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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 189


Page 189 of 512

Iron deposition and past supernova activity

Scientists detected high levels of the radioactive isotope 60Fe in deep-sea sediment samples, indicating exposure to supernova ejecta. The findings suggest that supernova-produced 60Fe permeates the interstellar medium and has been deposited on Earth over the past 33,000 years.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits

Scientists developed a new automated movement-tracking system, LocoMouse, to capture fine details of locomotion in mice. The study identified highly-detailed 'locomotor signatures' for two mouse models, providing a roadmap for linking neurological and locomotor deficits.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateAug 24, 2020

NASA's Terra Satellite shows smoky pall over most of California

A massive wildfire complex has engulfed California, with over 650 fires burning in the state. NASA's Terra satellite captured the smoke-engulfed state on August 24, 2020, revealing a pervasive smoky pall that has affected areas from California to Minnesota and Nebraska.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shifts in herbivore ecology and hominin environment

Fossil records show a shift from mixed feeders to grazers in herbivore diets between 3.6 and 1.05 million years ago. This change coincides with the emergence of Paranthropus and suggests Australopithecus lived in a wooded ecosystem.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Velcro method for more precise binding of drug particles

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology prove the Velcro method enhances selectivity in drug particle binding based on receptor number and strength. This allows precise targeting of diseased cells while distinguishing them from healthy ones.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Hitting the nail on the head: overcoming therapeutic resistance in lung cancer

A team of researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina has identified a critical player in resistance to targeted therapy in lung cancer. The protein NRP2b was found to drive resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cells that had become resistant to therapy, and inhibiting it caused the death of these cells.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateAug 24, 2020

Why COVID-19 infection curves behave so unexpectedly

COVID-19 infection curves showed expected exponential growth, but instead of flattening, they remained constant with a similar number of new infections every day. The complexity scientists proposed a network effect where the virus spread from cluster to cluster, leading to linear growth and low infection prevalence.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

ESMO issues first recommendations on using next-generation sequencing for advanced cancers

The European Society for Medical Oncology has issued its first recommendations on the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for patients with metastatic cancers. The guidelines recommend routine NGS use for four specific cancer types, while also allowing patients to order larger gene panels if feasible and cost-effective. The recomme...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Study identifies first step to beating water scarcity

A new US study reveals that improving water productivity in certain regions and industries can help conserve water. By setting realistic benchmarks, the research found that areas with high water stress have the most potential for water savings, with around half of those gains coming from agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 24, 2020

Pot of gold engineered to help with early disease detection

The new diagnostic technique allows direct detection of disease-specific miRNA, breaking through current limitations in early disease detection. The technology is expected to be available to medical practitioners in the next five years, offering a cost-effective solution for rapid and early diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Protocols·DateAug 24, 2020

Travel duration and disease transmission

A study published in PNAS examines how travel duration affects disease transmission in Namibia from 2010 to 2014. The researchers found that longer trips were associated with increased disease transmission in low-density areas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

UK/UPenn researchers provide insights into new form of dementia

Researchers have identified a new form of dementia, LATE disease, which shares symptoms with Alzheimer's but is caused by different brain processes. The study provides criteria to differentiate between frontotemporal dementia and LATE disease, offering hope for future therapy development.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalBrain·DateAug 24, 2020

Heart repair factor boosted by RNA-targeting compound

Researchers at Scripps Research have identified a new class of compounds that can restart cellular production of VEGF-A, a key factor in rebuilding blood vessels and muscle in damaged heart tissue. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Dementia kills nearly three times more people than previously thought: BU study

A new study finds that dementia may be the underlying cause of nearly three times more deaths in the US than previously thought. The study estimates that 13.6% of deaths are attributable to dementia, which is 2.7 times more than the 5.0% of death certificates that indicate dementia as an underlying cause of death.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateAug 24, 2020

The interplay of nonlinearity and topology--nontrivial eigenmodes coupling induced by nonlinearity

A team of scientists experimentally demonstrated nonlinearity-induced coupling of light into topological edge states using a photonic platform. They developed a general theoretical framework to explain the nonlinear process, revealing that nonlinearity enables energy flow from bulk modes into topological edge modes in linear systems.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 24, 2020

