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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 209


Page 209 of 512

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

A Berkeley Lab study finds that California's winter precipitation will become 50% more variable by 2100, affecting agriculture, flood control, and water resource management. The MJO, a global rainfall pattern, is expected to transfer its precipitation-related atmospheric conditions to the West Coast via changes in strong winds.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

From nanocellulose to gold

Researchers at Linköping University have developed new materials by combining nanocellulose with metal nanoparticles, resulting in antibacterial properties, color-changing abilities, and the ability to generate heat. The materials can be used for various applications, including sensors and energy-based uses.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found a 30% decrease in outpatient visits during the initial 10 weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to virtual visits was partly offset by an increase in telephone and video visits, with over 10 million fewer in-person visits compared to previous years.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Retesting for COVID-19: UPMC shares its experience

A large-scale analysis by UPMC found that patients positive for COVID-19 stay positive for an average of three weeks. Repeating tests in patients who were initially negative rarely leads to a positive result.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateAug 10, 2020

AI-enhanced precision medicine identifies novel autism subtype

A novel AI-enhanced precision medicine approach identifies a novel autism subtype characterized by abnormal lipid levels, providing a potential breakthrough for early diagnosis and intervention. The research also found a strong association between parental dyslipidemia and autism spectrum disorder in children.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Third breakthrough demonstrates photosynthetic hacks can boost yield, conserve water

Researchers have made two major breakthroughs to optimize photosynthesis, increasing crop growth by 27 percent in field trials. The discoveries improved the efficiency of electron transport and carbon fixation, resulting in increased productivity and water conservation.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 10, 2020

Successful school instruction is digital - but not exclusively

A meta-study of 92 studies found that secondary school students outperform their peers in traditional classes when using digital tools. The tools' effectiveness increases when used with paper-based materials and accompanied by teachers. Intelligent tutor systems and professionally trained teachers are particularly effective.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalComputers & Education·DateAug 10, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Patient experiences in medical imaging and radiation therapy: The importance of skilled patient care professionals

The Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences special issue shares stories about interpersonal skills beyond technical aspects to care for patients during medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Guest Editor Sue Robins curated this issue as a learning experience for technologists, therapists, and patients alike.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Air pollution and honey bee health

Honey bees from highly polluted sites in India show reduced survival rates and altered physiological characteristics, indicating air pollution's negative impact on their health. The study suggests that air pollution may also affect ecosystem services, highlighting the need for further research to address this issue.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

Study: Americans prize party loyalty over democratic principles

A study by Yale University found that US voters are willing to forgive undemocratic behavior to achieve their partisan ends and policy goals. Only 3.5% of voters would cast ballots against their preferred candidates as punishment for undemocratic behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateAug 10, 2020

Exact climate data from the past

Researchers have developed a new method for reconstructing past Earth surface temperatures using clumped isotopes. By analyzing the ratio of two rare carbonate groups, scientists can now accurately determine temperature without being influenced by mineralization processes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Gene therapy targets inner retina to combat blindness

A breakthrough study using gene therapy to target the inner retina has prevented blindness in a mouse model of CLN3 Batten disease. The treatment led to significant survival of bipolar cells and preserved retinal function, according to researchers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 10, 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.

Past evidence supports complete loss of Arctic sea-ice by 2035

Researchers used a high-resolution climate model to compare Arctic sea ice conditions during the last interglacial with present-day data. The findings suggest that intense springtime sunshine led to the formation of melt ponds, which contributed to sea ice melt.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Poverty alleviation efforts are shaping the success of environmental targets

A new study published in PNAS explores the impact of poverty alleviation efforts on environmental targets, finding that successful programs can increase food production and reduce poverty but may also lead to trade-offs with environmental protection. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental outcome...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Electronic components join forces to take up 10 times less space on computer chips

A new study demonstrates the successful integration of individual elements that make up electronic filters onto a single component, significantly reducing space taken up by devices. The researchers ditched conventional designs and created a single, self-rolling membrane that contains both independently designed elements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Engineers enlist fungi to advance against disease

Rice University scientists have won a $1.9 million NIH grant to explore the use of CRISPR-Cas genome editing in natural fungi to discover new drugs that stay ahead of disease resistance. By understanding how fungi synthesize useful compounds, they aim to create novel drug development toolkits.

