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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 13 of 45

New surgical approach for women at risk of ovarian cancer

A new two-stage surgical protocol delays the induced menopause caused by ovary removal, providing some ovarian cancer risk reduction while avoiding detrimental consequences. The study found that 69% of premenopausal women at high risk of ovarian cancer were interested in this alternative option.

Deep chest compressions prevent brain damage during cardiac arrest

A study presented at ESC Congress 2020 found that deep chest compressions can improve blood flow to the brain, reducing brain damage and improving survival rates. The study also showed that patients with CPR-related injuries were more likely to have better brain function, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective resuscitation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Could COVID-19 in wastewater be infectious?

A global study led by Ben-Gurion University researchers suggests that wastewater containing coronaviruses may pose a serious infection risk. The team recommends upgrading treatment protocols to remove viruses from water sources.

Ventilators could be adapted to help two COVID-19 patients at once

Researchers from King's College London and Imperial College London developed a theoretical model for treating two COVID-19 patients simultaneously using one ventilator. The approach uses tailored ventilation and adjustable tidal volumes to mitigate risks associated with ventilator splitting.

People can make better choices when it benefits others

A new study published in JNeurosci found that people learn and decide better when avoiding harm to others. The study used an fMRI scanner to investigate how participants learned to choose between two symbols to minimize pain, revealing increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) when choosing for another person.

COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call for water security

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of water security, with nearly a quarter of households in low-income countries struggling to access clean water. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize behavioral change, knowledge promotion, and investment in water infrastructure to address this pressing issue.

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.

Rice's RAMBO-II: A sequel better than the original

RAMBO-II will produce stronger magnetic fields and probe samples with an even broader spectrum of intense laser pulses. This upgrade enables researchers to study materials under extreme conditions, advancing the frontiers of materials physics and chemistry.

Species 'pushed out of the tropics' by climate change

Research reveals climate change is drastically affecting species abundance in the tropics, with 69% of tropical species showing negative responses to temperature increases. This study highlights the urgent need for understanding how species respond to changing climates on a global scale.

Finding a way to STING tumor growth

UTSW scientists found that STING activates a pathway directly killing tumor-fighting immune cells, revealing a new opportunity for checkpoint inhibition immunotherapy. This finding could lead to longer-lasting immunotherapies and more effective treatments for cancer.

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.

Plant-available nutrients and animal body size

The study found that herbivore feces contain varying nutrient profiles depending on their body size. Larger-bodied herbivores leave dung with lower phosphorus and higher nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios.

Severe viral infection overwhelms immune cells

A team of researchers from the University of Melbourne has identified new mediators of immune exhaustion that may be targeted in therapies for cancer and severe viral infections. T cells can lose function within just a few days of severe infection, contrary to previous thought that it takes longer.

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.

Next-generation gene drive for malaria control

Researchers have created a genetically engineered mosquito strain with a Cas9/guide RNA-based gene drive that targets the cardinal gene to prevent malaria transmission. The drive achieved an average efficiency of 96.7% in both sexes, ensuring every mosquito carries at least one copy within six generations.

Ecologists put biodiversity experiments to the test

A new study by an international team of researchers found that biodiversity experiment findings are reliable and applicable to the real world. The study analyzed data from two large-scale experiments and compared them with equivalent 'real-world' sites, showing that previous conclusions were supported.

Global gut health experts guide growth of synbiotics

Synbiotics combine pre- and probiotics, providing a wider range of health benefits. The new definition allows for the use of microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates, enabling the creation of synergistic synbiotics with targeted health benefits.

Acute cardiovascular events common among adults hospitalized with influenza

A large population-based study found that acute cardiovascular events are common among adults hospitalized with influenza, with older age and underlying cardiovascular disease significantly increasing the risk. Vaccination is crucial for these patients, particularly those with cardiovascular risk factors, to prevent such complications.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Army robo-teammate can detect, share 3D changes in real-time

Researchers developed a human-robot team that can detect physical changes in 3D environments and share information with humans in real-time through augmented reality. The robot's sensors and algorithms enable it to provide contextual awareness to soldiers, helping them stay ahead of potential threats.

Having a doctor who shares the race of their patients may ease pain

New research suggests that Black patients experience less pain and anxiety when treated by a physician of their own race. Racial/ethnic concordance between doctor and patient influences physical responses to pain, with Black patients showing reduced bodily responses when paired with same-race doctors.

Nooks, crannies and critters

Researchers developed a new way to measure habitat complexity, which is crucial for understanding biodiversity and conservation status. The method uses three metrics: rugosity, fractal dimension, and height range, and can accurately predict the distribution of biodiversity in complex ecosystems.

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.

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.

NASA tracking Tropical Storm Laura near Cuba

Tropical Storm Laura continues to move through the Caribbean Sea, producing heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening flash flooding. NASA's infrared data reveals powerful storms with cold cloud top temperatures, affecting Jamaica and Cuba.

New study: Eyes linger less on 'fake news' headlines

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aalborg University found that people's eyes linger less on fake news headlines, spending a bit more time reading factual ones. This discovery could aid in fact-checking and help sort through the oceans of false information.

