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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 45

Using the past to maintain future biodiversity

Researchers analyzed past warming events to understand how species and ecosystems will cope with future climate change, identifying potential causes of extinction and ways to improve early-warning systems. The study informs effective conservation practice and policy for managing biodiversity under ongoing and future climate change.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 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.

Gout treatment may aid patients with congenital heart disease

A small pilot study found that treating gout with probenecid improves heart function and exercise performance in children with a specific type of heart defect. The study suggests that repurposing this medicine to treat heart problems in these patients may be effective without adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPediatric Cardiology·DateAug 27, 2020

Zika infection enhances Dengue disease risk

A recent study found that prior Zika virus infection can enhance the risk of severe dengue disease. The research used a cohort from Nicaragua to confirm previous reports on cross-reactive antibodies between Zika and dengue viruses. The findings have important implications for developing effective vaccines against both diseases.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

Unravelling the potential of the unconscious mind

A team of researchers has successfully harnessed the power of the unconscious mind to make profitable decisions. By monitoring nonconscious brain activity, participants were able to learn and improve their choices without being aware of it. This breakthrough suggests that confidence may play a crucial role in guiding behavior.

SourceATR Brain Information Communication Research Laboratory Group·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.

DNA repair - Locating and severing lethal links

A team of scientists has discovered how the enzyme SPRTN recognizes and cleaves DNA-protein crosslinks, which are formed when proteins attach to DNA. This new mechanism is crucial for cell viability and the suppression of tumorigenesis, and has implications for cancer therapy.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMolecular Cell·DateAug 27, 2020

Photonics researchers report breakthrough in miniaturizing light-based chips

Researchers at the University of Rochester have created the smallest electro-optical modulator yet, a key component of photonics-based chips. The breakthrough uses lithium niobate to control how light moves through its circuits, paving the way for larger-scale photonic integrated circuits with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

Decoded: The structure of the barrier between three cells

A team of researchers has discovered the crucial role of two proteins, Anakonda and M6, in maintaining a functional barrier at tricellular junctions. The study found that the M6 protein anchors the Anakonda protein to the cell membrane, preventing it from being destabilized and allowing for the formation of a stable epithelial barrier.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

How sticklebacks dominate perch

A 40-year study reveals that the rise of sticklebacks, a key predator of algae, is driven by reduced numbers of larger fish species. This shift from predator-dominated to algae-dominated ecosystems has significant implications for ecosystem restoration and management.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Artificial intelligence learns continental hydrology

A new method combines Deep-Learning, hydrological models and Earth observations to quantify small as well as large-scale changes to the water storage on the South American continent. The study shows that the method is particularly reliable for tropical regions, where rain forests and vast surface waters are located.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Russian scientists predicted increased unrest in the United States back in 2010

Russian scientists used cliodynamics theory to predict increased unrest in the United States, verifying their models with recent protests. They applied mathematical models based on structural-demographic theory to analyze historical events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2020

Earth may always have been wet

Scientists analyzed enstatite chondrites, rare meteorites with primitive composition, to estimate the Earth's initial water content. Their findings indicate that the planet's rocks probably contained enough water to supply three times the amount of oceans, with only a small percentage delivered by comets or asteroids.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 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 Politecnico di Milano study reveals DNA "grammar"

A Politecnico di Milano study reveals that DNA shape is determined by precise rules governing CTCF protein sequences. This discovery opens doors to engineering DNA structure for pharmaceuticals, treating diseases like cancer.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Sulfur-scavenging bacteria could be key to making common component in plastic

Researchers found a new microbial pathway producing ethylene, providing a potential avenue for biomanufacturing a common plastic component. The discovery also sheds light on a long-standing mystery about how ethylene is produced in anaerobic soils and points to potential paths to prevent crop damage from high levels of ethylene.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 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.

