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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 293


Page 293 of 512

New study of bats could provide clues to protection against coronaviruses

A new study led by Liliana Dávalos explores how coronaviruses interact with goblet cells in bats, which may hold the key to understanding why some bats are resistant to these viruses. The research aims to compare the differences between bat and human nasal tissues, with potential implications for preventing future pandemics.

SourceStony Brook University·DateJun 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research reveals how material defects influence melting process

New research by Brown physicists reveals that impurities can disrupt the order of a system and cause melting to begin before predicted by theory. The findings provide insight into the solid-liquid transition, which remains poorly understood despite being familiar phenomenon.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.

New fossil discovery shows 50 million-year-old Canada-Australia connection

A 50-million-year-old insect fossil found in British Columbia provides crucial insights into the global movement of animals across deep time. The discovery suggests a previously unknown Canada-Australia connection, with modern relatives of the insect found exclusively in Australia.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Canadian Entomologist·DateJun 15, 2020

Novel treatment for mesothelioma shows promise for patients

A novel treatment for advanced mesothelioma has been shown to be safe and effective, with a 70.3% disease control rate and median overall survival rate of 8.5 months. The transarterial chemoperfusion treatment may improve the quality of life for patients who have few treatment options.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·DateJun 15, 2020

A raft that won't save you

New research investigates how viruses trick cells into forming lipid rafts, allowing them to enter and infect the human body. The study suggests that understanding this process could lead to innovative approaches to fight viral infections.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJun 15, 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.

BU study: Alcohol taxes have never been lower

A new Boston University study finds that inflation has reduced American alcohol tax rates by 70% since 1933, with the average tax rate now lower than its 1933 value. The study suggests that revamped taxes could provide governments with much-needed revenue without harming industries.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJun 15, 2020

Circular reasoning: Spiraling circuits for more efficient AI

Scientists develop novel 3D-spiral circuit design for faster and more energy-efficient machine learning training. The design reduces interconnecting wiring needs and enhances algorithm accuracy up to 90%. This innovation may enable the next generation of energy-efficient AI devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateJun 14, 2020

Summer observation campaigns to study pollution in the Asian tropopause layer

Researchers used in situ observations and simulations to understand the composition and sources of aerosols in the Asian Tropopause Aerosol Layer (ATAL). They found that part of the aerosols were transported from the Earth surface and upper troposphere, influencing the ATAL's formation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 14, 2020

A salt solution toward better bioelectronics

KAUST scientists create first water-stable, n-type semiconducting polymer doped with ammonium salt, enabling stable conversion of ionic signals into electronic signals. The innovation has potential applications in glucose sensors, enzymatic fuel cells and monitoring ion channel activity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 14, 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.

Later bedtimes fine for pre-schoolers if they get enough sleep

A new study led by Dr Melyssa Roy found that later bedtimes for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old aren't directly linked to an increased risk of obesity. The study revealed that these children slept for a longer duration, which may limit eating opportunities and reduce overall caloric intake.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateJun 14, 2020

Home DNA test data wanted to boost coronavirus fight

Researchers are collecting DNA data from popular home genetic-testing kits to identify key genes involved in the body's response to Covid-19. The study, called Coronagenes, aims to understand why some people become ill while others remain symptom-free.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateJun 14, 2020

Advanced MRI scans may improve treatment of tremor, Parkinson's disease

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalBrain·DateJun 14, 2020

A clique away from more efficient networks

Researchers developed a framework using graph theory to optimize digital communication networks, finding cliques within them for efficient data transmission and improvement in throughput by up to 30%. This approach has far-reaching implications for future networks, including the internet of things with larger volumes of data.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateJun 14, 2020

Keeping governments accountable: The COVID-10 assessment scorecard

A new commentary proposes six broad actions for governments to improve their responses to COVID-19 and future health crises. The scorecard includes 19 statements that can be rated 1-5 to rate government response and assess pandemic readiness, aiming to restore public faith in healthcare systems.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 12, 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.

Protecting scientific diversity

The COVID-19 pandemic poses major challenges to scientists from underrepresented groups, including women and minority communities. The international appeal emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in science to overcome these challenges. The authors recommend improved gender equality measures, targeted fun...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 12, 2020

Self-swabbing tests for COVID-19 accurate and safe, Stanford study reports

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that self-collected nasal swab samples yielded results as accurate as those collected by healthcare workers, paving the way for widespread at-home testing. The study also explored how long infected individuals remain contagious and provided insights into viral shedding patterns.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJun 12, 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.

COVID-19 may trigger new diabetes, experts warn

Emerging evidence suggests COVID-19 may trigger new-onset diabetes in healthy people and exacerbate pre-existing conditions. The Global Registry aims to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and diabetes, informing treatment strategies.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 12, 2020

Bird feeding helps females more than males

A study found that female great tits can reduce their body temperature at night when fed supplemental food during winter, increasing survival chances. In contrast, male great tits do not exhibit a similar response, suggesting males prioritize access to food.

SourceLund University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 12, 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 in Geneva, less than 11% have been infected

A study of 2,766 people in Geneva found that only 10.8% had been infected with Covid-19, with children under 9 and the elderly having a lower seroprevalence. Protective measures contributed to the decline of the pandemic.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 12, 2020

Minimizing thermal conductivity of crystalline material with optimal nanostructure

The study successfully minimizes thermal conductivity by designing and fabricating an optimal nanostructure-multilayer material through materials informatics. The researchers created a superlattice structure that maximizes wave interference of lattice vibrations to regulate thermal conductivity at near room temperature.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 12, 2020

Steering new mobility in the right direction

The report offers tools for cities to update local policy and code to meet the transportation realities of today, focusing on regulation of the built environment and new travel modes. Cities can use community goals to guide how new technologies are regulated.

