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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 311


Page 311 of 512

Charting metabolic maps in the pursuit of new vaccines and antimicrobials

Researchers created a new method to map metabolic pathways in microbes, unlocking routes for new vaccines and antimicrobials. The study reveals new insights into the metabolic function of M. agalactiae and M. pneumoniae, two common bacteria that infect livestock and humans respectively.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 2, 2020

Carnegie Mellon tool automatically turns math into pictures

The Penrose tool enables users to create diagrams by typing mathematical expressions, empowering anyone to translate abstract ideas into beautiful illustrations. Researchers developed a special programming language that mathematicians can easily learn, allowing for high-quality visualizations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJun 2, 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.

On the hunt for megafauna in North America

Research from Curtin University analyzed ancient DNA to understand the causes of animal extinctions during the Ice Age. The study found that while plant diversity recovered as climate warmed, large animal diversity did not recover, suggesting human hunting was a major factor in megafauna extinction.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

How a fat cell's immune response makes obesity worse

A study reveals that fat cells' immune response amplifies inflammation, driving obesity-related disease. Type I Interferons produced by fat cells trigger a vicious cycle of inflammation, which can worsen metabolic issues and increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and COVID-19.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

Promising new method for producing tiny liquid capsules

A new surfactant-free method produces up to 100 microcapsules per second, ideal for pharmaceutical or skin care applications. The technique involves creating tiny channels and injecting immiscible liquids, which are then polymerized and solidified to trap the liquid core.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJun 2, 2020

Extracellular vesicles play an important role in the pathology of malaria vivax

Extracellular vesicles play a key role in the pathology of malaria vivax by promoting parasite adhesion to human spleen fibroblasts. The study found that EVs induce the expression of ICAM-1 on fibroblast surfaces, serving as an anchor for parasite-infected red blood cell adherence.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 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.

Study in twins finds our sensitivity is partly in our genes

A new study published in Molecular Psychiatry found that around 47% of sensitivity differences between individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. The research used data from the Twins Early Development Study and involved over 2,800 twins, including identical and non-identical pairs.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020

Large simulation finds new origin of supermassive black holes

A new computer simulation theory suggests that supermassive black holes form from gas clouds enriched with heavy elements, explaining the large number observed in galaxies today. The simulations showed that a massive star can form 10,000 times more massive than the Sun, which will continue to grow and evolve into a giant black hole.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2020

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults at higher risk for substance use

A new study found that middle-aged and older LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to use substances like cannabis and opioids than their heterosexual counterparts. The researchers suggest that prevention and harm reduction efforts should be targeted towards this community, highlighting the need for addressing stigma and discrimination.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 2, 2020

Stopping the clones may help win skin cancer battle

Researchers have found large clones of skin cells caused by UV exposure can be targeted to reduce skin cancers. This study suggests that stopping these clones may help win the battle against skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Astronomers capture a pulsar 'powering up'

Researchers observed an accreting neutron star entering an outburst phase, studying its structure and material movement. The observation revealed a 12-day process, contradicting previous theories of two- to three-day timescales.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 2, 2020

Lab-grown miniature human livers successfully transplanted in rats

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created fully functional mini livers using skin cells from human volunteers. The lab-made organs were then transplanted into rats, with results showing they survived for four days and functioned like a normal liver.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 2, 2020

Story tips: Shuffling atoms, thinning forests, fusion assembly and nuclear medicine

Scientists developed a new method to add deuterium to benzene, improving drug efficacy. Forest research found forests worldwide are dying due to environmental changes. The ITER project began assembling the world's largest fusion reactor, while Oak Ridge National Laboratory improved cancer treatment through isotope separation.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 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.

Extraordinary modulation of light polarization with dark plasmons in magnetoplasmonic nanocavities

Scientists create magneto-plasmonic nanoantennas with hybrid high-order multi-polar dark modes, enabling unprecedented control of light polarization. The resulting amplification enhances the magneto-optical activity, overcoming previous limitations and opening new avenues for nanophotonic applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 2, 2020

Cells that make our insides slick also calm our spleens

Researchers find that repositioning the spleen during surgery can lead to physical changes and altered immune responses, suggesting a key role of mesothelial cells in modulating inflammation. The study suggests that breaking connections between these cells and the spleen may have consequences for immune function.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 2, 2020

