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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 45

Mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout without giving either party an edge in elections, study suggests

A new study analyzing nationwide U.S. county-level data and individual-level voter records from Washington and Utah found that mandatory vote-by-mail modestly increases voter turnout by 1.8-2.9% without favoring either party. The effect on Democratic shares of the vote was not statistically significant, with a minor increase of 0.7%.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·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.

Don't forget to clean robotic support pets, study says

A new study found that robotic support pets for older adults and people with dementia acquire bacteria over time, posing a risk of illness. However, a simple cleaning procedure involving anti-bacterial products and wipes can effectively reduce microbial loads to safe levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 26, 2020

Stop! Grand theft water

Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Sustainability·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.

A ribosome odyssey in mitochondria

Researchers have reconstructed a ciliate mitoribosome using cryo-EM, identifying nine novel proteins encoded in the mitochondrial genome and challenging existing views on mitochondrial translation evolution. The discovery provides new insights into mitochondria's structural and functional complexity.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·DateAug 26, 2020

Researchers unravel two mysteries of COVID-19

Researchers have identified six molecules that can be used as biomarkers to predict how severely ill a patient with COVID-19 will become. Additionally, they discovered a new mechanism causing life-threatening blood clots in COVID-19 patients and potential ways to treat them.

SourceLawson Health Research Institute·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateAug 26, 2020

Spit in a tube to diagnose heart attack

Researchers developed a saliva test to diagnose heart attacks, showing strong agreement with blood tests. The test provides results in 10 minutes, compared to at least one hour for standard blood tests, and has the potential to save lives.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 26, 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.

Barcoding long DNA quantifies CRISPR effects

Researchers at KAUST have developed an approach to detect rare gene mutations in a pool of cells, which is crucial for early cancer detection and evaluating CRISPR/Cas9 editing outcomes. The technique, called IDMseq, accurately detects single mutations and analyzes large DNA deletions with high accuracy and sensitivity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGenome Biology·DateAug 26, 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.

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.

New study takes aim at advanced types of non-addictive pain therapies

Researchers from Arizona State University have made significant progress in understanding TRPV1's thermosensing mechanism. The study provides a framework for distinguishing specific activation mechanisms that can be targeted to develop new non-addictive pain therapies.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Racial segregation drives disparities in COVID-19 and HIV diagnoses

A Commentary in AIDS Patient Care and STDs finds COVID-19 and HIV diagnoses decreasing as white population increases in US counties. Systemic racism is a key factor contributing to disparities in health outcomes among communities of color.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·DateAug 26, 2020

Fear of missing out impacts people of all ages

A recent study found that FoMO is linked to loneliness, low self-esteem, and low self-compassion, not social media use. Researchers suggest addressing negative self-perceptions by practicing self-compassion and focusing on real connections.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateAug 26, 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.

Native desert bighorn sheep in ecologically intact areas are less vulnerable to climate change

A new study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has found that native desert bighorn sheep populations in landscapes with minimal human disturbance are less likely to be vulnerable to climate change. The researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,600 individuals across 62 populations in the American Southwest.

SourceOregon State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 26, 2020

The patients left behind by HIV research

Research reveals that HIV studies are often designed with an unrepresentative population, leading to a lack of effective solutions for diverse groups. The study's findings highlight the need for more inclusive research methods to address health inequalities and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAIDS Care·DateAug 26, 2020

COVID-19 -- Scenarios for the post-lockdown period in Italy

A team of Italian scientists analyzed the effect of lifting lockdowns on COVID-19 transmission in Italy. They found that most regions remained close to a baseline scenario for one-and-a-half months after lockdown relaxation, highlighting the importance of controlled case isolation interventions to prevent rebounding epidemics.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Overlooked 'housekeeping' gene plays unexpected role in seizures

Researchers found that a mutation in a tRNA gene can disrupt brain function and behavior, leading to imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. This imbalance has been implicated in numerous neurological diseases, including epilepsies and autism spectrum disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2020

What is cerebral venous thrombosis? study finds blood clot condition on the rise

A new analysis found that cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) incidence has increased three times higher than previously reported in the US. CVT is most common in younger women, but recent findings suggest increases in men and older women, with a notable disparity in Black people compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 26, 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.

