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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 210


Page 210 of 512

New study documents increasing frequency, cost, and severity of gunshot wounds

A new study finds that gun violence has increased in the US, resulting in higher costs and severity of gunshot wounds. The study, which analyzed hospital data from 2005 to 2016, shows a significant increase in the cost of operations and length of hospital stays for patients with gunshot wounds.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 10, 2020

HPV strains may impact cervical cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Nature Genetics analyzed genomic differences between HPV strains causing cervical cancers, revealing distinct characteristics and implications for prognosis. The researchers identified specific patterns associated with aggressive cancers, highlighting the need for further studies on African populations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 10, 2020

Rare 'boomerang' earthquake observed along Atlantic Ocean fault line

A team of researchers has tracked a rare 'boomerang' earthquake in the ocean for the first time, revealing how it can cause devastating effects on land. The study used underwater seismometers to monitor the Romanche fracture zone and recorded a magnitude 7.1 earthquake with a unique reversing rupture mechanism.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·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.

Restaurant customers frown on automatic gratuities, particularly after good service

Customers with excellent dining experiences express the most dissatisfaction with automatic gratuities. Research found that high-quality service does not compensate for negative customer responses to non-voluntary tipping systems. Restaurants can explore ways to give customers a sense of control, such as providing feedback or adding se...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 10, 2020

Study pinpoints five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers

A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2020

New research may help identify sex trafficking networks

Researchers studied Backpage.com accounts and discovered linked activities among them, which may help identify illegal trafficking activity. The study found common behaviors in ads placed by these accounts, including evasive tactics used by sex trafficking organizations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Network Science·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.

Land-use change disrupts wild plant pollination on a global scale

A global data analysis reveals that intensive land use decreases wild plant reproductive success and pollination due to lower pollinator abundance. Highly specialized plants are most affected, while those relying on domesticated honey bees may have more protection.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

New treatment targets found for blinding retinal disease

Scientists have identified new points to calm frenzied energy production in the retina, enabling recovery. The excessive byproducts of glycolysis initiate a vicious loop of crosstalk between endothelial cells and microglia, promoting inflammation and dysfunctional blood vessels.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Personal connections key to climate adaptation

Researchers found that households more socially connected to others taking action were more likely to do the same, suggesting a 'like-attracts-like' effect. Household connections with the marine environment also played an important role in determining responses to climate impacts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 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.

How boundaries become bridges in evolution

A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Army advances learning capabilities of drone swarms

The U.S. Army has developed a reinforcement learning approach that enables swarms of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles to accomplish various missions while minimizing performance uncertainty. This allows for efficient execution of time-consuming or dangerous tasks, enhancing warfighters' tactical situational awareness.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateAug 10, 2020

New tools in the fight against lethal citrus disease

Scientists created metabolic models of the bacterium associated with Huanglongbing, identifying 94 essential enzymes and metabolites required for its survival. These findings can lead to new antibacterial treatments and insights into long-lasting disease management strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateAug 10, 2020

ETRI won CLIC contest on AI-based video compression technology

Korean researchers from ETRI win first and second places in the Challenge on Learned Image Compression (CLIC) with innovative AI-based video compression techniques. The team aims to optimize video compression rate and quality using multiple source technologies.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·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.

Indigenous property rights protect the Amazon rainforest

A study published in PNAS found that granting full property rights to indigenous communities in the Amazon reduces deforestation rates by 66%. This policy focus can help preserve forested areas and attain climate goals, with significant implications for indigenous people's capacity to curb deforestation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Countering anti-vaccination influences from social media - with conversation

A new study using big data and survey results from the 2018-19 flu season found strong associations between regional social media messages and vaccination attitudes and behavior. However, when people discussed vaccination with others, negative effects of social media on vaccine behavior disappeared.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalVaccine·DateAug 10, 2020

NIST's SAMURAI measures 5G communications channels precisely

The SAMURAI system measures signals across a wide frequency range, providing a detailed portrait of 5G device and channel performance. The system helps resolve unanswered questions surrounding 5G's use of active antennas, improving theory, hardware, and analysis techniques for accurate channel models and efficient networks.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·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.

Blood biomarkers reveal aging differences among dolphins

A study analyzing dolphin blood biomarkers reveals age-related declines in hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and lymphocytes. This variation in aging rates suggests potential strategies for slowing disease progression and preventing chronic conditions in humans.

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

Air pollution impacts the health of wild pollinators

A recent study found that air pollution in Bangalore City leads to lower flower visitation rates and altered physiological responses in Giant Asian honey bees. The research suggests widespread negative impacts on these critical pollinators, threatening India's food security and ecosystems.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Space invaders as MOFs act as liquids

Researchers have developed a way to solubilize metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to create liquid-like materials. These MOF dispersions can separate gas mixtures with high efficiency and selectivity, making them suitable for industrial applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Coronavirus transmission risk increases along wildlife supply chains

A study published in PLOS ONE detected coronaviruses in bats and rodents, with increased detection rates found along the wildlife supply chain. The study highlights the importance of improving coronavirus surveillance and implementing targeted wildlife trade reform to minimize public health risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2020

TB vaccine research could benefit the elderly and diabetics

A new vaccine candidate BCG::RD1 has shown highly protective effects against tuberculosis in older mice with type 2 diabetes. The vaccine acts on multiple immune cell subsets to mount a robust response against TB-causing bacteria.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

New approach to treating osteoarthritis advances

A new study from NYU Langone Health suggests that injecting adenosine into joints can stimulate cartilage growth and prevent disease progression. The treatment has shown promising results in animal models of osteoarthritis, with regrowth rates of up to 50%.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2020

NSF renews Rice biological physics center

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year extension from the National Science Foundation to pursue research on the intersection of biology and physics. Researchers will continue to use computational analysis and experimental efforts to understand cell behavior and interactions.

