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Science News Archive May 2020


Page 8 of 42

Terrestrial bacteria can grow on nutrients from space

Researchers found that four bacteria species can survive and multiply on a minimal diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements from space. This adaptation process makes them less virulent, but still poses a risk to astronauts' immune systems during space travel.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Women with Neandertal gene give birth to more children

Researchers found that women inheriting a Neandertal gene variant have lower rates of early miscarriages, fewer bleedings during pregnancy, and higher birth rates. The study suggests the variant has a favorable effect on fertility, with increased progesterone receptor production leading to greater sensitivity and protection.

Controlling artificial cilia with magnetic fields and light

Scientists from North Carolina State University have developed artificial cilia that can be controlled using magnetic fields and light. The research builds on earlier work in designing soft robots for magnet and light control. The new findings demonstrate the potential applications of shape memory magnetic cilia in various fields.

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.

Directed protein evolution with CRISPR-Cas9

Researchers have developed a CRISPR-Cas9 method to optimize proteins in mammalian cells, producing the fluorescent protein mCRISPRed that labels lysosomes. This technique enables targeted protein diversification and validation within organelles, opening new possibilities for biosensors, receptors, and therapeutic proteins.

Optimal time to treat Huntington's disease identified

A new study from UCL-led researchers has identified the earliest brain changes due to Huntington's disease, detecting damage 24 years before clinical symptoms appear. The findings provide vital insights into the optimal time to initiate treatments, potentially delaying or preventing neurodegeneration.

Chromosomal speciation in wild house mice

A new study on wild house mice from Southern Italy suggests that Robertsonian fusions play an active role in speciation. The researchers found three identical chromosomal rearrangements in both island and mainland populations, showing large-scale genetic mutations occur independently.

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.

Controlling angular dispersions in optical metasurfaces

Researchers from China established a general strategy to guide design of optical metasurfaces with fully controlled angular dispersions. They demonstrated the importance of near-field couplings and radiation patterns in determining these dispersions.

Controlling superconductors with light

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science develop new method to study superconductors using optical tools, enabling exploration of fluctuating superconductivity. Theoretical model shows significant changes in electric conductivity and light absorption near critical temperature.

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.

Bullying is common factor in LGBTQ youth suicides, Yale study finds

A recent Yale University study found that bullying is a common precursor to suicide among LGBTQ youth, with death records of LGBTQ youths being about five times more likely to mention bullying than non-LGBTQ peers. The study suggests that additional steps are needed to protect these young people against the threat of bullying.

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.

Scientists synthesize anti-inflammatory tick spit protein for first time

Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully synthesized evasins, a type of anti-inflammatory protein found in tick saliva, which can suppress chemokine-driven inflammation in human diseases. The proteins show great promise in treating lung inflammation in respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.

Bullying among LGBTQ youth who died by suicide

A study using postmortem records found that LGBTQ youth ages 10-19 who died by suicide were more likely to be bullied compared to non-LGBTQ peers. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support services to address bullying and promote mental health among vulnerable populations.

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.

Bricks made from plastic, organic waste

Scientists at Flinders University have developed a new method to create sustainable building blocks, including bricks made from recycled PVC and organic waste. The 'green' bricks can be repeatedly ground up and recycled, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

Long hospital stays, high rates of ICU admission for US COVID-19 patients

A study of nearly 9.6 million Kaiser Permanente patients reveals long hospital stays and high ICU admission rates for US COVID-19 patients, contradicting forecasts based on Chinese data. Social distancing measures have successfully reduced transmission intensity, but relaxed measures may lead to disease resurgence.

New method reveals where DNA is at risk in the cell

A new sequencing method has been developed to map the spatial organization of DNA in the cell nucleus, revealing areas prone to mutation and damage. The technique identifies a continuum of increasing activity from the nuclear periphery towards the center, challenging previous assumptions about inactive chromatin's location.

Airborne science discovers complex geomorphic controls on Bornean forests

A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals that geological factors control the organization of ecosystems across tropical landscapes. Researchers used high-resolution airborne remote sensing datasets to analyze data from Mt. Kinabalu, finding complex interactions between geology, biogeochemistry, biodiversity, and biogeography.

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.

Designing technologies that interpret your mood from your skin

A study developed an innovative system to interpret biological signals from the skin, using data from a wearable sensor device. Researchers found that participants used the technology for various purposes, including managing stress levels, tracking emotions, and logging information about their lives.

AI management can benefit the growing online workforce

Researchers found that worker autonomy and transparency are crucial for crowdwork environment, while algorithmic management can enhance productivity when framed as promoting autonomy. The study suggests ways to improve algorithmic management via AI assistance.

New method allows minimally invasive cell sampling

A new method, called localized electroporation, enables repeated, non-destructive sampling of cells to study dynamic processes over time. This allows researchers to investigate how enzymatic activity varies between healthy cells and cancerous tumor biopsies.

