Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 299


Page 299 of 512

Study discovers BAM15 as a potential treatment for obesity

Researchers found BAM15 boosts energy burning, preventing weight gain and fat buildup, while reducing blood sugar levels. The compound also improves insulin sensitivity and restricts fat accumulation in the liver, kidney, and blood.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJun 10, 2020

Proposed seismic surveys in Arctic Refuge likely to cause lasting damage

Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks found that seismic surveys can cause long-lasting scars on the tundra, affecting its hydrology and habitat. The study emphasizes the need for more data on seismic exploration impacts and better weather records to minimize damage in the Arctic Refuge.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 10, 2020

New 'sun clock' quantifies extreme space weather switch on/off

Researchers have created a new 'sun clock' using 200 years of sunspot observations to map solar activity over 18 solar cycles. The analysis reveals sharp transitions between quiet and active periods in solar activity, allowing scientists to estimate the risk of future solar superstorms.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 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.

People make irrational trust decisions precisely

A new study at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that people make irrational trust decisions precisely when online health information includes both 'shouting' and spelling mistakes. The results show an additive effect, making the combination of errors the most concerning for credibility. Experts emphasize the importance of under...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 10, 2020

Ancient enzymes can contribute to greener chemistry

Researchers at Uppsala University have resurrected billions-year-old enzymes and repurposed them to catalyse new chemical reactions. The study develops sustainable solutions in biotechnology and chemically degrades environmental toxins.

SourceUppsala University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 10, 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.

How stimulus dollars are spent will affect emissions for decades

The COVID-19 pandemic's economic recovery will significantly impact global warming, with stimulus dollars spent on fossil fuels or clean energy having a lasting effect. Governments must prioritize a green recovery, investing in sectors like renewables and energy efficiency to create jobs and reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateJun 10, 2020

One silver-lining amid the pandemic: College students are sleeping better

Research found that college students in Colorado increased their daily sleep time by 30 minutes and kept more regular sleep schedules after stay-at-home orders. Post-pandemic, students also met the CDC's minimum seven hours of recommended sleep, with some sleeping up to two extra hours nightly.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 10, 2020

Decisions made for incapacitated patients often not what families want

A JAMA Network Open study reveals that nearly half of medical treatments and orders for incapacitated patients are incompatible with the surrogate's goals of care. Surrogates tend to prefer less aggressive care options, which often don't align with hospital treatment protocols.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 10, 2020

Scientists present new method for remote sensing of atmospheric dynamics

Physicists at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a new method for wind speed remote measurements. The instrument measures infrared atmospheric absorption spectrum with ultra-high spectral resolution, enabling retrieval of wind speeds with accuracy of 3-5 meters per second.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateJun 10, 2020

C. diff captures blood cell cofactor to build defensive shield

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered that C. diff uses a protein system called HsmRA to capture heme from blood cells, building a protective shield against threats from the immune system and antibiotics. This finding suggests novel strategies for weakening its defenses.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microplastic background pollution in the Curonian Spit beach

Research in Curonian Spit beaches reveals significant macro waste pollution in isolated spots, while microplastic is evenly distributed due to sea storms, affecting the environment and nearby port city Klaipeda with massive industrial activity

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJun 10, 2020

A 'hole' lot of sponge! New technique to create super-sponges is a game changer

Researchers from DGIST introduce a new post-synthetic modification (PSM) method for Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), generating highly porous mesostructures. This technique enables the introduction of desired functional groups and mesoscopic holes, improving adsorption kinetics.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2020

Reprogramming of immune system cures child with often-fatal fungal infection

A UCLA team successfully treated a child with disseminated coccidioidomycosis by modulating their immune system, paving the way for new treatment approaches for other severe infections. The treatment involves combining established antifungal medications with immune stimulators.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 10, 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.

