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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 44


Page 44 of 45

Ancient shell llama offering found in lake Titicaca

Researchers from Penn State and Université libre de Bruxelles have discovered an ancient shell llama offering in Lake Titicaca, revealing the lake's significance as a locus of ritual and ceremonial activity for the Inca Empire. The finding suggests that Lake Titicaca played a crucial role in the consolidation of the empire.

SourcePenn State·JournalAntiquity·DateAug 3, 2020

UArizona Health Sciences researcher seeks safer, more effective leukemia treatment

Dr. Emmanuel Katsanis is studying a new chemotherapy treatment for patients with blood-related cancers who undergo a specific type of bone marrow transplant procedure. The treatment, known as haploidentical BMT, has shown promising results in improving survival rates and reducing post-transplant complications.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateAug 3, 2020

LSU Health study suggests snap diagnoses may be more accurate

A pilot study found that Snapchat improves diagnostic performance among radiology residents, who performed better on the platform than with traditional classroom screens. The results suggest a promising novel training method to enhance recognition of life-threatening imaging diagnoses.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalEmergency Radiology·DateAug 3, 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.

The art of making tiny holes

Researchers have created a method to selectively process surfaces on an atomic scale, leaving one layer intact while perforating another. By utilizing highly charged ions, they can anchor metals on ultra-thin layers, enabling the creation of new materials with promising properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 3, 2020

An averted glance gives a glimpse of the mind behind the eyes

Scientists found that when someone is caught staring, their brain sends a signal that the gaze is not significant, allowing others to ignore it. This study sheds light on how social dynamics shape visual attention and reveals the brain's ability to perceive intentions behind an averted glance.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Hydrogel paves way for biomedical breakthrough

A University of Sydney team has developed a plasma technology to attach hydrogels to polymeric materials, allowing for better interaction with surrounding tissue. The technology has shown promising results in tests using biomolecules found in the body.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 3, 2020

A framework for the future

Researchers develop a One Health framework to improve sustainability in the rapidly growing aquaculture industry, which now accounts for half of global seafood consumption. The strategy emphasizes metrics such as access to nutritious food, employment quality, and ecosystem health.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Food·DateAug 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Germany-wide rainfall measurements by utilizing the mobile network

Scientists have developed a new method to measure rainfall in Germany using commercial microwave links, achieving high accuracy and temporal resolution. The technique involves analyzing signal attenuation caused by precipitation, with the help of artificial intelligence, and has been successfully tested for application in West Africa.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateAug 3, 2020

Belowground carbon fixation rates

Researchers estimate that 46% of total terrestrial carbon fixation occurs below ground, with a total productivity of 24.7 Petagrams of carbon per year. Belowground productivity increases with precipitation, but slows down at high levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Cannabinoids may affect activity of other pharmaceuticals

Penn State researchers identified 57 medications with a narrow therapeutic index that may be impacted by concomitant cannabinoid use. This list helps medical professionals make safe prescribing choices for patients using prescription or over-the-counter cannabinoids.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedical Cannabis and Cannabinoids·DateAug 3, 2020

Racial discrimination linked to suicide

Two studies reveal a compelling story about racial discrimination and its link to suicide. Racial discrimination is found to be uniquely painful for Black adults, increasing their capability for self-harm. Reframing, such as dispositional forgiveness, can serve as a helpful coping strategy associated with fewer depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateAug 3, 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.

Scientists discover secret behind Earth's biodiversity hotspots

Research reveals Cape Floristic Region in South Africa is rich in plant species due to long period of ecological stability, contradicting theory that high productivity is required for high diversity. The study emphasizes the need for protection and conservation in extraordinary places threatened by climate change.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Monkeying around: Study finds older primates father far fewer babies

A recent study from Washington University in St. Louis found that older male rhesus monkeys sire significantly fewer offspring than younger males, despite high social status and mating rates. The researchers suggest that age-related decline in sperm quality or quantity may be the primary factor behind this phenomenon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 3, 2020

