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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 252


Page 252 of 512

New materials for extra thin computer chips

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered new materials to combine with 2D materials, enabling the creation of ultra-thin electronic components. The team found that special crystals containing fluorine atoms can be used as insulators, improving efficiency and speed.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2020

Characteristics of RCTs for COVID-19 launched during pandemic

The review analyzes the design and implementation of RCTs for COVID-19 treatments, identifying common characteristics and limitations. Key takeaways include the importance of standardized reporting and the need for further research on treatment outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 13, 2020

Human sperm stem cells grown in lab, an early step toward infertility treatment

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a reliable method to culture human sperm stem cells, overcoming a key bottleneck in SSC therapy. The approach uses AKT inhibitors to maintain the growth of immature germ cells with SSC characteristics, paving the way for potential clinical applications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Long-studied protein could be a measure of traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have found that cathepsin B levels are increased in areas of injured brain relevant to critical executive functions. The study suggests that cathepsin B could be used as a blood-based biomarker to identify TBI severity within different brain regions and cerebral spinal fluid.

SourceWalter Reed Army Institute of Research·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJul 13, 2020

About nine family members to suffer grief from every COVID-19 fatality

A study by Penn State researchers found that every COVID-19 death will impact around nine surviving close family members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The multiplier effect may help raise awareness about the disease's ripple effects and inform policies on family leave and paid leave.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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 evaluated the perspectives of zinc intake for COVID-19 prevention

Current research suggests that adequate zinc status can lower the risk of infectious respiratory diseases, pneumonia, and its complications. Zinc intake has also shown promise in modulating inflammation and suppressing viral replication, including coronaviruses that cause COVID-19.

SourceSechenov University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Modelling study predicts surge in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths due to COVID-19 pandemic

A modelling study predicts that COVID-19 could lead to a significant increase in HIV, TB, and malaria deaths in low- and middle-income countries. The study suggests that prioritizing antiretroviral therapy, timely diagnosis and treatment of TB, and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets could mitigate the impact of the pandemic.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 13, 2020

9 in 10 men want their doctors to ask about domestic violence

A survey of young men found that 90% believe their doctors should ask about domestic violence, but only 13% have ever been asked. Most men who experienced abuse said they wanted to discuss it with their doctor. The study aims to increase screening for intimate partner violence in primary care settings.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

Better vaccines are in our blood

A new vaccine platform technology called Erythrocyte-Driven Immune Targeting (EDIT) successfully slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice by delivering antigens to antigen-presenting cells in the spleen. The approach uses red blood cells as delivery vehicles, generating an immune response without the need for adjuvants.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Gut microbiota provide clues for treating diabetes

Researchers have found that an individual's gut microbiota can predict and treat type 2 diabetes, with altered gut bacteria linked to reduced butyrate production. The study suggests potential for personalized dietary changes or probiotics to prevent or treat the disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 13, 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.

Immune analysis in fifty patients uncovers 'hallmark' of severe COVID-19

A study of 50 COVID-19 patients revealed a distinctive 'hallmark' of severe disease, characterized by interferon deficiency and exacerbated inflammation. This signature may inform therapeutic approaches combining interferon supplementation with anti-inflammatory treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2020

Road verges could be havens for pollinators

New research shows road verges can provide vital food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. By mowing less, limiting street lighting, and reducing pollution, managers can create 'corridors' to aid pollinator conservation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 13, 2020

Chemical offers new hope of finding treatments for neglected tropical diseases

Scientists at the University of York have deciphered the mechanism by which the compound AB1 kills the trypanosome parasite that causes African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness. The breakthrough could potentially lead to a cure for this devastating neglected tropical disease and others like Chagas disease.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 13, 2020

Listeria protein provides a CRISPR 'kill switch'

Researchers have discovered a single protein derived from a harmless bacteria that can halt the CRISPR-Cas13 editing process. This 'kill switch' enables scientists to edit RNA with more precision and exact control, potentially benefiting coronavirus researchers and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Novel radiotracer measures synaptic activity after stroke

A new radiotracer measures synaptic density changes in the brain after stroke, providing an objective and quantitative measure of disease progression. This method may also help detect stroke early and evaluate recovery.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

Rising sea levels and river delta growth

A study examines how sea-level rise and subsidence affect river avulsions on deltas, finding that frequent avulsions occur when rates of these processes match sediment supply. Engineered avulsions may help mitigate climate change effects, but thresholds exist where sediment supply cannot keep up with rising sea levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Lasers etch an efficient way to address global water crisis

A new laser-based method can evaporate and purify contaminated water with over 100% efficiency, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses sunlight to heat water, eliminating microbial pathogens and heavy metals, and is easy to clean and aim.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020

The colorful history of plastids

Recent genomic data reveal emerging insights into plastid evolution, highlighting the complexity of their origins and history. Plastids are found patchily distributed across eukaryotic lineages, with secondary and tertiary acquisitions contributing to their diversity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJul 13, 2020

Single-dose flu drug can reduce spread within households, study finds

A single dose of baloxavir marboxil significantly reduced flu infections among household contacts, with only 1.9% developing the illness compared to 13.6% on placebo. The study supports the use of baloxavir for preventing influenza in high-risk settings like nursing homes and healthcare facilities.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Why are memories attached to emotions so strong?

