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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 17 of 47

Studies suggest a fasting diet could boost breast cancer therapy

A USC-led team found a fasting-mimicking diet combined with hormone therapy may increase the power of cancer hormone drugs and delay resistance in small clinical trials and mouse studies. Researchers observed reduced insulin, IGF1, and leptin levels, leading to potential anti-cancer activity.

A survey on optical memory and optical RAM technologies

A team of Greek researchers evaluate the progress in optical memory domain over past 25 years, shedding light on physical mechanisms behind demonstrated devices and classifying performance metrics. They highlight benefits of different optical technologies and report recent achievements towards advancing memory functionalities.

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.

Crown-of-thorns enhance their growth by switching diets early

Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.

Front-line physicians stressed and anxious at work and home

A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.

Skin cancer treatments could be used to treat other forms of the disease

Researchers have developed a new method for treating skin cancer that uses silica nanoparticles to deliver light-sensitive medication, potentially expanding its use to other types of cancer. This innovative approach could increase the effectiveness of photodynamic therapies by penetrating deeper into tissue.

Tropical Storm Douglas organizing in NASA infrared imagery

Tropical Storm Douglas is strengthening due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, with the potential to become a hurricane in the next few days. The storm's cloud tops reached as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Autopsies reveal surprising cardiac changes in COVID-19 patients

A study of 22 COVID-19 patient autopsies found a unique pattern of cell death in scattered heart muscle cells, challenging traditional myocarditis theories. The researchers propose several theories to explain the cardiac injury and suggest further investigation for potential treatment interventions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nitric oxide may slow progression of COVID-19

A recent review suggests that nitric oxide has promise as a therapeutic to control the replication and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. The molecule has shown potential in inhibiting viral replication and regulating inflammatory cascades in pulmonary diseases.

How does ridesourcing substitute for public transit network?

A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.

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.

How to get good at disagreeing

Disagreeing in groups can be difficult, but it's crucial for improvement. Research suggests that a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up when they disagree is key. Practicing constructive confrontation through regular exercises can help build this skill.

Genes and cardiovascular health both affect dementia risk: BU study

A new Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine study finds that genetic risk factors for dementia can be lowered by improving cardiovascular health. Participants with a high genetic risk score were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia, but those with good cardiovascular health were half as likely.

Brain network mechanism causing spatial memory impairment revealed

A study published in Neuron reveals how normal brain network function of hippocampus cells, which works to discriminate a distinct spatial environment, is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The disruption is likely caused by the activity impairment of the entorhinal cortex.

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.

Using lung X-rays to diagnose COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Seville have developed a system that uses deep learning to identify COVID-19 patients using lung X-ray images. The system achieves around 100% accuracy in identifying COVID-19 and can help reduce health professionals' workload by filtering out negative cases.

Topological photonics in fractal lattices

Researchers created a photonic Floquet topological insulator in a periodically driven fractal lattice, exhibiting topological edge states with real-space Chern number 1. The simulations show wavepackets can propagate along the outer and inner edges without penetration or backscattering.

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.

World's smallest imaging device has heart disease in focus

Researchers have developed a tiny, flexible scope that can provide high-quality 3D images inside blood vessels, enabling better understanding of heart attack causes and progression. The device's miniaturization could lead to improved treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Study strengthens calls to clear cancer diagnosis backlog

A new study found that delays in cancer diagnosis due to the pandemic could result in more than 1,000 excess deaths in England. The researchers suggest prioritizing certain tumor types and ramping up diagnostic capacity to mitigate the impact of these delays.

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.

Site-directed mutagenesis in wheat via haploid induction by maize

A new study has successfully demonstrated a method for site-directed mutagenesis in wheat using haploid induction by maize. The technique resulted in the identification of 15 independent target gene-specific mutants in six different wheat backgrounds, with mutations found in all three genomic target motifs.

