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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 38 of 49

Study suggests unconscious learning underlies belief in God

A study at Georgetown University found that individuals with strong implicit pattern learning abilities are more likely to hold stronger beliefs in a higher power. The research spanned two cultural groups and found a connection between cognitive processes and religious belief.

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

Researchers from Université de Genève demonstrate a causal relationship between brain oscillations at 30 Hz and phoneme processing essential for reading. Non-invasive brain electrical stimulation improves phonological deficits and reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia, paving the way for targeted non-invasive therapeutic interventions.

Atomistic modelling probes the behavior of matter at the center of Jupiter

Researchers used artificial neural networks to simulate hydrogen's phase transitions at high pressures and temperatures, challenging previous assumptions. The study suggests a smooth transition between insulating and metallic layers in giant gas planets, reconciling existing discrepancies between lab and modeling experiments.

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.

Sound waves replace human hands in petri dish experiments

Researchers at Duke University demonstrate prototypes for acoustic tweezers that use sound waves to manipulate bioparticles in Petri dishes. The technology has the potential to bridge the gap between academia and industry, enabling a wider range of laboratories to adopt it.

New perception metric balances reaction time, accuracy

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new metric for evaluating how well self-driving cars respond to changing road conditions and traffic. The new metric, called streaming perception accuracy, balances reaction time and accuracy, allowing systems to optimize performance and reduce latency.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Green light therapy shown to reduce migraine frequency, intensity

Researchers found that green light exposure reduced headache days per month by an average of about 60%, with most participants experiencing a more than 50% reduction. The study also improved patients' quality of life, including sleep and work abilities, with no reported side effects.

Quantum shake

Researchers use Poincaré sections to simplify chaotic behavior, revealing underlying symmetry and structure. This insight enables a deeper understanding of quantum chaos and potential links between classical and quantum physics.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Common diabetes drug reverses inflammation in the liver

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that metformin's anti-inflammatory effects require communication between AMPK and mTORC1. The study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of metformin's action and reveals its potential as a treatment for inflammatory diseases, including liver inflammation.

Artificial intelligence aids gene activation discovery

Researchers at University of California San Diego use artificial intelligence to identify a DNA activation code called the downstream core promoter region (DPR) that's used as frequently as the TATA box in humans. The discovery could be used to control gene activation in biotechnology and biomedical applications.

Paving the way for environmentally friendly electrochemistry

Researchers aim to develop a new method of electrolysis that uses electricity instead of high pressure and temperature, reducing energy efficiency. The goal is to create an environment-friendly process for recycling residues from plastic production.

COVID deaths closely match "normal" age-related risk pattern, says expert

Data analysis by statistician David Spiegelhalter shows COVID-19 deaths closely follow the normal age-related risk of death from all other causes. The risk is highest for older adults, with a 12-13% higher death rate for each year older. In contrast, school children experience only a 2-day extra risk above the normal annual risk.

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.

Metabolite signature of COVID-19 reveals multi-organ effects

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 patients' blood samples, revealing a unique metabolic signature associated with acute inflammation, liver dysfunction, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings may lead to the development of a metabolite-based diagnostic test and inform post-COVID-19 care.

Lightweight green supercapacitors could charge devices in a jiffy

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a new plant-based energy storage device that can store up to 900 times greater charge than state-of-the-art supercapacitors. The devices are also environmentally friendly, lightweight, and cost-effective, making them suitable for charging electric cars within minutes.

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.

COVID-stress may be hard to beat even with exercise

Research from Washington State University found that COVID-19 stress and anxiety can persist despite increased physical activity. The study of twins revealed no significant impact of exercise on handling stress and anxiety in the short term, suggesting other factors may be at play.

Study of 'shrink-smart' towns expanding to include curriculum, big data

The research project aims to share information and strategies with communities showing stress or decline to improve quality of life. The team will develop a Community Information Ecosystem to collect data on residents' perceptions of quality of life, which has remained stable or improved in shrinking small towns.

Fossil growth reveals insights into the climate

Researchers analyzed fossil bones of Panthasaurus maleriensis, an ancestor of modern amphibians, and found phases of rapid and slow growth depending on the climate. The study provides valuable insight into the prehistoric past, with the Indian site showing evidence of both young and adult animals.

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.

Boundaries no barrier for thermoelectricity

Researchers at Rice University found that electricity generated by temperature differences in gold nanowires is not affected by grain boundaries, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery could enable the detection of crystalline defects using a novel optical detection system.

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.

UCF researchers are developing models to predict storm surges

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed models to predict periods of relatively higher flood risk due to storm surges. The models link large-scale climate variability events like El Niño to storm surge activity, allowing for more accurate predictions and improved coastal preparedness.

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain stimulation therapy can alleviate sound-processing deficits and improve reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia. The therapy, known as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), was shown to be particularly effective for individuals with poor reading skills.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Linking calorie restriction, body temperature and healthspan

A new study reveals that reducing calorie intake triggers significant health benefits by lowering body temperature. The research, led by Scripps Research Professors Bruno Conti and Gary Siuzdak, provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of temperature in metabolism during calorie restriction.

