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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 211


Page 211 of 512

Breakthrough technology purifies water using the power of sunlight

A global research team has developed a new adsorbent-based desalination process that uses sunlight to regenerate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), producing clean drinking water in under 30 minutes. The technology filters harmful particles and achieves a TDS of <500 ppm, making it suitable for millions of people globally.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 10, 2020

Arctic plants and snow cover

A study on Arctic tundra plants reveals that snow cover and summer temperature significantly impact functional trait diversity. In a warming climate, tundra plants may develop taller leaves and rapid resource-acquisition traits.

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

Fighting like cats and dogs?

Researchers found that filling homes with calming pheromones can reduce undesirable interactions between cats and dogs, such as dog chasing cat or barking at cat. Both Feliway Friends for cats and Adaptil for dogs showed positive effects on desirable behaviors like friendly greetings and relaxation in the same room.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 10, 2020

ACM SIGCOMM underscores importance of communications technologies that keep daily life functioning

The ACM SIGCOMM conference emphasizes the importance of communications technologies in maintaining daily life. The virtual event showcases research papers on various topics, including programmable switches and video applications. Keynote speakers are recognized for their contributions to data network architectures, and the conference a...

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·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.

Landmarks facing climate threats could 'transform,' expert says

A new study suggests that climate change may require cultural sites to undergo transformation rather than strict preservation. Experts argue that some landmarks should remain damaged as a 'memory' of the event and serve as a warning for communities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Schooling is critical for cognitive health throughout life

A new analysis reveals that education has a positive impact on cognitive function in early and middle adulthood, but does not prevent age-related cognitive declines. Individuals with more years of schooling tend to have higher levels of cognitive function until later in life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateAug 10, 2020

Aspirin may accelerate progression of advanced cancers in older adults

A recent clinical trial found that aspirin use increased the risk of advanced cancer progression and early death in older adults. Aspirin was associated with a higher risk of metastasized cancer and stage 4 cancer, leading to higher mortality rates among those diagnosed with advanced solid cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 10, 2020

Light swirls provide insights into the quantum world

Physicists have created a new method to study previously invisible quantum states of electrons using optical vortices. By combining conventional laser beams with swirls of light, researchers can detect the properties of emitted photoelectrons and gain insights into material structure and interaction with light.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020

COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells

A recent study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science found that COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells, contradicting previous studies. Instead, the researchers suggest that taste loss is likely caused by events induced during COVID-19 inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·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.

Stronger rains in warmer climate could lessen heat damage to crops, says study

A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that intensified rainstorms predicted for a warmer climate may efficiently water major crops, partially offsetting projected yield declines caused by rising heat. The research found that years with heavy rains of up to 20 millimeters per hour resulted in higher yields.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Previously undescribed lineage of Archaea illuminates microbial evolution

The Undinarchaeota, a previously unknown phylum of aquatic Archaea, have been found to likely depend on partner organisms for growth, while also conserving energy through fermentation. Their discovery provides new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of Archaea.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

Assessing training in health disparities

A survey study evaluated the curriculum on health disparities and perceptions of training among internal medicine residents. The findings suggest that program directors and residents have differing perspectives on the adequacy of training, highlighting a need for improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·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.

Change isn't a good thing for Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of interstitial lung disease among Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients. The variant, located in the RPA3 gene, is linked to fibrosis and triggers complications in RA patients.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 9, 2020

Nanocatalysts that remotely control chemical reactions inside living cells

Researchers at POSTECH developed a remote magnetic-sensitive artificial catalyst called MAG-NER, which shows high catalytic efficiency within living cells. The catalyst transforms non-fluorescent reactants into fluorescent products through implanting MAG-NER into living cells and applying alternating magnetic fields.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 9, 2020

checkmate 743 shows that dual immunotherapy, nivolumab + ipilimumab

The combination of first-line nivolumab and ipilimumab demonstrated an improvement in overall survival compared to platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study showed a two-year overall survival rate of 40.8% for the treatment arm vs 27.0% for the chemotherapy arm.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateAug 8, 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.

Addition of sintilimab to pemetrexed and platinum improved progression-free survival

The addition of sintilimab to pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, with a nearly two-fold increase observed. The overall response rate was also higher in the sintilimab-combination group compared to the placebo combination.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 8, 2020

Phase 3 eXalt3 study shows significantly longer progression-free survival

In a Phase 3 study, ensartinib demonstrated statistically significant longer progression-free survival compared to crizotinib in ALK+ NSCLC patients. The study found that ensartinib significantly prolonged overall response rate and time-to-treatment-failure rate in brain metastases

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateAug 8, 2020

COVID-19 crisis exposes imbalance in EU state aid for aviation sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAir and Space Law·DateAug 7, 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.

Test accurately IDs people whose gonorrhea can be cured with simple oral antibiotic

A new DNA test can accurately identify individuals whose gonorrhea is curable with a single dose of oral ciprofloxacin, providing an alternative treatment option. The study found that all 106 subjects identified as having the wild-type gyrA serine strain were cured with the antibiotic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 7, 2020

Advance in programmable synthetic materials

Scientists at UC Berkeley and RUB develop technique to read complex metal arrangement in MOFs using atom probe tomography, enabling encoding of multiple chemical functions. This breakthrough could lead to programmable substances and revolutionize material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2020

Scientists use CRISPR to knock down gene messages early in development

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to target and reduce specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules involved in early embryonic development. This approach enables the study of genes that were previously difficult or impossible to manipulate, and has shown promise for understanding infertility and development...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 7, 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.

