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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 235


Page 235 of 512

Coral reefs show resilience to rising temperatures

Researchers found that coral reefs in the ETP region have adapted to heat stress, with some recovering within 10-15 years after El Niño events. The study suggests that ETP corals' high reproductive rates, tolerant symbiotic algae, and geographical patterns may contribute to their resilience.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 23, 2020

Boats and ships leave baby reef fish vulnerable to predators

A recent study found that noisy boats and ships can affect the prey response of young fishes, leading to decreased activity and reduced swimming distance. This can result in slower escape responses and increased mortality rates among juvenile reef fish.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

Frequent social media use influences depressive symptoms over time among LGBTQ youth

Research finds that frequent social media use can negatively impact depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth, but a social media-free summer camp shows promise in reducing symptoms. After attending the camp, participants experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, particularly those with high pre-camp social media use.

SourceEdward R. Murrow College of Communication·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health·DateJul 23, 2020

For-profit long-term care homes have COVID-19 outbreaks with more cases, deaths

A Canadian study found that for-profit long-term care homes had a higher incidence of COVID-19 outbreaks with more cases and deaths. The research suggests that outdated design standards and chain ownership in for-profit homes are key risk factors for transmission and severe outcomes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 22, 2020

Dragonflies reveal mercury pollution levels across US national parks

A nationwide survey of dragonfly larvae has confirmed the use of these insects to measure mercury pollution in US national parks, providing a new tool for researchers. The study found that about two-thirds of aquatic sites studied within national parks are polluted with moderate-to-extreme levels of mercury.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Report exposes rampant illegal fishing in North Korean waters

A new study reveals widespread illegal fishing by dark fleets operating in the disputed waters between Korea, Japan, and Russia. Hundreds of Chinese vessels were found to be fishing in North Korean waters, violating UN sanctions and catching nearly as much Pacific flying squid as Japan and South Korea combined.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2020

New research finds graphene can act as surfactant

New research finds that graphene flakes can attract water at their edges but repel it on their surface, making them a new generation of surfactant. This property allows graphene to stabilise oil and water mixtures, opening up possibilities for environmentally friendly extraction of minerals and crude oil.

SourceCranfield University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 22, 2020

Getting under the skin of psoriasis

Researchers develop siRNA-based treatment for psoriasis using ionic-liquid technology, reducing inflammation and symptoms without systemic side effects. The delivery method opens up new possibilities for treating debilitating dermatological disorders.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 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.

New role for white blood cells in the developing brain

Researchers discovered a population of brain-resident immune cells that transfer information from the body to the brain environment. The presence of these cells is crucial for normal brain development in mice, and their absence affects behavior and brain development.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2020

Putting the spring-cam back into stroke patients steps

A new, lightweight device has been developed to aid stroke patients in their rehabilitation, improving walking abilities and preventing falls. The device uses a spring-cam mechanism to generate greater ankle push-off power, aiding knee flexion during walking and reducing the risk of falls.

SourceTohoku University·JournalGait & Posture·DateJul 22, 2020

AJTMH July updates

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene highlights the importance of understanding COVID-19's origins to prevent future pandemics. The journal emphasizes the need for increased funding for medical research and public health measures, warning that politics can undermine these efforts.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJul 22, 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.

New study: Brain tumors may be seeded from distant site

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that glioblastoma tumors may originate from a pool of stem cells located in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the brain, which is distinct from where the tumor becomes lethal. This finding offers potential new options for treating this aggressive brain cancer.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020

Primary care physicians during the COVID-19 epidemic

Researchers found loss of taste and smell to be predictive symptoms of COVID-19, contrary to hospital data. Primary care physicians' unique perspective sheds light on the limitations of relying solely on hospital data in public health policy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2020

Scientists race to develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers are working on experimental gene-based vaccines using harmless viruses or DNA/RNA to deliver genetic information to human cells. The technology is fast but largely unproven, and concerns remain about neutralization levels and safety. Multiple types of vaccines will likely be needed to ensure effective immunity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 22, 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.

Climate predictions several years into the future?

A study by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel predicts North Atlantic surface temperature variations several years into the future using wind field analysis. The researchers suggest a mechanism where winds cause changes in ocean circulation, resulting in anomalous heat accumulation and warming of the eastern North Atlantic.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 22, 2020

Genomic signature explains FDG-avidity of PSMA-suppressed prostate tumors

A genomic signature associates with differential expression of glucose transporters and hexokinase proteins in prostate cancers with low PSMA expression. This allows for improved uptake of 18F-FDG compared to PSMA-targeted radioligands, making it an attractive imaging tool for neuroendocrine prostate cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 22, 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.

