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Science News Archive August 2020


Page 4 of 45

Amateur drone videos could aid in natural disaster damage assessment

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing an AI-powered system to automatically identify buildings and assess damage using amateur drone videos. The system, called MSNet, can overlay masks on damaged areas and determine the severity of damage, enabling faster and more accurate damage assessments.

NASA Terra Satellite sees development of Tropical Storm Maysak

Tropical Storm Maysak formed on August 28 with a quick burst of strength, featuring powerful thunderstorms reaching temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's cloud tops cooled significantly over the past 6 hours, consolidating its circulation center.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sunflower oil shows unexpected efficiency in corrosion prevention

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a sunflower oil-based inhibitor to prevent gas hydrates and pipeline corrosion in the Arctic. The unique reagent showed high efficiency during laboratory tests, offering a budget-friendly solution with biodegradable properties.

Look beyond opioids to solve national substance use epidemic, study suggests

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that three-quarters of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder reported using more than one substance. The research highlights the complexity of substance use patterns and suggests that a singular focus on opioids may overlook this issue, particularly among people of color.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How Neanderthals adjusted to climate change

A German-Italian research project analyzed artefacts from the Sesselfelsgrotte cave in Lower Bavaria, finding similarities and differences between various types of knives. The researchers concluded that Keilmesser were a reaction to climate change, developed for their long lifespan and multi-functional use.

Nurses burned out and want to quit

A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.

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.

Maternal insecticide use during pregnancy and neonatal jaundice

A study of 61,751 pregnant women found that frequent indoor insecticide use increased neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy by 1.21 times, while frequent spray or lotion-type repellent use decreased it by 0.70 times. Asian mothers are twice as likely to exhibit jaundice than Caucasians and blacks.

A coffee and catnap keep you sharp on the nightshift

A study by Dr. Stephanie Centofanti and her team found that consuming caffeine before taking a short nap can help counteract sleep grogginess and improve alertness in night shift workers. This 'caffeine-nap' combination shows promise as a fatigue countermeasure for shift workers.

Program highlights of the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020

The ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 showcased promising results in triple negative breast cancer, a new class myeloid specific antibody in solid cancer, and health-related quality of life data from a phase 3 immunotherapy study. Keynote lecturers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on patients, oncologists, and healthcare systems.

Ali Vural Ak Center receives funding for Islamic studies podcast

The Maydan podcast will address various topics and themes across multiple academic disciplines, appealing to both expert and non-expert audiences. A team of scholars from diverse institutions will contribute to the project, leveraging their networks and expertise.

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.

Study finds that sleep restriction amplifies anger

Research reveals that losing sleep leads to increased anger and frustration over time. Well-slept individuals adapt better to stressful situations, whereas sleep-restricted individuals exhibit higher anger in response to aversive stimuli.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Giant nanomachine aids the immune system

Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.

Cellular energy audit reveals energy producers and consumers

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have performed a massive cellular energy audit to understand how cells regulate ATP levels. They identified genes and proteins that can be targeted to manipulate cellular energy and treat disease, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study reveals new pathways for boosting cellular en...

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.

The "gold" in breast milk

The discovery reveals alarmins play a crucial role in developing optimal intestinal bacteria diversity, protecting against diseases. Supplementing with these proteins could support newborns with low alarmin levels or limited breast milk exposure.

Engineers uncover biomechanical effects of skin rubbing

Biomechanical engineers at Tohoku University developed a formula to describe permeability of rubbed skin. The study found that mechanical rubbing causes gaps in the skin's barrier function and can potentially allow transdermal virus infection. Further research is needed to determine the risk of skin damage from face masks.

Waiting for Godot Metaphor

The COVID-19 pandemic response is assessed using a Pandemic Index, which categorizes the severity of outbreaks. The article also explores the usefulness of PCR tests and the consequences of herd immunity in mitigating disease spread.

Knowledge about the past can preserve the biodiversity of tomorrow

Researchers mapped responses of biodiversity to abrupt climate changes in the past to better understand how species and ecosystems will cope with future climate shifts. The study found that some species migrated northward while others became extinct, but many ecosystems can adapt to sudden climate change.

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.

