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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 239


Page 239 of 512

Silver-plated gold nanostars detect early cancer biomarkers

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new optical sensing platform that can detect genomic cancer biomarkers in tissue samples using silver-plated gold nanostars. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable diagnostic results for cancer and other diseases, simplifying testing processes.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 21, 2020

Leukemia drug shows the potential to treat aggressive pediatric brain câncer

Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a leukemia drug, arsenic trioxide, to treat medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer most common in children. The drug made tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and proved capable of killing tumor cells and preventing new colony formation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invasive lionfish may be a selective predator

Lionfish in Curacao reefs exhibit strong preference for brown chromis over other two prey fish species. The study suggests that lionfish can be picky about their daily menu as long as they are not starving, with poorer condition fish being less selective.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020

Scientists present pre- and postfusion cryo-em structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020

Magnetic field of a spiral galaxy

Researchers use VLA radio telescope to image galaxy NGC 4217's magnetic field, extending far beyond the galaxy's disk. The dynamo theory suggests that this massive magnetic field is generated by plasma motion within the galaxy's disk.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateJul 21, 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.

Scientists observe learning processes online in the brain

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used EEG to study the impact of repetitive tactile stimulation on brain activity. They found that neuronal responses adapted to the frequency of stimulation and showed changes over time, potentially illustrating a learning process.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2020

Russian scientists identified energy storage mechanism of sodium-ion battery anode

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateJul 21, 2020

Researchers ID new target in drive to improve immunotherapy for cancer

Researchers at UCLA have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting BMI1 proteins. The study found that using an anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug in combination with PTC209 successfully stopped cancer growth, prevented reoccurrences, and eliminated cancer stem cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 21, 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.

Physicists find ways to control gamma radiation

Researchers have created an optical switch that can direct high-frequency gamma radiation by switching the acoustic field. This effect demonstrates controlled transparency of a resonant medium for gamma radiation, which may be useful for controlling generated radiation in modern synchrotron sources and X-ray lasers.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 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.

New cosmic magnetic field structures discovered in galaxy NGC 4217

Researchers analyzed the magnetic field of Milky Way-like galaxy NGC 4217 and discovered unique structures such as X-shaped fields, helices, superbubbles, and giant loops. These findings suggest a connection between star formation and supernovae explosions in shaping the galaxy's magnetic field.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJul 21, 2020

The immune system facilitates alcohol addiction

Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 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.

Children with type 1 diabetes may have a less desirable gut bacteria composition

A new study found that children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes have a distinct gut microbiome composition associated with poorer blood sugar control. The researchers used machine learning analysis and genetic analysis to identify this link, highlighting the importance of gut health in disease development.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 21, 2020

New detection method turns silicon cameras into mid-infrared detectors

A new method detects MIR images using Si cameras through non-degenerate two-photon absorption, enabling simple and efficient imaging. The approach avoids alignment artifacts and utilizes the nonlinear optical properties of the Si chip itself to trigger photo-induced charge carriers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020

Researchers develop a portable blood ammonia detector

Researchers at Stanford University have created a handheld, portable device to measure ammonia levels in blood. The device, which assesses ammonia levels from a finger or earlobe prick, can report results in less than a minute and is significantly more efficient than current methods.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 21, 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.

Thermal manipulation of plasmons in atomically thin films

Researchers propose an all-optical method to modulate plasmonic response in graphene and metal-based systems using intense pump beams, enabling ultrafast light modulation. The technique exploits nanoscale photothermal effects to heat electrons, inducing changes in conductivity and optical properties.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020

Evidence of "hormone disruptor" chemical threats grows

A set of reviews concludes that hundreds of studies link widespread health issues including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development to hormone disruptors in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 21, 2020

Artificial cells produce parts of viruses for safe studies

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created artificial cells that produced viral parts, allowing for safe testing and development of diagnostic tools, drugs, and vaccines. The system consists of micrometer-sized compartments etched into a silicon chip, enabling controlled production of specific proteins.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 21, 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.

Living with a problem gambler?

Researchers at Flinders University warn that family members can be the first to detect early signs of a problem gambler. Chronic hypervigilance, relationship conflict, and exhaustion are common consequences for partners and families.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 21, 2020

Lego builds anaesthesia skills according to new study

A new study found that training doctors in anaesthetic skills using Lego bricks can improve their performance. The study used a simple task where participants copied shapes using bricks to see in a mirror, and found that this improved their ability to perform ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia tasks.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 21, 2020

How should hospitals ask patients for donations?

A new study explores patients' views on hospital fundraising practices, finding that certain strategies cause concerns. Hospitals can show appreciation to donors through nicer hospital rooms, expedited appointments, or providing doctors' cell phone numbers, while avoiding wealth screening and sharing patient names without permission.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJul 21, 2020

Researchers identify subject-specific component to perceptual learning ability

A new study by YANG Jia and colleagues identified both task-specific and subject-invariant components of perceptual learning ability, revealing multifaceted nature of learning and strong evidence for consistent pattern of individual differences across multiple training tasks.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020

Smile: Atomic imaging finds root of tooth decay

A collaboration between Cornell and Northwestern universities has exposed tiny chemical flaws in human enamel using atomic imaging techniques. The findings suggest that irregularities in the enamel's structure may play a role in reinforcing it, making it more resilient to decay.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·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.