Researchers to investigate wind power effects on bats in the Baltic Sea region

Researchers from University of Turku and Helsinki have conducted a review on wind farm impacts on bats in the Baltic Sea region, finding that impacts have barely been investigated due to limited data. The study aims to monitor bats for several years to define high-risk areas and design measures to reduce wind turbine impact.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

New surgical approach for women at risk of ovarian cancer

A new two-stage surgical protocol delays the induced menopause caused by ovary removal, providing some ovarian cancer risk reduction while avoiding detrimental consequences. The study found that 69% of premenopausal women at high risk of ovarian cancer were interested in this alternative option.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateAug 24, 2020

Deep chest compressions prevent brain damage during cardiac arrest

A study presented at ESC Congress 2020 found that deep chest compressions can improve blood flow to the brain, reducing brain damage and improving survival rates. The study also showed that patients with CPR-related injuries were more likely to have better brain function, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective resuscitation.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 24, 2020

Could COVID-19 in wastewater be infectious?

A global study led by Ben-Gurion University researchers suggests that wastewater containing coronaviruses may pose a serious infection risk. The team recommends upgrading treatment protocols to remove viruses from water sources.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 24, 2020

Researchers create a map that highlights the brain circuits associated with mania

A team of scientists created a map highlighting the brain circuits affected in mania, which could lead to more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. The study identified specific regions, including the orbitofrontal cortex and inferior temporal cortex, as key players in mood regulation and emotional processing.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 24, 2020

Ventilators could be adapted to help two COVID-19 patients at once

Researchers from King's College London and Imperial College London developed a theoretical model for treating two COVID-19 patients simultaneously using one ventilator. The approach uses tailored ventilation and adjustable tidal volumes to mitigate risks associated with ventilator splitting.

SourceImperial College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

People can make better choices when it benefits others

A new study published in JNeurosci found that people learn and decide better when avoiding harm to others. The study used an fMRI scanner to investigate how participants learned to choose between two symbols to minimize pain, revealing increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) when choosing for another person.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call for water security

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of water security, with nearly a quarter of households in low-income countries struggling to access clean water. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize behavioral change, knowledge promotion, and investment in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 24, 2020

Rice's RAMBO-II: A sequel better than the original

RAMBO-II will produce stronger magnetic fields and probe samples with an even broader spectrum of intense laser pulses. This upgrade enables researchers to study materials under extreme conditions, advancing the frontiers of materials physics and chemistry.

SourceRice University·DateAug 24, 2020

Species 'pushed out of the tropics' by climate change

Research reveals climate change is drastically affecting species abundance in the tropics, with 69% of tropical species showing negative responses to temperature increases. This study highlights the urgent need for understanding how species respond to changing climates on a global scale.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 24, 2020

Finding a way to STING tumor growth

UTSW scientists found that STING activates a pathway directly killing tumor-fighting immune cells, revealing a new opportunity for checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy. This finding could lead to longer-lasting immunotherapies and more effective treatments for cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalImmunity·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

No safe level of caffeine consumption for pregnant women and would-be mothers

Research suggests that maternal caffeine consumption is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and childhood obesity. Current health recommendations for caffeine during pregnancy may need radical revision as the evidence points towards no safe level of consumption.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

Plant-available nutrients and animal body size

The study found that herbivore feces contain varying nutrient profiles depending on their body size. Larger-bodied herbivores leave dung with lower phosphorus and higher nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne has identified new mediators of immune exhaustion that may be targeted in therapies for cancer and severe viral infections. T cells can lose function within just a few days of severe infection, contrary to previous thought that it takes longer.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Immunology·DateAug 24, 2020

A novel approach produces a completely new kind of dynamic light structure

Researchers at USC Viterbi have discovered a new kind of dynamic light structure that can rotate around its center and revolve around another axis. This innovation has potential applications in sensing, imaging, manufacturing, and metrology, offering tailored light with novel dynamic motion.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Next-generation gene drive for malaria control

Researchers have created a genetically engineered mosquito strain with a Cas9/guide RNA-based gene drive that targets the cardinal gene to prevent malaria transmission. The drive achieved an average efficiency of 96.7% in both sexes, ensuring every mosquito carries at least one copy within six generations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Ecologists put biodiversity experiments to the test