Lab-made virus mimics COVID-19 virus

Researchers created a hybrid virus that targets cells like SARS-CoV-2 but lacks severe disease genes. The hybrid virus can be handled under ordinary laboratory safety conditions, making it ideal for high-throughput analyses.

Postdoc pushes backward physics to fore

Wenliang Li, a postdoctoral researcher at William & Mary, is studying proton structure from a new angle using Jefferson Lab's 12 GeV electron beam. He's examining particles that fly backward in the interaction to learn more about proton structure.

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.

Making comprehensive water resources modeling more accessible

The Community Water Model is a large-scale hydrological and water resources model that simulates global and regional water availability. It considers various sectors' demands and environmental needs, providing insights into the impact of climate change on water supply.

New $25-million center to advance quantum science and engineering

The new Q-SEnSE center will explore grand challenges in quantum sensing, measurement science, and advancing real-world technologies. Researchers will partner with engineers to turn advancements into practical applications, educating the next generation of quantum workforce.

Chinese, American scientists leading efforts on COVID-19

The study finds that US and Chinese scientists are intensifying their collaborations, producing over 1,600 articles in the first four months of 2020. China has become the world leader in funding coronavirus research since COVID-19 was discovered.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Valley-Hall nanoscale lasers

Researchers created nanophotonic cavities in a nanopatterned InGaAsP membrane, exhibiting photonic analogue of valley-Hall effect. The structure supports quantized spectrum of modes confined to the domain wall, enabling topologically controlled ultrathin light sources.

Genetic testing could improve screening for osteoporosis

A novel genetic measure called gSOS has been developed to assess fracture risk in osteoporosis, which could reduce the need for bone mineral density tests by 37-41%. This cost-effective approach may improve healthcare efficiency and identify individuals at higher risk of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

New material can generate hydrogen from salt and polluted water

Scientists developed a new 2D material to produce hydrogen from fresh, salt, and polluted water by exposing it to sunlight. The material efficiently generates 0.5 liters of hydrogen in an hour from 100 square centimeters, making it one of the highest rates recorded for 2D materials.

'Lost' world's rediscovery is step towards finding habitable planets

Astronomers have discovered a lost planet, NGTS-11b, which orbits a star 620 light years away and is located five times closer to its sun than Earth. The discovery brings astronomers closer to finding cooler planets in the habitable 'Goldilocks zone' that can support liquid water.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Starve the cancer

A team of researchers has identified a cellular mechanism that inhibits the signal to proliferate and starves malignant cells, leading to their death. The study uses a sea sponge-derived molecule XeB to block calcium ion transport, impacting cancer cell metabolism and leading to high cell death rates.

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.

Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.

Global warming boosts heat-related cardiovascular hospitalizations, study finds

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found a significant increase in heat-related cardiovascular hospitalizations in Queensland, Australia between 1995 and 2016. The daily mean temperature in the region rose from 20.9°C to 21.7°C, leading to an increase in annual cardiovascular hospitalizations from 46,730 to 123,477.

ESC Congress 2020 - Highlights from the scientific program

ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.

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.

Fusion protein holds promise for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension

Researchers have identified key biological insights that may help solve the mystery of what drives PAH and why a new therapy in clinical trials may work. The fusion protein is more effective than vasodilators at treating PAH and preventing blood vessel remodeling, restoring a normal balance between cell proliferation and death.

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.

Markerless motion capture technology could help skeleton athletes' training

Researchers at the University of Bath developed a non-invasive markerless system using computer vision and deep learning to measure velocity and estimate poses. The new technology provides accurate tracking of skeleton athletes' performance, improving training sessions and potentially leading to Olympic gold medal wins.

Racial discrimination may adversely impact cognition in African Americans

Experiences of racism among African Americans are associated with lower subjective cognitive function and increased risks of depression, poor sleep, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Research from the Black Women's Health Study found that women reporting higher levels of daily and institutional racism had a greater risk of poor SCF.