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Science News for August 6, 2020


Training neural circuits early in development improves response, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois trained light-sensitive neurons using timed pulses of light during early cell development, leading to improved connections, responsivity, and gene expression. The early training resulted in long-lasting improvements, whereas cells trained later had transient responses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2020

Sports settings may help engage Australian men in weight loss

A pilot study found that Australian men who participated in a sports-themed weight loss program increased physical activity and lost more weight compared to those in the control group. The program, which included 12 weekly sessions, was deemed feasible and cost-effective.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

Long neck helped reptile hunt underwater

A new study has revealed that the long-necked reptile Tanystropheus was a surprisingly adaptable creature, living in water and hunting underwater. The researchers reconstructed its skull in unprecedented detail, showing adaptations for life in water, including long teeth for catching prey.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

New research offers a minimally invasive approach to deep brain stimulation

A new approach to deep brain stimulation using light-sensitive proteins and harmless viruses could provide a minimally invasive treatment option for brain disorders. The technique has shown promise in reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease by targeting non-neuronal brain cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Children's pester power a future target for interventions

A new study found that children's pester power significantly influences their family's dietary intake and parenting practices. The research suggests that children's influence on their homes may be an underdeveloped potential target for future interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateAug 6, 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.

A closer look at water-splitting's solar fuel potential

Researchers at Berkeley Lab and JCAP develop new technique to map out nanoscale changes in bismuth vanadate, leading to improved oxygen production and reduced degradation. The study provides insight into the material's properties and their impact on water-splitting reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalSmall·DateAug 6, 2020

Placebos prove powerful even when people know they're taking one

Researchers at Michigan State University found that nondeceptive placebos can reduce self-reported emotional distress and brain activity related to emotional events. The study showed a significant reduction in brain markers of emotional distress within just a couple of seconds, suggesting genuine psychobiological effects.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2020

BCG vaccine is safe and does not lead to an increased risk of COVID-19 symptoms

A recent study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that the BCG vaccine is safe and does not increase the risk of COVID-19 symptoms. The research also suggests a cautiously positive picture, with lower numbers of sick people and extreme fatigue among vaccinated individuals during the pandemic.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What will our cities look like after COVID-19?

The pandemic is accelerating the implementation of urban changes, such as bicycle infrastructure and street calming projects. Cities are also exploring new uses for public spaces, like rooftop gardens, to promote wellbeing and community interaction.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCities & Health·DateAug 6, 2020

Provider access to chronic opioid prescribing resources improves guideline adherance

A new study finds that providers participating in an intervention with education and resources are more likely to adhere to national chronic opioid therapy guidelines compared to those who do not take part. The intervention includes access to a nurse care manager, addiction specialists, and monitoring of prescription usage.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 6, 2020

Are we medically intervening in maternity care when we don't need to?

Researchers found that reducing caesarean section rates among first-time mothers can result in substantial economic savings, with net present values of €1.1million and £9.8million per annual cohort. Improving vaginal births after c-sections also yields significant benefits, with net present values of €3.5M and £23.0M per annual cohort.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 2020

Study finds dedicated clinics can reduce impact of flu pandemic

A new study finds that dedicated clinics for treating influenza can limit disease spread and hospitalizations. By opening these clinics during peak prevalence periods, the number of infections can be reduced by 0.4-1.5% and peak prevalence can be flattened by 0.07-0.32%.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 6, 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.

Large proportion of NHS workers may have already had COVID-19

A large proportion of UK healthcare workers may have already been infected with Covid-19, with many experiencing mild symptoms such as anosmia. The study found that nearly two-thirds of participants reported losing their sense of smell or taste between mid-February and mid-April.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateAug 6, 2020

New CT scanning method may improve heart massage

A new CT scanning method developed by researchers from Aarhus University and University of Leicester has shown how the chest and abdominal region of a deceased person move during simulated heart massage. This detailed information can help clarify important physiological mechanisms and improve resuscitation techniques.

SourceAarhus University·JournalResuscitation·DateAug 6, 2020

New studies highlight racial disparities among stroke patients with COVID-19

Two new studies reveal significant racial disparities in stroke patients with COVID-19, with African American patients facing higher mortality rates and poorer post-procedure management. The research highlights the need for further investigation into these disparities to reduce negative outcomes and improve patient care.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateAug 6, 2020

Anode material for safe batteries with a long cycle life

Researchers at KIT and Jilin University developed lithium lanthanum titanate (LLTO) as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. LLTO enables higher energy density, power density, and charging rate while improving safety and cycle life.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 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.

