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Science News for May 7, 2020


Editorial: US healthcare must take a more proactive approach to prepare for future disasters

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed major deficiencies in the US healthcare system, highlighting the need for improved health maintenance and emergency preparedness. The article argues that public health systems are underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate responses to slow-moving mass casualty incidents like COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 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.

Twitter -- not just pointless babble

The new book Twitter - A Biography explores the journey of Twitter from its inception to its current status as a global platform for news, political messages, and crisis communication. Professors Jean Burgess and Nancy Baym argue that Twitter's original social value has been lost amidst noise of antagonistic debate and self-promotion.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMay 7, 2020

Quantum jump tipping the balance

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics have successfully measured infinitesimal changes in mass of individual atoms for the first time, opening a new world for precision physics. The team discovered a previously unobserved quantum state in rhenium, which could be interesting for future atomic clocks.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMay 7, 2020

See a 3D mouse brain with single-cell resolution

A new 3D atlas of the mouse brain provides cellular-level detail, identifying previously unseen structures and nerve fibers. The Allen Mouse Brain Common Coordinate Framework (CCFv3) is an average of serial images from 1,675 mice, allowing for comparison and integration of diverse data types.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skin-to-skin 'kangaroo care' shows important benefits for premature babies

A world-first study led by Monash University demonstrates significant benefits to premature babies' heart and brain function when held by parents in skin-to-skin contact. One hour a day of kangaroo care significantly improved blood flow to the brain and cardiac function, compared to measurements done while in the incubator.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 7, 2020

The Lancet Rheumatology: Small observational study of patients with severe COVID-19 treated with the arthritis drug anakinra finds clinical improvements

A small observational study of 29 Italian patients with severe COVID-19 and hyperinflammation found that high-dose intravenous anakinra was associated with respiratory improvements and reduced signs of cytokine storm in 72% of patients. The treatment was generally safe, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateMay 7, 2020

Laser loop couples quantum systems over a distance

Researchers have created a new tool for quantum technologies by coupling atoms with nanomechanical membranes using laser light. The technique enables strong interactions between quantum systems over longer distances, opening up possibilities for quantum networks and simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

A role reversal for the function of certain circadian network neurons

New research reveals that certain internal clock neurons in fruit flies, previously thought to send time-keeping cues to the brain, actually receive cues from the external environment. This finding has significant implications for understanding circadian rhythm disruptions and their associated health problems.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

Revealing links between education and a good diet

Researchers analyzed data from 27,334 individuals across 12 European countries to examine the relationship between socioeconomic status, education, and diet. The study found that higher educational status was associated with improved nutritional intake, particularly iron and total folate. This highlights the need for targeted policies ...

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 2020

NASA CubeSat mission to gather vital space weather data

Dione will collect energy input and ionospheric-thermospheric data, providing insights into atmospheric drag and improving space weather forecasts. The mission complements the Geospace Dynamics Constellation and marks a new era for CubeSats in gathering similar data.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 7, 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.

Study finds breathing and talking contribute to COVID-19 spread

A recent study published in Risk Analysis suggests that breathing and talking may contribute to the spread of COVID-19 through the release of aerosol particles. These particles can remain airborne for extended periods, allowing them to travel significant distances and potentially infect others.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMay 7, 2020

Treatment for opioid use disorder is rare in hospitals, study finds

A nationwide study reveals that only 2% of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder receive life-saving medications during and after discharge. This finding highlights a critical gap in care, as evidence-based treatment is rarely prescribed in US hospitals.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 7, 2020

Can we estimate the time until the next recession?

A recent study by IIASA researchers found that there is an 85% probability of a new recession occurring before 2020, with the likelihood even higher before the Coronavirus crisis. The study developed a diagnostic model to estimate the duration of expansion periods and the onset of the next recession.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 7, 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.

