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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 45

Researchers create artificial organelles to control cellular behavior

Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created artificial membrane-less organelles within human cells by controlling the phase separation of emerging class of proteins. This advance enables precise tuning of a single property to modulate existing cell functions or create new behaviors.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 4, 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.

Photodynamic therapy can combat secondary infections in COVID-19 patients

Researchers advocate photodynamic therapy as an additional treatment for COVID-19 patients to combat secondary infections. The technique uses light and a photosensitizing chemical substance to kill microorganisms in the respiratory tract, potentially improving prognosis and reducing transmission.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhotodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy·DateAug 4, 2020

Dear Dr... how our email style reveals much about our personalities

Researchers found that autistic individuals tend to be more direct and precise in their emails, while non-autistic people are more likely to include social niceties. This study highlights the importance of adapting our email styles to be more respectful of others' differences.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMolecular Autism·DateAug 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

VLBA finds planet orbiting small, cool star

Astronomers have discovered a Saturn-sized planet orbiting a small, cool star 35 light-years from Earth using the astrometric technique. The planet has a mass comparable to Saturn and orbits its star every 221 days. This discovery is significant as it reveals that smaller planets can exist around cooler stars.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateAug 4, 2020

New study shows how infrared lasers destroy harmful protein aggregates in Alzheimer's

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science used infrared laser irradiation to destroy amyloid fibrils, which are typical of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study combines experimental and simulation results, showing that the process begins at the core of the fibril, where resonance breaks intermolecular hydrogen bonds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateAug 4, 2020

Blood test could diagnose baby brain damage just hours after birth

Researchers developed a blood test that can identify babies at risk of serious neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy and epilepsy just hours after birth. The test looks for specific genes being switched on or off, which may provide new targets for treating brain damage before it becomes permanent.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

Experts issue back-to-school guidelines for pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

Pediatric infectious disease experts provide recommendations on return to school for SOT children, considering factors like clinical risk, community transmission, and infection prevention measures. The majority of SOT recipients are expected to outweigh the risks and benefit from attending school.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 4, 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.

Deep learning on cell signaling networks establishes AI for single-cell biology

A new method, knowledge-primed neural networks (KPNNs), combines deep learning with biological interpretability to understand complex biological systems. KPNNs have been applied to large single-cell datasets, revealing unexpected diversity in cell-type-defining regulatory networks.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 4, 2020

Surprisingly dense exoplanet challenges planet formation theories

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, K2-25b, that is surprisingly dense for its size and age, defying current planet formation theories. The exoplanet, orbiting a young star in the Hyades cluster, has a mass of 25 Earth-masses and a size slightly smaller than Neptune.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateAug 4, 2020

Finding toxic carcinogenic metals faster in foods and water

A new, efficient method to detect toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium in vegetables and drinking water has been developed by researchers at the University of Johannesburg. The technique combines established methods with automation and can test for multiple metals simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalFood Chemistry·DateAug 4, 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.

International quantum research to take a leap forward

A new laboratory will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration in photon-based quantum applications, advancing secure communications, quantum computing, and fast information processing. The project aims to establish Paderborn University as a global leader in optoelectronics and photonics research.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·DateAug 4, 2020

UCI researchers publish new guide for viral tracers in neural circuit mapping

Researchers from UCI School of Medicine evaluate anterograde and retrograde viral tracers for neural circuit analysis, providing guidance on experimental uses. The primer aims to advance the study of neural circuits using animal models to define mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateAug 4, 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.

Story tips: Pandemic impact, root studies, neutrons confirm, lab on a crystal & modeling fusion

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict pandemic impact on fuel demand, analyzing mobility patterns and historical weekly motor travel trends. In another study, scientists found extraordinary fine-root growth with increasing temperatures in northern peatlands, indicating a previously hidden belowground mechanism that ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 4, 2020

Grooming behavior between dairy cows reveals complex social network

A study on dairy cows' social grooming behavior found that cows form strong bonds through mutual cooperation and prefer individuals of similar age. Older cows groom more individuals, suggesting a 'peacemaker' role in the herd. These findings could inform innovative farm management strategies prioritizing cattle emotional and social needs.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateAug 4, 2020

Surface clean-up technology won't solve ocean plastic problem

A new study by the University of Exeter and others found that surface clean-up devices will not solve the ocean plastic problem, but could be more effective when used with river barriers. The research estimates that floating plastic will peak at over 860,000 metric tonnes by 2052.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 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.

Blood-thinner with no bleeding side-effects is here

Researchers at EPFL have developed a synthetic inhibitor of coagulation factor XII that efficiently blocks blood clotting without causing bleeding side-effects. The inhibitor has high potency and selectivity, but its short retention time requires constant infusion to achieve sustained thrompobrotection.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2020

Assembly within the tumor center

Scientists discovered that identifying tumor-associated macrophage patterns in lung tumor tissue enables the prediction of disease progression. The study found that a higher number of tumor-promoting macrophages near the invasive margin is associated with lower patient survival rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 4, 2020

Cell diversity in the embryo

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics discovered that epigenetic regulators control the development of different tissues and organs in early mouse embryos. By analyzing thousands of individual cells, they found that specific regulators have unique functions in every cell, making them difficult to study.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateAug 4, 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.

