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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 10 of 47

UT Arlington electrical engineering professor named fellow of the Optical Society

Weidong Zhou, a UT Arlington electrical engineering professor, has been named a fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) for his significant contributions to photonic crystal membrane lasers and hybrid nanomembrane optoelectronics. His research involves developing on-chip systems for healthcare applications and efficient, scalable lasers fo...

Coronavirus volunteers: Greater satisfaction thanks to online platforms

A study by the University of Basel found that online platforms have a positive impact on volunteer mobilization, willingness, and satisfaction. Volunteers who were more afraid of catching the virus experienced higher satisfaction through boosts in self-confidence. The findings suggest that online platforms can channel oversupply and re...

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.

New insights into a potential target for autoimmune disease

A study led by George Hajishengallis found that targeting the DEL-1 molecule could be an effective way to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The researchers discovered that DEL-1 promotes the generation and immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells, which are crucial in maintaining health.

Light on efficiency loss in organic solar cells

Organic solar cell efficiencies are limited by electron affinity and ionization energy offsets. Researchers discovered that Förster resonance energy transfer competes with electron transfer, hindering charge separation. The team plans to design new materials with enhanced charge generation and reduced energy losses.

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.

Most dentists have experienced aggression from patients

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry found that half of US dentists experienced verbal or reputational aggression in the past year, while nearly a quarter endured physical aggression. The rates of patient aggression toward dentists are high and comparable with those reported in other health care settings.

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.

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.

DNA sleuths target ivory poachers

A new DNA test developed by Flinders University can accurately determine the legal status of seized ivory samples, even in highly degraded state. The technique has shown 100% identification accuracy and correct assignment in the legal status of 227 highly degraded ivories.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Aged cell variations may control health and onset of age-related diseases

The study identifies four distinct states of cellular senescence, each characterized by changes in metabolic and epigenomic processes. These states are linked to different levels of inflammation and metabolism, offering new insights into the aging process and potential ways to promote healthy longevity.

The uncertain future of the oceans

New study shows ocean acidification influences carbon content of sinking particles, affecting biological pump. The results, published in Nature Climate Change, indicate highly variable responses to CO2, with bacterial and animal plankton playing a key role.

Rural health care, logging, and carbon conservation

A study in rural Borneo found that healthcare exchange programs reduced deforestation by 70%, preserving forest carbon stores. Clinic access was high but highest in districts with logging agreements, highlighting community engagement as key to success.

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.

Hydrogen sulfide helps maintain your drive to breathe

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that hydrogen sulfide is essential for maintaining normal breathing patterns in mammals. The production of hydrogen sulfide allows brain regions responsible for controlling breathing to function normally.

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.

Timeline of early eukaryotic evolution unveiled

Researchers reconstructed evolutionary events based on genetic changes, finding complex cellular machinery evolved before mitochondrial symbiosis. The study suggests cell complexity increased before acquiring mitochondria, challenging current understanding of eukaryogenesis.

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.

Accessible healthcare could be key to solving climate crisis

A new study by Stanford researchers finds that deforestation in an Indonesian national park declined 70% after an affordable health clinic opened, preserving carbon sinks and reversing poverty. The clinic's success demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing human health and environmental conservation.

How bats excel as viral reservoirs

Researchers found that bats lack AIM-2 receptors, which could reduce inflammation and allow viral reservoirs. In vitro experiments showed partial restoration of inflammasome signaling when human AIM-2 genes were introduced into bat cells.

Concrete structure's lifespan extended by a carbon textile

A new method using noncombustible carbon textile grid and cement mortar doubles load-bearing capacities of structurally deficient concrete structures, increasing their usable lifespan threefold. Construction costs are reduced by 40% compared to existing methods.

Healthcare as a climate solution

A new analysis reveals that improving healthcare in rural Indonesia reduced incentives for illegal logging, resulting in a 70% decline in deforestation and over $65 million worth of avoided carbon emissions. The innovative clinic model provides a blueprint for preserving biodiversity while reducing poverty and illness.

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.

Haunted house researchers investigate the mystery of playing with fear

A study published in Psychological Science reveals that enjoying a fearful experience, like a haunted house, requires finding the perfect balance of fear and enjoyment. The researchers found an inverted U-shape trend showing that too little or too much fear can decrease enjoyment, while just-right fear levels maximize it.

Frozen Food Foundation presents Dr. Zoellner with Freezing Research Award

Dr. Zoellner received the Frozen Food Foundation Freezing Research Award for her work on agent-based computer models to control foodborne pathogens in frozen food facilities. Her research helps assure the microbial safety of frozen foods through the identification and tracing of Listeria monocytogenes.

High fat or 'ketogenic' diets could prevent, reverse heart failure

A study published in Nature Metabolism found that high fat and low carbohydrate diets can completely prevent or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process. The research team discovered that providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve cardiac fat metabolism and prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Solar hydrogen: let's consider the stability of photoelectrodes

Researchers have conducted the first operando stability study of high-purity BiVO4 photoanodes during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using in-situ plasma mass spectrometry, they determined a useful parameter called the stability number (S), which can be used to compare and assess the stability of photoelectrodes.

Medicine and grief during the COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing difficulties with grieving in the US. Healthcare professionals, who are particularly vulnerable to burnout, report increased levels of grief and despair, leading to concerns about their well-being.

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.

Discovery adds new species to Rice lab's ghoulish insect menagerie

Researchers at Rice University and UNAM have discovered four new wasp species, including Allorhogas gallifolia, which may interact with other species on galls in complex ways. The discovery adds to the lab's 'ghoulish insect menagerie' and expands understanding of ecosystem interactions.

Personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia revealed

Research by Murdoch Children's Research Institute reveals significant personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia, including $12.75 billion in annual social and economic losses. Early identification and treatment may help improve outcomes for children with ADHD.

For pregnant women with heart disease, multidisciplinary care may be essential

A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...

Motorists' smartphones may help highways bosses keep roads safe

A new study suggests that smartphone acceleration sensors can provide a low-cost measure of road roughness, allowing engineers to prioritize maintenance and reduce costs. This approach could also be used to assess the condition of rural roads in developing countries.

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.

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.

Wildlife flock to backyards for food from people

Researchers found that feeding animals is the strongest influence on animal activity in yards, with species like squirrels and raccoons being most common. The study confirms the urban-wildlife paradox, showing that suburban areas can have an abundance of wildlife compared to wild areas.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Can scientists take the STING out of common respiratory viruses?

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that most rhinoviruses require human protein STING to infect cells and cause disease. The discovery opens a new avenue for controlling infection and could lead to targeted therapies for treating common colds and acute wheezing episodes.

Odds are good for unique 2D compound

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a unique 2D material that enables the valleytronics phenomenon, touted as a possible platform for information processing and storage. The material has been found to be scalable and less susceptible to environmental degradation.

Penn Study supports use of radiation before CAR therapy for multiple myeloma

A new Penn study found administering radiation therapy to multiple myeloma patients waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured was safe and did not interfere with cellular therapy. Patients who received radiation 34 days or fewer before infusion had similar rates of severe side effects as those who did not receive radiation.