New review of studies shows no link between prenatal antidepressant exposure and autism

A new meta-analysis by Jeffrey Newport found no association between prenatal antidepressant use and autism in children, despite previous studies suggesting a potential link. Limited access to healthcare among ethnic minority and immigrant mothers was identified as the root cause of bias, leading to inaccurate study results.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2020

Stem cells shown to delay their own death to aid healing

Researchers have found that stem cells in planarians can postpone their own death to respond to an injury, allowing them to gather around the site of the wound and mount a response. This unique ability has implications for cancer research and therapies, particularly when examining chemotherapy and surgery options.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

How nonprofits can boost donations using the marketing mix

Researchers found that marketing mix elements mitigate sacrifice, engaging individuals in donation tasks and increasing likelihood of continued giving. Nonprofit organizations can address various types of sacrifice using product, place, price, promotion, people, and process components.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 7, 2020

A closer look at superconductors

A new measuring method called Higgs spectroscopy helps understand the dynamics of paired electrons in superconductors, revealing typical precursors of superconductivity even above the critical temperature. The technique uses a multi-cyclic terahertz pulse to excite Higgs oscillations and measure them precisely.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

Suppressing spatter reduces random defects in metal 3D printing

Researchers discovered that controlling laser power can mitigate spatter issues in L-PBF printing, reducing the formation of defects and deformations. This breakthrough could lead to more reliable and high-quality prints, revolutionizing manufacturing in advanced fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2020

Middle age may be much more stressful now than in the '90s

A new study found that middle-aged adults reported more daily stress and lower well-being in the 2010s compared to the 1990s. The researchers attribute this increase to the added responsibilities of childcare, eldercare, and work, as well as the pace of technological advances.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 7, 2020

Hygiene reduces the need for antibiotics by up to 30%

A new study reveals that everyday hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, can reduce the risk of common infections by up to 50% and the need for antibiotics by up to 30%. This could help prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally each year.

SourceSpink Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateMay 7, 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.

Vitamin D linked to low virus death rate -- Study

A new study has found an association between low average levels of vitamin D and high numbers of COVID-19 cases and mortality rates across 20 European countries. Vitamin D modulates the response of white blood cells, preventing excessive inflammatory cytokine release, which is a key factor in COVID-19 severity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateMay 7, 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.

Benthos in the Antarctic Weddell Sea in decline

The benthic biomass on the continental shelf of the Antarctic Weddell Sea declined by two-thirds between 1988 and 2014, with a drastic change in composition. The study's findings indicate that increased sea-ice cover and thicker snow cover have concrete negative effects on benthic organisms and ecosystem productivity.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

High color purity 3D printing

Researchers at ICFO have developed a new photothermal sensitizer using tungsten oxide nanoparticles, enabling the production of high-color-purity 3D objects and overcoming previous limitations. The new method allows for efficient and cost-effective fabrication of complex geometries with precise color control.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 7, 2020

The great unconformity

Francis Macdonald and colleagues used thermochronology to track rock movement, finding evidence that supercontinent processes drove erosion between 1,000 and 720 million years ago

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2020

Ancient DNA paints genetic portrait of Andes civilizations

Researchers analyzed DNA of 89 ancient humans in the central Andes, finding early genetic differences between regions and surprising continuity. Genetic analysis revealed a north-south substructure of the Highlands developing by 5,800 BP, with minimal changes to the genetic structure of the central Andean region between 2,000 and 500 BP.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2020
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.

Telescopes and spacecraft join forces to probe deep into Jupiter's atmosphere

The collaboration provides new insights into Jupiter's turbulent weather, including the association of lightning outbreaks with specific cloud structures. The team maps lightning flashes onto optical images, revealing a three-way combination of clouds and clear regions that facilitate convection and energy release.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMay 7, 2020

Emergency drug overdose visits associated with increased risk for later suicide

Patients who visited the emergency department for an opioid overdose are 100 times more likely to die by drug overdose in the year after being discharged. Those who experienced a sedative/hypnotic overdose had overdose death rates 24 times higher and suicide rates 9 times higher than the general population.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 7, 2020

Study examines factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation

A study examining factors affecting racial disparities before kidney transplantation found that socioeconomic status and comorbidities explain up to 58% of the disparity in listing. Black patients with kidney failure are more likely to be waitlisted than white patients, despite similar rates of transplant receipt.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 7, 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.

