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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 261


Page 261 of 512

BIO Integration Journal, volume 1, issue number 1, publishes

The BIO Integration Journal bridges the gap between laboratory, clinic, and biotechnology industries, offering a cross-disciplinary platform for biomedical research advances. Featured papers emphasize interdisciplinary integration in COVID-19 research and immunotherapy strategies.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateJul 7, 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.

Future Texas hurricanes: Fast like Ike or slow like Harvey?

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that climate change will intensify winds steering hurricanes north over Texas, increasing the likelihood of fast-moving storms. The research found a 50% rise in the chances of fast-moving hurricanes compared to slow-movers like Harvey.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020

Researchers create air filter that can kill the coronavirus

Researchers designed an air filter that can trap and kill the coronavirus and other pathogens, with a 99.8% kill rate in a single pass. The filter uses nickel foam heated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for external heating sources and minimizing strain on HVAC systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateJul 7, 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 study sparks fresh call for seagrass preservation

A new study reveals that seagrass loss in Australia has led to a 2% increase in annual carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 5 million cars per year. The research highlights the vital role seagrass meadows play in mitigating climate change and urges preservation and restoration of these ecosystems.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 7, 2020

Study: Dying stars breathe life into Earth

A new study published in Nature Astronomy sheds light on the origin of carbon in the Milky Way, revealing that dying stars play a crucial role in its synthesis. The research team found that low-mass stars shed more massive remnants than previously thought, breaking a linear trend in star formation and planetary evolution.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 6, 2020

Ultrasonic manipulation of objects in living bodies

A new method uses phased ultrasound to levitate and manipulate objects in living bodies, including solid glass spheres. Researchers believe this technology could be used to guide the clearance of kidney stones or manipulate an ingestible camera.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Liquid crystal integrated metalens for versatile color focus

Researchers developed a liquid crystal integrated metalens that can achieve both achromatic and chromatic focusing with a single device. The design overcomes the challenge of chromatic aberration, allowing for improved resolution in full-color and hyperspectral imaging.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 6, 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.

Improving wind and solar energy modeling

Researchers developed a deep learning method that enhances global climate models' ability to predict wind velocity and solar irradiance data, leading to more accurate renewable energy prospects. The approach results in high-resolution modeling under various climate scenarios.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Suicide reporting guidelines and social media

A study analyzed 664 news articles about suicide posted on a social network between 2018 and 2019. The findings suggest that adherence to suicide reporting guidelines may benefit individual health as well as reader engagement, with US-based publications being less likely to adhere to the guidelines.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

A different Chia-PET provides insight into prostate cancer

Researchers used ChIA-PET to map associations between proteins and DNA in prostate cancer cells, discovering hubs of interacting enhancers that regulate gene expression. These findings may lead to novel treatments for the most common type of prostate cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2020

Group genomics drive aggression in honey bees

A new study found that genomic traits of the hive are strongly associated with how fiercely its soldiers attack. The research suggests that the genetic makeup of the society, not individual bee genetics, plays a key role in aggression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

Coexistence and conflict between humans and bears

Brown bears increasingly live among human settlements due to habitat loss, leading to conflict and high mortality rates. The study found that connected wilderness areas and nocturnal behaviors are crucial for coexistence between humans and bears.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Why it's no last orders for the Tequila bat

A study by researchers from the University of Bristol has identified the ancestral origin of tequila bats in Mexico, revealing distinct migratory patterns and breeding habits. The findings support the need for targeted conservation management strategies to protect this Near Threatened species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 6, 2020

LSU Health New Orleans discovers new class of safer analgesics

A team of researchers discovered a new class of pipeline drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever, excluding hepatotoxicity and opioid addiction. The findings have significant implications for acute and chronic pain management, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2020

Community science birding data does not yet capture global bird trends

Ornithologists at the University of Utah found that community science bird data shows different trends in bird populations than professional surveys, especially in developing countries. The researchers hope to encourage more conscientious recording and connection between birders and professionals to fill data gaps.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 6, 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.

