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Science News for August 20, 2020


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.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 20, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 20, 2020

Affirmative action incentivizes high schoolers to perform better, new research shows

A study by University of California San Diego researcher Gaurav Khanna finds minority students attain 0.8 additional years of education where affirmative action policies are in place. Affirmative action makes going to a good college more attainable, encouraging minority groups to work harder to get into such schools.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWeather·DateAug 20, 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.

Downstream effects: Sturgeon lifespan, fertility vary strikingly with river conditions

A study found that pallid sturgeon stocked in the lower basin of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri live an average of just 19.8 years, nearly three times shorter than in the upper basin. The researchers also discovered that females in the lower basin weighed an average of seven times less and spawned fewer eggs over their lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 20, 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.

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.

SourcePortland State University·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateAug 20, 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.

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.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceClemson University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateAug 20, 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.

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.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSpatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology·DateAug 20, 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.

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.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateAug 20, 2020

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.

SourceCentre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Yale-led surgical innovation promises better dialysis outcomes

A new surgical technique developed by a Yale-led research team improves blood flow in surgically made blood vessels used in dialysis, resulting in longer-lasting and more robust fistulas. The RADAR procedure also reduces complications compared to the standard technique.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Small enzyme-mimicking polymers may have helped start life

Researchers discovered that small highly branched polymers can mimic modern biological protein enzyme function, potentially aiding in the origins of life. These simple catalytic structures may have played a key role in jumpstarting life on early Earth.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalLife·DateAug 20, 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.

IOF Medal Of Achievement 2020 awarded to Dr Basel Masri

Dr Basil Masri was awarded the IOF Medal of Achievement in 2020 for his significant contributions to understanding and managing osteoporosis. He has also made notable achievements in developing registries and tools, such as the Jordanian Hip Fracture registry and FRAX tool.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 20, 2020

Animal mummies unwrapped with hi-res 3D X-rays

Three ancient Egyptian animals, a snake, bird, and cat, have been digitally unwrapped using high-resolution 3D scans. The scans revealed the animals' ages, possible causes of death, and conditions they were kept in, providing new insights into animal mummification, religion, and human-animal relationships in ancient Egypt.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 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.

Ichthyosaur's last meal is evidence of triassic megapredation

The discovery of a fossilized ichthyosaur with a smaller marine reptile in its stomach provides direct evidence of megapredation during the Triassic period. The prey was likely a thalattosaur, a group of marine reptiles that were more lizard-like in appearance than ichthyosaurs.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournaliScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Your in-laws' history of drinking problems could lead to alcohol issues of your own

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that marriage to a spouse with a history of parental alcohol misuse increases the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder. The research suggests that it's not the spouse's genetic makeup but rather their upbringing by an AUD-affected parent that influences this risk.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 20, 2020

American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting Press Conference Schedule

Scientists present research on negative side effects of opioids influenced by the immune system, a new type of immunotherapy extending survival in mouse models of breast cancer, detectable micro- and nanoplastics in human tissues, interactions between ocean microbes and pollution influencing climate, bio-based communication networks co...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020
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 gets a wide angle view of hurricane Genevieve

Hurricane Genevieve's size and strength were revealed through NASA's wide-angle photos, showing a clear eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. The storm's wind field expanded, affecting the Baja California peninsula with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and large ocean swells.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 20, 2020

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts a cut above for blood vessel health

Research from Edith Cowan University found that consuming higher amounts of cruciferous vegetables daily can lower the risk of extensive calcification on the aorta, a key marker for structural blood vessel disease. Vitamin K may play a role in inhibiting this calcification process.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateAug 20, 2020

Unleashing the immune system's 'STING' against cancer

Scientists at Scripps Research have discovered a molecule that can activate the STING protein to help patients fight cancer. The optimized STING-activator, SR-717, dramatically suppressed tumor growth and boosted immune cells in an animal model of aggressive melanoma.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 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.

