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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 303


Page 303 of 512

NASA calculates soaking rainfall in Tropical Depression Cristobal

Heavy rainfall rates of up to 1 inch per hour were observed north of Tropical Storm Cristobal, leading to large amounts of rain on the ground. The National Hurricane Center predicts storm total rainfall accumulations of 5-10 inches across portions of the Gulf Coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 8, 2020

Gender gap in postsecondary education

Research by Gijsbert Stoet and David Geary found that men are less likely to pursue tertiary education due to weaker reading abilities and negative attitudes towards women attending college. The study analyzed data from 18 countries, predicting a significant drop in male representation if discriminatory attitudes were eliminated.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Economic contributions of ecosystem services

Researchers have calculated Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), a monetary value of ecosystem services. GEP calculations for China's Qinghai Province showed over half of its value came from water supply, with GEP exceeding GDP in the year 2000 and being ¾ as large as GDP by 2015.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 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.

Drug researcher develops 'fat burning' molecule

Researchers have identified a small mitochondrial uncoupler called BAM15 that decreases body fat mass in mice without affecting food intake or muscle mass. The molecule also shows promise in reducing insulin resistance and oxidative stress associated with obesity and related diseases.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Researchers shed light on new enzymatic reaction

Scientists at Illinois have identified a novel enzymatic reaction that uses repurposed enzymes to produce high-yields of valuable chiral carbonyl compounds. This eco-friendly process merges biocatalysis with photocatalysis, offering potential applications in pharmaceutical and bioenergy fields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature·DateJun 8, 2020

California's climate refugia: Mapping the stable places

A study from UC Davis maps 15% of California's natural lands as 'climate refugia' where existing vegetation can buffer climate change impacts. These areas are priority targets for conservation and wildfire restoration efforts, offering a chance to conserve habitat and services for wildlife.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 8, 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.

Rice team makes tiny, magnetically powered neural stimulator

Researchers develop implant that uses magnetic energy to produce high-frequency signals for treating epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain and other conditions. The miniaturization enables wireless power delivery and minimally invasive procedure.

SourceRice University·JournalNeuron·DateJun 8, 2020

Onset and duration of Jehol Biota

Fossils from the Huajiying Formation in northern China reveal that the Jehol Biota appeared around 135 million years ago and lasted for approximately 15 million years. This early biota includes feathered dinosaurs, early birds, mammals, insects, and flowering plants.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Indirect effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the kidneys: beware of the genetic background

A recent study found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce kidney injury in patients, particularly those with high blood pressure and APOL1 gene variants. The virus triggers an inflammatory reaction, leading to collapsing glomerulopathy and tubular damage, even in the absence of direct viral infection.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalClinical Kidney Journal·DateJun 8, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

High-risk mothers missing out on mental health checks

One in five Australian mothers is not receiving critical perinatal mental health checks, according to a University of Queensland study. The study found that older mothers and those with emotional distress are less likely to be screened for mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateJun 8, 2020

Engineers put tens of thousands of artificial brain synapses on a single chip

Researchers create memristors on a single chip, enabling small, portable AI devices to recognize objects and make decisions in real-time. The design could advance the development of neuromorphic computing and enable powerful, portable computing devices that don't rely on supercomputers or the Internet.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2020

COVID-19: Are we handling this the right way?

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen US cases surge to 1.5 million and deaths exceed 100 thousand despite severe lockdowns. The journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness explores the reasons behind this surge, discussing transmission and individual population susceptibility.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJun 8, 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.

Sharing of tacit knowledge is most important aspect of mentorship, study finds

The most successful protégés studied under mentors who demonstrated unique skills in ideating and publishing celebrated research, breaking away from their mentors' lines of research. These mentors were future scientific prizewinners. The study reveals that face-to-face interaction is essential for transferring tacit knowledge.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

The European League Against Rheumatism, EULAR, launches Virtual Research Centre

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) has launched a Virtual Research Centre to address barriers in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease research. The centre aims to facilitate collaborative research, provide access to resources and technology, and develop broad coalitions for innovation and training.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 8, 2020

Better detection of a type of ovarian cancer could lead to better treatments

Researchers found that ovarian cancer patients with a modified BRCA1 gene do not respond better to platinum chemotherapy or have a better prognosis than those with the normal functioning gene. However, they did live longer on these treatments compared to those without any gene modifications.

SourceRCSI·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 8, 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.

Health disparities prove to be multidimensional

Recent studies by Hollings Cancer Center researcher Chanita Hughes-Halbert highlight the importance of effective chronic disease prevention and management for male minority prostate cancer patients and veterans. The research emphasizes the need for better training programs and social determinants-based approaches to address underlying ...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateJun 8, 2020

First systematic report on the tug-of-war between DNA damage and repair

Researchers screened 163,000 DNA mutations in C. elegans roundworms to understand the interplay between DNA damage and faulty repair systems. The study found that multiple DNA repair pathways work together to prevent mutagenesis, and a single mutagen can leave varying mutational signatures depending on the faulty repair system.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 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.

