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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 195


Page 195 of 512

$4 million grant funds project seeking truth about honesty

The Honesty Project will investigate the science of honesty, examining what predicts honesty in various situations and how it affects relationships and institutions. Researchers aim to develop ways to foster honesty in daily life, despite the consequences of dishonesty being often met with resignation.

SourceWake Forest University·DateAug 19, 2020

Hydrogen economy with mass production of high-purity hydrogen from ammonia

Researchers at KIST developed a low-cost membrane material and catalyst to decompose ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen, producing high-purity hydrogen. The new technology enables continuous production of pure hydrogen with reduced energy consumption and cost.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateAug 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is risk of Alzheimer's linked to specific sleep patterns?

Researchers analyzed genetic studies and found no causal link between sleep patterns and Alzheimer's disease. However, they discovered a small association between certain sleep characteristics and increased or decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's, including being a 'morning person' and having lower insomnia risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 19, 2020

Alaska's salmon are getting smaller, affecting people and ecosystems

A comprehensive study of four salmon species in Alaska found that they are returning to rivers smaller and younger than in the past. This decline affects both commercial and subsistence fisheries, as well as the nutrient delivery to inland areas, fertilizing forests and freshwater ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

Hypoxia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients may be treatable

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with hypoxia responded positively to icatibant treatment, with improved oxygen levels and reduced need for supplemental oxygen. A follow-up study is underway to explore the effectiveness of a new drug, lanadelumab, which may offer longer-lasting benefits.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 19, 2020

Two UTA faculty members honored with UT System awards

UT Arlington faculty members Stephanie Rasmussen and Ericka Robinson-Freeman received the UT System Board of Regents Outstanding Teaching Award for their dedication to student success. The two professors were recognized for innovative course development, classroom expertise, and student learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 19, 2020

Pumice arrives delivering "vitamin boost" to the reef

Researchers have discovered that pumice rafts are delivering a surge of new coral and reef-building organisms to the Great Barrier Reef, boosting its health. The rafts, formed when frothy magma cools rapidly, carry a diverse array of marine life across thousands of kilometers.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateAug 19, 2020

New study identifies better treatment option for common complication of dialysis

A new study has identified a better treatment option for arteriovenous fistulas used in hemodialysis, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits and procedures. The drug-coated balloon angioplasty treatment has shown promising results, with patients being 25% more likely to have a functioning access point after 6 months.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·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.

Protein influences regeneration of vascular cells

Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a protein that influences cell communication in vascular cells. The study found that an RNA-binding protein acts as a gatekeeper, controlling the release of microRNAs that promote regeneration. This breakthrough offers new hope for treating diseases like arteriosclerosis.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateAug 19, 2020

Deep learning will help future Mars rovers go farther, faster, and do more science

The NASA JPL team is using deep learning to develop software for future Mars rovers, which will enable them to travel farther and explore more of the planet. The team has been training machine learning models on the Maverick2 supercomputer and developing novel capabilities such as Drive-By Science and Energy-Optimal Autonomous Navigation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateAug 19, 2020

Can a healthy diet reduce risk of Parkinson's?

A new study suggests that following an alternate Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet pattern may be linked to fewer non-motor symptoms such as constipation, daytime sleepiness and depression. The researchers found a strong relationship between healthy diet adherence and reduced risk of these preceding symptoms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 19, 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.

A touch of gold sends crystals electric with excitement

Physicists at the University of Warwick demonstrate that applying a noble metal to a crystal's surface can excite its structure, enabling new electrical effects such as converting movement and heat into electricity. This technique has great potential for use in sensors, energy conversion, and mobile technologies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

NASA's Webb to study quasars and their host galaxies in three dimensions

The Q3D team will study three bright quasars to measure the activity that comes from accreting material onto supermassive black holes, revealing how it affects host galaxies. The study aims to understand the relationship between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies by analyzing gas motions in nearby and distant galaxies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 19, 2020

Quick fixes won't stop sexual harassment in academia, experts say

Research experts warn that common forms of gender-based harassment, such as put-downs and insults, are prevalent in academia. Targets of these harassments often doubt themselves and withdraw from work due to the insidious nature of the behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 19, 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.

Heating our climate damages our economies - study reveals greater costs than expected

A new study reveals that climate change can cause greater damages to economies than previously thought, with up to three times the estimated output losses of a 1°C hotter year. The research found significant economic losses of 10% globally and over 20% in tropical regions by 2100.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 19, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new article by Dr. Ahmad Mourad explores how 'remote misses' in COVID-19 can create a false sense of invulnerability and security, potentially leading to increased risk. This phenomenon is linked to population-wide traumatic experiences and adaptive behavior.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020

Controlling the electron spin: Flip it quickly but carefully

Researchers from Russia and Spain propose a new model that describes electron spin behavior in semiconductor nanowires, enabling quick spin flip with controlled electric fields. The findings suggest that optimal interval of control fields is necessary to avoid losing valuable information.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateAug 19, 2020

The secret of lymph: How lymph nodes help cancer cells spread

A new study reveals that melanoma cells that pass through lymph nodes pick up a protective coating, allowing them to survive high levels of oxidative stress in the blood. This coating, composed of oleic acid, protects cancer cells from ferroptosis and enables them to form distant tumors.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 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.

