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Science News Archive May 2020


Page 13 of 42

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.

Scientists identify gene linked to thinness that may help resist weight gain

Researchers discover genetic variant ALK in thin individuals that helps resist weight gain and obesity, with implications for developing therapeutics targeting this gene. The study found that deleting the ALK gene results in thinner flies and mice, highlighting its potential role in regulating energy expenditure.

Lungs of deceased COVID-19 patients show distinctive features

A study examining COVID-19 patient lungs found distinctive vascular features, including severe endothelial injury and blood clotting. Researchers also observed a unique pattern of pulmonary vascular disease progression in some cases compared to equally severe influenza infections.

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.

New map reveals global scope of groundwater arsenic risk

A new study presents a detailed global prediction map of groundwater arsenic concentrations, revealing previously unidentified areas of potential contamination. The map highlights high-risk regions in Asia and South America, where millions are at risk of drinking water containing harmful levels of arsenic.

$5 million supports research into neglected tropical diseases

Researchers will sequence parasitic worm genomes to develop genetic tools for monitoring and tracking resistance, leading to new therapies. Two projects focus on river blindness and fascioliasis, causing devastating illness in millions of people globally.

A sole mate to prevent diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers developed a device that circulates cool water into pressure-relieving insoles to reduce foot temperature and diminish the risk of tissue breakdown. The device, TAPMARI, was tested in eight volunteers and showed promising results, potentially preventing thousands of amputations worldwide.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultrasonic technique discloses the identity of graphite

Graphite exhibits stronger interplanar bond strength than previously believed, with an elastic constant of nearly 50 GPa, due to a short-range correlation effect selectively strengthening the potential energy surface. This discovery was made using a new ultrasonic measurement technique on defect-free monocrystalline graphite.

Harness artificial intelligence and take control your health

A University of South Australia research project aims to use digital technologies such as apps, wearables, and social media to improve people's behaviors and create lasting lifestyle changes that can ward off chronic disease. The goal is to make accessible and affordable health solutions for all Australians.

Women quotas in politics have unintended consequences

A study by University of Rochester researchers found that women quotas in India's local government elections led to a reduction in the representation of lower caste groups, while increasing the representation of Hindu upper castes. The quota policy aimed to increase female representation but ultimately had unintended consequences.

Sex bias in pain research

A review paper from McGill University found that pain research remains overwhelmingly biased towards male rodents, leading to ineffective treatments for female chronic pain sufferers. The study suggests that most current analgesics will largely work in men rather than women, highlighting a critical blind spot in pain research.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Startup firm aims to transform hydrogen fuel marketplace

Avium is developing a Dual Element Matrix Water Electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water using electricity. The technology has the potential to make hydrogen production friendlier to the environment by reducing materials costs and increasing on-site generation.

Advanced manufacturing game changer

A team of Louisiana engineers and scientists, with federal funding from the National Science Foundation, are developing new technologies and materials to enhance structural safety and integrity in 3-D printing. They will use machine learning to efficiently discover and test optimal material compositions and processing methods.

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.

Adding a blend of spices to a meal may help lower inflammation

A Penn State study found that eating a meal with six grams of spice blend reduced inflammation markers compared to meals with less or no spices. The researchers discovered anti-inflammatory properties in the blend, which may help offset inflammation caused by high-carb and high-fat meals.

The ins and outs of sex change in medaka fish

A team of scientists from Nagoya University found that starving medaka larvae can cause sex reversal, revealing a potential link to environmental factors and metabolic processes. The study may provide insights into rare conditions in humans and other vertebrates where individuals have characteristics of both sexes.

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.

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.

Long-term resilience of Earth's tropical forests in warmer world

A long-term study found that tropical forests worldwide are likely to remain intact in moderate climate warming scenarios, with carbon storage capacities remaining stable. However, this thermal adaptation potential may not be fully realized due to rapid temperature rises and human disturbances like clearance, logging, or fires.

Sex as stress management in microbes

Researchers found that Paramecium, a single-celled organism, uses sex as a way to cope with stress and increase survival rates. The study suggests a mechanistic link between sex and the stress response, where increased expression of heat shock proteins during sexual reproduction provides protection from stressors.

How to identify which interventions work best in a pandemic

Randomized controlled trials and epidemiological compartmental models can be used to evaluate the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions on disease transmission. By harnessing these methods, policymakers and scientists can reduce the human health, societal, and economic costs of a pandemic.

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.