Highly efficient hydrogen gas production using sunlight, water and hematite

Scientists successfully produced a photoanode with extremely high conductivity by annealing hematite mesocrystals to a transparent electrode substrate. This enabled the separation of electrons and holes quickly, promoting the oxidation reaction and achieving the world's highest solar water-splitting performance.

SourceKobe University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 7, 2020

Comparing opioid-related deaths among cancer survivors, general population

A study comparing opioid-related deaths in cancer survivors to the general population found that opioid-associated deaths in cancer survivors have increased at a rate similar to that of the general population. The findings suggest that opioids may not be contributing to rising rates of overdose among cancer patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 7, 2020

Dendrimers finally have what it takes to break into the laser scene

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have synthesized branched polymer crystals that can be used as tiny laser sources, overcoming dendrimers' fragility and poor crystallinity. The new material exhibits lasing properties and shows promising potential for applications in displays and micro-optical circuits.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 7, 2020

Sleep difficulties linked to altered brain development in infants who later develop autism

New research suggests that sleep problems in babies may be associated with altered growth trajectory in the hippocampus, a key part of the brain involved in learning and memory. Infants who later develop autism were more likely to have difficulty falling asleep, which was linked to changes in the size of the hippocampus.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2020

Which COVID-19 models should we use to make policy decisions?

Researchers developed a new process to combine multiple disease models for outbreak management, reducing uncertainty and providing better tools for decision makers. The three-part process allows policymakers to evaluate valuable ideas from across the modeling community and identify critical uncertainties to prioritize research directions.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

St. Jude awarded federal grant for Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation

St. Jude awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop new tools for studying pediatric diseases by integrating biology and engineering at the molecular level. The collaboration will provide St. Jude faculty with a new chemical and engineering toolbox to address gene regulation disorders, including childhood cancer.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·DateMay 7, 2020

GW survey evaluates influence of social media in attracting patients

A recent GW survey found that only 25% of young adults consider social media a key factor in choosing a dermatologist. Dermatologists can still leverage social media for patient engagement and education, but it should be used alongside other methods to recruit new patients.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Drugs in Dermatology·DateMay 7, 2020

Scientists measured electrical conductivity of pure interfacial water

Researchers from Skoltech and German partners measure the electrical conductivity of pure interfacial water, finding it five orders of magnitude higher than bulk water. The discovery sheds light on complex fluids and has implications for electrochemical energy systems, membrane technologies, and nanofluidics.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 7, 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.

Carbon footprint hotspots: Mapping China's export-driven emissions

A study by University of Michigan researchers maps China's export-driven CO2 emissions to specific coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing that 1% of the country's land area generates 75% of these emissions. The findings highlight key sectors and cities driving climate change.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

Global trade in soy has major implications for the climate

A recent study by the University of Bonn found that Brazilian soy exports have a significant impact on the climate, with varying levels of CO2 emissions depending on the location where soybeans are grown. The researchers used Life Cycle Assessment methodology to estimate the carbon footprint of Brazil's soy exports and found that some ...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 7, 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.