Greet to receive NEH funding for project on abstract art in the Andes

Michele Greet, Director of Art History Program at George Mason University, has been awarded $60,000 by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to research abstract art in the Andes from 1950-1970. The project will explore this overlooked period in the region's artistic history.

Researchers explore how retail drone delivery may change logistics networks

A recent study published in Production and Operations Management explores the potential of retail drone delivery to change logistics networks. The research found that drone delivery can enable faster lead times, more profitable delivery customization, and increased demand due to time-sensitive customer needs.

Kelly receives funding for digital humanities initiative

The Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University is receiving a $20,000 grant to build financial resilience in the digital humanities. The project will connect five digital humanities organizations through a yearlong planning exercise focused on sustainable business models.

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.

Tungsten isotope helps study how to armor future fusion reactors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used a tungsten isotope to study the erosion and contamination of plasma in fusion reactors. The experiments aimed to understand how tungsten can be used to armor the reactor without contaminating the plasma, which is essential for achieving sustainable fusion energy.

"Jumping" DNA regulates human neurons

Scientists discovered that transposable elements influence human brain development by partnering with two specialized proteins known as Krép-el-associated box-containing zinc finger proteins. These partnerships regulate gene expression in neurons and influence the development and function of adult organs.

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.

Vaccines against respiratory infections linked with less heart failure deaths

A study of nearly 3 million Americans found that influenza and pneumonia vaccinations significantly reduced hospital death rates among patients with heart failure. Vaccination coverage remains low, but the study's findings support annual immunizations for patients with heart failure to prevent respiratory infections.

How to treat high blood pressure without ruining your sex life

Men with untreated high blood pressure have poorer penile blood flow than those with normal blood pressure, but treatment reverses the effect. The study also found that certain medications can worsen erectile dysfunction in men with normal or high-normal blood pressure.

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.

Cochlear implants should be recommended for adults more often

A new consensus statement recommends cochlear implants for adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, which can restore clarity and improve communication. The panel of experts emphasizes that these devices are not only for young children but also suitable for adults who have lost hearing later in life.

New era in brain monitoring technology

A new generation of long-term brain monitoring technologies records neural activity to provide a reliable alternative to subjective seizure diaries. These devices, such as the Wyss Center's Epios system, offer flexible configurations and could enable optimized and personalized treatment for each patient.

Princeton labs report new platform for stereocontrol

A new platform for stereocontrol has been developed by Princeton University's MacMillan and Hyster labs, enabling the dynamic rendering of traditionally static stereocenters. This breakthrough allows for more efficient synthesis of complex molecules with specific stereochemistry.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Beating HIV and COVID-19 may depend on tweaking vaccine molecules

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover that high-valency antigens can lead to a more-is-better immune system reaction, while low-valency antigens result in a smaller, more targeted B cell response. The study suggests that selecting antigens with the right valency will depend on the disease being targeted.

Prior Zika virus infection increases risk of severe dengue disease

A study published in Science found that prior Zika virus infection significantly increases the risk of both symptomatic and more severe forms of dengue disease. This interaction, known as antibody-dependent enhancement, could make it harder to design a safe and effective vaccine.

Dealing a blow on monetarism

Researchers from Lobachevsky University analyze data on M2 monetary aggregate, monetary base, and money multiplier to study impact of financial innovations on money supply. They find evidence of endogenous origin of money supply in Russian economy for both periods of time, confirming structuralism and preference for liquidity.

Songbirds reduce reproduction to help survive drought

Research from the University of Montana found that tropical songbirds reduce reproduction during severe droughts, but this shift actually increases their survival rates. Long-lived species experience higher survival rates during drought years than non-drought years.

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.

Playfulness can be trained - here's why you should do it

Researchers from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that playfulness can be induced through daily exercises that boost playful behavior. The study showed a temporary improvement in participants' well-being and demonstrated the potential for practical applications, such as improving work-life balance and relationships.

Student research team develops hybrid rocket engine

A University of Illinois student research team successfully designed a hybrid rocket engine that uses paraffin and Nytrox, overcoming previous failures with nitrous oxide. The team's perseverance was aided by collaborations with Purdue University and Zucrow Laboratories.