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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 220


Page 220 of 512

Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function

Research has found that the brains of humans, flies, and mice share similar mechanisms for brain development and function. This similarity can be interpreted in two ways: as evidence of a single ancestral brain or independent evolution of brain circuits. The study identified shared genetic regulatory mechanisms controlling brain area f...

SourceKing's College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

The six strains of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers analyzed 48,635 coronavirus genomes, revealing the six strains of SARS-CoV-2 and their global spread. The study found that strain G and its related strains GR and GH are the most frequent, representing 74% of all gene sequences.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 3, 2020

COVID-19 study confirms low transmission in educational settings

Research findings from the University of Sydney confirm minimal COVID-19 transmission rates in NSW schools and early childhood education services. Transmission rates were lower than those seen for other respiratory viruses like influenza, supporting effective pandemic response strategies.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateAug 3, 2020

Canakinumab shows promise for treatment of large joint osteoarthritis

A new analysis of the CANTOS trial found that patients receiving canakinumab had significantly lower rates of total hip or total knee replacements over an average follow-up of 3.7 years. The study's findings are important as no treatments currently exist to prevent or slow osteoarthritis progression.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

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.

Dana-Farber study advances understanding of rare sarcoma

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered how an abnormal protein misdirects gene expression in cells, contributing to the growth of sarcoma tumors. The researchers found that a small segment of the SS18-SSX fusion protein binds to nucleosomes, leading to aberrant activation of genes.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateAug 3, 2020

Ancient part of immune system may underpin severe COVID

Researchers found that people with age-related macular degeneration, a disorder caused by overactive complement, are at greater risk of developing severe complications and dying from COVID. Complement inhibitors may help treat patients with severe disease.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

New method to defend against smart home cyber attacks developed by Ben-Gurion University researchers

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University and National University of Singapore have developed a new method to detect connected, vulnerable IoT devices before they are compromised. This enables telcos to take preventive actions quickly and prevent massive DDoS attacks from hitting their infrastructure.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalComputers & Security·DateAug 3, 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.

PLOS Special Collection: Successful approaches to HIV care

The special collection highlights RWHAP's strategies for improving HIV care, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), data analysis, and collaborative efforts. HRSA's program serves over half a million people in the US annually, achieving high viral suppression rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Why is stroke so deadly for people of African descent?

A large international study identified key genetic contributors to stroke risk in individuals of African ancestry, providing insight into ethnic-specific and global risk factors. The study found that a common variation near the HNF1A gene was strongly associated with increased stroke risk.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalStroke·DateAug 3, 2020

The effects of COVID-19 on emergency visits, hospitalizations

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that emergency department visits declined by 42-64% during the four-month period, with largest declines seen in areas with high COVID-19 cases. Hospital admissions remained relatively stable until local increases in COVID-19 cases led to dramatic upticks.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel magnetic stirrer speaks to lab equipment

The Smart Stirrer, a novel magnetic stirrer, monitors multiple parameters such as color, transparency, conductivity, viscosity, and temperature wirelessly to enable real-time tracking of chemical reactions. This innovative device allows for automation, reproducibility, and safety in laboratory settings.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 3, 2020

A blood test could predict who benefits from immunotherapy

A blood test can predict which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy, a treatment option for advanced cancers. The test analyzes changing levels of tumour fragments in the blood to identify those who will respond well to the treatment.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Cancer·DateAug 3, 2020

Ancient shell llama offering found in lake Titicaca

Researchers from Penn State and Université libre de Bruxelles have discovered an ancient shell llama offering in Lake Titicaca, revealing the lake's significance as a locus of ritual and ceremonial activity for the Inca Empire. The finding suggests that Lake Titicaca played a crucial role in the consolidation of the empire.

SourcePenn State·JournalAntiquity·DateAug 3, 2020

UArizona Health Sciences researcher seeks safer, more effective leukemia treatment

Dr. Emmanuel Katsanis is studying a new chemotherapy treatment for patients with blood-related cancers who undergo a specific type of bone marrow transplant procedure. The treatment, known as haploidentical BMT, has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing post-transplant complications.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateAug 3, 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.

LSU Health study suggests snap diagnoses may be more accurate

A pilot study found that Snapchat improves diagnostic performance among radiology residents, who performed better on the platform than with traditional classroom screens. The results suggest a promising novel training method to enhance recognition of life-threatening imaging diagnoses.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalEmergency Radiology·DateAug 3, 2020

The art of making tiny holes

Researchers have created a method to selectively process surfaces on an atomic scale, leaving one layer intact while perforating another. By utilizing highly charged ions, they can anchor metals on ultra-thin layers, enabling the creation of new materials with promising properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 3, 2020

An averted glance gives a glimpse of the mind behind the eyes

Scientists found that when someone is caught staring, their brain sends a signal that the gaze is not significant, allowing others to ignore it. This study sheds light on how social dynamics shape visual attention and reveals the brain's ability to perceive intentions behind an averted glance.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Hydrogel paves way for biomedical breakthrough

A University of Sydney team has developed a plasma technology to attach hydrogels to polymeric materials, allowing for better interaction with surrounding tissue. The technology has shown promising results in tests using biomolecules found in the body.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 2020

A framework for the future

Researchers develop a One Health framework to improve sustainability in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, which now accounts for half of global seafood consumption. The strategy emphasizes metrics such as access to nutritious food, employment quality, and ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Food·DateAug 3, 2020

Germany-wide rainfall measurements by utilizing the mobile network

Scientists have developed a new method to measure rainfall in Germany using commercial microwave links, achieving high accuracy and temporal resolution. The technique involves analyzing signal attenuation caused by precipitation, with the help of artificial intelligence, and has been successfully tested for application in West Africa.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateAug 3, 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.

