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Science News Archive May 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 42
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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 iPhone 17 Pro

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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.

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

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
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.

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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