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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 2 of 45

Researchers develop dustbuster for the moon

A team at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a possible fix for the problem of spring cleaning on the moon: using an electron beam to zap away dust. The technology has shown promise in removing fine dust particles from surfaces, with an average cleaning power of 75-85%.

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.

Angina drug fails to improve outcomes after successful revascularisation

The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.

Protecting against misinformation in memory

Researchers found that warnings about inaccurate information decreased susceptibility to misinformation. Warnings were effective whether delivered before or after the misinformation, and participants displayed increased brain activity related to the original event.

People with increased risk of Alzheimer's have deficits in navigating

Researchers found that individuals with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired path integration, a cognitive ability essential for spatial navigation. The study suggests that grid cell activity in the entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in this process, and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.

Unique antibody profile sets gluten sensitivity apart from celiac disease

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered a distinct antibody profile in patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which differs from those with celiac disease. This finding could lead to better detection methods and potential new therapies for celiac disease treatment.

Temperature sensitivity and ocean oxygen decline

A study using ocean chemistry models reveals that respiration quotient increases with rising temperature, leading to accelerated declines in ocean oxygen. The findings suggest a link between global warming and reduced ocean oxygen availability.

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.

True holographic movie is within grasp

A team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a system to produce true holographic three-dimensional images appearing mid-air, viewable from most angles in the room. The proof of concept uses metasurface materials that can manipulate light, allowing for a genuine holographic movie.

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.

Study provides insight on how to build a better flu vaccine

Researchers at WashU Medicine developed an approach to assess vaccine activation in lymph nodes, showing that the flu vaccine can elicit antibodies protecting against a broad range of flu viruses. The findings could aid in designing an improved flu vaccine providing protection against old and new strains.

How helper bacteria protect white button mushrooms

Helper bacteria, such as Mycetocola tolaasinivorans, protect white button mushrooms from the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas tolaasii by enzymatically disabling its toxin and motility. This mechanism involves a lactonase enzyme that linearizes the tolaasin toxin into a non-toxic structure.

Study: Anonymized cell phone location data can help monitor COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers analyzed anonymous county-level cell phone location data and incidence of COVID-19 in over 2,500 US counties between January and May 2020. The study found that changes in cell phone activity were associated with COVID-19 incidence, suggesting that anonymized cell phone location data can help public health officials monitor ...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop molecule to store solar energy

Researchers at Linkæping University have developed a molecule that can absorb and store solar energy. The molecule is part of a group known as molecular photoswitches and can undergo a chemical reaction to change its energy state, enabling efficient storage of solar energy.

Nanomaterials based strategies for treatment of hypoxic tumor

Researchers propose using nanomaterials to elevate oxygen levels in tumor tissues, reducing resistance to therapies. Additionally, therapeutic gas-generating and radical-generating nanomaterials can control oxygen delivery and induce cell death, offering new avenues for hypoxic tumor treatment.

Uncovering the hidden life of 'dead' coral reefs

Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that 'dead' coral rubble supports more animals than live coral, revealing a new understanding of these often-overlooked habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity in these areas, which are dominated by tiny invertebrates and microorganisms.

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.

Citizen scientists bring surprising insights into cowslip mating system

A citizen science study led by the Estonian Research Council analyzed data from over 1,700 observations, revealing a systematic dominance of short-styled morphs and increased deviations in smaller populations with higher human population density. The findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting another ...

Disagreeable personalities and workplace power

Researchers found that individuals with disagreeable personalities exhibit high levels of dominant behavior, which enhances their power. However, this is offset by lower generosity and willingness to help others, diminishing their power.

Researchers set sights on theory of deep learning

A team of engineers and computer scientists are developing a theory of deep learning based on rigorous mathematical principles to improve reliability and predictability in AI systems. They will use three perspectives: local to global understanding, statistical analysis, and formal verification.

NASA finds Typhoon Maysak moving near Okinawa, Japan

Typhoon Maysak's eye is expected to pass just west of Okinawa Island within 24 hours. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 100 knots (115 mph/185 kph) and is predicted to make landfall in southern South Korea.

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.

Wearable device could help EMTs, surgeons assess hemorrhage blood loss

A new wearable device could accurately assess blood loss due to hemorrhage using seismic vibrations and electrical signals from the heart. The device would provide a numerical score indicating the severity of cardiovascular system performance, helping first responders make life-saving decisions.