Belowground carbon fixation rates

Researchers estimate that 46% of total terrestrial carbon fixation occurs below ground, with a total productivity of 24.7 Petagrams of carbon per year. Belowground productivity increases with precipitation, but slows down at high levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Cannabinoids may affect activity of other pharmaceuticals

Penn State researchers identified 57 medications with a narrow therapeutic index that may be impacted by concomitant cannabinoid use. This list helps medical professionals make safe prescribing choices for patients using prescription or over-the-counter cannabinoids.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedical Cannabis and Cannabinoids·DateAug 3, 2020

Racial discrimination linked to suicide

Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateAug 3, 2020

Scientists discover secret behind Earth's biodiversity hotspots

Research reveals Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is rich in plant species due to long period of ecological stability, contradicting theory that high productivity is required for high diversity. The study emphasizes the need for protection and conservation in extraordinary places threatened by climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Monkeying around: Study finds older primates father far fewer babies

A recent study from Washington University in St. Louis found that older male rhesus monkeys sire significantly fewer offspring than younger males, despite high social status and mating rates. The researchers suggest that age-related decline in sperm quality or quantity may be the primary factor behind this phenomenon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2020

Unequal neutron-star mergers create unique "bang" in simulations

A team of researchers found that unequal neutron-star mergers can create an electromagnetic signal, which could be detected using gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO. The simulations revealed that the larger star tears apart its partner, creating a slower merger and allowing an 'electromagnetic bang' to escape.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2020

Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective

Researchers used machine learning to correlate information on drugs, genes, and diseases, identifying 63 drugs targeting 31 genes as potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The approach will also be applied to search for correlations between drugs, genes, and COVID-19.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 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.

Strong relationships in adulthood won't 'fix' effects of early childhood adversity

Research on wild baboons reveals that early childhood experiences, such as famine or abuse, have a lasting impact on adult stress responses, regardless of social support. The study found that dysregulated stress hormones remain unaffected by healthy, supportive relationships in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Cold-sensitive staphylococci reveal a weakness

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 2020

AI & single-cell genomics

Researchers developed scVelo to estimate RNA velocity with an AI-based model, allowing them to study dynamic populations and understand cellular development and gene activity. This enables better understanding of disease progression and cell signaling, paving the way for personalized treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 3, 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.

Pandemic drives telehealth boom, but older adults can't connect

A study by UC San Francisco found that over a third of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties seeing their doctor via telemedicine due to various obstacles. The researchers highlight the need for innovation in devices, services, and policy to ensure older adults are not left behind during the shift to telehealth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Autism spectrum disorder can be predicted from health checkups at 18 months

Researchers found a cumulative incidence of 3.1% of autism spectrum disorders among children screened at 18 months, with impaired motor skills and social communication skills as predictive factors. Early detection through health checkups can lead to better prognosis for children with ASD.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 3, 2020

Iron-rich meteorites show record of core crystallization in system's oldest planetesimals

Researchers uncover new details about the oldest planetary objects in our Solar System, which formed iron-rich meteorites. The distinct chemical signatures of these meteorites can be explained by core crystallization in their parent bodies, deepening our understanding of the geochemistry occurring in the Solar System's youth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 3, 2020

Novel approach improves graphene-based supercapacitors

Researchers have developed a new method to enhance graphene-based supercapacitors, increasing storage capacity and reducing size. The approach uses gel-based electrolytes, offering a path to miniaturized on-chip energy storage systems compatible with silicon electronics.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBatteries & Supercaps·DateAug 3, 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.

Social bonds in adulthood don't mediate early life trauma

A study of wild female baboons found that early life trauma had a significant negative impact on adult glucocorticoid concentrations, which are a measure of health. Despite having strong social relationships as adults, the stress hormone levels were still significantly higher in those who experienced trauma in early life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Characterizing snow droughts

A study reveals snow droughts globally increased in duration and intensity from the first half to the second half of 1980-2018. Changes are attributed to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including Arctic warming.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Evaluating the effectiveness of travel bans

A new IIASA-led study examines how COVID-19 spreads regionally and between countries, revealing that government measures such as border closures and flight suspensions were crucial in preventing further transmission. The research also shows that international air travel played a significant role in the early stages of the pandemic.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalLetters in Spatial and Resource Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Malignant cancer diagnosed in a dinosaur for the first time

Researchers at Royal Ontario Museum and McMaster University diagnosed osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in a Centrosaurus apertus dinosaur fossil. The diagnosis was made possible by advanced imaging techniques and microscopic analysis of the fossil bone.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 3, 2020

Are we "Waiting for Godot"-- A metaphor for Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is compared to the play 'Waiting for Godot' due to its unpredictable nature and lack of effective testing. The article highlights the limitations of using lab tests to define cases and the continued use of flawed statistics, which fuels public fear and informs ineffective policies.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateAug 3, 2020

35-second scan could pick the next sporting champion

A new study uses a $7500 3D portable whole-body scanner to measure athletes' shape and composition, comparing it with X-rays, MRIs, and manual tests. The technique shows promise in identifying talent earlier and refining training to improve performance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMeasurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science·DateAug 3, 2020