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Science News for August 7, 2020


COVID-19 crisis exposes imbalance in EU state aid for aviation sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAir and Space Law·DateAug 7, 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.

Test accurately IDs people whose gonorrhea can be cured with simple oral antibiotic

A new DNA test can accurately identify individuals whose gonorrhea is curable with a single dose of oral ciprofloxacin, providing an alternative treatment option. The study found that all 106 subjects identified as having the wild-type gyrA serine strain were cured with the antibiotic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 7, 2020

Advance in programmable synthetic materials

Scientists at UC Berkeley and RUB develop technique to read complex metal arrangement in MOFs using atom probe tomography, enabling encoding of multiple chemical functions. This breakthrough could lead to programmable substances and revolutionize material synthesis.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2020

Scientists use CRISPR to knock down gene messages early in development

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR technique that allows them to target and reduce specific messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules involved in early embryonic development. This approach enables the study of genes that were previously difficult or impossible to manipulate, and has shown promise for understanding infertility and development...

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 7, 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.

Integration of gene regulatory networks in understanding animal behavior

Researchers synthesized current evidence on gene regulatory networks and neuronal networks to understand animal behavior. The integration of these networks reveals complex dynamics, including environmental factors and social behavior influencing gene expression changes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Florida current is weaker now than at any point in the past century

The Florida Current, a key component of the Gulf Stream, has slowed significantly over the past century, with its strength being the weakest in the past 110 years. This decline is linked to the broader Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) system, which plays a crucial role in regulating global climate.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2020

Heavier smoking linked to skyrocketing health risks

A new study reveals that heavier smokers face a 17-fold increase in emphysema and an 8-fold increase in atherosclerosis. The study found associations with 28 separate health conditions, including lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 7, 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.

Success in promoting plant growth for biodiesel

Researchers successfully promoted plant growth and increased seed yield by expressing high-speed-type myosin XI from Arabidopsis in Camelina sativa, a promising plant for biodiesel. This technology is expected to increase productivity per area unit and has potential applications in other plant species.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 7, 2020

New-generation CO2 gas separation system using gate-type adsorbents

Researchers developed a novel CO2 separation technology using gate-type adsorbents, achieving high CO2 selectivity and recovery capacity. The adsorbent's flexible structure generates cold heat during adsorption, suppressing temperature rise and improving system efficiency.

SourceShinshu University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2020

A titanate nanowire mask that can eliminate pathogens

A titanate nanowire mask can trap and destroy pathogens using photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide, potentially reducing waste and environmental impact of disposable masks

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 7, 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.

Measuring electron emission from irradiated biomolecules

A new experiment has characterised the properties of electrons emitted when adenine, a key DNA nucleobase, is bombarded with high-velocity ions. The study's findings could improve understanding of how radiation damage increases cancer risk in cells.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 7, 2020

Newly discovered mutation could point to heart disease therapeutic target

A newly identified mutation in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) may enable the development of more specific inhibitors to reduce triglyceride levels without intestinal side effects. This discovery has important public health implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 7, 2020

Updating Turing's model of pattern formation

A team of researchers offers new explanations for how living systems form ordered patterns through instabilities in un-patterned systems. The study revisits Turing's theory to prove mathematically how instabilities can occur through simple reactions and widely varied environmental conditions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateAug 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stellar egg hunt with ALMA

Researchers tracked the evolution of stellar eggs in Taurus, discovering internal structures and bipolar gas streams that indicate a star's birth. The team used ALMA's compact array to observe starless cores and found evidence for 'first hydrostatic cores,' short-lived objects formed before a baby star's birth.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals more likely to be autistic

A new study by scientists at the University of Cambridge's Autism Research Centre found that transgender and gender-diverse adults are three to six times more likely to be diagnosed as autistic. The research used data from over 600,000 adult individuals and confirmed previous smaller scale studies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2020

Scientists introduce FlowRACS for high-throughput discovery of enzymes

Chinese scientists introduce FlowRACS, a flow-mode Raman-activated cell sorter, to support high-throughput discovery of enzymes and their cell factories at the precision of just one microbial cell. The instrument can screen yeast for its TAG content and profile in real-time.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateAug 7, 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.

Oldest enzyme in cellular respiration isolated

Researchers at Goethe University have isolated an ancient enzyme that enables early bacteria to produce energy without oxygen. The Rnf enzyme functions like a pumped-storage power plant, generating electricity and producing ATP.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 7, 2020

Rail industry to benefit from robot tech and data project

The Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance project aims to reduce costs, increase reliability, and enhance safety through the use of industrial automation and advanced condition monitoring. The project will explore the potential of data analytics to plan and schedule maintenance more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 7, 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.

