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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 269


Page 269 of 512

NFL awards near $500K to university for helmet safety

The NFL has awarded the University of Colorado Denver $491,999 for helmet safety research using 3D printing technology. The team aims to reduce concussion risk by lining football helmets with liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) materials.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·DateJun 30, 2020

Study asks who's playing 'hard-to-get' and who's attracted by the ploy

A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that women and people with insecure attachment styles tend to play hard-to-get more, while men pursue them. The researchers also discovered that avoidant individuals tend to use hard-to-get strategies as a self-protective mechanism.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How effective are we at safeguarding disabled children?

A new review aims to better understand how to protect disabled children and young people from abuse, which is three to four times more likely for those with disabilities. Researchers will assess existing evidence to identify best practices in identification, involvement of families, and improving outcomes for this vulnerable group.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·DateJun 30, 2020

From age 8 we spontaneously link vocal to facial emotion

Researchers tracked eye movements of children aged 5, 8 and 10, and adults, finding they looked longer at faces congruent with heard voices. The study suggests a spontaneous amodal coding of emotions, enabling children to make connections between vocal emotion and facial expression from age 8.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEmotion·DateJun 30, 2020

Light from inside the tunnel

Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 30, 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.

Life-hack: Rituals spell anxiety relief

Researchers study rituals as a mechanism of resilience against anxiety, finding that performing familiar rituals reduces psychological and physiological stress. This approach suggests that ritual provides the brain with a sense of control and structure, alleviating stress and potentially coping with chronic anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateJun 30, 2020

Chanterelle mushrooms as a taste enhancer

Researchers at TUM have developed a new method to quantify the key substances in chanterelles responsible for their distinctive kokumi effect. These natural fatty acid derivatives can be used as quality control markers and potentially improve flavor profiles in mushroom dishes and other savory foods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 30, 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.

Study finds that plastic recycling from europe being dumped in Asian waters

A new study found that European countries are exporting large amounts of plastic waste to Asia, where it is often not recycled and ends up in the ocean. The research estimated that between 1-7% of all exported European polyethylene ended up in the ocean, contributing to significant environmental and social impacts.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 30, 2020

COVID-19 causes 'hyperactivity' in blood-clotting cells

Research found that COVID-19 causes platelets to become hyperactive, forming dangerous blood clots that can lead to cardiovascular problems. Understanding the underlying cause may lead to treatments to prevent this from happening in patients.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBlood·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.

How stress affects bone marrow

A new study from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified CD86 as a novel cell surface marker that enables accurate analysis of hematopoietic responses to biological stress. The researchers found that CD86-based analysis can detect early activation phases of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow within hours after toxin injection.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalBlood·DateJun 30, 2020

Seeing is believing: Effectiveness of facemasks

Researchers used flow visualization to test various facemask types and found that well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric were most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Uncovered emulated coughs traveled significantly farther than the recommended 6-foot distancing guideline.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 30, 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.

Universal gut microbiome-derived signature predicts cirrhosis

A new study uses stool microbiomes to predict cirrhosis risk in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers found a unique signature that distinguishes cirrhosis from other causes of the disease, potentially leading to an accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 30, 2020

A revolutionary new treatment alternative to corneal transplantation

Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a synthetic, biocompatible liquid hydrogel that promotes tissue regeneration and treats corneal perforations without transplantation. This innovative solution has the potential to help patients retain their vision and avoid blindness.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2020

A data treasure for gait analysis

A large-scale database of ground reaction force data from over 2,000 patients has been made publicly available for research purposes. The GAITREC database includes information on patients with joint transplants, fractures, and ligament injuries, providing a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers.

SourceSt. Poelten University of Applied Sciences·JournalScientific Data·DateJun 30, 2020

Is a 'cytokine storm' relevant to COVID-19?

A recent editorial explores the connection between COVID-19 and a cytokine storm, which is an overactive immune response. The study suggests that this phenomenon may play a significant role in the severity of COVID-19 cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Major new paleoclimatology study shows global warming has upended 6,500 years of cooling

A major new paleoclimatology study reveals that global warming has reversed 6,500 years of natural cooling, surpassing 1°C above the mid-19th century average temperature. The study, led by Northern Arizona University researchers, compiled previously published paleoclimate data and statistical analyses to show that the millennial-scale ...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScientific Data·DateJun 30, 2020

NASA's TESS delivers new insights into an ultrahot world

KELT-9 b experiences two summers and two winters every year due to its unique polar orbit around an extremely hot star. The planet's atmosphere streams away into space as it receives 44,000 times more energy from its star than Earth does from the Sun.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 30, 2020

COVID-19: Study shows virus can infect heart cells in lab dish

A new study by Cedars-Sinai shows that SARS-CoV-2 can directly infect heart muscle cells, which may contribute to COVID-related heart disease. The research used stem cell technology to create heart cells susceptible to infection and found that treatment with an ACE2 antibody could blunt viral replication.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Researchers control elusive spin fluctuations in 2D magnets

A Cornell team created a new imaging technique that enables real-time observation of critical spin fluctuations in two-dimensional magnets. By controlling these fluctuations, researchers can switch magnetism without using a magnetic field, potentially leading to the creation of more energy-efficient magnetic storage devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Rice lab's bright idea is pure gold

Researchers created a nanoscale gap between gold electrodes and found that excited electrons leaping the gap emitted bright light. The effect depends on metal's plasmons, ripples of energy flowing across its surface.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 29, 2020

Ancient disease may increase resilience to bubonic plague

A study by researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute suggests that genetic variants associated with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) may confer increased resistance to the bubonic plague. The findings propose a link between FMF and protection against Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for the plague.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 29, 2020

Quantum physics provides a way to hide ignorance

Researchers at University of Queensland have successfully verified a counterintuitive idea from quantum theory that ignorance of the whole does not necessarily imply ignorance of the parts. This finding has implications for the security of quantum-based encryption.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 29, 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.