Researchers have discovered that synchronization of brain neurons is critical for establishing fear memories, which can become too strong in people with PTSD. The study found that synchronized neurons are more likely to be recalled from memory.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2020

Bird droppings carry risk of antibiotic resistance

A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJul 13, 2020

Potential causal role of human papilloma viruses (HPVs) in prostate cancers

A literature review found significant evidence supporting the causal role of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 in prostate cancer. The authors suggest that HPV vaccination may help prevent prostate cancer development, particularly in countries with high mortality rates from cervical cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInfectious Agents and Cancer·DateJul 13, 2020

Researchers find the worst reason to give a gift

Researchers found that gifts intended to save time are seen as compliments, while those meant to save money are perceived as a reflection of the recipient's lower status. In real-world situations, people who received money-saving gift cards reported feeling embarrassed and believed the giver thought they were incompetent.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJul 13, 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.

New PET/MRI approach pinpoints chronic pain location, alters management

A new molecular imaging approach using PET/MRI has been developed to precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain patients. This approach resulted in a significant modification of management plans for nearly half of the patients, with some receiving invasive procedures.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Power of DNA to store information gets an upgrade

Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Social media inspired models show winter warming hits fish stocks

Researchers used social media network models to analyze fish populations in the Mediterranean Sea, finding that warming seas have significant and widespread effects on biodiversity. The study suggests that winter warming may lead to changes in fish communities, potentially causing some species to disappear from certain areas.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 13, 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.

Partnerships with health systems can provide support to nursing homes during pandemic

Nursing homes face extreme challenges in the COVID-19 pandemic, but partnerships with health systems can support better staffing, virus testing, and data sharing. This collaboration can facilitate reduced hospital readmissions, improved safety of transitions of care, and ultimately improve care for vulnerable populations.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 13, 2020

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

Family caregiving may not harm health of caregivers after all

A nine-year longitudinal study found that family caregivers did not experience significantly greater inflammation levels compared to non-caregivers, challenging past research findings. The study suggests that caregiving may have minimal effects on physical health for most caregivers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Turning off 'junk DNA' may free stem cells to become neurons

A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

POSTECH solves the durability issue of hydrogen cars

A research team at POSTECH developed a new catalyst that improves the durability of automotive fuel cells when shut down. The Pt/HxWO3 catalyst promotes hydrogen oxidation and selectively suppresses oxygen reduction reactions, solving the corrosion issue.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 13, 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.

Earwig-inspired folding structures

Scientists create geometrical drawing method and software to design fan-like structures based on earwig wing folding. The method was used to recreate a Paleozoic earwig's wing folding pattern, shedding light on evolutionary pathways.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

How a Minecraft mod is helping build smarter AI

UT Dallas researchers are using the Minecraft mod Polycraft World to simulate dynamic and unexpected events to train AI systems. They aim to create artificial intelligence agents that can respond appropriately in novel scenarios, such as changing weather or unfamiliar terrain.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateJul 13, 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.

Parasite infestations revealed by tiny chicken backpacks

A new insect detection system using tiny chicken backpacks with wearable sensors has been developed to detect blood-feeding livestock mites. The technology, nicknamed 'Fitbits for chickens,' can help farmers identify infestations and improve poultry welfare.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 2020

Is delirium associated with long-term cognitive decline?

A combined analysis of 23 studies found that episodes of delirium are a risk factor for long-term cognitive decline. The research suggests that individuals who experience delirium may be more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive impairments over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 13, 2020

Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces long-lasting solar storage

Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar-flow battery that can store and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun. The device achieved a record efficiency of 20 percent conversion, outperforming previous records by 40%. This breakthrough could potentially yield a new way to harness, store and use the sun's energy for sol...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 13, 2020

Mini-LED, Micro-LED and OLED displays: Present status and future perspectives

Researchers analyzed display technologies, including Mini-LED, Micro-LED, and OLED. They found that mLED/μLED/OLED emissive displays outperform LCDs in dynamic range, motion picture response time, color gamut, and adaptability to flexible and transparent displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 12, 2020

Biosignatures may reveal a wealth of new data locked inside old fossils

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel approach to finding biological signals in ancient fossils, providing insights into major evolutionary questions. The study has already revealed valuable information about the soft shells that encased early dinosaur eggs and identified an ancient creature known as the Tully Monster.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 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.

STRIDE study tests ways to prevent injuries from falls

A new study by Yale University researchers found that a nurse-delivered strategy to prevent falls among older adults reduced the rate of first adjudicated serious fall injury by nearly 10%. The approach also produced significant reductions in self-reported injuries, highlighting its potential in reducing fall-related harm.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2020