Predicting drought in the American West just got more difficult

A new study by USC researchers found that El Niño cycles are an unreliable predictor of droughts in the American West. Instead, Earth's dynamic atmosphere plays a significant role in wet and dry cycles, making drought forecasting challenging.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

Origins of life: Chemical evolution in a tiny Gulf Stream

Researchers at LMU München report a hydrothermal mechanism that could have promoted the prebiotic evolution of self-replicating molecules. In an experiment, warm water circulation through pores stimulates RNA strand replication, overcoming the initial problem of double-stranded RNA formation.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 7, 2020

Potentially predictive humoral immune response markers in COVID-19 patients

A study published in Immunity identified five humoral immune response markers that can correctly classify convalescent COVID-19 patients and those who did not survive the disease. These markers, including IgM and IgA1 responses to S protein and N protein, were able to predict patient outcomes more accurately than demographic factors.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalImmunity·DateAug 7, 2020

Lerch receives funding for risk-need-responsivity project

Jennifer Lerch received funding from the State of Delaware to provide assistance to the Delaware Department of Corrections in using the Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool. The project aims to enhance the tool's capabilities and address inmate needs.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 7, 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.

Researchers conducting survey of micropollutants

The study aims to characterize the occurrence and concentrations of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water and sediments. The researchers seek to establish a baseline for future evaluations of wastewater treatment technology and public health.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 7, 2020

Experts urge evaluation of diet at routine check-ups

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association recommends incorporating dietary screening into routine health care visits. The goal is to assess an individual's total dietary pattern and provide actionable next steps, helping patients set achievable dietary goals.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateAug 7, 2020

NSD2 enzyme appears to prevent cellular senescence

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that NSD2 enzyme prevents cellular senescence by maintaining cell growth and serum response. Reduced NSD2 leads to increased expression of genes related to cell aging and decreased activity of growth-promoting genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAging Cell·DateAug 7, 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.

Genetic cause of congenital malformation discovered

Researchers have identified a single gene, SLC20A1, that controls the development of excretory organs and genitalia. Mutations in this gene can cause severe developmental disorders, including bladder exstrophy epispadias complex.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateAug 7, 2020

COVID recovery choices shape future climate

A new study suggests that incorporating climate policies into economic recovery plans can significantly reduce global warming. By investing in green industries, countries can lower traffic pollution and improve air quality, leading to immediate health benefits and a cooling effect on the climate.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 7, 2020

Vaccines through microneedle skin patches

Researchers are developing and testing technology for delivering vaccine doses via the skin using microneedles. This innovative approach aims to improve patient compliance and yield better health outcomes, with potential benefits including reduced burden on healthcare systems and increased accessibility for self-administration at home.

SourceSwansea University·DateAug 7, 2020

COVID-19 - The virus and the vasculature

Researchers at LMU Munich found activated immune cells and blood platelets play a major role in COVID-19 pathologies, leading to lung failure and systemic clot formation. The study identified a link between virus-induced changes in the lungs and increased thrombotic risk.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCirculation·DateAug 7, 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.

NASA sounding rocket finds helium structures in sun's atmosphere

Scientists have discovered helium structures in the Sun's atmosphere using a NASA sounding rocket, revealing new insights into the origin and acceleration of the solar wind. The findings suggest that the abundance of helium is strongly connected to the magnetic field and speed of the solar wind in the corona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 7, 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.

Decline in plant breeding programs could impact food security

A decline in public plant breeding programs is threatening food security in the US, with a 21.4% reduction in full-time employee time over five years. The programs' focus on disease tolerance, production, and drought resistance will be lost if funding does not increase.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 7, 2020

Why do so many refugees move after arrival? Opportunity and community

A new study from Stanford University's Immigration Policy Lab found that many refugees in the US move to different states soon after arrival, primarily seeking better job markets and social networks. Refugees are more likely to leave high-unemployment states and join those with booming economies.

SourceStanford University - Immigration Policy Lab·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

Deep-sea misconceptions cause underestimation of seabed-mining impacts

A new study warns of the potential harm of deep-seabed mining on seabed ecosystems, highlighting a need for better understanding of their sensitivity and biodiversity. The researchers emphasize that many deep-sea ecosystems will be highly sensitive to seafloor mining and are likely to be impacted over larger scales than predicted.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateAug 7, 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.

