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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 37


Page 37 of 41

Men can smell when a woman is sexually aroused

Researchers at University of Kent found that men can detect the scent of axillary sweat from sexually aroused women, which increases their sexual motivation. The study suggests that chemical signals released by women can elicit a stronger overall signal that enhances human communication.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMar 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Two complete genome sequence for coronavirus in Brazil were published

Researchers at the University of São Paulo, Adolfo Lutz Institute, and Oxford University have published the complete genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. The study reveals differences between the genomes of viruses isolated from two Brazilian patients, suggesting internal transmission is occurring in European countries.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateMar 3, 2020

New model shows winners, losers among marine microbes in warming oceans

A new tool forecasts how marine microbes will adapt to warming seas, revealing two strategies: rapid short-term success and long-term evolution. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and their role in regulating carbon cycles.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

SFU team helps discover potential superbug-killing compound

Researchers discover potential superbug-killing compound AB569 that targets priority pathogens and additional bacteria causing foodborne illness. The compound has shown promising results in treating a wide range of infections, including those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

Scientists created an 'impossible' superconducting compound

Researchers at Skoltech and Jilin University created superconducting compounds of hydrogen and praseodymium, overcoming the challenge of low-temperature superconductors. The new compounds exhibit zero electrical resistance at -264 °C, paving the way for high-temperature superconductors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2020

How do you make adhesives for electronics, vehicles, and construction tougher?

Purdue University researchers have developed a new adhesive system that uses sacrificial bonds to make materials more resistant to stress and cracking. The technique, inspired by nature's adhesives in sea creatures, may be applied to various industries such as electronics, vehicles, and construction.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 3, 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.

Team sheds new light on design of inorganic materials for brain-like computing

Researchers have discovered a neuron-like electrical switching mechanism in solid-state material β'-CuxV2O5, enabling the creation of circuitry that functions like the human brain. The team's findings showcase the potential for neuromorphic computing to improve energy efficiency and address global computing demands.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMatter·DateMar 3, 2020

Boosting energy levels within damaged nerves may help them heal

A new study suggests that increasing energy supply within injured spinal cord nerves could promote axon regrowth and restore motor functions. Researchers found that enhancing mitochondrial transport helped remove damaged mitochondria from injured axons, replenishing undamaged ones to rescue the energy crisis.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2020

Texas A&M researchers develop flooding prediction tool

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a comprehensive statistical framework to predict the evolution of floods in extreme situations like hurricanes. The algorithm considers underground drainage channels to provide an accurate representation of how floods propagate, enabling timelier emergency response.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·DateMar 3, 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.

Why is the female wallaby always pregnant?

Researchers discovered that female swamp wallabies are permanently pregnant throughout their lives due to two uteri, allowing for continuous embryonic development. This unique reproductive strategy enables females to return to oestrus in late pregnancy and conceive new embryos.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

Improved CRISPR gene drive solves problems of old tech

A new CRISPR gene drive system, TARE, has been developed that can delay resistance and spread to regional populations. By targeting a essential gene, the drive disables one copy while leaving another intact, allowing it to spread through a population over time.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020

World's sandy beaches under threat from climate change

A new study warns that coastal erosion and rising sea levels will accelerate due to climate change, threatening the world's sandy beaches. Effective climate action could prevent 40% of erosion, but societies will still need to adapt and protect these ecosystems.

SourceEuropean Commission Joint Research Centre·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 3, 2020

Nutrient pollution and ocean warming negatively affect early life of corals

A new study found that elevated nutrients and modest water temperature increases negatively affect coral larvae's first few days of life. The research revealed that nutrient imbalances can seriously impact coral larvae, but certain larvae types are more resistant to environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCoral Reefs·DateMar 3, 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.

With 30,000 surveys, researchers build the go-to dataset for smallholder farms

A team of researchers developed a standardized survey tool to collect data on rural households. The Rural Household Multi-Indicator Survey (RHoMIS) includes over 30,000 interviews from 33 countries and provides insights into smallholder farming practices, climate change, and social inclusion.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalScientific Data·DateMar 3, 2020

Unstable rock pillars near reservoirs can produce dangerous water waves

Experiments on a simple model for granular cliffs reveal the mechanism by which these cliffs collapse and create large, tsunami-like waves known as impulse waves. The shape of the granular particles and pile height-to-width ratio were found to be critical in determining the types of waves produced.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 3, 2020

Imaging technique reveals 3D forces exerted by tiny cell clusters

Researchers developed a new technique to map three-dimensional forces between cells and their surroundings, shedding light on tissue formation, wound healing, and tumor spread. The method uses traction force microscopy and enables the analysis of multicellular clusters in unprecedented detail.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 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.

Can't sleep? Prebiotics could help

Researchers found that prebiotic dietary fiber can influence gut bacteria and produce bioactive molecules that may modulate stress physiology and sleep. The study used mass spectrometry to analyze rats' fecal samples and found that those on the prebiotic diet had a different metabolome, including higher levels of fatty acids and sugars.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2020

Research reveals best hospital-based methods for reducing readmission rates

A study by Binghamton University researchers found that hospitals can reduce readmission rates by collaborating with certified home healthcare agencies and implementing house-call programs. Facilities with interdisciplinary case-management teams also showed lower readmission rates when an advanced-practice registered nurse was included.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProfessional Case Management·DateMar 3, 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.

