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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 26 of 43

Men feel less powerful in their private lives

A new study suggests that men feel less powerful in their private lives compared to public lives. The research, conducted by Lund University and others, found that both men and women value private life over public life, with women perceiving themselves as having more power in this area.

In a warming climate, can birds take the heat?

A study found that both temperate and tropical birds can tolerate high temperatures, with some species, such as doves and pigeons, exceeding heat limits, providing a buffer against climate warming. However, caution is needed as indirect effects on resources and forest structure may impact bird populations.

Astrocytes identified as master 'conductors' of the brain

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that astrocytes play a crucial role in governing connections between neurons. The star-shaped cells form the glue-like framework of the brain and regulate inhibitory synapses by binding to neurons through an adhesion molecule called NrCAM.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

COVID-19 shutdown effect on air quality mixed

Researchers found a decrease in nitrogen dioxide concentrations at most monitoring sites, but no significant improvement in particulate matter. In contrast, some areas experienced worse air quality in April 2020 compared to previous years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers generate a brain cell type crucial to support neural activity

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed a method to generate human oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells, crucial for supporting neural activity. This breakthrough enables the creation of OLs in just three weeks, opening up new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis and ALS.

Pollution and pandemics: A dangerous mix

A new study from the Chakrabarty lab found a strong linear association between long-term PM2.5 exposure and R0, which denotes the expected number of people each sick person can infect. The researchers also discovered that secondary inorganic components in PM2.5 increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

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.

Cellular survivors

Researchers have identified two key factors involved in cellular recovery from extreme stress, which may provide new strategies for treating cancers. The study reveals that apoptosis is a more nuanced process than previously known, and sometimes cells survive the executioner caspase via anastasis.

The COVID-19 pandemic: How US universities responded

Most US universities implemented at least three non-pharmaceutical interventions within a week of the WHO pandemic declaration. Announcements about canceling international travel and moving to remote learning came quickly, with most universities making these announcements between March 4-20.

Fluvoxamine may prevent serious illness in COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that fluvoxamine prevented serious clinical deterioration in COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate disease. The study, which involved 152 patients, showed that those treated with fluvoxamine were less likely to become seriously ill and require hospitalization.

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.

NIST designs a prototype fuel gauge for orbit

The new fuel gauge uses electrical capacitance volume tomography to digitally recreate a fluid's 3D shape based on its electrical properties. This technology can provide reliable measurements to prevent satellites from colliding and keep them operational for longer.

Landslide along Alaskan fjord could trigger tsunami

Researchers have measured a slow-motion landslide on an Alaskan slope, which could potentially trigger a devastating tsunami. The study found that the slope on Barry Arm fjord has slid over 120 meters from 2010 to 2017, posing a significant threat to nearby communities and shipping routes.

Dopamine surge reveals how even for mice, 'there's no place like home'

A study by neuroscientists from Florida Atlantic University demonstrates that the act of coming home produces a signal of comfort in mice, triggering a rapid increase in dopamine release. This finding suggests that 'home is where the brain is' and has implications for understanding addiction and mood disorders.

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.

Catalyzing a zero-carbon world by harvesting energy from living cells

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a way to harness energy from living cells by modifying highly functionalized PCAs into biorenewable molecules. The new catalyst enables the selective hydrogenation and dehydration of Krebs cycle metabolites, producing compounds with valuable applications in plastics and polymers.

Teaching the internet of things to learn

The VEDLIoT project is developing a new generation of IoT platforms that use machine learning to improve the performance and energy efficiency of devices. The platform aims to enable autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and industrial applications to learn and adapt to their environments.

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.

Virtual reality forests could help understanding of climate change

A virtual reality forest created by geographers can let people walk through a simulated forest of today and see potential future scenarios. The researchers used data on a typical Wisconsin forest to create a more organic, natural feel, allowing visitors to experience the changes brought on by climate change.

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.

New study points to a better way to ward off asthma triggers

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have discovered that blocking OX40L and CD30L, two key immune molecules, is crucial to preventing asthma attacks. The study shows how these molecules contribute to inflammation in the lungs during an allergic reaction.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Silicone surface mimics topology, wettability of a real human tongue

A team of scientists developed a soft, 3D silicone surface that replicates the topography and wettability of a real human tongue. The biomimetic surface demonstrated similar frictional properties to an actual human tongue, making it suitable for studying mechanical interactions with food, liquids, and medicines.

