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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 227


Page 227 of 512

Alzheimer's protein in blood indicates early brain changes

Researchers have identified a blood test target, phosphorylated tau 217, that correlates with the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain. This protein can be detected in the blood of people who have yet to show signs of forgetfulness or confusion, making it a promising tool for early Alzheimer's diagnosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 28, 2020

BU national survey of gun owners: Majority favor gun violence prevention policies

A majority of US gun owners support measures such as universal background checks, permit requirements, and prohibitions for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders. However, most report not vocally supporting these policies due to feelings of disrespect by health advocates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

Phosphoprotein biomarkers to guide cancer therapy are identified

Researchers identified phosphoprotein biomarkers to guide cancer therapy, demonstrating a novel approach for identifying and detecting tumor drivers. The study's findings suggest that precision medicine is a realizable goal for rare and recalcitrant cancers.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2020

Decline of bees, other pollinators threatens US crop yields

A Rutgers-led study reveals that US crop yields for apples, cherries, and blueberries are being reduced due to a lack of pollinators. The research highlights the critical role of wild bees and honeybees in pollination and suggests that adopting practices to conserve or augment these species could boost yields.

SourceRutgers University·DateJul 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ERC Proof of Concept: Artificial intelligence for flexible robots

The ERC Proof of Concept project 'AssemblySkills' aims to validate an autonomous, intelligent skill learning system for robots to acquire and improve motor skills. The project builds on the ERC Starting Grant 'SKILLS4ROBOTS', which has yielded a structured control architecture that can scale robot learning to complex tasks.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·DateJul 28, 2020

What's the best way to estimate and track COVID-19 mortality?

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that the symptomatic case fatality ratio (sCFR) and infection fatality ratio (IFR) are better measures for monitoring COVID-19 epidemics than the commonly used case fatality ratio (CFR). The researchers applied a computational model to Hubei province, China, and six European regions, find...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 28, 2020

Immunoprotein impairs Sars-Cov-2

A human immune system protein, LY6E-Protein, strongly inhibits corona viruses, including Sars-Cov-2, by preventing virus fusion with host cells. This finding may lead to the development of new therapies against coronaviruses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 28, 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.

Quitline plus surgery are big motivators for giving up smoking

A new study from UC Davis Health found that combining thoracic surgery with a quitline e-referral program significantly improves tobacco cessation rates. The study showed that surgical patients who participated in the program were three times more likely to remain smoke-free at six months compared to those without the intervention.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJul 28, 2020

Adult stem cells/glaucoma drug combo promotes diabetic wound healing in mice

Researchers have developed a bioengineered scaffold using human mesenchymal stem cells and timolol, which significantly improved wound epithelialization and reduced inflammatory response in diabetic mice. The combination therapy resulted in more than a 70% increase in tissue repair compared to the control group.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJul 28, 2020

Calcium and vitamin D nutrient deficiencies lead to higher risk for osteoporosis

A study published in PLoS ONE found that inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake are prevalent among the US population, particularly those living below the poverty line. The research highlights the significant risk of osteoporosis for men and women from low-income backgrounds, with non-Hispanic Black men facing a two-fold increased risk.

SourcePharmavite LLC·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 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.

Medieval medicine remedy could provide new treatment for modern day infections

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a medieval remedy that shows promise in fighting biofilm-associated infections. The Bald's eyesalve mixture, made from onion, garlic, wine, and bile salts, demonstrates effective antibacterial activity against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive wound pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2020

Owe the IRS? No problem, some Americans say

A recent study from Ohio State University found that households immediately increase their spending after receiving tax refunds. In contrast, when households owe taxes, they do not reduce their spending, instead using other sources of funds to pay the bill. This challenges traditional economic theories about how people spend their money.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJul 28, 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.

Discovery will allow more sophisticated work at nanoscale

Researchers have developed a new understanding of fluid movement in tiny channels and created a method to stimulate flow by manipulating surface tension through temperature or voltage changes. This discovery has implications for various fields, including drug delivery, energy conversion, and power generation.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJul 28, 2020

Higher BPA levels linked to more asthma symptoms in children

Research from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found a link between elevated BPA levels and increased asthma symptoms in low-income children. The study also did not find a statistically significant association between BPS and BPF levels and asthma symptoms.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 28, 2020

Music training may not make children smarter after all

A meta-analysis of 54 studies found no significant effect of music training on non-music cognitive skills and academic achievement in children. However, certain elements of music instruction may be beneficial for social skills and self-esteem.

SourceSpringer·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateJul 28, 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.

The mystery of the less deadly mosquito nets

Research reveals insecticide-treated mosquito nets, crucial in global malaria fight, have lost significant protection effectiveness. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), credited with saving millions lives since 2000, are now only killing 40% of mosquitoes they come into contact with.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020

Gene variations at birth reveal origins of inflammation and immune disease

A study has identified genetic variants that may contribute to the development of chronic immune and inflammatory diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, in early childhood. The research found thousands of genetic variants driving gene expression across different conditions.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 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.