Deep learning helps assess stored blood quality

Researchers developed a neural network to assess stored blood quality, achieving 76.7% agreement with experts in identifying damaged red blood cells. The network outperformed expert predictions when trained using only storage duration.

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.

Inflammatory bowel disease linked to an immune cell run amok

Researchers discovered a type of long-lived immune cell that can provoke chronic inflammation in IBD patients, leading to abdominal pain and damage. The inflammatory T RM cell subtype may also escape into the bloodstream, affecting other parts of the body.

Predicting water-induced soil erosion

A study forecasts rates of water-induced soil erosion, finding increased erosion under all climatic conditions across countries. Conservation agriculture is necessary to mitigate future soil erosion and ensure food security, according to the authors.

Who Could Benefit From Exercise and Behavioral Treatment?

Researchers studied 66 young adults with major depression, finding aerobic exercise reduced depressive symptoms by 55%, while light-intensity stretching had less effect. People with better reward processing at baseline were more likely to respond to exercise treatment.

When it comes to supporting candidates, ideology trumps race and gender

A study by the American Psychological Association reveals that ideology is a more significant factor than demographics in determining voter support for politicians. Despite expressing prejudice against minorities and women, voters tend to support conservative candidates who align with their ideologies, regardless of race or sex.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Flexible targets help immune system make finely-tuned antibodies

Researchers discovered that when the foreign antigen is more flexible, the germinal centre can employ a greater number of evolution strategies to make antibodies that bind foreign but not self-molecules. The study provides new insights for vaccine design and may help address the major roadblock in generating effective HIV vaccines.

Lessons from the COVID-19 front line captured in Health Worker Voices project

The COVID-19 Health Worker Voices project uses anonymous WhatsApp channel to collect stories and insights from healthcare workers, providing valuable information on challenges, innovations, and coping strategies. Researchers aim to engage frontline workers, give them a voice, and share their experiences to support global health efforts.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ancient star explosions revealed in the deep sea

Researchers found clear traces of iron-60 in deep-sea sediments dating back 33,000 years, suggesting the Earth has been traveling through a cloud of faintly radioactive dust. The discovery suggests that the solar system may have recently passed through a denser cloud of gas and dust, known as the local interstellar cloud.

Greenhouse gas mitigation with biofuels

Biofuel production from former cropland or pasture yields comparable GHG mitigation to reforestation; future improvements enhance benefits. Advanced biofuels could achieve up to 4 times greater GHG mitigation than reforestation, according to the study.

Machines rival expert analysis of stored red blood cell quality

Researchers have developed two new strategies to automate the assessment of stored red blood cell quality, matching and surpassing expert analysis. Trained machines can analyze vast quantities of images to accurately predict RBC degradation, eliminating human error and improving consistency.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fat crystals trigger chronic inflammation

Researchers at the University of Bonn identify a disease mechanism where fat crystals cause immune system hyperreaction, leading to chronic inflammation. The study reveals that deoxysphingolipid crystals disrupt mitochondrial function and activate an inflammatory response in immune cells.

New study: MassBiologics discovers antibodies that may protect against COVID-19

Researchers at MassBiologics discovered a cross-reactive human monoclonal antibody to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, blocking ACE2 receptor binding and potentially preventing or limiting COVID-19 disease. The antibodies, in the sIgA isotype, exhibited higher binding affinity and neutralization activity than usual circulating IgG antibodies.

Water availability has changed, and humans are to blame

A recent study found that human-induced climate change is responsible for changes in global average water availability on land during the dry season. The research analyzed data from 1902 to 2014 and showed a reduction in average water availability at a global level, with some regions experiencing increased humidity.

How dinosaur research can help medicine

A team of researchers led by Dr. Tanja Wintrich discovered that even Tyrannosaurus rex could have suffered a slipped disc, as ancient reptiles had intervertebral discs similar to those in humans. This finding provides new insights into human spine mobility and medicine.

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.

Small change makes cancer vaccine more effective in animal tests

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have developed a cancer vaccine that shows promise in treating gastric, pancreatic, esophageal, and colon cancers. The new vaccine, Ad5.F35, is more effective than the original version due to its ability to evade the immune system's natural defenses.

Yoga linked with improved symptoms in heart patients

Researchers found yoga significantly improves symptoms and episodes of atrial fibrillation in heart patients. Yoga also shows benefits in anxiety, depression, and daily activities, with notable reductions in blood pressure.

Optical illusions explained in a fly's eyes

Scientists at Yale University found that flies perceive motion in static images similarly to humans, using a shared strategy for motion detection. By analyzing specific neuron types and behavior, the researchers developed a theory explaining how optical illusions work, which may also apply to human visual systems.

Ancient mammoth ivory carving technology reconstructed by archeologists

A team of archeologists reconstructed a ancient mammoth ivory carving technology used to create ornaments and sculptures around 24 thousand years ago. The team analyzed microscopic images and chemical composition to identify the tools and techniques used, revealing new insights into Siberian tribes' relationships.

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.

Faulty brain circuits arise from abnormal fusion

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that neurons can fuse together, disrupting electrical circuits and leading to behavioral impairments in nematode worms. The study provides a novel cause for malfunction of brain's electrical circuits and a possible underlying cause of neurological diseases.