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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 20 of 45

Clinical and sociodemographic features of early COVID-19 patients

The study found that vulnerable populations, including Hispanic patients and those enrolled in Medicaid, were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The data also showed high rates of disease-related complications and the need for post-discharge care to support patients' physical and emotional needs.

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.

A key to cheaper renewable fuels: keeping iron from rusting

The study reveals how iron can be used to remove oxygen from plant materials without oxidizing, enabling more efficient and cost-effective fuel production. By anchoring iron with a carbon structure modified with nitrogen, the researchers created a catalyst that interacts less with oxygen, allowing for robust reaction performance.

Prevention of heart disease can start before birth

Research suggests that providing a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant supplement to mothers with complicated pregnancies can prevent heart disease in their offspring. The study used sheep and found that MitoQ protects against fetal growth restriction and high blood pressure in adults.

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.

Toward an ultrahigh energy density capacitor

Berkeley Lab researchers introduce isolated defects to a type of commercially available thin film, creating a top-performing energy storage material. The new material has more than twice the energy storage density of previously reported values and 50% higher efficiencies.

Improving protein digestibility in sorghum

Scientists have identified three genes linked to high protein digestibility in sorghum, which could lead to breeding programs to enhance the crop's nutritional value. This breakthrough aims to improve the lives of people in third-world countries and US livestock producers by increasing the protein content of sorghum.

Study sheds new light on certainty of opinions

Researchers at University at Buffalo suggest that certain people tend to be more confident in their attitudes across various issues, while others are more uncertain. This dispositional attitude certainty is linked to traits like self-esteem and can predict behavior, including choices made on novel items.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unlocking the cell enhances student learning of the genetic code

Researchers create a classroom kit containing cell-free protein synthesis technology to teach transcription and translation in a hands-on manner. The Genetic Code Kit significantly improves student learning gains and increases comfort with biotechnology lab techniques, preparing students for graduate programs and careers.

Disorders in movement

A European research alliance studied 252 adults at risk of spinocerebellar ataxia, tracking the development of symptoms over several years. The study provides valuable data for prevention studies and highlights the need for additional biomarkers to detect ataxia early.

Mystery gas discovered near center of Milky Way

Researchers have discovered a dense, cold gas ejected from the centre of the Milky Way, which could impact star formation and galaxy stability. The finding raises new questions about what's happening in the galactic centre, particularly with regards to the massive black hole at its heart.

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.

Microbes living on air a global phenomenon

Researchers have discovered a global phenomenon where microbes thrive on air, expanding the possibilities for microbial life beyond Earth. This process, known as atmospheric chemosynthesis, was previously thought to be unique to Antarctica, but is now found in soils across the Arctic and Tibetan Plateau.

Cryo-EM study yields new clues to chicken pox infection

Researchers found that a key protein used by the varicella zoster virus to initiate infection does not operate as previously thought. The immune system can prevent infection by attacking a spot on the protein in an unexpected place, according to the study.

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.

COVID-19 has major impact on psycho-social care of cancer patients

A recent survey of UK professionals found that COVID-19 has caused significant disruptions to psycho-social care for cancer patients, leading to delays in accessing support. The study highlights the need for innovative solutions to address the growing demand for psychological support during the pandemic.

Calculating hadrons using supercomputers

Woss' doctoral thesis on spinning hadrons earned him the 2019 Jefferson Science Associates Thesis Prize. He used lattice QCD to calculate properties of unique particles that can decay into other hadrons with non-zero spin.

Constructing odor objects in the brain

A study published in Neuron explains how the brain generates representations of unitary odor objects. The research team used a combination of brain imaging and models to discover clustered representations of mixtures and groups of odors that are conserved across individual flies.

Why doesn't Ebola cause disease in bats, as it does in people?

A new study reveals that bats can host the Ebola virus without contracting the deadly disease, thanks to their unique cell structure. The research found that bat cells induce changes in the virus that make it less capable of harm, allowing it to coexist with its natural reservoir.

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.

Pothole repair made eco-friendly using grit from wastewater treatment

Researchers develop a ceramic mortar called grit-assisted patch (GAP) that can be used to fill in potholes without polluting the environment. GAP is made from wastewater treatment grit and has shown comparable compressive strength to traditional asphalt, making it a potentially superior alternative.

