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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 45

Octupole corner state in a three-dimensional topological circuit

Researchers have experimentally observed a 0D corner state in a 3D topological circuit, which is induced by the nontrivial octupole moment of the circuit. The corner state is protected by three anticommuting reflection symmetries and exhibits robustness against certain types of disorder.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 26, 2020

Antagonistic genes modify rice plant growth

Scientists at Nagoya University discovered two genes, ACE1 and DEC1, that counteract each other to regulate rice plant stem growth. The findings suggest a new approach for genetically modifying rice crops to improve yield and adaptability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Study finds association between nightmares and heart disease in veterans

A new study discovered a significant association between frequent and severe nightmares and cardiovascular disease in veterans. The research found that 32% of veterans reported frequent nightmares and 35% reported severe nightmares, which were linked to heart problems, high blood pressure, and heart attack.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 26, 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.

New neural network differentiates Middle and Late Stone Age toolkits

Researchers developed a neural network to distinguish between Middle and Late Stone Age assemblages by analyzing frequent tool combinations. The study found that the combined occurrence of backed pieces, blade technologies, and absence of core tools reliably identifies Late Stone Age assemblages.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2020

Scientists to discover the unique ductile properties of aluminum

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University produced a metal with increased ductility, three times higher than specified in standard. This discovery can change component design and improve material performance for industries like Aerospace.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateAug 26, 2020

How cold was the ice age? Researchers now know

Researchers have determined that the Last Glacial Maximum was approximately 6 degrees Celsius (11 F) cooler than today. The study's findings provide a better understanding of the relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperature, allowing for more accurate climate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

US political parties become extremist to get more votes

New research shows that US political parties have become increasingly polarized due to their quest for voters. The study challenges a 1950s model by economist Anthony Downs, finding that voters remain moderate but parties move towards extremes to minimize constituency overlap.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSIAM Review·DateAug 26, 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.

USDA says current poultry food safety guidelines do not stop salmonella outbreaks

The study concludes that a more holistic approach to poultry food safety is needed to better protect the public from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella. It highlights the limitations of current guidelines, which only consider pathogen prevalence and do not account for other risk factors such as serotype virulence and temperature abuse.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·JournalRisk Analysis·DateAug 26, 2020

Blocking nerve signals to the pancreas halts type 1 diabetes onset in mice

A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology found that blocking nerve signals to the pancreas could stop patients from ever developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers used a mouse model and discovered that blocking sympathetic nerve signals protected mice from beta cell death.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

NTU Singapore scientists use fruit peel to turn old batteries into new

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel method using fruit peel waste to extract and reuse precious metals from spent lithium-ion batteries. The process creates minimal waste and can be scaled up for industrial use, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 26, 2020

Cosmic rays may soon stymie quantum computing

Researchers at MIT have found that cosmic rays and low-level environmental radiation can cause decoherence in superconducting qubits, limiting their performance. This effect could limit the practicality of quantum computing within a few years, prompting scientists to explore shielding or design improvements.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Domesticated chickens have smaller brains

Researchers found that selective breeding of junglefowl for reduced fear led to changes in brain composition and affected fear memory. The domesticated birds became accustomed to non-hazardous events more rapidly due to smaller brains relative to body size.

SourceLinköping University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 26, 2020

Nanodots made of photovoltaic material support waveguide modes

Researchers developed a novel spectroscopic technique to study stibnite nanostructures, revealing their potential as high-optical-quality waveguides. The technique allows for the measurement of spectrally resolved intensity profiles within individual nanodots, demonstrating that they can support four modes over a 200-nm bandwidth.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 26, 2020

Natural radiation can interfere with quantum computers

A multidisciplinary research team found that low-level ionizing radiation degrades superconducting qubit performance. To maintain coherence and achieve practical quantum computing, radiation shielding will be necessary. Researchers emphasize the need to exclude radiation-emitting materials and consider underground experimental setups.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 26, 2020

Consuming your own fecal microbiome when dieting may limit weight regain -- Ben-Gurion University

A new study published in Gastroenterology found that consuming frozen microbiome capsules derived from their own feces when dieting may limit weight regain. Participants who followed a green-Mediterranean diet and received fecal microbiome transplantation lost more weight and regained less weight compared to those on other diets.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 26, 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.

Unlocking the mysteries of the brain

A study by the University of Montreal has revealed the rules of synaptic plasticity, a process underlying learning and memory. The research found that dendritic spines, tiny protrusions on neurons, amplify or suppress incoming information based on its strength.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 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.

