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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 45

Amateur drone videos could aid in natural disaster damage assessment

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing an AI-powered system to automatically identify buildings and assess damage using amateur drone videos. The system, called MSNet, can overlay masks on damaged areas and determine the severity of damage, enabling faster and more accurate damage assessments.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateAug 28, 2020

NASA Terra Satellite sees development of Tropical Storm Maysak

Tropical Storm Maysak formed on August 28 with a quick burst of strength, featuring powerful thunderstorms reaching temperatures as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm's cloud tops cooled significantly over the past 6 hours, consolidating its circulation center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sunflower oil shows unexpected efficiency in corrosion prevention

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a sunflower oil-based inhibitor to prevent gas hydrates and pipeline corrosion in the Arctic. The unique reagent showed high efficiency during laboratory tests, offering a budget-friendly solution with biodegradable properties.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalEnergy·DateAug 28, 2020

Look beyond opioids to solve national substance use epidemic, study suggests

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University found that three-quarters of hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder reported using more than one substance. The research highlights the complexity of substance use patterns and suggests that a singular focus on opioids may overlook this issue, particularly among people of color.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateAug 28, 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.

How Neanderthals adjusted to climate change

A German-Italian research project analyzed artefacts from the Sesselfelsgrotte cave in Lower Bavaria, finding similarities and differences between various types of knives. The researchers concluded that Keilmesser were a reaction to climate change, developed for their long lifespan and multi-functional use.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 28, 2020

Nurses burned out and want to quit

A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2020

Maternal insecticide use during pregnancy and neonatal jaundice

A study of 61,751 pregnant women found that frequent indoor insecticide use increased neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy by 1.21 times, while frequent spray or lotion-type repellent use decreased it by 0.70 times. Asian mothers are twice as likely to exhibit jaundice than Caucasians and blacks.

SourceShinshu University·JournalPediatric Research·DateAug 28, 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.

A coffee and catnap keep you sharp on the nightshift

A study by Dr. Stephanie Centofanti and her team found that consuming caffeine before taking a short nap can help counteract sleep grogginess and improve alertness in night shift workers. This 'caffeine-nap' combination shows promise as a fatigue countermeasure for shift workers.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChronobiology International·DateAug 28, 2020

Program highlights of the ESMO Virtual Congress 2020

The ESMO Virtual Congress 2020 showcased promising results in triple negative breast cancer, a new class myeloid specific antibody in solid cancer, and health-related quality of life data from a phase 3 immunotherapy study. Keynote lecturers discussed the impact of COVID-19 on patients, oncologists, and healthcare systems.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·DateAug 28, 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 finds that sleep restriction amplifies anger

Research reveals that losing sleep leads to increased anger and frustration over time. Well-slept individuals adapt better to stressful situations, whereas sleep-restricted individuals exhibit higher anger in response to aversive stimuli.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 28, 2020

Low-cost, fly footpad-like adhesive structure capable of repeated attachment/detachment

Researchers at NIMS and Hokkaido University successfully created a reusable adhesive structure inspired by insect footpads, capable of repeated attachment and detachment. The structure's strength and ease of use vary depending on direction of pull, with potential applications in industrial robots and outdoor equipment.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 28, 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.

LSU Health study explains multipronged SARS-CoV-2 attack and widespread COVID-19 infection

A new LSU Health study reveals that the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor plays a crucial role in the multipronged SARS-CoV-2 attack, leading to widespread COVID-19 infection. The research found high ACE2 expression in various organs and tissues, including the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCellular and Molecular Neurobiology·DateAug 28, 2020

Giant nanomachine aids the immune system

Researchers have created an atomic structure of the peptide-loading complex, a biological nanomachine that loads antigens onto MHC molecules. This allows for detailed molecular dynamics simulations to study its dynamics and mechanism, enabling targeted interventions in immune processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 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.

Scientists listed the main approaches to the treatment of coronavirus

Researchers describe various approaches to treating SARS-CoV-2 infection, including immunotherapy and suppression of excessive immune system reaction. Several drugs have shown promise in slowing down the spread of the virus, but no single optimal algorithm has been found yet.

SourceSechenov University·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·DateAug 28, 2020

Cellular energy audit reveals energy producers and consumers

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have performed a massive cellular energy audit to understand how cells regulate ATP levels. They identified genes and proteins that can be targeted to manipulate cellular energy and treat disease, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study reveals new pathways for boosting cellular en...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

International screening of the effects of a pathogenic fungus

Researchers have identified the human immune system's Achilles heel for a new, effective drug against Candida auris. The fungus is especially dangerous for people with compromised immunity and can be resistant to many disinfectants and fungicides.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 28, 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.

The "gold" in breast milk

The discovery reveals alarmins play a crucial role in developing optimal intestinal bacteria diversity, protecting against diseases. Supplementing with these proteins could support newborns with low alarmin levels or limited breast milk exposure.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 28, 2020

Engineers uncover biomechanical effects of skin rubbing

Biomechanical engineers at Tohoku University developed a formula to describe permeability of rubbed skin. The study found that mechanical rubbing causes gaps in the skin's barrier function and can potentially allow transdermal virus infection. Further research is needed to determine the risk of skin damage from face masks.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateAug 28, 2020

Waiting for Godot Metaphor

The COVID-19 pandemic response is assessed using a Pandemic Index, which categorizes the severity of outbreaks. The article also explores the usefulness of PCR tests and the consequences of herd immunity in mitigating disease spread.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateAug 28, 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.

