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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 45

Poverty alleviation efforts are shaping the success of environmental targets

A new study published in PNAS explores the impact of poverty alleviation efforts on environmental targets, finding that successful programs can increase food production and reduce poverty but may also lead to trade-offs with environmental protection. The research highlights the importance of considering social and environmental outcome...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Electronic components join forces to take up 10 times less space on computer chips

A new study demonstrates the successful integration of individual elements that make up electronic filters onto a single component, significantly reducing space taken up by devices. The researchers ditched conventional designs and created a single, self-rolling membrane that contains both independently designed elements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Engineers enlist fungi to advance against disease

Rice University scientists have won a $1.9 million NIH grant to explore the use of CRISPR-Cas genome editing in natural fungi to discover new drugs that stay ahead of disease resistance. By understanding how fungi synthesize useful compounds, they aim to create novel drug development toolkits.

SourceRice University·DateAug 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeing chemical reactions with music

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science found that audible sound can control chemical reactions in solution by supplying energy sources into the air-liquid interface. The study created aesthetically pleasing patterns on the surface and bulk of the solution, exhibiting life-like behavior in synthetic molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2020

Evolutionary assimilation of foreign DNA in a new host

Researchers at UC San Diego used CRISPR and evolutionary engineering to test foreign DNA in E. coli and observed that most mutations occurred in regulatory regions, not within the foreign gene itself. The study reveals the importance of systems biology in understanding biological function and its implications for genetic engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 10, 2020

Deforestation and indigenous property rights

The study found that granting collective property rights to indigenous territories led to a significant decrease in deforestation, particularly at the border of these areas. Territories waiting for full property rights saw little impact on deforestation levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

KIST finds clue to improve artificial vision for patients with retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers at KIST found that retinal neural signals from electric stimulation are altered depending on disease progression in mice affected by outer retinal degeneration. This study suggests guidelines for patient selection of retinal prostheses, improving performance and perception of artificial vision.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 10, 2020

Biology blurs line between sexes, behaviors

A new study identifies a genetic switch in brain cells that can toggle between sex-specific states when necessary, challenging the idea of sex as a fixed property. This finding has implications for human biology, particularly in understanding sex-typical behaviors and their flexibility.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 2020

Miscarriage risk increases each week alcohol is used in early pregnancy

Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who consume alcohol during early pregnancy face a higher risk of miscarriage. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 women and found an incremental 8% increase in miscarriage risk each week of alcohol use.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·DateAug 10, 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.

Oxytocin can help prevent osteoporosis

Researchers found that oxytocin administration reversed precursors of osteoporosis in female rats, including reduced bone density and decreased bone strength. The study suggests that oxytocin may be a strong ally in preventing osteoporosis during perimenopause.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 10, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that a substantial number of overdose deaths were misclassified as sudden cardiac deaths, leading to grossly underestimated national estimates of the opioid overdose burden. Meanwhile, another study provides real-world recommendations for overcoming telemedicine challenges with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Researchers find new potential treatment for prion diseases

Researchers have discovered a promising new treatment strategy for patients with prion disease by reducing levels of prion protein. This approach has been shown to significantly extend the survival of lab animals and even reverse disease markers after toxic clumps have formed in the brain.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateAug 10, 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.

Media alert: ESMO Virtual Congress 2020, September 19-21

The ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 will feature a virtual meeting between 19-21 September, including access to scientific programme, e-poster area, and industry satellite symposia. Accredited journalists can also access congress webcasts for re-watching presentations.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 10, 2020

Emergency visits for thunderstorm-related respiratory illnesses

Researchers analyzed atmospheric and lightning data to study the relationship between thunderstorms and increased emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses among older adults. The study found that vulnerable groups may be susceptible to atmospheric changes caused by thunderstorms, leading to higher emergency visit rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Inside the ice giants of space

Scientists developed a theoretical method to model the interior of ice giants Uranus and Neptune, allowing analysis of thermal and electrical processes. The study provides insights into the planets' geometry and evolution, including the existence of frozen cores and magnetic field generation.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 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.

Genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool falls short

A comprehensive assessment of genomic sequencing as a standalone newborn screening tool found it comes up short, missing about 160 cases and incorrectly identifying 8,000. However, sequencing can still be useful in suspicious cases not clearly identified by MS/MS.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

Violence and political partisanship

A recent study found that individuals with Republican leanings tend to support the use of nuclear and conventional weapons against enemy civilians and combatants. This partisan divide in views on violence is linked to underlying attitudes towards immigrants, gun rights, and abortion, according to researchers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Pasteurization inactivates COVID-19 virus in human milk: new research

New research confirms pasteurisation inactivates SARS-CoV-2 virus in human milk, ensuring safe supply to preterm babies. Cold storage also doesn't impact the virus's stability, allowing mothers with COVID-19 to express and store milk safely.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·DateAug 10, 2020

Analysis of Ugandan cervical carcinomas, an aid for understudied sub-Saharan women

A comprehensive genomic study of cervical cancers in sub-Saharan Africa has identified unique features associated with HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. The study found distinct gene expression patterns for HPV types and epigenetic changes linked to aggressive tumors, providing potential treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 10, 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.

