Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 40


Page 40 of 45

New method to help spot gastric cancer cells

Researchers developed an optically induced electrokinetics (OEK) microfluidic method for label-free separation and characterization of gastric cancer cells. The new technique, published in Science Advances, achieved purity up to 71% in separating cancer cells from ascites and demonstrated rapid and non-destructive capabilities.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 5, 2020

Building dementia friendly churches

The Dementia Friendly Church programme has had a significant impact, improving interactions between church attendees and people with dementia. The project involves making practical changes to church layouts, worship, and hospitality to create 'friendly spaces' for those living with dementia.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalReligions·DateAug 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Alcoholism treatment is potentially effective against COVID-19

Disulfiram, used to treat alcoholism, has shown potential against SARS-CoV-2 by inhibiting viral replication and reducing glutathione levels, while neratinib, an experimental breast cancer treatment, also demonstrates effectiveness in blocking coronavirus protease M pro.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalMendeleev Communications·DateAug 5, 2020

Can community members deliver naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses?

Researchers at Drexel University developed a smartphone app, UnityPhilly, to empower community members in delivering naloxone during opioid overdoses. The study found that participants successfully reversed overdoses in 95.9% of cases and administered naloxone faster than EMS in over half the events.

SourceDrexel University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 5, 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.

Bone drug may be beneficial for knee osteoarthritis

Researchers found that bisphosphonates can reduce bone marrow lesions in people with knee osteoarthritis, which could lead to improved pain management and halted disease progression.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalOsteoarthritis and Cartilage·DateAug 5, 2020

Scientists discover the switch that makes human brown fat burn energy

Researchers found that beta2-adrenergic receptors in brown fat cells stimulate thermogenesis, a process that burns calories and improves insulin sensitivity. The discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateAug 5, 2020

Autism: How a gene alteration modifies social behavior

Researchers at the University of Basel have discovered a connection between a genetic alteration and social difficulties related to autism. By targeting the oxytocin signaling pathway, they achieved promising results in an animal model and found that treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor can normalize social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020

How tumor cells evade the immune defense

Researchers have developed a method to investigate how cancer cells evade the immune system, revealing that some genes can be downregulated over time to avoid detection. The study suggests that targeting these genes could lead to more effective immune therapies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateAug 5, 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.

Astronomers sink their teeth into special supernova

Researchers obtained critical data on a special type of exploding star, known as calcium-rich supernovae, which produce vast quantities of calcium. These events account for up to half of the calcium found in the universe and provide insights into how elements are expelled during a supernova explosion.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateAug 5, 2020

In ancient Arabia, some tools were created to show off skills

Researchers found that ancient Arabians used fluted projectile points not just for functionality but also to demonstrate their technical skills and social status. The study provides evidence of independent invention across continents, highlighting the unique cultural practices of these ancient civilizations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 5, 2020

To bond with nature, kids need solitary activities outdoors

A new study found that solitary outdoor activities, such as fishing or hunting, are key to building a strong connection between children and nature. Social activities outdoors also help cement this bond. Children who engage in these activities enjoy being outside and feel comfortable, leading to mental and physical benefits.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Environmental Education·DateAug 5, 2020

Discovery shows promise for treating Huntington's Disease

Scientists have identified an enzyme called TBK1 that can play a central role in treating Huntington's Disease. The enzyme regulates the degradation and clearance of the huntingtin protein, introducing chemical modifications that block its aggregation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateAug 5, 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.

