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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 30 of 49

Tandem devices feel the heat

Scientists investigate how perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells perform in sunny and hot environments, finding that the perovskite bandgap gets larger as the device heats up, allowing more stable compositions to be used.

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.

Substance use disorders linked to COVID-19 susceptibility

A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that people with substance use disorders are more susceptible to COVID-19 and its complications. Individuals with a recent SUD diagnosis were more likely to develop COVID-19 and experience worse outcomes than those without an SUD.

How to harness the power of biosolids to make hydrogen

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a patented technology that harnesses the power of biosolids to produce hydrogen from wastewater, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to existing methods. The approach traps carbon emissions while producing clean fuel, offering a true environmental and economic win.

Gene-edited livestock 'surrogate sires' successfully made fertile

Scientists have created pigs, goats, and cattle with the ability to produce sperm carrying only donor animal traits, enabling selective breeding and improving food production. This technology has great potential for genetic conservation of endangered species and addressing global food insecurity.

Antarctica: cracks in the ice

Researchers have investigated the emergence and development of cracks in glaciers, revealing a feedback process that accelerates fractures and weakening. This process is key to determining the stability of ice sheets and their contribution to rising sea levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Mediterranean and tropical biodiversity most vulnerable to human pressures

A new study by UCL researchers reveals that animals in tropical and Mediterranean areas are the most sensitive to climate change and land use pressures. The findings suggest that large declines in tropical biodiversity are likely to occur imminently due to agriculture expansions and temperature extremes.

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.

The expanding aims of high schools in the 21st century

A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.

Finding the best way to get COVID-19 test kits where they're needed

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University is developing a computational model to ensure accurate and timely distribution of COVID-19 test kits. The model will be used to address key questions related to COVID-19 testing, including optimal allocation plans for hospitals, clinics, and state agencies.

Gun laws in neighboring states affect state gun deaths, new evidence

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that weaker gun laws in neighboring states are associated with increased gun deaths in adjoining states. The researchers analyzed 578,022 firearm deaths over a 17-year period and found that stronger state gun policies were linked to decreased firearm deaths.

Immune cells sculpt circuits in the brain

Researchers found that microglia direct neurons to modify their connectivity in response to visual stimuli, shaping the brain's neural circuits. This discovery sheds light on how sensory experience influences brain maturation and may have implications for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

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.

Bioactive nano-capsules to hijack cell behavior

Scientists develop nanocapsules loaded with enzymes that can enter cells and integrate into their signaling processes, amplifying natural reactions. The combination of nano-capsules increases cellular reactivity by 8-fold.

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.

New study explores if flirting is real and shows it can work

A new study published in the Journal of Sex Research found that internal states, such as romantic or sexual interest, can be conveyed nonverbally through facial expressions. Researchers identified specific facial cues, including a head turn and smile, as representative of flirting, which men are able to recognize with high accuracy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Using artificial intelligence to predict genuine outcomes in COVID-19 patients

A team led by West Virginia University researcher Larissa Casaburi is developing an AI model that predicts COVID-19 patient outcomes based on factors such as lung conditions, smoking history, and coal mining. The model has the potential to provide more accurate diagnoses and tailor treatment plans to individual patients.

Gentle probes could enable massive brain data collection

The Rice University project aims to optimize the use of flexible nanoelectronic thread (NET) probes to record neuronal activity in different brain regions. The biocompatible probes can be implanted in various areas of the brain, enabling researchers to analyze complex patterns of neural dynamics over time.

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.

Neural cartography

Researchers demonstrate a new x-ray microscopy technique called x-ray holographic nano-tomography (XNH) that can image large volumes of brain tissue at high resolutions. This technique, combined with artificial intelligence-driven image analysis, enables the comprehensive cataloging of neurons and tracing of individual neurons from mus...

Animals' magnetic 'sixth' sense may come from bacteria, new paper suggests

Researchers propose a hypothesis that animals use magnetotactic bacteria in a symbiotic relationship to gain a magnetic sense, which could improve human navigation and inform ecological research. The study found evidence of magnetotactic bacteria associated with various animal species, including sea turtles, birds, and mammals.

Arctic transitioning to a new climate state

The Arctic has transitioned into a new climate state due to rapid warming, with sea ice extent dropping by 31% since the 1970s. The study found that even unusually cold years will no longer have the same amount of summer sea ice as in the mid-20th century.

Certain coping strategies can help offset pandemic's mental health hits

Researchers at Penn State found that certain coping techniques, such as wearing masks and focusing on self-care, were associated with positive mental health outcomes during the pandemic. These strategies, along with protecting oneself from COVID-19 and seeking support, can help bolster mental health.

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.

Big answers from tiny particles

Physicists develop new theory to explain neutrino properties, solving lepton conservation issues and potential dark matter answers. The research provides predictions testable by the Large Hadron Collider.

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.

Novel immune-oncology approach for potential cancer treatment

Researchers have developed an immune-oncology approach that uses nanobodies to target cancer cells and boost the body's natural immune response. The new therapy has shown promise in treating multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia, and could lead to new treatments for a range of cancers.

Hints of life on Venus

Astronomers have discovered phosphine in the clouds of Venus, leading to speculation about the presence of microbial life. Calculations suggest that terrestrial organisms would need to operate at 10% of their maximum productivity to produce the observed quantity of phosphine.

Princeton lab uncovers small fratricidal molecule

Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a small molecule named Streptosactin, which exhibits fratricidal activity in the human microbiome. This is the first time a small molecule has been found to kill its own kind.

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.

IU researchers trace the outlines of two cultures within science

A study by Indiana University researchers reveals two distinct scientific cultures within the movements of open science and reproducibility. Open science is associated with more prosocial language, increased participation from women and underrepresented groups, and a culture that promotes transparency and collaboration.

Should we mandate a COVID-19 vaccine for children?

The article examines the evidence for vaccinating children against COVID-19, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks. Experts consider factors such as vaccine efficacy, side effects, and long-term health implications in making their case for or against mandates.

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.

Fighting breast cancer with nanotech, immunotherapy

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a novel technique using nanotechnology to wake up 'cold' tumors, allowing immune cells to locate and neutralize them. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for metastatic breast cancer patients by combining nanotechnology with immunotherapy.

The road to cheaper electric vehicles

UD Prof. Koffi Pierre Yao receives a $1 million grant to create a next-generation battery that will power devices longer, making them more affordable and accessible. The new anode material can store up to 10 times the energy of current batteries.

Expansion of rice agriculture in Southeast Asia

The study found that paddy rice farming and grasses increased significantly between 2,700 and 2,000 years ago, indicating anthropogenic deforestation and expansion of rice agriculture in southern China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 3,000 years, coastal landscapes expanded coinciding with suitable land for growing rice.

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.

COVID-19 patients with sleep apnoea could be at additional risk

A new study from the University of Warwick reveals that individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea may be at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. The review of eighteen studies highlights the need for better recording and management of the condition, which is estimated to affect up to 85% of people in the UK.

How the brain creates the experience of time

A new study from JNeurosci found that time-sensitive neurons in the supramarginal gyrus fatigue and distort our subjective experience of time. When repeatedly exposed to a fixed duration stimulus, these neurons wear out, leading to skewed perceptions of time.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.