Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 290


Page 290 of 512

A sugar hit to help destroy cancer cells

Researchers at USC Viterbi's Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have discovered a fatal vulnerability in many cancer cells: their inability to adapt to alternative sugars like galactose. The discovery could lead to new metabolic treatments for cancer, targeting cells with specific genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateJun 16, 2020

Teens who say their parents are overcontrolling struggle with relationships, educational goals as adults

A new longitudinal study found that teenagers whose parents are overbearing experience difficulties in social relationships and educational attainment by adulthood. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that overcontrolling parenting can stunt adolescent development and lead to long-term problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 16, 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.

Black hole's heart still beating

Astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole's heartbeat, which has been ongoing for over ten years. The signal was spotted again in 2018 using X-ray satellite observations, providing valuable information about the black hole's event horizon.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 16, 2020

Coal-burning in Siberia led to climate change 250 million years ago

A team of researchers has found direct evidence that massive coal burning in Siberia led to the Permo-Triassic Extinction, resulting in up to 96% marine species and 70% terrestrial vertebrate extinctions. The study suggests that catastrophic global warming devastated life on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeology·DateJun 16, 2020

Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health

A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

Study evaluates stress level of rehabilitated sea turtles during transport

A new study found that rehabilitated Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles exhibit a substantial stress response when transported to release locations in the southern United States. Despite this, the turtles remained physically stable and ready for release, with minimal impact on their vital signs or blood data.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Researcher builds solution to work-from-home cloud-computing 'storms'

A computer science researcher has developed an algorithm called Orchestra that reduces spikes in resource demands in cloud computing, allowing companies to maintain smooth operations despite increased work-from-home usage. The solution uses lightweight monitoring and performance-based models to adjust cloud resources in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing·DateJun 16, 2020

The balancing act between plant growth and defense

Researchers from Kumamoto University identified a plant gene that balances growth with defense mechanisms to protect against nematode infections. The DEL1 gene helps plants allocate energy to growth rather than defense, leading to increased yields and resistance to pests.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2020

Adding lean beef to a healthy diet does not adversely affect heart health or diabetes risk

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming lean beef as part of a healthy diet does not negatively impact cardiovascular health or type 2 diabetes risk. The study compared two diets: one with an additional 5.3 ounces of lean beef and another without it, both following US-style eating patterns.

SourceNational Cattlemen's Beef Association·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 16, 2020

Multi-institutional study looks at brain MRI findings in COVID-19

A new multi-institutional study found patterns of abnormal brain MRI findings in patients with severe COVID-19, including signal abnormalities in the medial temporal lobe and non-confluent multifocal white matter hyperintense lesions. The study suggests that imaging and neurological follow-up are crucial to evaluate prognosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 16, 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.

Hormone systems can still be adapted in adulthood

Researchers found that male guinea pigs' hormone systems adjust after being transferred from colony housing to pair housing with an unfamiliar female. This adaptation allows them to exhibit more aggressive behavior in defense of the partner, similar to those in prior pair-housing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·DateJun 16, 2020

NUS researchers uncover mysterious tanaids

Two new tanaid species were discovered by NUS researchers in the eastern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into biodiversity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The discovery is significant for environmental management, as it sheds light on the ecosystems and potential resource areas of this understudied region.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalZootaxa·DateJun 16, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, highlighting the importance of high-quality clinical trials and informative multi-group trials to counteract misleading information. The journal also emphasizes the potential for the pandemic to transform medical care, education, and work.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2020

New species extinction target proposed for global nature rescue plan

Experts demand a prominent target of 20 species extinctions per year to lower biodiversity loss rates and protect ecosystem services. The proposed target is comparable to the 2-degree climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 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.

Shining like a diamond: A new species of diamond frog from northern Madagascar

A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJun 16, 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.

Classes set by ability are hitting children's self-confidence, study finds

A new study found that ability-based classes severely affect pupils' self-confidence, particularly in maths. The research suggests that students in top sets have higher self-confidence in maths and English, while those in bottom sets have lower self-confidence, widening the gap over time.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology of Education·DateJun 16, 2020

Treating relapsing multiple sclerosis with hookworm infection

A randomized clinical trial investigated treating patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis using a therapeutic hookworm infection, comparing it to placebo. The study aimed to determine if gut worms could induce immune responses that protect against multiple sclerosis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 15, 2020

As food insecurity continues to plague New Yorkers, impact on children is worrisome

A recent survey by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health found that one in four households with children under 18 have reported a child experiencing hunger, leading to weight loss and health concerns. The survey also highlights widening dietary inequities among low-income and minority households.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 15, 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.

