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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 1 of 45

Investigating host tolerance to genes that jump

Researcher Erin Kelleher is studying how some individuals can tolerate genetic mutations caused by 'jumping genes,' which can lead to devastating effects on reproductive cells. Her work aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of bruno-dependent tolerance in fruit flies and its potential implications for tumor cells.

FSU researchers develop new X-ray detection technology

Researchers at Florida State University have created a new material for X-ray scintillators that uses an organic manganese halide compound, eliminating the need for lead or heavy metals. This breakthrough technology could pave the way for more affordable and sustainable X-ray detectors.

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.

Preparing accountants of the future

The study aims to examine the extent to which the AD&A Second Major programme equips students with key skills and competencies in the future accounting workplace. It will also measure students' learning outcomes and gather insights on how future programmes can be designed to equip students with necessary skills.

How's the transit weather?

A new study by University of Utah researchers found a correlation between media coverage of weather and air quality, and transit ridership. The study suggests that favorable weather conditions and comfort are associated with increased ridership, while poor air quality may discourage usage.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Being a selfish jerk doesn't get you ahead, research finds

Two 14-year longitudinal studies found that people with disagreeable personality traits, such as being combative and manipulative, are not more likely to achieve power than those who are nice. In contrast, extroverts were the most likely to advance in their organizations based on sociability, energy, and assertiveness.

Guam study advances research of cycads as an ecotoxin

Researchers have discovered that younger cycad seeds contain higher levels of neurotoxins, increasing the risk of exposure. The study provides new models for estimating seed age, adding clarity to future research and shedding light on the origins of a neurological disease prevalent on Guam.

Once infected, twice infected

Researchers found that prior exposure to powdery mildew makes plants more susceptible to subsequent disease. In experiments and in the wild, early infection facilitated later infection, with some pathogen strains promoting infections from later-arriving strains. The findings highlight the importance of understanding interactions among ...

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.

CU Anschutz researchers shed light on split-second decision making

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers has identified the cerebellum as a critical region for making fast `go-no go' decisions. The study used mice to investigate the molecular layer interneurons in the cerebellum, which were found to play a role in learning valence and determining whether something is good or not.

Study: Portable, point-of-care COVID-19 test could bypass the lab

Researchers developed a rapid COVID-19 molecular test and portable instrument using a simpler process called LAMP, which can detect the virus in 30 minutes. The test uses a small 3D-printed microfluidic cartridge that reacts with chemicals to produce fluorescent light.

Obesity -- the deadly disease that nobody dies of

A new study found that obesity-related illnesses frequently occur in people with a BMI over 30, yet only 9% had obesity recorded as a cause of death. Researchers argue that obesity is not being accurately documented on medical certificates, highlighting the need for further studies.

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.

How antibiotics interact

A joint study by University of Cologne researchers predicts the outcomes of combining certain antibiotics using mathematical models. The scientists found that interactions between antibiotics are often caused by bottlenecks in the translation cycle, allowing them to predict the effects of antibiotic combinations without trial and error.

Preventing infections tied to ventilator intubation

Researchers developed a curcumin-functionalized endotracheal tube that inactivates up to 95% of bacteria when illuminated. This innovation may help prevent hospital-acquired infections and reduce the need for antibiotic treatment.

Obesity prevalence varies widely among Latino populations, NYC study finds

A new NYC study reveals a significant variation in obesity prevalence among Latino populations, with Mexicans and Puerto Ricans more likely to have obesity. The study suggests that standardised treatment may obscure unique risks among specific groups, highlighting the need for culturally tailored approaches.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

A global probe into how insolvency laws can help tanking businesses

The Singapore Global Restructuring Initiative aims to promote cooperation and cutting-edge research on corporate insolvency. The project explores how insolvency laws can minimize the economic effects of crises like COVID-19, facilitating entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to finance.

Genetic mutations may be linked to infertility, early menopause

A new study identifies a specific gene's role in fertility, finding mutations in this gene are associated with early menopause. The researchers used genetic techniques to find genes involved with eye development and discovered the gene is essential for reproductive organs.

Perceptions of federal science advisory boards

A study of 900 US residents found that conservatives tend to view industry-majority boards as making unbiased decisions, while liberals see them as promoting business interests. The authors suggest this politicization could impact scientific advice given to the government.

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.

Evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis

Researchers discovered that rhodochrosite can be photooxidized by UV light under anoxic conditions, suggesting a possible alternative to biological catalysts for oxygenic photosynthesis. This finding provides insight into the evolution of oxygenic photosynthetic organisms on Earth.

FEFU scientists are developing genetic methods to understand malignant tumors

Researchers at FEFU are working on genetically modified models of brain tumors to understand the role of IDH1 and TP53 gene mutations. They plan to create laboratory models of these mutations to develop new diagnostic markers and test antitumor compounds, potentially leading to personalized therapy for glioma patients.

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.

Humans' construction 'footprint' on ocean quantified for first time

A new study has quantified the extent of human development in oceans for the first time, mapping an area of approximately 30,000 square kilometers modified by human construction. This footprint is comparable to urbanized land and greater than some natural habitats like mangrove forests and seagrass beds.

EBMT trial shows improvements in treatment of Severe Aplastic Anaemia

The RACE trial demonstrated that adding Eltrombopag to standard immunosuppressive treatment increases response rates in patients with Severe Aplastic Anaemia. The study found significant improvements in complete response rates, sustained at 6 months, and showed Eltrombopag was generally well-tolerated.

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.

Sex cells have a sweet tooth, and they pass it on to the brain

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discover that changes in sex cells' nutritional requirements make female flies crave sugar, affecting their food choice and fertility. The study's findings suggest a novel mechanism by which metabolism controls feeding behaviour, potentially relevant to human fertility.

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.

Individual dolphin calls used to estimate population size and movement in the wild

Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...

Scientists unlock crops' power to resist floods

Researchers have discovered a way to make staple foods resistant to flooding triggered by climate change. By manipulating enzymes that control plant responses to low oxygen levels, scientists hope to create flood-tolerant crops that can help mitigate the devastating impact of extreme weather events on food production.

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.

Spacing Singapore to improve social distancing

The Singapore Spacer project uses Wi-Fi signals to identify high human traffic areas, providing insights for safe environments in universities and commercial spaces. The system aggregates data over time to inform decision-makers on the effectiveness of policies.

Ethnic antagonism and antidemocratic attitudes

A majority of surveyed US-based Republicans agree that traditional American values are disappearing, driven by ethnic antagonism and concerns about discrimination against Whites. The strongest predictor of these sentiments is ethnic antagonism, which erodes commitment to democracy.

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.

Eating your vegetables is easier said than done

The EAT-Lancet Report proposes a universal healthy reference diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but implementing this change requires unprecedented global cooperation. Policymakers must prioritize food systems as a top development agenda to realize the recommendations laid out in the report.

CU scientists create batteries that could make it easier to explore Mars

Researchers created silicon-based batteries with improved stability and capacity, allowing for faster charging times and increased efficiency. The breakthrough could enable the use of lighter batteries in spacesuits and satellites, reducing mission costs and increasing energy storage capabilities.

Is being generous the next beauty trend?

A recent study published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly found that individuals perceived as more attractive are more likely to exhibit generous behaviors, while givers are rated as more attractive. This research challenges the conventional notion that physical attractiveness is solely linked to personal qualities.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Body mass index is a more powerful risk factor for diabetes than genetics

A new study published at ESC Congress 2020 suggests that body mass index (BMI) is a more powerful risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes than genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with a higher BMI were more likely to develop diabetes, regardless of their genetic risk level.

Improving FDA's COVID-19 vaccine authorization and approval process

The FDA's emergency use authorization process for COVID-19 vaccines was criticized for its speed and lack of rigor. The researchers propose four reforms to enhance accountability and transparency in drug authorizations and approvals, including improved risk assessment and post-marketing surveillance.

Nerve cells with energy saving program

Researchers discovered a metabolic adaptation in nerve cells that allows them to counteract degeneration and promote survival. This 'metabolic rewiring' involves the activation of the Krebs cycle anaplerosis pathway, which makes neurons resistant to progressive damage.

Stationary waves and tropical cyclone variability

Researchers found significant correlations between stationary wave strength and tropical cyclone activity, with strong waves modulating TC frequency and altering atmospheric conditions. The study's hemispheric perspective on TC variability offers insights into improving future projections of TC activity in a warming climate.

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.

UC study: Cancer, COVID-19 and blood clots

A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying how cancer treatments could impact patients who also have COVID-19 and blood clots. The study aims to understand the thrombotic risk posed by certain cancer treatments and hopes to contribute data that could prevent complications for millions of patients.