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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 16 of 45

Modeling contact tracing strategies for COVID-19

A mathematical modeling study examines the potential of contract tracing to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission under varying assumptions. The researchers found that effective contact tracing can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 in scenarios with reduced physical distancing.

A gatekeeper against insulin resistance in the brain

A genetic variant of the DUSP8 gene impairs brain response to insulin, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Research reveals protein Dusp8's regulatory effects on hypothalamic insulin sensitivity and inflammatory processes.

Research links Southeast Asia megadrought to drying in Africa

Scientists link the end of the Green Sahara to a previously unknown megadrought in Southeast Asia, which lasted over 1,000 years and shifted human settlement patterns. The study provides new insights into the impact of climate change on societal adaptations and upheavals.

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.

Group of international scientists align on a definition for 'synbiotic'

A group of international scientists has developed a new definition for synbiotics, outlining a mixture of live microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates that confer a health benefit on the host. The definition aims to clarify scientific ambiguity and provide a foundation for science-based claims about synbiotic health benefits.

Sea-level rise linked to higher water tables along California coast

Researchers found an increased threat to populated areas from rising water tables and the possibility of flooding in unexpected inland areas. The study indicates that rising sea levels could push freshwater closer to the surface, putting infrastructure at coastal seaports and national airports at risk.

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.

Hubble snaps close-up of celebrity comet NEOWISE

Hubble Space Telescope images reveal comet NEOWISE's intact nucleus and intricate coma structure. The telescope's high resolution allows for the detection of dust and gas jets emanating from the nucleus, providing valuable insights into the comet's composition and behavior.

'Selfies' could be used to detect heart disease

Researchers used facial photos to detect coronary artery disease using a deep learning algorithm, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates. The study shows promise for developing a self-reported application to assess heart disease risk in advance of visiting a clinic.

Spinning black hole powers jet by magnetic flux

A massive spinning black hole powers a plasma jet through magnetic reconnection, releasing energy in 'mini-jets' that produce high-energy gamma radiation. This phenomenon explains how the energy reaches the jet's core from the black hole and ultimately originates from its rotation.

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.

Women surgeons earn their cut of NIH funding -- and then some

A new study found that women surgeons are underrepresented in academic surgery but hold a greater than anticipated proportion of NIH funding, earning 49 R01 grants. Women were also more likely to be first-time grant recipients and had fewer research articles published in scientific journals.

Unveiling rogue planets with NASA's Roman Space Telescope

The Roman Space Telescope will detect hundreds of rogue planets using microlensing surveys, improving our understanding of planetary demographics. The mission aims to narrow down competing models of planetary formation by studying isolated planets with masses as small as Mars.

A new method for in vivo plant cell imaging with SNAP-tag proteins

Scientists at Nagoya University developed a new method for visualizing microtubule dynamics and cell membrane protein endocytosis in living plant cells. They successfully used SNAP-tag to mark auxin transporters, allowing clear differentiation between newly synthesized and endocytosed proteins.

UTA crawler robot to inspect Lubbock pipelines

A UTA-owned robot will be used to inspect and analyze the remaining service life of 3.5 miles of pressure pipes in Lubbock. The project aims to evaluate the condition and lifespan of the pipes without replacing unnecessary ones, saving the city costs.

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.

Greenland ice sheet shows losses in 2019

The Greenland Ice Sheet experienced a new record loss of mass in 2019, with a total loss of 532 billion metric tons, more than the previous record year 2012. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, found that the ice sheet is now heading towards increasing mass losses.

Larger variability in sea level expected as Earth warms

Sea level variability is expected to increase with warming, altering tidal cycles and enhancing coastal flooding and erosion risks. Researchers found that nearly all global models agree on an overall tendency for increased variability on seasonal-to-interannual timescales.

When learning on your own is not enough

Researchers found two unique learning signals computed in distinct brain regions, one for direct learning and the other for social learning. This integrated brain network supports social influence in human decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations.