Aquatic robots can remove contaminant particles from water

Researchers developed a 1cm by 1cm soft robot that can remove contaminants from water using a magnetic field and light. The artificial aquatic polyp can guide suspended targets towards it, and then activate its tentacles to grasp and release particles.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

Photo of eyes provides forecast of longevity in heart failure patients

Research published in ESC Heart Failure suggests that pupil area can predict prognosis in patients with heart failure. Patients with a small pupil area were found to have a significantly poorer survival rate and higher risk of readmission for heart failure compared to those with a large pupil area.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalESC Heart Failure·DateAug 10, 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.

New study documents increasing frequency, cost, and severity of gunshot wounds

A new study finds that gun violence has increased in the US, resulting in higher costs and severity of gunshot wounds. The study, which analyzed hospital data from 2005 to 2016, shows a significant increase in the cost of operations and length of hospital stays for patients with gunshot wounds.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 10, 2020

HPV strains may impact cervical cancer prognosis

A recent study published in Nature Genetics analyzed genomic differences between HPV strains causing cervical cancers, revealing distinct characteristics and implications for prognosis. The researchers identified specific patterns associated with aggressive cancers, highlighting the need for further studies on African populations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 10, 2020

Rare 'boomerang' earthquake observed along Atlantic Ocean fault line

A team of researchers has tracked a rare 'boomerang' earthquake in the ocean for the first time, revealing how it can cause devastating effects on land. The study used underwater seismometers to monitor the Romanche fracture zone and recorded a magnitude 7.1 earthquake with a unique reversing rupture mechanism.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 10, 2020

Restaurant customers frown on automatic gratuities, particularly after good service

Customers with excellent dining experiences express the most dissatisfaction with automatic gratuities. Research found that high-quality service does not compensate for negative customer responses to non-voluntary tipping systems. Restaurants can explore ways to give customers a sense of control, such as providing feedback or adding se...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Services Marketing·DateAug 10, 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 pinpoints five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers

A new study has pinpointed the five most likely causes of post-traumatic stress in police officers, highlighting the importance of genetic and emotional differences. The research identified specific causal factors, including a tendency to startle easily, anxiety, depression, and genetic mutations, which can contribute to the developmen...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 10, 2020

New research may help identify sex trafficking networks

Researchers studied Backpage.com accounts and discovered linked activities among them, which may help identify illegal trafficking activity. The study found common behaviors in ads placed by these accounts, including evasive tactics used by sex trafficking organizations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalApplied Network Science·DateAug 10, 2020

Land-use change disrupts wild plant pollination on a global scale

A global data analysis reveals that intensive land use decreases wild plant reproductive success and pollination due to lower pollinator abundance. Highly specialized plants are most affected, while those relying on domesticated honey bees may have more protection.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 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.

New treatment targets found for blinding retinal disease

Scientists have identified new points to calm frenzied energy production in the retina, enabling recovery. The excessive byproducts of glycolysis initiate a vicious loop of crosstalk between endothelial cells and microglia, promoting inflammation and dysfunctional blood vessels.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Personal connections key to climate adaptation

Researchers found that households more socially connected to others taking action were more likely to do the same, suggesting a 'like-attracts-like' effect. Household connections with the marine environment also played an important role in determining responses to climate impacts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

How fish stocks will change in warming seas

A new study projects significant changes in fish stocks in the UK due to climate change, including increased abundance of warm-adapted species and declining populations of cold-adapted species. The findings highlight the need for flexible management approaches to adapt to these changes and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateAug 10, 2020

How boundaries become bridges in evolution

A University of Arizona study found that mechanisms making organisms fit into current environments are distinct from those responsible for change, and occur sequentially in evolution. The research used the house finch as a model, tracking carotenoid pigments in feathers across different regions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 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.

Army advances learning capabilities of drone swarms

The U.S. Army has developed a reinforcement learning approach that enables swarms of unmanned aerial and ground vehicles to accomplish various missions while minimizing performance uncertainty. This allows for efficient execution of time-consuming or dangerous tasks, enhancing warfighters' tactical situational awareness.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateAug 10, 2020

New tools in the fight against lethal citrus disease

Scientists created metabolic models of the bacterium associated with Huanglongbing, identifying 94 essential enzymes and metabolites required for its survival. These findings can lead to new antibacterial treatments and insights into long-lasting disease management strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·DateAug 10, 2020

ETRI won CLIC contest on AI-based video compression technology

Korean researchers from ETRI win first and second places in the Challenge on Learned Image Compression (CLIC) with innovative AI-based video compression techniques. The team aims to optimize video compression rate and quality using multiple source technologies.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateAug 10, 2020

Indigenous property rights protect the Amazon rainforest

A study published in PNAS found that granting full property rights to indigenous communities in the Amazon reduces deforestation rates by 66%. This policy focus can help preserve forested areas and attain climate goals, with significant implications for indigenous people's capacity to curb deforestation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 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.

Countering anti-vaccination influences from social media - with conversation

A new study using big data and survey results from the 2018-19 flu season found strong associations between regional social media messages and vaccination attitudes and behavior. However, when people discussed vaccination with others, negative effects of social media on vaccine behavior disappeared.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalVaccine·DateAug 10, 2020

NIST's SAMURAI measures 5G communications channels precisely

The SAMURAI system measures signals across a wide frequency range, providing a detailed portrait of 5G device and channel performance. The system helps resolve unanswered questions surrounding 5G's use of active antennas, improving theory, hardware, and analysis techniques for accurate channel models and efficient networks.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateAug 10, 2020