Breast cancer treatment costs highest among young women with metastatic cancer

Research by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found significantly higher medical costs for treating metastatic breast cancer in younger women compared to earlier-stage cancer patients or those without cancer. Treatment continues for longer and includes end-of-life care, contributing to high costs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateJun 10, 2020

'Building wealth and health network' reduces food insecurity without providing food

The Building Wealth and Health Network program at Drexel University's Center for Hunger-Free Communities reduces food insecurity by promoting healing and financial control through group experiences. Participants are 55% less likely to experience household food insecurity after completing the 16-session program.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 10, 2020

Antarctic sea-ice models improve for the next IPCC report

Researchers evaluated 40 climate models focusing on Antarctic sea ice, finding improvements in projections compared to previous models. The study sheds light on dynamics in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, essential for understanding global climate changes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 10, 2020

Flexible and recyclable optoelectronics move a step closer

Researchers have demonstrated a new type of flexible, recyclable electrode that could replace traditional transparent conductive oxides in creating low-cost solar cells, computer displays, smartphone touch screens, and smart windows. The electrodes boasted high transmittance, low sheet resistance, and outstanding flexural endurance.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 10, 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.

Reusing chicken litter shows benefits

A recent study by the American Society of Agronomy found that reusing chicken litter can deter growth of pathogens like Salmonella. Researchers discovered 'good' bacteria in used poultry litter can hinder Salmonella growth, providing new information on the relationship between litter environment and microbiome.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJun 10, 2020

Passing challenging introductory chemistry course gives biggest boost to underrepresented students

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that underrepresented students are more likely to drop out of STEM courses due to lower grades in general chemistry. However, if they complete the first course with a minimum grade, they are more persistent and continue in STEM. The study suggests that teaching methods, including tr...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 10, 2020

Population ecology: Origins of genetic variability in seals

Scientists used genomic analysis to assess genetic variability in 17 seal species, finding that past population fluctuations have had a significant effect on contemporary populations. The study estimates the risk of genetic impoverishment and inbreeding, with implications for conservation efforts.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 10, 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.

Researchers identify new genetic defect linked to ALS

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new genetic defect linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating condition causing progressive paralysis and mental deterioration. The discovery may lead to new treatments for ALS, with potential implications for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·DateJun 10, 2020

New control technique could improve accuracy of industrial robots

Researchers have developed a new feedforward method that improves on conventional techniques by obtaining parameters from an uncertain environment. This approach achieved better performance than the traditional method in simulations, and is set to be tried out on industrial robots and machine vision.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 10, 2020

Food industry 'shares the blame' for severity of COVID-19, argue experts

Experts argue the food industry is responsible for the severity of COVID-19 and the obesity pandemic. The industry's promotion of unhealthy foods has exacerbated the issue, particularly in low-income communities. Researchers call on governments to force reformulation of unhealthy foods and the industry to stop promoting them.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 10, 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.

A rare heart bone is discovered in chimpanzees

Researchers from the University of Nottingham found a rare bone in the hearts of wild chimpanzees, measuring only a few millimeters in size. This discovery could help advance the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease in these endangered animals.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 10, 2020

Telemedicine effective for monitoring patients in large pediatric neurology network

A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that telemedicine is an effective way to deliver pediatric neurology care, with a 93% satisfaction rate among clinicians. The study also suggests that telemedicine may help address existing barriers to care, such as lack of access to computers or transportation needs. To impro...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNeurology·DateJun 9, 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.

Scientists lament 'Humpty Dumpty' effect on world's spectacular, rare wildlife

The study finds that rampant human population growth is causing massive reductions in global mammal populations, including iconic species like Tibetan wild yaks and African zebras. The researchers warn that future ecosystems will be drastically different without drastic changes in human behavior.

SourceColorado State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 9, 2020

Study tracks decades of life cycle changes in nonwoody plants

Researchers tracked the life cycles of 43 plant species over 25 years, finding that some species' growing seasons are lengthening while others are shortening. The study suggests that climate change may be driving seasonal life cycle shifts in plants, but more research is needed to confirm this.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEcological Monographs·DateJun 9, 2020

Research reveals insights into bioprinted skeletal muscle tissue models

Researchers from SUTD and NTU developed insightful analyses of in vitro skeletal muscle tissue models, reviewing state-of-the-art bioengineering approaches for mimicking skeletal muscle tissues. Despite progress, challenges remain in replicating native muscle functionality, including proper innervation and vascularization.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials & Design·DateJun 9, 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.