Clear will and capacity to help emergency care in crisis

A University of Gothenburg study shows that units outside emergency healthcare are willing to assist in a crisis, including hotels, schools, and veterinary clinics. The 'flexible surge capacity' (FSC) system aims to scale up emergency care during surges in patient numbers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSustainability·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Aerogel - the micro structural material of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2020

Stanford scientists slow and steer light with resonant nanoantennas

Researchers at Stanford University have created nanostructures that can slow down and redirect light, allowing for new technologies such as quantum computing, virtual reality, and biosensing. These 'high-Q' resonators have demonstrated quality factors up to 2,500, enabling applications like detecting COVID-19 antigens and antibodies.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Past rapid warming levels in the Arctic associated with widespread climate changes

A study by University of Melbourne researchers has confirmed that rapid warming events in the Arctic during the Last Glacial Period were synchronised with temperature increases across continental Europe and changes in rainfall regions. The findings, published in Science, provide important information for testing numerical models used t...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Development of serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

Scientists developed four serological assays to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and two for neutralizing antibodies, showing that antibody responses appear 5-6 days after symptoms, with neutralizing activity after 7-14 days. The assays were highly sensitive and specific, with varying levels of availability depending on equipment.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

Genetics: Romantic relationship dynamics may be in our genes

A study found that a specific genetic variation associated with communal behavior in non-human animals also affects human romantic relationship dynamics. Individuals with this variation reported higher levels of affection, fewer negative feelings, and improved relationship adjustment.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 2020

Generic public health messages work best at shifting dietary behaviours

Researchers at the University of Bath found that generic public health messages are more effective than tailored advice in shifting dietary habits. Participants who received generic information selected food baskets with less total fat and spent 34% less on unhealthy items compared to those who received no information.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 20, 2020

Graphene sensors find subtleties in magnetic fields

Researchers at Cornell University developed a graphene-based Hall-effect sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors. The device can detect miniscule changes in magnetic fields, even within a larger magnetic background, making it ideal for various technological applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spreads more indoors at low humidity

A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research recommends controlling indoor air humidity to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Low humidity can cause virus droplets to dry out faster, allowing them to travel further and be inhaled by healthy people.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAerosol and Air Quality Research·DateAug 20, 2020

Mount Sinai researchers identify master regulator genes of asthma

Researchers have identified master regulator genes that causally regulate key biological processes underlying asthma. These genes provide a novel path forward for uncovering mechanisms and developing novel therapies for asthma. The study also identified nasal gene signatures for mild, moderate, and severe persistent asthma.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateAug 20, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Contact tracing apps unlikely to contain COVID-19 spread

A new study by UCL researchers found that contract tracing apps are unlikely to be effective without large-scale uptake and adherence to quarantine advice. The review analyzed 15 relevant studies and suggests that automated contact tracing methods would still need to be used within an integrated public health response.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 20, 2020

New 'molecular computers' find the right cells

Scientists have developed a new tool to precisely target cancer cells by distinguishing them from neighboring cells. The Co-LOCKR system uses synthetic proteins to detect specific combinations of cell surface markers, allowing for more precise targeting and improved safety for cancer-killing CAR T cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

UMass Amherst scientists invent new sensing eye mask

The researchers created a lightweight eye mask called Chesma with two kinds of fabric electrodes to track electro-oculography and cardiac signals. The mask can be integrated into various garments and tested for performance after multiple washings.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMatter·DateAug 20, 2020

Firefighters exposed to more potentially harmful chemicals than previously thought

A new Oregon State University study suggests that firefighters are more likely to be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals while on duty compared to off duty. The researchers found 18 PAHs that have not been previously reported as firefighting exposures, and exposure levels increased with the number of fires responded to.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 20, 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.

Dementia education

A new dementia education program has shown significant improvements in dementia knowledge and attitudes among primary school students. The intergenerational program brings together children and older adults, promoting empathy and understanding.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Inconsistencies in data presentation could harm efforts against COVID-19

A new study reveals broad inconsistencies in COVID-19 data presentation across national public health institutes' websites, limiting its usefulness. Researchers recommend a standardized format and content sharing to improve data aggregation and inform future research, clinical decisions, and policy-making.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalScience Diplomacy Action·DateAug 20, 2020

A new lens on the world: Improving the metalens with liquid crystal

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new class of metalenses that can be reconfigured using liquid crystals, allowing for the creation of flexible and tunable lenses. This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing optics and enabling new scientific and technological endeavors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 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.

2020 ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal awarded to Dr Stefania Maggi

Dr Stefania Maggi, a leading geriatrician and epidemiologist, has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Herbert Fleisch Medal for her groundbreaking work in advancing the epidemiology of chronic conditions associated with aging. Her research focuses on healthy ageing and disease prevention programs.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 20, 2020

Using estimation of camera movement to achieve multi-target tracking

Researchers have developed an efficient method to estimate camera movement, reducing the number of hypotheses generated from up to five to one. The new approach allows for real-time execution of pose estimation, with a complete algorithm taking only 29 milliseconds per frame.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 20, 2020

Dilated blood vessels in the lung may explain low oxygen levels in severe cases of COVID-19

A new study suggests that COVID-19 is causing significant dilation of the lung's blood vessels, contributing to low oxygen levels and unusual respiratory behavior. The dilation was detected using a non-invasive ultrasound technique, and its correlation with oxygen levels may help explain why some patients experience 'happy hypoxia.'

