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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 304


Page 304 of 512

Protected areas worldwide at risk of invasive species

Researchers found that less than 10% of protected areas are home to invasive species, but almost all are at risk due to nearby human activity and lack of monitoring. The study highlights the need for increased efforts to monitor and record invasive alien species in protected areas.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 8, 2020

Photodynamic therapy used to treat ovarian cancer

Photodynamic therapy has been shown to be effective in treating localized tumors, including ovarian cancer, through the introduction of photosensitizers that selectively accumulate in tumor tissue, producing singlet oxygen and other active radicals to destroy cells.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBioNanoScience·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.

New light for plants

Researchers at ITMO University have created glass-ceramic lamps that produce a wider spectrum of light, including infrared, to improve plant growth in greenhouses. The lamps use chrome and glass-ceramics to emit both red and IR light, offering new possibilities for agricultural facilities.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptical Materials·DateJun 8, 2020

What do electric vehicle drivers think of the charging network they use?

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals surprising findings about electric vehicle drivers' perceptions of charging stations, highlighting the importance of quality infrastructure. Contrary to conventional wisdom, public charging stations do not receive more positive reviews than private ones, and dense urban areas exp...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 8, 2020

Ultrathin nanosheets separate harmful ions from water

Researchers created an ultrathin membrane with high porosity that can filter potentially harmful ions from water. The membrane has potential to deliver clean water for millions of people globally through purification and desalination processes.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Advances·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.

Kawasaki-like syndrome linked to COVID-19 in children is a new condition

Researchers have identified a new inflammatory syndrome in children linked to COVID-19, characterized by symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease but affecting older children and presenting more often with abdominal pains and diarrhoea. The condition, PIMS-TS, requires close monitoring and early treatment to prevent severe complications.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA·DateJun 8, 2020

Ground-breaking research makes childhood vaccines safe in all temperatures

Scientists have developed a technique to encase protein molecules in a silica shell, preserving vaccine effectiveness even at high temperatures. This technology, known as ensilication, has been proven effective in real-world trials, demonstrating its potential to eradicate vaccine-preventable diseases in low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2020

How much color do we really see?

Researchers found that most people's color awareness is limited to a small area around the dead center of their visual field. The brain likely fills-in much of our perceptual experience when color is removed from the periphery, with nearly a third of observers not noticing desaturated areas.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

ANCA-associated vasculitis: The ADVOCATE Study

The ADVOCATE study demonstrates avacopan's effectiveness in reducing corticoid use and achieving sustained remission in patients with AAV, particularly those with renal involvement. The treatment also showed improved outcomes with lower infection rates compared to standard immunosuppressive therapy.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 2020

Prophylaxis after relapse of ANCA-associated vasculitis

A randomized trial found that rituximab reduces the risk of relapse by 64% compared to azathioprine, with fewer severe adverse events. The study suggests that rituximab may be a superior treatment option for patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, particularly those with history of relapses.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 2020

Repetitive negative thinking linked to dementia risk

A new UCL-led study found that repetitive negative thinking is linked to cognitive decline and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The research, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that psychological tools like mindfulness or meditation may help reduce dementia risk.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJun 7, 2020

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

The BLISS-LN study showed that belimumab added to standard therapy resulted in a significantly better primary renal response at 2 years, with 43% showing improvement versus 32% on placebo. Additionally, patients treated with belimumab had a 50% lower risk of experiencing renal events associated with poor prognosis.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 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.

Great white shark diet surprises scientists

A new study reveals that great white sharks spend most of their time foraging just above the seabed, contrary to the common stereotype of a shark's dorsal fin above the surface. The diet of juvenile white sharks consists mainly of fish species that live on or near the seafloor.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 7, 2020

Pinker flamingos more aggressive

Researchers found that pinker flamingos are more aggressive when competing for food in confined spaces. In contrast, birds fed outdoors with space to roam spend less time displaying aggression and double their foraging time.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEthology·DateJun 7, 2020

Hope for patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1

A Phase 3 study found lumasiran to be effective in reducing 24hr urinary oxalate excretion by 65.4% and normalizing oxalate levels in patients with PH1. The treatment also showed an encouraging safety profile, with mild injection-site reactions being the most common adverse event.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 7, 2020

Sex differences in participation in large-scale genetic studies may affect results

A recent study analyzing data from over three million individuals found widespread sex-differential participation bias, suggesting that men and women are more likely to participate in genetic studies based on different characteristics. This bias can impact the accuracy of results and conclusions drawn from genetic association studies.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Genetics·DateJun 7, 2020

Climate change has degraded productivity of shelf sea food webs

Researchers found a 50% decline in North East Atlantic plankton over the past 60 years, with tiny picophytoplankton replacing more nutritious species. This shift affects fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, threatening shelf sea food webs.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 7, 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.

Virus DNA spread across surfaces in hospital ward over 10 hours

A new study by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital found that virus DNA can spread to nearly half of all sites sampled in a hospital ward within 10 hours. The study used artificial DNA replication to simulate how SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, spreads across surfaces.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·DateJun 7, 2020

Jodrell Bank leads international effort which reveals 157 day cycle in unusual cosmic radio bursts

A four-year study at Jodrell Bank Observatory reveals a repeating Fast Radio Burst (FRB) follows a cyclic pattern with radio bursts observed every 90 days, followed by a silent period of 67 days, repeating every 157 days. This discovery provides an important clue to identifying the origin of FRBs.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 7, 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.

