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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 31


Page 31 of 45

How airplanes counteract St. Elmo's Fire during thunderstorms

Aerodynamic experiments reveal that wind reduces the strength of corona discharges around airplane wings, unlike grounded structures where winds strengthen the glow. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between air, electricity, and wing shapes during thunderstorms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Untapped potential for TikTok to convey COVID-19 guidance

A new study found that few TikTok videos address COVID-19 transmission and prevention, instead focusing on anxiety and quarantine. The researchers believe this missed opportunity to engage young people with vital health information related to the pandemic.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·DateAug 11, 2020

Clot permeability linked to first-attempt success of aspiration thrombectomy

A posthoc analysis of COMPASS trial data found that highly pervious clots result in better treatment success after first attempt clot removal using aspiration thrombectomy. In contrast, clots with low perviousness are more resistant to either thrombectomy approach.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateAug 11, 2020

Experimental COVID-19 vaccine prevents severe disease in mice

A new experimental COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to prevent pneumonia and elicit high levels of protective antibodies in mice infected with the virus. The vaccine uses a mild virus genetically modified to carry a key gene from the COVID-19 virus, generating a strong immune response.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateAug 11, 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.

Researchers show mathematically how to best reopen your business after lockdown

The study shows that reopening a business is feasible only if stringent safety measures are taken, including frequent hand washing, routine sanitation, social distancing, and monitoring body temperature. The model estimates that these measures can increase net profit under certain assumptions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Applied Mathematics and Statistics·DateAug 11, 2020

Immunotherapy-resistant cancers eliminated in mouse study

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine discovered a new tool to enhance tumor immunotherapy by blocking the TREM2 protein, resulting in complete elimination of tumors. A clinical trial could follow with existing anti-TREM2 antibodies already in trials for another disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateAug 11, 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.

EULAR: Timely detection of axial spondyloarthritis

A large European cross-sectional study found that patients with axial spondyloarthritis experience a significant delay in diagnosis due to misdirected referrals and involvement of multiple medical professionals. The study recommends initiating measures to prevent such delays and facilitate timely referral to a rheumatologist.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 11, 2020

Stanford experts recommend strict, costly approaches for reopening schools

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Stanford experts recommend a three-pronged testing approach, including symptomatic testing, pooled testing, and frequent testing in high-risk households. Schools should also implement strict COVID-19 prevention measures, such as enhanced disinfection, hand sanitizers, and protective equipment.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 11, 2020

Analysis pinpoints most important forests for biodiversity and conservation in Central Africa

A study by WCS and partners pinpointed the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea as crucial countries for safeguarding biodiversity and intact forests. The analysis combines datasets to highlight regions with high conservation value, guiding national development plans towards sustainabl...

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

Rates of dog bites in children up during COVID-19 pandemic

According to a recently published commentary article, increased rates of dog bites in children have been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors attribute these increases to heightened stress for dogs and decreased adult supervision around dogs and children.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 11, 2020

Eating out was a very social matter for early humans

A 480,000-year-old archaeological site in Sussex, England, has provided unprecedented insights into the life of a poorly understood human species. The site reveals that early humans engaged in cooperative activities and shared tools, suggesting highly social spaces for interaction and learning.

SourceUniversity College London·DateAug 11, 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.

X-rays indicate that water can behave like a liquid crystal

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can align its molecules like a liquid crystal when exposed to laser light. The alignment lasts only for a fraction of a second and is confirmed by both experimental studies and molecular simulations.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

Scientists found genes that help cancer cells to penetrate the brain

Researchers have discovered genes that facilitate the penetration of cancer cells into the brain, a process that complicates cancer treatment. The study highlights potential targets for therapy, including enzymes and microRNAs involved in disrupting blood-brain barrier integrity.

SourceSechenov University·JournalTrends in Cancer·DateAug 11, 2020

RCSI research finds air pollution in Ireland associated with strokes

A study published in Cerebrovascular Diseases found a statistically significant link between short-term air pollution and stroke hospitalisations in Dublin. Higher levels of coarse particles, fine particles, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide were associated with increased risks of stroke.

SourceRCSI·JournalCerebrovascular Diseases·DateAug 11, 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.

Gluten in wheat: What has changed during 120 years of breeding?

A study by the Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology found that modern wheat varieties contain slightly less protein than older varieties, while maintaining a consistent gluten content. The researchers also discovered that environmental conditions, such as precipitation, played a significant role in shaping protein composition.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateAug 11, 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.

