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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 25 of 49

Researchers demonstrate record speed with advanced spectroscopy technique

A new spectrometer uses dual-comb spectroscopy to measure spectra in mere microseconds, enabling real-time biological imaging and machine vision applications. The device can analyze gases and solids at high speeds, making it ideal for applications like explosion analysis and chemical signatures capture.

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 data processing module makes deep neural networks smarter

A new data processing module called attentive normalization improves the performance of deep neural networks by combining feature normalization and feature attention. The hybrid module significantly increases accuracy while using negligible extra computational power, and facilitates better transfer learning between different domains.

Climate crisis ages fish, amphibians and reptiles

Research suggests that climate change is causing ectothermic animals like fish, amphibians, and reptiles to age faster due to increased growth rates and heat stress. This can lead to reduced life expectancy and compromised ability to produce offspring.

How a giant short-faced bear reached the California Channel Islands

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma and others report the first occurrence of the extinct giant short-faced bear, Arctodus simus, on the California Channel Islands. The toe bone was found to be from a bear dating back approximately 17,000 years, with chemical fingerprints matching the spectacled bear from South America.

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.

Native stinging tree toxins match the pain of spiders and scorpions

Researchers at the University of Queensland have found a new family of toxins, gympietides, in the Gympie-Gympie stinging tree that can cause long-lasting pain similar to spider and cone snail venom. The toxins permanently change sodium channels in sensory neurons, suggesting potential for developing new painkillers.

Medical robotic hand? Rubbery semiconductor makes it possible

Researchers have designed a smart electronic skin and medical robotic hand that can assess vital diagnostic data using a newly invented rubbery semiconductor with high carrier mobility. The material is scalable for manufacturing and retains electrical performance even when stretched by 50%.

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.

Saint Louis University establishes new institute for healing justice and equity

The Institute for Healing Justice and Equity (IHJE) aims to address systemic disparities and promote healing through research, training, community engagement, and policy development. Key findings include the importance of incorporating healing practices into equity measures to combat psychological and physical harms of oppression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social distancing and microbial health

A recent perspective highlights the potential consequences of social distancing on the microbiome, suggesting it could worsen dysbiosis and reduce antibiotic resistance. The authors caution that rigorous studies are needed to support these hypotheses.

NASA sees tropical storm Karina's night moves

Tropical Storm Karina is weakening due to unfavorable upper-level winds and cooler waters, forecast to become a remnant low by tonight. Its maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts, moving toward the northwest at 8 mph.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women

This observational study found that preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, and low birth weight are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. The study controlled for traditional risk factors, highlighting the importance of considering pregnancy outcomes in cardiovascular health.

Stop Livin to make lymphoma cells stop living

Lymphoma cells can resist therapy by evading apoptosis due to the presence of the Livin protein. Targeting Livin using inhibitors may be effective in refractory cases. Researchers have identified a promising immunotherapeutic strategy by combining CD40-mediated Fas expression with specific targeting of Livin.

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.

Scientists studied color change from green to red in the fluorescent protein

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU have deciphered the molecular mechanism of GFP's green-to-red photoconversion, shedding light on its practical implications. The study suggests that understanding this process may hold key to uncovering ancestral proteins' functions and mitigating photobleaching in microscopy.

Controlled dynamics of colloidal rods

Scientists create controlled dynamics of colloidal rods on a magnetised chip using mathematical coding, increasing efficiency in research and potential applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. The study paves the way for mini-laboratories to study materials and biochemical agents.

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.

Scientists identify gene family key to unlocking vertebrate evolution

Researchers discovered a new gene family critical for forming vertebrate head skeletons and unique traits during embryonic development. The Endothelin signaling pathway allows neural crest cells to proliferate and specialize into different roles throughout the body, making vertebrates distinct from invertebrates.

Reviewing the quantum material 'engine room', QAHE

Researchers reviewed the fundamental theories underpinning the quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE), a key feature of emerging 'quantum' materials. QAHE causes zero-resistance electrical current along material edges and has potential for reducing power consumption in electronic devices.

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.