Women's burden increases in COVID-19 era

A recent study by Flinders University highlights the escalating gendered burdens faced by women during the pandemic, particularly in frontline healthcare roles and unpaid care work. Women experienced discrimination, eviction threats, and restricted access to essential services under COVID-19 restrictions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020

Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that over 20% of US homes lack sufficient space and plumbing facilities to isolate or quarantine COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that offering hotel stays with medical supervision at no cost could decrease transmission in minority communities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 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.

O Christmas Tree: DNA shows WA's largest parasitic plant adapts to climate

Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.

SourceCurtin University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020

Scientists strengthen quantum building blocks in milestone critical for scale-up

Researchers have demonstrated coherence times up to 10,000 times longer than previously recorded for spin-orbit qubits, making them an ideal candidate for scaling up silicon quantum computers. Strong spin-orbit coupling is key to achieving stable qubits and robust quantum information.

SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2020

Insight into toddlers' awareness of their own uncertainty

A new study from the University of California, Davis, shows that toddlers may experience and deal with uncertainty in decision making like older children and adults. Toddlers gather information before making decisions, taking extra time on difficult trials, and exhibiting behaviors that suggest they can respond to uncertain situations.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 20, 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.

Better wastewater treatment? It's a wrap

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy, 'wrap, trap and zap,' to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. The graphene-wrapped nanospheres kill bacteria by producing reactive oxygen species, degrading antibiotic-resistant genes and minimizing their release into the environment.

SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·DateJul 20, 2020

NIH study shows highly reproducible sex differences in aspects of human brain anatomy

A NIH study found consistent sex-based differences in cortical volume across 2,000 brain scans, which correspond with patterns of sex-chromosome gene expression. These findings suggest that genetic mechanisms, including those on the X and Y sex chromosomes, may influence sex differences in brain anatomy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Portable DNA device can detect tree pests in under two hours

A new portable DNA detection method can identify tree pests and pathogens like the Asian gypsy moth and sudden oak death pathogen in under two hours. The device uses PCR testing to analyze tiny amounts of DNA and has been tested on multiple destructive invasive species.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2020

Geophysics: A first for a unique instrument

A team of geophysicists used the ROMY ring laser to measure the Earth's rotational velocity and axis orientation, achieving the most precise ground-based measurements yet. The instrument detected minute alterations in the Earth's rotation caused by ocean currents, ice mass shifts, and seismic events.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Marine microorganisms: How to survive below the seafloor

Researchers found that certain species of foraminifera can survive and thrive in anoxic environments with high levels of toxic hydrogen sulfide. The organisms exploit soluble organic material as a source of carbon and energy, playing a crucial role in anaerobic nutrient cycles.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJul 20, 2020

Traditional PTSD therapy doesn't trigger drug relapse

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have demonstrated that behavior therapy exposing people to memories of their trauma does not cause relapses of opioid or other drug use. Following the first therapy session, PTSD severity and emotional problems decrease significantly.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateJul 20, 2020

A plot twist in pharmaceuticals: Single nanoparticles could pave the way for medicines on demand

Physicists at the University of Bath have accurately measured and characterised a single, twisted nanoparticle using a new method, taking them closer to producing medicines on demand. The discovery could lead to mini-labs that can mix substances in a completely new way, producing pharmaceuticals from minute droplets of active ingredients.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 20, 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.

Older adults who can really smell the roses may face lower likelihood of dementia

A UCSF study found that older adults with retained senses of hearing, vision, and touch have half the risk of developing dementia compared to those with marked sensory decline. The study tracked over 1,800 participants in their seventies for up to 10 years, revealing a stronger association between olfaction and lower dementia risk.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateJul 20, 2020

Scientists discover volcanoes on Venus are still active

Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered 37 recently active volcanic structures on Venus, suggesting the planet's interior is still churning. The study provides evidence that Venus is no longer a dormant planet and may hold clues to its geological development.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 2020

Media tip sheet: Going high-tech in ecology

Researchers use cameras, drones, geolocators, and sensors to track wildlife and greenhouse gas emissions. Computing advances help analyze terabytes of data, enabling ecologists to scale up ecological research and address environmental challenges.

SourceEcological Society of America·DateJul 20, 2020

Exhaled biomarkers can reveal lung disease

Researchers developed a system to monitor pneumonia and genetic diseases by analyzing breath exhaled by patients, revealing a new potential diagnostic tool. The technology uses specialized nanoparticles that release gases when proteases in the body cleave them, allowing for rapid detection of lung health.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 20, 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.

Shells and grapefruits inspire first manufactured non-cuttable material

Researchers develop Proteus, a lightweight material that turns back the force of cutting tools upon itself, making it resistant to angle grinders, drills, and high-pressure water jets. The unique structure of ceramic spheres encased in cellular aluminium creates an interlocking, vibrational connection that repulses any attack.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 20, 2020

Oxygen breathes new life into solar cell research

Researchers have successfully developed a method to 'upconvert' low energy light into visible light using oxygen, enabling it to be captured by solar cells. This breakthrough has the potential to increase the efficiency of solar cells and expand their sensitivity range.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 20, 2020