Study rules out DM destruction as origin of extra radiation in galaxy center

Researchers have eliminated dark matter candidates as the origin of excess gamma rays detected in the Milky Way's galaxy center through extensive modeling exercises. The study puts strongest constraints yet on dark matter properties, ruling out weakly interacting massive particles up to very high-mass particles.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalPhysical Review D·DateAug 26, 2020

Why flat-faced dogs remain popular despite health problems

Despite severe health problems, 93% of flat-faced dog owners want to own their breed again in the future. Positive behavioral attributes and suitability for a sedentary lifestyle are common reasons for reacquisition or recommendation. However, owners acknowledge significant health risks, including respiratory disease and heat stroke.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2020

UC creates living tribute to Ohio botanist

A University of Cincinnati biologist collaborated with Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum to replace non-native English ivy with native ground cover on E. Lucy Braun's grave. The tribute features a mix of creeping mint, golden star, and Allegheny spurge, all native to deciduous forests in Eastern North America.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·DateAug 26, 2020

Additional data on blood thinner efficacy for COVID-19 and insight on best possible regimens

Researchers found that therapeutic and prophylactic doses of blood thinners reduced mortality by roughly 50 percent in COVID-19 patients. The study also showed that anticoagulation therapy was associated with improved outcomes both in and out of the intensive care unit.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 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.

Too many COVID-19 patients get unneeded 'just in case' antibiotics

A new study from Michigan Medicine shows that over half of hospitalized COVID-19 patients received antibiotics soon after arrival, despite only 3.5% having both virus and bacterial infection. Faster testing and understanding infection risk factors could help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and harm.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 26, 2020

Meteorite strikes may create unexpected form of silica

Scientists have discovered a novel disordered crystalline phase of silica that forms under dynamic shock compression, challenging longstanding assumptions about the material's behavior. The findings provide new insights into planetary formation and evolution, and may reveal details about the Earth's geologic history.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

COVID-19 vaccines are moving fast, but will americans agree to get them?

A new study found that US adults' flu vaccination rates differ significantly by demographics such as age, insurance status, and chronic conditions. The researchers suggest that boosting vaccination rates requires a concerted public health campaign and proactive primary care outreach strategy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

New study warns: We have underestimated the pace at which the Arctic is melting

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that Arctic sea ice is melting at a rate one to three times faster than previously estimated. The research team compared current temperature changes in the Arctic with climate fluctuations from the last ice age, finding that temperatures are increasing rapidly.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 26, 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.

New therapy targets breast cancer metastases in brain

A new combination therapy targeting breast cancer tumors in the brain has been shown to reduce tumor size and increase survival in a study with mice. The treatment, which combines vinorelbine and I-BET-762, was found to be effective in curing up to 75% of mice with brain metastases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Interventions stem antibiotic prescribing rates in telemedicine

Researchers found that interventions reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing in telemedicine practices significantly decreased inappropriate prescriptions. Education and feedback on dashboards led to the most substantial reductions, particularly for conditions where antibiotics should not be prescribed.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Study finds that water efficiency achievable throughout US without decree

A recent study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that targeted efforts to increase water efficiency can save enough water annually to fill Lake Mead. The research found that some regions and industries have the greatest potential for water savings, with improved water productivity in corn, cotton, and alfalfa contrib...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 26, 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.

Samara Polytech scientists studied a new compound for lithium and sodium-ion batteries

Researchers at Samara Polytech have synthesized a monoclinic NaVPO4F compound using quenching, which exhibits low sodium ion mobility making it impractical as a cathode active material. A comparative analysis with LiVPO4F revealed the triclinic modification is energetically more favorable, limiting its synthesis.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 26, 2020

New Nitrogen Assembly Carbon catalyst has potential to transform chemical manufacturing

Scientists have discovered a metal-free carbon-based catalyst with potential to transform chemical manufacturing, enabling more efficient reactions without expensive transition metals. The catalysts are robust and deliver unexpected catalytic reactions for various processes including hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation, and hydrogenation.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

CabildoXLatAm: A space for digital participation in Latin America

The CabildoXLatAm platform hosts a participatory digital space for Latin America's civil society actors, governments, and communities to discuss new forms of governance. The event aims to design a roadmap for self-management and address regional challenges such as food sovereignty and digital governance.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·DateAug 26, 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.