Study could lead to new scale for stratifying neuroblastoma risk

Researchers developed a DNA marker to identify tumors that use an alternate lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism, which can help stratify patients into ultra-high risk categories. The study suggests a new scale for neuroblastoma risk stratification could lead to improved treatment outcomes.

Scientists finally crack nature's most common chemical bond

UC Berkeley researchers develop a new catalyst to add functional groups to the strongest carbon-hydrogen bonds, opening doors to novel molecule synthesis. The breakthrough could lead to rapid production of complex structures for drugs, plastics, and other chemicals.

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.

Measuring blood damage

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to detect red blood cell damage in real-time, which could improve patient safety during dialysis. The technique uses mechanical resistance to measure changes in blood conductivity caused by damaged red blood cells.

Selfie stick and fishing rod shed first light on ancient reptile

A 145 million-year-old ichthyosaur skeleton was studied using a selfie stick and fishing rod, revealing that Nannopterygius was a widespread species during the Late Jurassic. New discoveries found specimens in UK museums, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Kimmeridge, Dorset, expanding our knowledge of this ancient reptile.

Cell-culture based test systems for anticancer drug screening

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have developed new in vitro test systems for selecting effective antitumor drugs, which take into account the complex interactions between tumor cells and healthy tissue. The new models aim to improve primary screening of substances with antitumor activity.

Study quantifies China's chronic health burden for the first time

Researchers found that 62% of participants had physical multimorbidity in 2015, with the condition increasing with age, female gender, and educational level. The study concludes that concerted efforts are needed to reduce health inequalities due to multimorbidity and its adverse economic impact.

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.

New technology can detect anti-virus antibody in 20 minutes

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a new method to detect anti-avian influenza virus antibody, which could be used to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The technology uses a portable fluorescence polarization analyzer that can examine multiple samples and detect the antibody in just 20 minutes.

3D-printed system speeds up solar cell testing from hours to minutes

A new 3D-printed system developed by Australian scientists can now analyze 16 sample perovskite-based solar cells simultaneously, significantly speeding up the testing process. The invention enables rapid evaluation of performance and commercial potential of new compounds, accelerating the development process for next-gen solar cells.

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.

Dana-Farber to test blood cancer drug in COVID-19 patients

Scientists are conducting a randomized trial to assess the efficacy of ibrutinib, a blood cancer treatment, in reducing supplemental oxygen needs and shortening hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. The goal is to improve survival rates among those with breathing problems caused by the virus.

Cutting edge two-photon microscopy system breaks new grounds in retinal imaging

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology developed an adaptive optics two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy system for high-resolution in vivo fluorescence imaging of mouse retina. This breakthrough enables detailed study of retinal structures and dynamics, shedding new light on neurodegenerative diseases.

Malaria vaccines based on engineered parasites show safety, signs of efficacy

Two malaria vaccines developed using genetically engineered malaria parasites have shown safety and preliminary protection in phase 1/2a clinical trials. The vaccines, created by Isaie Reuling and Meta Roestenberg teams, delayed infections when exposed to mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium falciparum, the primary cause of malaria in h...

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Iron nanorobots go undercover

A new technique uses magnetic core-shell iron nanowires to track live-cell location and migration in real-time over many days, with potential applications in cancer treatment and stem cell therapies. The nanowires can selectively kill cancer cells while also providing noninvasive medical imaging capabilities.

Machine-learning tool could help develop tougher materials

Engineers have developed an AI-based rapid screening system to test fracture resistance in vast arrays of candidate materials. The system uses machine-learning to analyze the propagation of cracks through a material's molecular structure, reducing testing time from hours to milliseconds.

Going nuclear on the moon and Mars

Nuclear fission reactors are being considered as top candidates to generate electricity in space due to their reliability and capacity. The technology has been tested and could provide a power source for several years, making it an attractive option for lunar and Martian settlements.

Birth control pills affect the love hormone

A recent study by Aarhus University found that birth control pills increase oxytocin levels, potentially affecting romantic love and closeness. The research suggests that women on birth control may experience altered mood and diminished sense of attachment to partners.

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.

Scientists find out which of the metazoans has the smallest known genome

Researchers from St Petersburg University have deciphered the Intoshia variabili gene, revealing a genome size of 15.3 million base pairs and 5,120 genes, including orphan genes unique to orthonectids. The study provides genetic evidence that orthonectids belong to Annelida, a type of animal with no real intraorganism parasites.

Enrichment programs help children build knowledge

Enrichment programs have been shown to increase a child's ability to solidify new information and apply it to new situations. The study found that children who participated in these programs could differentiate between similar items even outside of the program's domain.

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.