Non-invasive nerve stimulation boosts learning of foreign language sounds

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UCSF developed a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve to improve language learning. Participants showed significant improvements in distinguishing Mandarin tones, with some reaching peak performance twice as quickly as control participants.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateAug 6, 2020

Digital buccaneers boost box office bang

Post-theatrical release piracy is connected to higher ticket sales due to increased word-of-mouth advertising. Movie studios should focus on preventing pirated copies from leaking online before release.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalManagement Science·DateAug 6, 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.

Racial disparities in high-cost cancer treatment for children

A new study reveals racial disparities in high-cost proton radiotherapy for childhood cancer treatment, with Black and low-income children facing barriers to access. The research highlights the urgent need for equitable healthcare policies to ensure all children receive quality cancer care regardless of their race or socioeconomic status.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

Identifying local solutions in the Barotse floodplain for sustainable agricultural development

Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateAug 6, 2020

Small towns have highest risk of intimate partner violence

A recent study by Washington State University criminologist Kathryn DuBois found that women from small towns are most at risk of intimate partner violence, with a 27% higher likelihood of being victims compared to urban areas and 42% more likely than suburban women.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 6, 2020

Is the gut biome a heritable trait?

Researchers investigate how genetics influence rumen microbiome in cattle, seeking to identify host genomic markers for heritability. The study aims to manipulate microbiomes to enhance agricultural production and develop more sustainable cow-calf systems.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 6, 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.

Cancer vs. COVID: When a pandemic upended cancer care

A team of researchers at Michigan Medicine developed a guide to help oncologists navigate difficult conversations with patients due to the pandemic. The guide provides three core communication strategies and examples of language that can be used to respond empathetically, addressing concerns around risk, delays, and changes in treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 2020

New fossil discovery shows how ancient 'hell ants' hunted with headgear

Researchers have discovered a 99-million-year-old fossil of an ancient 'hell ant' that shows how it hunted its prey with deadly precision. The fossil, which is one of the oldest and most well-preserved ever found, reveals the mechanism behind the hell ant's unique mouthparts and headgear.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 6, 2020

Chemists create the brightest-ever fluorescent materials

Researchers develop a new class of materials that can seamlessly transfer a compound's bright fluorescence to a solid state, overcoming a long-standing barrier. The breakthrough has potential applications in solar energy harvesting, bioimaging, and lasers.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem·DateAug 6, 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.

People who feel dizzy when they stand up may have higher risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology found that people who experience a sudden drop in systolic blood pressure when standing up may be at higher risk of developing dementia years later. The study also showed that controlling these blood pressure drops could be a promising way to help preserve people's thinking and memory skills as they age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 6, 2020

Mix of contaminants in Fukushima wastewater, risks of ocean dumping

The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant's stored contaminated wastewater contains multiple radioactive isotopes with varying levels of risk. These include tritium, a relatively short-lived isotope, and other isotopes like carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90, which pose more complex hazards to humans and the environment.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

New multiple myeloma therapy shows promise in preclinical study

A new alpha-radioimmunotherapy has proven effective in preventing tumor growth and increasing survival in multiple myeloma tumor-bearing mice. The therapy targets CD38 protein on tumoral cells and reduces unwanted radiation exposure on normal tissues.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 6, 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.

Surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer not tied to worse survival outcomes

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that surgical delays for very early stage breast cancer patients did not impact overall survival. In fact, increased time to surgery was associated with a small increase in pathological upstaging, but no significant difference in survival rates.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2020

Surface tension, not gravity, drives viscous bubble collapse

Researchers challenge previous understanding of viscous bubble behavior, concluding that surface tension and dynamic stress are key drivers of bubble collapse. In viscous liquids, bubbles exhibit structural instability characterized by radial wrinkles around the periphery, a phenomenon previously attributed to gravity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Researchers hope to save seabirds by calculating the value of their poop

Seabirds produce guano that serves as a fertilizer and contributes significantly to coastal and marine ecosystems. The researchers estimated the value of guano production at around $473 million per year, with nutrients deposited by seabirds worth an additional $1 billion annually.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 6, 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.