Plasma electrons can be used to produce metallic films

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to create thin metallic films using free electrons in a plasma, eliminating the need for powerful molecular reducing agents. This innovation enables the production of processors and similar components without the constraints of traditional chemical vapor deposition methods.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateMay 7, 2020

How to win back customer defectors

Researchers found that winning back lost customers can lead to increased profits, but requires a failure-tolerant organizational culture that encourages open discussion and accountability. Successful reacquisition management also involves establishing guidelines for employees to follow when addressing customer defections.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 7, 2020

Key failings in government's approach to COVID-19 preparations and emergency response

Research finds UK government's reliance on 'lean production' and 'just in time' continuity planning left NHS stockpiles short of vital supplies and capacity for PPE, ventilators, and testing. The paper suggests a new independent body should be set up to take responsibility for future national emergency preparedness.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Risk Research·DateMay 7, 2020

A new high-resolution, 3D map of the whole mouse brain

A new high-resolution 3D map of the mouse brain has been published, providing a reference atlas for the neuroscience community. The map enables whole-brain studies and improves research by allowing researchers to precisely co-register different types of data, enabling bigger-picture views and comparisons.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 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.

Cannibalism helps invading invertebrates survive severe conditions

A new study reveals that adult comb jellies consume their own offspring blooms as a nutrient source, allowing them to persist in extreme conditions. This behavior enables the jellies to colonize further than climate systems and other conditions would allow, posing a threat to native species.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 7, 2020

NIH-funded study links early sleep problems to autism diagnosis among at-risk children

A small NIH-funded study suggests that early sleep problems may further raise the likelihood of an autism diagnosis among at-risk children. The study found that high-risk children who met criteria for ASD scored higher for sleep problems and had more growth in the brain's hippocampus region.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 7, 2020

New simple method for measuring the state of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a non-contact method for detecting the state of charge and defects in lithium-ion batteries. The technique uses atomic magnetometers to measure the magnetic field around battery cells, enabling fast and high-throughput measurements.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2020

Modeling gas diffusion in aggregated soils

Researchers developed a two-region soil-gas diffusivity model to characterize aggregated agricultural soils. The model accurately estimates gas diffusion and provides insights into greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 7, 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.

Molecule reduces multiple pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a compound that significantly reduced amyloid plaques, lessened brain inflammation, and diminished molecular markers of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that drugs targeting different regions of amyloid-beta protein fragments and metal ions could improve outcomes for people with Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateMay 7, 2020

Cancer and COVID-19: Facing the 'C words'

A recent study discusses the parallels between diagnosing and treating cancer patients versus those with COVID-19. Key similarities include the importance of early detection and personalized care plans.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMay 7, 2020

Accurate 3D imaging of sperm cells moving at top speed could improve IVF treatments

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new technology to identify and select better-quality sperm cells, which could increase the chances of pregnancy and a healthy fetus. The technology uses light computed tomography (CT) to create highly dynamic 3D maps of sperm contents without cell staining.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 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.

COVID-19 baby boom? This new study suggests perhaps not

A recent study of over 1,400 couples in Italy found that despite lockdowns, most people did not plan to conceive during the COVID-19 crisis. The main reasons cited were economic difficulties and concerns about pregnancy complications. Meanwhile, some 140 people even expressed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology·DateMay 7, 2020

Ancient Andes, analyzed

An international team analyzed genome-wide data from 89 ancient individuals in the central Andes, revealing early genetic distinctions between groups, population mixing, and surprising genetic continuity. The study provides a comprehensive portrait of pre-Columbian Andean civilizations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateMay 7, 2020
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.

Possible vaccine for virus linked to type 1 diabetes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and the universities of Jyväskylä and Tampere have produced a vaccine that protects against all six known strains of Coxsackie B virus, which may play a role in triggering type 1 diabetes. The vaccine was tested in animal models and showed promise, with plans to conduct human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 2020

Eliminating damaged germline cells preserves germline integrity

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba identified Myc as a central molecular actor in eliminating damaged germline cells to preserve germline integrity. Knockdown of Myc resulted in a similar germline-loss phenotype, suggesting its role in quality control during embryonic development.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMay 7, 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.

