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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 45

Between shark and ray: The evolutionary advantage of the sea angels

Researchers studied angel shark body shapes using modern methods and found that early species had distinct external features, while modern species show reduced variation in shape. The integration of skull parts may limit adaptability, increasing extinction risk.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

Health care worker burnout during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study evaluated burnout among healthcare workers in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing a significant prevalence of emotional exhaustion. The researchers identified several factors associated with burnout, including prolonged exposure to high-stress work environments and lack of social support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2020

Ghasempour receives 2020 Marconi Society Young Scholar Award

Ghasempour's research enables real-time, high-speed connections that can be used in various applications, such as emergency response systems and smartwatch technology. Her innovations have the potential to create a next-generation Internet of Things by connecting thousands of devices with faster streams of data.

SourceRice University·DateAug 4, 2020

How to predict a typhoon

A new model developed by researchers can predict tropical cyclones with improved accuracy, up to 10-30 days in advance. The model analyzes nearly a quarter of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, accounting for key factors such as warm sea surface temperatures and wind shears.

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

NIH funds Dartmouth and Tufts AI tool to help doctors cure cancer

The NIH has funded a project to develop an AI-based system, PHK, that analyzes patients' clinical and genomic data to find new connections between biochemical pathways. This system could help doctors treat cancer and complex diseases more effectively by providing personalized treatment recommendations.

SourceThayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth·DateAug 4, 2020

Scientists propose a novel method for controlling fusion reactions

Researchers at Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have developed a new model for stabilizing magnetic bubbles in plasma, which can expand and disrupt fusion reactions. By modifying the standard technique of radio frequency wave deposition, they predict that pulsing the waves can overcome leakage problems and improve performance.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateAug 4, 2020

Maldives records highest level of micro plastic pollution on the planet

The Maldives has the highest level of microplastic pollution in the world, with high concentrations found in waters around Naifaru. The study highlights the impact on marine ecosystems and local communities, emphasizing the need for improved waste management practices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·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.

Scientists suggest device to make breast MRI more effective

A group of Russian scientists, including ITMO University researchers, has proposed a system to update existing MRI scanners. The device uses electromagnetic coupling with an additional dielectric resonator to localize the magnetic field in the breast.

SourceITMO University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2020

Researchers develop new mouse model for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers created a new mouse model to study SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, accelerating the development of treatments and vaccines. The model suggests that type I interferon signaling may play a pathological role in COVID-19 respiratory inflammation.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 4, 2020

European Heart Journal: Cell infusions benefit heart patients

A new analysis of data from the ALLSTAR study published in the European Heart Journal shows that cell infusions, also known as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), can benefit patients with heart disease by reducing the volume of blood the heart holds and a blood protein that measures heart failure severity. The findings contradict previ...

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 4, 2020

Stars rich in phosphorus: Seeds of life in the universe

A study published in Nature Communications has discovered phosphorus-rich stars with unusual abundances, defying current theories of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis. The findings suggest a new type of object that could provide insights into the origin of life's essential element.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Communications·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.

Fitness watches generate useful information, but increase patient anxiety

A new study found that fitness watches can be beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses, increasing exercise motivation, but also causing unnecessary anxiety due to misinterpreted data. Researchers recommend a collaborative care approach to help patients and clinicians jointly interpret wearable device data.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 4, 2020

A targeted treatment for emphysema?

Researchers developed a small engineered peptide called PR1P, which protects VEGF from degradation and reduces apoptosis in both cell cultures and live mice. The study found significant increases in VEGF levels and reductions in lung damage in mouse models of emphysema.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology·DateAug 4, 2020

Increased global mortality linked to arsenic exposure in rice-based diets

A new study published in Science of the Total Environment confirms that high rice consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality due to arsenic exposure. The research suggests that people may reduce their risk by consuming lower-arsenic rice varieties and eating a balanced diet.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 4, 2020

Green energy and better crops: Tinted solar panels could boost farm incomes

Researchers developed a system using orange-tinted solar panels to generate electricity while growing crops like spinach and basil, increasing yields and nutritional content. The system offered financial protection from market fluctuations and climate risks, with significant benefits for farmers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 4, 2020

Penis microbiota predicts if a man's female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis

A study published in Frontiers found that men's penile microbiota can predict with high accuracy whether their female partner will develop bacterial vaginosis. The researchers analyzed the microbiota of 168 Kenyan couples and found a direct correlation between the composition of a man's microbiome and the occurrence of BV in his female...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·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.

Reducing the adverse impact of water loss in cells

A University of Houston researcher has discovered a mechanism for a protein called Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells 5 (NFAT 5) that regulates tonicity and protects cells against cell death. NFAT 5 produces protective osmolytes, which help maintain cellular integrity.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2020

More carbon in the ocean can lead to smaller fish

Researchers found that high CO2 concentrations in water make fish grow smaller, with a growth deficit of between five and ten percent. Fish living at less ideal temperatures and more CO2 experienced greater reductions in growth.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Decoy receptor neutralizes coronavirus in cell cultures

A team of scientists has engineered a decoy receptor protein that binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and blocks infection in human cells. The research found that this decoy receptor is attractive to the virus due to subtle mutations, making it an ideal candidate for neutralizing the virus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateAug 4, 2020

Key brain region was 'recycled' as humans developed the ability to read

A study from MIT neuroscientists suggests that parts of the brain originally evolved for object recognition have been repurposed for reading. In nonhuman primates, the inferotemporal cortex is capable of distinguishing words from nonsense words and picking out specific letters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers say where you live could add years to your life

A study by Syracuse University found that Americans who live in blue states tend to live longer than those in red states, primarily due to state policies. Liberal state policies could raise US life expectancy by over 2 years, while conservative policies could reduce it by 2 years.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateAug 4, 2020

Break it down: A new way to address common computing problem

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a new algorithm called Parallel Residual Projection (PRP) to solve linear inverse problems by breaking them down into smaller tasks that can be solved in parallel on standard computers.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 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.

