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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 270


Page 270 of 512

Even minor heart defects are associated with long-term problems in adulthood

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even minor heart defects can lead to chronic diseases, such as arrhythmia and heart failure, in adulthood. Adults who underwent congenital heart surgery during childhood are more likely to experience lower levels of education and employment rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020

Solving the CNL6 mystery in Batten disease

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 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 treatment for common form of muscular dystrophy shows promise in cells, animals

A synthetic molecule has been designed to stop production of a toxic protein that destroys muscles in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Researchers found that the treatment effectively reduced DUX4 production by over 99% and improved muscle cell function.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

How volcanoes explode in the deep sea

An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers print, tune graphene sensors to monitor food freshness, safety

Graphene sensors printed with aerosol jet technology can detect histamine in tuna broth down to 3.41 parts per million, exceeding US FDA guidelines for food safety. The technology also has potential applications in environmental toxin detection, wearable health monitoring, and disease diagnostics.

SourceIowa State University·Journal2D Materials·DateJun 29, 2020

Closer threats inspire a more primitive kind of fear

Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

School HPV vaccine policies could result in higher vaccination rates, reduction in cancers

A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 29, 2020

Staying apart during a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant social and physical distancing, causing a loss of human connection. This can have negative effects on mental health, including increased rates of loneliness and depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Poison-induced mortality of red kites

Researchers correlated poisoned red kites with local extinction and declining breeding populations in Spain between 1994-2014. Wildlife poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition may contribute to species declines across the country.

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

Laser-welded sugar: Sweet way to 3D-print blood vessels

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2020

Weather and spring migration in birds

A recent study suggests that long-distance migratory birds are not declining due to an inability to advance their spring migration timing in response to climate change. Instead, improvements in wind conditions and land-use changes play a major role in shaping bird population sizes.

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

Ethnolinguistic diversity and urbanization

Researchers analyzed language use and population distribution to find links between ethnolinguistic diversity, urbanization, and armed conflict. The study suggests that policies addressing ethnolinguistic tensions can minimize negative impacts on economic growth.

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

New eye drops may prevent a common cause of blindness

Researchers have developed eye drops that target caspase-9 enzyme to treat retinal vein occlusion, a common cause of blindness. The treatment has shown promise in improving retinal function and reducing swelling in a mouse model of the condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2020

Human-Artificial intelligence collaborations best for skin cancer diagnosis

A recent study by University of Queensland researchers found that AI improved skin cancer diagnostic accuracy when used in collaboration with human clinical checks. The highest diagnostic accuracy was achieved when crowd wisdom and AI predictions were combined, indicating the importance of human-AI collaborations in skin cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Artificial intelligence identifies, locates seizures in real-time

Researchers developed a new method to detect and locate seizures in real-time using artificial intelligence and systems theory. By treating the brain as a network, they extracted meaningful data from electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, improving seizure detection accuracy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Accurate thermal-welding of resins for high-quality products

Researchers developed a precision welding technique using laser heating to join thermoplastic resins like PPS, COP, and PET. This method improves the quality of small electronic components, microchannels, and flat panels by avoiding overheating and burning.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·DateJun 29, 2020

Bleaching affects aquarium corals, too

A new study reveals that two key species of Australian aquarium corals are particularly susceptible to bleaching due to recurrent heatwaves. The study's findings emphasize the need for targeted in-situ monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coral industry.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalCoral Reefs·DateJun 29, 2020

How upregulation of a single gene by SARS-CoV-2 can result in a cytokine storm

The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) through the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway, leading to Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome (SAAS). This triggers a cytokine storm causing inflammation, thromboembolism, and fibrosis. Researchers propose therapies targeting downregulation of AhRs and IDO1 genes to ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Wrapping up hydrophobic hydration

Researchers discovered a two-layer water network surrounding hydrophobic molecules, with the inner layer being longer stable and more densely packed. This new understanding is crucial for biomolecular recognition and protein folding processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 29, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

The gut shields the liver from fructose-induced damage

A new study reveals that excessive fructose consumption overwhelms the gut's ability to break down sugar, leading to fatty liver development. The research found that consuming food slowly mitigates adverse effects, highlighting the importance of rate-dependent fructose processing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 29, 2020

Multifunctional nanofiber protects against explosions

Researchers have developed a multifunctional nanofiber material that can protect wearers from both extreme temperatures and ballistic threats. The material combines the strength of woven fibers with the thermal insulation of porous aerogels, providing a lightweight solution for protecting extremities in explosive environments.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalMatter·DateJun 29, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers suggest routine use of N95 respirators for inpatient COVID-19 care, citing existing data as evidence. Worldwide step count decreases have been seen during COVID-19, with regional variability reflecting adherence to social distancing measures.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Soft coral garden discovered in Greenland's deep sea