Unequal neutron-star mergers create unique "bang" in simulations

A team of researchers found that unequal neutron-star mergers can create an electromagnetic signal, which could be detected using gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO. The simulations revealed that the larger star tears apart its partner, creating a slower merger and allowing an 'electromagnetic bang' to escape.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 3, 2020

Machine learning makes drug repurposing for psychiatric disorders more effective

Researchers used machine learning to correlate information on drugs, genes, and diseases, identifying 63 drugs targeting 31 genes as potential candidates for psychiatric and neurological treatment. The approach will also be applied to search for correlations between drugs, genes, and COVID-19.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateAug 3, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Strong relationships in adulthood won't 'fix' effects of early childhood adversity

Research on wild baboons reveals that early childhood experiences, such as famine or abuse, have a lasting impact on adult stress responses, regardless of social support. The study found that dysregulated stress hormones remain unaffected by healthy, supportive relationships in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Cold-sensitive staphylococci reveal a weakness

Researchers at Université de Genève discovered that the RNA helicase protein contributes to the synthesis of fatty acids, a crucial component of bacterial membranes. The findings provide insight into golden staph's ability to adapt to changing environments and may lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 3, 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.

AI & single-cell genomics

Researchers developed scVelo to estimate RNA velocity with an AI-based model, allowing them to study dynamic populations and understand cellular development and gene activity. This enables better understanding of disease progression and cell signaling, paving the way for personalized treatments.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateAug 3, 2020

Pandemic drives telehealth boom, but older adults can't connect

A study by UC San Francisco found that over a third of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties seeing their doctor via telemedicine due to various obstacles. The researchers highlight the need for innovation in devices, services, and policy to ensure older adults are not left behind during the shift to telehealth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Autism spectrum disorder can be predicted from health checkups at 18 months

Researchers found a cumulative incidence of 3.1% of autism spectrum disorders among children screened at 18 months, with impaired motor skills and social communication skills as predictive factors. Early detection through health checkups can lead to better prognosis for children with ASD.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateAug 3, 2020

Iron-rich meteorites show record of core crystallization in system's oldest planetesimals

Researchers uncover new details about the oldest planetary objects in our Solar System, which formed iron-rich meteorites. The distinct chemical signatures of these meteorites can be explained by core crystallization in their parent bodies, deepening our understanding of the geochemistry occurring in the Solar System's youth.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 3, 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.

Novel approach improves graphene-based supercapacitors

Researchers have developed a new method to enhance graphene-based supercapacitors, increasing storage capacity and reducing size. The approach uses gel-based electrolytes, offering a path to miniaturized on-chip energy storage systems compatible with silicon electronics.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBatteries & Supercaps·DateAug 3, 2020

Social bonds in adulthood don't mediate early life trauma

A study of wild female baboons found that early life trauma had a significant negative impact on adult glucocorticoid concentrations, which are a measure of health. Despite having strong social relationships as adults, the stress hormone levels were still significantly higher in those who experienced trauma in early life.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Characterizing snow droughts

A study reveals snow droughts globally increased in duration and intensity from the first half to the second half of 1980-2018. Changes are attributed to a combination of natural and human-induced factors, including Arctic warming.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Evaluating the effectiveness of travel bans

A new IIASA-led study examines how COVID-19 spreads regionally and between countries, revealing that government measures such as border closures and flight suspensions were crucial in preventing further transmission. The research also shows that international air travel played a significant role in the early stages of the pandemic.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalLetters in Spatial and Resource Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Malignant cancer diagnosed in a dinosaur for the first time

Researchers at Royal Ontario Museum and McMaster University diagnosed osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer, in a Centrosaurus apertus dinosaur fossil. The diagnosis was made possible by advanced imaging techniques and microscopic analysis of the fossil bone.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 3, 2020

Are we "Waiting for Godot"-- A metaphor for Covid-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is compared to the play 'Waiting for Godot' due to its unpredictable nature and lack of effective testing. The article highlights the limitations of using lab tests to define cases and the continued use of flawed statistics, which fuels public fear and informs ineffective policies.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateAug 3, 2020

35-second scan could pick the next sporting champion

A new study uses a $7500 3D portable whole-body scanner to measure athletes' shape and composition, comparing it with X-rays, MRIs, and manual tests. The technique shows promise in identifying talent earlier and refining training to improve performance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMeasurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science·DateAug 3, 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.