New pill could prevent anaphylaxis in people with food, drug allergies

A new Northwestern Medicine study shows that a pill taking proactively to prevent mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis could be a game-changer for those with food or drug allergies. The pill uses BTK inhibitors to block allergic reactions by inhibiting the Bruton's tyrosine kinase enzyme, which is found inside cells and mast cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 2, 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 technique takes 3D imaging an octave higher

Researchers developed a new 3D imaging technique called harmonic optical tomography, which uses holographic information to generate 3D images of biological samples. This technique has the potential to assist with cancer and disease diagnoses by providing critical information on tissue structure and collagen fiber orientation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 2, 2020

Doubts about the Nerja cave art having been done by neanderthals

A study by University of Córdoba researchers questions the Neanderthal origin of Spanish rock art in the Nerja Cave. They propose a new method for dating Paleolithic art that considers multiple measuring systems, potentially leading to a revised timeline for human artistic development.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 2, 2020

Immune cells multiply and diversify in mouse lungs at birth

A new study published in eLife finds that the number and types of immune cells in mouse lungs increase rapidly after birth, helping them adapt to breathing and protect against infections. This discovery may lead to new therapies to preserve or enhance lung development in infants and young children.

SourceeLife·DateJun 2, 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.

Behaviors and traits that influence social status, according to evolutionary psychologists

A study by evolutionary psychologists at the University of Texas at Austin identified universal qualities like intelligence, honesty, and bravery that increase a person's social value. The findings also revealed cultural differences in what influences social status, with certain traits being more valuable in some societies than others.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 2, 2020

A storage battery for the entire world

Researchers at the University of Freiburg are developing a new storage concept that balances power density with affordability, recyclability and ease of use. The 'Plug-In' project aims to create a scalable and intelligent battery system for decentralized electrification in rural areas.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·DateJun 2, 2020

Two lefties make a right -- if you are a one-in-a-million garden snail

Researchers found that rare lefty garden snails have shells formed by a developmental accident rather than inheritance. Dr Angus Davison's appeal for help finding a mate for Jeremy led to the discovery of over 40 lefty snails, which were then bred together to test the genetics behind this condition.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 2, 2020

Leaders call for 'Moonshot' on nutrition research

Nutrition experts urge a 'Moonshot' approach to strengthen federal nutrition research and policy, citing dire state of Americans' health and significant potential for new discoveries. The proposed strengthening of federal nutrition research aims to generate new discoveries to improve health, reduce healthcare costs and create jobs.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 2, 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.

Oil platforms' fishy future

Researchers found that removing just the top 26 meters of a platform results in an average loss of only 10% of fish biomass, while completely removing it leads to a 95% reduction. Partial removal supports significantly more fish biomass than complete removal.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateJun 2, 2020

From dark to light in a flash: Smart film lets windows switch autonomously

A new easy-to-use smart optical film technology has been developed, enabling smart windows to switch between transparent and opaque states. The film demonstrates high speed and performance, allowing for fast switching and uniform tinting while securing durability, stability, and safety.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 2, 2020

Stretchable variable color sheet that changes color with expansion and contraction

Researchers have created a variable color sheet using elastomer nanosheets that change color in response to strain, achieving reversible wavelength control of transmitted light. The developed sheets utilize surface plasmon to produce extraordinary optical transmission and can be used for flexible displays and sensors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Philippine volcanic eruption could prompt El Niño warming next winter

Researchers warn that a violent Philippine volcanic eruption could lead to an El Niño event, intense polar vortex, and Eurasian warming. The Taal volcano's ongoing eruption has the potential to produce hazardous consequences for the Earth's climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 2, 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.

Leading authority on cryptography and data privacy receives Knuth Prize

Cynthia Dwork has received the Knuth Prize for her groundbreaking work on cryptography in network environments, privacy, and foundational contributions to theoretical computer science. Her research transformed several fields, including distributed systems, data privacy, and fairness in algorithmic decision making.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 2, 2020

Families and communities are central to the recovery of Sierra Leone's former child soldiers

Former child soldiers in Sierra Leone who were accepted by their families and communities experienced improved emotional and social well-being. The longitudinal study of over 500 former child soldiers found that stigma was a significant barrier to their recovery, with some experiencing anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress dis...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Impact of COVID-19 infection in blood cancer patients

A recent study published in the British Journal of Haematology investigated COVID-19 infection outcomes in blood cancer patients, finding that most recovered despite weakened immune systems. Age and co-existing health conditions were significant factors in determining patient outcomes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateJun 2, 2020

A better model for neutrophil-related diseases

Researchers have developed a more effective neutrophil depletion model that outperforms existing methods. This improvement enables scientists to study the role of neutrophils in various diseases, including COVID-19, with greater accuracy and precision.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

Solar cells, phone displays and lighting could be transformed by nanocrystal assembly method

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science have developed a highly efficient and controllable method to assemble single nanoparticles directly into pre-patterned templates using electrophoretic deposition. The technique has been applied to various materials, including gold nanocrystals, semiconductor quantum dots,...