Invasive rushes spreading in upland farm fields

Invasive native rush species are spreading across UK upland farms, threatening local wildlife and the livelihoods of farmers. The study found that rushes can spread by up to 174% in just 13 years, reducing grassland productivity and causing losses for farmers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAnnals of Applied Biology·DateJun 9, 2020

Kidneys deteriorate with age, regardless of health

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that kidney function deteriorates with age, even in healthy individuals. The research, involving over 3,000 participants from Norway, Germany, and Iceland, suggests that kidney decline is a natural part of aging.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 9, 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.

Microneedling therapeutic stem cells into damaged tissues

Researchers at Terasaki Institute developed a minimally invasive approach using 'Detachable Microneedle Depots' to deliver MSCs into damaged tissues, accelerating wound healing in mouse models. The technique targets damaged areas with high spatial precision, utilizing microneedles to deploy therapeutic cells and promote healing.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 9, 2020

COVID-19 loneliness linked to elevated psychiatric symptoms in older adults

A new study at Bar-Ilan University links COVID-19-based loneliness in older adults to elevated psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression. The researchers found that the effect of loneliness on psychiatric symptoms was most pronounced among participants who felt subjectively older than their chronological age.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 9, 2020

Infected insects may warn of impending citrus disease a year in advance

Researchers surveyed commercial and residential citrus trees in Texas from 2007 to 2017, finding that the proportion of infected trees and psyllids increased exponentially over time. The study suggests that a flatter progression of citrus greening disease epidemics could be achieved through targeted protection and management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateJun 9, 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.

Clocking in with malaria parasites

Researchers discovered Plasmodium parasites use internal clocks to regulate gene expression and cell cycle activities in response to host signals. The finding of a genetic metronome and SR10 receptor protein could lead to novel drug targets for combating malaria.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2020

USPSTF recommendation on screening for unhealthy drug use

The USPSTF recommends screening for unhealthy drug use in adults 18 or older to prevent fatal overdoses, injuries, and disability. The recommendation replaces the 2008 statement finding insufficient evidence, citing a significant cause of preventable death in 2017.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 9, 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.

Study shows cannabis temporarily relieves PTSD symptoms

A recent study led by Washington State University's Carrie Cuttler found that cannabis reduces the severity of post-traumatic distress disorder (PTSD) symptoms by about 62% for intrusions, 51% for flashbacks, and 67% for irritability. However, the symptom reductions were not permanent.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJun 9, 2020

NAFLD in pregnancy increases risks for mother and baby

Women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in pregnancy face increased risks of maternal and infant health complications. The study found that NAFLD is associated with hypertensive complications, preterm birth, and maternal bleeding after delivery, independent of other metabolic diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 9, 2020

Paper-based device provides low-power, long-term method for analyzing sweat

A paper-based device has been developed to analyze human sweat for biomolecules without requiring external power. The device uses capillary action and evaporation to extract and manage sweat, enabling long-term analysis of up to 10 days. This technology holds promise for affordable medical testing in under-resourced populations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJun 9, 2020

First all-human mouse model of inherited prion disease

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking mouse model of human prion disease, demonstrating spontaneous formation of disease-relevant prion protein assemblies in mice with only human forms of the prion protein. This discovery is expected to provide valuable insights into human disease and inform the development of therapies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 9, 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.

Tower extension test a success for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully tested its deployable tower extension, a critical component that allows the observatory to cool down and unfold in space. The test simulated zero-gravity conditions and performed exactly as predicted, providing valuable insights into the telescope's performance.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 9, 2020

An unusual cobalt compound

A research team has discovered a novel cobalt compound with a low molecular weight, allowing it to be evaporated at high temperatures without decomposition. The compound's unique geometry enables an unusual spin configuration of ½, making it a promising candidate for ultra-thin layer applications.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 9, 2020