New science behind algae-based flip-flops

Researchers created polyurethane foams from algae oil that meet commercial specifications for midsole shoes and footbeds of flip-flops. The biodegradable materials degraded after 16 weeks in compost and soil, showing potential for full recyclability and addressing the plastic waste problem.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBioresource Technology·DateAug 6, 2020

Make the best of bad reviews by leveraging consumer empathy

Researchers discovered that unfair negative reviews can evoke consumer empathy, leading to increased purchase and patronage intentions. Firms can capitalize on these reviews by responding in a more personable manner and highlighting employee involvement.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 6, 2020

Why the 'wimpy' Y chromosome hasn't evolved out of existence

Researchers propose a new hypothesis that the Y chromosome is protected from extinction by carrying 'executioner genes' that self-regulate and ensure successful sperm production. These genes, which regulate meiotic silencing, are toxic when activated at the wrong time, protecting the Y chromosome from loss.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Genetics·DateAug 6, 2020

A new tool for modeling the human gut microbiome

Researchers create device to grow highly oxygen-intolerant bacteria in lab studies, revealing protective effects on human colon. They found that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii produces butyrate, which reduces inflammation and calms immune response.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMed·DateAug 6, 2020

Targetd ultrasound for noninvasive diagnosis of brain cancer

Washington University researchers are developing a method to diagnose brain tumors without incisions, using ultrasonic energy to target tumors deep in the brain. The technique involves injecting microbubbles that rupture, releasing biomarkers from the tumor into the blood for testing with a blood draw, called a liquid biopsy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 6, 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.

REM sleep tunes eating behavior

Researchers discovered that REM sleep tunes eating behavior by reducing the activation of hypothalamic neurons in mice, indicating the importance of sleep quality in maintaining stable feeding habits. The study suggests a long-lasting effect on neuronal activity and feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2020

Delay in breast cancer operations appears non-life-threatening for early-stage disease

A new study from the American College of Surgeons found that longer time to surgical treatment does not lower overall survival for women with early-stage breast cancer who underwent delayed operations before the pandemic. Patients who received neoadjuvant endocrine therapy also showed no decreased survival, according to the research.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 6, 2020

Scientists identify missing source of atmospheric carbonyl sulfide

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology found that anthropogenic sources account for much of the missing source of OCS in the atmosphere. Their study provides better context for estimating global photosynthesis using OCS dynamics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 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.

New tool compares rates of severe pregnancy complications across US hospitals

A new scoring system developed by NIH-funded researchers standardizes patient data to compare rates of severe maternal morbidity between different hospitals and groups of patients. The study aims to aid maternal health research and efforts to improve maternal health across the country.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateAug 6, 2020

Pulmonary fibrosis treatment shows proof of principle

A pre-clinical study led by Cincinnati Children's Hospital demonstrates that barasertib reverses fibroblast activation, stopping dangerous scar tissue build-up in lungs of IPF patients. The drug targets AURKB activity, slowing disease progress and improving lung function.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

LSU Health discovers key to dialogue between brain cells to protect against stroke

Researchers at LSU Health have discovered a crucial mechanism in brain cell communication that can help protect against stroke. They found that DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, promotes the survival and integrity of neuronal cells by regulating key proteins involved in this communication.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics·DateAug 6, 2020

Research explores the impacts of mobile phones for Maasai women

A study led by Virginia Tech researchers explores the effects of mobile phones on Maasai women's lives, revealing that technology both empowers and hinders gender dynamics. The findings highlight the importance of understanding context-specific empowerment in rural communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 6, 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.

The bouncer in the brain

Researchers identify granule cells as gatekeepers of the hippocampus, filtering out irrelevant information. These cells also appear to be involved in processing spatial information, converting grid cell activity into place cell activity.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateAug 6, 2020

Prioritizing cancer care during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted oncology clinicians to prioritize cancer care, leveraging expertise from low-resource settings for guidance. Prioritization involves weighing the benefits and harms of different treatments, considering factors such as patient outcomes and healthcare resource availability.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 6, 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.

OU Health Sciences Center receives $38 million grant for suicide prevention

The OU Health Sciences Center will expand a national program dedicated to suicide prevention with a $38 million five-year grant. The program aims to address workforce development, education, evidence-based prevention strategies, and public awareness to help people at risk of suicide. Key findings include increased focus on culturally r...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 6, 2020

Study finds high levels of toxic pollutants in stranded dolphins and whales

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found high concentrations of atrazine, DEP, NPE, and triclosan in stranded dolphins and whales. The study revealed significant variations in toxin and element concentrations based on animal demographic factors and geography.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 6, 2020

Effect of gadolinium-based contrast agent on breast diffusion-tensor imaging

Researchers found that breast cancer diagnosis via diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) was equivalent before and after gadolinium-based contrast agent administration. DTI parameters showed a statistically significant reduction in cancer lesions after contrast enhancement, leading to increased conspicuity for radiologists.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 6, 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.