Researchers create mask filtration effectiveness hierarchy

A study conducted at an EPA facility shows that expired and sterilized used N95 masks retain their effectiveness in protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 infection. The researchers created a hierarchy of mask supplies, ranking N95 masks as the safest option, followed by CDC-FDA-NIOSH approved products.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Storing energy in red bricks

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to convert red bricks into energy storage units that can store electricity, which could be charged and used to power devices. The 'smart bricks' can store a substantial amount of energy and can be recharged hundreds of thousands of times within an hour.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

Molecules in urine allow doctors to monitor skin cancer

Scientists have discovered a rapid, inexpensive, and non-invasive method to track malignant melanoma using fluorescent molecules in urine samples. The technique allows doctors to diagnose and monitor the disease without requiring invasive biopsies.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Chemistry Journal·DateAug 11, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 infection among health care workers in hospital

A study conducted at a large community hospital found that COVID-19 was prevalent among healthcare workers, with significant exposure rates reported. The findings underscore the importance of implementing robust infection control protocols to protect healthcare personnel and prevent further transmission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Mass General study shows physical distancing slowed growth of COVID-19 in US

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that government-implemented physical distancing measures significantly slowed the spread of COVID-19 in the US. The study analyzed data from the first five months of the epidemic and found that average daily case growth rates declined after implementation, and that the number of cases double...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Racial, socioeconomic disparities fuel increased infant mortality rates in California

A new study found that infant mortality rates in California have increased among certain groups, including obese mothers, smokers, and African American women. The study analyzed data from over 4 million single births and found that children of African American women had nearly twice the risk of infant mortality compared to those of whi...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 11, 2020

NASA's planet Hunter completes its primary mission

TESS has found 66 new exoplanets, including an Earth-size world in the habitable zone of a star. The satellite has also observed comets, exploding stars, and black holes, contributing to our understanding of astrobiology.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 11, 2020

Operational considerations on academy guidance for K-12 school reentry

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides guidelines for safe K-12 school reentry, focusing on infection control measures, social distancing, and mental health support. Effective operational planning is crucial to minimize risks and ensure a smooth transition back to in-person learning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 11, 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.

Cricket umpires fumble on T20 calls

Research by Queensland University of Technology reveals that elite-level cricket umpires make more errors when making leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions in T20 cricket, with a hit rate of 86.15% and false alarm rate of 2.04%. The study found that the format of the game affects decision-making behavior.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 11, 2020

Enzyme discovered in the gut could lead to new disease biomarker

Researchers identified an enzyme that breaks down mucus in the gut, providing a potential biomarker for intestinal diseases. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

Excess weight among pregnant women may interfere with child's developing brain

Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 11, 2020

Primate voice boxes are evolving at rapid pace

The study found that primate larynges are on average 38% larger than those of carnivorans for a given body length, indicating greater flexibility in evolution. The rate of larynx evolution is also faster in primates, with more variation in larynx size relative to body size.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 11, 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.

COMBAT study preliminary results show response of 32% in treatment of pancreatic tumors

The COMBAT trial, a phase IIa clinical trial, has shown promising results with pembrolizumab and BL-8040 combination therapy, achieving a 32% meaningful tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This response rate is double that of traditional chemotherapy, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

'Insect apocalypse' may not be happening in US

A recent US long-term ecological site study suggests that the so-called 'insect apocalypse' may be exaggerated, with many areas showing little to no overall change in insect abundance and biodiversity. However, certain species remain in decline, particularly for key ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 11, 2020

Project Raphael brings improved health to disadvantaged populations

The Raphael Project, a social incubator at Bar-Ilan University, has successfully addressed the most pressing health needs in Israel's Galilee region. Through academic-community partnerships, it has implemented various health-promoting activities, resulting in tangible improvements in health for disadvantaged populations.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 11, 2020

Nanocrystals from recycled wood waste make carbon-fiber composites tougher

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers demonstrates the use of cellulose nanocrystals to uniformly coat carbon nanotubes on carbon-fiber composites, resulting in increased strength and resistance. This innovative method enables the design of stronger, more efficient composite materials from the nanoscale.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 11, 2020

Jealous feelings can act as a tool to strengthen friendships

A recent Arizona State University study found that feelings of jealousy can act as a tool to maintain friendships. The research suggests that jealousy motivates people to be better friends, invest in neglected relationships, and even overcome threats from third-party individuals.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 11, 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.

COVID-19 clinical trials lack diversity

Majority of patients in remdesivir trials were Caucasians, raising concerns about medication efficacy in people of color. The study emphasizes the need for diverse clinical trial participants to accurately represent the US population and inform treatments.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Harvard research identifies business travel as driver of economic growth

New Harvard research reveals a direct link between incoming business travel and economic growth, ranking countries by knowhow flow. The study raises concerns about the consequences of international travel restrictions on global GDP, suggesting a potential double-digit loss if business travel were to halt completely.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 11, 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.

Study points to health disparities among former NFL players

A new study from Harvard Medical School found that Black former NFL players experience significant health disparities, including more pain, physical impairment, mood disorders, and cognitive problems compared to white peers. Other nonwhite athletes also face similar challenges.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateAug 11, 2020

Ultraviolet communication to transform Army networks

Researchers create analysis framework to evaluate tradeoffs and design choices in ultraviolet communication systems, offering insights into their natural low-probability-of-detection property. This understanding is crucial for optimizing system performance and predicting detection capabilities.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 11, 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.

Upcycling plastic waste toward sustainable energy storage

UC Riverside engineers develop a process to transform PET plastic into a nanomaterial useful for energy storage. The breakthrough reduces plastic pollution and could lower battery costs, enabling the widespread adoption of electric cars by 2040.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnergy Storage·DateAug 11, 2020