Highly sensitive dopamine detector uses 2D materials

A supersensitive dopamine detector developed using 2D materials can help diagnose disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. The detector is low-cost, flexible, and can detect dopamine in real-time, making it a promising tool for non-invasive monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

Researchers find link between Atlantic hurricanes and weather system in East Asia

A new study by University of Iowa researchers identifies a connection between the East Asian Subtropical Jet Stream and the frequency of tropical storms in the Atlantic Ocean. The study found that stronger EASJ is associated with fewer Atlantic tropical cyclones, suggesting a link between climate systems in Asia and hurricane formation.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 7, 2020

Lead poisoning could reduce gene expression in humans

Scientists have discovered a correlation between high blood lead levels in children and increased methylation of DNA, which affects gene expression. This finding reveals a previously unknown mechanism for lead poisoning and its devastating effects on children's health.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateAug 7, 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.

Chemotherapy for rare cancer fine-tuned with organoids

A new study uses patient-specific tumor organoids to identify the most effective chemotherapy protocol for treating advanced stages of colon and appendiceal cancer. The approach shows promise in tailoring treatment to individual patients, potentially increasing life expectancy.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateAug 7, 2020

New Zealand's Southern Alps glacier melt has doubled

A new study found that glaciers in New Zealand's Southern Alps have lost more ice mass than remains today, with a doubling of ice loss since the Little Ice Age peak extent. The rate of ice loss has accelerated over the past four decades, posing significant impacts on local communities and global sea-level rise.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 7, 2020

Simple approach tested in small group visually evaluates mask effectiveness against viral droplets

A new study tests the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. The findings suggest that professional-grade N95 masks, surgical or polypropylene masks, and handmade cotton masks may block much of the spray produced when wearers speak.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 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.

New DOE grant to develop catalysts for renewable energy generation

A new DOE grant will support research on developing efficient electrochemical systems for renewable energy generation and storage. Dr. Eranda Nikolla's project aims to design catalytically active sites in non-stoichiometric, mixed metal oxides for oxygen reduction and evolution.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateAug 7, 2020

Smartwatch tracks medication levels to personalize treatments

Researchers developed a custom smartwatch that analyzes sweat to track medication levels in real-time. This wearable technology can help personalize treatment approaches by tailoring ideal drugs and dosages to individual needs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2020

Scientists discover curious clues in the war between cf bacteria

Researchers discover that Pseudomonas and Burkholderia use Type VI Secretion Systems to compete for dominance in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. As Pseudomonas adapts, it loses its competitive edge, allowing Burkholderia to establish infection.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 7, 2020

Renewables in Europe: Land requirements can be reduced at low cost

A new study finds that transitioning to renewable energy in Europe can reduce land requirements by prioritizing offshore wind power and large solar parks. The study suggests that these alternatives can achieve a fully renewable electricity supply while minimizing additional costs.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 7, 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.

Inexpensive, accessible device provides visual proof that masks block droplets

A simple, low-cost device tests mask effectiveness in blocking droplet emissions during normal wear. The study found that N95 masks without valves and surgical/polypropylene masks perform well, while hand-made cotton face coverings provide good coverage, but bandanas and neck fleeces offer little protection.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020

The last unknown

A global team of researchers has verified the checklist of vascular plants in New Guinea and surrounding islands, revealing a staggering 13,634 species. This finding confirms New Guinea as the world's richest island for plants, with 68% of its flora found only on the island.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2020

Making N-C bond directly from N2: summary and perspective

Researchers discuss direct conversion of N2 into organic compounds via N-C bond formation, with potential applications in sustainable systems. The review highlights the challenges and limitations of current methods, but also outlines promising future research directions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 7, 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.

Novel approach reduces SCA1 symptoms in animal model

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a novel mechanism to regulate ATXN1 levels, reducing protein accumulation and improving SCA1 symptoms. Gene therapy targeting the cerebellum showed promising results by lowering ATXN1 levels and enhancing motor coordination in animal models.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenes & Development·DateAug 7, 2020

The costs and benefits of addressing customer complaints

Researchers found that effective complaint handling strengthens relationships between companies and customers in certain industries and for customers with specific expectations. Companies should tailor their strategies to the unique needs of their customer base to maximize economic benefits from complaint management.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 7, 2020

Machine learning research may help find new tungsten deposits in SW England

A machine learning technique has been developed to identify potential tungsten deposits in SW England. The research applies multiple datasets to predict areas where tungsten mineralization is more likely to occur, revealing new insights for UK mineral exploration and potentially other metals globally.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeoscience Frontiers·DateAug 7, 2020

Authors' 'invisible' words reveal blueprint for storytelling

A study published in Science Advances reveals that common but invisible words like 'a', 'the', and 'it' follow a consistent pattern across most storylines, regardless of genre or format. The research team identified three stages: staging, plot progression, and cognitive tension, which reflect how humans optimally process information.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020