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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 254


Page 254 of 512

T-ray camera speed boosted a hundred times over

A research team at the University of Warwick has developed a single-pixel terahertz imaging technology that reaches 100 times faster acquisition than the previous state-of-the-art. This breakthrough enables potential use in biomedical and industrial applications, including non-invasive security and medical screening.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fat cell hormone boosts potential of stem cell therapy

Researchers from Osaka University found that adiponectin, a fat cell hormone, improves the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell-based treatment for heart failure. The study showed that increasing adiponectin levels strengthens cardiac function following MSC therapy.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJul 10, 2020

Sobering reminder about liver disease

Australian experts warn of a surge in chronic liver disease due to alcohol misuse and obesity-related liver disease. The number of cases has increased three-fold over the past 10-15 years, with over 6 million Australians affected.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJul 10, 2020

Study: Medicaid expansion meant better health for the most vulnerable low-income adults

A new study found that Michigan's Medicaid expansion program significantly improved health outcomes for the most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes and chronic health conditions. The program also saw improvements in health among participants of all ages, backgrounds, and geographic regions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 10, 2020

New biomarker for dementia diagnosis

Researchers have identified a new biomarker, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), associated with cognitive decline in old age. The study found that ADMA levels were linked to decline in cognitive performance assessments after four years.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJul 10, 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.

NASA infrared data shows Cristina strengthening

Tropical Storm Cristina has become better organized with a curved band around the center and ragged eye visible in satellite images. Cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit indicate strong storms with the potential to generate heavy rainfall, and maximum sustained winds near 70 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 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.

Trust me if you can

Researchers found that shared values are insufficient for mutual trust between stakeholders; beliefs and emotions play a stronger role. Improved awareness of each other's views and emotions can benefit collaboration and find solutions to the conflict.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalEnergy Reports·DateJul 9, 2020

Distorted passage of time during the COVID-19 lockdown

A survey of 604 UK participants found that over 80% experienced changes to their perception of time during the lockdown, with slower passage associated with older age and reduced social satisfaction. The study suggests that significant changes to daily routine can distort our perception of time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2020

Streamlining acute malnutrition treatment brings same recovery in children at lower cost

A new simplified protocol for treating acute malnutrition in young children shows similar recovery rates as the standard approach but is more cost-effective. The streamlined protocol resulted in $123 less per child recovered and reduced ready-to-use food required, providing a potential solution to addressing the issue of nearly 50 mill...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 9, 2020

UQ researchers solve a 50-year-old enzyme mystery

UQ researchers have solved a 50-year-old enzyme mystery, revealing the complete structure of an essential amino acid synthesizing enzyme. This discovery could lead to the development of new herbicides and antimicrobial agents, potentially restoring effective treatment options for infections such as tuberculosis and invasive Candida.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 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.

Scientists urge caution, further assessment of ecological impacts above deep sea mining

A new study highlights the need for further assessment of ecological impacts from deep-sea mining, which could harm vast midwater ecosystems and affect fisheries, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. The International Seabed Authority must consider midwater research efforts to minimize environmental harm.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 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.

How vaping companies are use Instagram to market to young people

Researchers analyzed hundreds of thousands of Instagram posts about vaping and found that 40% were promoting flavored e-liquids to young audiences. The study highlights the need for stricter laws and regulations on social media advertising targeting younger users.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Medical Informatics·DateJul 9, 2020

Parents' smartphone use does not harm parent/child relationships

A recent study published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that parental smartphone use is rarely associated with poor parenting. In fact, at low levels of displacing family time, more smartphone use was linked to better parenting.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 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.

A complex gene program initiates brain changes in response to cocaine

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a complex gene program that regulates brain changes in response to cocaine. By using single-nucleus RNA sequencing approaches, they found that only a small fraction of neurons in the nucleus accumbens were transcriptionally responsive to cocaine administration.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 9, 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.

What happens when food first touches your tongue

A new study from Ohio State University finds that food's molecular size and movement on the tongue influence how quickly we perceive taste. The researchers modeled flavor flow over papillae to understand why some tastes register faster than others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 2020

Climate change: Heavy rain after drought may cause fish kills

A study found that heavy rainfall can lead to massive fish kills in lakes suffering from oxygen depletion, triggered by labile organic matter. Researchers released breeding stock to help recover lake Filsø's pike population, which has never fully recovered after the event.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 9, 2020

Scientists discover protective Alzheimer's gene and develop rapid drug-testing platform

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered a naturally suppressive gene that prevents Alzheimer's Disease in brain cells, leading to the development of a rapid drug-screening system. The system demonstrates proof-of-principle for early preventative-drug testing and identifies a potential biomarker for risk assessment.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 9, 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.