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Bees grooming each other can boost colony immunity

Research suggests that bees specializing in allogrooming exhibit stronger immune systems, which may enable them to withstand higher infection risks. Allogroomer bees occupy central positions in the colony's social network, benefiting a large number of bees.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 2, 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.

Molecular circuitry: International team breaks one-diode-one resistor electronics

An international team of researchers has developed a new type of molecular circuit switch that can operate as both a diode and a memory element. The breakthrough device is just 2 nanometers thick and requires low drive voltage, opening up the possibility for ultra-high-density computing within our lifetime.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2020

Study casts doubt on usefulness of Ofsted ratings

A recent study by the University of York suggests that Ofsted ratings have a negligible impact on students' educational achievement and wellbeing. Only one tenth of the difference in grades can be attributed to school quality, highlighting the limited effectiveness of these ratings as guides for parents and students.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJun 2, 2020

In anti-piracy work, blocking websites more effective when multiple sites are targeted

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that blocking multiple channels of access to pirated content is crucial for effective anti-piracy policies. Blocking a single site in 2012 led to increased piracy, while blocking 19 sites in 2013 and 53 sites in 2014 resulted in decreased piracy and increased use of legal subscription sites.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJun 2, 2020

Tiger snakes tell more about local wetlands' pollution levels

A study by Curtin University found that tiger snakes living in Perth's urban wetlands are accumulating toxic heavy metals in their livers, suggesting habitat contamination. The snakes' bioaccumulation of heavy metals through eating frogs indicates the wetlands' pollution levels are a concern for local biodiversity.

SourceCurtin University·JournalArchives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·DateJun 2, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Stomach issues, history of substance abuse found in teen vaping study

A UT Southwestern study found that teenagers with vaping-linked respiratory disease EVALI also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of psychosocial factors, including substance abuse. Treatment with glucocorticoid led to improvement in symptoms and lung function.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 2, 2020

COVID-19 drug development could benefit from approach used against flu

Researchers found that a newer flu treatment, baloxavir, can dramatically reduce the contagious period of infected patients, preventing millions of infections and saving thousands of lives. Early treatment with this drug could be crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020

Exotic nanotubes move in less-mysterious ways

Researchers isolated single BNNTs using a fluorescent rhodamine surfactant, allowing them to track their movement and confirm Brownian motion matches predictions. This study helps understand particle behavior in liquids and could lead to the development of novel composite materials and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 2, 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.

Spine surgeons face COVID-19 challenges worldwide

A global survey of 902 spine surgeons revealed that 75% of surgical cases were canceled weekly due to COVID-19. The majority reported elevated anxiety and uncertainty about managing patients with the virus.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalGlobal Spine Journal·DateJun 2, 2020

Global warming will lift agriculture weed threat

Climate change may lead to a decrease in areas suitable for most Invasive Weed Species globally, but not in highly productive agricultural regions like Europe, US and Australia. Existing eradication efforts are inadequate to counter the growing threat of invasive weeds.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJun 2, 2020

Tuning the interfacial properties of 2D heterophases though tilt-angles

Scientists at Peking University found that the contact characteristics of 1T'/2H-MoTe2 phase boundary depend on the tilt angles between metallic and semiconducting phases. The researchers discovered that a 0° tilted phase boundary has stronger atomic bonds and better contact performance.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 2, 2020

New experiment design improves reproducibility

An international team recommends integrating biological variability into experimental design to produce more generally valid results. This approach, called systematic heterogenisation, aims to reduce the number of experiments needed while increasing their reproducibility.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateJun 2, 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.

Scientific breakthrough toward treatment of Fragile X syndrome

Researchers at UCalgary have made a breakthrough discovery that could lead to the development of treatments for Fragile X syndrome, a genetic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. By replacing the missing FMRP protein in the brain, scientists hope to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 2, 2020