How climate change affects allergies, immune response and autism

Rising carbon dioxide levels and changes in the environment may contribute to increased prevalence of respiratory allergies, autoimmune diseases, and neurologic conditions such as autism. Disruptions to gut bacteria have also been linked to these disorders, highlighting the need for a greener lifestyle and reduced exposure to antimicro...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 5, 2020

IKBFU researchers study the Curonian Spit plants adaptation mechanism

Researchers from IKBFU Institute of Living Systems studied the protective mechanisms of beach pea plants (Lathyrus maritimus Bigel) on the Curonian Spit. The study found that these plants accumulate low-molecular antioxidants to adapt to extreme conditions, such as high salinity and low temperatures.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalPlants·DateAug 5, 2020

Osteopontin, a protein not always as bad as it is made out to be

Researchers at UPV/EHU University of the Basque Country discover osteopontin's protective role in preventing early onset of metabolic fatty liver disease. Maintaining physiological levels of osteopontin is essential to delay disease progression during ageing.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAging Cell·DateAug 5, 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.

Increase in immigration has little impact on the wages of US citizens

A recent study suggests that an increase in immigration to the US has little impact on the wages of native citizens. However, it does benefit low-skill workers, with average wage gains of around 4%. The study also found a small positive effect on high-skill natives' wages and reduced local real wage inequality.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateAug 5, 2020

New findings on enzymes with important role in SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that the ACE2 enzyme is present throughout the human body, but at very low levels in the respiratory system. This finding suggests that other factors may be necessary for SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease progression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateAug 5, 2020

New study reveals lower energy limit for life on Earth

A new study by Queen Mary University of London reveals that microorganisms in deep-sea sediments can survive using far less energy than previously known to support life. This finding challenges our understanding of the limits of life on Earth and has implications for searching for life elsewhere.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 5, 2020

Calcium-rich supernova examined with x-rays for first time

A Northwestern University-led team examined a calcium-rich supernova dubbed SN 2019ehk with X-ray imaging, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the star during its final month of life and ultimate explosion. The study revealed that the event is a compact star shedding an outer layer of gas before exploding, producing bright X-rays.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·DateAug 5, 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.

Surgery during pregnancy for gallbladder infections may be safer than postponing

A nationwide analysis of data from over 6,300 pregnant women reveals that those who underwent surgery during pregnancy had better outcomes compared to those whose surgeries were delayed. The study found a significant increase in maternal-fetal complications among women who did not have gallbladder surgery.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateAug 5, 2020

Gout diagnoses rising worldwide

The prevalence of gout increased worldwide between 1990 and 2017, reaching approximately 41.2 million cases in 2017. High body mass index and impaired kidney function were identified as key risk factors for the disease.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 5, 2020

Vitamin D twice a day may keep vertigo away

A study found that taking vitamin D and calcium supplements twice daily can reduce the chances of getting vertigo again, especially for those with low vitamin D levels. The study showed a 24% reduction in annual recurrence rate among participants who took supplements.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 5, 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.

May the force be with you: Detecting ultrafast light by its force

A McGill research team developed a new technique to detect nano-sized imperfections in materials using atomic force microscopy and ultrafast nonlinear optical methods. This discovery will lead to improvements in optical detectors used in various technologies, including solar cells and cell phones.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2020

NASA data helps uncover our solar system's shape

Scientists use NASA data to predict heliosphere's characteristics, revealing a deflated croissant shape without a long tail. The shape of the heliosphere acts as our solar system's shield against galactic cosmic rays, protecting Earth and space travelers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 5, 2020

Optical seismometer survives "hellish" summit of Caribbean volcano

A team of scientists installed an optical seismometer on La Soufrière de Guadeloupe volcano's summit to monitor gas and steam eruptions. The instrument collects data that will be combined with other observations to better understand the volcano's explosive potential.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateAug 5, 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.

Smartphones prove to be time-saving analytical tools

Researchers have created a novel method using smartphones to measure soil density, which is crucial for nutrient and carbon stock management. The new approach involves taking high-resolution photos of soil samples with a smartphone camera and analyzing them using photogrammetry software.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 5, 2020

Rice researchers use InSight for deep Mars measurements

Researchers from Rice University have made the first direct measurements of three subsurface boundaries from Mars' crust to its core using NASA's InSight Lander data. The study provides insights into Mars' early history, planetary formation, and the planet's development from a chemical and thermal perspective.