COVID-19 hospitalizations could mean significant out-of-pocket medical costs for many Americans

Researchers analyzed insurance claims from 2016 to 2019 and found that out-of-pocket costs for respiratory illnesses were particularly high for consumer-directed plans. Tens of millions of Americans with self-insured health plans may face significant financial burden due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 15, 2020

Super-potent human antibodies protect against COVID-19 in animal tests

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute isolate powerful coronavirus-neutralizing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients and test their effectiveness in animals, achieving results in under seven weeks. The discovery offers hope for a rapid response to the pandemic and potential clinical trials for treatment and preventive measures.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2020

A phase battery for quantum technologies

Researchers have created the first quantum phase battery, which induces supercurrents in a quantum circuit by providing a persistent phase difference. The battery consists of an indium arsenide nanowire and aluminum superconducting leads.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2020

Three new studies identify neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

Several newly discovered human antibodies target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering promising therapeutic leads and potential protection against new coronavirus outbreaks. Researchers have isolated hundreds of antibodies from convalescent donors, with some showing strong cross-neutralization capabilities against related bat coronaviruses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

Taking a landslide's temperature to avert catastrophe

A new model developed by Duke University engineers can accurately recreate the dynamics of historic and current landslides, pointing to the temperature of a thin layer of clay as critical to its potential for sudden cataclysmic failure. The approach is being used to monitor an evolving landslide in Andorra.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 15, 2020

Building a circular chemical economy

McKone's project aims to convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, addressing the environmental impact of excess CO2. He is developing new catalysts and reactors to mimic biological enzymes and improve efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 15, 2020

State laws and firearm mortality

A study found that child access prevention (CAP) laws, but not right-to-carry (RTC) or stand your ground (SYG) laws, are associated with reduced firearm-related deaths. States with more restrictive policies had 11% fewer firearm deaths, corresponding to an estimated 4,475 fewer deaths per year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Cell wall research reveals possibility of simple and sustainable method to protect crops

Scientists have found that cell wall extracts from immune-active plants can trigger plant immunity and disease resistance, providing a new approach to protecting crops against pathogens and pests. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of simple, sustainable, and effective treatments to reduce crop losses.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 15, 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.

Neighborhood conditions and educational attainment

Research examined childhood neighborhoods and adult education in Sweden from 1939 to 2015. The study found that social context of nearest neighbors during childhood predicted adult educational attainment, regardless of family background or school district.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Directly printing 3D tissues within the body

Researchers have created a technology to print tissues directly in the body, using a specially-formulated bio-ink that can be crosslinked safely using visible light. This breakthrough enables minimally-invasive laparoscopic options for tissue repair and engineering, saving time and cost.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiofabrication·DateJun 15, 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.

Pew funds 22 researchers to pursue scientific breakthroughs

The Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences supports early-career researchers with four-year funding for foundational research. This year's class of 22 scholars tackles complex questions in biomedicine, including aging differences between males and females, inflammatory disease trajectories, and temperature regulation mechanisms.

SourcePew Charitable Trusts·DateJun 15, 2020

Aging and socioeconomic status

A study found that lower socioeconomic status accelerates decline in physical functions such as grip strength and gait speed, as well as cognitive abilities like memory and processing speed. Social circumstances also impact mental health, with less wealthy individuals experiencing more depressive symptoms and sight problems.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Ethnic minorities' employment prospects lag behind white majority

A new study found that UK ethnic minorities continue to face significant challenges in employment, with many groups more likely to be in manual work or unemployed than their white counterparts. The research highlights the impact of persistent racism on access to positive socioeconomic outcomes and social mobility.

SourceSAGE·JournalSociology·DateJun 15, 2020

Vaccination and moral obligation

Researchers discovered that vaccinated participants were less generous to non-vaccinated individuals than to other vaccinated peers, especially among those who viewed vaccination as a moral duty. This suggests that vaccination is perceived as a societal obligation, transcending social group affiliations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.

New technical approach can enhance diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension

A new study in The American Journal of Pathology reports that gene expression analysis of lung explant tissue can accurately differentiate pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) from pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD). This molecular approach promises to facilitate clinical diagnostics and develop novel target-specific intervention...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJun 15, 2020

Paleolithic mortuary rituals

Researchers analyzed remains from a 30,000-year-old burial site in France, revealing sorted bones and elaborate cave art. The study provides new insights into complex mortuary dynamics of the Gravettian culture.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.