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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 45

Machine learning in sustainable chemistry

Researchers develop new machine learning methods to predict polymeric carbon nitride compounds suitable for sustainable photocatalytic water splitting. This process splits water into hydrogen and oxygen without using rare earths or expensive metals.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·DateAug 14, 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.

Patients' access to opioid treatment cumbersome

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that pregnant women face significant challenges accessing opioid treatment, including limited provider availability and high out-of-pocket costs. The study calls for policymakers to intervene and establish systems for timely access to life-saving medications.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 14, 2020

Unexpectedly-fast conduction electrons in Na3Bi

A study finds that exchange and correlation effects significantly impact the electron mobility of Na3Bi, leading to unexpectedly fast conduction electrons. The research uses a scanning-tunnelling microscope technique to map the electronic structure in the material.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 14, 2020

Decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoids, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a significant decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoid use, particularly affecting grassland birds. The research found a 2.2% decline in grassland bird populations for every 100 kg increase in neonicotinoid usage per county.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 14, 2020

Cardiovascular risk factors tied to COVID-19 complications and death

A recent study analyzed data from over 77,000 hospitalized COVID-19 patients to understand the impact of pre-existing cardiovascular comorbidities or risk factors on clinical outcomes. The results show that these patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular complications and die from COVID-19 infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 14, 2020

Study shows frequently used serology test may not detect antibodies that could confirm protection against reinfection of COVID-19

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that some commercially available serological tests only detect N-protein antibodies, which may not indicate immunity to reinfection. S-RBD antibody detection is considered a better indicator of protection against COVID-19 reinfection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 14, 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.

Teachers College to use NSF grant for teacher fellowships

The project aims to improve Next Generation Science Standards by developing a technological ecosystem that enables students to create, test, and compare their own ideas about science. The funding will focus on sixth- and seventh-grade science, but the results will be adaptable to other age groups.

SourceTeachers College, Columbia University·DateAug 14, 2020

Dynamic membranes set to solve problems of liquid waste treatment

The study introduces a new type of composite membrane with a polystyrene surface layer that increases its resistance to aggressive media. The developed dynamic membranes show high separation efficiency for emulsions and can be reused by replacing the contaminated surface layer, making them suitable for liquid waste treatment.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalChemical and Petroleum Engineering·DateAug 14, 2020

Changes in climate and land cover affecting European migratory bird populations

A new study reveals that European migratory bird populations are most affected by changes in climate on breeding grounds, while land cover changes have a greater impact on their migration routes. The research highlights the importance of considering multiple factors in conservation efforts to mitigate population declines.

SourceDurham University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateAug 14, 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.

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Josephine

Tropical Storm Josephine is being affected by southwesterly wind shear, which is pushing clouds and precipitation to the northeast of its center. This wind shear is expected to continue, potentially affecting the storm's trajectory and weakening it over the next couple of days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 14, 2020

Research helps explain source of pathogen that causes bitter rot disease

A two-year study found that fungal spores of Colletotrichum fioriniae, the cause of bitter rot disease, reside symbiotically within apple leaves. The research suggests that the fungus is a leaf endophyte, with most spores coming from forest samples, and has important implications for fruit tree management.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhytopathology·DateAug 14, 2020

Linking sight and movement

A team of Harvard researchers found that image-processing circuits in the primary visual cortex are more active when animals move, suggesting a complex relationship between vision and movement. The study's results offer new insights into how neural activity works in sensory regions of the brain.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateAug 14, 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.

German-Argentinean doctoral program bears first fruits

A German-Argentinean doctoral program has borne its first fruits with a joint publication in the renowned journal Plant Physiology. Dr. Regina Mencia's research on increasing plant resistance to pathogens via the salicylic acid pathway has shown promising results.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateAug 14, 2020

Remains of 17th century bishop support neolithic emergence of tuberculosis

A new study from the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology has reconstructed a tuberculosis genome from the calcified lungs of a 17th-century bishop, supporting the idea that TB emerged within the last 6,000 years. The discovery sheds light on the origins of TB and challenges the prevailing assumption about its global distribution.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 14, 2020

For pregnant patients, number of clinic visits not tied to risk of getting COVID-19

A recent study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found no association between the number of in-person health care visits and risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among pregnant patients. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,000 women who delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that necessary in-person care can be safely performed.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 14, 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.

Plavchan and collaborators studying newly discovered planet

Scientists are using a High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) and iSHELL/IRTF to observe the newly discovered planet AU Mic, aiming to disentangle its radial velocity signal from stellar activity. This will allow for precise calculations of the planet's orbital parameters and mass.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 14, 2020

The flax wilt agent has been sequenced

The study completes the genome assembly of F. oxysporum f.sp. lini, a highly destructive fungal parasite infecting flax. This milestone contributes to the development of resistant crop varieties and aids in eliminating plant disease outbreaks.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateAug 14, 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.

Pancake bonding as a new tool to construct novel metal based magnetic materials

Researchers at University of Jyväskylä and University of Ottawa developed a novel magnetic compound with pancake bond, improving magnetic properties at elevated temperatures. The design strategy paves the way for new single-molecule magnets with potential applications in spintronics and quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·DateAug 13, 2020

'Madsen' wheat as source of disease resistance

The 'Madsen' wheat cultivar exhibits excellent resistance to various diseases and stresses, contributing to its widespread success in the Pacific Northwest. Its impact has been felt globally, with researchers using it as a parent in breeding programs to protect wheat crops from numerous threats.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Plant Registrations·DateAug 13, 2020

Reconstructing global climate through Earth's history

Researchers have developed a framework to reconcile discrepancies in ancient sea surface temperature estimates and climate model results. By accounting for location-biased paleoclimate data, scientists can better reconstruct global climate conditions in the past and improve predictions of future climate scenarios.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 13, 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.