Does your cat have degenerative joint disease?

A study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery has developed a screening checklist to help diagnose degenerative joint disease (DJD) in cats. The checklist, called the Feline Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Checklist, asks owners six questions about their cat's behavior and can be completed quickly by owners.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2020

Advances in computer modeling, protein development propel cellular engineering

Recent advances in bioengineering and computational modeling have enabled researchers to study complex biological processes with molecular-level detail. Multidisciplinary work on proteins and modeling highlights challenges as the field develops high-resolution, high-throughput organs on a chip.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 3, 2020

New insights into the Transatlantic slave trade on African ancestry in the Americas

Researchers analyzed 6,267 individuals to infer African group contributions to North-, South-American and Caribbean populations, finding enrichment of West-African ancestry in northern latitudes and South/East African ancestry in southern South-America.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 3, 2020

Obtaining and observing single-molecule magnets on the silica surface

Researchers successfully separate and observe single-molecule magnets (SMMs) on a magnetically neutral silica substrate using transmission electron microscopy. This breakthrough enables the development of auto-associative memories and multi-criterion optimization systems, mirroring the human brain.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNanomaterials·DateMar 3, 2020

The case for economics -- by the numbers

A study by MIT scholars finds economics citations in psychology journals have doubled since 2000, while public health papers cite economics work twice as often as 10 years ago. The proportion of empirical economics papers cited in top journals has risen by 20 percentage points since 1990.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Economic Literature·DateMar 3, 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.

This wearable device camouflages its wearer no matter the weather

Researchers developed a wearable technology that can hide its wearer from heat-detecting sensors, adapting to temperature changes in just a few minutes. The device uses phase-changing materials and thermoelectric alloys to insulate the wearer's body heat, keeping them comfortable.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 3, 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.

Wild boars provide archaeologists with clues to early domestication

Researchers found that captive wild boars developed greater muscle force than their natural counterparts, transforming them into 'bodybuilders'. This study provides a new methodology for archaeologists to analyze domestication processes and could aid in reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild.

SourceCNRS·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 3, 2020

Study looks at EVALI findings in teens

A study published in Radiology analyzed chest CT images and X-rays of 14 teenagers with EVALI, revealing characteristic ground-glass opacity and subpleural sparing. The findings suggest that CT imaging is crucial for early diagnosis and timely management of the condition in pediatric patients

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 3, 2020

Simulations show fundamental interactions inside the cell

Scientists used computer simulations to study the interaction between actin and cell membranes, revealing that calcium ions play a key role in binding. The results provide new insights into the fundamental process of actin binding to membrane lipids.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

IU scientists study link between energy levels, spinal cord injury

Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine discovered that boosting energy levels in damaged nerve fibers can promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Deleting a protein anchor in the mitochondria also improved motor functions.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 3, 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.

How millets sustained Mongolia's empires

Researchers analyzed ancient teeth and rib bones to reveal significant dietary diversification at the onset of Mongolia's earliest empires. Millet-based foods increased in consumption, suggesting imperial support for agricultural efforts.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Nobody at home: A great increase in out-of-home rates over 28 years in Kumamoto, Japan

Researchers analyzed travel data from 1984, 1997, and 2012 to find a significant increase in households with every member out-of-home (HEMO) rates, driven by changes in household composition. The study provides insights into the impact of HEMO rates on failed deliveries and potential solutions for efficient redelivery systems.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateMar 3, 2020

New technology helps reduce salt, keep flavor

Researchers at Washington State University developed microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) to reduce salt in processed foods while maintaining flavor. The new method resulted in up to a 50% reduction in salt content without affecting the taste intensity of other ingredients.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateMar 3, 2020

'Optical tweezers' help in quest for better cancer treatments

A team of researchers at Michigan State University has developed a new method using optical tweezers to observe telomerase activity in unprecedented precision. This breakthrough aims to help find more effective and safe cancer treatments by targeting the telomerase enzyme.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMar 3, 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.

Coherent phonon dynamics realized in spatially separated mechanical resonators

Scientists have demonstrated tunable coherent phonon dynamics in nanomechanical resonators, enabling new possibilities for information storage and processing. The work shows high cooperativity and large coupling strength between non-neighbouring phonon modes.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2020

Tunnel fire safety

A new study assesses road tunnel fire safety mechanisms, finding that increased awareness and education can significantly reduce human life risks. The research highlights the importance of educating commuters on emergency protocols and evacuation procedures in response to a tunnel fire.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems Part A Civil Engineering·DateMar 3, 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.

Magnetic whirls in future data storage devices

Researchers have discovered that skyrmions and antiskyrmions can coexist in the same material, enabling a more reliable racetrack memory device. This breakthrough allows for advanced data storage capabilities with improved performance and reduced energy consumption.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2020

Scientific community pledges to end obesity stigma

Over 100 medical and scientific organisations pledge to end weight stigma, citing evidence that stigma causes physical and psychological harm. The group calls for policies to prevent weight-based discrimination in healthcare, education, and the workplace.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

Study links depressive symptoms during pregnancy with lowered immunity in infants

A new study links maternal depression during pregnancy to lower immunoglobulin A levels in infants, linking them to higher risks of infection, asthma, and depression later in life. The research found that even mild depressive symptoms had a significant impact on the infant's immune system.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateMar 3, 2020