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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 243


Page 243 of 512

Antarctica more widely impacted by humans than previously thought

A recent study using 2.7 million human activity records found that humans have extensively used Antarctica over the last 200 years, with only 16% of Important Bird Areas located within negligibly impacted areas. This highlights the need for swift action to declare new protected areas and conserve biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2020

Atomtronic device could probe boundary between quantum, everyday worlds

A new atomtronic device is being developed to test the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds. The device uses neutral atoms instead of charged electrons to create a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which can detect mechanical rotation with high sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 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.

Scientists achieve major breakthrough in preserving integrity of sound waves

Researchers have demonstrated strong topological order for sound stemming from time modulations, allowing robust propagation along boundaries of topological metamaterials. This advancement enables cheaper, lighter devices with reduced battery power consumption, suitable for harsh environments.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2020

New insight into the origin of water on the earth

Scientists have found that heating interstellar organic matter can produce abundant water and oil, challenging the cometary origin theory of terrestrial water. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used chemical reagents to mimic interstellar organics and demonstrated the formation of water droplets at high temperatures.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technology promises to revolutionize nanomedicine

Researchers developed a breakthrough technology to resolve the problem of nanoparticles being cleared from the bloodstream too quickly. By exploiting the body's natural process of eliminating old red blood cells, they found an elegant solution that prolongs blood circulation for virtually any nanomedicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 17, 2020

A chemical tailor-made suit for Alzheimer's drugs

Researchers from Göttingen and Halle create novel inhibitors for enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease, offering a promising new treatment approach. The study reveals a potential solution to the incurable nature of Alzheimer's disease through highly selective binding without harmful side effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 17, 2020

Isoflavones in soybean help protect pigs against viral infections

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that isoflavones in soybeans can help protect pigs from viral infections, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The study found that pigs fed a diet with isoflavones had a lower rate of infection-related mortality compared to those without.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 17, 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.

The Lancet Global Health: Benefits of routine childhood vaccines far outweigh risks of additional COVID-19 transmission in Africa, modelling study suggests

A modelling study published in The Lancet Global Health found that continuing routine childhood vaccination programmes in Africa during the pandemic could save around 702,000 child lives from vaccine-preventable diseases. This number far exceeds the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission to older family members.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 17, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 4 Issue 4

This latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) features groundbreaking research on identification of novel TTN mutations and discovery of digenic mutations. The issue includes studies on the genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and the effects of glycyrrhizic acid on vascular injury.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJul 17, 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.

Fast and flexible computation of optical diffraction

A team of scientists has proposed an efficient full-path calculation method for optical diffraction, leveraging the mathematical similarities between scalar and vector diffraction. The method uses the Bluestein approach to reduce computation time to sub-second levels, with superior flexibility in choosing ROIs and sampling numbers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 17, 2020

MU advances chemotherapy-free treatment for cancer in animals and humans

Researchers at MU successfully treated bone cancer in dogs with a vaccine that stimulates the immune system against abnormal proteins specific to the patient's tumor. The treatment outperformed chemotherapy, resulting in over 400 days of cancer survival for dogs compared to about 270 days for those receiving traditional chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2020

Does having Alzheimer's disease and dementia affect severity of delirium?

Researchers discovered that individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia experience more severe delirium and increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without ADRD. Targeted strategies can help prevent or reduce delirium severity, particularly in patients with ADRD.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 17, 2020

New technology speeds up organic data transfer

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new type of organic LED that enables faster data transfer speeds, reaching 2.2 Mb/s. This breakthrough could enable the integration of portable and wearable organic biosensors into visible light communication links.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 17, 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.

Perspective: T cell responses to COVID-19 are a crucial target for research

Emerging evidence highlights T cells' role in protecting against viral infections, with antibody responses appearing short-lived and T cell memory potentially more durable. Standardized testing methods for T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 are needed to fully understand population-level immunity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 17, 2020

Close-up of SARS-CoV-2 protein shows how it interferes with host anti-viral immunity

The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp1 effectively shuts down the host's anti-viral immune response by binding to the ribosome and preventing protein production. This finding highlights the importance of targeting the interaction between Nsp1 and the ribosome as a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020

Improving lung cancer CT screening performance in real-world settings

The study found that focusing on subjects less likely to remain in the program, such as smokers and those with negative low-dose CT exams, improves cost-effectiveness and maximizes societal benefits. Adherence increased progressively with higher Lung-RADS categories, and having smoked previously was a significant predictor of adherence.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJul 16, 2020

Self-eating decisions

A new study reveals that nutrient-starved cells do not preferentially recycle ribosomes through autophagy, but instead degrade a small number of other organelles. Cells have mechanisms to control what they recycle, allowing them to maintain essential building blocks under limited nutrients.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 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.

