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Science News Archive May 2020


Page 4 of 42

Smart sponge could clean up oil spills

A Northwestern University-led team has developed a smart sponge that selectively soaks up oil in water, leaving clean water and unaffected marine life behind. The sponge can absorb more than 30 times its weight in oil and can be reused many dozens of times without losing effectiveness.

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.

Using electrical stimulus to regulate genes

Researchers at ETH Zurich create implant that uses electrical signals to stimulate insulin production in diabetic mice, offering potential breakthrough for real-time glycemic control. The system is designed to be connected to the internet and controlled via an app, paving the way for a more integrated approach to diabetes management.

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.

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.

Featured research from NUTRITION 2020 LIVE ONLINE

Researchers at NUTRITION 2020 LIVE ONLINE explored the impact of COVID-19 on Nutrition 2020, which was canceled. The meeting covered various research findings, including the benefits of whole grains for diabetes risk and the dangers of empty calories in children.

Chinese pterodactyl wings its way to the United Kingdom

A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth has discovered a unique pterodactyl jaw fragment in Sandown Bay, Isle of Wight, which is remarkably similar to previously found 'tapejarid' fossils in China and Brazil. The specimen, named Wightia declivirostris, lacks teeth and features distinctive sensory organs.

Study questions benefits of social networks to disaster response

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that social networks actually worsen decision-making in emergency situations, leading to delayed evacuations and the spread of misinformation. The research suggests that communication within groups does not improve decision-making as expected.

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.

New molecule stops drug cravings in mice, with fewer side effects

Researchers at Duke University developed a synthetic molecule that selectively dampens cocaine-induced hyperactivity and interferes with dopamine metabolism in the brain's rewards center. The treatment slowed down drug use by 20 minutes to an hour and reduced consumption by over 80 percent in mice.

Smart window technology that automatically changes color by sunlight

Researchers developed a smart window technology that automatically changes color in response to sunlight intensity, reducing the need for power and lowering production costs. This technology can block sunlight and reduce cooling costs in buildings, making it suitable for large commercial buildings and automobiles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA looks at Inland Rainfall from Post Tropical Cyclone Bertha

NASA analyzed rainfall generated by post-tropical cyclone Bertha, which brought heavy rain to the Carolinas and Midwest. The GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour in south central West Virginia, prompting flash flood watches for several states.

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.

Novel targeted drug induced positive response for VHL-associated kidney cancer

A Phase II trial led by MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that treatment with MK-6482 resulted in a 27.9% objective response rate in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinoma, with most side effects being grade 1 or 2. The drug directly targets HIF-2a and has been shown to be well-tolerated.

Yes, your dog wants to rescue you

A recent study by Arizona State University's Canine Science Collaboratory found that pet dogs will attempt to rescue their owners if they know how. Approximately one-third of the dogs in the experiment rescued their owners, suggesting that motivation alone is not enough, but rather a combination of understanding and ability are required.

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.

Who were the Canaanites? New insight from 73 ancient genomes

Researchers analyzed 73 ancient genomes and found that the Canaanites descended from a mixture of local Neolithic populations and Iranian/Caucasus-related ancestry. This study sheds light on the cultural and genetic similarity among city-states, and how migration from the northeast may have influenced the region's culture.

Mapping immune cells in brain tumors

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich mapped immune cells in different types of brain tumors, revealing tumor-specific instructions for tissue-invasive leukocytes. The findings provide a basis for developing tailored immunotherapies for various types of brain tumors.

Biophysicists reveal how optogenetic tool works

Researchers have obtained the structure of the light-sensitive KR2 protein in its active state, revealing the mechanism behind light-driven sodium ion transport. The study provides a detailed understanding of how this protein works and could lead to the development of new optogenetic tools.

Electrogenetic device offers on-demand release of cellular insulin

Researchers have developed a wearable device that uses external electric fields to trigger insulin release from bioengineered cells, stabilizing blood glucose levels in mice. The approach opens the door for remote-controlled diabetes therapies and represents an expansion of electrogenetic toolboxes for human therapeutics.

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.

Those with IDD more likely to die from COVID-19, study shows

A new study published in the Disability and Health Journal found that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a higher risk of dying from COVID-19. The research revealed significantly higher case-fatality rates among those with IDD, particularly among younger age groups.

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.

New 'whirling' state of matter discovered in an element of the periodic table

Researchers at Radboud University and Uppsala University have discovered a new type of magnetic behavior in neodymium, where atomic spins form patterns that whirl like a helix but constantly change. This phenomenon, known as a self-induced spin glass, could pave the way for new materials for artificial intelligence.

Extraction of skin interstitial fluid using microneedle patches

Researchers at Terasaki Institute develop a microneedle patch to extract skin interstitial fluid, providing an alternative source for biomarker testing and overcoming issues with blood sampling. The patch, made of gelatin methacryloyl, is highly absorbent and biocompatible, eliminating the need for hollow needles.

'Knowing how' is in your brain

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers has found the brain programs that code the sequence of steps in performing a complex procedure. The main findings were that each knot had a distinctive neural signature, so the researchers could tell which knot was being tied from the sequence of brain images collected.

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.

New clues to deep earthquake mystery

Deep earthquakes can provide vital clues to understanding plate tectonics and the Earth's interior. A new model simulates subduction zones, showing that deformation is a major factor in deep earthquakes.

What's the secret behind the world's stickiest brands?

Researchers discover how top leisure brands create 'sticky' customer experiences, using rapid entry, endless variation, and sparking new journeys. These chaotic experiences keep customers hooked, making them more eager for monthly subscriptions.

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.

As businesses reopen, it's crucial we wear masks, safely distance

Asymptomatic individuals can spread SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols, highlighting the importance of mask-wearing and physical distancing. Research estimates that a single minute of loud speaking can generate up to 100,000 virion-containing aerosols, which can remain airborne for hours.

New cancer immunotherapy targeting myeloid cells slows tumor growth

Researchers have discovered a new class of immunotherapy that targets myeloid immune cells and slows tumor growth by inhibiting the c-Rel molecule. The treatment showed promising results in both human cells and mouse models, shrinking tumors by up to 80% and reducing immune suppressor cells.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Volcanic eruptions reduce global rainfall

A recent study reveals that volcanic eruptions in the tropics lead to a decrease in global precipitation, primarily through the amplification of El Niño. The research found that the strength of El Niño is directly related to the magnitude of precipitation reduction.

An exploratory study of metformin and rapamycin as maintenance therapy

An exploratory study found that metformin combined with rapamycin was well-tolerated in patients with stable or responding metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDA) after 6 months of chemotherapy. The combination was associated with exceptionally long survival rates and improved disease stability.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers in Ontario, Canada, found that physical distancing measures can prevent COVID-19 resurgence. A systematic review on hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for treating COVID-19 showed conflicting evidence on their effectiveness.

RIT researchers receive grant to study microplastic pollution in Lake Ontario

A team of Rochester Institute of Technology researchers will examine how microplastics accumulate in the lake's ecosystem using mathematical modeling, field surveys, fluid dynamics, genomic sequencing and other experiments. The goal is to inform policy and mitigation strategies for combating microplastic pollution.