Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 34


Page 34 of 45

Blood biomarkers reveal aging differences among dolphins

A study analyzing dolphin blood biomarkers reveals age-related declines in hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, platelets, and lymphocytes. This variation in aging rates suggests potential strategies for slowing disease progression and preventing chronic conditions in humans.

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

Air pollution impacts the health of wild pollinators

A recent study found that air pollution in Bangalore City leads to lower flower visitation rates and altered physiological responses in Giant Asian honey bees. The research suggests widespread negative impacts on these critical pollinators, threatening India's food security and ecosystems.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Space invaders as MOFs act as liquids

Researchers have developed a way to solubilize metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to create liquid-like materials. These MOF dispersions can separate gas mixtures with high efficiency and selectivity, making them suitable for industrial applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Coronavirus transmission risk increases along wildlife supply chains

A study published in PLOS ONE detected coronaviruses in bats and rodents, with increased detection rates found along the wildlife supply chain. The study highlights the importance of improving coronavirus surveillance and implementing targeted wildlife trade reform to minimize public health risks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 10, 2020

TB vaccine research could benefit the elderly and diabetics

A new vaccine candidate BCG::RD1 has shown highly protective effects against tuberculosis in older mice with type 2 diabetes. The vaccine acts on multiple immune cell subsets to mount a robust response against TB-causing bacteria.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

New approach to treating osteoarthritis advances

A new study from NYU Langone Health suggests that injecting adenosine into joints can stimulate cartilage growth and prevent disease progression. The treatment has shown promising results in animal models of osteoarthritis, with regrowth rates of up to 50%.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·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.

NSF renews Rice biological physics center

The Center for Theoretical Biological Physics at Rice University has received a five-year extension from the National Science Foundation to pursue research on the intersection of biology and physics. Researchers will continue to use computational analysis and experimental efforts to understand cell behavior and interactions.

SourceRice University·DateAug 10, 2020

Using air to amplify light

Researchers at EPFL have created a technology to amplify light inside hollow-core optical fibers filled with air, increasing the light intensity significantly. This breakthrough enables longer-distance transmission and potential applications in thermometers and temporary optical memory.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020

A new way to fabricate MXene films that block electromagnetic interference

A research team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a novel approach to fabricating MXene films that can effectively block electromagnetic interference. The drop-casting method on pre-patterned hydrophobic substrates resulted in a 38% enhancement of EMI shielding efficiency over conventional methods, making it scalable an...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalMatter·DateAug 10, 2020

Cannabis use in pregnancy linked to a greater risk of autism

A large study has found a link between cannabis use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The study, published in Nature Medicine, looked at data from over 500,000 women in Ontario and found that children exposed to cannabis in utero were at greater risk of developing autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 10, 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.

Understanding matter at atom-crushing densities

The Center for Matter at Atomic Pressures (CMAP) will investigate the properties of matter under high pressures, shedding light on the formation and evolution of planets. The research aims to uncover novel properties of materials and their potential applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateAug 10, 2020

ETSU, Virginia Tech awarded $2.6 million for project

The Studies To Advance Recovery Support (STARS) Network will focus on Central Appalachia's urgent need for recovery support services. Researchers aim to advance understanding of treatment services, particularly those using medication-assisted treatment and counseling.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateAug 10, 2020

Mouthwashes could reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission

Researchers found that eight commercially available mouthwashes can inactivate Sars-Cov-2 viruses in cell culture experiments. The use of these mouthwashes could potentially reduce the viral load and risk of transmission, particularly in high-risk areas like the oral cavity and throat.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·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.

