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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 45

Modeling contact tracing strategies for COVID-19

A mathematical modeling study examines the potential of contract tracing to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission under varying assumptions. The researchers found that effective contact tracing can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19 in scenarios with reduced physical distancing.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 21, 2020

A gatekeeper against insulin resistance in the brain

A genetic variant of the DUSP8 gene impairs brain response to insulin, leading to increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Research reveals protein Dusp8's regulatory effects on hypothalamic insulin sensitivity and inflammatory processes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 21, 2020

Research links Southeast Asia megadrought to drying in Africa

Scientists link the end of the Green Sahara to a previously unknown megadrought in Southeast Asia, which lasted over 1,000 years and shifted human settlement patterns. The study provides new insights into the impact of climate change on societal adaptations and upheavals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020

Genomic analysis reveals many animal species may be vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection

A recent study using genomic analysis compared the ACE2 protein in over 410 species and found that many animals with all 25 amino acid residues matching the human protein are at high risk for contracting SARS-CoV-2 via ACE2. This includes critically endangered primate species, marine mammals, and certain domestic animals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

Understanding how birds respond to extreme weather can inform conservation efforts

A study of 109 bird species across eastern North America over a 15-year period found that some birds are more resilient to climate change than others. The research, published in Global Change Biology, suggests that conservation efforts should target vulnerable species and locations predicted to experience extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Group of international scientists align on a definition for 'synbiotic'

A group of international scientists has developed a new definition for synbiotics, outlining a mixture of live microorganisms and selectively utilized substrates that confer a health benefit on the host. The definition aims to clarify scientific ambiguity and provide a foundation for science-based claims about synbiotic health benefits.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalNature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateAug 21, 2020

Sea-level rise linked to higher water tables along California coast

Researchers found an increased threat to populated areas from rising water tables and the possibility of flooding in unexpected inland areas. The study indicates that rising sea levels could push freshwater closer to the surface, putting infrastructure at coastal seaports and national airports at risk.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hubble snaps close-up of celebrity comet NEOWISE

Hubble Space Telescope images reveal comet NEOWISE's intact nucleus and intricate coma structure. The telescope's high resolution allows for the detection of dust and gas jets emanating from the nucleus, providing valuable insights into the comet's composition and behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2020

Ozone across northern hemisphere increased over past 20 years

Researchers found an overall increase in ozone levels above the Northern Hemisphere over the past 20 years, despite lower ground-level ozone in some areas. Ozone increases were most pronounced in tropical regions and mid-latitude areas.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2020

'Selfies' could be used to detect heart disease

Researchers used facial photos to detect coronary artery disease using a deep learning algorithm, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates. The study shows promise for developing a self-reported application to assess heart disease risk in advance of visiting a clinic.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 21, 2020

Spinning black hole powers jet by magnetic flux

A massive spinning black hole powers a plasma jet through magnetic reconnection, releasing energy in 'mini-jets' that produce high-energy gamma radiation. This phenomenon explains how the energy reaches the jet's core from the black hole and ultimately originates from its rotation.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 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.

Women surgeons earn their cut of NIH funding -- and then some

A new study found that women surgeons are underrepresented in academic surgery but hold a greater than anticipated proportion of NIH funding, earning 49 R01 grants. Women were also more likely to be first-time grant recipients and had fewer research articles published in scientific journals.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 21, 2020

Unveiling rogue planets with NASA's Roman Space Telescope

The Roman Space Telescope will detect hundreds of rogue planets using microlensing surveys, improving our understanding of planetary demographics. The mission aims to narrow down competing models of planetary formation by studying isolated planets with masses as small as Mars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2020

A new method for in vivo plant cell imaging with SNAP-tag proteins

Scientists at Nagoya University developed a new method for visualizing microtubule dynamics and cell membrane protein endocytosis in living plant cells. They successfully used SNAP-tag to mark auxin transporters, allowing clear differentiation between newly synthesized and endocytosed proteins.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 21, 2020

UTA crawler robot to inspect Lubbock pipelines

A UTA-owned robot will be used to inspect and analyze the remaining service life of 3.5 miles of pressure pipes in Lubbock. The project aims to evaluate the condition and lifespan of the pipes without replacing unnecessary ones, saving the city costs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 21, 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.