Terahertz receiver for 6G wireless communications

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a novel concept for low-cost terahertz receivers that enable ultra-fast wireless communications at low cost. The proof-of-concept experiment demonstrated transmission at a data rate of 115 Gbit/s and a carrier frequency of 0.3 THz over a distance of 110 meters.

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.

A new method for directed networks could help multiple levels of science

A new method for analyzing hierarchical structures in directed networks has been developed, enabling the quantification of edge alignment and association with function. This approach has potential applications in ecology, economics, social science, and biochemistry, providing insights into complex systems and network properties.

In pursuit of the origin and role of ecDNA

The CancerCirculome project aims to improve understanding of ecDNA's mechanisms involved in cancer development and disease progression. Researchers will focus on DNA circularization, replication, and reintegration into chromosomes to identify new diagnostic and treatment targets for pediatric cancers.

Engineering speciation events in insects may be used to control harmful pests

Researchers have developed a way to induce speciation events in fruit flies, allowing scientists to create engineered strains that can reproduce normally but are sterile when mated with unmodified flies. This technology, called Engineered Genetic Incompatibility (EGI), has the potential to control populations of disease-carrying insect...

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.

Lost frogs rediscovered with environmental DNA

Scientists have detected signs of a frog listed as extinct using environmental DNA in two regions of Brazil. The frog, Megaelosia bocainensis, was among seven total species detected, including four declining species and two that had disappeared locally for many years.

Cholesterol's effects on cellular membranes

A new study led by Assistant Professor Rana Ashkar of Virginia Tech Department of Physics finds that cholesterol actually does adhere to biophysical principles and causes membrane stiffening.

Theoretical prediction of reverse intersystem crossing for organic semiconductors

Researchers developed a prediction method for reverse intersystem crossing (RISC) in organic semiconductors, leading to improved light emission efficiency for Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs). The method demonstrated accurate predictions for various TADF materials, with some presenting RISC rate constants of over 10^7 per second.

Research unravels what makes memories so detailed and enduring

Research at the University of Bristol discovers a new mechanism for learning in the brain that stabilises memories and reduces interference. This breakthrough provides insight into how humans form expectations and make accurate predictions about future events.

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.

Lineshape-tailoring of coupled plasmonic systems based on first principle

A newly published paper introduces a formal theoretical framework from first principles, enabling researchers to predict the fascinating properties of coupled photonic systems before numerically simulating them. The theory allows for the design and prediction of line-shapes with desired near-field and far-field properties.

New role of arginine metabolism in plant morphogenesis identified

Researchers discovered a new link between arginine metabolism and plant shape formation, using the moss Physcomitrium patens as a model organism. The study identified a core pathway involving transcriptional co-activators ANGUSTIFOLIA3/GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR1 (AN3/GIF1) family signaling.

Young US adults hospitalized with COVID-19

A case series of 3,222 young US adults (18-34 years) hospitalized with COVID-19 reveals insights into the disease's impact on this demographic. The study highlights the importance of understanding COVID-19 in young adults to inform public health strategies and treatment guidelines.

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.

Skeletal study suggests at least 11 fish species are capable of walking

Researchers analyzed nearly 30 hillstream loach species using CT scans and DNA analysis to identify three categories of pelvic shapes. The team found that 10 other species shared the cave angel fish's unusually hefty pelvic girdle, suggesting robust pelvic regions evolved independently across the family.

A new method may make tomatoes safer to eat

A new study shows promise in reducing foodborne pathogens on tomatoes by applying sanitizers in the field. The method uses FDA-approved additives, significantly reducing bacterial populations and saving labor costs for producers. This approach could become a practical solution for controlling foodborne pathogens.

Some children at higher risk of privacy violations from digital apps

A study found that children from families with lower education levels are more likely to have their personal information transferred to third parties, despite federal laws prohibiting the practice. The research suggests that social and economic factors influence which children are at greater risk for these violations.

Thermal imaging enhances engineers' understanding of breast tumors

UT Dallas researchers developed a proof-of-concept model that quantifies thermal characteristics of breast cancer, detecting temperature differences and increased blood flow. The study aims to improve digital infrared thermal imaging for monitoring breast cancer and its treatment.

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.

New process boosts lignin bio-oil as a next-generation fuel

Researchers developed a new process to upgrade lignin bio-oil to hydrocarbons using dual catalysts, improving its usability as a fuel and source of chemical feedstocks. The process can be done at low temperature and ambient pressure, making it more practical and efficient.

Cascades with carbon dioxide

Researchers develop a conceptually new process to produce cyclic carbonates from CO2 and basic building blocks, offering potential for biodegradable plastics and pharmaceutical intermediates. The process yields six-membered rings with great potential for creating new CO2-based polycarbonates.

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.