Peatland carbon and nitrogen stocks and permafrost thaw

Northern peatlands store large amounts of carbon and nitrogen, but are vulnerable to permafrost thaw under climate change. If thawed, these peatlands could become a source of atmospheric carbon, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

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

Adaptive mutations repeat themselves in tiny crustaceans of Lake Baikal

A team of Skoltech and IITP RAS researchers discovered adaptive parallel mutations in protein-coding sequences of 46 amphipod species from Lake Baikal, affecting several thousand genes. The findings suggest that these mutations are driven by the species' need to adapt to their environment.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateAug 10, 2020

NASA finds strong storms in developing Tropical Storm Mekkhala

NASA's Terra satellite detected powerful thunderstorms around Tropical Storm Mekkhala's center, with temperatures as cold as -80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move north before making landfall in southern China, bringing potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 2020

Discovery transforms understanding of hydrogen depletion at the seafloor

Scientists have discovered that hydrogen depletion at hydrothermal vent fluids is not caused by microorganisms, but rather by non-biological processes. This finding has significant implications for understanding the global hydrogen budget and constraining the extent of a deep biosphere.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

NASA infrared data confirms depression became Tropical Storm Elida

Tropical Depression 09E strengthened into Tropical Storm Elida, with maximum sustained winds near 65 mph and a central pressure of 995 millibars. Infrared imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite confirmed the storm's transition, revealing powerful thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures indicating heavy rainfall potential.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 10, 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.

Wheat and couch grass can extract toxic metals from contaminated soils

Researchers have discovered that wheat and couch grass can accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals from contaminated soils, removing them and making the soil safer. The plants' ability to phytoextract toxic metals makes them promising candidates for effective cleaning of soils using phytoremediation.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateAug 10, 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.

Fireflies shed light on the function of mitochondria

Scientists have developed a protocol to measure mitochondrial activity in living animals using a bioluminescent molecule found in fireflies. This method reveals impaired mitochondrial functions in diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 10, 2020

How building features impact veterans with PTSD

Veterans with PTSD prefer buildings with large windows, easy entrance and exit locations, open floor plans, and green spaces to feel comfortable. Interior design features like brighter colors and fewer furniture pieces also contribute to their comfort.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·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.

Breaking molecular traffic jams with finned nanoporous materials

Researchers developed finned nanoporous materials that facilitate faster molecular transport, reducing transportation limitations in zeolite catalysts. The new design triples the efficiency of conventional catalytic materials and enables longer catalyst lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Dietary control of the healing of injury-induced inflammation

Research reveals the resolution of injury-induced inflammation is under dietary control, requiring a balance of hormonal and genetic factors. The diet can enhance or inhibit each step of the process, affecting healing outcomes.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalAnti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 10, 2020

Agtech to the rescue in a pandemic: adapting plant labs for human testing

Researchers propose repurposing agtech labs for diagnostic testing in human pandemics. Sophisticated equipment used for crop and animal breeding can be easily adapted for tracing and detection. The approach aims to relieve pressure on limited health sector testing tools and speed up response measures.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 10, 2020

Breakthrough technology purifies water using the power of sunlight

A global research team has developed a new adsorbent-based desalination process that uses sunlight to regenerate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), producing clean drinking water in under 30 minutes. The technology filters harmful particles and achieves a TDS of <500 ppm, making it suitable for millions of people globally.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 10, 2020

Arctic plants and snow cover

A study on Arctic tundra plants reveals that snow cover and summer temperature significantly impact functional trait diversity. In a warming climate, tundra plants may develop taller leaves and rapid resource-acquisition traits.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Fighting like cats and dogs?

Researchers found that filling homes with calming pheromones can reduce undesirable interactions between cats and dogs, such as dog chasing cat or barking at cat. Both Feliway Friends for cats and Adaptil for dogs showed positive effects on desirable behaviors like friendly greetings and relaxation in the same room.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 10, 2020

ACM SIGCOMM underscores importance of communications technologies that keep daily life functioning

The ACM SIGCOMM conference emphasizes the importance of communications technologies in maintaining daily life. The virtual event showcases research papers on various topics, including programmable switches and video applications. Keynote speakers are recognized for their contributions to data network architectures, and the conference a...