Greenland ice sheet shows losses in 2019

The Greenland Ice Sheet experienced a new record loss of mass in 2019, with a total loss of 532 billion metric tons, more than the previous record year 2012. The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, found that the ice sheet is now heading towards increasing mass losses.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 20, 2020

Larger variability in sea level expected as Earth warms

Sea level variability is expected to increase with warming, altering tidal cycles and enhancing coastal flooding and erosion risks. Researchers found that nearly all global models agree on an overall tendency for increased variability on seasonal-to-interannual timescales.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 20, 2020

When learning on your own is not enough

Researchers found two unique learning signals computed in distinct brain regions, one for direct learning and the other for social learning. This integrated brain network supports social influence in human decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 20, 2020

A smart eye mask that tracks muscle movements to tell what 'caught your eye'

Researchers developed a smart eyewear that tracks eye movement and cardiac data, providing accurate measurements in everyday environments. The device uses washable hydrogel electrodes and pulse sensors, offering comfort and durability, with potential applications in health monitoring, virtual reality, and advertising analysis.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateAug 20, 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.

Researchers create nanoclusters that mimic biomolecules

A research team at Cornell University created nanoclusters that can self-assemble and mimic the complex structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. The clusters have three levels of organization with an interlocking, chiral design, making them potential candidates for metabolic and enzymatic processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2020

Heart failure, hypertensive deaths rise in black women and men

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals a significant increase in mortality rates due to heart failure and hypertensive heart disease among Black women and men. Despite advancements in heart disease management, the death rate for these conditions rose by 3.5% and 4.8%, respectively, between 2011-2018.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 20, 2020

Affirmative action incentivizes high schoolers to perform better, new research shows

A study by University of California San Diego researcher Gaurav Khanna finds minority students attain 0.8 additional years of education where affirmative action policies are in place. Affirmative action makes going to a good college more attainable, encouraging minority groups to work harder to get into such schools.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 20, 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.

Routing apps can deliver real-time insights into traffic emissions

Researchers used routing apps to model real-time road traffic emissions, providing valuable insights into traffic flows and emissions hotspots. The study found that crowd-sourced data from routing apps could be used to calculate speed-related emissions and provide more accurate emissions models.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalWeather·DateAug 20, 2020

Downstream effects: Sturgeon lifespan, fertility vary strikingly with river conditions

A study found that pallid sturgeon stocked in the lower basin of Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri live an average of just 19.8 years, nearly three times shorter than in the upper basin. The researchers also discovered that females in the lower basin weighed an average of seven times less and spawned fewer eggs over their lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 20, 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.

Genetic background influences disease risk from single-gene variants

Researchers discovered that a person's genetic background can alter the risk of heart disease in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia gene variants. A low polygenic score was found to lower the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer in those with high-risk single-gene variants, bringing it closer to the population average.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020

Water contaminant could have neurotoxic effects on children

Researchers investigate connection between manganese exposure and community health, particularly in infants and young children in California's Central Valley and coastal areas. The study aims to quantify the impact of manganese-contaminated water on public health, as current regulations are unenforceable.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 20, 2020

The impacts of gentrification on transportation and social support

The study examines how gentrification affects transportation choices and social connections for black working-poor families in Portland. Residents of the historically Black district of Albina experience easier transportation, better social support networks, and a higher density of nearby destinations compared to East Portlanders.

SourcePortland State University·DateAug 20, 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.

