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Science News for May 25, 2020


The deep ocean is warming slowly -- but dramatic changes are ahead

The deep ocean is warming at a slower rate than the surface, with climate velocity accelerating to 11 times the present rate in waters between 200-1000 metres by the end of the century. This poses huge challenges for protecting areas and mitigating threats to deep-sea life.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 25, 2020

Territoriality in birds

A study of 175 reports found that 32.3% of North American perching birds defend their territories against other species, with hybridizing species more likely to do so. Resource competition is a key driver of territorial behavior in these birds.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Understanding ceramic materials' 'mortar' may reveal ways to improve them

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers reveals that silicon carbide's grain boundaries are susceptible to radiation-induced segregation, affecting the material's chemistry. This discovery could aid in fine-tuning ceramic materials for high-tech applications like nuclear energy and jet engines.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 25, 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.

Record-high data transmission using a soliton crystal

Researchers have developed an efficient way to create micro-combs and exploit them in highly performing and robust frequency multiplexed optical fibre networks. This breakthrough enables the record-high data transmission over 75 km of standard optical fibre using a powerful class of micro-comb called soliton crystals.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2020

Orbital-use fees in satellite industry

Researchers created a physical-economic model analyzing collision risk, orbital debris, and satellite counts from 1957-2017. Imposing a tax on orbiting satellites could increase the industry's value by decreasing these risks and amount of space debris.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Fighting hospital germs with UVC light-emitting diodes

Researchers have developed UVC LEDs emitting at 230nm that can destroy microorganisms without allowing resistances to develop. The system achieves high irradiation power and uniformity, making it suitable for killing MDR pathogens and inactivating coronaviruses.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·DateMay 25, 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.

Gender imbalance in AI-based medical imaging

A study found significant gender imbalance in medical imaging datasets used to train classifiers, leading to biased AI-based diagnostic systems. The analysis showed that underrepresented groups were misclassified more frequently than the majority group.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

A child's brain activity reveals their memory ability

Researchers analyzed child brain activity using fMRI to predict working memory abilities during development. The study found that brain network activity in the frontoparietal network was unique to working memory and reflected individual capabilities.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2020

Musical rhythm has very deep evolutionary roots and is present in some animals

A study found that rats could identify the rhythmic structure of a song while ignoring changes to the melody. This suggests that the principles of rhythmic organization in music are also present in other animals, including humans. The results indicate that this cognitive ability has very deep evolutionary roots.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 25, 2020

Why are we still failing to stop deforestation?

A new study calls for a radically different approach to addressing deforestation, focusing on understanding how individuals make choices about forests and livelihoods. Researchers propose using specially designed board games to help stakeholders align forces despite differing values and worldviews.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateMay 25, 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.

Problems with alcohol? 29 gene variants may explain why

A genome-wide analysis has identified 19 new genetic risk factors for problematic alcohol use and confirmed 10 previously known factors. The study also found shared genetic associations with psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2020

Antibody designed to recognize pathogens of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have developed an antibody that can accurately detect and quantify toxic amyloid-beta oligomers, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to improved diagnostic methods and ultimately help monitor the progression of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Reducing neighborhood crime: Place management of alcohol outlets

Researchers found that small and independent stores had fewer resources for place management than large chain stores, making it harder to control neighborhood crime. However, improved law enforcement and manager training may help reduce crime in areas with high density of alcohol sales outlets.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMay 25, 2020

Saturable plasmonic metasurfaces for laser mode locking

Researchers developed plasmonic metasurfaces that can be tuned with polarization light, providing efficient saturable absorption for ultrafast lasers. The metasurfaces achieved stable self-starting ultrashort laser pulse generation with a modulation depth of up to 60%, outperforming previous studies.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Researchers have developed a new combined treatment using a senescence inducer and a senolytic nanoparticle that selectively removes senescent cells, delaying tumor growth and reducing metastasis in aggressive breast cancer. The study provides new therapeutic methodologies to be developed in subsequent stages and clinical trials.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMay 25, 2020

Development of electrode material improving the efficiency of salinity gradient energy

Researchers have developed a new electrode material that can improve the efficiency and economic feasibility of salinity gradient power generation using reverse electrodialysis. The material, molybdenum disulfide thin films, was synthesized directly on the electrode current collector surface to enhance electrochemical activity.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateMay 25, 2020

7,000 years of demographic history in France

French prehistory saw two significant migration waves: Neolithic and Bronze Age, which mixed with native hunter-gatherers. The study found that 7,000 years of admixture between these groups still influences the genomes of French people.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Bristol scientists see through glass frogs' translucent camouflage

Researchers reveal that glass frog translucency acts as a unique form of camouflage, but with a mechanism different from true transparency. The 'edge diffusion' strategy involves a diffuse gradient between the frog's color and its surroundings, making it harder to spot.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

New double-contrast technique picks up small tumors on MRI

Researchers at UC Davis developed a new double-contrast technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging to detect small tumors in normal tissue. The technique, called two-way magnetic resonance tuning (TMRET), increases the signal contrast between tumors and surrounding tissue, enabling more sensitive detection of early-stage tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 25, 2020

