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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 237


Page 237 of 512

Photonic crystal light converter

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a simple device to convert circularly polarized visible laser light into circularly polarized vacuum ultraviolet light, twisted in the opposite direction. This new method can be useful for researchers in medicine, life sciences, molecular chemistry and solid state physics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalOptica·DateJul 22, 2020

New UBC study reveals older adults coped with pandemic best

A new UBC study reveals that older adults experienced greater emotional well-being and felt less stressed during the pandemic compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Positive events, such as remote social interactions, also helped increase positive emotions across all age groups.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·DateJul 22, 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.

Mapping the brain's sensory gatekeeper

Researchers mapped the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) and found two distinct subnetworks of neurons with different functions. This could lead to specific targets for designing drugs to alleviate sensory, sleep, and attention symptoms in autism.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·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.

In the EU, space heating accounts for the majority of domestic energy use

A new study found that a wider range of temperatures can improve health satisfaction and reduce cardiorespiratory conditions in healthy individuals. However, for vulnerable populations, a narrower temperature range may be safer. The researchers suggest a balance between temperature variety and protection from extreme temperatures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2020

2,000 years of storms in the Caribbean

A 2,000-year sedimentary archive from the Blue Hole in Belize provides insights into climate change and its impact on storms in the Caribbean. The study shows that hurricane activity has increased over the past 1,885 years, with a significant shift in frequency and intensity starting around AD 900.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2020

In conversation with...Patricia Ganz

Dr Patricia Ganz shares her expertise on assessing quality of life in cancer patients, with a focus on breast cancer survivorship. She highlights the importance of centering patients' needs in both US and UK healthcare systems.

SourceNational Cancer Research Institute·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.

Malaria drug chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2

A study found that malaria drug chloroquine does not inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lung cells, raising concerns about its potential use as a COVID-19 treatment. The research highlights the importance of using relevant cell lines in clinical trials to ensure effective treatments.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Developing detectors for scientific research and medicine

Cynthia Keppel, a leading US Department of Energy scientist, will receive $1 million to develop new detector technologies for nuclear physics research and cancer treatment. The collaboration aims to improve GEM detector systems with high spatial resolution.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 22, 2020

What happens around an Alzheimer plaque?

A research team mapped molecular changes in cells near amyloid plaques, finding two co-expression networks that respond to amyloid beta deposition. These networks, expressed by astroglia, microglia, and oligodendrocytes, show both protective and damaging effects on the brain, highlighting the complexity of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalCell·DateJul 22, 2020

Plastics found in sea-bed sharks

Researchers discovered 67% of examined sharks contained microplastics and man-made fibers, emphasizing the widespread nature of plastic pollution. The study highlights potential sources of microplastic contamination, including fishing lines and textile waste.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2020

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout thrive at Paiute's Summit Lake in far northern Nevada

Researchers have found that the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout population at Summit Lake remains stable despite climatically induced drought, thanks to a blend of science-based research and tribal cultural practices. The team's study provides valuable insights into restoring other Nevada lakes with similar trout populations.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 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.

Sharks almost gone from many reefs

A global study found sharks are functionally extinct on nearly one in five of the world's reefs. The survey, published in Nature, covered 371 reefs across 58 countries and revealed that sharks were rarely seen on close to 20% of those reefs.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020

We are mutating SARS-CoV-2, but it is evolving back

Researchers identified a strong bias towards U residues in SARS-CoV-2 mutations, suggesting a defense mechanism to degrade the virus. Natural selection allows the virus to adapt, but mutational processes may be hindered by human proteins.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 22, 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.

Earliest humans stayed at the Americas 'oldest hotel' in Mexican cave

The discovery of Chiquihuite Cave in northern Mexico challenges the long-held theory that the Clovis people were the first human inhabitants of the Americas. The site dates back to 25,000-30,000 years ago, revealing a new narrative on the colonization of the Americas.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 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.

UVA pioneers study of genetic diseases with quantum computing

Researchers at UVA have developed an algorithm to classify genomic data using quantum computers, potentially revolutionizing the field of genetic research. The new technology could analyze vast amounts of genetic data exponentially faster than conventional computers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalQuantum Machine Intelligence·DateJul 22, 2020

Early menstruation linked to increased menopause symptoms

A University of Queensland study has found that early menstruation increases the risk of hot flushes and night sweats at menopause by 50%. Women who started menstruating before age 14 had a higher risk of experiencing both symptoms, with obesity playing a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·DateJul 22, 2020

Immune system treatment to reduce stress prevents cancer metastases

Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that immunotherapeutic treatment and stress-reducing measures can prevent cancer metastasis development. The critical period around tumor removal surgery is crucial for prevention, which is often overlooked in medical practice.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalCancer·DateJul 22, 2020

Comprehensive description of the human tissue virome in healthy individuals

Researchers have comprehensively described the human tissue virome atlas using next-generation sequencing technology. They detected 39 viral species in somatic tissues from 547 individuals and found associations between virus infection and human gene expression and disease onset.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalBMC Biology·DateJul 21, 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.

