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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 1 of 49

Advancing carbon dioxide catalysis

Feng Jiao, a renowned chemical engineering expert, is leading research on transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals using catalysis. His projects aim to produce formic acid and ethylene from CO2 without purification, with the goal of commercializing this technology.

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.

Metal-ion breakthrough leads to new biomaterials

Cornell engineers developed a modular process for designing elastomers with metals like iron and calcium, creating a wide range of mechanical properties. The framework allows for the creation of biodegradable and elastic materials for soft tissue reconstruction and regeneration.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The proof is in the pudding

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that increasing meal sizes can improve nutrition intake among aged care residents. The study showed a correlation between portion size and food consumption, with each kilojoule increase in served energy resulting in a 0.73 kilojoule increase in consumed energy.

How the Humboldt squid's genetic past and present can secure its future

Marine biologists warn of Humboldt squid's vulnerability to overfishing by fleets on its migration path, as its genetic stocks are found to be homogeneously co-distributed across the northern and southern hemispheres. The study emphasizes the need for an international marine policy to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Drink coffee after breakfast, not before, for better metabolic control

A new study from the University of Bath found that drinking coffee after breakfast, but not before, can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered that strong black coffee consumed before breakfast substantially increased blood glucose response by around 50%.

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.

Teen social networks linked to adult depression

A new study by Michigan State University found that teens with fewer friends are more likely to experience depression as adults. However, for women, being popular in adolescence can lead to lower depressive symptoms in adulthood. The study suggests that gender roles and expectations may contribute to this difference.

Revealing the impacts of COVID-19 on unborn children

A new study of 388 pregnancies in 22 countries found that COVID-19 infection during early pregnancy significantly increases risk of adverse fetal outcomes. Only one baby tested positive for the disease and was asymptomatic, suggesting rare transmission from mother to child.

Molecules responsible for radio-resistant glioblastoma identified

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive brain cancer with low five-year survival rate due to rapid development of radioresistance. Researchers from Hokkaido University and Stanford University identified Rab27b and epiregulin as key molecules contributing to radioresistance.

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.

Bacteria virus combo may be cause of neonatal brain infections in Uganda

Researchers identified a previously unknown strain of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus bacteria as the primary cause of post-infectious hydrocephalus in Ugandan infants. The bacteria is linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which causes neurological damage and can lead to severe cognitive and physical disabilities.

Intelligent camera technology to revolutionize plastics recycling

A new research project aims to develop a camera-based separation system that can categorize plastic waste according to its specific properties. The technology will increase the quality of recycled plastics and improve traceability, aiming for a purity of at least 96% by polymer type.

Drugs aren't typically tested on women. AI could correct that bias

Researchers developed AwareDX, a machine learning algorithm that groups data into sex-balanced subsets to identify potential sex-specific drug effects. The algorithm has successfully predicted effects for several drugs, including simvastatin and risperidone, based on genetic differences between men and women.

New study reveals how reptiles divided up the spoils in ancient seas

Researchers modelled the changing ecologies of fossil reptiles in Mesozoic oceans, discovering six ecological categories that linked movement, habitat, and feeding styles. The study shows that these marine reptiles avoided competition with each other, with some groups conserving their ecological roles over time.

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.

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.

"There's no place like home" for rehab after stroke

A study published in Neurology suggests that outpatients who receive professional rehabilitation training at home through live video consultations may recover their motor skills better than those who do their rehab in person. The study found greater increases in physical mobility and functional brain activity among the remote training ...

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.

WVU researcher to tackle the mysteries of dark energy and the universe beyond

A new project led by West Virginia University researcher Kevin Bandura aims to understand the nature of dark energy by mapping out the distribution of matter throughout the universe. The three-year project will use precise observations to study the expansion of the universe, which is currently accelerating due to dark energy.

"Immortal" in tree resin

An international team detected DNA from ambrosia beetles trapped in recent tree resin for less than seven years. The study challenges previous fails in finding DNA in older samples and opens up new possibilities for genetic research.

Screen time can change visual perception -- and that's not necessarily bad

Research from Binghamton University found that the human perceptual system rapidly adjusts to changes in visual experience, including playing video games. The study shows that people can adapt quickly to changes in their environment, with some arguing that this adaptation is helpful in a digital world.

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.

Wildcats threatened by their domestic cousins

European wildcats are at risk of genetic replacement by domestic cats due to hybridization, which can lead to the loss of distinct gene pools and ultimately extinction. A new study predicts that this process could occur within 200-300 years, even with conservation efforts.

Virtual Heidelberg Laureate Forum - Experiment to Experience

The Virtual Heidelberg Laureate Forum successfully replicated in-person exchanges with interactive tools, discussing health, communication, and the pandemic. The event also marked a change in leadership with Prof. Dr. Anna Wienhard succeeding Prof. Dr. Andreas Reuter as Scientific Chairperson.

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.

Pandemic provides unique opportunity for atmospheric chemists

A global decrease in emissions led to a sudden increase in data collection opportunities for atmospheric researchers, allowing them to study pollution in real-time. This data could help address climate change and air quality problems by informing policymakers on the impact of climate-friendly legislation.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Cerebral palsy also has genetic underpinnings

A new study has identified mutations in single genes that can cause cerebral palsy, challenging the long-held notion that the disorder is caused by environmental factors. The research found that many of these mutations occur randomly and are not inherited from parents, but rather arise during development.

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.

3D printed 'invisible' fibers can sense breath, sound, and biological cells

Researchers from the University of Cambridge used 3D printing to create sensors beyond conventional film-based devices, outperforming commercial sensors in monitoring rapid breathing. The fibre sensors can detect breath moisture leaked through face coverings, providing potential indicators for viral transmission protection.

"Liking" an article online may mean less time spent reading it

A new study suggests that interacting with online content may change how we consume it, as people tend to focus on self-expression over engagement. When participants could vote on articles agreeing with their views, their attitudes became stronger and time spent reading decreased.

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.

HPV vaccine effective against cervical cancer

A large study by Karolinska Institutet found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Women vaccinated at a young age show a 88% reduced risk, while those vaccinated between ages 17 and 30 experience a halved risk.

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.

The heat is on for building 3D artificial organ tissues

Researchers at the University of Washington and Rice University are working on a novel technology that uses thermofluidic systems to manipulate gene expression in cells within 3D artificial organs. This could lead to the creation of functional artificial liver tissues that can be used for studying disease and developing new treatments.

NASA imagery reveals Kujira transitioning into an extratropical cyclone

NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of Typhoon Kujira transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, highlighting the effects of strong wind shear. The storm's center of circulation was surrounded by wispy clouds, while powerful southwesterly vertical wind shear pushed clouds and showers northeast of the center.

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.

Coral's resilience to warming may depend on iron

A new study suggests that limited iron levels in corals could impair their ability to respond to climate change. High water temperatures and low iron availability compromise the algae living within coral cells, leading to reduced growth and function.