Save the data: A new approach to database management in solid-state drives

Researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel key-value store design for solid-state drives, which improves performance and reduces latency. The new implementation, called PinK, uses log-structured merge-tree technology to enable efficient in-storage computing.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·DateAug 20, 2020

Australia's wish list of exotic pets

A study found that Australians prefer pets from threatened species, invasive species, and popular US imports, posing a risk to native populations. The trade of these animals is often unregulated, making it difficult to track demand and assess the public's interest in owning exotic pets.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateAug 20, 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.

Dinosaurs' unique bone structure key to carrying weight

Researchers discovered that hadrosaurs and other dinosaurs have a unique trabecular bone structure capable of supporting large weights, different from mammals and birds. This adaptation allowed them to carry massive loads without excessive skeletal weight.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 20, 2020

Study finds signs of altruism in people's COVID-19 worries

A new study by the Lifespan Brain Institute found that people are more concerned about others than themselves when reporting their COVID-19 related concerns. Respondents with higher resilience scores had lower COVID-19-related worries, as well as reduced rates of anxiety and depression.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 20, 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.

IOF Olof Johnell Science Award presented to Dr Michael R. McClung

Dr Michael R. McClung received the IOF Olof Johnell Science Award for his significant contributions to osteoporosis research, guideline development, and clinical education. He has been recognized internationally for his work in bone density testing, therapy development, and clinical guidelines.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·DateAug 20, 2020

Elevated "hunger" hormone leaves trauma-exposed teens at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that trauma-exposed adolescents with moderately elevated acyl-ghrelin hormone levels are almost eight times more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study also suggests that lower acyl-ghrelin levels may reduce the risk and severity of subsequent PTSD.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 20, 2020

CU student helps bridge teams at Clemson

A CU student collaborated with three research teams to study perovskite nanocrystals, which have numerous applications. The team discovered a phase transition that affects the material's optical properties and has relevance to applications already in use.

SourceClemson University·JournalNanoscale Advances·DateAug 20, 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.

Paying attention to the neurons behind our alertness

Researchers used two-photon imaging to study the activity of layer 6 neurons in mice, finding three distinct populations that reacted differently to visual stimulation. These neurons complement each other to regulate information flow from sensory organs to the cortex, influencing our ability to focus or lose attention.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 20, 2020

Robotic surgery may improve outcomes in mouth and throat cancer

A Cedars-Sinai study found that robotic surgery for oropharyngeal cancer is associated with improved health outcomes, including better long-term survival rates and reduced risks of positive surgical margins. The procedure's increased use since FDA approval in 2009 was linked to these benefits.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 20, 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.

Anthropogenic CO2 increase is unprecedented

Researchers at the University of Bern used a new measurement technology to analyze Antarctic ice cores and found that CO2 concentration rose rapidly during interglacial periods, even when ocean circulation was disturbed. This challenges the assumption of stable climate conditions during previous interglacials.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020

Declining US plant breeding programs impacts food security

US public plant breeding programs are facing significant declines in personnel hours, budget shortfalls, and retirements of program leaders. This erosion of capacity poses a risk to US food security, natural resource resilience, and public health if not addressed with stable funding and expertise.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateAug 20, 2020

First daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots

Daily surveillance of emerging COVID-19 hotspots reveals smaller but more numerous clusters nationwide. The study uses innovative space-time statistics to detect geographic areas with elevated risk of contracting the virus.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSpatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology·DateAug 20, 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.

Organoids and sequencing team up for ALS research

MDC researchers are using neuromuscular organoids to investigate how ALS mutations cause motor neuron death. They will sequence the organoid tissue samples to understand RNA activity in space and time, aiming to identify potential interventions or treatment targets for the incurable disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateAug 20, 2020

Promising discovery for patients with diabetic retinopathy

A new study published in Science sheds light on a cellular process in diabetic retinopathy, which could lead to the development of a treatment for this serious complication of diabetes. The research reveals that blood vessels apply molecular brakes to stop abnormal vascular proliferation.

SourceCentre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Est-de-l’Île-de-Montréal·JournalScience·DateAug 20, 2020