assessment based on their symptoms and travel history. The app will also provide real-time information to local and public health officials, aiding in the targeting of prevention and treatment initiatives.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 5, 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.

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and long life

The researchers developed a low-cost and straightforward liquid phase process to create an active sulfur material and carbon nanofiber composite. This composite showed higher discharge capacity and better cycle stability than traditional lithium-ion secondary batteries. The new battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the ...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2020

New approach to sustainable building takes shape in Boston

The new Boston building will be one of the largest residential wooden structures in the US, featuring a cross-laminated timber structure that eliminates most greenhouse-gas emissions. Its kit-of-parts approach and energy-efficient design make it a pioneering example of sustainable building in urban areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 5, 2020

Researchers question reliability of common autistic personality test

A new study published in Experimental Results journal found that a commonly used autism screening tool, the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ10) questionnaire, lacks reliability in measuring autistic personality traits. The researchers suggest that new systems are needed to better capture the range of autistic traits across the population.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalExperimental Results·DateMar 5, 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.

Illness won't stop vampire bat moms from caring for their offspring

A study on vampire bats found that mothers continued to groom and feed their healthy offspring despite feeling sick, suggesting a strong family connection. Social grooming among unrelated bats decreased when they were ill, but food sharing remained consistent, highlighting the importance of social behavior in survival.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020

Using holograms helps in studying the quality of composite materials

Researchers developed a digital holography method for assessing composite materials' quality, particularly ceramic spraying materials. This technique allows for precise analysis without distorting results or requiring sensor installation.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·DateMar 5, 2020

Is life a game of chance?

A new study suggests that life in the universe is likely to be common, but only under specific conditions. The research, led by Professor Tomonori Totani, found that complex RNA structures necessary for life to exist may have formed spontaneously in vast regions of space beyond our observable horizon.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2020

UConn researchers discover new stem cells that can generate new bone

Researchers at UConn School of Dental Medicine have discovered a population of stem cells residing along vascular channels in bone that can generate new bone-forming cells. These perivascular cells may regulate bone formation and participate in bone mass maintenance.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalStem Cells·DateMar 5, 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.

X-ray eyes peer deeper into deadly pathogen

A new study reveals unprecedented details of the bacterium Francisella tularensis' key membrane protein Flpp3, responsible for its virulence. The researchers used X-ray free electron laser technology to gather detailed structural information, which will help develop targeted drugs and effective vaccines against tularemia.

SourceArizona State University·JournalStructure·DateMar 5, 2020

Microcensus in bacteria

Researchers discovered that bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, can sense the ratios of different bacterial groups in their environment. This ability allows them to adjust their behavior and make informed decisions about their surroundings.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Cool beans: A vertical crop fit for Africa's changing climate and nutritional gaps

A new study proposes climbing beans as an intensification solution to increase yield and meet Africa's growing demand for food. Climbing beans can adapt to Africa's future climates in several ways, including intensifying cultivation in high-producing areas.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateMar 5, 2020

Hong Kong study shows best practices protect healthcare workers from COVID-19

A Hong Kong study found that applying best practices for infection control, including handwashing and wearing personal protective equipment, prevented healthcare worker infections during the COVID-19 outbreak. Researchers tested over 1,275 cases and treated 42 active confirmed cases without any hospital-acquired infections.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 5, 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.

Neural hardware for image recognition in nanoseconds

A new chip has been developed at TU Wien that can recognize certain objects within nanoseconds, leveraging artificial intelligence and a special material. The chip integrates the neural network with its AI directly into the image sensor, making object recognition faster by many orders of magnitude.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2020

Preventing spread of SARS coronavirus-2 in humans

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 requires the protease TMPRSS2 to enter host cells, a target for therapeutic intervention. The drug camostat mesilate, approved for pancreatic inflammation, shows promise in blocking virus entry into lung cells.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalCell·DateMar 5, 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.