Chance of finding young Earth-like planets higher than previously thought

The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, found that there are more stars like the Sun than expected in these groups, increasing the chances of finding Earth-like planets. These 'magma ocean planets' are easier to detect near stars like the Sun and emit heat that can be observed with next-generation infrared telescopes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 5, 2020

A tiny arctic shrub reveals secrets of plant growth on Svalbard

Researchers found that plants on Svalbard grow in synchrony due to July temperatures, reflecting climate change. Tiny growth rings of the polar willow shrub show distinct patterns, allowing scientists to track growth and understand ecosystem dynamics.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalOikos·DateJun 5, 2020

Wearable brain scanner technology expanded for whole head imaging

Scientists developed a wearable brain scanner that can scan the entire brain, allowing researchers to track electrophysiological processes involved in mental health problems. The device tracks brain activity with millimetre accuracy, enabling new possibilities for scanning children and epileptic patients.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNeuroImage·DateJun 5, 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.

Fitful nightly sleep linked to chronic inflammation, hardened arteries

A recent study from University of California, Berkeley reveals that disrupted nightly sleep leads to chronic inflammation, which is linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that poor sleep quality can be an important risk factor for heart health, highlighting the need for improved sleep hygiene.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 5, 2020

'Mole-bot' optimized for underground and space exploration

The Mole-bot, a biomimetic drilling robot, has been optimized for underground and space exploration. It boasts powerful forelimbs, a stout scapula, and an expandable drilling bit that can excavate three times faster than conventional models with six times higher directional accuracy.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateJun 5, 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.

Fighting mosquito-borne viruses requires a precise balance of immune cells

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that antibodies against one virus can make another more severe. However, a specific type of T cell can counteract this effect. The study suggests the need for future vaccines to elicit a balanced response from both antibodies and T cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 5, 2020

Fewer antibiotics to better fight bacterial infections

A multicentre study involving over 500 patients found that a shorter treatment duration, reduced to half the standard 14-day course, was equally effective in treating bacteraemia. The researchers also identified certain risk factors, including older age and pathogen type, which can influence the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJAMA·DateJun 5, 2020

Dreaming with purpose

Adult-born neurons in the hippocampus play a crucial role in memory consolidation during REM sleep, according to a study published in Neuron. The researchers found that activity in these neurons is necessary for memory consolidation and that synaptic changes occur during learning, enabling memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNeuron·DateJun 5, 2020

Diet, gut microbes affect cancer treatment outcomes, research suggests

Dietary changes can trigger changes in the host's response to chemotherapy drugs, increasing or decreasing their effectiveness and toxicity. Researchers found that common components of daily diets can have a profound impact on cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2020

Is e-cigarette use associated with relapse among former smokers?

Researchers examined electronic cigarette use among former smokers and found an association with increased risk of smoking relapse. The study analyzed nationally representative survey data, revealing a potential connection between e-cigarette use and relapse in former smokers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 5, 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.

CSIC researchers will use CRISPR tools to destroy the COVID-19 coronavirus genome

A Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) project uses CRISPR tools to target and destroy the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome in cells, potentially providing a new therapeutic approach. The researchers will test the functionality and non-toxicity of CRISPR reagents in zebrafish embryos before moving on to human viruses and infected cells.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·DateJun 5, 2020

PFAS present throughout the Yadkin-Pee Dee river food chain

Scientists identified strong links between ecosystem groups leading to biomagnification of PFAS compounds in the river's aquatic food chain. The study found that PFAS accumulation occurs at each step of the food chain, including in humans who consume contaminated fish.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJun 5, 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.

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.

Are kidney transplant patients at higher risk? The European experience

A recent analysis found that kidney transplant patients are at a higher risk of death from COVID-19, with advanced age being the most significant factor. The study, conducted on ERACODA database, showed that 21% of kidney transplant recipients died within 28 days, compared to 25% of dialysis patients.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 5, 2020

Cracking open the proton

The COMPASS experiment at CERN is analyzing the proton's inner structure using particle collisions and complex algorithms. The team confirmed a theoretically expected sign change in the Sivers function, which relates to quark orbital motion inside the proton.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateJun 5, 2020

Early-life education improves memory in old age -- Especially for women

A study published in the journal Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition found that children who attend school for longer periods have better memory abilities in old age, particularly for women. More years of early-life education counteract age-related memory losses, suggesting a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·DateJun 5, 2020

Physicists create quantum-inspired optical sensor

Researchers developed an advanced quantum algorithm for measuring physical quantities using simple optical tools, exceeding the shot noise limit and achieving Heisenberg-limited sensitivity. This breakthrough enables affordable and effective platforms for moderate-scale quantum measurements and computations.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 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.

New report examines challenges and implications of false-negative COVID-19 tests

A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine examines the limitations of COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting concerns over false-negative results. The study emphasizes the need for highly sensitive and validated tests to accurately declare individuals uninfected, ensuring safe reopening of communities.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 5, 2020

New killing mechanism discovered in 'game-changing' antibiotic

Scientists have discovered a new killing mechanism in teixobactin, a potent natural antibiotic that can kill superbugs. The research provides fundamental insights into how teixobactins work and could lead to the development of new drugs.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2020

France has won the R-number battle, but the COVID war rages on

A new study confirms lockdown restrictions reduced COVID-19 transmission in France, but a second wave is possible due to low herd immunity. The R-number, a key measure of disease transmission, fell from 3.2 to 0.47, highlighting the effectiveness of containment efforts.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJun 5, 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.

Protecting the neuronal architecture

Heidelberg researchers demonstrate that restoring VEGFD levels can preserve dendritic arborisation and reduce brain damage after a stroke. A treatment using recombinant VEGFD and nose drops achieved similar results in mouse models.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2020