Helping SMEs adopt open innovation

Researchers study how SMEs successfully commercialize inventions, identifying key factors such as clear clients and open innovation culture. The project aims to develop interventions like training programs to increase licensing of external solutions.

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.

Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

A study published in PNAS identified an overlap between cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19, finding that IL-6 signaling blockade can alleviate symptoms of both conditions. By treating severe COVID-19 patients with a human monoclonal antibody-based drug called Actemra, PAI-1 levels rapidly declined and disease symptoms were alleviated.

How weather affects crawfish harvests

A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that heavy rainfall in August can suppress crawfish harvest yields in the spring due to low oxygen levels in ponds. Winter temperatures also impact crawfish growth, with freezing conditions slowing it down.

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.

Resource sharing and life expectancy

A study of 34 countries found that intergenerational resource sharing is associated with lower mortality rates and increased life expectancy. The nature of sharing did not affect the outcome, suggesting that it may reflect social interconnectedness and benefit human health.

Sea level rise from ice sheets track worst-case climate change scenario

A new study from the University of Leeds and the Danish Meteorological Institute found that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at a rate accelerating faster than expected. If these rates continue, sea levels will rise by an additional 17cm, exposing 16 million people to coastal flooding annually.

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.

College students access eating disorders therapy via phone app

A new phone app has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of eating disorders in college women, including binge eating and depression. The app-based cognitive behavioral therapy provided a convenient and accessible means of intervention, with 83% of participants completing at least some of the program.

Estrogen synthesis, obesity, and self-control

A PET imaging study found that low aromatase enzyme activity in the brain's amygdala is associated with higher BMI and lower self-control. Estrogen production in the amygdala may regulate feeding behavior, influencing BMI.

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.

Astrophysics: A direct view of star/disk interactions

A team of astrophysicists observes newborn stars' magnetospheric accretion region for the first time, providing insight into star formation mechanisms. The study uses the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and GRAVITY instrument to measure angular size and prove magnetospheric accretion taking place close to stellar surfaces.

Ancestry of New Guinea singing dogs

A study reveals genetic similarities between New Guinea highland wild dogs and captive NGSDs, suggesting a shared ancestry. The discovery could help bolster NGSD populations through conservation efforts.

Using AI to better assess structural health of bridges

A UTA researcher is developing an AI-based system to refine traditional measurements of bridge structural health by accounting for variables like truck types and traffic conditions. The goal is to provide more accurate load parameters and improve the overall integrity of bridges.

NSF backs first community platform for smarter wireless

Rice University researchers are developing an open-source platform to turbo-charge the research process of inventing novel machine-learning based techniques for intelligent wireless network management and optimization. The 3DML platform will provide agile and flexible tools to manage and protect complex wireless networks.

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.

New theory hints at more efficient way to develop quantum algorithms

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new theory that may lead to systematic design of quantum algorithms, outperforming classical computers. The theory identifies large groups of quantum states with polynomial complexity, allowing for efficient coefficient sampling procedures to determine their suitability.

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.

Researchers receive $3 million NSF grant to 'understand the rules of life'

A research team led by the University of Oklahoma aims to identify general ecological rules governing microbiome dynamics using anaerobic digesters as model systems. The study will provide fundamental knowledge critical to predicting microbiome behaviors and enable science-informed policies for ecosystem management.

How brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants exhibit increased brain activity and neural flexibility from birth, indicating early development of higher-level brain functions. This emerging flexibility is positively associated with reading ability, academic success, and creativity.

People love winning streaks by individuals -- teams, not so much

Individual winning streaks are more inspiring and awe-inspiring than team successes, according to a new study. People tend to attribute individual achievements to the person themselves, rather than situational factors, which can inspire feelings of admiration and desire for continued success.

SGLT2 inhibitors can slow progression of chronic kidney disease

Two randomized controlled studies demonstrate that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow CKD progression across all patient groups, not just those with diabetes. The DAPA-CKD trial found a significant reduction in kidney function decline and end-stage disease with dapagliflozin treatment.

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.

Gout drug repurposed to fight heart disease

The LoDoCo2 trial found that low-dose colchicine significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by almost one-third in patients with chronic coronary disease. The study also showed that colchicine was well-tolerated over the long-term, with no significant adverse effects.