Study reveals scale of habitat loss for endangered birds

A new study reveals that the last remaining agro-steppe habitats for endangered bird species in Europe may decline by up to 50% in the next century. The Natura 2000 network, a biodiversity conservation strategy, has failed to prevent habitat loss despite protecting approximately 36,000 hectares of agro-steppe area in Iberia.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 9, 2020

Brain benefits of exercise can be gained with a single protein

A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020

How can education researchers support education and public health and institutions during COVID-19?

The article provides recommendations for education researchers to support education and public health institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors suggest that researchers can provide research support to medical fields, synthesize and translate research for educational leaders, and develop timely professional development oppo...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateJul 9, 2020

New evidence of long-term volcanic, seismic risks in northern Europe

Researchers have discovered ancient volcanic activity and subtle, unusual movements in the Earth's surface in the Eifel region of Germany, suggesting a greater risk to northwestern Europe. The study suggests that the region is an active volcanic system with significant seismic activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Journal International·DateJul 9, 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.

Vulnerability for at-risk populations identified in US influenza data

A new influenza-monitoring system reveals critical biases in US disease surveillance, particularly among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. The study suggests that these disparities are linked to reduced access to healthcare and increase the risk of hospitalization for flu-related complications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 9, 2020

Science education community should withdraw from international tests

Researchers argue that international tests like PISA have forced schools to adopt narrow curricula and pedagogies, leading to a lack of scientific literacy. The study calls for a shift towards more inclusive and engaging science education, with a focus on the environment and health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal for Activist Science and Technology Education·DateJul 9, 2020

Improved cochlear implant device allows safe MRI in children without discomfort

A new MED-EL Synchrony cochlear implant design allows children to undergo MRI scans safely and comfortably, reducing the need for sedation or anesthesia. The innovative device eliminates the need for surgical removal of the magnet or a head wrap, increasing accessibility to critical diagnostic tools.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 9, 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.

Socio-economic, environmental impacts of COVID-19 quantified

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant economic impact, with global consumption losses exceeding $3.8 trillion and 147 million full-time equivalent job losses. The travel sector was most directly affected, with cascading multiplier effects across the entire world economy.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2020

Water-saving alternative forage crops for Texas livestock

Researchers found that sorghum performed better under drought conditions, producing more biomass with less water. Mixed with supplements, sorghum can achieve desirable feed quality and increase profitability without sacrificing nutrition.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 9, 2020

Researchers call for worldwide biosurveillance network to protect from diseases

Researchers recommend a decentralized disease surveillance system to monitor pathogens in wildlife and humans, expanding beyond human disease outbreaks to encompass broader understanding of pathogens. The network aims to provide early warnings of spillover potential and assist in containment and development of therapeutic treatments.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 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.

Using electricity to break down pollutants left over after wastewater treatment

Researchers at INRS have successfully tested an advanced electro-oxidation process, which uses electric current to break down non-biodegradable pollutants in treated domestic wastewater. The process generates hydroxide radicals that attack refractory molecules without requiring chemicals, reducing the cost of treatment.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 9, 2020

Intimate partner violence, history of childhood abuse worsen trauma symptoms for new moms

A study found that recent episodes of intimate partner violence and history of childhood abuse worsen trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and sleep disorders in new mothers. Postnatal medical screenings may help identify signs of abuse and provide an opportunity for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateJul 9, 2020

Temple scientists identify key factor regulating abnormal heart growth

A study published in Circulation reveals that FoxO1 plays a crucial role in regulating abnormal heart growth, a condition characterized by cardiac hypertrophy. The research suggests that targeting FoxO1 could lead to the development of novel therapies for cardiac hypertrophy.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCirculation·DateJul 9, 2020

CU researchers identify key role of immune cells in brain development

Researchers at CU School of Medicine identified microglia's essential role in regulating myelination, a process forming connections between neurons and glial cells. This finding may lead to improved understanding of potential causes for neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 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.

Prize winner uncovers microbes' role in tissue repair

Scientists discovered that Staphylococcus epidermidis interacts with the immune system to promote wound healing and prevent inflammation. The study's findings may lead to therapies for conditions like atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel diseases, affecting millions worldwide.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateJul 9, 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.

Lightning data have more use than previously thought

A recent study from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics found that lightning activity and charge structure varied before and after a severe hailfall. The research suggests that lightning data can serve as an indicator for hazardous weather phenomena and improve short-term forecasting.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 9, 2020

Cell-cell signaling promotes invariability in sea squirt embryogenesis

Researchers discovered precise cell-to-cell contact areas required for invariant embryonic cell lineages, suggesting a range of cell signaling events limits reproducibility during development. Ascidian embryos maintain highly regimented cell-fate from early developmental stages to later stages, even between distantly related species.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020