SourceRice University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2020

New website offers added decision support for patients searching for a transplant center

A new online tool developed by Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute and the University of Minnesota helps transplant candidates find matching programs based on their donor type and medical profile. The website uses data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) to provide personalized decision support.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalTransplantation Direct·DateAug 5, 2020

Open clinics aren't enough to ensure abortion access in Ohio

A new study finds that abortion care churn, including clinic-level instability and chronic uncertainty, creates barriers for patients and compromises access to abortion care in Ohio. The research highlights the need for policymakers to consider the multifaceted impacts of restrictions on abortion access.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 5, 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.

A 'Devonian' aquarium: Modern mutant fishes replicate creatures of ancient oceans

Researchers engineered a single-gene mutation in zebrafish, producing jawless mutants resembling ancient fish from the Silurian and Devonian Periods. The mutations allowed these modern fish to thrive despite their inability to close their jaws, revealing insights into developmental plasticity and evolutionary strategies.

SourceCanadian Museum of Nature·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 5, 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.

Ocean heatwaves dramatically shift habitats

Marine heatwaves are displacing habitats for marine life by thousands of kilometers, a phenomenon known as thermal displacement. This metric measures the degree of change species may be responding to, highlighting potential ecosystem changes and management questions.

SourceNOAA Fisheries West Coast Region·JournalNature·DateAug 5, 2020

Carbon footprinting and pricing under climate concerns

Researchers explore the conundrum of reducing carbon footprint while increasing sales, proposing three steps: calculate a carbon footprint, decrease footprint and increase price, and be proactive with product design. Measuring climate impact is crucial for organizations to become 'net zero'.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 5, 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.

Implantable transmitter provides wireless option for biomedical devices

The Purdue team created a fully implantable radio-frequency transmitter chip that consumes the lowest amount of energy per digital bit published to date. It enables real-time biophysiological data monitoring for conditions like glaucoma and heart disease, eliminating the need for batteries or frequent recharging.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Circuits & Systems II Express Briefs·DateAug 4, 2020

Four-compartment modeling can help determine best COVID-19 control strategy

Researchers identified four key population categories to guide COVID-19 public health policies, showing that face masks and social distancing alone are insufficient to reverse disease trends. The study found that implementing mass quarantine and case isolation earlier greatly improves disease suppression effectiveness.

SourceNational Center for Trauma Medicine·JournalPrecision Clinical Medicine·DateAug 4, 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.

Small trees offer hope for rainforests

A new study suggests small trees can adapt better to droughts and grow into a new generation to help the rainforest survive. Researchers found that small trees increase their capacity for photosynthesis and growth despite lack of water, potentially leading to greater overall resilience in the forest.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateAug 4, 2020

Nanostructures modeled on moth eyes effective for anti-icing

Researchers have developed nanostructures modeled on moth eyes that exhibit anti-icing properties, with the addition of a paraffin layer improving their performance. The nanostructure showed great improvement in freezing time and water repellency, making it suitable for applications such as aircraft wings and energy transmission systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 4, 2020

Sulfur-containing polymer generates high refractive index and transparency?

Researchers developed a novel technology to create a sulfur-containing polymer (SCP) film with excellent environmental stability and chemical resistance, exhibiting a high refractive index of 1.9 while being fully transparent in the entire visible range.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 4, 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.

University of Arizona awarded $26M to architect the quantum internet

The University of Arizona will lead a new National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center to architect the quantum internet, revolutionizing computing, communication, and sensing. The center aims to create a fabric connecting quantum computers, data centers, and gadgets using qubits.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateAug 4, 2020

New study: The quiet Sun is much more active than we thought

Researchers at Aalto University found that the quiet Sun is more active than previously thought, with radio brightenings and solar storms detected during the solar minimum period. These findings suggest that solar activity cycles may not always follow traditional 11-year patterns.

SourceAalto University·JournalSolar Physics·DateAug 4, 2020