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

New research finds association between COVID-19 hospital use and mortality

Researchers at University of Minnesota and University of Washington found a statistical association between COVID-19 hospital bed usage and reported mortality rates across 23 US states. The study used actual state-level data to examine this relationship, providing insights for hospitals on assessment and preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2020

Anorexia may stunt young women's growth

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism highlights the impact of anorexia nervosa on young women's growth. The research found that girls with anorexia nervosa tend to have stunted growth, which may affect their overall health and well-being.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Move over Michaelis-Menten!

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a new equation to describe the activity of enzyme cascades in cells. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how enzymes control cellular signaling and potentially improve drug development for cancer treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2020

How misinformed vaccine beliefs affect policy views

A study found that belief in negative vaccination misperceptions has a strong impact on policy views, with 20% of Americans holding negative views about vaccination. Strong support for mandatory childhood vaccinations was observed, but opposition to religious and personal belief exemptions remained significant.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateAug 20, 2020

Fighting cancer with rejection-resistant, 'off-the-shelf' therapeutic T cells

Scientists create genetically engineered, off-the-shelf therapeutic T cells that can recognize and kill specific cancer cells without requiring personalized training. The 'off-the-shelf' approach solves limitations of original cell immunotherapy methods by avoiding time-consuming processes and resulting in more potent cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 20, 2020

Intestinal bacteriophage alters effects of cancer therapies in mice

A study found that a bacteriophage infecting enterococcus bacteria stimulates an immune response improving the efficacy of cancer treatments. Administration of enterococcus containing the bacteriophage boosted T cell responses in mice, and its presence was associated with improved survival following PD-1 immunotherapy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

Ancient gene family protects algae from salt and cold in an Antarctic lake

Scientists have discovered an ancient gene family in Chlamydomonas algae that produces glycerol to protect against salt and cold stress in Antarctica. The gene family is necessary and sufficient for glycerol synthesis, suggesting its ancient origin and importance for survival in extreme environments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 20, 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.

Lipid-Oligonucleotides (LONs) --- Promising materials for bioapplications

LONs have shown outstanding properties in designing membrane-anchored biosensors and synthetic membrane channels due to their information-transfer and self-assembly abilities. They also have great potential in making contributions to developing new therapies and controllable nanoreactors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 20, 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.

Study focuses on low-carb, high-fat diet effect on older populations

A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that an eight-week very low-carbohydrate diet improved body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic health in older adults with obesity. The diet also preserved skeletal muscle mass without intentional caloric restriction.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNutrition & Metabolism·DateAug 20, 2020

A new tool to create chemical complexity from fatty acids

A new modular iridium catalyst allows unprecedented control over fatty acid derivative modification, enabling the production of valuable compounds from renewable resources. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for pharmaceuticals and plastics synthesis.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Researchers show children are silent spreaders of virus that causes COVID-19

A comprehensive pediatric study shows children can carry high levels of the virus and spread infection, contradicting previous assumptions. The study's findings have implications for reopening schools and daycare centers, highlighting the need for increased precautions to keep kids, teachers, and staff safe.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 20, 2020
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.

A quantum thermometer to measure the coldest temperatures in the universe

Researchers developed a novel thermometer based on quantum entanglement that can accurately measure ultra-cold temperatures in clouds of atoms, known as Fermi gases. The new method uses a probe atom to infer temperature by exploiting the unique properties of fermions at extremely low temperatures.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 20, 2020

Vaccine developed for human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B)

A new vaccine candidate has been developed for HHV-6B, a virus that causes exanthem subitum in infants. The vaccine targets the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 complex and induces strong immunity against the virus. Animal experiments have shown that the vaccine prevents HHV-6B infection and activates dendritic cells to induce innate immunity.

SourceKobe University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 20, 2020

Dynamic kirigami shoe grip designed to reduce risks of slips and falls

A new kirigami-based shoe sole has been designed to reduce the risks of slips and falls by adjusting as a person steps, increasing friction with pop-up spikes as necessary. The study found that the new grip could achieve a greater friction than standard winter boots by two- to three-fold.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 20, 2020