Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2020


Page 19 of 49

Study investigates hurricane evacuations in the era of COVID-19

A study examines evacuation behaviors during a global pandemic, revealing that people impacted by mandatory hurricane evacuations are choosing to shelter in place due to health concerns. The research aims to inform public health messaging and identify safety education strategies to increase household preparedness.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

E. coli bacteria offer path to improving photosynthesis

Researchers created an optimal experimental environment by introducing engineered plant enzyme into E. coli bacteria. They discovered that a specific subunit of Rubisco works faster than others and can be improved in bacteria to boost crop productivity.

CRISPR-based malaria test

A new CRISPR-based diagnostic method has been developed to detect four species of the malarial parasite Plasmodium. The test uses a nucleic acid detection platform called SHERLOCK and is optimized for field conditions, with a cost of $0.61 per test.

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.

New insights into how the drug pomalidomide fights cancer

Scientists uncover how pomalidomide reduces cancer cell growth by breaking down the protein ARID2, promoting MYC gene expression. This finding provides a plausible explanation for pomalidomide's efficacy in treating lenidomide-resistant multiple myeloma.

'Awe walks' boost emotional well-being

A new study published in Emotion journal found that older adults who took weekly 15-minute 'awe walks' for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress. Participants showed a visible shift in their selfies, featuring landscapes instead of themselves, and experienced significant boosts in daily prosocial emotions.

'Front of package' nutrition labels improved nutrition quality

A new study analyzing 16 years of data on tens of thousands of products found that the adoption of nutrition data on 'front of package' (FOP) labels is associated with improved nutritional content. FOP labeling was linked to a 12.5% reduction in calories, 12.97% reduction in saturated fat, and other improvements in nutrients.

The overlap between fear and anxiety brain circuits

New research reveals that fear and anxiety are constructed from a shared set of core neural building blocks. The study's findings suggest that the brain regions long thought to be responsible for each emotion are actually equally sensitive to certain and uncertain threats.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Customising an electronic material

PSI scientists investigate strontium-iridium oxide, an antiferromagnetic material, to systematically control its magnetic and electronic properties. By manipulating thin films, they can fine-tune the material's properties, leading to potential applications in data storage.

Fred Hutch-led clinical trial shows new smartphone app helps smokers quit

A clinical trial led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found the iCanQuit app to be nearly 1.5 times more effective in helping adult smokers quit after 12 months compared to the National Cancer Institute's QuitGuide app. The study suggests that for every 100,000 smokers reached with iCanQuit, 28,000 would quit smoking.

Study reveals racial disparities in clinical trial recruitment

Researchers found that a hybrid strategy combining electronic medical records with postal mailings is more effective than traditional methods in recruiting diverse participant populations. This approach increased participation among underrepresented groups, including Black participants and women, while being cost-effective.

Changes in hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder in US

Hospitalizations for alcohol use disorder in the US rose significantly over a nearly two-decade period, with an increase of 10%, resulting in more in-hospital deaths. The study also found that age-standardized rates of hospitalization and death due to alcohol use disorder remained high across different demographic groups.

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.

Insight-HXMT discovers closest high-speed jet to black hole

The satellite detected a low-frequency quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) above 200 keV in a black hole binary, indicating the presence of a relativistic jet near the event horizon. The discovery resolves the long-running debate on the physical origin of low-frequency QPOs.

Parkinson's disease is not one, but two diseases

Researchers have identified two variants of Parkinson's disease, with one starting in the intestines and spreading to the brain, and another starting in the brain and affecting the intestines and heart. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and new treatment options for patients.

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.

New composite material revs up pursuit of advanced electric vehicles

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a composite material that increases electrical current capacity of copper wires, enabling more efficient electric vehicle traction motors. The new material can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient devices with improved performance and reduced cost.

Jellyfish with your chips?

Researchers found 92 endangered and 11 critically endangered species of seafood were caught globally. The seafood industry lacks effective conservation policies due to international supply chains.

'Bandage' developed to rebuild broken bone

A new material has been developed to transplant bone-forming stem cells into severe bone fractures and speed up the healing process. The bone-like bandage is coated in a protein used for growth and repair, allowing it to enhance the natural ability of bones to heal.

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.

Making sense of diabetes

Research suggests that witnessing a relative or neighbor manage diabetes can influence an individual's approach to self-management. Healthcare providers must consider patients' life circumstances, including financial resources, to optimize care. Asks healthcare providers to collect both quantitative and qualitative data to better under...

Comet Chury's ultraviolet aurora

Researchers discovered ultraviolet emissions on Comet Chury due to solar wind electrons striking its coma. The phenomenon, similar to Earth's aurora borealis, provides new insights into comet environments.

