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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 3 of 45

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.

Scientists show how brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants as young as two years old exhibit increased brain flexibility, a key factor in cognitive development, according to UNC-Chapel Hill researchers. This emerging neural ability enables early learning of new motor skills and supports the maturation of higher-level cognitive processes.

Brainstem protein mediates exercise-based stress relief

Exercise-based stress relief is linked to increased galanin levels in the brainstem, which improves stress resilience. This study found that mice with access to an exercise wheel displayed reduced anxious behaviors and elevated galanin levels in response to a stressful event.

New EU-funded research project 'HCA|Organoid'

The HCA|Organoid project will establish an open access Organoid Cell Atlas, enabling future discovery-driven and translational research on rare genetic diseases, complex multifactorial diseases, and cancer. The project will derive and comprehensively characterize human brain and colon organoids from 100 individuals each.

Melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.

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.

Vaccine narrows racial disparities in pneumococcal disease

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 has significantly reduced socioeconomic disparities and Black-white-based racial disparities for invasive pneumococcal disease. The study found a large decrease in the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease and markedly reduced race-based disparities.

Secret weapon to stop invasive honeysuckle: Satellites

Researchers used satellite imagery to detect non-native Amur honeysuckle in urban parks and cemeteries, achieving 82% accuracy. The method provides a cost-effective solution for ecological restoration, allowing for targeted removal of invasive species.

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.

Can black hole fire up cold heart of the phoenix?

The discovery of radio jets in the Phoenix Galaxy Cluster suggests that a supermassive black hole is actively heating intra-cluster gas, preventing star formation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy evolution and coevolution.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cell phone location used to estimate COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers used publicly available cell phone location data to analyze activity across up to 2,740 counties in the US. They found that counties with a greater decline in workplace cell phone activity showed lower COVID-19 infection rates, suggesting this data can be used to estimate growth rates and inform decision-making.

PCOS is linked to increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring

Children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including emotional problems, autism, ADHD, and delayed development. The study found a significant link between PCOS and increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, independent of maternal obesity.

A soft-hearted approach to healing

Cardiac fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed to form beating heart muscle cells on soft surfaces that match the elasticity of native myocardium. This approach shows increased functional maturation and spontaneously beating iCMs, with implications for treating heart failure and myocardial infarction.

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.

Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: A call for action

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused immense problems at a macro socioeconomic level and has taken a toll on the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide. Caregivers, physicians, and others directly dealing with patients are likely experiencing trauma consequences and burnout syndrome.

Study provides hope for young women after heart attack

A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.

Scientists develop low-temperature resisting aqueous zinc-based batteries

Scientists have developed a low-temperature resisting hybrid electrolyte for aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs), exhibiting high zinc-ion conductivity at low temperature. The new electrolyte improved the performance of ZBBs, enabling high energy densities, power densities and long-cycle life at -20°C.

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.

Scoring system for the diagnosis of COVID-19

A new scoring system is proposed to diagnose COVID-19, taking into account epidemiological evidence, clinical symptoms, and investigations. This simple system can be calculated in minutes and helps classify suspected patients for further evaluation or isolation.

How to treat the most common heart attacks

The ESC guidelines recommend imaging to identify underlying causes of heart attacks, including blood vessel tears. Treatment involves restoring blood flow with stents and blood thinners, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise.

Heart rhythm disorders are best managed when patients are listened to

The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.

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.

What happens when babies with heart defects become adults?

Adults with congenital heart disease require lifelong management, including regular appointments, pregnancy planning, and exercise recommendations. The ESC guidelines provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and support to help these individuals lead normal lives.

Can people with heart disease exercise safely?

The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.

Study shows efforts in mangrove conservation and restoration paying off

New research led by the Singapore-ETH Centre reveals that mangrove conservation and restoration efforts have slowed down deforestation and preserved carbon stocks globally. The study found a 1.8% net loss of mangrove carbon stocks between 1996 and 2016, significantly lower than previous estimates.

COVID-19 exposes broadband gaps

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) shortcomings, with over 1 million households lacking internet access at home. The Flinders University researchers found that the NBN rollout prioritized politics and commerce over equity considerations, leading to unequal access to high-speed broadband services.

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.

How bacteria adhere to fiber in the gut

Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.

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.

Women with higher neuroticism are less physically active

A new study from the University of Jyväskylä found that women scoring high in neuroticism reported less physical activity and had lower leisure time physical activity. High extraversion was linked to higher leisure time physical activity in middle-aged women.

NASA sees wind shear still battering tropical storm Iselle

Tropical cyclones are composed of hundreds of thunderstorms, and NASA's Infrared Data Reveals Where the Strongest Storms Are Located. The strongest storms have coldest cloud top temperatures, with some reaching minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit near Iselle's center.

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 novel salvinia-like slippery surface

Researchers develop Salvinia-like slippery surface with stable water/air contact line, exhibiting increased stability against pressure and impact. The surface also enhances the mobility of water drops and reduces hydrodynamic drag.

Children with no COVID-19 symptoms may shed virus for weeks

Research suggests children with no COVID-19 symptoms may still shed virus for weeks, making them potential key vectors. The study's findings also highlight the importance of understanding viral shedding in asymptomatic patients and its impact on herd immunity.

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.

Plant scientists study the interaction of heat stress responses in corn

Researchers from Iowa State University have discovered that two seemingly unrelated responses in corn plants work together to mitigate damage caused by heat stress. The unfolded protein response and heat shock response, which operate in different parts of plant cells, collaborate to protect the crop from stress.

Fidelity of El Niño simulation matters for predicting future climate

A new study found that accurately simulating ocean current variations during El Niño events is crucial for reducing climate prediction uncertainty. When models simulate these processes correctly, they show increased asymmetry between El Niño and La Niú, similar to natural climate swings.

A review of ridge subduction, magmatism and metallogenesis

The research reviews recent progress on ridge subduction, a key geological process involved in the generation of arc magmatism, material recycling, and metallogenesis. It highlights the significance of ridge subduction in modern oceanic plate tectonics and identifies areas for future research.

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.

A surprising protein player in diabetes

Researchers found that CNOT3 protein silences genes that cause insulin-producing cells to malfunction, leading to diabetes. Knocking out CNOT3 in mice results in the development of diabetes due to the activation of normally silenced genes.

New malaria transmission patterns emerge in Africa

A new study reveals that climate change could lead to a shift in malaria transmission patterns across Africa, with southern Africa experiencing increases in suitable areas and West Africa seeing decreases. River corridors are identified as year-round hot spots of malaria transmission.

Research brief: Researchers 3D print lifelike heart valve models

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking process for multi-material 3D printing of lifelike heart valve models, which can be used to improve surgical outcomes in thousands of patients worldwide. The patient-specific organ models include integrated sensors that provide electronic pressure feedback to guide and optimize valve placement.

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.

Structural colors from cellulose-based polymers

Scientists have discovered a way to control the pitch of biopolymers, leading to the creation of structural colors in liquid marbles. The colors change in response to environmental factors such as heat, pressure, or chemicals, making this technology promising for bio-based sensors and soft photonic elements.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers developed a saliva-based diagnostic method for COVID-19, detecting more cases than standard nasopharyngeal swab tests. The new approach has several advantages, including reduced need for PPE and trained staff.