Researchers develop a fast, accurate, low-cost COVID-19 test

Researchers have developed a rapid and accurate diagnostic test for COVID-19 that delivers results in under 40 minutes. The new test, called CRISPR-COVID, uses CRISPR-based technology to detect the virus, offering a cost-effective alternative to existing methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 27, 2020

Unexpected abundance of hydrogen in meteorites reveals the origin of Earth's water

New study finds enstatite chondrite meteorites contain sufficient hydrogen to deliver at least three times the mass of Earth's oceans, contradicting assumptions that the planet is dry. The findings support the idea that Earth's water originated from the nebular material from which the planet accreted.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

How to make AI trustworthy

A new tool, DeepTrust, generated automatic indicators of data and prediction trustworthiness in neural networks, addressing the need for trust in AI. The researchers used subjective logic to assess neural network architectures, providing insights into testing reliability and maximizing accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 27, 2020

NASA's Terra Satellite sees the end of Bavi

Tropical Storm Bavi made landfall in northwestern North Korea, weakened to a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 knots. The storm has transitioned to an extra-tropical cyclone, retaining hurricane-force winds as it moves across northeastern China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 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.

AI as good as the average radiologist in identifying breast cancer

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that one AI algorithm is as accurate as the average radiologist in identifying breast cancer from mammograms. The study compared three AI algorithms and showed significant differences between them, with one outperforming others and rivaling human detection accuracy.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 27, 2020

A.I. tool promises faster, more accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis

Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's without expensive scans or in-person testing, with over 95% accuracy. The software also explains its conclusions, allowing physicians to double-check the accuracy of its diagnoses.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateAug 27, 2020

Duchenne: "Crosstalk" between muscle and spleen

The study found a connection between dystrophic muscles and the lymphatic system in mice with Duchenne disease. The researchers identified changes in protein expression in the spleen, which suggests that the disease causes secondary effects on the immune response and inflammatory processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournaliScience·DateAug 27, 2020

FEFU scientists are paving way for future tiny electronics and gadgets

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University propose controlling spin-electronic properties of thin-film magnetic nanosystems through surface roughness. This approach maximizes useful spin-electron effects, enabling the development of new-generation tiny electronics and superfast computer memory.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateAug 27, 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.

Mosquito immune system mapped to help fight malaria

Researchers discovered new types of mosquito immune cells and molecular pathways implicated in controlling the malaria parasite. A rare cell type called a Megacyte was found to have high levels of a key molecule needed for immune priming, which could limit malaria transmission.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

COVID-19 less deadly and causes milder symptoms in children

Children are less likely than adults to develop severe Covid-19 or die from the disease, with only six deaths reported among a total of 651 participants. Researchers identified new symptoms of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), including headaches and low platelet counts.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 27, 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.

Optical imaging enters sub-nanometer era

Researchers at USTC achieved sub-molecular resolution in single-molecule Raman spectroscopy imaging and photoluminescence imaging. They demonstrated the effects of local plasmon-exciton interaction on fluorescence intensity, peak position and peak width on the sub-nanometer scale.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Photonics·DateAug 27, 2020

Molecular dispersion enhances quasi-bilayer organic solar cells

Researchers develop a strategy to improve the photovoltaic performance of quasi-bilayer organic solar cells by dispersing donor components into the acceptor-dominant phase, achieving a champion PCE of 15.4%. The incorporation of donors improves charge transport balance and suppresses bimolecular recombination.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateAug 27, 2020

Our energy hunger is tethered to our economic past

Researchers found that current energy consumption is tied to unchangeable past economic production, which led to an increase in carbon emissions. The study suggests that improving efficiency may actually accelerate civilization growth and consumption, making it harder to reduce CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2020

Trapping of acetylene

Researchers developed a Ni-MOF that can capture acetylene with extraordinary efficiency and selectively from ethylene streams. The material has a synergistic combination of tailor-made pore sizes and chemical docking sites, making it especially efficient.

SourceWiley·DateAug 27, 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.

