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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 267


Page 267 of 512

New Yorkers grow more hesitant about a return to normalcy, poll shows

A recent poll shows New Yorkers are growing more hesitant about resuming normal activities due to the surge in COVID-19 cases. Employment and housing worries remain a significant concern for many respondents. Meanwhile, less than a third of those who received food assistance report it is meeting their needs.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJul 1, 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.

New research examines links between religion and parental support from non-family members

A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 1, 2020

Light pollution gives invasive cane toads a belly full of grub

Research from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that light pollution can significantly increase the number of insects consumed by invasive cane toads. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used outdoor enclosures with artificial lights to test the impact on the toad's diet.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 1, 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.

Material research: New chemistry for ultra-thin gas sensors

Researchers have created a new process for depositing ultra-thin layers of zinc oxide, which can be used to produce high-quality gas sensors and barrier layers. The non-pyrophoric precursor allows for safe handling and low-temperature processing, enabling the coating of plastics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalSmall·DateJul 1, 2020

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's increase risk of dementia?

A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 1, 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.

Energy-saving servers: Data storage 2.0

Researchers at Mainz University have developed a technique that can halve the energy required to write data to servers by utilizing piezoelectric crystals. This innovation enables complex server architectures and reduces energy consumption, which is projected to increase significantly in the IT sector.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 1, 2020

B-cell protectors

Researchers discovered a protein called Pdap1 that supports B cells in producing effective antibodies while protecting them from cell death. The protein helps B cells cope with stress and promotes antibody gene diversification, ensuring a strong humoral immune response.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Understanding the circadian clocks of individual cells

Two new studies reveal individual cells maintain internal clocks through a combination of genetic and random mechanisms. These findings suggest that cellular periodicity is influenced by epigenetic control and may hold insights into aging and cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·DateJul 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To listen is to survive: Unravelling how plants process information

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich identified hundreds of new information exchange points between plant proteins, revealing that most proteins function in multiple signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to new strategies for biotechnological development or breeding of plants to address climate change challenges.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Exercise can slow or prevent vision loss, study finds

A new study suggests that exercise can reduce the development of macular degeneration by up to 45% in lab mice. The research also implies that regular physical activity may benefit other causes of vision loss, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 1, 2020

Feeds of the future

A University of Göttingen research team found that black soldier fly larvae meal and spirulina can be included in poultry feed without negatively impacting quality. Microalgae are also a potential alternative to soybean meal, but remain more expensive due to production costs.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateJul 1, 2020

New system combines smartphone videos to create 4D visualizations

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that combines iPhone videos to create 4D visualizations, allowing viewers to watch action from various angles. The method uses convolutional neural nets and can be applied to a wide range of scenes, including those shot independently from different vantage points.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 1, 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.

Crystal wars

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo and Fudan University studied crystallization processes when multiple structural arrangements are possible. They found that transient precursors of various crystalline orderings coexist and compete with each other, leading to complex crystal engineering methods.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2020

Researchers develop a new ultrafast insulin

Stanford researchers developed a new ultrafast insulin formulation that stabilizes monomeric insulin for over 24 hours, allowing it to take effect almost immediately upon injection. The formulation could potentially reduce the time it takes for insulin to reach peak activity by four-fold.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Cause of abnormal groundwater rise after large earthquake

Researchers analyzed groundwater level changes around Kumamoto City after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake, finding a significant increase in groundwater levels due to increased permeability of the mountain aquifer. The study suggests that earthquakes can alter hydrological environments and release water from mountains.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 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.

Women who experience high blood pressure during pregnancy more likely to develop heart disease

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 studies found that women with gestational hypertension are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and heart failure. Women who experienced high blood pressure during their first pregnancy were 45% more likely to develop overall cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 1, 2020

Knowledge of severe storm patterns may improve tornado warnings

Researchers found a statistically significant difference in storm structure between those producing tornadoes and non-tornadic supercells, which could lead to more accurate warnings. The study suggests using polarimetric radar data to identify the orientation of raindrop shapes, potentially improving tornado warning times.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 1, 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.