Behind the dead-water phenomenon

Researchers from CNRS and University of Poitiers have explained the 'dead water' phenomenon in ships, where waves create drag, slowing down or stopping vessels. The study reveals waves act like an undulating conveyor belt, causing speed oscillations in trapped boats.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

NYUAD researchers study effects of cellular crowding on the cell's transport system

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi investigate how cellular crowding affects the speed of motor proteins in groups versus singularly, with findings that crowding impacts group movement but not individual motors. The study uses optical tweezers to simulate crowded environments, revealing the balance between motor function and cell survival.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 6, 2020

Climate change and seasonal survival of marmots

Researchers found that climate change positively impacts yellow-bellied marmot survival during short, wet summers and negatively affects it during harsh winters. This study suggests that certain species may benefit in one season while facing unfavorable conditions in another due to climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

When metal flows like liquid glass: a technology for producing superplastic wire is proposed

Lobachevsky University scientists have developed new ways to modify the structure of aluminium alloys, improving their performance. They used induction casting in vacuum and plastic deformation technologies to create homogeneous highly plastic structures that maintain high strength, thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 6, 2020

Scientists discover a new connection between the eyes and touch

A team of scientists at New York University has found that tiny eye movements can be used as an index of humans' ability to anticipate relevant information in the environment. The study reveals a connection between eye movements and the sense of touch, with micro-saccades hindering tactile discrimination and suppressing them enhancing it.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020

How do bacteria build up natural products?

Researchers have successfully investigated the basic mechanisms of molecular factories in bacteria, revealing insights into the production of complex structures like polyketides. This discovery inspires targeted manipulation of biochemical processes, leading to potential improvements in antibiotics and other drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 6, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers studied SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 11,066 patients, finding they associate with clinical severity and provide valuable diagnostic support. Obesity is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in NYC cohort of 1,687 persons hospitalized with confirmed cases.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 2020

Leap in lidar could improve safety, security of new technology

Researchers developed a new silicon chip with no moving parts that improves lidar system resolution and scanning speed, enabling applications in self-driving cars and smartphones. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, smaller, and more complex lidar systems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateJul 6, 2020

Owner behavior affects effort and accuracy in dogs' communications

Research found that owner behavior, rather than internal principles like the principle of least effort, affects the effort and accuracy of dogs' showing. Owners who encouraged their dog to show where a toy was hidden increased effort but decreased accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 6, 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.

Harmful microbes found on sewer pipe walls

A Rutgers study reveals that sewer pipe walls harbor biofilms containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can withstand standard disinfection methods. Cleaning with bleach can reduce biofilm density but not remove them entirely, posing health risks to wastewater treatment workers and the public.

SourceRutgers University·DateJul 6, 2020

How bats cope with acoustic clutter

In cluttered environments, bats use lowest broadcast frequencies to detect nearby objects and ignore distant echoes. By ignoring long-delay echoes elicited by initial broadcasts, bats can accurately match echoes with corresponding broadcasts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Motherhood overrides the brain's decision-making

A new study published in eNeuro found that motherhood takes over the brain's decision-making regions to prioritize caring for offspring. The infralimbic cortex directs mothers to choose their pups over drugs, promoting maternal behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 6, 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.

Private wells and lead levels in blood

Children living in homes with private wells were more likely to have elevated blood lead levels than those with city water. Researchers found that African American neighborhoods lacking access to municipal water service faced compounded risks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

The electrified brain

Researchers at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin have identified a specific nerve bundle as the optimal target for deep brain stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder. The study's findings may improve treatment outcomes for patients with severe OCD, which affects over 2% of people worldwide.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020

Asthma and allergies more common in 'night owl' teens: study

A new study found that teenagers who go to bed late have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis symptoms. Researchers suspect that disruptions to melatonin production due to digital screen exposure may be the cause, and are urging clinicians to ask about sleep habits when diagnosing allergies and asthma.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalERJ Open Research·DateJul 6, 2020

New insights into van der Waals materials found

The study observed a rare phenomenon known as the dynamic breaking of Friedel's Law in layered van der Waals materials, where the pairs of Bragg peaks show opposite oscillating patterns. This unique behavior is attributed to the lattice structure of the material and its effect on electron diffraction.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 6, 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.