Bacteria killed by new light-activated coating

A new light-activated coating has been developed that successfully kills bacteria in low-intensity ambient light, including <em>Clostridioides difficile</em> and <em>Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus</em>. The coating works by producing hydrogen peroxide, a mild reagent used in contact lens cleaner solutions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 2020

Native Americans and higher cigarette use: Stereotype goes up in smoke

A recent study by the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that Native Americans do not have inherently higher cigarette use rates, contrary to long-held stereotypes. After adjusting for income and education levels, white Americans were more likely to use cigarettes daily and be nicotine dependent.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 5, 2020

Social isolation could cause physical inflammation

Researchers found that social isolation is associated with increased inflammation in the body, particularly in males. Inflammation can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·DateMar 5, 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.

Study finds music therapy helps stroke patients

A new study has found that music therapy sessions have a positive effect on the neurorehabilitation of acute stroke patients. The research, conducted at Anglia Ruskin University, showed that NMT helped improve mood regulation, concentration, and brain function through neural reorganisation.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation·DateMar 5, 2020

Solving a mystery in 126 dimensions

Researchers from UNSW Sydney have successfully analyzed the complex structure of benzene in 126 dimensions, shedding light on its stability and interactions. The discovery reveals unexpected electron behavior, where up-spin double-bonded electrons interact with down-spin single-bonded electrons.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.

Triglycerides control neurons in the reward circuit

Scientists at CNRS have discovered that triglycerides interact with certain neurons in the brain's reward circuit, reducing their excitability and strengthening reward-seeking behavior. The study also found a correlation between blood triglyceride levels and brain activity in response to food odors.

SourceCNRS·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 5, 2020

ACM publishes new journal on the Internet of Things

The ACM Transactions on Internet of Things (TIOT) journal chronicles the transformative development of the IoT. The journal covers a broad range of topics, including low-power wireless networking, embedded systems, data analytics, and security, with a strong emphasis on experimental validation.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·JournalACM Transactions on Internet of Things·DateMar 5, 2020

Caffeine boosts problem-solving ability but not creativity, study indicates

A recent study by University of Arkansas researcher Darya Zabelina found that caffeine significantly improves convergent thinking, while having no impact on divergent thinking. Caffeine consumption did not affect working memory, but improved mood and reduced feelings of sadness in test subjects.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

Pesticides increase the risk of schistosomiasis, a tropical disease

Researchers found that pesticide-contaminated freshwater bodies support larger snail populations, which can increase the risk of schistosomiasis. The study suggests reducing pesticide use near waterways and improving sewage systems as key measures to mitigate the disease.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 5, 2020

One step closer to understanding the human brain

An international team of scientists has launched a comprehensive overview of all proteins expressed in the human brain, published in Science. The Brain Atlas resource offers medical researchers an unprecedented resource to deepen their understanding of neurobiology.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 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.

The arrival of the laptop in the classroom and parental mediation

A study examines family views on eduCAT1x1 programme, finding parents feel unrest managing out-of-school laptop uses, which compete with academic activities. The research suggests the need to coordinate education reforms with family dynamics.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRevista Complutense de Educación·DateMar 5, 2020

New sleep method strengthens brain's ability to retain memories

Researchers at Tel Aviv University and Weizmann Institute of Science developed a new sleep method that uses smell to strengthen memory retention in the brain. The technique, which administers a specific scent to one nostril, has shown promise in boosting memory consolidation during sleep.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 5, 2020

City fox and country fox

Researchers identified two genetically distinct 'urban' and 'rural' fox populations in Berlin, influenced by physical barriers and human activity levels. Foxes from the city population are bolder but prefer to avoid areas of high human activity, highlighting their risk management strategies.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Longest microwave quantum link

Researchers at ETH Zurich create a five-metre long microwave quantum link, demonstrating the feasibility of quantum local networks. The breakthrough could enable the development of powerful quantum computers by connecting smaller devices in a cluster.

SourceETH Zurich·DateMar 5, 2020