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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 38 of 47

Major deficits in addressing mental health needs of asylum seekers

A German study found that only 2.6% of asylum seekers received a diagnosis for depression, while 1.4% received a diagnosis for anxiety disorder and 2.9% for PTSD symptoms. Many diagnosed individuals did not receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent improvements in mental health care.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA finds dry air sapping Tropical Storm Norbert's strength

Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

The effects of oxytocin on social anxiety depend on location, location, location

A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.

Airdropping sensors from moths

University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

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.

Scientists reveal urgent solutions for boosting Protected Areas effectiveness

A new global review finds that protected areas need better funding, climate smart measures, and equitable management to be effective. The study identifies crucial steps to take, including reducing the funding shortfall for area-based conservation measures and recognizing indigenous community groups' role in nature conservation.

A hydrogel that could help repair damaged nerves

Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.

Feline friendly? How to build rap-paw with your cat - new psychology study

Researchers found that cats are more likely to slow blink at their owners if they have received a slow blink stimulus, and approach the experimenter after slow blinking. This technique can provide positive communication between cats and humans, enhancing the bond and potentially improving feline welfare.

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.

Data tool helps users manage water resources, protect infrastructure

Researchers developed a tool to connect streamgage and reservoir data, providing critical information for managing water systems efficiently. The tool accounts for hydrological connections over large watersheds and can be used by power plant operators, reservoir operators, and water resource managers.

Researchers awarded $2.7M to study loneliness and Alzheimer's

A $2.7M NIH grant will fund a research program investigating the relationship between loneliness and brain structure/function in typically aging people and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to advance understanding of how social isolation impacts brain aging and progression to AD.

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.

Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in the environment

Researchers developed an effective environmental monitoring methodology for SARS CoV-2 virus, detecting viral RNA persistence on surfaces for at least 8 days. The study found that a minimum of 1,000 viral particles per 25 cm2 are required to detect the virus effectively.

High-speed photos shine a light on how metals fail

High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.

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.

Faster COVID-19 testing with simple algebraic equations

A new method for processing large volumes of COVID-19 tests uses simple algebraic equations to identify positive samples and take advantage of 'pooling' technique. This allows more patients to be tested with the same number of test tubes, reducing testing time and false negatives.

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.

Does general anesthesia increase dementia risk?

Researchers investigated exposure to general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia in elective surgery and found no long-term link to dementia. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study followed 7,499 individuals aged 66+ for up to 5 years.

Scientists unpack how the brain separates present from past dangers

A team of neuroscientists has identified processes the brain uses to distinguish real and present dangers from those linked to past experiences in mice. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where patients struggle to distinguish between safety and threat cues.

The benefits of a prostate cancer screening tool

The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.

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.

Seagrass restoration speeds recovery of ecosystem services

A long-term monitoring study shows seagrass restoration has substantial increases in fish and invertebrate abundance, water clarity, and carbon and nitrogen trapping. The project demonstrates a blueprint for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems to safeguard multiple benefits.

Joel L. Lebowitz honored with 2021 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics

Joel L. Lebowitz, director of the Center for Mathematical Sciences Research at Rutgers University, has been awarded the 2021 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics for his significant contributions to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. His work investigates how macroscopic systems behave dynamically in a nonequilibrium state.

Oral cancer pain predicts likelihood of cancer spreading

Research at NYU College of Dentistry identifies genes highly expressed in painful, metastatic oral cancers, revealing a mechanism for cancer pain. The study's findings may lead to the development of biomarkers and objective molecular tests to diagnose risk of metastasis.

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.

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

Deep learning takes on synthetic biology

Researchers have developed machine learning algorithms to predict which RNA-based toehold switches function well, enabling the identification and optimization of these tools. The algorithms analyzed a massive dataset of over 100,000 toehold switch sequences and predicted their behavior with high accuracy.

Boosting chickens' own immune response could curb disease

Researchers developed an immunomodulatory feed additive to boost chickens' immune response against coccidiosis, a parasite-borne intestinal disease. The treatment showed promise in promoting gut health and reducing the effects of severe infection, but may not prevent disease altogether.

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.

Early COVID-19 cases in Southern California linked to New York

A study at Cedars-Sinai found that most COVID-19 patients in Southern California were infected by a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus introduced from New York state via Europe, not directly from China. The genetic analysis identified unique clusters of cases linked to specific transmission routes.

New study confirms advice given to the UK government about school closures

A re-analysis of data from Imperial College London's report suggests that school closures would lead to more overall covid-19 deaths, while general social distancing was effective in reducing cases. The study also found that mitigation strategies focusing on shielding elderly and vulnerable people could minimize deaths.

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.

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.

Phosphorus deficit may disrupt regional food supply chains

A new study reveals that regions with high population growth rates are also experiencing a phosphorus deficit, posing serious challenges to food production. The study estimates that the phosphorus supply chain will lead to alarming rates of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

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.

Next-gen smartphones to keep their cool

Researchers at KAUST have developed a fast and efficient way to make a carbon material that can dissipate heat in electronic devices. The new material, called nanometer-thick graphite film (NGF), is approximately 100 nanometers thick and can be grown on nickel foils using chemical vapor deposition.

Applying artificial intelligence to science education

Machine learning transforms traditional science assessment by tapping into complex constructs, improving functionality and facilitating automatic scoring. The technology is expected to redefine science assessment practices and change the future of education.

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.

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.