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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 263


Page 263 of 512

Researchers develop novel approach to modeling yet-unconfirmed rare nuclear process

Physicists at Michigan State University's Facility for Rare Isotope Beams have developed a new method to model neutrinoless double-beta decay, a yet-unconfirmed rare nuclear process with significant implications for particle physics and cosmology. The novel approach, known as the In-Medium Generator-Coordinate Method, enables controlle...

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 6, 2020

Story tips: Predicting fire risk, solid state stability check and images in a flash

Researchers developed a machine learning approach to predict seasonal fire risk in Africa, using data on ocean temperatures and land surface changes. Additionally, scientists found that charge loss in lithium-ion batteries is related to the inherent structural instability of the cathode's crystalline structure. A new microscope tool pr...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020

Nematode has potential to reduce cotton yields by 50 percent

Plant pathologists at Auburn University conducted a field trial to assess the economic damage of reniform nematodes on cotton yields. The study found that cotton yields were 50% lower in fields infested with the nematode compared to clean fields.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·DateJul 6, 2020

NASA finds wind shear battering tropical storm Edouard

Tropical Storm Edouard is being battered by strong southwesterly winds and wind shear, displacing its strongest storms. The storm's cloud top temperatures indicate potential for heavy rainfall as it transitions into a post-tropical system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·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.

Influenza exposure and antibody response

A study in ferrets and children aged 2-6 found that early influenza infections can alter the immune system's response to later strains. This priming effect may impact an individual's susceptibility to other strains.

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

Neurobiology -- How much oxygen does the brain need?

Neurobiologists at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München found the brain requires disproportionate amounts of oxygen for energy consumption. The study directly correlates oxygen consumption with nerve cell activity, showing that only about 50% of oxygen is used for nerve cell function.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalBMC Biology·DateJul 6, 2020

Colony-level genetics predict gentle behavior in Puerto Rican honey bees

Researchers found strong correlations between a colony's defensiveness and specific gene frequencies, rather than individual bee's genes. The study suggests that the home environment, such as island living with human populations, may be a better predictor of gentleness in honey bees.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Epigenetics: What the embryo can teach us about cell reprogramming

Researchers discover a way to 'tune down' heterochromatin in early embryos, improving artificial cell reprogramming efficiency. This knowledge can lead to the efficient generation of high-quality stem cells for regenerative medicine approaches.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 6, 2020

Age-related impairments reversed in animal model

Researchers found that certain immune cells in belly fat can reverse age-related impairments and chronic low-grade inflammation. This therapy promotes rejuvenation and improves physical fitness and vaccination responses in aged animals.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJul 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Incoming CEOs with premium pay packages perform accordingly, study shows

A recent study by Adam Wowak and colleagues found that incoming CEOs paid above market rate tend to perform better over time. In contrast, underpaid CEOs average less effective performance. While the relationship is not complete, the study suggests boards are generally accurate in their initial CEO quality assessments.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalOrganization Studies·DateJul 6, 2020

Gut bacteria improve type 2 diabetes risk prediction

Researchers found that certain gut bacteria not following a day-night rhythm can serve as an indicator for potential type 2 diabetes. Mathematical models also suggest this microbial risk signature helps in diagnosing diabetes, improving diagnosis and outlook of the disease.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Host & Microbe·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.

2D semiconductors found to be close-to-ideal fractional quantum hall platform

Researchers at Columbia University have observed fractional quantum Hall states (FQHS) in a monolayer 2D semiconductor, demonstrating excellent intrinsic quality and establishing it as a unique test platform for studying FQHS. The study reveals unexpected behavior and suggests that 2D semiconductors are close-to-ideal platforms to furt...

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

First direct evidence of ocean mixing across the gulf stream

A University of Maryland researcher discovered that churning along the edge of the Gulf Stream can mix water across the current, influencing weather, climate, and fisheries. This finding has significant implications for understanding ocean circulation, biology, and potentially climate.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Compounds halt SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting key viral enzyme

Researchers identify four promising antiviral drug candidates that block SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting the main protease enzyme. The most effective compound, GC-376, demonstrates potent chemical and structural interactions with the viral protein, making it a potential candidate for repurposing as a COVID-19 treatment.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalCell Research·DateJul 6, 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.

Regenerating the body from within using biomaterials

Researchers are developing biomaterials to boost the body's natural healing process, with two approaches: incorporating cells or designing materials to stimulate cellular response. This can lead to improved success rates in tissue regeneration, reducing regulatory barriers and increasing available options.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalNature Reviews Materials·DateJul 6, 2020

Atomic 'Swiss army knife' precisely measures materials for quantum computers

Scientists at NIST have developed a novel instrument that can make three kinds of atom-scale measurements simultaneously, helping researchers uncover new knowledge about special materials crucial for developing the next generation of quantum computers and communications. The instrument combines an atomic force microscope, scanning tunn...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateJul 6, 2020

Early screening may reduce breast cancer deaths by more than half in childhood cancer survivors

A new study suggests that early initiation of annual breast cancer screening with MRI and mammography may reduce breast cancer mortality by half or more in female childhood cancer survivors previously exposed to chest radiation. The findings highlight the importance of MRI in reducing deaths from breast cancer in this population.

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

Desert algae shed light on desiccation tolerance in green plants

Research by Elena Lopez Peredo and Zoe Cardon found that desert green algae can become active again within seconds of receiving water, suggesting a unique adaptation for survival. The study also showed that these algae upregulate protective gene expression while downregulating metabolic genes during desiccation.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

New guidelines for children and adolescents with T2D

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of early identification and management of T2D in Indigenous communities, where it is most prevalent. The guidelines recommend tighter diabetes control, transitioning adolescents to multidisciplinary care teams, and exploring newer medications for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 5, 2020

Red-light LEDs for next-generation displays

Scientists have successfully fabricated red LEDs using indium gallium nitride, a material that can emit green, yellow, and red light. The developed LEDs offer improved stability at high temperatures compared to current InGaP-based devices.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 5, 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.