SourcePortland State University·DateJun 12, 2020

Study reveals impacts of climate change on migrating mule deer

A new University of Wyoming study reveals that drought reduces the availability of key food resources by shortening the duration of spring green-up, altering the progression of the "green wave" across the landscape. As a result, the benefits of migration for mule deer and other migratory herbivores are likely to decrease.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 12, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Heart attack in a dish: a 3D model

Researchers have developed a 3D model of the human heart to study heart attacks and drug toxicity. The model uses induced pluripotent stem cells to recreate the physiological conditions that occur during a heart attack, providing insights into how cells respond in the short term and long-term damage.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 12, 2020

Mazin advancing theory of Ising superconductivity

Igor Mazin creates a quantitative, material-dependent theory for exceptional resilience in Ising superconductors, inspiring new experimental studies and potential applications in quantum computing. Funding of $450,000 from the US Department of the Navy supports this research until April 2023.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 12, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Transient increase in blood pressure promotes some blood vessel growth

Researchers discovered a mechanism by which blood vessels' inner liner grows in response to transient increases in blood pressure. This process may lead to therapeutics that cut off tumors or help rebuild damaged vessels. The study's findings have implications for combating tumor growth and disease.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 12, 2020

Protecting bays from ocean acidification

Researchers found that strong photosynthesis in SAV beds increases pH and generates high carbonate levels, which are then transported downstream to neutralize acidic waters. The study suggests that SAV beds play a key role in combating ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 12, 2020

Printed perovskite LEDs

Scientists at HZB have successfully produced functional light-emitting diodes using a metal halide perovskite material. The new printing process enables the creation of printed LEDs with significantly better optical and electronic characteristics compared to traditional additive manufacturing processes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJun 12, 2020

Genetics could help diagnose diabetes in Indians, study shows

A new genetic risk score has been found to be effective in diagnosing type 1 diabetes in Indians, even in its current form based on European data. Genetic differences between Indian and European populations suggest that the test could be further improved to enhance outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 12, 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.

Unlocking PNA's superpowers for self-assembling nanostructures

A method for self-assembling nanostructures with gamma-modified peptide nucleic acid (γPNA) has been developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers. The process enables the formation of complex, all-PNA nanostructures in organic solvent solutions, holding promise for nanofabrication and nanosensing.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2020

Changes in frequency of sex among US adults

A survey study found that US adults aged 18-44 experienced a decline in the frequency of sexual activity and an increase in the number of sexual partners. The study suggests factors associated with these changes include demographic characteristics, relationship status, and socio-economic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 12, 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.

As rare animals disappear, scientist faces 'ecological grief'

A conservation biologist reflects on losing species like saiga antelopes and Huemel deer, highlighting the complexities of conservation. She shares her hope for success stories in protected areas like Yellowstone National Park and the importance of focusing on rare species.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 12, 2020

Discovery of oldest bow and arrow technology in Eurasia

Researchers have found evidence of the earliest use of bow-and-arrow technologies in the tropical rainforests of Sri Lanka, dating back to ~48,000 years ago. This discovery challenges traditional assumptions about human innovation and cultural development in extreme environments.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2020

Parasites and the microbiome

Researchers found that parasite infection was strongly associated with the overall composition of the microbiome, which could accurately predict a person's country and lifestyle. The study also discovered that the presence of four soil-transmitted gut parasites tended to co-occur at a higher rate than chance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalGenome Biology·DateJun 12, 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.

Hibernation in mice: Are humans next?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba and RIKEN in Japan have identified specific cells in the mouse brain that can trigger a hibernation-like state when activated. This discovery has significant implications for potential human hibernation applications, including medical uses such as emergency transport or critical care situations.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2020

Scientists call for long-term research on ozone source apportionment

Ozone pollution in China's most populated and industrialized city clusters poses a great challenge due to diverse precursors. Long-term research is necessary to accurately determine main sources of ozone and inform effective control strategies.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 12, 2020

Water bacteria have a green thumb

A new species of bacteria, Stieleria maiorica, produces stieleriacines, which act as signalling molecules to control the composition of marine biofilms. This allows planctomycetes to outcompete other bacteria for resources.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 12, 2020

Cash me outside: Transfers to the poor linked to eco-benefits

A new study found that Indonesia's national anti-poverty program reduced deforestation by 30% through cash transfers. The program provided poor households with conditional cash transfers, which helped reduce forest cover loss and protect biodiverse primary forests.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2020

Case series: Teriflunomide therapy in COVID-19 patients with MS

A case series of five MS patients with favorable outcomes after developing COVID-19 while taking teriflunomide reveals potential benefits of the drug in preventing excessive immune responses. The study suggests that teriflunomide may not need to be discontinued in patients with MS who develop an active COVID-19 infection.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Neurology·DateJun 12, 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.

Scientists report heavy ion transfer in charged vdW cluster for the first time

Researchers observe exotic heavy N+ ion transfer channel in a charged Van der Waals cluster, leading to novel scenarios such as NAr+ formation. The study sheds light on microdynamics of biological systems and potential importance in understanding cancer therapy by heavy ion irradiation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2020

School may be the key to improvement for children in social care

Children in social care have poorer mental health and school performance, but trust school staff and perform better after individual assessments. School-based interventions can help these children do better, with improved intelligence, literacy, and mathematical skills, according to a new study.

SourceLinköping University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 12, 2020