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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 29


Page 29 of 45

Sea-level rise could make rivers more likely to jump course

Rising sea levels may cause more frequent and devastating river avulsions, altering the course of rivers to the sea. This shift in river dynamics could lead to costly infrastructure failures and increased flood risks for coastal communities.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2020

Nanotubes in the eye that help us see

Scientists at the CRCHUM found that pericytes use tunneling nanotubes to communicate with each other, regulating blood supply and maintaining vision. The study's findings suggest that damaged tunnelling nanotubes may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like stroke, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 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.

Scientists identify hundreds of drug candidates to treat COVID-19

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a drug discovery pipeline to identify effective drugs for treating COVID-19. The team used a powerful machine-learning approach to screen millions of chemicals and identified hundreds of promising candidates, including some that are already FDA-approved.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalHeliyon·DateAug 12, 2020

Security gap allows eavesdropping on mobile phone calls

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered a security gap in the LTE mobile network, enabling eavesdropping on calls. The vulnerability affected 80% of radio cells across Germany, but has been fixed by manufacturers and mobile phone providers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateAug 12, 2020

New Analysis Reveals Worsening Shortage of Emergency Physicians in Rural Areas

A new analysis reveals that rural America is experiencing a worsening shortage of emergency physicians, with 92% practicing in urban areas. The rural workforce is also aging, with nearly all recent graduates opting for urban practices, leaving many rural communities without adequate emergency care.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020

Dignity and respect go a long way in county jail, new research shows

A University of Wisconsin Oshkosh study found that treating people like people makes life easier for both ends of the power dynamic in jail. Interpersonal communication skills are key to diffusing explosive situations and avoiding physical force, according to research by assistant criminal justice professor Matt Richie.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin Oshkosh·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·DateAug 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stress and anger may exacerbate heart failure

A new study published in the Journal of Cardiac Failure found that mental stress and anger can exacerbate heart failure by worsening diastolic function. Patients who experienced anger during the study exhibited worse baseline resting blood pressure, while most participants showed stress-provoked changes in diastolic function.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateAug 12, 2020

Pressure-induced 2D-3D conversion in hybrid lead iodide layered perovskite

Researchers successfully converted a 2D hybrid Dion-Jacobson lead iodide perovskite to a 3D perovskite phase at ambient conditions after pressure treatment. This process enables the use of high-pressure techniques for preparing materials with improved properties, suitable for real-world applications in optoelectronics and luminescence.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2020

Unlocking how cellular proteins control cancer spread

A McGill-led study unlocks the behavior of an enzyme involved in cancer cell spread, revealing a delicate interaction between PRL3 and magnesium transport proteins crucial to colorectal cancer growth. This finding calls into question long-standing hypotheses about PRL3's role in cancer spread.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2020

Having COVID-19

The article describes an author's COVID-19 experience, providing a unique perspective on the disease. Key findings include physical symptoms and health outcomes associated with having COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 12, 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.

Oxygen therapy harms lung microbiome in mice

A new study finds that oxygen therapy can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the lungs, contributing to lung injury. The researchers used mice and found that high concentrations of oxygen led to an increase in oxygen-tolerant bacteria, which are more likely to cause infections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020

Mutations may have saved brown howlers from yellow fever virus

A University of Utah study found that genetic variations in brown howlers may have helped them survive the devastating yellow fever virus outbreak in Argentina's El Piñalito park. The researchers discovered three mutations in the immune genes of surviving brown howlers, which could affect their response to the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateAug 12, 2020

Why black rhinos may get sick in captivity

A study published in PLOS ONE found that captive black rhinoceroses have higher iron levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress compared to white rhinoceroses. This suggests a link between iron accumulation and the development of diseases like organ failure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 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.

Yale quantum researchers create an error-correcting cat

Yale physicists have developed an error-correcting cat, a quantum device that encodes information in a single physical system to suppress phase flips. The device uses a clever way to encode information, allowing it to prevent errors and correct them on command.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2020

First in Human Study with Novel Antisense Oligonucleotide

A first-in-human study found that MRG-110 significantly reduced miR-92a levels in healthy humans after a single intravenous dose. This inhibition has shown beneficial effects in animal models, including improved vascularization after myocardial infarction and accelerated wound healing.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateAug 12, 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.

Survival on heart transplant waiting list

This observational study found that advanced treatment protocols significantly improved survival rates for heart transplant waiting list patients. Researchers examined data from over 11,000 patients and discovered a strong correlation between timely interventions and better outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 12, 2020

Porous liquids allow for efficient gas separation

Researchers developed a new material called porous liquids that can separate gas molecules of different sizes from each other. The material has the potential to replace traditional distillation methods and save up to 80% of energy used in the plastics industry.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2020

Comparing yoga, other treatments for anxiety

A randomized clinical trial found Kundalini yoga and cognitive behavioral therapy to be more effective than stress education in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Yoga was shown to be noninferior to CBT for the treatment of the disorder, suggesting a potential alternative or complement to traditional therapies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 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.

SMART researchers find new way to make bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics

A team at SMART has found that exposing bacteria to hydrogen sulfide can increase antimicrobial sensitivity in bacteria that do not produce H2S, potentially providing a breakthrough in treating drug-resistant infections. The study suggests that the results may be applicable to all bacteria that do not naturally produce H2S.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 12, 2020

Perovskite and organic solar cells rocketed into space

Researchers sent perovskite and organic solar cells on a rocket into space, withstanding extreme conditions to produce power from direct sunlight and reflective light. The technology offers a promising solution for future space missions, as it is incredibly light and flexible, producing up to 14 milliwatts per square centimeter.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 12, 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.

