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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 218


Page 218 of 512

In a warming world, New England's trees are storing more carbon

A new study reveals that New England's trees are capturing more carbon from the atmosphere, driven by growing temperatures and increased precipitation. However, some forests are also becoming a source of CO2 due to invasive insects and climate-related stressors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEcological Processes·DateAug 4, 2020

Study reveals impact of powerful CEOs and money laundering on bank performance

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that banks with powerful CEOs and smaller boards are more susceptible to money laundering and take greater risks. The impact of money laundering is heightened by the presence of powerful CEOs, but large and independent executive boards can partially mitigate this effect.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Finance & Economics·DateAug 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Superior TNOx/HRGO hybrid anode for lithium-ion batteries

A new hybrid anode material, Ti2Nb10O29-x/HRGO, has been developed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The material exhibits excellent reversible capacity and cycling stability, making it a potential candidate for electric vehicles and mobile electronics.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateAug 4, 2020

Malaria: Parasite resistance to artemisinin derivatives now affecting Africa

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Rwanda marks a major concern for global health. Significant proportions of parasites carrying the R561H mutation have been detected, indicating that these resistant strains can spread between locations and acquire resistance to partner drugs.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 4, 2020

NASA infrared imagery shows Hagupit nearing landfall in China

NASA's Aqua satellite detected strong storms southeast of Typhoon Hagupit's center due to wind shear, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm made landfall in China's Zhejiang province with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers discover treatment option for rare genetic disorder

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered a novel genetic sequencing technology that identified the cause and treatment of a previously unknown severe auto-inflammatory syndrome. The technology, tailored to the patient's own genetic code, pinpointed an unknown mutation in the JAK1 gene causing permanent immune system activation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2020

NASA's Aqua satellite shows two views of the apple fire

The Apple Fire has grown to 26,850 acres with 15% containment, spreading into sparse wilderness areas due to low moisture content and high temperatures. NASA's Aqua satellite provided two images of the fire, including a true color image and one showing corrected reflectance bands for burn scar detection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2020

Developing new smart soft materials

Researchers at Ehime University have successfully synthesized a new type of polymer with a carboxy-functionalized dendron structure. The polymer demonstrates pH-responsive behavior due to the dense accumulation of side chains, paving the way for the development of new functional poly(substituted methylene)s.

SourceEhime University·JournalMacromolecules·DateAug 4, 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.

Iron study combats anaemia with cutting-edge computer simulation

Advanced computer simulation techniques have determined which low-and-middle income countries would benefit from using iron-containing micronutrient powders to tackle childhood anaemia, with 54 out of 78 countries showing a net benefit. Policymakers can use individual reports for each country to balance benefits and risks.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 4, 2020

Radboudumc research leads to simplified dosage of HIV medicine for children

A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that a single pill of dolutegravir per day is equally effective as a combination therapy in children, reducing dosage complexity and increasing treatment accessibility. This simplified dosing regimen has been integrated into World Health Organization guidelines and FDA approval.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateAug 4, 2020

BU study: A quarter of arthritis cases linked to excess weight

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health found that losing weight between young adulthood and midlife can lower the risk of developing arthritis. The researchers estimated that nearly a quarter of arthritis cases in the US are attributable to excess weight, corresponding to approximately 2.7 million people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 4, 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.

AI may offer a better way to ID drug-resistant superbugs

A machine learning algorithm using high-temporal-resolution growth curves distinguishes bacterial pathogen strains with 92-98% accuracy, predicting antibiotic resistance as well as genetic-based methods. The method has the potential to be faster, simpler, and less expensive than current techniques.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Tool could improve success in translating drugs from animal studies to humans

A new computational model called TransComp-R has been developed to improve the translation of drugs from animal studies to human clinical trials. The model identified an overlooked biological mechanism possibly responsible for a patient's resistance to infliximab, a drug for inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 4, 2020

Between shark and ray: The evolutionary advantage of the sea angels

Researchers studied angel shark body shapes using modern methods and found that early species had distinct external features, while modern species show reduced variation in shape. The integration of skull parts may limit adaptability, increasing extinction risk.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

Health care worker burnout during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study evaluated burnout among healthcare workers in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a significant prevalence of emotional exhaustion. The researchers identified several factors associated with burnout, including prolonged exposure to high-stress work environments and lack of social support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 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.

Ghasempour receives 2020 Marconi Society Young Scholar Award

Ghasempour's research enables real-time, high-speed connections that can be used in various applications, such as emergency response systems and smartwatch technology. Her innovations have the potential to create a next-generation Internet of Things by connecting thousands of devices with faster streams of data.

SourceRice University·DateAug 4, 2020

How to predict a typhoon

A new model developed by researchers can predict tropical cyclones with improved accuracy, up to 10-30 days in advance. The model analyzes nearly a quarter of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, accounting for key factors such as warm sea surface temperatures and wind shears.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

NIH funds Dartmouth and Tufts AI tool to help doctors cure cancer

The NIH has funded a project to develop an AI-based system, PHK, that analyzes patients' clinical and genomic data to find new connections between biochemical pathways. This system could help doctors treat cancer and complex diseases more effectively by providing personalized treatment recommendations.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateAug 4, 2020

Scientists propose a novel method for controlling fusion reactions

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new model for stabilizing magnetic bubbles in plasma, which can expand and disrupt fusion reactions. By modifying the standard technique of radio frequency wave deposition, they predict that pulsing the waves can overcome leakage problems and improve performance.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 4, 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.