Knowledge about the past can preserve the biodiversity of tomorrow

Researchers mapped responses of biodiversity to abrupt climate changes in the past to better understand how species and ecosystems will cope with future climate shifts. The study found that some species migrated northward while others became extinct, but many ecosystems can adapt to sudden climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateAug 28, 2020

Researchers explore how retail drone delivery may change logistics networks

A recent study published in Production and Operations Management explores the potential of retail drone delivery to change logistics networks. The research found that drone delivery can enable faster lead times, more profitable delivery customization, and increased demand due to time-sensitive customer needs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateAug 28, 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.

Kelly receives funding for digital humanities initiative

The Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University is receiving a $20,000 grant to build financial resilience in the digital humanities. The project will connect five digital humanities organizations through a yearlong planning exercise focused on sustainable business models.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateAug 28, 2020

Tungsten isotope helps study how to armor future fusion reactors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used a tungsten isotope to study the erosion and contamination of plasma in fusion reactors. The experiments aimed to understand how tungsten can be used to armor the reactor without contaminating the plasma, which is essential for achieving sustainable fusion energy.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateAug 28, 2020

Portland State lab finds finds new levels of detail about key membrane proteins

Researchers at Portland State University used cryo-electron microscopy to image connexin-46/50 membrane proteins at an unprecedented level of resolution, revealing new insights into their structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective targeted treatments for diseases.

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 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.

"Jumping" DNA regulates human neurons

Scientists discovered that transposable elements influence human brain development by partnering with two specialized proteins known as Krép-el-associated box-containing zinc finger proteins. These partnerships regulate gene expression in neurons and influence the development and function of adult organs.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2020

How to treat high blood pressure without ruining your sex life

Men with untreated high blood pressure have poorer penile blood flow than those with normal blood pressure, but treatment reverses the effect. The study also found that certain medications can worsen erectile dysfunction in men with normal or high-normal blood pressure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 28, 2020

Which OCD treatment works best? New brain study could lead to more personalized choices

Researchers found that exposure-based therapy was more effective in reducing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while stress-reduction therapy showed better results for those with lower brain activation in certain areas. The study aims to develop a personalized treatment approach for OCD, which may help improve therapy ou...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 28, 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.

Cochlear implants should be recommended for adults more often

A new consensus statement recommends cochlear implants for adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, which can restore clarity and improve communication. The panel of experts emphasizes that these devices are not only for young children but also suitable for adults who have lost hearing later in life.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateAug 27, 2020

New era in brain monitoring technology

A new generation of long-term brain monitoring technologies records neural activity to provide a reliable alternative to subjective seizure diaries. These devices, such as the Wyss Center's Epios system, offer flexible configurations and could enable optimized and personalized treatment for each patient.

SourceWyss Center for Bio and Neuroengineering·JournalEpilepsia·DateAug 27, 2020

Princeton labs report new platform for stereocontrol

A new platform for stereocontrol has been developed by Princeton University's MacMillan and Hyster labs, enabling the dynamic rendering of traditionally static stereocenters. This breakthrough allows for more efficient synthesis of complex molecules with specific stereochemistry.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 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.

Beating HIV and COVID-19 may depend on tweaking vaccine molecules

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover that high-valency antigens can lead to a more-is-better immune system reaction, while low-valency antigens result in a smaller, more targeted B cell response. The study suggests that selecting antigens with the right valency will depend on the disease being targeted.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalImmunity·DateAug 27, 2020

Prior Zika virus infection increases risk of severe dengue disease

A study published in Science found that prior Zika virus infection significantly increases the risk of both symptomatic and more severe forms of dengue disease. This interaction, known as antibody-dependent enhancement, could make it harder to design a safe and effective vaccine.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

Dealing a blow on monetarism

Researchers from Lobachevsky University analyze data on M2 monetary aggregate, monetary base, and money multiplier to study impact of financial innovations on money supply. They find evidence of endogenous origin of money supply in Russian economy for both periods of time, confirming structuralism and preference for liquidity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFinancial Journal·DateAug 27, 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.

Songbirds reduce reproduction to help survive drought

Research from the University of Montana found that tropical songbirds reduce reproduction during severe droughts, but this shift actually increases their survival rates. Long-lived species experience higher survival rates during drought years than non-drought years.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 27, 2020

Playfulness can be trained - here's why you should do it

Researchers from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that playfulness can be induced through daily exercises that boost playful behavior. The study showed a temporary improvement in participants' well-being and demonstrated the potential for practical applications, such as improving work-life balance and relationships.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·DateAug 27, 2020

Student research team develops hybrid rocket engine

A University of Illinois student research team successfully designed a hybrid rocket engine that uses paraffin and Nytrox, overcoming previous failures with nitrous oxide. The team's perseverance was aided by collaborations with Purdue University and Zucrow Laboratories.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateAug 27, 2020

Brain-inspired electronic system could vastly reduce AI's carbon footprint

Researchers have found a way to improve the accuracy of brain-inspired computing systems using memristors, which are at least 1,000 times more energy-efficient than conventional transistor-based AI hardware. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions from training one AI model.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.