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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 194


Page 194 of 512

New 'molecular computers' find the right cells

Scientists have developed a new tool to precisely target cancer cells by distinguishing them from neighboring cells. The Co-LOCKR system uses synthetic proteins to detect specific combinations of cell surface markers, allowing for more precise targeting and improved safety for cancer-killing CAR T cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

UMass Amherst scientists invent new sensing eye mask

The researchers created a lightweight eye mask called Chesma with two kinds of fabric electrodes to track electro-oculography and cardiac signals. The mask can be integrated into various garments and tested for performance after multiple washings.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMatter·DateAug 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Firefighters exposed to more potentially harmful chemicals than previously thought

A new Oregon State University study suggests that firefighters are more likely to be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals while on duty compared to off duty. The researchers found 18 PAHs that have not been previously reported as firefighting exposures, and exposure levels increased with the number of fires responded to.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 20, 2020

Dementia education

A new dementia education program has shown significant improvements in dementia knowledge and attitudes among primary school students. The intergenerational program brings together children and older adults, promoting empathy and understanding.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Inconsistencies in data presentation could harm efforts against COVID-19

A new study reveals broad inconsistencies in COVID-19 data presentation across national public health institutes' websites, limiting its usefulness. Researchers recommend a standardized format and content sharing to improve data aggregation and inform future research, clinical decisions, and policy-making.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalScience Diplomacy Action·DateAug 20, 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.

A new lens on the world: Improving the metalens with liquid crystal

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new class of metalenses that can be reconfigured using liquid crystals, allowing for the creation of flexible and tunable lenses. This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing optics and enabling new scientific and technological endeavors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2020

2020 ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal awarded to Dr Stefania Maggi

Dr Stefania Maggi, a leading geriatrician and epidemiologist, has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for her groundbreaking work in advancing the epidemiology of chronic conditions associated with aging. Her research focuses on healthy ageing and disease prevention programs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 20, 2020

Using estimation of camera movement to achieve multi-target tracking

Researchers have developed an efficient method to estimate camera movement, reducing the number of hypotheses generated from up to five to one. The new approach allows for real-time execution of pose estimation, with a complete algorithm taking only 29 milliseconds per frame.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 20, 2020

Dilated blood vessels in the lung may explain low oxygen levels in severe cases of COVID-19

A new study suggests that COVID-19 is causing significant dilation of the lung's blood vessels, contributing to low oxygen levels and unusual respiratory behavior. The dilation was detected using a non-invasive ultrasound technique, and its correlation with oxygen levels may help explain why some patients experience 'happy hypoxia.'

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

New research finds association between COVID-19 hospital use and mortality

Researchers at University of Minnesota and University of Washington found a statistical association between COVID-19 hospital bed usage and reported mortality rates across 23 US states. The study used actual state-level data to examine this relationship, providing insights for hospitals on assessment and preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 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.

Anorexia may stunt young women's growth

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights the impact of anorexia nervosa on young women's growth. The research found that girls with anorexia nervosa tend to have stunted growth, which may affect their overall health and well-being.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020

Move over Michaelis-Menten!

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new equation to describe the activity of enzyme cascades in cells. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how enzymes control cellular signaling and potentially improve drug development for cancer treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2020

How misinformed vaccine beliefs affect policy views

A study found that belief in negative vaccination misperceptions has a strong impact on policy views, with 20% of Americans holding negative views about vaccination. Strong support for mandatory childhood vaccinations was observed, but opposition to religious and personal belief exemptions remained significant.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Fighting cancer with rejection-resistant, 'off-the-shelf' therapeutic T cells

Scientists create genetically engineered, off-the-shelf therapeutic T cells that can recognize and kill specific cancer cells without requiring personalized training. The 'off-the-shelf' approach solves limitations of original cell immunotherapy methods by avoiding time-consuming processes and resulting in more potent cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 20, 2020

Intestinal bacteriophage alters effects of cancer therapies in mice

A study found that a bacteriophage infecting enterococcus bacteria stimulates an immune response improving the efficacy of cancer treatments. Administration of enterococcus containing the bacteriophage boosted T cell responses in mice, and its presence was associated with improved survival following PD-1 immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 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.

Ancient gene family protects algae from salt and cold in an Antarctic lake

Scientists have discovered an ancient gene family in Chlamydomonas algae that produces glycerol to protect against salt and cold stress in Antarctica. The gene family is necessary and sufficient for glycerol synthesis, suggesting its ancient origin and importance for survival in extreme environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Lipid-Oligonucleotides (LONs) --- Promising materials for bioapplications

LONs have shown outstanding properties in designing membrane-anchored biosensors and synthetic membrane channels due to their information-transfer and self-assembly abilities. They also have great potential in making contributions to developing new therapies and controllable nanoreactors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 20, 2020

Study focuses on low-carb, high-fat diet effect on older populations

A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that an eight-week very low-carbohydrate diet improved body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic health in older adults with obesity. The diet also preserved skeletal muscle mass without intentional caloric restriction.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNutrition & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

A new tool to create chemical complexity from fatty acids

A new modular iridium catalyst allows unprecedented control over fatty acid derivative modification, enabling the production of valuable compounds from renewable resources. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for pharmaceuticals and plastics synthesis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Researchers show children are silent spreaders of virus that causes COVID-19

A comprehensive pediatric study shows children can carry high levels of the virus and spread infection, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's findings have implications for reopening schools and daycare centers, highlighting the need for increased precautions to keep kids, teachers, and staff safe.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 20, 2020

A quantum thermometer to measure the coldest temperatures in the universe

Researchers developed a novel thermometer based on quantum entanglement that can accurately measure ultra-cold temperatures in clouds of atoms, known as Fermi gases. The new method uses a probe atom to infer temperature by exploiting the unique properties of fermions at extremely low temperatures.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Vaccine developed for human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)

A new vaccine candidate has been developed for HHV-6B, a virus that causes exanthem subitum in infants. The vaccine targets the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and induces strong immunity against the virus. Animal experiments have shown that the vaccine prevents HHV-6B infection and activates dendritic cells to induce innate immunity.