Ancient genomes reveal demographic history of France

The analysis of ancient genomes has revealed how demographic events such as migrations have spurred major cultural shifts in France. The study found that Magdalenian-associated ancestry survived beyond the Iberian Peninsula, and that Neolithic people who migrated to France descended from Anatolian farmers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Range shifts in eastern North American birds

Studies found that migratory bird species shifted their breeding ranges northward, while resident species expanded their ranges in response to climate change. This suggests that some species may be resilient to future changes, but others may face greater vulnerability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Solving the space junk problem

A new study suggests that implementing orbital-use fees for satellites in orbit could reduce collision risk and increase the industry's long-run value. The fees, which would be calculated based on projected costs of additional collision risk and space debris production, could quadruple the value of the satellite industry by 2040.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Exotic properties of helium-methane compounds inside giant planets

Researchers predict novel helium-methane compound He3CH4, stable under high pressure, with unique phase transitions upon heating. The compound's van der Waals interactions facilitate efficient heat transport, affecting a planet's interior and surface temperature.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 25, 2020

Observations of robotic swarm behavior can help workers safely navigate disaster sites

Researchers demonstrate that locally observed robot distribution can correlate with environmental features, such as exits in office-like environments. This approach enables trapped office workers to navigate their way out of a collapsed building, even in scenarios where robots lack communication or sensors.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 25, 2020

The evolutionary history of the Milky Way determined in more detail than ever

Astronomers have created the most detailed evolutionary history of the Milky Way up to now, combining apparent luminosity with measured distance and accurate star models. The study reveals well-defined periods of great activity in star formation, including dramatic episodes that stimulated new star creation.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 25, 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.

Lossless conduction at the edges

Scientists analyzed tiny tungsten ditelluride crystals and detected characteristic oscillations indicating current flows along narrow edges, supporting theoretical predictions of higher-order topological material properties.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 25, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic uniting Canadians like no other event in decades

A new study by researchers from McGill University and the University of Toronto finds a cross-partisan consensus on battling COVID-19 in Canada. Canadians from different political parties are taking similar social distancing measures and expressing similar levels of confidence in the federal government's response.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Journal of Political Science·DateMay 25, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that loss of smell and taste are common symptoms of COVID-19, particularly among hospitalized and ambulatory patients. The researchers suggest that anosmia may not be related to nasal obstruction or inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 25, 2020

New method provides unique insight into the development of the human brain

Researchers at Lund University have created a new model that mimics the early developmental stages of the human brain, allowing them to study how different regions form and potentially produce specific neural cells for treatment. The model, called MiSTR, enables faster production of neural cells for neurological diseases.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMay 25, 2020

Breaking down stubborn cellulose in time lapse

Researchers have visualized the single-molecule level operation of cellulosomes during cellulose degradation using time-lapse atomic force microscopy. This breakthrough provides new perspectives for applications in industrial biorefineries by exploiting the synergies between cellulosome and free enzymes.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 25, 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.

MetaviralSPAdes -- New assembler for virus genomes

MetaviralSPAdes is a new assembler for virus genomes, enabling biologists to reconstruct complete viral genomes from metagenome sequencing results. This tool tackles the challenge of identifying and stitching together viral sequences from thousands of bacterial genomes.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalBioinformatics·DateMay 25, 2020

Performing optical logic operations by a diffractive neural network

A diffractive neural network, implemented by a compound Huygens' metasurface, realizes all seven basic optical logic operations in a compact system using a plane wave as input signal. The design strategy features flexible modification and eliminates the need for precise control of input light.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Declining tropical pelagic biodiversity

Researchers analyzed sea-surface temperatures and planktonic foraminifer shells to determine that tropical ocean biodiversity started declining around 15,000 years ago, before the Anthropocene era. Continued global warming may further reduce biodiversity in tropical oceans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

A nice day for a quantum walk

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully demonstrated a quantum random walk using trapped ions, which may lead to new quantum simulations of biological systems. The technique relies on precise control of individual ions and can help resolve open questions in chemistry and biology.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 25, 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.

COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, Brazilian pulmonologist argues

Brazilian pulmonologist Dr. Elnara Negri argues that COVID-19 should be treated as a thrombotic disease, citing the use of anti-coagulant drug heparin to improve patient outcomes. She reports a successful treatment protocol with 80 patients, with none dying and four in ICU.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateMay 25, 2020

Astronomers see 'cosmic ring of fire,' 11 billion years ago

Astronomers have captured an image of a super-rare type of galaxy with a 'ring of fire' structure, existing 11 billion years ago. This discovery is expected to shake up theories about the earliest formation of galactic structures and how they evolve.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMay 25, 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.