The larynx has evolved more rapidly in primates

Researchers found that primates have evolved larger, more variable larynges with faster adaptation rates compared to carnivores. This difference is linked to vocal communication systems, suggesting a key role for the larynx in primate behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Strianassa lerayi anker, new shrimp species from Panama's Coiba national park

Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered a new species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi anker, and a highly mobile clam, in Panama's Coiba National Park. The discovery is part of a larger project to better understand the role of microbes in shaping tropical ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalZootaxa·DateAug 13, 2020

A watershed moment for US water quality

A new federal rule leaves millions of miles of unconnected US streams and acres of wetlands unprotected, potentially undermining decades of taxpayer investment in improving water quality. The move risks higher floods, loss of biodiversity, and threats to drinking water and recreational fishing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2020

Unread second-opinion radiology reports waste health care resources

A study found that 11.4% of second-opinion radiology reports were ignored by clinicians, with sonography and pediatrics having the highest rates. The cost of these ignored reports could be substantial, estimated at €53,700 or approximately $63,427.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateAug 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that household contacts had a 1 in 10 chance of infection, while asymptomatic patients were less likely to infect close contacts. Patients with severe disease were more likely to spread COVID-19 to their close contacts.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 13, 2020

Rochester leads effort to understand matter at atom-crushing pressures

The University of Rochester is leading a new initiative to understand matter under extreme pressures, with potential implications for understanding planets and stars. Researchers will explore four main areas, including the behavior of hydrogen and helium, element reactions, energy transport, and direct astrophysical implications.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateAug 13, 2020

Engineered capsids for efficient gene delivery to the eye

Researchers developed novel variants of adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsids with improved transduction properties in the mouse retina and cornea. The efficient gene delivery of these variants was confirmed in non-human primate tissue, adding to their potential use in treating human ocular diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateAug 13, 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.

Studying how skin cancer starts

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how quickly certain pre-cancerous lesions can form on the DNA of our skin when exposed to sunlight, a finding that could lead to more effective prevention methods. The research reveals that these mutations can form in as little as three picoseconds after exposure to UV light.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2020

Academia from home

A recent study suggests that remote work can be beneficial for postdoctoral researchers, enabling them to overcome financial and family constraints. By leveraging digital tools and establishing transparent communication channels, remote research can facilitate collaboration, reduce stress, and promote productivity. This shift in perspe...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Who's your daddy? Male seahorses transport nutrients to embryos

Researchers have found that male seahorses transport nutrients to their developing babies during pregnancy, a complex process similar to human pregnancy. This breakthrough provides new insights into the biology of seahorse pregnancy and its potential parallels with human reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Comparative Physiology B·DateAug 13, 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.

How do we prioritize what we see?

A new study reveals that the occipital cortex is essential for guiding involuntary attention to prioritize visual information. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation to disrupt cortical excitability in this region, finding that it eliminates behavioral benefits and costs at attended and unattended locations.

SourceNew York University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

Big dogs face more joint problems if neutered early

A new study from UC Davis found that mixed-breed dogs weighing over 44 pounds are at higher risk for joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. The study suggests that dog owners should consider their options carefully when deciding whether to spay or neuter their pet.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 13, 2020

Researchers develop cell injection technique that could help reverse vision loss

A team at University of Toronto Engineering has developed a method to inject healthy cells into damaged eyes, showing promise for treating forms of vision loss. Co-injection of retinal pigmented epithelium and photoreceptor cells improved vision acuity in mouse model, with restored activity in dark chambers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 13, 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.

Exercise Enhancement

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that inhibiting the PHD3 enzyme improves mouse exercise capacity, running distance, and VO2 max. This finding sheds light on a key mechanism for fat metabolism and offers clues toward understanding muscle function and fitness.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 13, 2020

Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide lens for high resolution imaging

Researchers develop innovative method to fabricate high performance lenses in monolayer two dimensional transitional metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) material using femtosecond laser. The lens provides subwavelength resolution and high efficiency, enabling diffraction-limited imaging.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 13, 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.

A new neurofeedback strategy to treat pain

A new neurofeedback approach, Decoded Neurofeedback (DecNef), has been explored in a preclinical study to treat chronic pain. The study found that DecNef enhances the brain's natural ability to control pain by boosting the 'endogenous pain control system', which is often dysfunctional in chronic pain patients.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2020

A new, 20-minute assay for COVID-19 diagnosis

Researchers developed a rapid molecular test called N1-STOP-LAMP that can diagnose SARS-CoV-2 with 100% accuracy in just 20 minutes. The test uses a portable machine and is highly efficient, making it suitable for settings with limited testing capabilities.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateAug 13, 2020

Scientists sound the alarm: Lockdowns may escalate the obesity epidemic

A trio of Danish researchers warn that lockdowns could lead to an explosion in obesity rates due to increased consumption of high-energy foods and decreased physical activity. The study highlights the need for counter strategies to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity while combatting COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateAug 13, 2020

Sufficiently distant parks and public services facilitate older adults' physical activity

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults who reported attractive destinations more than 500 meters away were more physically active. This suggests that having diverse and quality neighborhood destinations may support older adults' physical activity, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 13, 2020