New molecule reverses Alzheimer's-like memory decline

A new study published in Redox Biology shows that the drug CMS121 successfully reversed memory loss in a mouse model of inherited Alzheimer's disease. The drug works by normalizing lipid peroxidation and lowering levels of fatty acid synthetase, suggesting FASN as a potential target for treating Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalRedox Biology·DateAug 4, 2020

Research news tip sheet: Story ideas from Johns Hopkins Medicine

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a next-generation cholesterol-lowering drug can lower blood cholesterol to safer levels faster when added to traditional therapies. The study showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol during hospitalization and within a month following a heart attack, suggesting the drug is safe a...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCirculation·DateAug 4, 2020

'Price of life' lowest in UK during COVID-19 pandemic, study finds

A study by University of Exeter found the UK's 'price of life' to be among the lowest in developed nations, with a value of around $100,000. This is significantly lower than countries that imposed lockdowns earlier, such as Germany and South Korea.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateAug 4, 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 normal DNA repair process can become a major source of mutations in cancer

Scientists at IRB Barcelona have discovered a new type of hypermutation called mutation fog, which generates hundreds of mutations in every cell and accumulates in critical genome regions. This process is linked to normal DNA repair and APOBEC enzyme activity, suggesting it may be a major source of cancer mutations.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 4, 2020

NASA's cloudsat takes a slice from tropical storm Isaias

CloudSat captured areas of heavy rain and high-powered clouds during Tropical Storm Isaias' intensification into a hurricane. The satellite's advanced cloud-profiling radar provided new insights into the storm's vertical structure and contributed to improved global model representations.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 4, 2020

Ultrafast lasers probe elusive chemistry at the liquid-liquid interface

Researchers used ultrafast pulsed laser techniques to investigate chemical separations, tracking dynamics of molecules designed to grab cobalt from solutions. The study reveals the essential role of hydrogen bonding in developing new extraction methodologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·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.

Brace yourself for these results

Researchers at McMaster University isolated genes that cause some people to gain muscle while others don't through a novel experiment. A set of 141 genes regulates skeletal muscle growth, and isolating these genes may help target lifestyle and drug therapies to prevent muscle loss in older individuals.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 4, 2020

Developing a quicker, safer method of cleaning peanut butter factories

A new grant will fund the research, which aims to develop an effective and efficient cleaning method for peanut butter processing facilities. The technology has the potential to reduce cleaning time by nearly a week and minimize the risk of Salmonella contamination in peanut butter production.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateAug 4, 2020

How thoughts could one day control electronic prostheses, wirelessly

A team of researchers at Stanford University has made a breakthrough in developing a wireless brain-computer interface that can accurately control electronic prostheses using thoughts. The new technology uses a tenth of the power required by current wire-enabled systems, making it safer and more natural for patients with paralysis or n...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateAug 4, 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.

Can sleep protect us from forgetting old memories?

Researchers used computational models to examine how sleep encodes new memories while preventing damage to old ones. The study suggests that memories, even old ones, are dynamic and constantly updated during sleep, which helps prevent forgetting and increases recall performance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 4, 2020

A 40-year journey leads to a new truffle species

A new species of red truffle was recently identified in Oregon, named Tuber luomae after researcher Dan Luoma who discovered it in 1981. The discovery was confirmed using DNA analysis and microscopic structures, revealing a unique species with limited geographic distribution.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFungal Systematics and Evolution·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.

Epidemic model shows how COVID-19 could spread through firefighting camps

A study developed by Colorado State University experts demonstrates the potential risks and various scenarios COVID-19 could pose for fire management. The model highlights the effectiveness of risk-mitigation strategies such as screening and social distancing measures in reducing infections.

SourceColorado State University·JournalFire·DateAug 4, 2020

FSU geologists publish new findings on carbonate melts in Earth's mantle

Researchers found that carbonate-rich molten rock can alter the physical properties of rocks, affecting seismic waves. The study provides new insights into the elasticity, density, and compressibility of these rocks, potentially revealing a substantial carbon reservoir in the Earth's deep upper mantle.

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

Scientists discover new penguin colonies from space

A new study reveals nearly 20% more emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica, totaling 61 colonies worldwide. The discovery uses satellite images to locate the birds, which are vulnerable to climate change and loss of sea ice breeding habitat.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·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.

ASBMB receives grant to promote faculty diversity

The ASBMB has received a five-year grant from NIGMS to support scientists from diverse backgrounds in preparing for independent careers. The MOSAIC program will provide professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities to help diversify the professoriate.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·DateAug 3, 2020

Roadmap to reducing colorectal cancer deaths

A new model of screening combines better risk assessment, noninvasive testing options, and targeted referrals for colonoscopy to save more lives. The American Gastroenterological Association proposes a universal approach to screening that reaches more people and offers alternatives to colonoscopy.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateAug 3, 2020

Child sleep problems associated with impaired academic and psychosocial functioning

A new study by CHOP sleep experts found that sleep disturbances at any age are associated with diminished well-being in children by 10 or 11 years old. Children with persistent sleep problems have the greatest impairments, while those with mild sleep problems over time also experience psychosocial impairments.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 2020