Planetary ball-milling helps protect our planet from plastics pollution

Researchers at Osaka University have developed polymer materials that combine self-healing with strength and recyclability. The materials were produced using planetary ball-milling, a method that efficiently mixed host and guest polymers, resulting in tough, self-healable, and recyclable supramolecular materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 26, 2020

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

A clinical trial found that a new artificial pancreas system improved blood glucose control in children aged 6-13, achieving 7% daytime improvement and 26% nighttime control. The technology replaces traditional testing and insulin delivery, providing greater convenience and safety.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 26, 2020

Tailored hardening of ZrCuAl bulk metallic glass induced by 2D gradient rejuvenation

Scientists at Tohoku University have developed a novel heat treatment technique that induces a 2D gradient rejuvenation state in bulk metallic glasses, resulting in improved ductility and tailored hardening. The technique enables the formation of a complete shear plane, blocking shear band propagation and increasing critical shear stress.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·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.

Novel PROTAC enhances its intracellular accumulation and protein knockdown

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed an improved type of PROTAC that enhances intracellular accumulation and functions, not only as a degrader but also as an inhibitor of the target protein. The study's findings suggest the possibility of applying this strategy to improve PROTACs for clinical applications.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2020

Terms in Seattle-area rental ads reinforce neighborhood segregation

A University of Washington study found that rental ads in Seattle's predominantly white neighborhoods often emphasize 'vintage charm' and history, while neighborhoods with more people of color focus on safety and security. The study suggests that these linguistic patterns can influence housing choices and perpetuate racial segregation.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSocial Forces·DateAug 26, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

US hospital admissions for stroke fell by almost a third during lockdown

Research published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found that US hospital admissions for stroke and mini-stroke decreased by nearly a third during the height of the pandemic. This decline may have led to poorer patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for patients to seek medical care during the crisis.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalStroke and Vascular Neurology·DateAug 26, 2020

Thin-skinned solar panels printed with inkjet

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology developed ultrathin organic solar cells using inkjet printing, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 4.73 percent and paving the way for flexible, lightweight energy harvesting in various applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 26, 2020

Synthetic coating for the GI tract could deliver drugs or aid in digestion

Researchers create temporary synthetic coating that can be adapted to deliver drugs, aid in digestion, or prevent nutrient absorption. The coating, made from dopamine molecules, can improve lactose digestion efficiency up to 20-fold and potentially treat conditions like diabetes and obesity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

How effective does a COVID-19 vaccine need to be to stop the pandemic?

A new study suggests that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be at least 80% effective to achieve a complete 'return to normal' and prevent an epidemic. Social vulnerability is also linked to increased COVID-19 infection, with specific factors varying among regions and counties.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 25, 2020

Tracing the cosmic origin of complex organic molecules with their radiofrequency footprint

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science use a special approach to detect acetonitrile in a low-density region of the Sagittarius molecular cloud. They analyze radio wave absorption patterns to infer the presence of this complex organic molecule, shedding light on its distribution and potential role in the origin of life.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 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.

Effectiveness of primate conservation measures mostly unproved

A recent study found that only 80 primate studies investigated the effectiveness of conservation interventions, highlighting a severe lack of evidence for effective conservation. The authors propose several actions to improve the evidence base, including increasing resources for intervention-effectiveness testing and publication.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalBioscience Reports·DateAug 25, 2020

Less "sticky" cells become more cancerous

Research found that cancer cells losing 'stickiness' allows them to move freely, but dense environments can still hold them back. This contradicts previous understanding of cell movement in cancer development.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Coastal development, changing climate threaten sea turtle nesting habitat

Researchers found that climate change and coastal development will reduce suitable nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles by 10%, while green turtles will see a 7% decrease along the US East Coast. Leatherback turtles face minimal changes in suitable habitat availability.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalRegional Environmental Change·DateAug 25, 2020

University of Ky study leads to potential for new treatment approach to Alzheimer's

A new therapeutic approach to treating Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky, using an antibody to target inflammation and promote microglia to clear amyloid deposits in the brain. The study found that this approach leads to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognition.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateAug 25, 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.

Hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases heart risk, finds global study

A global study of over 320,000 patients found that hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases cardiovascular risks, including mortality, in the short and long term. The combination therapy was associated with a 65% relative increase in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to sulfasalazine.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateAug 25, 2020

Revised code could help improve efficiency of fusion experiments

A revised code upgrade has improved the calculation of forces acting on magnetically confined plasma in fusion energy experiments. The new software, SPEC, enables researchers to determine the boundary of plasma in stellarators more easily, allowing for a better design and performance.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateAug 25, 2020

Health IT improves engagement in preconception health to reduce racial disparities

A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 25, 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.

In sickness and in health

A study of over 86,000 Japanese couples found that wives with similar cardiovascular disease risk factors as their husbands are more likely to suffer from the same disorders. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering spouses' health in medical treatment and recommending family-based interventions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 25, 2020

Pain 'catastrophizing' may lead to little exercise, more time sedentary

A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.

SourcePenn State·JournalPain·DateAug 25, 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.