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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 7 of 43

Blast from the past

A team of astronomers using Gemini North's GNIRS instrument discovered that CK Vulpeculae, a bright new star in 1670, is approximately five times farther away and has ejected gas at much higher speeds than previously reported. The new findings suggest the explosion was far more violent, releasing roughly 25 times more energy than a nova.

Historical bias overlooks genes related to COVID-19

A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that historical bias affects COVID-19 research, with only 611 out of 2,064 relevant genes being studied. The study highlights the need to explore understudied genes and broaden scientific study beyond current trends.

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.

Pesticide deadly to bees now easily detected in honey

A simple technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can now effectively detect pyrethroids in honey, a common pesticide hazard for bees. The extraction method, using solid phase microextraction (SPME), makes it possible to measure safe levels and identify locations with high pesticide use.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Trinity researchers discover how the brain 're-wires' after disease

Researchers found previously unknown changes in brain networks after polio and neurological diseases like MND/ALS, suggesting abnormal communication between muscles and brain. The study increases understanding of brain plasticity and its implications for rehabilitation and new biomarker development.

Defined blockade

A new method enables specific inhibition and removal of DNA methylation at targeted locations using enzymatic photocaging. This technique involves attaching photocages to AdoMet analogues, which are then transferred to methylation sites, allowing for precise control over gene regulation.

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.

Sestrin makes fruit flies live longer

Researchers identified Sestrin as a key regulator of stem cell function and lifespan in response to dietary amino acids. Increasing Sestrin levels extended fruit fly lifespan and protected against negative diet effects.

Tracking COVID-19 trends in hard-hit states

A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that social distancing measures significantly reduced COVID-19 infection rates in heavily impacted states. The analysis showed a substantial drop in infection rates following public policy measures like stay-at-home orders and mask mandates.

Channeling the immune system for head and neck cancer

University of Cincinnati researchers discovered that certain immune cells respond to immunotherapy by increasing activity in potassium ion channels, allowing them to more effectively target and kill cancer cells. However, patients who do not respond to treatment lack this increased channel activity.

How dolphins avoid "the bends"

A new study reveals that dolphins adjust their heart rate to suit the length of their planned dive, conserving oxygen and avoiding decompression sickness. This conscious adjustment allows them to safely dive for long periods, providing insights into marine mammal physiology.

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.

Magnet swallowing by children after changes in federal regulations

Researchers found a significant increase in emergency department visits for children who swallowed small high-powered magnets after changes in federal regulations. The study suggests that the rise in magnet-related injuries may be attributed to the new rules, which have allowed for the sale of these magnets without safety restrictions.

24 years for Buber research in the digital age

A new academy project at Goethe University Frankfurt will digitallyize over 40,000 Martin Buber letters and make them accessible. The project aims to understand Buber's life, work, and intellectual network, shedding light on the 20th century's history.

Immune strategy based on limited information in the network

Researchers develop efficient immunization strategy using limited network information, significantly reducing disease spread for small groups of individuals. By focusing on the most connected nodes, they achieve a lower fraction of nodes needed to stop the epidemic, highlighting the potential for effective control measures.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sound waves power new advances in drug delivery and smart materials

High-frequency sound waves revolutionize ultrasound-driven chemistry, enabling the development of innovative biomedical technologies and advanced materials. Researchers can deliver drugs to the lungs for painless vaccinations and create protective nanoparticles using patented nebulisation technology.

Anxiety associated with faster Alzheimer's disease onset

A new study finds that anxiety is independently associated with cognitive decline and a faster progression to Alzheimer's disease, even in patients without genetic risk factors or brain volume loss. The researchers recommend screening for anxiety disorders in elderly individuals to potentially slow cognitive decline.

NSF awards ou faculty member $2 million research and innovation grant

The University of Oklahoma faculty member will explore innovative ways to break down various types of plastic, including multi-layered packaging, to increase recyclability. The research aims to design catalysts that target impurities, producing a pure stream of higher value material.

Guiding the way to improved solar cell performance

Scientists have created a set of design guidelines to enhance the efficiency of molecular materials in solar cells. By understanding how particles travel through devices, researchers discovered that maximizing exciton diffusion length can improve organic solar cell performance.

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.