Toddlers who use touchscreens show attention differences

Research found toddlers with daily touchscreen use are faster to find targets during visual search, challenging concerns about negative impacts on development. High touchscreen users were quicker at finding red apples amongst varying numbers of blue apples.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateAug 19, 2020

Genetic background may affect adaptions to aging

A recent study found that genetic background affects adaptations to aging in same-sex aging twins. DNA methylation changes correlate strongly with aging and are partly heritable in late life. The research highlights the role of genetic regulation in biological aging rates, including immune-inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAging Cell·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.

High blood pressure during pregnancy may mean worse hot flashes during menopause

A study published in Menopause: The Journal of the North American Menopause Society found that women with a history of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy reported more bothersome menopausal symptoms. Women using hormone therapy also experienced more severe symptoms compared to those without a high blood pressure history.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMenopause·DateAug 19, 2020

LSU Health New Orleans team creates better tool to aid COVID diagnosis

A new tool for diagnosing COVID-19 has been developed by LSU Health New Orleans, using 3D digital models created from CT scans of patients with severe respiratory symptoms. The tool allows clinicians to visualize the distribution of the virus in the lungs and may help identify false negatives in RT-PCR testing.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateAug 19, 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.

Telemedicine may well outlast the pandemic, say mental health care staff

New research from UCL and King's College London finds that telemedicine may not work for everyone, with major challenges to be addressed for its effective adoption. Mental health staff report concerns about reduced referrals, visits to services, and access to physical healthcare for people with mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateAug 19, 2020

Trust is key to effectiveness in virtual communities, researchers find

A team of researchers from Italy has proposed a new metric to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual groups. By analyzing interaction data from two Italian-based social networks, they found that trust plays a crucial role in forming cohesive and productive groups.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 19, 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.

Understanding the inner workings of the human heart

A study published in Nature reveals the complex mesh of muscle fibers lining the heart impacts performance and heart failure. The research used AI to analyze 25,000 MRI scans, discovering six human DNA regions affecting fractal patterns in these fibers.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 19, 2020

Making the DNA melt curve more accurate

Scientists at NIST have found a way to significantly enhance the accuracy of key information on how heat affects the stability of folded DNA structures. The novel mathematical algorithm automatically accounts for unknown effects, allowing scientists to design durable and complex structures made from DNA.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical Biochemistry·DateAug 19, 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.

Older adults with existing depression show resilience during the pandemic

A study found that older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder demonstrated resilience to the stress of physical distancing and isolation during the pandemic. They used coping strategies such as maintaining regular schedules, distracting themselves from negative emotions, and using mindfulness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 19, 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.

Partner selection ultimately happens in the woman's reproductive tract

Researchers found that women's reproductive secretions have a stronger effect on sperm performance in HLA dissimilar male-female combinations, indicating post-mating sexual selection. The study suggests that fertilization capability is dependent on immunogenetic compatibility between partners.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·DateAug 19, 2020

A Reverse Approach to Vessel Surgery May Boost Clinical Outcomes in Dialysis

A new surgical procedure called RADAR has been shown to create arteriovenous fistulae that mature more quickly, remain accessible longer, and are less likely to require reintervention. The study suggests this approach may improve clinical outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 19, 2020

Microscopy approach poised to offer new insights into liver disease

Researchers developed a new microscopy technique to visualize NAFLD progression in real-time, capturing details of lipid accumulation and immune cell behavior. The approach provides a highly useful research tool for identifying key parameters contributing to the disease.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateAug 19, 2020
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.

This cuttlefish is flamboyant on special occasions only!

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish's skin is usually camouflaged nearly all of the time, but it flashes a dazzling display only on specific occasions, such as during courtship rituals, fighting over females, or when threatened. This unique display allows them to signal aggression or attract mates.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateAug 19, 2020

World record: Plasma accelerator operates right around the clock

A team of researchers at DESY has achieved a record-breaking run time of 30 hours for a plasma accelerator, accelerating over 100,000 electron bunches per second. The milestone brings scientists closer to developing practical applications of this innovative technology, which holds promise for powerful and compact particle accelerators.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 19, 2020

International project to delve into the mysteries of brain connections

Researchers are using multidisciplinary approaches, cutting-edge imaging technologies, and cyber resources to study synaptic weight and its effects on the brain. The team aims to determine what factors shape synaptic structures and function, shedding light on basic understanding of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·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.

Researchers find link between gut microbiome and cancer treatment outcomes

A study found that patients with metastatic kidney cancer who had a greater variety of gut microbes responded better to immunotherapy, and that eating a high-fiber diet may help improve treatment outcomes. The researchers suggest that modulating the gut microbiome during therapy could impact responses to therapy.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalEuropean Urology·DateAug 19, 2020

Researchers identify better classification system for adult idiopathic scoliosis

Researchers have designed a new X-ray classification system for adult idiopathic scoliosis, providing a more universal and standard assessment of the condition. The three-component method maintains existing curve types while introducing assessments of global alignment and lumbosacral curve, improving treatment options for older patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalSpine Deformity·DateAug 19, 2020