Microbial cyborgs: Bacteria supplying power

Scientists at KIT have developed a programmable biohybrid material system that uses bacteria to generate power. The system consists of a nanocomposite and the Shewanella oneidensis bacterium, which produces electrons. The team achieved controlled electron flow with increasing bacterial cells on the conductive matrix.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 25, 2020

Inexpensive retinal diagnostics via smartphone

A study by the University of Bonn shows that smartphone-based fundus imaging can detect diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy, even in early stages. The method allows for efficient screening and diagnosis, enabling trained laypersons to examine patients, reducing hospital visits.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalOphthalmology·DateMay 25, 2020

Chirality-assisted lateral momentum transfer for bidirectional enantioselective separation

Researchers design an experiment to demonstrate chirality-dependent optical lateral force on microparticles, achieving robust bidirectional sorting and reversible optical lateral forces. The study opens new avenues for direct detection and sorting of microparticles with imperceptible chemical differences.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 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.

Worth their salt: Skoltech and MIPT researchers report first case of hexagonal NaCl

Researchers at Skoltech and MIPT predicted and experimentally confirmed the existence of exotic hexagonal NaCl thin films on a diamond surface. The films may be useful as gate dielectrics for field-effect transistors in electric vehicles and telecommunication equipment.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 25, 2020

Vaccination and prosociality

Researchers found concern for others was a key driver of polio vaccination in Israel during a polio resurgence. Understanding the campaign's prosocial nature influenced vaccination behavior, highlighting the role of communication in improving outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

uOttawa researchers discover new sex hormone

Researchers at the University of Ottawa have discovered a new sex hormone in zebrafish that regulates sexual behavior and reproduction. The hormone, secretoneurin peptide, was found to restore sexual function in genetically modified fish by increasing hormone release and enhancing ovulation.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

Evidence shows cloth masks may help against COVID-19

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that cloth masks can block droplet and aerosol contamination, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The researchers recommend using multiple layers of cotton cloth for maximum protection.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 25, 2020

How drones can monitor explosive volcanoes

Researchers used drones to create centimeter-resolution 3D models of a volcano in Guatemala, revealing slow expansion and fast extrusion of viscous lava. The study provides new possibilities for measuring ground movements and predicting volcanic danger.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 25, 2020

Potential biomarkers for multiple sclerosis

Two plasma and 10 cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers were identified to aid in early detection of MS with high sensitivity and specificity. These biomarkers may help monitor treatment response and disease progression.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Efficient generation of relativistic near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas

Scientists have developed a new scheme to generate near-single-cycle mid-infrared pulses in plasmas, achieving conversion efficiencies of up to 30%. The method uses two terawatt-level short-pulse lasers incident into an underdense plasma channel, producing a tunable mid-infrared pulse with millijoules of energy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Evolution of maritime shipping routes

Researchers analyzed global shipping fleet movements between 1977 and 2008 to understand how routes evolve. A model based on common neighbor ports and sea distance predicts the likelihood of forming direct links between unlinked ports.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 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.

There is no escaping from climate change, even in the deep sea

The study found that global mean climate velocities in the deepest ocean layers have been 2-4 times faster than at surface over the past 20th century. Climate velocities are projected to continue accelerating even under strong greenhouse gas emission mitigation scenarios, posing significant threats to deep sea biodiversity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 25, 2020

Scientists find genes to save ash trees from deadly beetle

An international team of scientists has identified candidate resistance genes that could protect ash trees from the EAB, a deadly pest expected to kill billions of trees. Researchers sequenced the genomes of 22 species of ash tree and found 53 candidate resistance genes involved in making chemicals harmful to insects.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMay 25, 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.

What information is coded in bird alarm calls -- a new study from Korea

Researchers found Oriental tit birds give distinct alarm calls to snakes and chipmunks, warning nestlings of snake threat but not chipmunk danger. The study suggests a specific call signals 'be aware of a snake' rather than general predator alert.

SourceLaboratory of Behavioral Ecology and Evolution at Seoul National University·JournalEthology·DateMay 25, 2020

Hippocampus and creative thinking

Disruption of hippocampal activity with TMS impairs future imagining and creative thinking abilities in young adults. Reduced activity in the hippocampus is linked to decreased future imagining and divergent thinking.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

A new law in laser physics could make eye surgery simpler

Scientists have developed a new type of laser that can deliver high amounts of energy in very short bursts, making it ideal for corneal surgery. The research uses quartic solitons to produce short, powerful light pulses without heating and damaging the surface.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·DateMay 25, 2020

Towards visible-wavelength passively mode-locked lasers in all-fibre format

Researchers have developed a visible-wavelength passively mode-locked all-fibre laser, generating picosecond pulses at 635 nm. The laser has a tunable duration and a narrow spectral bandwidth, opening up new possibilities for applications in optical communications, biomedicine, material processing, and scientific research.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 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.

Fatal cases of COVID-19 deepen our understanding of the disease's progression

Researchers analyzed 155 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, finding that over 50% of critically ill patients died due to multiple organ dysfunction and severe complications. The study highlights the importance of early intervention, including timely nutrition support and antibiotic treatment for bacterial co-infections.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateMay 25, 2020