Secrets of the 'lost crops' revealed where bison roam

Researchers have identified small-seeded native plants that may have fed as many Indigenous people as maize, thanks to the presence of bison. By following bison trails and paths in tallgrass prairies, scientists were able to harvest seeds from continuous stands of these crops, including little barley, sumpweed, and maygrass.

Simple new testing method aims to improve time-release drugs

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a simple, inexpensive way to measure drug dissolution that addresses shortcomings of existing methods. The technique uses a vibrating tube sensor to monitor the weight of individual pellets as they dissolve, providing accurate and continuous measurements.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Strengthening the climate change scenario framework

The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis assessed the climate change scenario framework, which combines alternative futures of climate and society. The study found that the framework has been widely applied in over 1,400 studies, enabling research on combined impacts of socioeconomic and climate changes.

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.

38th Annual Gallery of Fluid Motion award winners announced

The American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics awarded posters and videos on fluid motion phenomena, including COVID-19 spread and turbulent convection. The gallery highlights the science behind these topics through stunning visuals.

Progress in electronic structure and topology in nickelates superconductors

Scientists at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Science analyzed parent compound NdNiO2 using first-principles calculations and Gutzwiller variational method. They found that electron Fermi pockets are contributed by Ni-3dx2-y2 orbitals and a two-band model can be constructed to reproduce all bands around Fermi level.

Experimental evolution reveals how bacteria gain drug resistance

A research team at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research successfully evolved Escherichia coli under antibiotic pressure, identifying mechanisms and constraints underlying drug resistance. The findings can be used to develop strategies that minimize the chance of bacteria developing resistance.

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.

51% of Americans agree paying college athletes should be allowed

A national survey of nearly 4,000 people found that 51% of Americans support paying college athletes more than the cost of tuition, with race and traditionalism being key factors. The study also found that Black adults were 2.5 times more likely to agree with athlete pay.

Closing the racial disparity gap in survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that better medical-surgical nurse staffing has a greater effect on black patients than white patients, and differences in survival to discharge after an IHCA are more pronounced in poorly staffed hospitals. The study included over 14,000 patients in 75 US hospitals.

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.

Stress in pregnancy may influence baby brain development

A study by University of Edinburgh researchers found that maternal stress levels during pregnancy affect the baby's brain development, particularly the amygdala. The findings highlight the need for pregnant women to receive mental and physical health support to promote healthy brain development in their babies.

Study: Clean Air Act saved 1.5 billion birds

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that improved air quality under the Clean Air Act saved nearly 20 percent of birdlife in the US, potentially averting 1.5 billion bird deaths over the past 40 years.

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 drinking cocoa make you smarter?

Researchers found that flavanol-enriched cocoa drink improved blood oxygenation levels in the brain, leading to enhanced cognitive performance. Participants completed complex tasks faster and with higher accuracy after consuming the flavanol-rich drink.

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.

Using virtual reality to better understand auditory perception

Researchers from the University of Oldenburg are using virtual reality to better understand auditory perception, particularly in noisy environments. They aim to clarify how complicated processes such as perception, attention, and memory can be investigated using new interactive VR methods.

Brain waves guide us in spotlighting surprises

Researchers found that dynamic interplay of brain wave frequencies, rather than dedicated circuitry, governs the brain's knack for highlighting surprising and downplaying predictable stimuli. This regulatory system has a key role in predictive coding, which is disrupted in autism spectrum disorders.

Shining a light on nanoscale dynamics

Researchers from University of Konstanz and LMU Munich demonstrate ultrafast electron diffraction to uncover nanomaterials' functionality. They observe quantum mechanical phase shift through interaction with light waves, providing a movie-like sequence of images revealing fundamental light-matter interactions.

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.

Efficient and durable perovskite solar cell materials

Researchers at POSTECH developed organic spacer molecular additive to improve perovskite solar cells' photoelectric efficiency and stability. The new material reduces internal defects and increases moisture resistance, achieving 21.3% efficiency and maintaining over 80% of initial performance under humid conditions.

Quantum magic squares

Researchers from University of Innsbruck introduce quantum magic squares, a non-commutative generalization of classical magic squares. Quantum magic squares cannot be easily characterized by convex combinations of quantum permutation matrices, as previously thought.