A new study by an international team of researchers found that biodiversity experiment findings are reliable and applicable to the real world. The study analyzed data from two large-scale experiments and compared them with equivalent 'real-world' sites, showing that previous conclusions were supported.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 24, 2020

Ocean hitchhiker's sucker mechanism offers potential for underwater adhesion

A new study reveals how remora suckerfish detach themselves from surfaces and explores the application of this mechanism in underwater robots. The research team developed a biomimetic flexible adhesive disc with controllable motion, which showed similar detachment motions to its biological counterpart.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateAug 24, 2020

Global gut health experts guide growth of synbiotics

Synbiotics combine pre- and probiotics, providing a wider range of health benefits. The new definition allows for the use of microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates, enabling the creation of synergistic synbiotics with targeted health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Acute cardiovascular events common among adults hospitalized with influenza

A large population-based study found that acute cardiovascular events are common among adults hospitalized with influenza, with older age and underlying cardiovascular disease significantly increasing the risk. Vaccination is crucial for these patients, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors, to prevent such complications.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

Army robo-teammate can detect, share 3D changes in real-time

Researchers developed a human-robot team that can detect physical changes in 3D environments and share information with humans in real-time through augmented reality. The robot's sensors and algorithms enable it to provide contextual awareness to soldiers, helping them stay ahead of potential threats.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateAug 24, 2020

Having a doctor who shares the race of their patients may ease pain

New research suggests that Black patients experience less pain and anxiety when treated by a physician of their own race. Racial/ethnic concordance between doctor and patient influences physical responses to pain, with Black patients showing reduced bodily responses when paired with same-race doctors.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

Nooks, crannies and critters

Researchers developed a new way to measure habitat complexity, which is crucial for understanding biodiversity and conservation status. The method uses three metrics: rugosity, fractal dimension, and height range, and can accurately predict the distribution of biodiversity in complex ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 24, 2020

New research contradicts claims that Asian American students are harmed when they cannot attend their first-choice university

A new study contradicts claims that Asian American students are harmed when they cannot attend their first-choice university. The study found no significant differences in outcomes between Asian American students who were admitted to and attending their first-choice university and those who were not.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

New studies find agricultural pesticides can affect prawns and oysters

Research from Southern Cross University found that imidacloprid, a common agricultural pesticide, can impact the feeding behavior of prawns, leading to nutritional deficiency and reduced flesh quality. Sydney rock oysters are also vulnerable to imidacloprid exposure.

SourceSouthern Cross University·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm Laura near Cuba

Tropical Storm Laura continues to move through the Caribbean Sea, producing heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening flash flooding. NASA's infrared data reveals powerful storms with cold cloud top temperatures, affecting Jamaica and Cuba.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2020

New study: Eyes linger less on 'fake news' headlines

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aalborg University found that people's eyes linger less on fake news headlines, spending a bit more time reading factual ones. This discovery could aid in fact-checking and help sort through the oceans of false information.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateAug 24, 2020

Deep learning helps assess stored blood quality

Researchers developed a neural network to assess stored blood quality, achieving 76.7% agreement with experts in identifying damaged red blood cells. The network outperformed expert predictions when trained using only storage duration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

'Safely returning America to work' -- Occupational medicine specialists offer expertise

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has published a set of general guidelines for safely returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines address various aspects, including clinical manifestations of COVID-19, developing a successful return-to-work policy, and industry-specific guidance.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to an immune cell run amok

Researchers discovered a type of long-lived immune cell that can provoke chronic inflammation in IBD patients, leading to abdominal pain and damage. The inflammatory T RM cell subtype may also escape into the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 24, 2020

Predicting water-induced soil erosion

A study forecasts rates of water-induced soil erosion, finding increased erosion under all climatic conditions across countries. Conservation agriculture is necessary to mitigate future soil erosion and ensure food security, according to the authors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020

Who Could Benefit From Exercise and Behavioral Treatment?

Researchers studied 66 young adults with major depression, finding aerobic exercise reduced depressive symptoms by 55%, while light-intensity stretching had less effect. People with better reward processing at baseline were more likely to respond to exercise treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

When it comes to supporting candidates, ideology trumps race and gender

A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that ideology is a more significant factor than demographics in determining voter support for politicians. Despite expressing prejudice against minorities and women, voters tend to support conservative candidates who align with their ideologies, regardless of race or sex.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 24, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.