SourceKobe University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 20, 2020

Dynamic kirigami shoe grip designed to reduce risks of slips and falls

A new kirigami-based shoe sole has been designed to reduce the risks of slips and falls by adjusting as a person steps, increasing friction with pop-up spikes as necessary. The study found that the new grip could achieve a greater friction than standard winter boots by two- to three-fold.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

No more playing with fire: Study offers insight into 'safer' rechargeable batteries

Scientists at Okayama University developed a new technique to analyze dendrite formation in rechargeable batteries, improving safety. They discovered that quasimetallic Li clusters act as a buffer for dendrite formation in hard carbon electrodes, providing valuable insight into overcoming lithium dendrite formation limitations.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 19, 2020

High blood pressure and salt, anti-aging factor Klotho key

Researchers discovered that Klotho protein deficiency causes aging-associated hypertension through high salt intake, with supplementation preventing hypertension development. Klotho levels may serve as a predictive marker for hypertension risk.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 19, 2020

Termite-fishing chimpanzees provide clues to the evolution of technology

Researchers studied 25 immature chimpanzees learning to use tools, discovering they acquire complex termite-extracting skills over time. The study provides insights into how technology evolved in human culture and highlights the sophistication of Central African chimpanzee tool-using skills.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateAug 19, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Unconventional monetary policy and bank risk taking

Researchers examine the impact of unconventional monetary policy on bank risk-taking in the syndicated loan market, finding no additional interest rate reduction for riskier firms. This suggests that loose lending is not a concern under unconventional monetary policy measures.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of International Money and Finance·DateAug 19, 2020

Invasive shrubs in Northeast forests grow leaves earlier and keep them longer

A region-wide study by Penn State researchers confirms that invasive shrubs have an advantage over native shrubs, contributing to their proliferation. The study found that invasive shrubs maintain leaves for 77 days longer than native shrubs, giving them a competitive edge in acquiring energy and creating shade.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiological Invasions·DateAug 19, 2020

Liquid sulfur changes shape and goes critic under pressure

Scientists at ESRF discover new type of critical point in liquid sulfur, allowing for better understanding of liquid-to-liquid transitions and their applications. This breakthrough could open doors to studying the complexity of other important systems like water.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

Migration and dispersal of butterflies have contrasting effect on flight morphology

A recent study by Vaishali Bhaumik and Dr Krushnamegh Kunte reveals contrasting effects of migration and dispersal on flight morphology in butterflies. Female butterfly populations that disperse over short distances have a higher egg load, but this declines rapidly as their thorax size increases, enabling stronger flight muscles.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 19, 2020

Young gay men's health care needs not being met

A Rutgers study found that young gay men who experience healthcare discrimination or have providers lacking in knowledge about gay men's health issues are more likely to miss out on screenings and care. Creating safe spaces for disclosure can build trust and improve access to relevant services.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services·DateAug 19, 2020

UAlberta researchers find way to speed up nerve regrowth for trauma patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a way to accelerate nerve regrowth in trauma patients by three to five times, leading to better outcomes. The treatment, known as conditioning electrical stimulation (CES), involves electrically stimulating nerves before surgery, causing them to regenerate faster.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateAug 19, 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.

Vagabonding female butterflies weigh in on reproductive strategies

A new study reveals that female Emigrant butterflies selectively burden themselves with eggs during long-distance flights, whereas males travel light. This disparity stems from differences in predictability of habitat patches and larval host plants between migrating and dispersing species.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalBiology Letters·DateAug 19, 2020

New Nottingham Space projects to boost global sustainable development

The University of Nottingham is launching two new projects using satellite Earth Observation technology to tackle global development problems. The first project aims to develop an anti-trafficking system to support efforts in Uganda, while the second project focuses on monitoring sargassum seaweed affecting Mexico's Caribbean Coast.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateAug 19, 2020

New database could help lead to personalized treatments for breast cancer patients

A new database of 40 breast cancer cell lines will help speed the development of new gene-targeted therapies by providing genomic and proteomic information. Researchers aim to identify functional genes that drive cancer growth and develop targeted therapies based on unique gene changes in each patient's cancer.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

New clues to a 500-year old mystery about the human heart

Researchers have found that the shape and structure of muscle fibres in the heart impact its performance and risk of heart failure. The study, published in Nature, reveals how these 'trabeculae' work and develop, and their importance to human health.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

First immune-evading cells created to treat type 1 diabetes

Salk Institute scientists develop transplantable human insulin-producing pancreatic cell clusters that evade the immune system, providing sustained blood glucose control without immunosuppressants. The cells were created using stem cell technology and a protein called WNT4 to induce a genetic switch that makes them functional.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Targeting a chronic pain gateway could bring relief

Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science identify key molecule regulating biomolecular messaging in nerve cells, which plays a role in chronic pain. Targeting this molecule, importin alpha-3, could provide new options for treating chronic pain with fewer side effects.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 19, 2020

Virtual IOF-ESCEO World Congress draws record attendance

The virtual WCO-IOF-ESCEO 2020 Congress featured over 210 live and pre-recorded sessions on new clinical research and advances in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and related diseases. The Congress attracted a record number of registrants and was accredited by the EACCME with 16 European CME credits.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 19, 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.