Addressing sexual violence in sport: American Medical Society for Sports Medicine issues position statement

The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) has issued a position statement on sexual violence in sport, defining it as an egregious violation of an athlete's right to safety. The statement outlines key principles for reducing sexual violence, including mandated reporting, training, and background checks.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCurrent Sports Medicine Reports·DateJun 8, 2020

International Consortium of Scientists Propose New Naming System for Uncultivated Bacteria and Archaea

A new consensus statement by 119 microbiologists proposes updating the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes to include uncultivated bacteria and archaea represented by DNA sequence information. This would enable researchers to create a unified list of all discovered species and implement universal quality standards for nam...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 8, 2020

Appetite can be increased by cells in the brain

Researchers at University of Warwick discover that tanycytes, a type of glial cell in the brain, can increase appetite by delivering signals to neurons. The study found that stimulating tanycytes leads to an increase in food intake due to the activation of two pathways involved in feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 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.

Physicists study mirror nuclei for precision theory test

Physicists studied mirror nuclei helium-3 and tritium to measure their properties with high precision. The results showed that the data generally matched theoretical calculations well, but with some differences, indicating a need for further refinements in nuclear theory.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 8, 2020

Cosmic quasars embrace 1970s fashion trend

A team of researchers has discovered that quasar jets change from parabolic to conical shapes at a distance from the black hole, similar to flared jeans. This finding challenges the long-held assumption of narrow cone-shaped jets and provides new insights into black hole acceleration.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 8, 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.

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.

Tai chi lifts spirits of people with heart disease

Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateJun 8, 2020

Zero rates preferable to negative rates for investors' risk-taking -Ben-Gurion U study

Research at Ben-Gurion U found that zero interest rates motivate individuals to borrow money and take risks, while negative rates have a lesser impact on investment decisions. The study suggests that savers might prefer holding cash over accepting negative rates due to associated risks.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateJun 8, 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.

New treatment target verification for myelodysplastic syndrome

A research group from Kumamoto University found the transcription factor RUNX3 plays a cancer growth function in what was previously thought to be a tumor suppressor. RUNX3 is also linked to the initiation and propagation of MDS stem cells, making it a promising new therapeutic target.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 8, 2020

New smart parking software cuts congestion, emissions

A new smart parking software developed at Cornell University reduces congestion and emissions by matching drivers with parking spots based on travel time. The system has been shown to decrease the amount of time spent looking for parking by an estimated 64% compared to other strategies.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 8, 2020

Doing more with terahertz: Simplifying near-infrared spectroscopy systems

Researchers have developed a novel scheme for THz dual-comb spectroscopy that requires only a single laser source while maintaining exceptional resolution. The use of adaptive sampling technique minimizes timing instability and allows for accurate detection of small variations in the absorption profile of materials.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 8, 2020

Many factors may contribute to steep, decades-long muskrat population drop

A study analyzing trends in muskrat mortality found associations with viruses, fungal infections, and toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides. The research provides a baseline for understanding potential role of pathogens and contaminants in declining muskrat populations across North America.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJun 8, 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.

Scientists engineer one protein to fight cancer and regenerate neurons

Researchers engineered a single messenger protein to induce cellular responses targeting two distinct conditions: neuronal regeneration and lung tumor inhibition. The study demonstrates the potential of bioengineering ligands to treat neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

How to gently caress atoms

Researchers at TU Wien develop a method to study metal oxide surfaces using a single oxygen atom attached to an atomic force microscope tip, allowing for gentle examination of surface structures without altering the atoms. The technique reveals different ways oxygen molecules attach to titanium atoms on the surface.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Giving GDP a needed ecological companion

A new measure, Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is proposed to value nature's contributions to economic activity and human well-being. GEP summarizes the economic value of nature's services, highlighting the need to balance domestic and ecosystem needs for a sustainable future.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 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.

NHGRI researchers uncover genes linked to common recurrent fever in children

NHGRI researchers have identified genetic mutations associated with PFAPA syndrome, a periodic fever disorder that affects only children. The study reveals commonalities with other inflammatory conditions, including Behçet's disease and canker sores, and highlights the potential for new treatments and diagnostic tools.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Crystalline 'nanobrush' clears way to advanced energy and information tech

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a 'nanobrush' structure with high surface area, enabling vertical alignment of ions across interfaces to transport energy or information. The unique architecture drives efficient electronic and chemical interactions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Entire Roman city revealed without any digging

Archaeologists successfully mapped the complete Roman city of Falerii Novi in Italy using advanced ground-penetrating radar technology. The study revealed a bath complex, market, temple, and sprawling network of water pipes, challenging assumptions on Roman urban design.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAntiquity·DateJun 8, 2020

Army researchers enhance communications for multi-agent teaming

Scientists from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Army Research Laboratory have improved distributed algorithms for multi-agent coordination, enabling better situational awareness and communication capabilities for Soldiers in limited bandwidth scenarios.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateJun 8, 2020

Titanium oxide-based hybrid materials promising for detoxifying dyes

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed stable organo-inorganic hybrid nanocomposites that can effectively degrade toxic dyes in water. The composites, combining titanium oxide and noble metals, show a synergistic effect, increasing photodegradation efficiency up to 94%.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateJun 8, 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.

Threats to global food security from emerging fungal crop pathogens

Research highlights the growing threat of fungal crop diseases, outstripping bacterial and viral diseases in severity and scale. The University of Exeter consortium has merged expertise to emphasize the need for new fungicides and robust agricultural systems to address this challenge.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Food·DateJun 8, 2020