A chiral surprise in the rainforest

Scientists discovered that the ratio of chiral alpha-pinene molecules varies with altitude, time of day, and season in the Amazon rainforest. Insects, particularly termites, are found to be a significant source of plus-alpha-pinene, previously unknown in forest emissions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 27, 2020

First in situ radiation measurements 21 km up into the air over Tibetan Plateau

Researchers developed a balloon-based system to study stratospheric radiation over the Tibetan Plateau, providing in situ measurements for the first time. The data helps understand radiation variations and thermal conditions associated with clouds and aerosols during the Asian summer monsoon period.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 27, 2020

NASA sees Hurricane Laura's nighttime landfall

Hurricane Laura made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane along the Louisiana coast, with sustained winds near 150 mph and a clear circular eye. NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captured a nighttime image of the storm just after landfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 27, 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.

Penis bones, echolocation calls, and genes reveal new kinds of bats

Researchers have discovered three new species of African vesper bats by comparing their genes, teeth, skulls, echolocation calls, and penis bones. The discovery has resolved taxonomic relationships between the large number of species in the family and describes two new genera.

SourceField Museum·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 27, 2020

Misconceptions about weather and seasonality impact COVID-19 response

Georgetown researchers caution that weather does not significantly impact COVID-19 transmission and that lockdowns and re-openings have a stronger influence. The authors suggest that policy should not be tailored to current understandings of the COVID-climate link.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.

NIAID establishes centers for research in emerging infectious diseases

The NIAID has established a global network of centers for research in emerging infectious diseases, which will investigate spillover potential and prepare for future outbreaks. The network aims to detect new causes of febrile illnesses, develop reagents and diagnostic assays, and study human immune responses.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateAug 27, 2020

For healthcare organizations responding to COVID-19, 'creative destruction' leads to accelerated innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked accelerated innovation in healthcare, particularly through the implementation of digital health capabilities. Montefiore Health System's 'creative destruction' approach led to rapid development of AI-based chatbots, telehealth solutions, and real-time performance management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalFrontiers of Health Services Management·DateAug 27, 2020

Genetics of the tree of life

African baobab trees can live over a thousand years, providing food, medicine, and resources. The recent study reveals the tree's chromosome count, offering insights into conservation and agricultural applications.

SourceUSDA Forest Service ‑ Southern Research Station·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2020

Growing demand for zero-deforestation cacao might not help Colombian forests

Research finds that despite cocoa not driving deforestation in Colombia, small producers risk being cut out of supply chains if they don't comply with zero-deforestation requirements. Contextualized value-addition strategies are needed to support sustainable markets and peace.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalApplied Geography·DateAug 27, 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.

Newly discovered rare dinosaur embryos show sauropods had rhino-like horns

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery of a perfectly preserved dinosaur embryo, revealing that sauropods had stereoscopic vision and a horn on the front of their face. The discovery has challenged previous theories about the appearance of these giant herbivores, which lived 80 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 27, 2020

Evidence of hibernation-like state in Antarctic animal

Scientists discovered a hibernation-like state in 250-million-year-old Antarctic animal, Lystrosaurus. The fossils showed signs of stress and strain, similar to those found in modern animals experiencing torpor, suggesting a possible adaptation to cope with the extreme winter conditions.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 27, 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.

Antiviral used to treat cat coronavirus also works against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at the University of Alberta have discovered a protease inhibitor that effectively inhibits viral replication in cells with SARS-CoV-2. The drug has already shown little to no toxicity and is poised for human clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2020

Study: COVID-19 messaging less effective when tied to Trump

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that COVID-19 prevention messages are less effective when attributed to President Donald Trump. Researchers found that even participants who trust Trump did not find his messages more effective compared to other sources.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 27, 2020

Binding sites for protein-making machinery

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to determine how tightly ribosomes bind to hundreds of thousands of RNA sequences in a single experiment, using machine learning and deep sequencing technology. This approach enables precise control over protein production in bacteria, with potential applications in genetic diseases.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 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.