SourceRice University·DateAug 10, 2020

Seeing chemical reactions with music

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found that audible sound can control chemical reactions in solution by supplying energy sources into the air-liquid interface. The study created aesthetically pleasing patterns on the surface and bulk of the solution, exhibiting life-like behavior in synthetic molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2020

Evolutionary assimilation of foreign DNA in a new host

Researchers at UC San Diego used CRISPR and evolutionary engineering to test foreign DNA in E. coli and observed that most mutations occurred in regulatory regions, not within the foreign gene itself. The study reveals the importance of systems biology in understanding biological function and its implications for genetic engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 10, 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.

Deforestation and indigenous property rights

The study found that granting collective property rights to indigenous territories led to a significant decrease in deforestation, particularly at the border of these areas. Territories waiting for full property rights saw little impact on deforestation levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

KIST finds clue to improve artificial vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers at KIST found that retinal neural signals from electric stimulation are altered depending on disease progression in mice affected by outer retinal degeneration. This study suggests guidelines for patient selection of retinal prostheses, improving performance and perception of artificial vision.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 10, 2020

Biology blurs line between sexes, behaviors

A new study identifies a genetic switch in brain cells that can toggle between sex-specific states when necessary, challenging the idea of sex as a fixed property. This finding has implications for human biology, particularly in understanding sex-typical behaviors and their flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 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.

Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy

Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who consume alcohol during early pregnancy face a higher risk of miscarriage. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 women and found an incremental 8% increase in miscarriage risk each week of alcohol use.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateAug 10, 2020

Oxytocin can help prevent osteoporosis

Researchers found that oxytocin administration reversed precursors of osteoporosis in female rats, including reduced bone density and decreased bone strength. The study suggests that oxytocin may be a strong ally in preventing osteoporosis during perimenopause.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that a substantial number of overdose deaths were misclassified as sudden cardiac deaths, leading to grossly underestimated national estimates of the opioid overdose burden. Meanwhile, another study provides real-world recommendations for overcoming telemedicine challenges with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

Researchers find new potential treatment for prion diseases

Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment strategy for patients with prion disease by reducing levels of prion protein. This approach has been shown to significantly extend the survival of lab animals and even reverse disease markers after toxic clumps have formed in the brain.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 10, 2020

Media alert: ESMO Virtual Congress 2020, September 19-21

The ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 will feature a virtual meeting between 19-21 September, including access to scientific programme, e-poster area, and industry satellite symposia. Accredited journalists can also access congress webcasts for re-watching presentations.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 10, 2020

Emergency visits for thunderstorm-related respiratory illnesses

Researchers analyzed atmospheric and lightning data to study the relationship between thunderstorms and increased emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses among older adults. The study found that vulnerable groups may be susceptible to atmospheric changes caused by thunderstorms, leading to higher emergency visit rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

Inside the ice giants of space

Scientists developed a theoretical method to model the interior of ice giants Uranus and Neptune, allowing analysis of thermal and electrical processes. The study provides insights into the planets' geometry and evolution, including the existence of frozen cores and magnetic field generation.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool falls short

A comprehensive assessment of genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool found it comes up short, missing about 160 cases and incorrectly identifying 8,000. However, sequencing can still be useful in suspicious cases not clearly identified by MS/MS.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

Violence and political partisanship

A recent study found that individuals with Republican leanings tend to support the use of nuclear and conventional weapons against enemy civilians and combatants. This partisan divide in views on violence is linked to underlying attitudes towards immigrants, gun rights, and abortion, according to researchers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

Pasteurization inactivates COVID-19 virus in human milk: new research

New research confirms pasteurisation inactivates SARS-CoV-2 virus in human milk, ensuring safe supply to preterm babies. Cold storage also doesn't impact the virus's stability, allowing mothers with COVID-19 to express and store milk safely.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateAug 10, 2020

Analysis of Ugandan cervical carcinomas, an aid for understudied sub-Saharan women

A comprehensive genomic study of cervical cancers in sub-Saharan Africa has identified unique features associated with HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. The study found distinct gene expression patterns for HPV types and epigenetic changes linked to aggressive tumors, providing potential treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 10, 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.

Aquatic robots can remove contaminant particles from water

Researchers developed a 1cm by 1cm soft robot that can remove contaminants from water using a magnetic field and light. The artificial aquatic polyp can guide suspended targets towards it, and then activate its tentacles to grasp and release particles.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

Photo of eyes provides forecast of longevity in heart failure patients

Research published in ESC Heart Failure suggests that pupil area can predict prognosis in patients with heart failure. Patients with a small pupil area were found to have a significantly poorer survival rate and higher risk of readmission for heart failure compared to those with a large pupil area.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateAug 10, 2020