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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 36


Page 36 of 41

A small step for atoms, a giant leap for microelectronics

Scientists at Rice University successfully grew atom-thick sheets of hexagonal boron nitride, a wide band gap semiconductor, to create perfectly ordered crystals for use in integrated circuits. The breakthrough enables the development of 2D layers with millions of transistors, potentially overcoming limitations in miniaturization.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

Being overweight may raise your risk for advanced prostate cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Oncology found that excess body fat in middle to late adulthood increases the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and exercise can help reduce this risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 4, 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.

Cover crops can benefit hot, dry soils

Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateMar 4, 2020

New measure for excessive buying problems

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new measure for excessive buying problems, the Excessive Buying Rating Scale (EBRS), to assess severity and predict predictors of problematic buying. Strong beliefs about the benefits of buying were significant predictors, while gender and age also played a role.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMar 4, 2020

Genome editing strategy could improve rice, other crops

Researchers developed a new genome editing strategy using CRISPR to precisely target genes for desirable traits, such as high beta-carotene levels and disease resistance. This approach reduces the need for marker genes and allows for more complex trait clusters.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lung diseases linked to higher rheumatoid arthritis risk

A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women with asthma were 53% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while those with COPD were 89% more likely.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 4, 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.

How a magnet could help boost understanding of superconductivity

Physicists at Rutgers University have discovered that applying a magnetic field can create a 'quantum critical point' in certain materials, leading to infinite quantum fluctuations and the formation of superconductors. This finding provides important clues for developing room temperature superconductors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

High-tech contact lenses correct color blindness

Scientists have created ultra-thin optical devices known as metasurfaces integrated into off-the-shelf contact lenses to correct deuteranomaly, a form of red-green color blindness. The new customizable contact lens can restore lost color contrast and improve color perception up to a factor of 10.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 4, 2020

'It's like you have a hand again': An ultra-precise mind-controlled prosthetic

University of Michigan researchers create a way to tame temperamental nerve endings, separate thick nerve bundles into smaller fibers, and amplify signals to enable precise control. The approach involves tiny muscle grafts and machine learning algorithms, allowing for intuitive prosthetic control with no learning required.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Almost alien: Antarctic subglacial lakes are cold, dark and full of secrets

The Whillans Subglacial Lake, located in West Antarctica, contains a pool of dissolved organic carbon that can be produced in 4.8 to 11.9 years. This nutrient-rich environment provides essential energy and sources for life in the ice-covered regions of the Southern Ocean.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 4, 2020

Diversity semantics shift higher ed inclusivity away from students of color

A study by University of Colorado Denver found that affirmative action's legal semantics have redefined diversity priorities to benefit white students. This shift is reflected in initiatives like 'Inclusive Excellence,' which treats students of color as responsible for diversity, rather than promoting true inclusivity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalRace Ethnicity and Education·DateMar 4, 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.

Reducing problem behaviors for children with autism

A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

Testing with combined biopsy method improves prostate cancer diagnosis in NIH study

A new testing method combining systematic biopsy with MRI-targeted biopsy leads to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients. The study found that combined biopsy provided more accurate diagnoses than MRI-targeted biopsies alone, reducing the risk of overtreatment and undertreatment.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Study examines potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer

A recent study funded by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found a potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced the loss of a partner had a decreased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, but an increased risk of dying after diagnosis.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 4, 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.

Sensitivity to low flow

A new method helps scientists determine how vulnerable rivers are to drought conditions by analyzing streamflow data, identifying faster and slower components of runoff and their impact on river sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020

A joint venture at the nanoscale

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory fabricate and test a superconducting nanowire device capable of detecting low-energy photons and operating in extreme magnetic fields. The device, made from niobium nitride, operates near absolute zero and has the potential to revolutionize nuclear physics experiments.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A Accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment·DateMar 3, 2020

Red panda population genomics confirms two phylogenetic species and different evolutionary histories

Genomic analysis confirms two distinct phylogenetic species in red pandas, with different evolutionary histories and geographical distributions. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect this endangered species, including pedigree construction and interbreeding avoidance for captive individuals.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2020

Five-year survival improves for certain cancers in adolescent and young adults

A recent study has found that the five-year survival rate for adolescents and young adults with certain types of cancer has improved substantially over the past three decades. Leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma have seen significant declines in mortality rates, with improvements ranging from 20-30 percentage points between 1975 and 2005.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMar 3, 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.

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.

