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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 213


Page 213 of 512

Non-invasive nerve stimulation boosts learning of foreign language sounds

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UCSF developed a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve to improve language learning. Participants showed significant improvements in distinguishing Mandarin tones, with some reaching peak performance twice as quickly as control participants.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateAug 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Digital buccaneers boost box office bang

Post-theatrical release piracy is connected to higher ticket sales due to increased word-of-mouth advertising. Movie studios should focus on preventing pirated copies from leaking online before release.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 6, 2020

Racial disparities in high-cost cancer treatment for children

A new study reveals racial disparities in high-cost proton radiotherapy for childhood cancer treatment, with Black and low-income children facing barriers to access. The research highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare policies to ensure all children receive quality cancer care regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

Identifying local solutions in the Barotse floodplain for sustainable agricultural development

Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateAug 6, 2020

Small towns have highest risk of intimate partner violence

A recent study by Washington State University criminologist Kathryn DuBois found that women from small towns are most at risk of intimate partner violence, with a 27% higher likelihood of being victims compared to urban areas and 42% more likely than suburban women.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 6, 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.

Is the gut biome a heritable trait?

Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 6, 2020

Cancer vs. COVID: When a pandemic upended cancer care

A team of researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a guide to help oncologists navigate difficult conversations with patients due to the pandemic. The guide provides three core communication strategies and examples of language that can be used to respond empathetically, addressing concerns around risk, delays, and changes in treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

New fossil discovery shows how ancient 'hell ants' hunted with headgear

Researchers have discovered a 99-million-year-old fossil of an ancient 'hell ant' that shows how it hunted its prey with deadly precision. The fossil, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved ever found, reveals the mechanism behind the hell ant's unique mouthparts and headgear.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

Chemists create the brightest-ever fluorescent materials

Researchers develop a new class of materials that can seamlessly transfer a compound's bright fluorescence to a solid state, overcoming a long-standing barrier. The breakthrough has potential applications in solar energy harvesting, bioimaging, and lasers.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 6, 2020

People who feel dizzy when they stand up may have higher risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a sudden drop in systolic blood pressure when standing up may be at higher risk of developing dementia years later. The study also showed that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people's thinking and memory skills as they age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Mix of contaminants in Fukushima wastewater, risks of ocean dumping

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant's stored contaminated wastewater contains multiple radioactive isotopes with varying levels of risk. These include tritium, a relatively short-lived isotope, and other isotopes like carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90, which pose more complex hazards to humans and the environment.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

New multiple myeloma therapy shows promise in preclinical study

A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice. The therapy targets CD38 protein on tumoral cells and reduces unwanted radiation exposure on normal tissues.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

Surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer not tied to worse survival outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer patients did not impact overall survival. In fact, increased time to surgery was associated with a small increase in pathological upstaging, but no significant difference in survival rates.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2020

Surface tension, not gravity, drives viscous bubble collapse

Researchers challenge previous understanding of viscous bubble behavior, concluding that surface tension and dynamic stress are key drivers of bubble collapse. In viscous liquids, bubbles exhibit structural instability characterized by radial wrinkles around the periphery, a phenomenon previously attributed to gravity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 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.

Researchers hope to save seabirds by calculating the value of their poop

Seabirds produce guano that serves as a fertilizer and contributes significantly to coastal and marine ecosystems. The researchers estimated the value of guano production at around $473 million per year, with nutrients deposited by seabirds worth an additional $1 billion annually.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 6, 2020

New science behind algae-based flip-flops

Researchers created polyurethane foams from algae oil that meet commercial specifications for midsole shoes and footbeds of flip-flops. The biodegradable materials degraded after 16 weeks in compost and soil, showing potential for full recyclability and addressing the plastic waste problem.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 6, 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.

Make the best of bad reviews by leveraging consumer empathy

Researchers discovered that unfair negative reviews can evoke consumer empathy, leading to increased purchase and patronage intentions. Firms can capitalize on these reviews by responding in a more personable manner and highlighting employee involvement.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 6, 2020

Why the 'wimpy' Y chromosome hasn't evolved out of existence

Researchers propose a new hypothesis that the Y chromosome is protected from extinction by carrying 'executioner genes' that self-regulate and ensure successful sperm production. These genes, which regulate meiotic silencing, are toxic when activated at the wrong time, protecting the Y chromosome from loss.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateAug 6, 2020

A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome

Researchers create device to grow highly oxygen-intolerant bacteria in lab studies, revealing protective effects on human colon. They found that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces butyrate, which reduces inflammation and calms immune response.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMed·DateAug 6, 2020

Targetd ultrasound for noninvasive diagnosis of brain cancer

Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 6, 2020

REM sleep tunes eating behavior

Researchers discovered that REM sleep tunes eating behavior by reducing the activation of hypothalamic neurons in mice, indicating the importance of sleep quality in maintaining stable feeding habits. The study suggests a long-lasting effect on neuronal activity and feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 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.