Newly discovered pathogen in NY apples causes bitter rot disease

A new fungal pathogen causing bitter rot disease in New York state apples has been identified, along with a second related fungus found in other fruits. The discovery highlights the need for effective management strategies to mitigate losses up to 25% per year in affected orchards.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2020

Do we know what we want in a romantic partner? No more than a random stranger would

A study by UC Davis researchers suggests that people's ideal partner preferences do not reflect any unique personal insight. Participants who listed their top three attributes in an ideal partner showed increased romantic desire for others who possessed those same attributes, regardless of whether they were acquaintances or strangers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 6, 2020

New vitamin K-based drug shows promise against medication-resistant epilepsy

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a vitamin K-based compound that eliminates medication-resistant epileptic seizures in mice. The compound works by increasing brain cells' ability to produce energy and protects mitochondrial health, making it a promising new treatment option for those with epilepsy.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2020

Innovations for sustainability in a post-pandemic future

The report assesses the positive potential benefits of innovation for sustainable development while also highlighting negative impacts and challenges. It outlines strategies to harness innovation for efficiency and sufficiency in providing services to people, with a focus on human wellbeing.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·DateJul 6, 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.

Physics -- Bubbling and burping droplets of DNA

Researchers discovered that DNA droplets can exhibit bubbling behavior, similar to boiling water, when exposed to certain enzymes. This phenomenon occurs in lightly-bound systems, where the enzyme penetrates the crowded DNA particles, causing an osmotic effect and leading to a burping-like outburst.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Time to get real on the power of positive thinking -- new study

A new study from the University of Bath and LSE found that realists experience the highest long-term happiness compared to optimists. The research suggests that making decisions based on accurate expectations can lead to better outcomes and increased well-being.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 6, 2020

Coconut confusion reveals consumer conundrum

A new study reveals that coconut oil production threatens more species per ton produced than palm or other vegetable oils, with 20 threatened species affected per million tons. The research highlights the difficulties of conscientious consumption due to a lack of objective guidance on environmental impacts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 6, 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.

Running in Tarahumara culture

Researchers study Tarahumara runners to dispel stereotypes about their athletic prowess. They find that traditional long-distance running is a socially vital form of prayer and develops endurance through regular hard work and physical activities like walking and dancing.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateJul 6, 2020

Light a critical factor in limiting carbon uptake, especially in the north

A new study by Columbia University reveals that even as temperatures warm, light remains a major factor in limiting carbon uptake in northern high latitudes. This limitation means that these regions will not become more conducive to vegetation growth and instead release more carbon dioxide.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 6, 2020

South American records of drought and rainfall

A study recreated 600 years of South American hydroclimate records, revealing an increase in prolonged droughts and rainfall events since the 1960s. The researchers attribute these changes to oscillations between El Niño and La Niú events, as well as wind patterns at middle southern latitudes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

How does Earth sustain its magnetic field?

The geodynamo generates Earth's magnetic field through the motion of liquid iron in the outer core. New research examines how lighter elements like silicon could drive this process, suggesting a concentration of 8 weight percent silicon is sufficient to sustain the geodynamo on heat transmission alone for the planet's entire history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 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.

Sorting and secreting insulin by expiration date

A study in Journal of Biological Chemistry describes a new way to determine the age of insulin-storage parcels and sheds light on how their age affects their release into the bloodstream. This finding could help experts better understand diabetes and fine-tune therapies for it.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2020