Fatty liver disease despite a normal weight

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects both obese and non-obese individuals, with distinct differences found in male and female patients of varying body mass indexes. Key findings include lower skeletal muscle mass and insulin resistance in non-obese NAFLD patients compared to their obese counterparts.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalHepatology Research·DateAug 3, 2020

New published study from K-State virologists identifies potential COVID-19 treatment

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that small molecule protease inhibitors can effectively block coronavirus replication and improve survival in MERS-CoV-infected mice. The findings suggest that these compounds could be investigated further as a potential therapeutic for human coronavirus infection.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 3, 2020

Mental states evoked by art

Researchers found that abstract paintings elicit more distant times and places in viewers than representational paintings. The study suggests that abstract art can evoke more abstract mental states, making it a unique catalyst for psychological exploration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 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.

Your hair knows what you eat and how much your haircut costs

A study by University of Utah researchers found that hair isotopes can reveal a person's diet and socioeconomic status. The analysis showed lower-SES areas displaying higher proportions of protein coming from cornfed animals, correlating with obesity rates.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Can a quantum strategy help bring down the house?

Researchers at MIT and Caltech explored the theoretical possibilities of quantum communication in blackjack, finding a slight advantage for cooperative players. In a limited number of situations with low cards left in the deck, quantum entanglement can give players an edge over classical card-counting strategies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review A·DateAug 3, 2020

NASA satellites show two views of California's Apple Fire

The Apple Fire in Banning Canyon, California, has consumed 20,516 acres and is burning in an area with not had fire activity in recent years. NASA satellites provide critical information on the fire's spread, detecting actively burning fires and tracking smoke transport.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 3, 2020

Challenges in diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis addressed in latest guidelines

The American Thoracic Society and its collaborators have developed new clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a condition that manifests as interstitial lung disease. The guidelines aim to standardize clinical care and facilitate research by providing a framework for clinicians to make accurate diagno...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 3, 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.

Light shines on chemical production method

Researchers at Yokohama National University have developed a novel light-based reaction that yields high numbers of a key chemical component. The method uses green visible light to selectively reorganize chemical components, resulting in the production of multisubstituted cyclobutanes with high efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateAug 3, 2020

Chlamydia: Greedy for glutamine

Chlamydia bacteria reprogram human host cell metabolism to increase glutamine import, essential for proliferation. The discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic infections and severe diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 3, 2020

Children's National Hospital case report sounds the alarm for antibiotic resistance

A case report from Children's National Hospital reveals isolated N. meningitidis testing positive for resistance to two antibiotics it has historically been susceptible to, raising concerns about the rise in antibiotic resistance. The finding could lead to changes in laboratory and clinical practices across the US.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society·DateAug 3, 2020

Cells relax their membrane to control protein sorting

Researchers have discovered that a drop in cell membrane tension controls protein sorting, using molecular probes to measure and visualize endosomes' physical properties. This finding has implications for understanding cancer and degenerative diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 3, 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.

Green apple flavor in vapes enhances nicotine reward

Research in mice found that a common green apple vape flavor, farnesene, enhances nicotine reward and is also rewarding on its own. Farnesene partially activated nicotinic receptors and increased high-sensitivity receptors, potentially heightening reward and drug-seeking behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateAug 3, 2020

Exploring the sustainability of the Indian sugar industry

A national biofuel policy encouraging sugarcane juice production may make India's water and energy resources more sustainable. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded due to policies that incentivize production, reducing resources for micronutrient-rich foods.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 3, 2020

Penn researchers identify new genetic cause of a form of inherited neuropathy

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a new genetic cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects nearly one in two thousand people. The discovery sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of the disease and may hold answers to new gene therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNeurology Genetics·DateAug 3, 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.

Dietary protein and socioeconomic status

A study analyzing discarded hair found in trash bins reveals that low SES populations consume more corn-fed animal proteins, a potentially riskier dietary choice. The findings suggest a correlation between diet and socioeconomic status, with implications for health outcomes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020