A different slant of light

Researchers at KAUST discovered that giant clam iridocytes absorb UV radiation and re-emit it as useful light for photosynthesis. This photoprotective effect enables clams to live in shallow tropical waters with high UV radiation levels.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 5, 2020

Asthma and allergies more common in teens who stay up late

A study published in ERJ Open Research found that teenagers who prefer to sleep later have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis. The research suggests that the body's internal clock plays a significant role in respiratory health, with late-sleepers more likely to experience symptoms.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·DateJul 5, 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.

The latest findings on the MOSAiC floe

A recent scientific study describes the nursery of sea ice that formed off the New Siberian Islands in December 2018, which is now drifting through the Arctic. The research vessel Polarstern has been analyzing data from this unique floe, providing valuable insights into the interactions between ocean, ice, and atmosphere.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 5, 2020

Pioneering brain haemorrhage treatment reduces long-term disability in premature babies

A 10-year follow-up study found that premature babies treated with a 'brain washing' technique called Drainage, Irrigation and Fibrinolytic Therapy (DRIFT) were almost twice as likely to survive without severe cognitive disability. The treatment, pioneered by University of Bristol researchers, has been shown to reduce secondary severe ...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJul 4, 2020

Grant awarded to UC Riverside physicist to explore the dark sector

Physicist Hai-Bo Yu at UC Riverside has been awarded a three-year grant to study Self-Interacting Dark Matter, a new theory that posits dark matter particles have strong self-interactions. The project aims to improve our understanding of dark matter and its role in galaxy distributions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 4, 2020

Does DNA in the water tell us how many fish are there?

Researchers have developed a new method for estimating fish populations by analyzing environmental DNA in water. The approach, which accounts for the degradation of DNA molecules, has been successfully tested in Japan and shows promise for quantitative monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 3, 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.

First evidence of snake-like venom glands found in amphibians

Researchers have found snake-like venom glands in the ringed caecilian, a limbless amphibian, which may indicate an early evolutionary design of oral venom organs. The discovery suggests that caecilians could be the oldest land-dwelling vertebrates with oral venom glands.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJul 3, 2020

Scientists synthesize novel artificial molecules that mimic a cell membrane protein

Researchers at Tokyo Tech developed a synthetic channel that can mimic natural ion channels, demonstrating self-assembling and functionally active orientation of artificial molecules in membranes. The study shows promising results for biomimetic regulation and potential applications in sensing and separation devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020

Quantum physics: Realization of an anomalous Floquet topological system

Researchers create genuine time-dependent topological system using ultracold atoms in periodically-driven optical honeycomb lattices, exhibiting unique electronic properties and chiral edge modes. The system's non-trivial topological properties are rooted in the non-trivial winding of its quasienergy spectrum.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 3, 2020

How does spatial multi-scaled chimera state produce the diversity of brain rhythms?

A team of researchers discovered a new chimera state in brain networks, known as the spatial multi-scaled chimera state. This state is characterized by global triviality but local chimera states, depending on coupling strengths and time-delays. The study found that regions with higher symmetry take the role of relay nodes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 3, 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.

Norovirus has two alternative capsid structures which change before infection

Scientists from Japan investigate the mouse norovirus structure and find two alternative capsid structures (type A and type B) that switch depending on aqueous conditions. Type B particles show a delay in propagation and reduced adsorption to host cells, suggesting they may evade the immune system before changing to type A for infection.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 3, 2020

Closing the gap: Citizen science for monitoring sustainable development

A study found that citizen science has the potential to contribute to all 17 UN SDGs, supporting indicators such as environmental and spatial data. Citizen science initiatives can provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive data to track progress towards the SDGs.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSustainability Science·DateJul 3, 2020

Did adaptive radiations shape reptile evolution?

A study found that fast rates of morphological evolution do not need to coincide with taxonomic diversification in reptiles. The team discovered that accelerated rates of evolution correspond to the origin of unique body plans, but varying rates can result in similar functional adaptations.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 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.

The sixth sense of animals

Researchers found that animals exhibited unusual behavior up to 20 hours before earthquakes, with stronger reactions closer to the epicenter. The movement data were evaluated using statistical models, suggesting a potential for an animal-based earthquake early warning system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEthology·DateJul 3, 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.

Getting a grasp on India's malaria burden

A new approach developed by Kyoto University scientists provides insight into the liver stage of the Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite. The method involves infecting human liver cells with mosquito-bred parasites, enabling researchers to study the parasite's life cycle and develop more effective treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 3, 2020

Heatwave trends accelerate worldwide

A global assessment of heatwaves has found increasing frequency and duration since the 1950s, with regions like the Mediterranean experiencing rapid changes. The cumulative heat metric shows accelerating trends worldwide, but not in heatwave intensity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020

Solar assisted heating networks reduce environmental impact and energy consumption

The study demonstrates that solar assisted heating networks can reduce environmental impact by up to 89.3% compared to traditional heat generation methods, while also providing economic benefits through cost reduction of up to 66%. The system is most effective in larger communities, with a return on investment within 13.7 years.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 3, 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.

Toxic air pollution nanoparticles found in heart cell 'powerhouses' of city dwellers

A new study confirms that toxic metallic air pollution nanoparticles are getting inside the crucial energy-producing structures within the hearts of people living in polluted cities, causing cardiac stress. The researchers found iron-rich nanoparticles inside the damaged heart cells of a 26-year-old and even a three-year-old toddler.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 3, 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.