New insight into the evolution of complex life on Earth

A novel connection between primordial organisms and complex life has been discovered, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of the cell division process. The study reveals a common regulatory mechanism in both archaea and eukaryotes, providing new insights into the history of eukaryotic cells.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Why shaving dulls even the sharpest of razors

Human hair is 50 times softer than steel yet can cause razor blade chipping and wear. Researchers found that the blade's microstructure and angle of approach to hair play key roles in initiating cracks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 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.

Revealing destructive cracks in rock

Researchers at Texas A&M University are using advanced machine-learning analysis to reveal the evolution of cracks in rock and concrete. By combining data from multiple sources, including sound waves, electromagnetics, and pressure measurements, they aim to improve our understanding of crack damage and development.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateAug 6, 2020

Penn's 'Enhanced Recovery' program significantly reduces post-op opioid use

The study found that patients following the ERAS protocol had significantly lower rates of opioid use at one, three, and six months after surgery compared to those receiving standard care. Additionally, the ERAS group experienced shorter hospital stays, fewer postoperative complications, and improved patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalPain Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

Bone-anchored leg prostheses also prove to be a valuable procedure after 5-year follow-up

After a 5-year follow-up, bone-anchored leg prostheses show significant improvements in daily functioning, mobility, and quality of life for patients with above-knee amputations. Despite initial stoma problems, these prostheses lead to permanent benefits, including increased prosthesis use and improved health-related quality of life.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 6, 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.

Genes related to down syndrome abnormalities may protect against solid tumors

Scientists discovered genes with decreased expression in individuals with Down syndrome, which may also protect people from developing solid tumors. These findings could lead to the development of gene-targeted therapies for both people with Down syndrome and the general population.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 6, 2020

Identifying and contending with radioisotopes of concern at Fukushima

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster has left over 1,000 tanks containing contaminated water, with radioactive isotopes including tritium posing significant removal challenges. A full accounting of the remaining isotopes in each tank is needed to assess consequences of releasing them into the ocean.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Researchers discover sex-specific differences in neural mechanisms for glucose regulation

A study by Tufts University researchers found that estrogen can have a disruptive effect on glucose metabolism in females, but not males, when a specific protein is absent. The study identified a key protein in the brain that mediates these effects and provides insight into the differences between men and women in their risk of diabetes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 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.

Grow faster, die sooner

Research by Technical University of Munich shows that faster-growing bacteria are more likely to die when deprived of food, highlighting the balance between growth and survivability in bacterial fitness. The study may lead to improved effectiveness of antibiotics by stimulating intestinal bacteria growth.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 6, 2020

Credible assumptions replace missing data in COVID analysis

Researchers used 'partial identification' technique to make assumptions about COVID-19 data from Illinois, New York, and Italy. This approach narrowed the bounds of infection fatality rates, providing a more accurate understanding of the virus.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Econometrics·DateAug 6, 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.

Spintronics: Researchers show how to make non-magnetic materials magnetic

Scientists discovered a way to make non-magnetic oxide materials magnetic by controlling layer growth and creating vacancies in the atomic layers. This breakthrough enables the creation of new materials with unique properties, opening up possibilities for advanced technologies.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 6, 2020

COVID-19: The long road to recovery

Researchers identified a pattern of longer-term symptoms in COVID-19 patients, including fatigue, breathlessness, and psychological distress. The study found that some patients experienced symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting the need for specialist rehabilitation services.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateAug 6, 2020

First food-grade intermediate wheatgrass released

The first commercially available intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) cultivar has been released, providing a sustainable crop option for agriculture. MN-Clearwater produces high grain yields of 696 kg ha-1, with minimal lodging and disease levels, making it suitable for the US Upper Midwest, southern Canada, and Northeast regions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Plant Registrations·DateAug 6, 2020

Chemists build natural anti-cancer compound with lean new process

Researchers efficiently synthesized cepafungin I, a natural compound with promise as an anti-cancer agent, using a lean new process that overcame its complex molecular structure. The compound targets the proteasome, a strategy used by many existing cancer medications.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

