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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 229


Page 229 of 512

Highly invasive lung cancer cells have longer 'fingers'

Tiny finger-like projections called filopodia play a crucial role in invasive behavior of rare lung cancer cells. The cells have longer filopodia than their counterparts, which is linked to the gene MYO10, stabilizing these structures. This discovery could help develop treatments that prevent cancer from spreading.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 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.

Weight loss not always best strategy to enhance athletic fitness in young women

Research published at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 Scientific Sessions found that weight loss is not always the best strategy to enhance aerobic fitness in young women. In fact, a lower body mass index (BMI) may be aerobically counterproductive for many women under 30, who still have high aerobic ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 27, 2020

New approach refines the Hubble's constant and age of universe

A new study by a University of Oregon physicist estimates the age of the universe at 12.6 billion years using a refined distance-calculation technique. The approach recalibrates a distance-measuring tool known as the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation independently of Hubble's constant.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateJul 27, 2020

NASA tracks Hanna's soaking path into Mexico

NASA used infrared data from its Aqua satellite to track Tropical Depression Hanna's movement into Mexico. The storm brought heavy rain to Texas and broke records for rainfall in some areas, with forecasters predicting further heavy rainfall in parts of southern Texas and northern Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2020

Mars 2020 mission to be guided by USGS astrogeology maps

The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJul 27, 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.

Outcomes of cardiovascular MRI in patients recovered from COVID-19

This observational study evaluates myocardial injury in COVID-19 recovered patients using cardiovascular MRI, revealing key findings on cardiac complications. The study aims to improve understanding of long-term cardiovascular effects in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 27, 2020

Lockdown saw modest drop in China air pollution - study

A new study analyzed China's national network of air monitoring stations and found that nitrogen dioxide concentrations dropped by 27% on average, while particulate matter (PM2.5) saw a modest reduction of 11%. Ozone pollution showed little change despite the lockdown.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 27, 2020

Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020

Spillover effects of healthcare payment reform

Changing healthcare payment for one insurer can impact patients covered by others, a nationwide randomized trial suggests. The study found lower hospital readmissions and care intensity among TM patients and those with private insurance through Medicare Advantage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Study seeks to explain decline in hip fracture rates

Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study to explain the decline in hip fracture rates in the US. Lifestyle factors such as reduced smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contributed to the decrease, highlighting the importance of public health interventions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

RNA biology provides the key to cell identity and health

Two studies published in Genome Research provide new insights into the core regulatory networks governing cell types across different vertebrate species. The research highlights the importance of understanding RNA expression in establishing cell function, morphology, and behavior. Long non-coding RNAs were found to affect cell growth a...

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A new way to target cancers using 'synthetic lethality'

Researchers discovered a way to target cancer cells by blocking functions of Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1), which is involved in DNA replication and repair. The approach preferentially killed BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutant cancer cell lines, with normal cells recovering from FEN1 inhibition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Identified a new regulatory mechanism of response to metabolic stress

Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute have identified a new enzymatic activity of Sirtuin SIRT7 that regulates the cellular response to metabolic stress. This discovery opens the door to new therapeutic targets for treating leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Hydrogel mimics human brain with memorizing and forgetting ability

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that mimics the human brain's dynamic memory function, encoding information that fades with time depending on intensity. The hydrogel's memory system can be programmed by temperature and learning time, allowing for stable memory establishment and controlled forgetting processes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Researcher earns federal grant for knee osteoarthritis research

A researcher at the University of Oklahoma has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a biomarker for early osteoarthritis diagnosis and predict disease progression. The study aims to identify epigenetic patterns that can help determine whether a patient's condition will worsen quickly or slowly.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 27, 2020

LSU associate professor Jun-Hong Liang receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award

Jun-Hong Liang, an LSU associate professor, has received a five-year NSF CAREER award to support his research on ocean bubbles and their impact on upper ocean dynamics and air-sea gas exchange. The award will enable him to develop high-resolution simulations and physics-based formulas to calculate air-sea gas flux, ultimately improving...

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJul 27, 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.

The solar cell you can print

The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.

SourceSwansea University·DateJul 27, 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.

How airway cells work together in regeneration and aging

The study found that a delicate equilibrium between stem cells and airway cells is necessary for proper lung regeneration. In the aging process, this balance is disrupted, leading to increased cancer risk and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 27, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A team of bioethicists from Johns Hopkins University emphasizes the need for informed consent in public health activities, including those related to COVID-19. The authors suggest that good governance of public health surveillance infrastructure is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent research abuses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

X-rays recount origin of oddball meteorites

Researchers at Berkeley Lab used Advanced Light Source to produce 3D reconstructions of magnetization patterns in two rare meteorite samples. The study reveals a parent body with both melted and unmelted parts, pointing to a large planetesimal with a molten metallic core.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Overweight and obesity are associated with a low sperm quality

A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies found associations between adiposity and low semen quality parameters. Overweight and obesity were linked to reduced semen volume, sperm count, vitality, and morphology, while underweight was associated with lower normal morphology.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJul 27, 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.

