Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive September 2020


Page 29 of 49

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fish oil without the fishy smell or taste

A new refining process developed by University of Cincinnati researchers enriches the omega-3 fatty acid content of apple juice without changing its taste. This technique uses a vortex fluidic device to minimize oxidation and improve shelf life, resulting in higher-quality fish oil supplements.

Progress toward antiviral treatments for COVID-19

Researchers identify a key viral protein with potential drug targets, revealing unique protonation mechanisms that could lead to broad-spectrum antiviral treatments. Small shifts in pH may alter the enzyme's shape, allowing for more effective treatment options against COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.

Newly discovered mechanism regulates myocardial distensibility

A team of researchers at the University of Münster has discovered a new mechanism that regulates myocardial distensibility, which is the elasticity of the heart muscle. This mechanism, called UnDOx, is triggered by oxidative stress and changes the stiffness of the cardiac walls.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UIC to study how adolescent binge drinking impacts adult behavior

The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a consortium to investigate how adolescent binge drinking affects genes, brain circuitry, and behaviors through epigenetics. The five-year project aims to identify neurobiological changes resulting from early binge drinking and its impact on adult psychopathology such as anxiety and addiction.

Popular messenger services are extremely insecure

Researchers discovered that popular messengers like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram allow for large-scale abuse of contact discovery services, exposing sensitive user data. Attackers can build accurate behavior models by querying random phone numbers, enabling them to track users across social networks and public data sources.

Scientists uncover a novel approach to treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers have found a way to restore muscle regeneration and prevent scarring in Duchenne muscular dystrophy by correcting the content of extracellular vesicles. This novel approach uses pharmacologically corrected vesicles to deliver HDAC inhibitors directly to muscles, overcoming systemic adverse effects.

Robots to help children touch the outside world

A UC team is creating telepresence robots equipped with robotic arms to enable children with disabilities to interact with their classmates, teachers, and communities. The project aims to reduce social isolation and promote learning and development in high-risk children.

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.

Risk gene for Alzheimer's has early effects on the brain

A study of 82 young adults with varying ApoE gene variants found no differences in memory performance, but distinct brain activity patterns, suggesting potential early disease processes. The researchers used functional MRI to examine the impact on the hippocampus, an area crucial for memory.

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.

Improved physician-patient relationships are associated with improved health

Research at Case Western Reserve University reveals a strong association between high-quality physician-patient relationships and improved patient-reported health status. Adults with multiple diagnosed conditions often experience lower quality relationships, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.

Storing information and designing uncrackable codes with DNA

Researchers at Arizona State University are exploring DNA-based storage technologies that can store and retrieve information securely. The project aims to create microscopic forms with encryption capabilities rivaling silicon-based semiconductor memories.

Rising temperatures could shift US West Nile virus transmission

A new study published in eLife suggests that rising temperatures may shift the optimal temperature range for West Nile virus transmission in the US. The research found that moderate temperatures are most conducive to viral spread, and extreme temperatures limit transmission in certain areas.

Reward and punishment take similar paths in the mouse brain

Researchers found neurons in the striosome contribute to both positive reinforcement learning and negative-reinforcement learning, highlighting the complex motivation-processing hub in this brain region. Understanding its function is critical for developing better treatments for mental illnesses such as depression and addiction.

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.

TV ads for psoriasis and eczema medications portray few people of color

Research from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that TV ads for psoriasis and eczema medications lack diversity, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. This underrepresentation may contribute to treatment disparities, as non-white patients are less likely to receive effective treatments.

Modern theory from ancient impacts

New study from University of Tokyo researchers calls into doubt a long-held theory about the early solar system. They found evidence that asteroid Vesta was hit by multiple impacting bodies around 4.4 billion to 4.15 billion years ago, earlier than previously thought.

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.

Dust may have controlled ancient human civilization

A new study reveals that dust played a critical role in forming thick soils in the Levant region, enabling early human civilization to take root. The discovery challenges existing hypotheses on soil formation, suggesting that dust input was more important than erosion rates.

Did our early ancestors boil their food in hot springs?

Researchers at MIT and the University of Alcalá in Spain discovered evidence of hot springs near early human archaeological sites in Olduvai Gorge. The proximity of these hydrothermal features raises the possibility that early humans could have used hot springs as a cooking resource, boiling fresh kills before controlling fire.

Metabolic surgery offers health benefits for patients with high blood pressure

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that metabolic surgery reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and death for individuals with hypertension and a BMI over 35kg/m2. The surgery was shown to be effective in treating hypertension, suggesting it as an option for patients with obesity and high blood pressure.

Expenditures for primary care may affect how primary care is delivered

Out-of-pocket and total visit expenditures for primary care physicians have shifted towards private insurance and Medicare, impacting access. The study suggests that continued trends may lead to increased difficulty in accessing primary care services, particularly for Medicaid patients.

The public charge rule: What physicians can do to support immigrant health

The US Supreme Court's decision allowed proposed changes to take effect, leading to reluctance among immigrants and their families to apply for benefits. Family physicians can provide outreach education, access to primary care, and referrals to legal services to address concerns and support immigrant health.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Europe's primary forests: What to protect? What to restore?

Primary forests in Europe are scarce and irreplaceable, requiring top priority protection. Restoration is a viable option where no primary forests remain, storing carbon and benefiting biodiversity. An expansion of protected areas by just 1% can suffice to safeguard most remaining primary forests.