Improved modelling of nuclear structure in francium aids searches for new physics

Scientists at the University of Queensland have improved the modeling of nuclear structure in francium atoms, allowing for more precise calculations of their magnetic moments. The new method enables uncertainties four times smaller than previous best values, which is crucial for testing fundamental physics theories.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 4, 2020

Study suggests optimal social networks of no more than 150 people

Researchers confirmed a theory that networks of no more than 150 are optimal for internally sharing information, a concept proposed by British anthropologist Robin Dunbar in the 1990s. Understanding this 'Dunbar Number' is crucial for training teams and forming cohesive groups.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Changes in land evaporation shape the climate

A new calibration-free version of a physical-based method can better detect long-term trends in continental-scale land evaporation rates than recent remote sensing-based approaches. This improvement is crucial for upgrading general circulation models' existing evaporation estimation algorithms to produce better climatic predictions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 4, 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.

Droplet spread from humans doesn't always follow airflow

Researchers develop mathematical model to understand droplet dispersion, finding no linear relation between droplet size and displacement. The study suggests creating an aerosol extractor device to trap small droplets, improving safety during medical procedures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 4, 2020

Consumers don't fully trust smart home technologies

A survey by WMG, University of Warwick found that UK consumers are unconvinced about the privacy and security of smart home devices, with anxiety about potential breaches. The study suggests that businesses must address these concerns to increase consumer trust and adoption.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2020

The problem with microwaving tea

Researchers designed a silver plating to shield microwave waves and create uniform heating in liquids. This resolves the issue of water heated in a microwave not being the same as stovetop-heated liquid, promoting more consistent temperatures.

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

In a warming world, New England's trees are storing more carbon

A new study reveals that New England's trees are capturing more carbon from the atmosphere, driven by growing temperatures and increased precipitation. However, some forests are also becoming a source of CO2 due to invasive insects and climate-related stressors.

SourceHarvard University·JournalEcological Processes·DateAug 4, 2020

Study reveals impact of powerful CEOs and money laundering on bank performance

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that banks with powerful CEOs and smaller boards are more susceptible to money laundering and take greater risks. The impact of money laundering is heightened by the presence of powerful CEOs, but large and independent executive boards can partially mitigate this effect.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Finance & Economics·DateAug 4, 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.

Superior TNOx/HRGO hybrid anode for lithium-ion batteries

A new hybrid anode material, Ti2Nb10O29-x/HRGO, has been developed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The material exhibits excellent reversible capacity and cycling stability, making it a potential candidate for electric vehicles and mobile electronics.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateAug 4, 2020

Malaria: Parasite resistance to artemisinin derivatives now affecting Africa

The emergence of artemisinin-resistant malaria parasites in Rwanda marks a major concern for global health. Significant proportions of parasites carrying the R561H mutation have been detected, indicating that these resistant strains can spread between locations and acquire resistance to partner drugs.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 4, 2020

NASA infrared imagery shows Hagupit nearing landfall in China

NASA's Aqua satellite detected strong storms southeast of Typhoon Hagupit's center due to wind shear, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm made landfall in China's Zhejiang province with maximum sustained winds near 85 mph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 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.

Mount Sinai researchers discover treatment option for rare genetic disorder

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have discovered a novel genetic sequencing technology that identified the cause and treatment of a previously unknown severe auto-inflammatory syndrome. The technology, tailored to the patient's own genetic code, pinpointed an unknown mutation in the JAK1 gene causing permanent immune system activation.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·DateAug 4, 2020

NASA's Aqua satellite shows two views of the apple fire

The Apple Fire has grown to 26,850 acres with 15% containment, spreading into sparse wilderness areas due to low moisture content and high temperatures. NASA's Aqua satellite provided two images of the fire, including a true color image and one showing corrected reflectance bands for burn scar detection.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 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.

Developing new smart soft materials

Researchers at Ehime University have successfully synthesized a new type of polymer with a carboxy-functionalized dendron structure. The polymer demonstrates pH-responsive behavior due to the dense accumulation of side chains, paving the way for the development of new functional poly(substituted methylene)s.

SourceEhime University·JournalMacromolecules·DateAug 4, 2020

Iron study combats anaemia with cutting-edge computer simulation

Advanced computer simulation techniques have determined which low-and-middle income countries would benefit from using iron-containing micronutrient powders to tackle childhood anaemia, with 54 out of 78 countries showing a net benefit. Policymakers can use individual reports for each country to balance benefits and risks.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 4, 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.

Radboudumc research leads to simplified dosage of HIV medicine for children

A study by Radboud University Medical Center found that a single pill of dolutegravir per day is equally effective as a combination therapy in children, reducing dosage complexity and increasing treatment accessibility. This simplified dosing regimen has been integrated into World Health Organization guidelines and FDA approval.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateAug 4, 2020

BU study: A quarter of arthritis cases linked to excess weight

A recent study by Boston University School of Public Health found that losing weight between young adulthood and midlife can lower the risk of developing arthritis. The researchers estimated that nearly a quarter of arthritis cases in the US are attributable to excess weight, corresponding to approximately 2.7 million people.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 4, 2020

AI may offer a better way to ID drug-resistant superbugs

A machine learning algorithm using high-temporal-resolution growth curves distinguishes bacterial pathogen strains with 92-98% accuracy, predicting antibiotic resistance as well as genetic-based methods. The method has the potential to be faster, simpler, and less expensive than current techniques.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

Tool could improve success in translating drugs from animal studies to humans

A new computational model called TransComp-R has been developed to improve the translation of drugs from animal studies to human clinical trials. The model identified an overlooked biological mechanism possibly responsible for a patient's resistance to infliximab, a drug for inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 4, 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.