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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 36 of 49

Cultivating Black chemists

HBCUs graduate more successful Black chemists than other schools due to their supportive faculty, rigorous curriculum, and diverse environment. However, HBCUs face limitations in funding and faculty burden, which can impact publication and collaboration.

Magnetic whirls crystallize in two dimensions

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz engineered a system of magnetic whirls to form a regularly ordered state, akin to crystalization in two dimensions. This breakthrough demonstrates the emergence of a hexatic phase, exhibiting properties similar to hard discs.

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.

Discovery of four COVID-19 risk groups helps guide treatment

A new tool helps clinical staff choose optimal treatment for hospital patients with COVID-19, categorizing patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. The four-rank system enables targeted care, such as treating at home or using antivirals for high-risk patients.

Discovery challenges the foundations of gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Medical Research Institute have discovered a reason behind the low success rate of gene therapy targeting liver diseases using Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2). The team found that AAV2 binds too tightly to its attachment receptor, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which leads to the vector getting

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.

AI used to show how hydrogen becomes a metal inside giant planets

Researchers used AI and quantum mechanics to study dense metallic hydrogen, finding a smooth and gradual transformation from molecular to atomic phases. The discovery resolves long-standing debates on the nature of dense hydrogen and has implications for understanding giant gas planets.

The neurons that connect stress, insomnia, and the immune system

Researchers at CSHL and Stanford University found a direct connection between stress-sensitive neurons and insomnia-inducing neurons in mice. Stimulating this connection enabled mice to sleep peacefully, while disrupting it caused insomnia. The same connection also affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against threats.

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 tool outsmarts COVID-19 virus to help vaccine development

Researchers have developed a tool called COVID-3D to monitor mutations in the COVID-19 virus, helping to inform vaccine and drug development. The tool uses genomic and protein information to aid researchers in identifying effective targets for new treatments.

Rural COVID-19 mortality highest in counties with more blacks and hispanics

A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that rural COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher in counties with larger shares of Black and Hispanic residents. These disparities are not limited to urban areas, but also affect rural communities, where racial and ethnic minorities face significant health challenges.

Making dog food more delectable by analyzing aromas

Scientists analyzed six dog foods and found that certain aroma compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furfurylthiol, and 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol, were correlated with increased canine intake. These findings could help dog food manufacturers create more appealing kibble.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell-autonomous immunity shaped human evolution

Researchers argue that cell-autonomous immunity, a ancient defense mechanism in human cells, plays a crucial role in shaping human evolution. Understanding this concept is essential for developing effective treatments for diseases like sepsis, as traditional approaches often fail due to the immune system's conserved mechanisms.

Nature as a model: Researchers develop novel anti-inflammatory substance

A research group at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has developed a method to produce controlled-quality phospholipid-based substances that can reduce inflammation without triggering an immune response. These natural compounds have shown promise in treating conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and infarcts.

Refined finish for fine fish oil

Researchers developed a superior method to produce high-quality dietary Omega-3 health supplements using vortex fluidic device processing. The process enriches Omega-3 fatty acid content without changing sensory values, improving shelf life and purity.

UMass Lowell prof to present TEDx talk on 'Breaking Barriers'

Archana Kamal, a UMass Lowell physics professor and expert on quantum information technologies, will co-present a free TEDx talk on the next quantum revolution. The event features prominent women experts in various fields, including science, technology, education, and business.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Consequences of the 2018 summer drought

A 2018 European drought had devastating effects on crops, forests, and grasslands. Researchers found that plants initially benefited from the warm spring weather but suffered from lack of water during summer heatwaves.

Finding a handle to bag the right proteins

Researchers have developed a simpler detection procedure to identify and purify specific proteins from complex mixtures. The new method uses a UV-excitable fluorophore that binds to polyhistidine tags, allowing for easy detection of tagged proteins in gel electrophoresis.

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.

Flipping light on-off turns bacteria into chemical factories

Researchers at Princeton University have created a system to control genetically engineered bacteria using light, allowing for precise production of chemicals and proteins. This method, called OptoLac, enables easy tuning and reversal of induction signals, reducing costs and carbon footprint.