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateAug 10, 2020

Landmarks facing climate threats could 'transform,' expert says

A new study suggests that climate change may require cultural sites to undergo transformation rather than strict preservation. Experts argue that some landmarks should remain damaged as a 'memory' of the event and serve as a warning for communities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClimatic Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Schooling is critical for cognitive health throughout life

A new analysis reveals that education has a positive impact on cognitive function in early and middle adulthood, but does not prevent age-related cognitive declines. Individuals with more years of schooling tend to have higher levels of cognitive function until later in life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateAug 10, 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.

Aspirin may accelerate progression of advanced cancers in older adults

A recent clinical trial found that aspirin use increased the risk of advanced cancer progression and early death in older adults. Aspirin was associated with a higher risk of metastasized cancer and stage 4 cancer, leading to higher mortality rates among those diagnosed with advanced solid cancers.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 10, 2020

Light swirls provide insights into the quantum world

Physicists have created a new method to study previously invisible quantum states of electrons using optical vortices. By combining conventional laser beams with swirls of light, researchers can detect the properties of emitted photoelectrons and gain insights into material structure and interaction with light.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 10, 2020

COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells

A recent study published in ACS Pharmacology & Translational Science found that COVID-19 does not directly damage taste bud cells, contradicting previous studies. Instead, the researchers suggest that taste loss is likely caused by events induced during COVID-19 inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateAug 10, 2020

Stronger rains in warmer climate could lessen heat damage to crops, says study

A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that intensified rainstorms predicted for a warmer climate may efficiently water major crops, partially offsetting projected yield declines caused by rising heat. The research found that years with heavy rains of up to 20 millimeters per hour resulted in higher yields.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 10, 2020

Previously undescribed lineage of Archaea illuminates microbial evolution

The Undinarchaeota, a previously unknown phylum of aquatic Archaea, have been found to likely depend on partner organisms for growth, while also conserving energy through fermentation. Their discovery provides new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of Archaea.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalNature Communications·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.

Assessing training in health disparities

A survey study evaluated the curriculum on health disparities and perceptions of training among internal medicine residents. The findings suggest that program directors and residents have differing perspectives on the adequacy of training, highlighting a need for improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 10, 2020

Change isn't a good thing for Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients

A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases identified a genetic variant associated with an increased risk of interstitial lung disease among Japanese rheumatoid arthritis patients. The variant, located in the RPA3 gene, is linked to fibrosis and triggers complications in RA patients.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateAug 9, 2020

Nanocatalysts that remotely control chemical reactions inside living cells

Researchers at POSTECH developed a remote magnetic-sensitive artificial catalyst called MAG-NER, which shows high catalytic efficiency within living cells. The catalyst transforms non-fluorescent reactants into fluorescent products through implanting MAG-NER into living cells and applying alternating magnetic fields.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 9, 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.

checkmate 743 shows that dual immunotherapy, nivolumab + ipilimumab

The combination of first-line nivolumab and ipilimumab demonstrated an improvement in overall survival compared to platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. The study showed a two-year overall survival rate of 40.8% for the treatment arm vs 27.0% for the chemotherapy arm.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateAug 8, 2020

Addition of sintilimab to pemetrexed and platinum improved progression-free survival

The addition of sintilimab to pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, with a nearly two-fold increase observed. The overall response rate was also higher in the sintilimab-combination group compared to the placebo combination.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateAug 8, 2020

Phase 3 eXalt3 study shows significantly longer progression-free survival

In a Phase 3 study, ensartinib demonstrated statistically significant longer progression-free survival compared to crizotinib in ALK+ NSCLC patients. The study found that ensartinib significantly prolonged overall response rate and time-to-treatment-failure rate in brain metastases

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateAug 8, 2020

COVID-19 crisis exposes imbalance in EU state aid for aviation sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAir and Space Law·DateAug 7, 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.