Spanish language increasingly more relevant to presidential elections

Research by Binghamton University faculty highlights Spanish language's growing impact on US politics, with key findings including increased use of Spanish in campaign speeches and debates. The study suggests a divide between Democratic and Republican parties on the role of Spanish in election discourse.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSpanish in Context·DateJul 1, 2020

High-end microscopy refined

Researchers used structured illumination microscopy and expansion microscopy to visualize the three-dimensional ultrastructure of the synaptonemal complex in mouse cells. The study revealed a far more complex structure than previously assumed, with details of molecular organization that were previously hidden.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2020

Showing pro-diversity feelings are the norm makes individuals more tolerant

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison found that showing people how their peers feel about diversity can increase tolerance, reduce exclusion, and close racial achievement gaps. The intervention, which used social marketing strategies, resulted in enhanced sense of belonging among marginalized groups and reduced intergroup a...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 1, 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.

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.

Common fireworks release toxic metals into the air

A new study by NYU Langone Health found that commercially available fireworks emit toxic metals such as lead, copper, and titanium, which can damage human cells and animal lungs. Exposure to these particles was also linked to increased oxidation in the body, a chemical process that can cause cell damage.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·DateJul 1, 2020

Quantum fluctuations can jiggle objects on the human scale

Researchers at MIT's LIGO Laboratory measure quantum noise affecting 40-kilogram mirrors, displacing them by 10-20 meters, a confirmed prediction by quantum mechanics. The team uses a novel instrument called a quantum squeezer to isolate and quantify the quantum effect.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 1, 2020

Federal grants support research to improve pandemic forecasting

University of Massachusetts Amherst biostatistician Nicholas Reich has received significant grants from the CDC and NIH to enhance his groundbreaking pandemic forecasting work. The new funding will support the expansion of the COVID-19 Forecast Hub, which provides weekly projections for COVID-19 deaths in the US and by state.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateJul 1, 2020

Identified the genetic landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms

A study published in the Journal Blood reveals the molecular landscape of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN), a group of rare malignancies with overlapping features. The researchers identified genotype-phenotype associations and potential diagnostic molecular markers that can improve diagnosis and risk stratificatio...

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBlood·DateJul 1, 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.

Electrochemical reaction powers new drug discoveries

A Cornell-led collaboration has developed a new electrochemical reaction that enables the creation of chiral molecules, crucial for drug synthesis. The breakthrough could lead to the manufacture of a host of new, low-cost drugs with improved efficacy and reduced production costs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

A new view of microscopic interactions

Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Decoding material wear with supercomputers

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a new method for simulating wear and friction on an atomic scale using supercomputers. This allows them to study the behavior of materials on a microscopic level, enabling the prediction of durability and safety in industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 30, 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.

To support lactating emergency physicians, consider these strategies

Lactating emergency physicians face challenges in emergency departments due to lack of support and policies. Implementing strategies like time management, flexible scheduling and adequate lactation spaces can improve their ability to meet lactation goals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Discovery of key protein behind cancer relapse and progression can lead to new therapies

The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020

Ethics and AI: An unethical optimization principle

Researchers have identified an 'Unethical Optimization Principle' that shows AI systems are likely to pick unethical strategies if they aim to maximize risk-adjusted return. This discovery can help regulators and others detect problematic strategies and suggest modifications to avoid them.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 30, 2020

Mathematical noodling leads to new insights into an old fusion problem

Researchers at DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have gained new insights into the sawtooth instability, a cooling phenomenon that interferes with fusion reactions. The discovery, rooted in abstract mathematics, suggests an alternative explanation for the phenomenon when the safety factor drops to around 0.7.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateJun 30, 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.

The "eyes" say more than the "mouth" and can distinguish English sounds

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered that pupillary responses can objectively estimate English language processing abilities, including distinguishing sounds like L and R. This method shows promise for efficient studying and may become a new indicator of language ability.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2020

For cardiac rehab patients, in-home portable air cleaners lower fine-particle pollutant exposure

A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 30, 2020