Brain waves can be used to predict future pain sensitivity

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a reliable method to predict an individual's susceptibility to pain using alpha wave frequency. This breakthrough could help clinicians understand how patients will react to surgery and develop more effective pain management strategies.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 6, 2020

Citizen scientists help geologists to identify earthquakes and tectonic tremors

Researchers from Northwestern University used a crowd-sourced platform to analyze seismic recordings and found that citizen scientists can classify earthquakes with 85% accuracy, outperforming machine learning algorithms. Citizen scientists also successfully identified tectonic tremors, which AI could not do previously.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·DateAug 6, 2020

Researchers take the ultimate Earth selfie

A team led by astrophysicist Allison Youngblood used the Hubble Space Telescope to view Earth as if it were an exoplanet, capturing ultraviolet signals of ozone in its atmosphere. The study demonstrates a proof-of-concept for detecting biosignatures of life on distant planets.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateAug 6, 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.

How soft hair deforms the sharpest steel blades

Studies using realistic shaving experiments and in situ electron microscopy found that differences in cutting angle, microstructural variation, and location of variations contribute to blade failure. Implementing homogeneous microstructures at the cutting edge could be achieved through nanostructured alloys.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

New approach to airborne disinfection uses food-coloring dyes

The Purdue team's disinfection method uses edible materials and FDA-approved food coloring dyes to kill airborne pathogens. The technology has been patented and is being licensed for commercialization, with potential applications in medical settings and public spaces.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 6, 2020

Fuel from disused tyres

A recent study published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews has explored the potential of using catalytic pyrolysis to convert used tyres into alternative fuels. The process produces liquid fuel with aromatic compounds, as well as gas and solid products that can be used for energy production and carbon black reuse.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateAug 6, 2020

New method makes magnetic maps of the solar corona

Researchers have developed a new method to map the magnetic field of the solar corona using near-infrared observations. The technique, presented in a recent study, can provide detailed maps of the coronal magnetic field across the entire observable corona.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 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.

Virtual SLEEP 2020 annual meeting is online and better than ever

The Virtual SLEEP 2020 meeting provides a platform for live and on-demand access to over 1,200 research abstracts and presentations on various sleep-related topics. Clinical sleep specialists will discuss current practices in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders such as insomnia and narcolepsy.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateAug 6, 2020

Ailing frigatebird chick wins 7th BMC Ecology Image competition

A frigatebird chick suffering from a viral infection has won the 7th BMC Ecology Image competition. The winning image showcases the intricate relationships between species and their environments. David Costantini's powerful photo highlights pressing issues in ecology, including viral outbreaks affecting bird populations.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateAug 6, 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.

'Roaming reactions' study to shed new light on atmospheric molecules

A team of researchers discovered unexpected features in roaming reactions, enabling more accurate predictions about molecules in the atmosphere, including models of climate change and ozone depletion. The study provides new tools to understand reaction mechanisms in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

Brain noise contains unique signature of dream sleep

UC Berkeley researchers have identified a unique electrical signature in brain noise that distinguishes REM sleep from wakefulness. This breakthrough could enable the development of new diagnostic tools for sleep disorders and monitor patients under anesthesia during surgery.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateAug 6, 2020

COVID-19: Immune system derails

The study found that immune cells are produced in large quantities but their function is defective, leading to an ineffective immune response against the virus. In severe cases, immature cells with inhibitory effects on the immune response prevail.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell·DateAug 6, 2020

Faster rates of evolution are linked to tiny genomes, study finds

Scientists have found a link between mutation rate and genome size in prokaryotes, with higher mutation rates associated with faster gene loss and smaller genomes. The study challenges the current idea that population size is the main factor driving genome reduction in prokaryotes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 6, 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.

Study gauges specific site stomach cancer risks among ethnic groups

A new study reveals that non-white Americans, especially Asian Americans, are at a higher risk of gastric cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites. The risk is highest among Korean Americans age 50 and older, who have a 12-fold to 14.5-fold higher risk of developing stomach cancer.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 6, 2020

Study shows variation in hospital visitor & ICU communication policies due to COVID-19

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers documents how hospitals reacted to the pandemic and found that most implemented a 'no visitors' policy, but some allowed exceptions for end-of-life visits. ICU teams also shifted to telephones and video chats to connect with families.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 6, 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.