Power outage: Research offers hint about heart weakness in Barth syndrome

Barth syndrome is a rare condition with shortened life expectancy due to heart weakness. A recent study found that impaired mitochondrial energy production, specifically the interaction between MCU and cardiolipin, contributes to the pathology of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Human Brain Project announces new phase

The Human Brain Project is entering its final phase with a focus on advancing three core scientific areas: brain networks, consciousness, and artificial neural nets. EBRAINS infrastructure will provide researchers with a comprehensive atlas and database, as well as powerful computing and simulation tools.

SourceHuman Brain Project·DateJun 29, 2020

Optoelectronic parametric oscillator

A team of scientists has developed a new parametric oscillator in the optoelectronic domain with unique phase-controlled operation, enabling stable and tuneable multimode oscillation. This allows for applications in microwave signal generation, oscillator-based computation, and radio-frequency phase-stable transfer.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 29, 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.

Historic floods reveal how salt marshes can save lives in the future

Historic floods have shown salt marshes' ability to confine breach depth, reducing flood damage by lowering inundation depths. This natural defense can greatly enhance coastal safety, even in areas where preserving or developing marshes is not possible.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 29, 2020

Existing drugs can prevent SARS-CoV-2 from hijacking cells

Researchers identified seven clinically approved antiviral drugs that could disrupt the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 replication and infection. These drugs target kinases, which are potential targets for treating COVID-19, and may alleviate exaggerated inflammatory symptoms.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2020

Size matters for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage

A new study found that Drax power station in North Yorkshire is the optimal site for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facilities. The research also suggests that smaller BECCS power plants are more beneficial to the environment, as larger ones can have negative impacts on soil sequestration and flood protection.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateJun 29, 2020

A new theory about political polarization

A new model of opinion formation shows how people's emotional connections with others influence their political views, leading to increased polarization. The Weighted Balance Theory identifies hyperpolarization as a vicious circle where intense emotions and opinions replace moderate positions.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·DateJun 29, 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.

Pernicious effects of stigma

Researchers found that negative stereotype exposure leads to altered brain activity in the nucleus accumbens, affecting anticipation of rewards and punishments. This study sheds light on the psychological fatigue and stress associated with stigmatization, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Using cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for spread of COVID-19

A team of researchers has developed a method to identify crowded areas with high viral transmission rates using data from existing wireless networks. This technique could help regions manage risks and prevent future outbreaks, while protecting user privacy.

SourceColorado State University·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateJun 29, 2020

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood... or is it?

A study conducted by Michigan State University researcher Zachary Neal found that only 16% of a person's satisfaction with their neighborhood depends on the neighborhood itself. Instead, factors such as individual personality and perception play a significant role in determining neighborhood satisfaction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Studies·DateJun 29, 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.

Responses to cyberbullying

A study of over 6,000 Japanese adolescents found that emotional competence can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence play different roles in moderating the impact of cyberbullying victimization on adolescent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 29, 2020

Faster processing makes cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy more accessible

Researchers have developed new techniques that can significantly reduce the time needed to process complex images from cutting-edge microscopes. These methods use deconvolution algorithm modifications, parallelization, and neural networks to speed up processing time by several thousand-fold.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Plasticity may make neurons vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that neurons with high remodeling activity are more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease and die when their remodeling goes awry. The study, which linked amyloid-beta and tau proteins at the genetic and molecular levels, provides insights into the disease's progression.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNeuron·DateJun 29, 2020

First measurement of spin-orbit alignment on planet Beta Pictoris b

Researchers successfully measured the spin-orbit alignment for the first time in a directly-imaged planetary system. The study reveals that the Beta Pictoris system is as well-aligned as our own solar system, favoring planet-planet scattering as the cause of orbit obliquities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2020

Engineers use 'DNA origami' to identify vaccine design rules

Researchers used DNA origami to create virus-like particles coated with HIV proteins, eliciting a strong immune response from human B cells. The study found that the optimal spacing between antigens is wider than previously thought, contradicting common assumptions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Cause of end-Cretaceous dinosaur extinction

Nonavian dinosaurs went extinct during the end-Cretaceous mass extinction due to a 10-15% reduction in sunlight caused by an asteroid impact. Simulations suggest that the asteroid impact was the main driver of nonavian dinosaur extinction, while volcanism might have mitigated its effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Racial differences in rates of autopsy in the US

A study analyzing CDC data from 2008 to 2017 found racial disparities in US autopsy rates. Autopsy rates were lower for Hispanic and black patients compared to white patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness and addressing these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020