Junk DNA might be really, really useful for biocomputing

Researchers propose using repetitive DNA sequences, known as flipons, to create logic circuits and perform calculations. These sequences can form different DNA structures, enabling the creation of genetic programs that can be used to overcome environmental challenges.

SourceInsideOutBio·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateJul 22, 2020

Atomic force microscopy reveals nanoscale dental erosion from beverages

KAIST researchers used AFM to analyze the effects of acidic and sugary drinks on human tooth enamel at the nanoscale level. The study found significant increases in surface roughness and decreases in elastic modulus with immersion time, highlighting the need for thorough studies on early-stage enamel erosion.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJul 22, 2020

Fear of COVID-2019: Emerging cardiac risk

Cardiac patients facing COVID-19-related anxiety are less likely to receive necessary medical attention, according to a new study. The research highlights the urgent need for accessible and empathetic care during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 22, 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.

Antibiotics disrupt development of the 'social brain' in mice

A new study by Dr Katerina Johnson and Dr Philip Burnet found that antibiotic treatment in early life impairs brain signalling pathways for social behaviour and pain regulation in mice. The most striking finding was the reduced expression of receptors mediating endorphin, oxytocin, and vasopressin signalling in young animals treated wi...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2020

A new device provides added protection against COVID-19 during endoscopic procedures

A team of researchers has developed a simple, disposable device to capture aerosol droplets during esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), a common procedure that exposes staff to COVID-19 risk. The device comprises a mouthpiece with a nonwoven fabric covering the patient's face, providing an additional barrier against airborne transmission.

SourceTohoku University·JournalDigestive Endoscopy·DateJul 22, 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.

UAlberta researchers make real-time tumor tracking in radiation therapy 5 times faster

The study's lead researcher found that using a graphics processing unit (GPU) increased the speed of real-time tumor tracking by five times, improving accuracy over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to safer and possibly fully automated radiation therapy in the future.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateJul 22, 2020

Optimizing neural networks on a brain-inspired computer

A study by Heidelberg University and Max-Planck-Institute found that the distance to criticality can be adjusted in a brain-inspired chip, but only complex tasks benefit from it. Optimal network dynamics can be tuned using homeostatic plasticity by adapting mean input strength.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020

Erectile dysfunction drugs can help cells destroy misfolded proteins

Researchers found that PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil can enhance the activity of the proteasome, a cell's garbage disposal system, to reduce misfolded proteins. This approach may help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2020

Fine-tuning adoptive cell therapy for advanced cancers

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a phenomenon where some patients' T cells lose expression of transgenic TCR over time, potentially due to DNA methylation. This study aims to inform the design of future cellular immunotherapies and improve treatment outcomes for advanced cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 22, 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.

NASA infrared confirms Douglas still a tropical storm

NASA's infrared data revealed strong thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures around Tropical Storm Douglas, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. Despite the threat, Douglas is moving westward at 15 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on July 23.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2020

What factors help predict who will keep their memory into their 90s?

A study published in Neurology found that people with normal thinking and memory scores at the start of the study were less likely to develop later problems, even with amyloid plaques. Those with the APOE ε2 gene variant were also more resistant to developing plaques.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 22, 2020

Keeping pinto beans away from the dark side

A new variety of pinto bean has been developed with a slow-darkening trait, which improves agronomic performance and cooking time. The beans show higher yields compared to regular varieties, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 22, 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.

Sweet coolers a gateway to increased alcohol consumption

A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalAlcohol·DateJul 22, 2020

Researchers track down metabolic enzyme that protects against inflammation

A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that a metabolic enzyme called ADA2 inhibits inflammation in blood vessels and restrains the immune system. The researchers found that ADA2's loss stimulates a robust innate immune response, which can lead to harmful inflammation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 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.

No honor among cyber thieves

A study examining online user activity on two carding forums reveals the vast majority of users aren't buyers or sellers but rather seek free tutorials, malware source codes, and hacking guides. Actual buyers and sellers comprise a fraction, primarily using stolen identity info for unauthorized purchases.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·DateJul 22, 2020

Researcher receives $5M grant to further cancer studies

Dr. Tanmay Lele's research focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how cells sense external mechanical forces and generate mechanical forces in cancer. He aims to develop new knowledge of human cancers and their progression, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 22, 2020

Scientists develop new material for longer-lasting fuel cells

Researchers created a durable graphene-based catalyst that outperforms commercial catalysts and lasts longer, potentially enabling widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells. The breakthrough could address the high cost of platinum catalysts and reduce environmental impact.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNanoscale·DateJul 22, 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.