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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 32 of 49

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.

Single atom-thin platinum makes a great chemical sensor

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new material that can detect toxic gases with high sensitivity. The single-atom thin platinum layer interacts significantly with its chemical environment, making it suitable for ultra-sensitive detection.

Food mechanics recipe to serve up healthy food that lasts

Researchers developed a computational model to simulate the micromechanical behavior of dried plant cells, providing insight into improving design of industrial machinery for food drying processes. The study also highlights implications for moving beyond plant cells to biomedical and human cosmetic applications.

Proximity to the southern border and DUI arrests in California

A new study found that DUI arrest rates in California increase as distance to the southern border decreases, likely due to greater availability of alcohol. The study also reveals sociodemographic factors contributing to higher DUI rates, including Hispanic population density and age groups.

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.

Asthma patients given risky levels of steroid tablets

More than one quarter of asthma patients were prescribed excessive amounts of steroid tablets, posing a risk of serious side effects. Researchers recommend using preventer inhalers as the best way to avoid or minimize steroid use and its associated risks.

When methane-eating microbes eat ammonia instead

Researchers uncover the production of nitric oxide by methane-eating microbes when they co-metabolize ammonia, a process previously thought to be toxic. This finding has significant implications for understanding the survival and growth of methanotrophs in environments with increasing fertilizer input.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stronger bones thanks to heat and microbiota

Researchers found exposure to warmer temperatures improves bone strength, preventing bone density loss typical of osteoporosis. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, adapting to heat by disrupting polyamine synthesis and degradation, which affects osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

How plants ensure regular seed spacing

Researchers have identified a uniform genetic mechanism controlling seed position in plant pods, regardless of environmental factors. The study found that a specific peptide pair coordinates ovule initiation patterns with seed number and fruit size, leading to even spacing and optimal growth.

Buschmann and Ross receive funding for capstone project design

Researchers at George Mason University are developing a senior-year capstone course and summer clinical immersion program to integrate nursing and health informatics students into Bioengineering Design teams. The program aims to apply the new curriculum in real-world clinical contexts, addressing newly identified clinical needs.

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.

Climate change recasts the insect communities of the Arctic

Researchers found climate change impacts parasitoid wasps and flies, altering ratios between warm- and cold-adapted species. This study provides insights into how global warming affects ecosystems, increasing understanding of ecology and potential solutions.

Depression risk detected by measuring heart rate changes

A pilot study found that measuring 24-hour heart rate can reliably indicate whether someone is depressed, providing an early warning and rapid indication of treatment effectiveness. The study also identified a link between heart rate variability and response to ketamine treatment.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Heated rivalries for pollinators among arctic plants

Warmer temperatures cause Arctic plants to compete for pollinators, with the most attractive species monopolizing services. Researchers found that Avens and Moss Campion experience altered flowering periods due to temperature changes, impacting competition and pollination success.

To recreate ancient recipes, check out the vestiges of clay pots

A study has discovered that unglazed ceramic cookware can retain the residue of not just the last meal cooked, but potentially earlier dishes, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient recipes. The research team analyzed chemical compounds adhering to and absorbed by the earthenware in which they were prepared.

Factors associated with suicide risk after leaving military service

A recent observational study found that US veterans who transitioned from active military service to civilian life were at a higher risk of suicide, with depression and PTSD being key factors. The study also identified other demographic and military service characteristics associated with increased suicide risk.

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.

Galapagos guides to 'barcode' wildlife

The 'Barcoding Galapagos' scheme trains naturalist guides to survey wildlife and plants using genetic techniques, providing an alternative income source for a population reliant on eco-tourism. The project aims to fill gaps in biological knowledge of the islands and lessen the impact of illegal harvesting.

COIVD-19: A barometer for social justice in New York City

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated public health-related inequities among people of color in the US, particularly in NYC. A tracking survey revealed disparities in access to healthcare, employment, housing, food, and education among Black and Latinx New Yorkers.

Carbon-rich exoplanets may be made of diamonds

A team of researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Chicago found that carbon-rich exoplanets could convert to diamond and silicate under high heat and pressure. However, these planets are unlikely to be habitable due to their geological inactivity.

How does chronic stress induce bone loss?

A central neural circuit in the forebrain to the hypothalamus mediates chronic stress-induced bone loss via the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. Isolation significantly increases anxiety levels, inducing bone loss in human subjects.

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.

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.

Get diamonds, take temperature

Researchers from Osaka City University developed a microscope-based thermometer that uses quantum technology to detect temperature changes in live, microscopic animals. The thermometry algorithm successfully tracked temperature fluctuations in C. elegans nematode worms after inducing a fever by stimulating their mitochondria.