CCNY physicists shed light on the nanoscale dynamics of spin thermalization

Researchers at CCNY provide new insights on nanoscale spin thermalization dynamics, discovering that groups of electron spins can facilitate communication between isolated nuclear spins. This breakthrough could enable devices using electron and nuclear spins for quantum information processing or sensing at the nanoscale.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 7, 2020

Lipid metabolism controls brain development

A recent study by University of Zurich researchers has identified a key mechanism controlling brain development and cognitive function. The study found that a lipid metabolism enzyme, fatty acid synthase (FASN), regulates the lifelong activity of brain stem cells, leading to reduced division and learning deficits.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 7, 2020

Portable, reusable test for COVID-19

University of Utah engineer Massood Tabib-Azar has developed a portable, reusable test for COVID-19 that works with cellphones. The sensor uses just a drop of saliva and can produce results in a minute, and is designed to be reused multiple times by destroying the previous sample.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMay 7, 2020

Gemini gets lucky and takes a deep dive into Jupiter's clouds

The Gemini North telescope has collected some of the highest resolution images of Jupiter ever obtained from the ground, complementing Hubble observations to reveal details about Jovian weather. The images show that lightning strikes and giant storm systems are formed in large convective cells over deep clouds of water ice and liquid.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMay 7, 2020

Researchers pave the way to designing omnidirectional invisible materials

A team of researchers at UPV's Nanophotonics Technology Center has discovered a new fundamental symmetry that allows the conservation of linear moment between dramatically different physical systems. This enables the design of pioneering optical, acoustic and elastic devices, including invisible omnidirectional materials.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 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.

Ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy with 3D-printed aspherical microlenses

Researchers have developed a new technique that uses 3D-printed aspherical microlenses to overcome the limitations of traditional microscope objectives. This allows for ultra-long-working-distance spectroscopy, enabling researchers to study single nanometre-sized light emitters without the need for bulky microscopes.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 7, 2020

Building blocks of the cell wall: pectin drives reproductive development in rice

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that pectin plays a vital role in plant reproductive development, particularly in female reproductive tissues. The study revealed that the OsPMT16 gene is crucial for normal pistil development, leading to increased fertility and improved breeding potential.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 7, 2020

Quantum resonances near absolute zero

Scientists have observed quantum scattering resonances in NO+He inelastic collisions at temperatures ranging from 0.3 to 12.3 K. The study used high-resolution velocity map imaging technique and accurate quantum dynamics calculations, which are in excellent agreement with experimental results.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 2020

Virgin birth has scientists buzzing

Researchers have discovered a gene responsible for virgin births in Cape honey bees, allowing workers to lay female eggs without sex. This discovery has significant implications for understanding evolutionary transitions and potentially controlling asexual reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 7, 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.

2D oxide flakes pick up surprise electrical properties

Researchers at Rice University found evidence of piezoelectricity in lab-grown molybdenum dioxide flakes due to trapped electrons in defects. The material exhibits strong piezoelectric response comparable to conventional materials like molybdenum disulfide.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 7, 2020

Planting trees is no panacea for climate change, ecologist writes in Science commentary

A recent commentary by restoration ecologist Karen Holl emphasizes the importance of careful planning and long-term management for tree-planting initiatives. She argues that planting trees alone is not a sufficient solution to combat climate change, but rather one piece of a broader strategy involving reduced fossil fuel emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.

Controlling quantumness: Simulations reveal details about how particles interact

Scientists simulated a two-particle system to study quantum states and strong correlations, which could lead to breakthroughs in quantum computing and measurement devices. The research provides new insights into the behavior of particles in isolated systems.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMay 7, 2020

Using digital twins to design more sustainable cities

Using digital twins, researchers simulate the complex interactions within urban environments to predict how changes in design could affect life there. The team developed a comprehensive model of Herrenberg city using space syntax, GIS data, and traffic control systems.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalSustainability·DateMay 7, 2020

Hayabusa2's touchdown on Ryugu reveals its surface in stunning detail

High-resolution images capture Ryugu's asteroid surface in exceptional detail, revealing its geological history and color variations. The touchdown operation also disturbed a dark coating that corresponds to the surface's reddish materials, suggesting rapid solar heating during a temporary orbital excursion.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 7, 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.