Researchers from UCL and ZSL have discovered a soft coral garden habitat in Greenlandic waters, characterized by cauliflower corals and diverse fauna. The discovery has direct implications for the management of deep-sea trawl fisheries and may lead to protection under UN guidelines.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 29, 2020

Lose weight of fusion reactor component

A team of researchers successfully applied topology optimization to a fusion reactor component, reducing its weight by 25%, while maintaining its strength. The superconducting coil requires a strong magnetic field and support structure to function, but this structure is extremely heavy, weighing 20 times that of the Large Helical Device.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers catch a wave to determine how forces control granular material properties

A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

Gold mining restricts Amazon rainforest recovery

A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 29, 2020

WFIRM scientists prove bioengineered uteri support pregnancy

Scientists at WFIRM have successfully engineered uterine tissue that supports fertilization, fetal development, and live birth. The study's findings suggest a regenerative medicine solution to treat uterine defects, avoiding organ rejection and the need for antirejection drugs.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Biotechnology·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.

Inflammation and autism spectrum disorder

A new study published in PNAS reveals that low levels of the cytokine IL-38 are associated with increased inflammation in the amygdala of children with autism spectrum disorder. This suggests that targeting IL-38 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating autism.

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

Sex differences in neutrophils and immunity

The study found that female neutrophils have enhanced proinflammatory genes and responses to inflammatory stimuli compared to male neutrophils. Sex hormones may drive these differences, with males exhibiting increased mitochondrial metabolism in their neutrophils.

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

Ad blockers may benefit websites, users, and the market at large

A new study found that ad blockers can help websites target specific audiences with less intrusive ads, benefiting both platforms and users. The study suggests that allowing ad blockers can lead to a more efficient market, resulting in better-quality content for users.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateJun 29, 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.

An ethical eye on AI

Researchers have found a mathematical means to help regulators and businesses manage AI systems' biases towards making unethical and costly commercial choices. The new 'Unethical Optimization Principle' provides a simple formula to estimate its impact, aiming to reduce the risk of AI-driven unethical strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2020

Oral cancer diagnosis using saliva

A new method uses conductive polymer spray ionization mass spectrometry and machine learning to detect changes in metabolites in saliva samples from 373 volunteers. The diagnostic accuracy of the method is reported at 86.7%, suggesting a potential point-of-care test for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

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

Pilot study suggests Parkinson's disease progression can be slowed

A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJun 29, 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.

Ocean mixing and ice melting under Ross Ice Shelf

Researchers studied ocean water properties beneath Ross Ice Shelf, revealing four distinct water column regions with varying temperature and salinity structures. The findings suggest the presence of enhanced diffusion, potentially modifying cavity circulation, which is tidally modulated.

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

The state of coral reefs in the Solomon Islands

Scientists found impressive reefs with diverse coral communities but few fish, particularly near coastal communities. The research provides critical baseline data to monitor changes and inform management plans for conservation.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·DateJun 29, 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.

Tennis: Losers move their heads more often than winners

A recent study by the German Sport University found that losers in tennis make more spontaneous nonverbal head movements after losing points compared to winning points. These movements include head shaking and tilting upwards or side-to-side. The analysis of nonverbal behavior can help improve an athlete's performance during competition.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateJun 29, 2020

Formation of transpolar auroral arcs

Multiple transpolar auroral arcs are formed by plasma flow shears and electrical currents along the Earth's magnetic field. The study reveals insight into coupling processes in the Earth's magnetotail under a northward interplanetary magnetic field.

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

Blood pressure connected to eye health in young children

A new study published by the American Heart Association has found a connection between narrow retinal artery diameters and higher blood pressure in young children. Researchers analyzed data from over 260 children aged six to eight, finding that narrower retinal vessel diameters were associated with increased systolic blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020

Casting a wider net: New system measures brain activity of several zebrafish concurrently

Researchers developed a novel EEG system that can measure brain activity from multiple adult zebrafish simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for cheaper and faster drug screening for neurological disorders. This study successfully mapped changes in brain signals during epileptic attacks and demonstrated the efficacy of an anti-e...

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 29, 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.

Sandia weapons program meets safety, design requirements

The Combined Engineering Judgment review by Sandia's Delegated Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons Ernie Wilson validated the lab's work on the B61-12 Life Extension Program, ensuring the weapon meets safety and security requirements. The program aims to extend the bomb's service life by decades through refurbishment and modernization.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 29, 2020

Cartwheeling light reveals new optical phenomenon

Researchers at Rice University have discovered trochoidal dichroism, a novel type of polarized light-matter interaction. The discovery reveals that different wavelengths of light interact differently with plasmonic nanoparticles, which could help study molecules and determine molecular orientation.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.