Growing wheat with vertical farming

Simulated vertical farming yields revealed a significant increase in grain production, with potential of 700-1940 t/ha per year, compared to the current world average annual yield. This innovative method also reduces land area, water consumption, and environmental pollution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Safe work protocols can increase the likelihood the business will fail

New research in INFORMS journal Management Science suggests that organizations with safe workplaces have lower odds of survival. Employers who don't prioritize worker safety may gain an economic advantage by reducing costs and increasing productivity. The study analyzed data from 100,000 organizations across 25 years in Oregon.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 27, 2020

Life in the pits: Scientists identify the key enzyme behind BO

Researchers discovered a unique 'BO enzyme' found only within certain bacteria responsible for producing body odour molecules. This breakthrough highlights the role of Staphylococcus hominis in body odour production and suggests its existence prior to modern humans' evolution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2020

Link between education, income inequality has existed for a century

A new study finds that educational inequality has consistently risen with income inequality in the US since the early 20th century, despite periods of relative equality. The research also highlights a 'Vietnam War effect' where collegiate inequality was high among men but low among women during this period.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Lithium in drinking water linked with lower suicide rates

A new study found that geographical areas with high levels of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates. Lithium, known for its anti-suicidal effect, is widely used as a medication for mood disorders and has potential preventative use to combat dementia.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2020

"Inchworm" pattern of Indonesian earthquake rupture powered seismic "boom"

The study reveals an 'inchworm-like' slip evolution of supershear rupture along the Palu-Koro fault, showcasing the effect of complex fault geometry on rupture propagation. This phenomenon may have significant implications for assessing future earthquake impacts and related disasters.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 27, 2020

Yale to lead trial of potential COVID-19 treatment

LAM-002A has shown promise in reducing SARS-CoV-2 virus levels in infected individuals, with Yale leading a Phase II trial to test its safety and efficacy as a COVID-19 treatment. The study aims to enroll 142 newly diagnosed patients to assess the drug's effectiveness in preventing disease progression.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 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.

Income and educational inequality

A study analyzing US survey and tax data reveals a strong relationship between rising income inequality and lower college enrollment and completion rates among disadvantaged groups. The research highlights the significant impact of income inequality on educational opportunities in the United States.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Duke-NUS: Cancer mutations caused by bacterial toxin preventable

Researchers discovered that almost 20% of patients with unexplained intestinal polyps had tumors with mutations similar to those caused by colibactin, a bacterial toxin. Regular tooth brushing may have prevented the bacterial infection that triggered these cancer-causing DNA mutations.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 27, 2020

Study examines stimulant use in context of state medical cannabis laws

The study found higher medical and non-medical prescription stimulant use among heterosexuals and certain LGB subpopulations in states without MCLs. States with MCLs had lower odds of medical stimulant use, while bisexual men reported higher non-medical prescription stimulant use.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJul 27, 2020

Army project turns to nature for help with self-healing material

Researchers created a self-healing polymer that can repair itself in one second, while retaining its original strength, and is also biodegradable and recyclable. The material mimics the squid's ability to heal itself in nature, with potential applications for robotic machines, prosthetic legs, and personal protective equipment.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 27, 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.

UT extension publication earns top honors from national organization

The University of Tennessee Extension's Cotton Nitrogen Management publication has been awarded a Blue Ribbon by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. The publication, authored by Lori Duncan and Tyson Raper, provides recommendations for optimizing nitrogen use efficiency in cotton production.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJul 27, 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.

Flu vaccine may reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease, new study shows

A new study published at the 2020 Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggests that receiving at least one flu vaccination can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease over a lifetime. The research found that people who received a flu vaccine were 17% less likely to get Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateJul 27, 2020

Model links patterns in sediment to rain, uplift and sea level change

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin developed a computer model that connects distinct patterns in sedimentary deposits to shifts in climate and tectonic activity. The model, which uses a 3D source-to-sink approach, allows scientists to simulate the world under different tectonics and climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeology·DateJul 27, 2020

Phase 3 clinical trial of investigational vaccine for COVID-19 begins

A Phase 3 clinical trial has begun to test the safety and efficacy of the mRNA-1273 vaccine in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. The trial enrolls approximately 30,000 adult volunteers and aims to determine if the vaccine can provide long-lasting protection against the virus.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJul 27, 2020

Is spanking of children by parents less common?

A study examining changes in spanking of children over 25 years found that it decreased significantly in the US. The study analyzed data from 1993 to 2018 and found a decline in spanking rates among parents across different demographic groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJul 27, 2020

'Selfish and loveless' society in Uganda really is not

A Baylor University study led by Cathryn Townsend challenges the long-held notion that the Ik ethnic group in Uganda is selfish and loveless. The research found that sharing and cooperation are integral to Ik culture, with a strong emphasis on supernatural punishment for those who do not share.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Pesticides can protect crops from hydrophobic pollutants

Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 27, 2020

Controlling streams of liquid metal at room temperature

Researchers from NC State University demonstrate a technique to produce streams of liquid metal at room temperature by applying a low voltage, lowering its surface tension across three orders of magnitude. The study reveals the potential applications for this technique in creating stretchable wires and studying fluid behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Studying COVID-19's envelope protein

Scientists have identified a highly conserved envelope protein in both SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1, which could be targeted with existing drugs to prevent acute respiratory distress syndrome. Researchers plan to conduct trials using FDA-approved medications and aim to utilize their data for vaccine design.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJul 27, 2020

Maternal depression increases odds of depression in offspring, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that maternal depression during and after pregnancy significantly increases the odds of depression in offspring during adolescence and adulthood. The research, which examined over 15,000 children, shows that perinatal depression can have a lasting negative impact on mental health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 27, 2020