Engaging undergrads remotely with an escape room game

A new study introduces a virtual escape room game that mimics cooperative learning, allowing undergraduate students to solve chemistry problems and 'escape' a chocolate factory theme. The game promotes effective collaboration and provides an engaging alternative to traditional lab activities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateAug 12, 2020

Analysis: Health sector, big pharma spent big on lobbying for COVID-19 funding

A new study finds a significant surge in health sector lobbying activity, especially within the pharmaceutical industry, following the allocation of massive COVID-19 relief funds. The research reveals that health sector lobbying spending increased by over 10% and new lobbyist registrations jumped by 140%.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 2020

Warming threat to tropical forests risks release of carbon from soil

Researchers found that tropical forest soils are highly sensitive to climate change, with a potential increase of 55% in soil carbon emissions if temperatures rise by four degrees Celsius. This could trigger further global warming and lead to the release of billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2020

How stars form in the smallest galaxies

Researchers have found that dormant small galaxies can slowly accumulate gas over billions of years, allowing for the formation of new stars. The study's findings shed light on the mysterious process of star formation in dwarf galaxies, providing insights into astrophysical processes.

SourceLund University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 12, 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.

Lipoic acid supplements help some obese but otherwise healthy people lose weight

A clinical trial by Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements caused significant weight loss and fat reduction in overweight but otherwise healthy participants. The study also showed improvements in inflammation markers and oxidative stress, with notable benefits for women and heaviest participants.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 12, 2020

Quieting the storm

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used acupuncture to regulate inflammatory responses and improve survival in mice with cytokine storm. The study found that site, intensity, and timing of treatment influenced the response.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 12, 2020

Exercise induces secretion of biomarkers into sweat

A new study finds that endurance exercise induces changes in sweat biomolecule levels, potentially creating a non-invasive exercise monitoring system. Sweat extracellular vesicles contain microRNA molecules, which regulate biological processes and are essential mediators in exercise adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateAug 12, 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.

Improving treatment of spinal cord injuries

A team of researchers has developed an osmotic therapy device that removes fluid from the spinal cord to reduce swelling and prevent further damage. The device showed promising results in rats, reducing swelling and improving neurological outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateAug 12, 2020

A novel strategy for quickly identifying twitter trolls

A novel strategy for quickly identifying Twitter trolls uses linguistic features, including repeated words and word pairs, to distinguish between genuine and deceptive messages. The algorithm requires as few as 50 tweets for accurate identification, offering a potential tool for combating hybrid warfare while preserving freedom of speech.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2020

Molecular additives enhance mechanical properties of organic solar cell material

Computational experiments on semiconducting polymers show that adding small molecules enhances performance and stability; predicting improved solar cell materials for extreme operational stress-strain conditions. Researchers at Lehigh University used Frontera, the world's fastest academic supercomputer, to demonstrate this finding.

SourceLehigh University·JournalSoft Matter·DateAug 12, 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.

New study suggests ADHD- like behavior helps spur entrepreneurial activity

A new study found a link between sleep and entrepreneurship, suggesting that temporary ADHD-like tendencies generated by lack of sleep can be a benefit in spurring ventures. Practicing entrepreneurs also showed a consistent influence of impermanent sleep problems on entrepreneurial intentions.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateAug 12, 2020

Lack of females in drug dose trials leads to overmedicated women

New research from UC Berkeley and University of Chicago finds a significant gender gap in drug dosages, leading to women experiencing worse side effects nearly twice as often as men. The study recommends dosage reductions for women for various medications, calling for broader awareness of biological sex and gender differences.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateAug 12, 2020

New treatments spur sharp reduction in lung cancer mortality rate

Recent advances in treatment have led to a sharp reduction in lung cancer mortality rates in the US, with non-small cell lung cancer deaths decreasing faster than incidence. The study found significant improvements in survival for both men and women, particularly after the introduction of targeted therapies.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 12, 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.

Face mask insert could help diagnose conditions

Researchers have developed a method to use face masks to collect compounds in exhaled breath aerosols for analysis, enabling large-scale screening for disease biomarkers. The new technique uses a fiber inserted into an N95 face mask to concentrate molecules, allowing for more efficient identification through mass spectrometry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateAug 12, 2020

PAD patients with depression had worse recovery, women twice as likely to be depressed

Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that PAD patients with depressive symptoms have a poorer recovery rate. Women are twice as likely to be depressed than men. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening and treatment into chronic disease management for optimal outcomes.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 12, 2020

Children think robots can help the elderly -- but not their own grandparents

A study found that children think robots can assist with various tasks for older adults, such as Pepper and Tessa, but are more doubtful about helping their own grandparents. The Uncanny Valley phenomenon may contribute to this skepticism, where human-like robots become less intimidating when assigned a clear task.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalAI & Society·DateAug 12, 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.

Breast screening women in their forties saves lives

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that breast screening women aged 40-49 reduces breast cancer mortality with minimal increased overdiagnosis. The study analyzed data from 160,000 women and found a 25% reduction in breast cancer mortality in the first ten years.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 12, 2020

No increased skin cancer risk with topical immunosuppressant ointments

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital studied nearly 94,000 people with atopic dermatitis and found no association between topical immunosuppressants and increased skin cancer risk. The study suggests that patients can safely use these medications to treat their condition without an increased risk of skin cancer.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateAug 12, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A retrospective cohort study found obesity was a significant independent risk factor for death from COVID-19. Patients with high BMI were 4 times more likely to die within 21 days of diagnosis compared to those in the normal weight group.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 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.