Unlocking the mystery of tau for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers discovered a novel role of tau specific to FTLD spectrum diseases, contributing to conditions like ALS, PSP, and CBD, but not AD and Pick's disease. The study proposes an imbalanced accumulation of tau model, where FUS and SFPQ regulate MAPT processing, leading to increased 4-repeat tau levels.

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.

The marshmallow test revisited

Researchers found that preschool children in China waited longer for a reward if they were told their teacher would find out how long they waited. The study suggests that children make a cost-benefit analysis taking into account social rewards and reputation management.

A new technique prevents errors in quantum computers

A new protocol allows for the protection and correction of fragile quantum information in case of qubit loss, addressing a crucial issue in quantum computing. This breakthrough could prove essential for future large-scale quantum computer development.

Velcro-like food sensor detects spoilage and contamination

Researchers at MIT have developed a Velcro-like food sensor that uses an array of silk microneedles to detect spoilage and bacterial contamination. The sensor, made from edible proteins and bioinks, changes color when it senses contaminants like E. coli or pH levels associated with spoilage.

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.

Mindfulness with paced breathing and lowering blood pressure

Researchers explore the possibility that mindfulness with paced breathing lowers blood pressure, reducing risks of stroke and heart attacks. The study aims to test this hypothesis through a pilot trial, which could lead to further research and potentially life-saving results for millions worldwide.

Feline leukaemia virus infection: A clinical and epidemiological enigma

The article reviews recent insights into feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection pathogenesis using molecular techniques. It explains the various outcomes of FeLV infection, including progressive, regressive, focal, and abortive infections, highlighting the importance of understanding the cat's immune response and the virus.

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.

As collegiate esports become more professional, women are being left out

A new study finds that collegiate esports are becoming a two-tiered system with well-funded varsity programs dominated by men and club-level programs supporting gender diversity. Women are being pushed out of esports due to financial constraints and a lack of emphasis on developing players rather than recruitment.

The birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring

Researchers at Uppsala University have reconstructed the birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring, identifying a tiny region with only three genes. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sex determination and provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sex-based traits.

Prediction of protein disorder from amino acid sequence

Researchers developed ODiNPred, a machine learning tool using experimental NMR data for hundreds of proteins, to predict regions of rigidity and flexibility. This helps understand the biological role and regulation of intrinsically disordered proteins.

New vaccine design reduces inflammation, enhances protection

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to limit inflammation from adjuvants by adding a molecule that disrupts certain pathways in cells. This approach increases protective response against viruses and could lead to a new vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and other diseases.

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.

Phasing out a microscope's tricks

A study by researchers at KAUST reveals that image artifacts from astigmatism can misidentify crystal phases in 2D semiconductors, affecting the accuracy of scanning transmission electron microscopy. The team demonstrated that these effects can be mitigated using specific beam configurations.

Cover crops effective at suppressing weeds in cotton

Planting cover crops is a key strategy for effective integrated weed management in cotton, offering benefits like improved Palmer amaranth control and reduced herbicide input. Research shows that cover crops can also mitigate wind and water erosion, while minimizing labor and improving cotton stand.

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.

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.

Transistor-integrated cooling for a more powerful chip

Researchers at EPFL developed a novel microfluidic cooling technology that integrates electronics and cooling systems, enabling compact devices with improved heat management. This innovation aims to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact by eliminating large external heat sinks.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Allergic immune responses help fight bacterial infections

Researchers found that mice with mild skin infections develop adaptive immunity against bacteria, granting increased resistance to severe secondary infections. This discovery suggests that the 'allergy module' has an important biological function in defending against toxin-producing pathogens.

UC Davis researchers find a way to help stem cells work for the heart

Researchers at UC Davis Health have made a breakthrough in using stem cell treatments for heart disease. By blocking an enzyme linked with inflammation, they were able to increase the survival of transplanted stem cells and improve cardiac function. This discovery could lead to a cellular-based treatment for heart failure.

Wild cousins may help crops battle climate change

Researchers tested using wild crop relatives in breeding programs to improve crop resilience. The results showed that these relatives provided increased resistance to heat, drought, and some diseases, making them a promising approach to address climate change adaptation. However, breeders must also consider the potential impact on indu...