Delay in breast cancer operations appears non-life-threatening for early-stage disease

A new study from the American College of Surgeons found that longer time to surgical treatment does not lower overall survival for women with early-stage breast cancer who underwent delayed operations before the pandemic. Patients who received neoadjuvant endocrine therapy also showed no decreased survival, according to the research.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2020

Scientists identify missing source of atmospheric carbonyl sulfide

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology found that anthropogenic sources account for much of the missing source of OCS in the atmosphere. Their study provides better context for estimating global photosynthesis using OCS dynamics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 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.

New tool compares rates of severe pregnancy complications across US hospitals

A new scoring system developed by NIH-funded researchers standardizes patient data to compare rates of severe maternal morbidity between different hospitals and groups of patients. The study aims to aid maternal health research and efforts to improve maternal health across the country.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateAug 6, 2020

Pulmonary fibrosis treatment shows proof of principle

A pre-clinical study led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital demonstrates that barasertib reverses fibroblast activation, stopping dangerous scar tissue build-up in lungs of IPF patients. The drug targets AURKB activity, slowing disease progress and improving lung function.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

LSU Health discovers key to dialogue between brain cells to protect against stroke

Researchers at LSU Health have discovered a crucial mechanism in brain cell communication that can help protect against stroke. They found that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, promotes the survival and integrity of neuronal cells by regulating key proteins involved in this communication.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateAug 6, 2020

Research explores the impacts of mobile phones for Maasai women

A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 6, 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.

The bouncer in the brain

Researchers identify granule cells as gatekeepers of the hippocampus, filtering out irrelevant information. These cells also appear to be involved in processing spatial information, converting grid cell activity into place cell activity.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateAug 6, 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.

Prioritizing cancer care during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted oncology clinicians to prioritize cancer care, leveraging expertise from low-resource settings for guidance. Prioritization involves weighing the benefits and harms of different treatments, considering factors such as patient outcomes and healthcare resource availability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

OU Health Sciences Center receives $38 million grant for suicide prevention

The OU Health Sciences Center will expand a national program dedicated to suicide prevention with a $38 million five-year grant. The program aims to address workforce development, education, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public awareness to help people at risk of suicide. Key findings include increased focus on culturally r...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 6, 2020

Study finds high levels of toxic pollutants in stranded dolphins and whales

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found high concentrations of atrazine, DEP, NPE, and triclosan in stranded dolphins and whales. The study revealed significant variations in toxin and element concentrations based on animal demographic factors and geography.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 6, 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.

Effect of gadolinium-based contrast agent on breast diffusion-tensor imaging

Researchers found that breast cancer diagnosis via diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) was equivalent before and after gadolinium-based contrast agent administration. DTI parameters showed a statistically significant reduction in cancer lesions after contrast enhancement, leading to increased conspicuity for radiologists.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 6, 2020

New insight into the evolution of complex life on Earth

A novel connection between primordial organisms and complex life has been discovered, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of the cell division process. The study reveals a common regulatory mechanism in both archaea and eukaryotes, providing new insights into the history of eukaryotic cells.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Why shaving dulls even the sharpest of razors

Human hair is 50 times softer than steel yet can cause razor blade chipping and wear. Researchers found that the blade's microstructure and angle of approach to hair play key roles in initiating cracks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 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.

Revealing destructive cracks in rock

Researchers at Texas A&M University are using advanced machine-learning analysis to reveal the evolution of cracks in rock and concrete. By combining data from multiple sources, including sound waves, electromagnetics, and pressure measurements, they aim to improve our understanding of crack damage and development.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateAug 6, 2020

Penn's 'Enhanced Recovery' program significantly reduces post-op opioid use

The study found that patients following the ERAS protocol had significantly lower rates of opioid use at one, three, and six months after surgery compared to those receiving standard care. Additionally, the ERAS group experienced shorter hospital stays, fewer postoperative complications, and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

Bone-anchored leg prostheses also prove to be a valuable procedure after 5-year follow-up

After a 5-year follow-up, bone-anchored leg prostheses show significant improvements in daily functioning, mobility, and quality of life for patients with above-knee amputations. Despite initial stoma problems, these prostheses lead to permanent benefits, including increased prosthesis use and improved health-related quality of life.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 6, 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.

Genes related to down syndrome abnormalities may protect against solid tumors

Scientists discovered genes with decreased expression in individuals with Down syndrome, which may also protect people from developing solid tumors. These findings could lead to the development of gene-targeted therapies for both people with Down syndrome and the general population.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2020

Identifying and contending with radioisotopes of concern at Fukushima

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster has left over 1,000 tanks containing contaminated water, with radioactive isotopes including tritium posing significant removal challenges. A full accounting of the remaining isotopes in each tank is needed to assess consequences of releasing them into the ocean.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Researchers discover sex-specific differences in neural mechanisms for glucose regulation

A study by Tufts University researchers found that estrogen can have a disruptive effect on glucose metabolism in females, but not males, when a specific protein is absent. The study identified a key protein in the brain that mediates these effects and provides insight into the differences between men and women in their risk of diabetes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2020