Rare pattern observed in migrating common swifts

The study reveals a unique chain migration pattern in common swifts, where populations from southern Europe arrive in Africa before those from northern Europe, driven by food availability. This adaptation allows the species to ensure continuous access to energy-rich insects, enabling them to survive for over 20 years.

Scientists develop a technique to dynamically curve a photon jet

Researchers have discovered a simple method for creating a curved photonic beam using a microparticle, which can be used for various applications such as microscopy and lithography. This breakthrough enables the creation of more flexible and versatile photonics devices.

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.

Hitchhiking seeds pose substantial risk of nonnative plant invasions

A recent study found that nonnative plant invasions can occur through hitchhiking seeds on shipping containers, with potential risks to agriculture and native ecosystems. The researchers propose strategies such as liquid pre-emergent herbicide application and inspection for exterior seeds to reduce risk of invasion.

Curtin research creates faster, on-site way to detect PFAS

A new on-site detection method for PFAS, developed by Curtin University researchers, allows for immediate and accurate measurement of levels. This method could aid in the removal of persistent environmental pollutants from contaminated lands and waters around the world.

Study examines how civil wars affect wildlife populations

A new study reveals that civil wars have a negative impact on native mammal populations, with increased access to automatic weapons and suspension of anti-poaching patrols leading to population collapse. The authors warn that restoring depleted wildlife populations may take many decades and require active intervention efforts.

New treatments for deadly lung disease could be revealed by 3D modeling

Researchers developed a 3D bioengineered model of lung tissue that showed drugs effective in Petri dish tests did not work in patients, highlighting the need to target other aspects of pulmonary fibrosis. The study used tissue engineering and mechanical cues to understand how fibroblasts drive disease progression.

CCNY engineer Xi Chen and partners create new shape-changing crystals

Researchers led by CCNY engineer Xi Chen create supramolecular crystals that change shape in response to evaporation, enabling direct observation of water-material interactions at the molecular level. The new crystals have potential applications in energy harvesting, actuators, and artificial muscles.

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.

Antarctic ice shelf damage and instability

Researchers document rapid acceleration and thinning of Pine Island and Thwaites Glaciers in Antarctica. The growth of damage areas on the ice shelves compromises integrity and drives further disintegration, highlighting the importance of incorporating damage processes into ice sheet models.

Hostility linked with higher risk of death after second heart attacks

A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart attack patients who exhibit hostile behavior are at a higher risk of dying from a second heart attack. The study, which included over 2,300 heart attack survivors, suggests that improving hostile behaviors could be a positive move for patients.

City-dwelling mosquito and malaria risk in Africa

A study suggests that urban mosquito species Anopheles stephensi could spread to dozens of cities across Africa, putting millions at higher risk of contracting malaria. The authors used location data and spatial models to predict the spread of this Asian mosquito species in Africa, identifying 44 highly suitable locations.

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.

Innovative approaches to stabilizing bridges, highway slopes

Researchers are exploring the use of recycled plastic pins to repair deep-seated failures on embankments and areas around highway bridges. The pins provide stabilization and reduce costs by more than 50%, while also testing the feasibility of using just a moisture barrier for slope stabilization.

Project Phoenix: DNA unlocks a new understanding of coral

Researchers have developed a new genetic tool to classify corals, challenging over 200 years of traditional classification. The study reveals new insights into coral evolution and identification, providing crucial knowledge for conservation efforts and proposal assessment.

Predicting the slow death of lithium-ion batteries

A new algorithm developed by Stanford University scientists can accurately predict the remaining storage capacity and charge level of lithium-ion batteries in real-time. This innovation has the potential to enable smaller battery packs and greater driving ranges in electric vehicles, reducing costs and environmental impact.

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.

Smartphones can predict brain function associated with anxiety and depression

A study from Dartmouth College found that passive monitoring of phone usage can mirror activity in the brain linked to traits such as anxiety, with predictions matching fMRI scans at 80% accuracy. Phone data analysis also supported long-term emotional traits and helped eliminate subjectivity in other information-gathering techniques.

Combining two precision medicines can treat drug-resistant cancers

Researchers found a combination of olaparib and capivasertib to be effective against advanced cancers, including those that stopped responding to chemotherapy. The treatment targets two weaknesses in cancer, DNA repair and AKT addiction, offering new hope for patients with drug-resistant cancer.

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.

COVID-19 measures deepening health inequalities in slum communities

Measures to control COVID-19 are creating a 'perfect storm' of factors that harm health in slum communities, where crowded conditions and poor sanitation make social distancing challenging. Adopting mobile consulting and upskilling local providers could provide access to healthcare services for residents.

Women's authorship, open science, and reproducibility

Researchers analyzed nearly 3,000 articles between 2010-2017, finding women's participation grew in high-status positions within open science literature, but declined in reproducibility literature. Open science literature adopted communal and collaborative approaches, improving science.

Temperature and mammal lactation

A study on mice and hamsters reveals that high temperatures during lactation lead to decreased pup growth and increased mortality in hamsters. Temperature extremes have a critical effect on rodent parenting success, particularly during late lactation.

Embryos taking shape via buckling

Researchers from UNIGE have successfully demonstrated that cellular tissues deform through buckling, a phenomenon that could be crucial for understanding embryo development. By recreating the process in vitro and analyzing the mechanical properties of artificial embryos, the team provided quantitative proof of the hypothesis.

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.