A smart eye mask that tracks muscle movements to tell what 'caught your eye'

Researchers developed a smart eyewear that tracks eye movement and cardiac data, providing accurate measurements in everyday environments. The device uses washable hydrogel electrodes and pulse sensors, offering comfort and durability, with potential applications in health monitoring, virtual reality, and advertising analysis.

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.

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

Heart failure, hypertensive deaths rise in black women and men

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant increase in mortality rates due to heart failure and hypertensive heart disease among Black women and men. Despite advancements in heart disease management, the death rate for these conditions rose by 3.5% and 4.8%, respectively, between 2011-2018.

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.

Routing apps can deliver real-time insights into traffic emissions

Researchers used routing apps to model real-time road traffic emissions, providing valuable insights into traffic flows and emissions hotspots. The study found that crowd-sourced data from routing apps could be used to calculate speed-related emissions and provide more accurate emissions models.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Genetic background influences disease risk from single-gene variants

Researchers discovered that a person's genetic background can alter the risk of heart disease in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia gene variants. A low polygenic score was found to lower the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer in those with high-risk single-gene variants, bringing it closer to the population average.

Water contaminant could have neurotoxic effects on children

Researchers investigate connection between manganese exposure and community health, particularly in infants and young children in California's Central Valley and coastal areas. The study aims to quantify the impact of manganese-contaminated water on public health, as current regulations are unenforceable.

The impacts of gentrification on transportation and social support

The study examines how gentrification affects transportation choices and social connections for black working-poor families in Portland. Residents of the historically Black district of Albina experience easier transportation, better social support networks, and a higher density of nearby destinations compared to East Portlanders.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Save the data: A new approach to database management in solid-state drives

Researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel key-value store design for solid-state drives, which improves performance and reduces latency. The new implementation, called PinK, uses log-structured merge-tree technology to enable efficient in-storage computing.

Australia's wish list of exotic pets

A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.

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.

Dinosaurs' unique bone structure key to carrying weight

Researchers discovered that hadrosaurs and other dinosaurs have a unique trabecular bone structure capable of supporting large weights, different from mammals and birds. This adaptation allowed them to carry massive loads without excessive skeletal weight.

Study finds signs of altruism in people's COVID-19 worries

A new study by the Lifespan Brain Institute found that people are more concerned about others than themselves when reporting their COVID-19 related concerns. Respondents with higher resilience scores had lower COVID-19-related worries, as well as reduced rates of anxiety and depression.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

IOF Olof Johnell Science Award presented to Dr Michael R. McClung

Dr Michael R. McClung received the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his significant contributions to osteoporosis research, guideline development, and clinical education. He has been recognized internationally for his work in bone density testing, therapy development, and clinical guidelines.

Elevated "hunger" hormone leaves trauma-exposed teens at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.

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.

CU student helps bridge teams at Clemson

A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.

Paying attention to the neurons behind our alertness

Researchers used two-photon imaging to study the activity of layer 6 neurons in mice, finding three distinct populations that reacted differently to visual stimulation. These neurons complement each other to regulate information flow from sensory organs to the cortex, influencing our ability to focus or lose attention.

Robotic surgery may improve outcomes in mouth and throat cancer

A Cedars-Sinai study found that robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer is associated with improved health outcomes, including better long-term survival rates and reduced risks of positive surgical margins. The procedure's increased use since FDA approval in 2009 was linked to these benefits.

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.

Anthropogenic CO2 increase is unprecedented

Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.

Declining US plant breeding programs impacts food security

US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.

First daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots

Daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots reveals smaller but more numerous clusters nationwide. The study uses innovative space-time statistics to detect geographic areas with elevated risk of contracting the virus.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Organoids and sequencing team up for ALS research

MDC researchers are using neuromuscular organoids to investigate how ALS mutations cause motor neuron death. They will sequence the organoid tissue samples to understand RNA activity in space and time, aiming to identify potential interventions or treatment targets for the incurable disease.

Promising discovery for patients with diabetic retinopathy

A new study published in Science sheds light on a cellular process in diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to the development of a treatment for this serious complication of diabetes. The research reveals that blood vessels apply molecular brakes to stop abnormal vascular proliferation.