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.

A thin lensless camera free of noise

Researchers from Tsinghua University and MIT developed a thin lensless camera free of noise using Fresnel zone plate and compressive sensing algorithm. The FZA imaging system can capture high-quality images with single-shot 'hologram' without calibration, driving down the cost of camera production.

Sugar turns brown algae into good carbon stores

Researchers discovered that brown algae's cell wall contains the long-chained sugar fucoidan, which is only partially degraded by microbial communities. However, specific highly specialized bacteria can break down fucoidan using over 100 enzymes, sequestering carbon in the ocean.

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.

Humans have beneficial bacteria uniquely adapted for life in our noses

A study published in Cell Reports suggests that lactobacilli have a niche in the human nose and may play a role in preventing chronic nasal and sinus inflammation. Researchers developed a proof-of-concept nasal spray that delivered lactobacillus to the nose, colonizing healthy volunteers' upper respiratory tracts without adverse effects.

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.

Nanoneedles to increase the capacity and robustness of digital memories

A team of scientists has created a technique using nanoneedles to modify the properties of iron-rhodium alloy, allowing for the creation of antiferromagnetic nano-islands embedded in ferromagnetic matrices. This breakthrough enables the miniaturization of magnetic devices and facilitates the manufacture of more robust and secure memories.

Mathematics can save lives at sea

Researchers developed an algorithm to predict coastal currents using dynamical systems theory and ocean data. This new tool promises to enhance search and rescue techniques at sea, potentially saving lives.

Can interactive technology ease urban traffic jams?

Researchers found that using Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) can reduce travel time and fuel consumption, saving cities over $4.7 billion annually. Cities like Houston, which uses technology to manage traffic flow, have seen significant reductions in congestion and emissions.

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.

Countering COVID-19 impacts on children from low-income households

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened existing inequalities in US children from low-income households, hindering their access to quality education and nutritious meals. The authors recommend targeted legislation to address child health and well-being, including expanding services and increasing funding for nutrition assistance programs.

Ocean virus hijacks carbon-storing bacteria

A newly discovered ocean virus is hijacking the metabolism of the most abundant organism on Earth, Prochlorococcus marinus. The virus alters the ability of P. marinus to store carbon and counter the greenhouse gas effect, potentially preventing gigatons of carbon from being taken out of the air annually.

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.

Ultrafast optical response and ablation mechanisms of molybdenum disulfide

A new study simulates electron dynamics during femtosecond laser ablation of MoS2, revealing two types of ablation mechanisms and distinct electron dynamics. The results show that higher fluence induces superheated liquid formation, leading to dramatic changes in reflectivity and micro-honeycomb structures.

Renewable energy advance

University of Delaware researchers have developed a technique to visualize the three-dimensional structure of materials in detail while maintaining context. This approach enables scientists to study specific particles on the material's surface and observe how they evolve over time under different conditions.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Can copying your friends help you achieve your goals?

A new study finds that encouraging people to mimic successful exercise strategies used by their friends increases time spent exercising. Copy-paste prompts, a simple and costless nudge, can boost goal achievement in various domains.

Scientists find optimal age of stem cells

Researchers have found that reprogrammed stem cells between days 15 and 28 of maturation can successfully restore heart tissue. This 'window of opportunity' makes it possible to use stem cells that the body recognizes as its own, allowing for more effective regenerative medicine.

Quantum simulators for gauge theories

Researchers at SISSA and ICTP used atomic physics experiments to simulate the Schwinger model, a gauge theory that describes particle interactions. This study confirms the potential of quantum simulators to investigate fundamental forces and could lead to simulations of complex systems.

Study investigates sexual activity in lockdown

A UK study investigated sexual activity during COVID-19 lockdown and found that only 39.9% of British adults surveyed engaged in any form of sexual activity. The study suggests that promoting sexual activity as a way to maintain physical and mental health could be an important public health message.

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.

Sandia to receive Fujitsu 'green' processor

Sandia will be one of the first DOE laboratories to receive Fujitsu's new A64FX processor, optimized for memory-speed bottleneck breakage. The 48-core processor provides greater fractions of usable peak performance and supports collaboration with the Japanese supercomputing community.

Eye injury sets immune cells on surveillance to protect the lens

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that after eye injury, immune cells travel along ciliary zonules to the lens, surveilling and protecting it from adverse impacts. This finding adds to evidence overturning accepted dogma in the field, suggesting an alternative mechanism for immune cell delivery.

High-strain exercise linked to very early pregnancy loss

Women with a history of miscarriage who engage in high-strain exercise may be at a greater risk of subclinical pregnancy loss, according to new research. The study found a two-fold higher risk of very early pregnancy loss for highly active women compared to those who were less active.