New national imaging center has potential to transform medicine

A $22.7 million NIH grant will create a national research hub at UW-Madison, providing access to cutting-edge cryo-EM and cryo-ET technologies for scientists across the US. The center aims to train a new workforce and improve these imaging techniques, which hold potential for breakthroughs in medicine and life sciences.

Mirror-like photovoltaics get more electricity out of heat

Researchers have developed a new type of solar cell that can reflect 99% of the energy it can't convert into electricity, allowing for more efficient use of waste heat from exhaust pipes and chimneys. This technology has the potential to make renewable energy storage cheaper by ten-fold compared to traditional battery-based systems.

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.

Better catalysts for a sustainable bioeconomy

The researchers recommend returning to classic zeolites, which are efficient catalysts that can be modified and adapted for specific purposes. The team found inconsistencies in the literature on how aluminium atoms catalyse reactions, highlighting the need for further understanding of these active centres.

October issue SLAS Technology now available

The October issue of SLAS Technology features a cover article on the role of digital microfluidics in enabling access to laboratory automation and making biology programmable. The article discusses the challenges faced by scientists, including costs and late-stage risk, and explores how digital microfluidics can overcome these challenges.

Warming ocean, old-forest loss put a squeeze on an elusive seabird

A study by Oregon State University found that marbled murrelets are at risk of local extinctions due to changing ocean conditions and loss of old forest habitats. The bird's long-distance nesting commute and reliance on forage fish make it vulnerable to habitat fluctuations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nature conservation and tourism can coexist despite conflicts

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland finds that sustainable nature tourism can effectively mediate conflicts between nature conservation and tourism. The approach was successfully implemented in Koli National Park, where it helped balance economic development with environmental protection.

Artificial intelligence detects osteoarthritis years before it develops

Researchers developed a machine-learning algorithm that can detect subtle signs of osteoarthritis on MRI scans taken years before symptoms begin. The algorithm predicted osteoarthritis with 78% accuracy from MRIs performed three years before symptom onset, offering hope for preventative treatments.

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.

Immunotherapy is beneficial in gastric and oesophageal cancers, studies show

Studies presented at ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 show that immunotherapy improves overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with gastric and oesophageal cancers who have high PD-L1 scores. Nivolumab and pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy are shown to be beneficial for these patients, offering new treatment options.

Engineers imitate human hands to make better sensors

A research team created dual-mode sensors that capture texture and force, enabling precise measurement of movement magnitude, load, rate, duration, and direction. These sensors could aid people with severe injuries and contribute to advanced robotics.

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.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Dolphin going swimmingly

Tropical Storm Dolphin formed from Tropical Depression 14W, strengthening with deep convection and organized thunderstorms. The storm is expected to move north and then northeast, potentially strengthening to 55 knots.

October issue of SLAS Discovery now available

The October edition of SLAS Discovery features a critical review of mass spectrometry applied to imaging in drug discovery, highlighting its potential for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic measurements. The issue also includes original research articles on various topics in life sciences discovery and 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.

Do rats like to be tickled?

Researchers developed a behavioural test to measure rats' individual emotional experiences and found that vocalisations during 'tickling' accurately reflect their emotional states. The study suggests using call patterns to understand and improve rat welfare.

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.

'Best' hospitals should be required to deliver tobacco treatment

A new report highlights the need for top hospitals to prioritize tobacco treatment, citing a disconnect between rankings and smoking cessation care. The study's authors argue that addressing tobacco dependence should be a priority, especially given its impact on various health conditions, resulting in significant healthcare costs.

Tree planting and carbon sequestration in US forests

Increasing tree planting in understocked US forestland could increase carbon sequestration capacity by approximately 20%. Currently, annual tree-planting efforts result in sequestering around 16-28 million metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Very sensitive optical receivers for space communication

A team of scientists has developed a free-space optical transmission system that relies on an optical amplifier without excess noise, achieving unprecedented error-free sensitivity of one photon-per-information-bit at 10.5 Gbit/s. The system operates at room temperature and is scalable to higher data rates.

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.

A computer predicts your thoughts, creating images based on them

Researchers at the University of Helsinki developed a technique that models visual perception by monitoring human brain signals, allowing computers to generate new information and create images matching users' intentions. The accuracy of this method was 83% in an experiment where participants focused on certain features.

Just add water: Biodiversity resurgence in effluent-fed desert riverbeds

Researchers found over 40 species of dragonflies and more than a year of effluent-fed river flow led to a biodiversity comeback in the Santa Cruz River. The river's return was attributed to upgraded wastewater treatment plants providing better reclaimed water quality, supporting high levels of aquatic life.