Study calls for review of rice and sugar in food subsidy programme

A new study found that subsidized rice and sugar may not improve long-term nutritional outcomes for children in India. The Public Distribution System aims to provide essential nutrients, but the research suggests that limited value foods like rice and sugar may perpetuate unhealthy dietary patterns.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateJul 21, 2020

Anti-Asian hate crime during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study examines the link between COVID-19 and anti-Asian hate crimes in the US, revealing vast underreporting and a spike in racist incidents. The researchers found that less than half of Asian hate crime victimizations are reported to police, highlighting the need for increased awareness and action.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalAmerican Journal of Criminal Justice·DateJul 21, 2020

COVID-19 shutdown led to increased solar power output

A study by MIT researchers found that COVID-19 shutdowns resulted in an 8.3% increase in solar power output in Delhi, attributed to a 50% reduction in air pollution. This demonstrates the impact of reduced emissions on solar panel efficiency and provides valuable data for future models.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateJul 21, 2020

Concordian co-leads effort to see future of AI from an Indigenous perspective

A multidisciplinary group of Indigenous scholars, including professors and graduate students from Canada and the US, met in Hawai'i to brainstorm how Indigeneity intersects with AI. Their completed position paper offers diverse perspectives on what AI means and offers to Indigenous peoples, challenging long-held assumptions about Weste...

SourceConcordia University·DateJul 21, 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.

New insights into anxiety

Researchers at the University of Trento mapped anxiety types differently in human brain, finding stable traits associated with negative thoughts and transient brain activity linked to state anxiety. The study aims to develop new diagnostic tools and treatments targeting chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020

New study takes closer look at how environment affects daily life of sloths

Scientists have found that brown-throated three-toed sloths adapt to a primarily diurnal schedule in highly disturbed environments where predators are extinct and food is more accessible. The study suggests that the animals developed a more synchronous pattern of activity to thrive in the challenging environment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalMammalian Biology·DateJul 21, 2020

Working on the frontier of nanoparticle research

The University of Pittsburgh's CANELa lab is advancing nanoparticle research by modeling metal nanoclusters with exact structures, allowing for accurate theory and investigation of their properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of active sites for catalysis, a key focus of the lab.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalDalton Transactions·DateJul 21, 2020

Studies suggest a fasting diet could boost breast cancer therapy

A USC-led team found a fasting-mimicking diet combined with hormone therapy may increase the power of cancer hormone drugs and delay resistance in small clinical trials and mouse studies. Researchers observed reduced insulin, IGF1, and leptin levels, leading to potential anti-cancer activity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2020

A survey on optical memory and optical RAM technologies

A team of Greek researchers evaluate the progress in optical memory domain over past 25 years, shedding light on physical mechanisms behind demonstrated devices and classifying performance metrics. They highlight benefits of different optical technologies and report recent achievements towards advancing memory functionalities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 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.

Crown-of-thorns enhance their growth by switching diets early

Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 21, 2020

Front-line physicians stressed and anxious at work and home

A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

Skin cancer treatments could be used to treat other forms of the disease

Researchers have developed a new method for treating skin cancer that uses silica nanoparticles to deliver light-sensitive medication, potentially expanding its use to other types of cancer. This innovative approach could increase the effectiveness of photodynamic therapies by penetrating deeper into tissue.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 21, 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.

US military improved mortality since World War II, but there have been alarming exceptions

Despite overall improvements in combat casualty outcomes since World War II, research reveals significant spikes in mortality during specific conflicts, including Vietnam and Iraq. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing military readiness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJul 21, 2020

Tropical Storm Douglas organizing in NASA infrared imagery

Tropical Storm Douglas is strengthening due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, with the potential to become a hurricane in the next few days. The storm's cloud tops reached as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 2020

Autopsies reveal surprising cardiac changes in COVID-19 patients

A study of 22 COVID-19 patient autopsies found a unique pattern of cell death in scattered heart muscle cells, challenging traditional myocarditis theories. The researchers propose several theories to explain the cardiac injury and suggest further investigation for potential treatment interventions.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCirculation·DateJul 21, 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.

New drug discoveries are closely linked to the quality of lab procedures

New research from the University of Bath reveals that high-quality lab procedures are crucial for identifying effective new molecules. The study found a strong correlation between assay quality, as measured by the Z'-factor, and hit frequency in high-throughput screenings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 21, 2020

Nitric oxide may slow progression of COVID-19

A recent review suggests that nitric oxide has promise as a therapeutic to control the replication and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. The molecule has shown potential in inhibiting viral replication and regulating inflammatory cascades in pulmonary diseases.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNitric Oxide·DateJul 21, 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.

How does ridesourcing substitute for public transit network?

A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateJul 21, 2020

How to get good at disagreeing

Disagreeing in groups can be difficult, but it's crucial for improvement. Research suggests that a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up when they disagree is key. Practicing constructive confrontation through regular exercises can help build this skill.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalTeam Performance Management·DateJul 21, 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.