Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive October 2020


Page 6 of 47

Multi-drone system autonomously surveys penguin colonies

The new multi-drone imaging system coordinates multiple autonomous drones to produce detailed visual surveys of penguin colonies, reducing survey time from two days to two-and-a-half hours. The system uses a route planning algorithm that prioritizes efficient coverage and maintains a safe distance from the ground.

Why are some COVID-19 infected people asymptomatic?

Researchers found that alveolar macrophages fail to produce interferons when infected with SARS-CoV-2, allowing the virus to evade detection by the immune system. This suggests that asymptomatic individuals may be spreading the virus without knowing it.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How hard is it to vote in your state?

A new analysis identifies US states that make voting easiest and those that make it more challenging. States like Oregon, Washington, Utah, Illinois, and Maryland offer convenient options such as online registration, early voting, and mail-in voting.

Infrared light antenna powers molecular motor

Scientists at the University of Groningen designed a rotary motor powered by near-infrared light, overcoming a major limitation of previous designs. The motor uses an antenna to absorb two low-energy photons, which are then transferred to initiate movement.

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.

Study finds seabird ecosystem shift in Falkland islands

A study led by University of Wyoming researcher Dulcinea Groff found that seabird populations in the South Atlantic are shifting their habitats due to climate change, with many species moving to new breeding grounds. The research also highlights the importance of nutrients from seabird guano for maintaining tussac grasslands.

Waiter! This soup is not fly

New research highlights barriers to adopting insect-based food, including Western consumer acceptance and safety concerns. The larvae offer a high-quality protein source with zinc, iron, and calcium content comparable to meat.

Graphdiyne based metal atomic catalyst for efficient ammonia synthesis

Researchers have developed a graphdiyne-based metal atomic catalyst that achieves high selectivity and yield in ammonia synthesis. The catalyst, which exhibits determined electronic and chemical structure, demonstrated remarkable performance in converting nitrogen to ammonia at ambient temperatures and pressures.

Seafood extinction risk: Marine bivalves in peril?

Researchers used fossil records to estimate extinction risk in marine bivalves, finding that many harvested species are widespread and tolerant of environmental changes. However, the study highlights the need for more complete data on human impact to inform conservation efforts.

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.

Fish banks

A new model forecasts that strategically placing marine protected areas can improve fish populations and increase local catch. The research suggests that protecting an additional 5% of the ocean could boost future catches by 9-12 million metric tons.

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.

Answer to Darwin's question

A study of young cichlid species in Nicaraguan crater lakes found that new species can arise within a few hundred years through the involvement of many genes. This contradicts previous theories suggesting that speciation is a slow process driven by simple genetic changes.

Study helps explain why motivation to learn declines with age

As people age, their motivation to learn declines. Researchers identified a brain circuit critical for maintaining this motivation and found that it can be boosted in older mice by reactivating the circuit, which was previously shown to suppress motivation.

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.

Good mental health and better sleep for the physically active

Active individuals showed lower incidence of anxiety and depression compared to non-active individuals during the pandemic, despite reduced exercise. The study found a connection between physical activity, mental health, and sleep problems, but no difference in sleep quality among those who changed their exercise habits.

Adults with endocrine disorders have an increased risk of heart disease

The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline emphasizes the importance of evaluating high cholesterol and triglycerides in adults with endocrine disorders. The guideline provides recommendations for managing lipid abnormalities and cardiovascular risk in patients with hypothyroidism, menopause, and Cushing's syndrome.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How computer scientists and marketers can create a better CX with AI

A new paper examines AI's tension between benefits and costs, offering recommendations for marketers to create valued consumer experiences. The study provides a framework that conceptualizes AI as an ecosystem with four capabilities, focusing on the consumer experience of these capabilities.

Genetic analysis system yields new insights into bacterial pneumonia

Scientists used CRISPR interference to study virulence genes in a mouse model of pneumonia, observing surprising variability in disease progression. The results point to several genes as having important roles in pneumococcal infections, including the bacterial capsule genes and the gene for pneumolysin.

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.