Using math to examine the sex differences in dinosaurs

Paleontologists used a new approach to estimate sexual variation in dinosaur fossils, finding patterns in size differences between males and females. The study suggests that using effect size statistics can produce accurate estimates of sexual dimorphism even with limited fossil data.

SourceField Museum·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 26, 2020

Researchers discover gene controlling nectar spur development

A team of researchers has identified a key gene, POPOVICH, responsible for the development of nectar spurs in Aquilegia. The study used a spurless species to pinpoint the gene and found that it promotes cell divisions in the regions where the spur develops.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2020

Benefits of inhaled nitric oxide therapy for pregnant patients with COVID-19

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaled nitric oxide therapy improved cardiopulmonary function and decreased inflammation in six pregnant patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment resulted in rapid resolution of viral infection within 22 days, with no adverse side effects.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 26, 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.

How vitamin C could help over 50s retain muscle mass

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests that vitamin C consumption is linked to higher skeletal muscle mass in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from over 13,000 participants, found that those with the highest amounts of vitamin C had the greatest estimated skeletal muscle mass.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateAug 26, 2020

A protein with an unprecedented fold helps bacteria uptake thiosulfate as a sulfur source

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered a novel membrane protein YeeE that enables bacteria to uptake thiosulfate from the environment. This unique mechanism provides a sophisticated method for sulfur synthesis, potentially lowering production costs in industries like food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 26, 2020

New method to combat damage, help revive NY berry industry

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new method using thin mesh covering, called exclusion netting, to control spotted wing drosophila infestation in New York berry crops. The technique has shown significant benefits, including reduced pesticide use and lower costs, with minimal SWD incidence.

SourceCornell University·JournalCrop Protection·DateAug 26, 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.

Obesity linked with higher risk for COVID-19 complications

A recent UNC-Chapel Hill study reveals that individuals with obesity are at a greatly increased risk for hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and death from COVID-19. Obesity is associated with numerous underlying health conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes, which can impair immune function.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalObesity Reviews·DateAug 26, 2020

Experts reveal major holes in international ozone treaty

A new study has identified major gaps in the international ozone treaty, which must be addressed to avert stronger climate change and serious risks to human health. The treaty's loopholes include unaccounted for CFC and HFC emissions, leakages from old air conditioners, and emissions of nitrous oxide from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Long naps may be bad for health

A large meta-analysis of 20 studies found that long naps (over 60 minutes) are associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Napping can also increase the risk of death in women and older participants.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 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.

Artificial pancreas effectively controls type 1 diabetes in children age 6 and up

The study found that youth using the artificial pancreas system had significant improvements in blood glucose control, including a 7% improvement during the daytime and a 26% improvement at night. The technology improved overall time-in-range by nearly 11%, translating to more hours per day in a healthy range.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Gunshot injuries in California drop, but percentage of firearm death goes up

A UC Davis Health study found that nonfatal firearm injuries in California decreased by 38% over an 11-year period, primarily due to a drop in firearm assaults. However, the lethality of those and other firearm injuries increased, with a higher proportion of self-inflicted injuries being deadlier.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 26, 2020

Novel alkaline hydrogel advances skin wound care

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·DateAug 26, 2020

Progress toward a treatment for Krabbe disease

A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers describes an effective gene therapy for Krabbe disease in dogs, which has shown promising results with no significant symptoms after four years. The treatment approach, using the AAV9 vector, has also been found to positively affect both central and peripheral nervous systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 26, 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.

Got fatigue? Study further pinpoints brain regions that may control it

Researchers identified areas of the brain that regulate efforts to deal with fatigue, which could lead to new strategies for healthy individuals and therapies for those with depression, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. The study used MRI scans and computer modeling to analyze brain activity and behavior in participants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Hip fracture risk linked to nanoscale bone inflexibility

Researchers found that donors without fractures had more flexible collagen and mineral nanostructure than those with fractures. The study suggests that flexibility at the nanoscale could be an important predictor of future bone fractures, highlighting the need for new treatments targeting nanoscale bone health.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 26, 2020

Placenta can indicate how body responds to opioids during pregnancy

Researchers found that opioid use during pregnancy can negatively affect the placenta's structure, reducing cells that produce essential by-products for normal brain development. The study also identified specific genetic expression differences between female and male placentas in response to maternal oxycodone exposure.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPlacenta·DateAug 26, 2020