New telescope observations shed new light on black hole ejections

A team tracked a black hole's ejecting material using e-MERLIN and other telescopes over months, gaining insight into how black holes feed energy into their environment. The observations revealed ejections moving at near-light speed, with implications for understanding the role of black holes in galaxy growth.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 3, 2020

Study homes in on possible cause of sudden cardiac deaths

Researchers identified a protein and signaling pathway that may contribute to sudden cardiac deaths in patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The study found that loss of integrin β1D prevents proper calcium control, leading to arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation·DateMar 3, 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.

Manipulating atoms to make better superconductors

Scientists have successfully manipulated individual atoms to exhibit collective behavior, a crucial step towards creating room-temperature superconductors. The study uses atomic manipulation to place cobalt atoms on copper surfaces in a perfectly ordered pattern, demonstrating the potential for higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020

US health care spending by payer, health conditions

This study estimated annual health care spending in the US by payer and health condition, including low back pain, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease. The analysis revealed significant variations in spending across different payers and health conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 3, 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.

The IKBFU scientists created the first diamond x-ray micro lens

The IKBFU scientists have developed a new method for producing diamond x-ray micro lenses, which can withstand high temperatures and radiation loads. The lenses are made using an electron-ion microscope and have exceeded expectations, enabling the study of nanostructures and protein crystals with greater detail.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 3, 2020

New approach to combat opioid crisis in rural Tennessee

The University of Tennessee Extension is launching a new effort to address the opioid crisis in rural Tennessee through the PROMPT TN program. The project aims to develop opioid-specific resources and train community members to prevent addiction, focusing on underlying causes and risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateMar 3, 2020

Starve a tumor, feed a cell: How cancers can resist drugs

Researchers at University of California, Irvine discovered that cancer cells use a process called macropinocytosis to obtain nutrients from dead cell material within tumors. This mechanism enables tumor cells to resist chemotherapy and other treatments, making it a promising target for new therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 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.

How our brains create breathing rhythm is unique to every breath

Researchers found that brain cells generate a 'new song' with the same beat for each breath, adapting to changing rhythms throughout the day. The discovery could lead to new approaches to treating breathing disorders and may even help combat opioid-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateMar 3, 2020

Dragonflies are efficient predators

A study by the University of Turku found that four damselfly species can catch and eat hundreds of thousands of insects during a summer, with chironomids being their favorite food. This has significant implications for understanding natural food web functions and the impact of predation on insect populations.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 3, 2020

Changing the debate around obesity

A leading health psychologist argues that negative attitudes towards weight gain affect patient treatment quality. Research shows that obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes, and using positive language can help promote understanding.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 3, 2020

Study explores sexual harassment at AADR conferences

A new AADR survey found that 79% of respondents did not experience sexual harassment at conferences, but women and frequent attendees were more likely to report incidents. The majority of reported harassment was of a non-sexual nature, such as put-downs or condescension.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 3, 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.

We can make predictions about relationships - but is this necessary?

German and Canadian psychologists have developed a predictive model for relationship longevity, identifying key features that indicate a successful or unsuccessful partnership. Couples who start with similar needs and maintain individual independence tend to stay together longest, while those with differing happiness levels are more li...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 2020

Cancer survival rates improve for young adults

A new study found improvements in five-year survival rates for all cancers in young adults, with some cancer types showing little to no improvement since the 1970s. Treatment advances have led to steady improvements in estimated survival rates among adolescents and young adults.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateMar 3, 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.

New tiny 44-million-year-old bird fossil links Africa and Asia to Utah

A new species of quail-sized fossil bird from 44 million year old sediments in Utah has strong links with other extinct species from Namibia and Uzbekistan. The fossil fills a nearly 15 million-year gap in the galliform lineage in North America, revealing flexibility in the ecology and diet of early paraortygid birds.

SourceMidwestern University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 3, 2020

Caesarean birth has little impact on children developing allergies

A new study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute found that caesarean delivery had a small link to asthma but no association with eczema or lung function. The research suggests parents need not worry about caesarean birth impacting their child's risk of allergies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateMar 3, 2020

Plasma-driven biocatalysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a process to protect enzymes from plasma treatment, allowing for stable biocatalytic reactions with precise hydrogen peroxide dosing. This method improves the efficiency of traditional enzyme catalysis by reducing energy consumption and waste.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

Obesity promotes virulence of influenza

A new study finds that obesity promotes the virulence of the influenza virus by impairing interferon defense responses and allowing for viral diversity. This correlation may explain why yearly influenza vaccines are needed, as obese individuals shed more virus and have delayed antiviral responses.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateMar 3, 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.

Anti-evolution drug could stop antibiotic resistance

Researchers discovered 46 drugs that block bacterial competence, preventing the spread of antibiotic resistance in mice and human lung cells. These 'anti-evolution drugs' could be combined with antibiotics to extend their lifespan.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 3, 2020