The chemistry behind self-driving cars

A new article explains how chemistry can help develop materials necessary for fully autonomous vehicles, including efficient batteries and structural materials. Safety features such as sensors and nonstick coatings are also crucial to reducing maintenance and enhancing safety.

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.

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.

Nudges fail more often than is reported, experts warn

Researchers found that certain types of nudges, such as social norming and information-based interventions, were more likely to fail. The study suggests that understanding the reasons behind these failures can help develop successful behavioral interventions.

Black hole 'family portrait' is most detailed to date

A team of scientists has created the most detailed family portrait of black holes to date, analyzing gravitational-wave data from LIGO and Virgo detectors. The study reveals new clues about black hole formation and tests Einstein's theory of general relativity, passing all tests with flying colors.

Cracking the secrets of dinosaur eggshells

Researchers compare microstructure and composition of five Mexican dinosaur eggs to determine the unknown eggshell's species. The study finds that the unknown sample closely resembles ornithopod shells, supporting hypothesis it belongs to the hadrosaur family.

Location and extent of coral reefs mapped worldwide using advanced AI

Researchers at Arizona State University have generated a global coral reef extent map using advanced AI, predicting the location of shallow reefs with nearly 90% accuracy. The map was created by analyzing thousands of satellite images and is now available through the Allen Coral Atlas.

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.

Mountain gorillas are good neighbours - up to a point

New research by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and University of Exeter reveals that mountain gorilla groups are more likely to be friendly with each other when they meet again, even if they had split over a decade earlier. This behavior is similar to human friendships and may help the group share limited space and resources.

Soil-powered fuel cell promises cheap, sustainable water purification

Engineers at the University of Bath have demonstrated the potential of soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to purify water in field tests in North-East Brazil. SMFCs can generate energy from microorganisms naturally present in soil, which are able to transfer electrons outside their cells.

Specific and rapid expansion of blood vessels

Scientists have discovered a novel mechanism to increase arterial diameter by selectively increasing endothelial cell size, allowing for rapid increases in blood flow. This approach has significant advantages over conventional angiogenesis methods, enabling faster restoration of blood flow and oxygen delivery.

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.

Secrets of 'smasher shrimp' property ladder revealed

Mantis shrimps surveyed burrows before evicting rivals, with the ideal burrow size found to be a balance between being large enough to fit into and small enough to block entry. The species, known for their powerful strikes, compromise on burrow size when faced with occupied homes.

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.

An artificial cell on a chip

Scientists at the Swiss Nanoscience Institute create miniature polymeric reaction containers, mimicking cellular compartments to study enzymatic reactions. The 'cell on a chip' technology provides precise control over enzyme combinations and transport, facilitating research into metabolic diseases and drug reactions.

JNIS: brain-computer allows patients with severe paralysis to text, email, bank

Researchers developed a fully implantable wireless medical device that enables patients with severe paralysis to control computers, smartphones, and other devices without open brain surgery. The Stentrode brain-computer interface restored freedoms for individuals with disabilities, such as texting, emailing, shopping online, and banking.

Genetics and the COVID-19 pandemic

Studies identified genetic variants associated with COVID-19 severity, including a locus on chromosome 3 and novel genes. Researchers also explored therapeutic strategies and transmission dynamics of the virus.

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.

Machine learning helps hunt for COVID-19 therapies

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a deep learning model to predict the binding sites of known protease inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease. The model can help drug developers prioritize promising candidates and save time and money in the early stages of drug development.

Bioenergy research team sequences miscanthus genome

The study provides a genetic road map for researchers to optimize Miscanthus sinensis's desirable traits, including its high tolerance for drought and cool temperatures. The genomic analysis reveals new regulators of perenniality, a trait important for biofuel crops.

Smart fluorescent molecular switches based on boron-based compounds

Scientists have created extremely stable fluorescent molecular switches that can be controlled electrochemically, using a particular redox active anion. These systems show large reversible fluorescence modulation and are soluble in many organic solvents, making them suitable for applications in biosensing, imaging, and drug delivery.