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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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 31, 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'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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalVehicles·DateAug 31, 2020

Consortium of Brazilian researchers completes sequencing of native stingless bee's genome

A team of Brazilian researchers has completed the sequencing of Frieseomelitta varia, a native stingless bee species with economic interest as a pollinator. The study reveals conserved ancestral traits and regulatory functions in noncoding RNAs linked to the workers' sterility, providing valuable insights into social insect evolution.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBMC Genomics·DateAug 31, 2020
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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Common medicine used to treat gout found to prevent progression of coronary disease

A large Australian-Dutch trial confirmed low-dose colchicine significantly reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with chronic coronary disease. Colchicine was safe and well-tolerated over the long-term, making it a potential cornerstone treatment alongside aspirin and statins.

SourceHarry Perkins Institute of Medical Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHorticulturae·DateAug 31, 2020

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 ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·DateAug 31, 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.

Dodder uses the flowering signal of its host plant to flower

A team of scientists found that dodder parasites eavesdrop on their host plants' flowering signals to synchronize their own flowering. This allows the parasite to optimize its reproduction and increase its fitness.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceEuropean Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Metabolism·DateAug 31, 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.

Study highlights keys to helping dads be there for kids when they don't have custody

A new study from North Carolina State University and Virginia Commonwealth University explores the extent to which fathers who don't have custody are involved in their children's lives. The research highlights three key factors: self-efficacy, relationships with caregivers, and the father-child relationship.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 31, 2020

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...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateAug 31, 2020

Study finds asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk for cardiac disease

A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine reveals that asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. The risk more than doubles among patients with acute infections, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNature Food·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJAMA·DateAug 31, 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.

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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 31, 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.