NASA imagery reveals Paulette became a strong extratropical cyclone

Paulette's transformation into an extra-tropical storm revealed by NASA imagery, with visible clouds and wind circulation. The system is expected to weaken over the next couple of days, but still poses a threat to Atlantic Canada and the US east coast with life-threatening surf conditions.

Discoveries made in how immune system detects hidden intruders

Researchers from Texas A&M University have made significant discoveries on how the immune system detects hidden intruders. The study found that T-cells increase their detection power mechanically, using a 'catch bond' between T-cell receptors and MHC molecules when force is applied.

Mapping cavefish brains leads to neural origin of behavioral evolution

A groundbreaking study mapping cavefish brains has identified large-scale differences in brain structure and function between surface fish and cavefish populations. The research reveals how these morphological changes relate to changes in behavior, including sleep loss, reduced social behaviors, and alterations in sensory processing.

Choosing the right cover crop to protect the soil

A recent study tested various cover crops to determine their effectiveness in protecting soil. While some cover crops had little impact, others showed promise in reducing erosion and nutrient loss. Researchers recommend choosing cover crops that can survive winter, grow well in spring, and hold onto soil for extended periods.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Researchers have developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München and TUM developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector, leveraging silicon photonics technology to achieve super-resolution imaging. This innovation enables high-sensitivity detection in smaller sizes than previously possible, opening up new avenues for sensing and imaging applications.

A novel approach to childhood obesity prevention

A novel taxonomic approach is introduced to break down and reaggregate study specifics, enabling a determination of effective obesity intervention strategies. The research was supported by the NIH under contract number GS-00F-0007M.

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.

Eyeglasses and COVID-19

Researchers investigated the association between wearing eyeglasses daily and susceptibility to COVID-19. The observational study found that individuals who used eyeglasses daily had lower rates of infection compared to non-users.

Machine learning models identify kids at risk of lead poisoning

A new machine learning model accurately identifies children most at risk of lead poisoning, equitably targeting resources to prevent poisonings. The model is about twice as accurate as previous simpler models and considers various factors such as housing, economic status, and sociodemographic data.

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.

Next-gen organoids grow and function like real tissues

Researchers at EPFL create miniature intestines using stem cells and hydrogel scaffolds, achieving high physiological relevance. The new organoids can regenerate, model inflammatory processes, and host-microbe interactions, opening up exciting perspectives for disease modeling, drug discovery, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine.

How cigarette butts can be recycled into bricks: a step-by-step plan

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a step-by-step plan to recycle cigarette butts into bricks, offering a solution to global littering problems. The plan outlines practical steps for industries to work together to tackle the issue of cigarette butt pollution, which results in toxic waste and energy consumption.

New gene implicated in neuron diseases

A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.

As pandemic progressed, people's perceived risks went up

As the pandemic progressed, individuals' personal risk assessments led to increased protective behaviors like hand washing and social distancing. The study found that knowing one's own risk affected behavior more than concerns about others.

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.

Sunfleck use research needs appropriate experimental leaves

A recent study from the University of Guam found that leaves grown under fluctuating light respond better to sunflecks than those grown under homogeneous shade. The research highlights the need for experimental methods to mimic natural light fluctuations in plant physiology.

From plastic to protein powder

Researchers at Michigan Tech and the University of Illinois are working on a project to convert plastic waste into protein powder and lubricants using chemical and high heat deconstruction. The team aims to develop a system that can break down plastic quickly, producing nutritional supplements and fuel.

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.

Researchers to study effects of landlord decisions during pandemic

A $60,000 NSF grant allows Iowa State University researchers to investigate landlord decision-making contributing to rental housing instability. The team will conduct surveys and interviews with landlords, property managers, local government officials, and policy stakeholders in Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Lexington.

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.

Choosing the right cover crop to protect the soil

Researchers tested various cover crops to protect soil in Midwestern states like Illinois. While some cover crops showed promise, most failed to improve soil properties due to harsh winters and limited survival rates.

Anti-reflective coating inspired by fly eyes

A team from UNIGE has successfully replicated a nanoscale coating on different surfaces, mimicking the natural anti-reflective and anti-adhesive properties of fly eyes. The coating consists of two ingredients: retinin and corneal wax, which work together to generate a regular network of protuberances.