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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 32 of 47

Studies find even minimal physical activity measurably boosts health

Two studies from UC San Diego found that standing and light physical activity significantly reduce the risk of death, even for just 30 minutes a day. The research team also compared sedentary time in Americans to farmers in Malawi, finding substantially higher levels of activity among the latter group.

Tetrahedra may explain water 's uniqueness

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have found evidence of a critical point based on the cooperative formation of tetrahedra in supercooled water. This discovery suggests that water's anomalies, such as its maximum density and large heat capacity, originate from the two-state feature, rather than criticality.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unraveling the network of molecules that influence COVID-19 severity

A study published in Cell Systems identified 219 molecules that strongly correlate with COVID-19 severity. The analysis revealed a unique network of molecules influencing blood coagulation, inflammation, and vessel damage. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to the development of targeted therapeutics to alleviate disease.

Engineers print wearable sensors directly on skin without heat

Researchers developed a novel technique to produce high-performing biometric sensors by printing them directly on human skin at room temperature. The sensors can capture precise temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals, and are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

Revealing the reason behind jet formation at the tip of laser optical fiber

A research team from Russia and Japan explored jet formation in an optical fiber immersed in liquid, revealing the reasons behind this phenomenon. The study found that the jet velocity depends on the relationship between the vapor bubble size and fiber radius, with potential applications for laser surgical techniques.

Mosquitoes' taste for blood traced to four types of neurons

Researchers have discovered that female mosquitoes use four distinct types of neurons to detect the unique flavor of human blood, which may lead to new methods for preventing mosquito-borne illnesses. By studying these taste neurons, scientists hope to develop a drug or treatment that could deter mosquitoes from biting humans.

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.

Depression/anxiety in mums-to-be linked to heightened asthma risk in their kids

Research suggests that psychological distress during pregnancy may be linked to a heightened risk of asthma and poorer lung function in children. The study found that mothers' overall psychological distress was associated with a 45-92% increased risk of current asthma in their children, while fathers' symptoms had no association.

Computational approach to optimise culture conditions required for cell therapy

Researchers have developed a computational approach called EpiMogrify that can predict the molecules needed to keep cells healthy in laboratory cultures. The model successfully identified molecules to maintain healthy nerve cells and heart cells, and predicted molecules that trigger stem cells to turn into specific cell types.

Tooth structure of early mammaliaform

Researchers analyzed Kalaallitkigun jenkinsi, a late Triassic species from Greenland, to study the origin of double-row cusped molar-like teeth. The findings suggest that these features may have evolved together with biomechanically optimized dual roots.

Multi-state data storage leaving binary behind

Researchers review 'multi-state memory' data storage technology that stores more than just 0s and 1s, enabling high-density storage and fast access. The technology has the potential to enhance storage density without scaling down device dimensions.

Navigating through health care data disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health care data collection, leading to challenges in managing and analyzing patient information. Researchers emphasize the need for healthcare systems to develop new strategies to address these disruptions and ensure accurate data reporting.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Damaged muscles don't just die, they regenerate themselves

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that damaged muscle fibers leak components that activate dormant satellite cells. These cells then proliferate and regenerate muscle fibers, a highly rational mechanism for tissue repair. The study identifies metabolic enzymes like GAPDH as key activators of satellite cells.

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.

Outcomes of babies born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection

The study examines the risk of mother-to-newborn transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection and finds that it occurs in approximately 0.3% of cases. Newborns born to mothers with active SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for respiratory complications, including pneumonia.

Researcher leads $3.8 million project to map developing mice brains

A Penn State College of Medicine researcher is leading a three-year project to create an atlas of developing mice brains using computational tools and high-resolution imaging. The goal is to better understand brain development and identify key cells that may contribute to disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

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.

Pandemic-related stress leads to less employee engagement

A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress leads to lower employee engagement, but a supportive boss can make a positive difference. Servant leaders who prioritize employees' emotional needs and well-being help reduce stress and increase pro-social behavior.

Earphone tracks facial expressions, even with a face mask

A new earphone device called C-Face can track full facial expressions by observing the contour of the cheeks, translating them into emojis or silent speech commands. This technology has potential applications in remote work, virtual reality collaborations, and directing devices using facial cues.

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.

Serology study provides critical insight into COVID-19 immune response

Researchers found that higher antibody levels in sicker patients correlate with disease severity, but surprisingly, many elderly patients produced as strong an antibody response as younger adults. The study suggests that a vaccine may not need to achieve the highest possible RBD-S antibody levels.

Dueling proteins give shape to plants

In a new study, researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind two key proteins that influence plant form and timing of developmental transitions. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between Terminal Flower 1 (TLF1) and Flowering Locus T (FT) proteins, which promote branch formation and flowering, respectively.

Making disorder for an ideal battery

Researchers at Université de Genève develop non-flammable solid electrolyte that operates at room temperature, transporting sodium instead of lithium. The new battery technology has potential to store more energy and is being used to create a new generation of stable and powerful batteries.