Losing the American Dream

A recent study published in Demography found that Black homeowners are twice as likely to lose their homes compared to white homeowners, with kin network wealth and poverty accounting for a significant portion of the gap. The researchers examined the impact of trigger events and found that having impoverished relatives can be a burden,...

On the way to lifelike robots

Researchers Mirko Kovac and Aslan Miriyev propose merging artificial intelligence with physical bodies to create lifelike robots. By combining materials science, biology, and computer science, they aim to achieve symbiosis between humans and machines.

Turning heat into power with efficient organic thermoelectric material

Researchers at the University of Groningen have developed an efficient organic thermoelectric material made from buckyballs with organic side chains. This breakthrough enhances the material's ability to convert temperature differences into electricity, making it suitable for powering wearable electronics and sensors.

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.

240 mammals help us understand the human genome

A large international consortium has sequenced the genome of 130 mammals and analyzed existing data to identify important DNA positions. This information can help researchers understand disease mutations in humans and preserve endangered species.

Electrochemical oxygen evolution on Hf2B2Ir5 electrode material

Researchers have discovered a new electrocatalyst, Hf2B2Ir5, that exhibits high activity in the oxygen evolution reaction during water electrolysis. The material's cage-like crystal structure and cooperative phases enable stable and efficient performance over long periods.

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.

Tree rings may hold clues to impacts of distant supernovas on Earth

Researchers found evidence suggesting that relatively close supernovas could have triggered four disruptions to Earth's climate over the last 40,000 years. The study used tree ring records to search for fingerprints of distant cosmic explosions, with promising candidates including a 13,000-year-old Vela supernova.

Power-free system harnesses evaporation to keep items cool

Researchers at MIT developed a two-layered material that provides extended cooling using evaporation, inspired by camel fur. The system can keep perishable goods fresh for up to eight days and has potential applications in food packaging and pharmaceutical storage.

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.

Real-time alerts associated with lower mortality

The study found a 16% lower mortality rate among patients who triggered an alert from the Advance Alert Monitor system. Patients with AAM alerts had lower ICU admission rates, shorter hospital length of stay, and lower mortality within 30 days of an alert.

Researchers find evidence of pandemic fatigue

A new study from USC reveals that older people's behavior changed over time during the pandemic, with a notable increase in preventive behaviors by May. The researchers found that certain groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, exhibited consistently higher preventive behavioral responses.

Robotic AI learns to be spontaneous

Researchers developed a new method for designing spontaneous behaviors in robots, inspired by complex temporal patterns in animal brains. The approach uses high-dimensional chaos and reservoir computing to implement humanlike cognitive functions.

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.

The persistent problem of 1,4-dioxane in water

The US EPA has listed 1,4-dioxane as a likely carcinogen due to its persistence in water. Advanced oxidation processes can remove it, but are expensive and energy-intensive. Communities using wells for public drinking water are especially prone to contamination.

Not all patients with certain type of heart attack receive the same care

A study published by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that patients with type 2 myocardial infarction often receive inconsistent care. The research indicates that patients evaluated by cardiologists are more likely to undergo stress tests and heart imaging exams, and have higher rates of follow-up cardiology visits.

National study reveals new insights into avoidable harm in primary care

A national study of general practices in England found that diagnostic error (60%), medication incidents (25%), and delayed referrals (11%) are the main causes of avoidable harm. Researchers identified patient factors such as old age and multiple health problems, highlighting challenges in protecting patients from harm.

Tips for making nanographene

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new and efficient way to create nanographene, a material that is expected to revolutionize technology. The method uses an atomic force microscope (AFM) to precisely control the fabrication process, allowing for the creation of tailored nanographene formations.

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 insights into facial birth defects are revealed by Mount Sinai researchers

The study, published in Genes and Development, reveals the role of signaling pathways in regulating cell behavior, including proliferation, death, and migration. The research team identified new signaling outputs that function independently of established FGF signal transduction pathways, particularly in cell adhesion.

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.

Protein in blood may predict prognosis, recovery from stroke

Researchers found that neurofilament light protein levels in the blood can predict stroke severity and prognosis, as well as anticipate future recovery. Higher NFL levels forecast worse functional outcomes and shorter survival time after a stroke. This discovery establishes NFL as a promising prognostic biomarker for stroke.

New research explores the thermodynamics of off-equilibrium systems

Physicist David Wolpert developed a hybrid formalism to analyze far-from-equilibrium systems with explicitly distinguished subsystems. The formalism combines advances in nonequilibrium statistical physics and graphical models, allowing for the study of nanoscale systems like biological cells.