SourceRice University·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.

Using air to amplify light

Researchers at EPFL have created a technology to amplify light inside hollow-core optical fibers filled with air, increasing the light intensity significantly. This breakthrough enables longer-distance transmission and potential applications in thermometers and temporary optical memory.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020

A new way to fabricate MXene films that block electromagnetic interference

A research team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a novel approach to fabricating MXene films that can effectively block electromagnetic interference. The drop-casting method on pre-patterned hydrophobic substrates resulted in a 38% enhancement of EMI shielding efficiency over conventional methods, making it scalable an...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalMatter·DateAug 10, 2020

Cannabis use in pregnancy linked to a greater risk of autism

A large study has found a link between cannabis use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at data from over 500,000 women in Ontario and found that children exposed to cannabis in utero were at greater risk of developing autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Understanding matter at atom-crushing densities

The Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP) will investigate the properties of matter under high pressures, shedding light on the formation and evolution of planets. The research aims to uncover novel properties of materials and their potential applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·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.

ETSU, Virginia Tech awarded $2.6 million for project

The Studies To Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network will focus on Central Appalachia's urgent need for recovery support services. Researchers aim to advance understanding of treatment services, particularly those using medication-assisted treatment and counseling.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 10, 2020

Mouthwashes could reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission

Researchers found that eight commercially available mouthwashes can inactivate Sars-Cov-2 viruses in cell culture experiments. The use of these mouthwashes could potentially reduce the viral load and risk of transmission, particularly in high-risk areas like the oral cavity and throat.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 10, 2020

Peatland carbon and nitrogen stocks and permafrost thaw

Northern peatlands store large amounts of carbon and nitrogen, but are vulnerable to permafrost thaw under climate change. If thawed, these peatlands could become a source of atmospheric carbon, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Adaptive mutations repeat themselves in tiny crustaceans of Lake Baikal

A team of Skoltech and IITP RAS researchers discovered adaptive parallel mutations in protein-coding sequences of 46 amphipod species from Lake Baikal, affecting several thousand genes. The findings suggest that these mutations are driven by the species' need to adapt to their environment.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateAug 10, 2020

NASA finds strong storms in developing Tropical Storm Mekkhala

NASA's Terra satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Mekkhala's center, with temperatures as cold as -80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move north before making landfall in southern China, bringing potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2020

Discovery transforms understanding of hydrogen depletion at the seafloor

Scientists have discovered that hydrogen depletion at hydrothermal vent fluids is not caused by microorganisms, but rather by non-biological processes. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global hydrogen budget and constraining the extent of a deep biosphere.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

NASA infrared data confirms depression became Tropical Storm Elida

Tropical Depression 09E strengthened into Tropical Storm Elida, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph and a central pressure of 995 millibars. Infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite confirmed the storm's transition, revealing powerful thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures indicating heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 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.

Wheat and couch grass can extract toxic metals from contaminated soils

Researchers have discovered that wheat and couch grass can accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals from contaminated soils, removing them and making the soil safer. The plants' ability to phytoextract toxic metals makes them promising candidates for effective cleaning of soils using phytoremediation.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateAug 10, 2020

Fireflies shed light on the function of mitochondria

Scientists have developed a protocol to measure mitochondrial activity in living animals using a bioluminescent molecule found in fireflies. This method reveals impaired mitochondrial functions in diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·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.

How building features impact veterans with PTSD

Veterans with PTSD prefer buildings with large windows, easy entrance and exit locations, open floor plans, and green spaces to feel comfortable. Interior design features like brighter colors and fewer furniture pieces also contribute to their comfort.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateAug 10, 2020

Breaking molecular traffic jams with finned nanoporous materials

Researchers developed finned nanoporous materials that facilitate faster molecular transport, reducing transportation limitations in zeolite catalysts. The new design triples the efficiency of conventional catalytic materials and enables longer catalyst lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 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.

Dietary control of the healing of injury-induced inflammation

Research reveals the resolution of injury-induced inflammation is under dietary control, requiring a balance of hormonal and genetic factors. The diet can enhance or inhibit each step of the process, affecting healing outcomes.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalAnti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2020

Agtech to the rescue in a pandemic: adapting plant labs for human testing

Researchers propose repurposing agtech labs for diagnostic testing in human pandemics. Sophisticated equipment used for crop and animal breeding can be easily adapted for tracing and detection. The approach aims to relieve pressure on limited health sector testing tools and speed up response measures.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2020