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.

Swine coronavirus replication in human cells

Researchers successfully replicated Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus (SADS-CoV) in various human cell lines, including liver, intestinal, and airway cells. This finding suggests that SADS-CoV has a broad host range and may pose a risk to human health.

Casting call: why immobilizing helps in healing

Researchers discovered that immobilizing extremities alters the way stem cells interact with their extracellular environment, switching their fate from becoming debilitating bone to benign fat. This finding could help doctors optimize healing in patients with extremity injuries.

Biogenic carbon emissions in Los Angeles metropolitan area

Researchers found a seasonally variable biogenic CO2 cycle in Los Angeles, driven by irrigation and turf/plant growth, accounting for 33% of total emissions. The study highlights the need to separate fossil and biogenic sources of carbon in urban areas.

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 robotic assistance to make colonoscopy kinder and easier

A breakthrough in semi-autonomous colonoscopy uses a robot to guide a medical device into the body, reducing the demanding task of manipulation for doctors or nurses. The system enables precise locations for biopsies or tissue examination with minimal pain and increased patient access.

How consumers responded to COVID-19

The study identifies four threats that affect consumer behavior, including health, economic, social, and misinformation threats. Consumers have shown adaptive responses to these challenges, such as switching to online streaming services or making their own hand sanitizer.

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.

Applying information theory to landscape art

A statistical approach analyzing 14,912 Western paintings reveals spatial composition patterns that can distinguish between artists and style periods. The study found that compositional features shifted over time, with dominant horizons changing in location during the Rococo, Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, and 20th century periods.

Customers prefer partitions over mannequins in socially-distanced dining rooms

A study by the University of Houston found that consumers prefer dining rooms with partitions between tables due to their perceived cleanliness, visual attractiveness, and comfort. Surprisingly, older respondents (over 40) were more willing to visit establishments with partitions, rating both options equally comfortable and welcoming.

Update on excess deaths from COVID-19, other causes

The study revises previous estimates of excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring cause-specific mortality rates. It highlights relationships between lifting restrictions and excess deaths from various causes.

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.

Atmospheric dust levels are rising in the Great Plains

Researchers found atmospheric dust levels increasing by up to 5% per year across the Great Plains, correlated with farming practices and seasonal crop cycles. The trend suggests a repeat of the devastating Dust Bowl that devastated the Midwest in the 1930s.

The making of memory B cells and long-term immune responses

A new study by Tomohiro Kurosaki at Osaka University reveals that Bach2 expression and reduced mTORC1 activity are necessary for activated B cells to become memory B cells, a type of white blood cell that sticks around for years and provides rapid responses to re-infection. This understanding can help develop efficient vaccines.

More young adults are abstaining from alcohol

A new study by the University of Michigan and Texas State University found that more college-age Americans are abstaining from alcohol, with a significant decrease in alcohol misuse. However, the study also shows an increase in marijuana use and co-use of alcohol and marijuana.

Primates aren't quite frogs

Scientists have discovered that spinal modules in macaques can independently control forelimb force direction and magnitude, offering new insights into movement disorders and potential recovery methods. This finding, known as the 'spinal motor module hypothesis,' has significant implications for robotics and clinical medicine.

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.

COVID-19 pandemic and $16 trillion virus

The study aggregates mortality, morbidity, mental health conditions, and economic losses to estimate the total cost of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The estimated cost is $16 trillion, with an optimistic assumption that the pandemic will be substantially contained by fall 2021.

One-two punch

Researchers found that repeated droughts generally increase a forest's detrimental effects, making trees more vulnerable to stress. Conifers are particularly affected due to their vascular systems, which sustain more damage in initial droughts and hinder recovery.

How to catch fire

Researchers at the University of Virginia are working on a project to improve the durability and efficiency of air-breathing hypersonic engines. Using advanced laser techniques, they aim to capture snapshots of gas-phase combustion reactions in supersonic environments.

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.

New grant fuels better nutrient management in vineyards

A new grant from Cornell University's researchers will help vineyard growers identify and address nutrient deficiencies. Using high-resolution sensors, they aim to provide precise information on nutrient levels and enable real-time decision-making for better yield and environmental sustainability.

Moon to Earth: WA to host space communications station

A new optical communications ground station is being built in Western Australia to receive high-speed data transmissions from space. The station will be part of a larger network and support groundbreaking projects, including NASA's Artemis mission.

Scientists discover mosquitoes' unique blood-taste detectors

Researchers found a group of neurons in female mosquitoes' stylets that activate only when sugar, salt, and other components of blood are present together. This discovery opens the door to further examination of novel forms of taste detection and unique feeding strategies.

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.

COVID-19 recovery at home possible for most patients

A new study published in Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians Open confirms that most patients with COVID-19 symptoms can recover safely at home. The study found that none of the patients died and fewer than 1% required intensive care.