Integration of gene regulatory networks in understanding animal behavior

Researchers synthesized current evidence on gene regulatory networks and neuronal networks to understand animal behavior. The integration of these networks reveals complex dynamics, including environmental factors and social behavior influencing gene expression changes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Florida current is weaker now than at any point in the past century

The Florida Current, a key component of the Gulf Stream, has slowed significantly over the past century, with its strength being the weakest in the past 110 years. This decline is linked to the broader Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) system, which plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 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.

Heavier smoking linked to skyrocketing health risks

A new study reveals that heavier smokers face a 17-fold increase in emphysema and an 8-fold increase in atherosclerosis. The study found associations with 28 separate health conditions, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 7, 2020

Success in promoting plant growth for biodiesel

Researchers successfully promoted plant growth and increased seed yield by expressing high-speed-type myosin XI from Arabidopsis in Camelina sativa, a promising plant for biodiesel. This technology is expected to increase productivity per area unit and has potential applications in other plant species.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 7, 2020

New-generation CO2 gas separation system using gate-type adsorbents

Researchers developed a novel CO2 separation technology using gate-type adsorbents, achieving high CO2 selectivity and recovery capacity. The adsorbent's flexible structure generates cold heat during adsorption, suppressing temperature rise and improving system efficiency.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 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 titanate nanowire mask that can eliminate pathogens

A titanate nanowire mask can trap and destroy pathogens using photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide, potentially reducing waste and environmental impact of disposable masks

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 2020

Measuring electron emission from irradiated biomolecules

A new experiment has characterised the properties of electrons emitted when adenine, a key DNA nucleobase, is bombarded with high-velocity ions. The study's findings could improve understanding of how radiation damage increases cancer risk in cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2020

Newly discovered mutation could point to heart disease therapeutic target

A newly identified mutation in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) may enable the development of more specific inhibitors to reduce triglyceride levels without intestinal side effects. This discovery has important public health implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2020

Updating Turing's model of pattern formation

A team of researchers offers new explanations for how living systems form ordered patterns through instabilities in un-patterned systems. The study revisits Turing's theory to prove mathematically how instabilities can occur through simple reactions and widely varied environmental conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 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.

Stellar egg hunt with ALMA

Researchers tracked the evolution of stellar eggs in Taurus, discovering internal structures and bipolar gas streams that indicate a star's birth. The team used ALMA's compact array to observe starless cores and found evidence for 'first hydrostatic cores,' short-lived objects formed before a baby star's birth.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals more likely to be autistic

A new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre found that transgender and gender-diverse adults are three to six times more likely to be diagnosed as autistic. The research used data from over 600,000 adult individuals and confirmed previous smaller scale studies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2020

Scientists introduce FlowRACS for high-throughput discovery of enzymes

Chinese scientists introduce FlowRACS, a flow-mode Raman-activated cell sorter, to support high-throughput discovery of enzymes and their cell factories at the precision of just one microbial cell. The instrument can screen yeast for its TAG content and profile in real-time.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateAug 7, 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.

Oldest enzyme in cellular respiration isolated

Researchers at Goethe University have isolated an ancient enzyme that enables early bacteria to produce energy without oxygen. The Rnf enzyme functions like a pumped-storage power plant, generating electricity and producing ATP.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 7, 2020

Rail industry to benefit from robot tech and data project

The Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance project aims to reduce costs, increase reliability, and enhance safety through the use of industrial automation and advanced condition monitoring. The project will explore the potential of data analytics to plan and schedule maintenance more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 7, 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.

Predicting drought in the American West just got more difficult

A new study by USC researchers found that El Niño cycles are an unreliable predictor of droughts in the American West. Instead, Earth's dynamic atmosphere plays a significant role in wet and dry cycles, making drought forecasting challenging.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

Origins of life: Chemical evolution in a tiny Gulf Stream

Researchers at LMU München report a hydrothermal mechanism that could have promoted the prebiotic evolution of self-replicating molecules. In an experiment, warm water circulation through pores stimulates RNA strand replication, overcoming the initial problem of double-stranded RNA formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 7, 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.

Potentially predictive humoral immune response markers in COVID-19 patients

A study published in Immunity identified five humoral immune response markers that can correctly classify convalescent COVID-19 patients and those who did not survive the disease. These markers, including IgM and IgA1 responses to S protein and N protein, were able to predict patient outcomes more accurately than demographic factors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateAug 7, 2020

Lerch receives funding for risk-need-responsivity project

Jennifer Lerch received funding from the State of Delaware to provide assistance to the Delaware Department of Corrections in using the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool. The project aims to enhance the tool's capabilities and address inmate needs.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 7, 2020

Researchers conducting survey of micropollutants

The study aims to characterize the occurrence and concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water and sediments. The researchers seek to establish a baseline for future evaluations of wastewater treatment technology and public health.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 7, 2020

Experts urge evaluation of diet at routine check-ups

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association recommends incorporating dietary screening into routine health care visits. The goal is to assess an individual's total dietary pattern and provide actionable next steps, helping patients set achievable dietary goals.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 7, 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.

NSD2 enzyme appears to prevent cellular senescence

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that NSD2 enzyme prevents cellular senescence by maintaining cell growth and serum response. Reduced NSD2 leads to increased expression of genes related to cell aging and decreased activity of growth-promoting genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAging Cell·DateAug 7, 2020