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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 45


Page 45 of 45

COVID-19: Lower incidence at high altitudes?

Recent reports suggest a lower incidence of COVID-19 among high-altitude populations, however, current data is insufficient to confirm this association. The authors conclude that there is currently little supporting evidence for any protective benefit of genetic or nongenomic adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHigh Altitude Medicine & Biology·DateAug 3, 2020

Improving the accuracy of typhoon forecasts with radar data assimilation

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed Typhoon Haikui (2012) using a multigrid NLS-4DVar method to improve radar data assimilation. This method significantly enhanced the accuracy of 12-h track and accumulated precipitation forecasts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 3, 2020

Eye-tracking tech helps aged care assessment

Researchers used eye-tracking technology to investigate how older adults process information and make decisions about their care. The study found that eye-tracking can inform the design of assessments and improve the inclusivity of older people with cognitive impairment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·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.

Identifying the blind spots of soil biodiversity

A new study found large gaps in soil macroecological studies and a lack of data for most diverse tropical regions. Researchers highlight the need for a globally standardized sampling system to overcome limitations and support policy and decision-making.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2020

How COVID-19 changed the way patients responded to a heart attack

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in deaths among patients with lower-risk heart attacks, while those with more severe heart attacks saw a decrease. Hospitals treated significantly fewer cases of both types, with no return to pre-pandemic levels by May 22.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Quality of Care and Clinical Outcomes·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.

For solar boom, scrap silicon for this promising mineral

Researchers at Cornell University have found that photovoltaic wafers made from all-perovskite structures outperform traditional silicon-based solar panels. This breakthrough could lead to a more sustainable future for solar energy, with perovskite cells offering faster returns on investment and lower environmental impacts.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 3, 2020

Plant size and habitat traits influence cycad susceptibility to invasive species

A long-term study on cycads in Guam reveals that plant size and habitat traits significantly impact their mortality rate due to invasive species. The research found that larger plants with substantial stored resources are more likely to survive, while smaller plants and those in fragmented forests are more susceptible to damage.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalDiversity·DateAug 3, 2020

Study: Experiencing childhood trauma makes body and brain age faster

Research by American Psychological Association reveals that children who experience trauma show signs of accelerated aging, including early puberty and cellular changes. The study suggests that these adaptations may have originated as survival mechanisms but can lead to health consequences later in life.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateAug 3, 2020

Pre-epidemic mutation and Zika virus virulence

Researchers found that a pre-epidemic Zika virus mutation enhanced virulence and fitness for transmission, increasing maternal-to-fetal transmission in nonhuman primates. The mutation did not affect mosquito-borne infection but increased the virus's ability to spread through human populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Stretches of repeating DNA predispose to systemic sclerosis

A study by University of Tsukuba researchers found that patients with long stretches of repeat DNA sequences in the FLI1 gene are more likely to develop systemic sclerosis. The study suggests that these genetic variations may disrupt FLI1 expression, contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalRheumatology·DateAug 3, 2020

Plausibility of CO2 emissions scenarios

Researchers report that RCP8.5 agrees with historical carbon dioxide emissions to within 1%, suggesting its continued use in climate assessments. The scenario is consistent with expected outcomes of current and announced policies through 2050, indicating its value for climate planning.

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

Women skip medications more in the US than other countries

A study published in Health Affairs found that one in four US younger women reported cost-related nonadherence to prescription medicines compared to one in seven younger men. The largest disparities were observed among US women versus men in other high-income countries, with significant health implications.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·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.

Young women with polycystic ovary syndrome have raised risk of heart disease

Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateAug 2, 2020

New studies show how to save parasites and why it's important

A global conservation plan for parasites is proposed to recognize the value of biological diversity. Research suggests that parasites play critical ecological roles, regulating wildlife populations, and propose identifying and conserving half of world's parasites within the next decade.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBiological Conservation·DateAug 1, 2020

RSV vaccination of pregnant women could prevent pneumonia in babies

A new vaccine against RSV could protect infants under six months old against severe illness and death. Infants born to mothers from low- and middle-income countries were particularly well-protected by the vaccine, with hospitalization rates 53% lower for RSV LRTI.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 1, 2020