Cool new worlds found in our cosmic backyard

Astronomers using NSF's NOIRLab facilities and citizen science project Backyard Worlds have discovered approximately 100 cool brown dwarfs near the Sun, with several of these worlds approaching Earth's temperature. These discoveries provide new insights into the formation and atmospheres of planets beyond our Solar System.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Penn State to lead $30 million university research alliance

The Penn State-led university research alliance aims to develop high-resolution radiation detectors capable of identifying dirty bombs or concealed radiation materials. The team plans to design low-cost, high-efficiency room-temperature detectors that would eliminate the need for extreme temperatures to control detecting materials.

Trace vapor generator for detecting explosives, narcotics

Researchers developed a compact Trace Vapor Generator for Explosives and Narcotics, which can accurately generate trace vapors of low vapor pressure compounds. The device is portable and can be used for non-contact sampling, providing a stable vapor for several hours.

Flexible and protected

The study sheds light on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's flexibility and its impact on viral infection. The research reveals that the stalk is extremely flexible, allowing it to move and search for receptors on host cells.

Insect wings inspire new ways to fight superbugs

Researchers have discovered how insect wing-inspired nanomaterials kill bacteria on contact, with patterns that stretch, slice or tear cells apart. The findings hold promise for developing low-cost and scalable anti-bacterial surfaces for use in implants and hospitals to combat deadly superbugs.

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.

New landmine detection method to reduce false alarm rates

The VENUS system uses a pulsed magnetic field to stimulate small metal parts in landmines, detecting vibrations that distinguish them from other buried objects. This technology has the potential to upgrade conventional systems and reduce false alarm rates, benefiting humanitarian operations and road mobility.

Federal and state websites flunk COVID-19 reading-level review

A Dartmouth study found that government sources communicated at an average of three grades higher than the recommended reading level for clear communication. This complexity may worsen the impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable communities with lower health literacy.

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.

Researchers identify enzyme linked to colitis

A Rutgers-Newark study discovered that lysozyme in the gut stimulates inflammation in some people with ulcerative colitis, leading to ulcers and sores in the large intestine. The study may help develop future treatments for inflammatory bowel disease by gaining insights into immune balance.

Cold-weather accounts for almost all temperature-related deaths

A new study found that cold temperatures are responsible for 94% of temperature-related deaths, even though hypothermia affects only 27% of hospital visits. This highlights the need for improved awareness and education around cold injury risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Songbirds, like people, sing better after warming up

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that songbirds perform better during the day when they warm up their voices in the early morning hours. By singing early and often, birds improve their trill rate and vocal range, ultimately nailing their songs during the day.

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.

Scan for arterial plaque is better at predicting heart attack than stroke

A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that coronary calcium scores are a better predictor of future heart attacks than strokes, with similar findings across sex and racial groups. The amount of calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was twice as risky for heart attacks as it was for strokes.

Surprising coral spawning features revealed

A Rutgers-led team discovered that coral sperm and eggs share similar gene functions during the planktonic stage, suggesting a crucial link to their reproductive success. The research, published in PeerJ, highlights the importance of understanding coral gametes' vulnerabilities to climate change.

A bright idea -- Genetically engineered proteins for studying neurons using light

Scientists from Okayama University have developed genetically engineered proteins that can be controlled by light, offering a promising new tool for studying neurons. The engineered proteins, based on natural light-regulated channels, can be activated or silenced using different light frequencies, providing finer control over neural ac...

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.

Smartphones are lowering student's grades, study finds

A Rutgers University study found that relying on the internet for homework is hurting students' long-term retention and resulting in lower grades. Students who use their smartphones to find answers tend to forget the information and perform worse on exams.

Climate change impact on green energy production

Researchers investigated the impact of temperature on solar and wind energy production in Australia, finding small annual changes but significant effects during peak temperature days. The study aimed to inform electricity sector planning for reliability in different climate conditions.

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 transmission on an international flight

A new case series reports SARS-CoV-2 transmission on a commercial airline flight and among tourists, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures. The study provides valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, highlighting risk factors and control strategies to mitigate future outbreaks.

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.

Using a public restroom? Mask up!

Flushing public restrooms can spread virus-laden particles, including COVID-19. Researchers found that urinal flushing releases more than 57% of particles into the air, with some reaching thighs within 5.5 seconds.

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.