Maldives records highest level of micro plastic pollution on the planet

The Maldives has the highest level of microplastic pollution in the world, with high concentrations found in waters around Naifaru. The study highlights the impact on marine ecosystems and local communities, emphasizing the need for improved waste management practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 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.

Scientists suggest device to make breast MRI more effective

A group of Russian scientists, including ITMO University researchers, has proposed a system to update existing MRI scanners. The device uses electromagnetic coupling with an additional dielectric resonator to localize the magnetic field in the breast.

SourceITMO University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2020

Researchers develop new mouse model for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers created a new mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, accelerating the development of treatments and vaccines. The model suggests that type I interferon signaling may play a pathological role in COVID-19 respiratory inflammation.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 4, 2020

European Heart Journal: Cell infusions benefit heart patients

A new analysis of data from the ALLSTAR study published in the European Heart Journal shows that cell infusions, also known as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), can benefit patients with heart disease by reducing the volume of blood the heart holds and a blood protein that measures heart failure severity. The findings contradict previ...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 4, 2020

Stars rich in phosphorus: Seeds of life in the universe

A study published in Nature Communications has discovered phosphorus-rich stars with unusual abundances, defying current theories of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. The findings suggest a new type of object that could provide insights into the origin of life's essential element.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Fitness watches generate useful information, but increase patient anxiety

A new study found that fitness watches can be beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses, increasing exercise motivation, but also causing unnecessary anxiety due to misinterpreted data. Researchers recommend a collaborative care approach to help patients and clinicians jointly interpret wearable device data.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 4, 2020

A targeted treatment for emphysema?

Researchers developed a small engineered peptide called PR1P, which protects VEGF from degradation and reduces apoptosis in both cell cultures and live mice. The study found significant increases in VEGF levels and reductions in lung damage in mouse models of emphysema.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateAug 4, 2020

Increased global mortality linked to arsenic exposure in rice-based diets

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment confirms that high rice consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality due to arsenic exposure. The research suggests that people may reduce their risk by consuming lower-arsenic rice varieties and eating a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 2020

Green energy and better crops: Tinted solar panels could boost farm incomes

Researchers developed a system using orange-tinted solar panels to generate electricity while growing crops like spinach and basil, increasing yields and nutritional content. The system offered financial protection from market fluctuations and climate risks, with significant benefits for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 4, 2020

Penis microbiota predicts if a man's female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis

A study published in Frontiers found that men's penile microbiota can predict with high accuracy whether their female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis. The researchers analyzed the microbiota of 168 Kenyan couples and found a direct correlation between the composition of a man's microbiome and the occurrence of BV in his female...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 4, 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.

Reducing the adverse impact of water loss in cells

A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

More carbon in the ocean can lead to smaller fish

Researchers found that high CO2 concentrations in water make fish grow smaller, with a growth deficit of between five and ten percent. Fish living at less ideal temperatures and more CO2 experienced greater reductions in growth.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 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.

Decoy receptor neutralizes coronavirus in cell cultures

A team of scientists has engineered a decoy receptor protein that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and blocks infection in human cells. The research found that this decoy receptor is attractive to the virus due to subtle mutations, making it an ideal candidate for neutralizing the virus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2020

Key brain region was 'recycled' as humans developed the ability to read

A study from MIT neuroscientists suggests that parts of the brain originally evolved for object recognition have been repurposed for reading. In nonhuman primates, the inferotemporal cortex is capable of distinguishing words from nonsense words and picking out specific letters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 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.

Researchers say where you live could add years to your life

A study by Syracuse University found that Americans who live in blue states tend to live longer than those in red states, primarily due to state policies. Liberal state policies could raise US life expectancy by over 2 years, while conservative policies could reduce it by 2 years.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateAug 4, 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.

Break it down: A new way to address common computing problem

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new algorithm called Parallel Residual Projection (PRP) to solve linear inverse problems by breaking them down into smaller tasks that can be solved in parallel on standard computers.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

New molecule reverses Alzheimer's-like memory decline

A new study published in Redox Biology shows that the drug CMS121 successfully reversed memory loss in a mouse model of inherited Alzheimer's disease. The drug works by normalizing lipid peroxidation and lowering levels of fatty acid synthetase, suggesting FASN as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateAug 4, 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.

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a next-generation cholesterol-lowering drug can lower blood cholesterol to safer levels faster when added to traditional therapies. The study showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol during hospitalization and within a month following a heart attack, suggesting the drug is safe a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateAug 4, 2020

'Price of life' lowest in UK during COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

A study by University of Exeter found the UK's 'price of life' to be among the lowest in developed nations, with a value of around $100,000. This is significantly lower than countries that imposed lockdowns earlier, such as Germany and South Korea.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateAug 4, 2020