Oldest South American fossil lizard discovered in Brazil

A novel species of lizard, Neokotus sanfranciscanus, has been found in the Quiricó Formation in Brazil, dating back to over 130 million years ago. The discovery reveals that squamates were distributed throughout the world earlier than previously thought and had a broader global distribution.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 28, 2020

Adjusting FRAX estimates to account for site of recent fracture

A new study quantifies the effect of a recent sentinel fracture on 10-year fracture probability using data from Iceland's fracture register. The findings provide probability ratios to adjust conventional FRAX estimates by site, enabling early identification and treatment of high-risk individuals.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJul 28, 2020

Injury patterns may help differentiate between accidents and physical abuse in elderly patients, new study finds

A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explores injury patterns to identify key differences between elder abuse and unintentional injuries. The study reveals distinct injury patterns, such as head or neck injuries without visible harm, facial injuries on the left cheek, and neck injuries, which can help healthcare profes...

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

Using artificial intelligence to smell the roses

A team of researchers at UC Riverside used machine learning to understand what chemicals smell like, predicting how any chemical will smell to humans. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in the food, flavor, and fragrance industries, including discovering new flavors and insect repellents.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaliScience·DateJul 28, 2020

Study: A plunge in incoming sunlight may have triggered 'snowball earths'

Scientists propose rate-induced glaciations as a possible explanation for Snowball Earth events, where a rapid decline in solar radiation can push the planet into a global ice age. The findings also suggest that exoplanets within habitable zones may be susceptible to similar temperature fluctuations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 28, 2020

Researchers urge the scientific community to #StopPandemicBias

Researchers warn that pandemic bias may hinder careers of scientists with caregiving responsibilities or those unable to travel due to the pandemic. The Carnegie Mellon team suggests actions to mitigate this bias, including supporting scholars, reviewing more articles and grants, and providing leniency for affected colleagues.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateJul 28, 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.

Metal-breathing bacteria could transform electronics, biosensors, and more

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered a bacterium that produces materials with potential applications in electronics, electrochemical energy storage and drug-delivery devices. The study found that Shewanella oneidensis can create novel materials like molybdenum disulfide, which can transfer electrons easily.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalBiointerphases·DateJul 28, 2020

Identification of new "oxidative stress sensor" MTK1

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new mechanism by which cells respond to oxidative stress. MTK1, an oxidative stress sensor, perceives the cellular redox state and transduces it into SAPK signaling pathways, leading to cell death and inflammatory cytokine production.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 2020

Study pinpoints women who benefit less from 3D mammograms

A new study found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) outperforms digital mammography in detecting cancers and reducing recalls. However, women with extremely dense breasts do not experience the same level of benefit from DBT. Most women with dense breasts saw an increase in cancer detection rates with DBT.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 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.

Scientists prove bird ovary tissue can be preserved in fossils

A research team led by Dr. Alida Bailleul has found that ovarian follicles can be preserved in fossils more than 120 million years old, confirming the function of a single functional ovary in birds. The study uses scanning electron microscopy and other methods to analyze fossilized tissues and compare them to extant bird follicles.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 28, 2020

'Etch-a-Sketching' critical p-n nano-junctions for 2D Semiconductor diode

A team of researchers led by Elisa Riedo demonstrated a method for fabricating high-quality p-n junctions on single atomic layers of molybdenum disulfide, enabling bipolar conductivity in 2D semiconductors. The technique uses thermal scanning probe lithography to create nanoscale-resolution doping patterns.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020

Supportive communities and progressive politics can reduce suicide risk among LGBTQ girls

New research from UBC shows that supportive communities and a progressive political climate can help mitigate the effects of stigma on mental health among LGBTQ youth. The study found that lesbian and bisexual girls in communities with more supportive events and services were less likely to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 28, 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.

A new cell & gene therapy approach to treat common bleeding disorder

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have developed an optimized cellular platform for delivering Factor 8 to treat patients with hemophilia A. The new approach uses human placental cells to produce therapeutic levels of Factor 8, potentially providing a long-term correction for the disease.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·DateJul 28, 2020

Image processing algorithm allows indoor drones to fly autonomously

Researchers developed a single-camera machine vision algorithm allowing indoor robots to guide themselves by identifying reference points on a tiled floor. The technology has wide-ranging potential applications in warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial settings.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJul 28, 2020

How clean water technologies could get a boost from X-ray synchrotrons

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory are utilizing X-ray synchrotrons to better understand the properties of materials involved in purifying salty or contaminated water. This fine-scale understanding can lead to the design of new materials for desalination and mitigation of fouling, addressing a pressing global issue.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalJoule·DateJul 28, 2020

Probing the properties of magnetic quasi-particles

Researchers at the University of Leeds and Tohoku University have measured magnon polarisation, a theoretical idea in physics for almost 100 years. The findings pave the way for building low-energy devices using spintronics.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 28, 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.

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.

Casting a wider net to catch more cases of pulmonary hypertension

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a new, lower threshold for pulmonary vascular resistance to diagnose patients at risk for death due to PH. The study found that 60% more patients can be diagnosed with PH using this new parameter.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJul 28, 2020

Iron deficiency during infancy reduces vaccine efficacy

Clinical studies in Kenya suggest that iron deficiency during infancy may reduce the protection provided by vaccinations. In one study, researchers found that anaemic infants had more than twice the risk of lacking protective antibodies against diphtheria and other pathogens.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 28, 2020

Researchers identify evolutionary origins of SARS-CoV-2

A team of international scientists reconstructed the evolutionary history of SARS-CoV-2 and found that the lineage has been circulating in bats for decades. The study suggests that preventing future pandemics requires better sampling within wild bats and real-time human disease surveillance systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 28, 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.