Air pollution from wildfires linked to higher death rates in patients with kidney failure

Exposure to high levels of fine particulate air pollution from wildfires is associated with a 4% higher death rate among patients with kidney failure. Patients with kidney failure are particularly susceptible to the effects of wildfire smoke, highlighting the need for research into managing exposure during wildfire episodes.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 16, 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.

When many act as one, data-driven models can reveal key behaviors

Researchers from Rice University and the University of Georgia have developed a method to assess individual contributions to collective behavior using data science. By analyzing experimental data about individual cell movements, they uncovered unexpected patterns and signals associated with emergence in cooperative bacteria.

SourceRice University·JournalmSystems·DateJul 16, 2020

When power is toxic: Dominance reduces influence in groups

A new study shows that dominant individuals can actually reduce influence in groups, especially when individuals have a choice about who to follow. In contrast, passive individuals wield the greatest influence in bringing a group to consensus.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 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.

Machining the heart: New predictor for helping to beat chronic heart failure

Researchers from Kanazawa University developed a new predictor using machine learning to identify patients at risk of sudden arrhythmic cardiac death and heart failure death. The model uses iodine-123 labelled MIBG and standard clinical tests to discriminate between high-risk and low-risk patients.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of Nuclear Cardiology·DateJul 16, 2020

UIC awarded $22 million for translational research from NIH

The University of Illinois Chicago's Center for Clinical and Translational Science received $22 million in funding to support multidisciplinary research bridging science labs and patient care. The center has helped train hundreds of researchers and staff, with a strong focus on addressing health disparities and community needs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateJul 16, 2020

Membrane technology could cut emissions and energy use in oil refining

Researchers develop polymer membrane technology to replace heat-based distillation processes, reducing carbon emissions and energy intensity. The new method could enable a hybrid refining system that significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional refining processes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

New webinar series will highlight benefits of animal-free antibodies for COVID-19

The PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. has co-launched a six-part webinar series focusing on the applications and benefits of animal-free recombinant antibodies for COVID-19 treatment and research. Experts from industry, government, and academia will share their work on human-relevant, non-animal testing strategies.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·DateJul 16, 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.

Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Immediate dialysis no better than wait-until-necessary approach, researchers find

A large international study found that starting dialysis early in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury did not reduce mortality after three months. The accelerated renal-replacement therapy strategy did not show significant difference in survival between the two treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2020

CBD may help avert lung destruction in COVID-19

Researchers found that CBD can help reduce cytokine storm and excessive lung inflammation caused by COVID-19. The study suggests that CBD may enable lungs to recover from damage, potentially reducing the need for mechanical ventilation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateJul 16, 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.

A simple laboratory test can aid in early recognition of COVID-19 in patients

A simple laboratory test, the eosinophil count from a routine complete blood cell count (CBC), can aid in early diagnosis and provide prognostic information for COVID-19 patients. Persistent low counts correlated with poor prognosis and high disease severity.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 16, 2020

Combating drug resistance in age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers has developed a potential approach to overcome anti-VEGF resistance in patients with age-related macular degeneration. By combining apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) with anti-VEGF, the strategy effectively suppresses choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and reduces drug resistance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Genome guardians stop and reel in DNA to correct replication errors

Research from NC State University reveals how MutL and MutS proteins create an immobile structure to prevent replication errors, reducing errors by a thousand-fold. The complex also prevents mismatched regions from being packed back into the cell during division.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Assess the effects of alcohol control policies in the Baltics

A new international research project aims to evaluate the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states. The study, led by CAMH and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, will investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented between 2016 and 2018.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateJul 16, 2020

Revealing Brazil's rotten agribusinesses

A peer-reviewed study published in Science finds that 18-22% of Brazil's annual soy exports to the European Union are potentially contaminated with illegal deforestation. The study identifies specific producers responsible for 'poisoning the barrel' and estimates greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation-linked soy and beef exports.

SourceBurness·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

Composing creativity: Children benefit from new painting materials

New research reveals that children's paintings contain valuable insights into their cognitive development, spatial relationships, and artistic abilities. Digital image analysis technology helps identify areas of improvement in art education, such as focusing on object size, composition, and creative methods.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalHealthcare·DateJul 16, 2020

Will telehealth services become the norm following COVID-19 pandemic?

The rapid adoption of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about care quality and safety. Experts warn that integrating essential components of traditional doctor visits into virtual care poses challenges, including physical exams, lab work, and imaging. However, telehealth also holds promise for improvi...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 16, 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.

ATS publishes new guidance on safely restoring elective pulmonary and sleep services

The American Thoracic Society has published a guidance document to help clinicians restore elective in-person pulmonary and sleep services. The guidance provides recommendations for resuming services, prioritizing patients, and implementing infection control measures to mitigate the risk of viral transmission.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJul 16, 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.

Ethical recommendations for triage of COVID-19 patients

Medical ethicists warn against premature COVID-19 triage, citing concerns over fairness and strain on patients and medical personnel. The experts advocate for increased regional, national, and international collaboration in intensive care to avoid shortages.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateJul 16, 2020