Novel virus-based colorimetric sensor can show true colors of airborne threats

Scientists developed a novel colorimetric sensor using genetically engineered viruses to detect airborne chemicals, showing practical applicability. The sensor's high sensitivity and mass-producibility hold promise for various real-life applications, including detecting harmful industrial chemicals and assessing air quality.

Harvard team uses laser to cool polyatomic molecule

A Harvard team has successfully cooled a six-atom molecule to just above absolute zero using laser light, marking the first time such a complex molecule has been achieved. The breakthrough opens up new avenues of study in quantum simulation and computation, particle physics, and quantum chemistry.

Trout don't follow the weather forecast

A UC study found that steelhead migration in California's Santa Clara River is triggered by the lengthening daylight of spring, not recent rains. The study recommends limiting water extraction during migration months to allow late migrating fish to return upstream.

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.

Relaxed through pregnancy

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that mothers' ability to cope with stress during pregnancy is positively correlated with their children's telomere length. This suggests that maternal psychological resilience may have a protective effect on child development and lifelong health.

Feeding off fusion or the immortalization of tumor cells

Researchers found that Brat tumors in Drosophila are highly oxidative, with increased oxygen consumption rates compared to normal brains. Oxidative metabolism plays a key role in tumor cell immortalization, driven by mitochondrial fusion and increased efficiency in oxidative phosphorylation.

New immunotherapy to beat cancer

Researchers at Université catholique de Louvain have discovered a molecule that blocks immune responses in cancer patients, and are now developing an immunotherapy to neutralize it. The treatment combines anti-GARP antibodies with another proven approach to increase effectiveness in fighting cancer.

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.

Holding up a mirror to a dark matter discrepancy

A new study by Yale astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and colleagues found that the smaller dollops of dark matter associated with cluster galaxies are significantly more concentrated than predicted by theorists. The discovery implies a possible gap in scientists' understanding of dark matter.

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 satellite finds a wedge-shaped Tropical Storm Paulette

Tropical Storm Paulette's unique shape is attributed to the strong southwesterly wind shear affecting it and its companion storm, Rene. Infrared imagery reveals powerful thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Site of male sexual desire uncovered in brain

A Northwestern University study has identified the specific regions of brain tissue where a key gene named aromatase regulates male sexual behavior in mice. Aromatase converts testosterone to estrogen, driving male sexual activity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for disorders of low and compulsive sexual desire.

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.

Creating diamond devices to detect Parkinson's early

A team led by Michigan State University is developing diamond devices to monitor brain biochemistry for early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. The devices aim to detect low levels of dopamine, a chemical neurons use to communicate, and could potentially treat the disease earlier.

Novel discovery challenges a current kidney cancer paradigm

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that HIF-1α is linked to aggressive tumors, metastasis, and poor patient survival, while HIF-2α is associated with less aggressive tumors and better outcomes. The study suggests a potential new paradigm for understanding kidney cancer.

Antibody test developed for COVID-19 that is sensitive, specific and scalable

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an antibody test for COVID-19 that is highly accurate and can handle a large number of donor samples. The test measures antibodies against specific proteins on the virus's spike protein and has been shown to be comparable to the gold standard of antibody testing.

Pandemic spawns 'infodemic' in scientific literature

The rapid expansion of COVID-19 research has led to an infodemic in scientific literature, underscoring the need for more accessible and transparent research publication. Experts propose combining human expertise with AI to summarize and collect research, while curating findings to ensure relevant and reliable information.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from Stanford University and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health propose a new method to accurately estimate COVID-19 mortality rates by measuring direct, indirect, and excess deaths. This approach could provide a more accurate picture of the pandemic's impact on human life.

Taste buds may play role in fostering obesity in offspring

A mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy may alter the taste buds of her offspring, leading to a greater attraction to unhealthy food and obesity in adulthood. The study found that adult progeny fed with such a diet had more sweet-taste receptors inside their taste buds.

More than 90% of protected areas are disconnected

A new study reveals that more than 90% of protected areas are isolated from each other due to human activities. This disconnects species from their habitats, making it difficult for them to migrate, escape danger, or track preferred microclimates under climate change.

Veterinary college team IDs gene that drives ovarian cancer

Scientists at Cornell University's veterinary college have identified the genetic drivers of ovarian cancer, a deadly disease that kills more women than any other cancer. The study reveals that ovarian surface stem cells are more susceptible to mutations, while certain genes can inhibit cancer initiation.

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.