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Science News for July 17, 2020


NOAA names University of Miami to lead cooperative institute

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been selected by NOAA to host the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), which will conduct collaborative research on Earth's oceans and atmosphere. CIMAS will focus on coastal resilience, ocean conservation, and tropical weather prediction.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 17, 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.

Coordinated exit strategies crucial to avoid virus second-wave in Europe

Researchers found that uncoordinated lifting of lockdown measures can lead to earlier secondary epidemics, while coordination can reduce the risk of transmission. Synchronizing intermittent lockdowns across countries can significantly improve the likelihood of ending community transmission.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Psychology: The most personal device

Researchers at LMU Munich used smartphone data to analyze users' personalities, finding strong correlations between behavior patterns and self-assessed traits. The study focused on the Big Five personality dimensions, revealing that certain types of digital behavior are more informative for specific self-assessments.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2020

Baleen whales have changed their distribution in the Western North Atlantic

Researchers tracked baleen whale movements using passive acoustic recordings, finding four species have changed their distribution patterns in the past decade. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than other regions, resulting in changes in distribution for five out of six baleen whale species.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 17, 2020

Decadal predictability of North Atlantic blocking and the NAO

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals remarkable skill in reproducing multi-annual variations of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and atmospheric blocking frequency. This breakthrough suggests that impactful climate anomalies may be predictable with improved dynamical models, filling the gap between lo...

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJul 17, 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.

Clear strategies needed to reduce bushmeat hunting

A study in Côte d'Ivoire found that preferences for bushmeat vary widely among hunters, traders, and consumers, driven by factors such as nutritional needs, cultural practices, and economic incentives. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize targeted conservation strategies that account for individual motivations and user groups.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 17, 2020

Where is the water during a drought?

Researchers from the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries investigated water distribution in the Demnitzer Mühlenfliess sub-catchment area. They found that vegetation plays a significant role in storing and releasing water, with forests having a drier soil than grasslands due to their root depth and leaf canopy.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateJul 17, 2020

COVID-19: Viral shutdown of protein synthesis

Researchers discovered how SARS-CoV-2 inhibits protein synthesis in infected cells, effectively disarming the body's immune response. The Nonstructural Protein 1 (Nsp1) is a central weapon used by the virus to replicate and propagate, targeting the 40S subunit of ribosomes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020

Fox Chase and Ben-Gurion University receive cancer treatment study grant

Fox Chase Cancer Center and Ben-Gurion University have received a $320,000 grant to test an immune-stimulating antibody developed by BGU researcher Angel Porgador for treating multiple myeloma. The antibody helps the immune system kill multiple myeloma tumor cells and may work on many different types of tumors.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateJul 17, 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.

Enhanced water repellent surfaces discovered in nature

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a previously unidentified nanostructure on insect surfaces that can be used to engineer stronger, more resilient water repellent coatings. These high-solid fraction textures may imbue additional water repelling benefits and could be applied to personal protective equipment (PPE) to better resis...

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 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.

Paper: Mundane behavioral decisions, actions can be 'misremembered' as done

A new study by Dolores Albarracin and colleagues found that people tend to conflate intentions and behaviors in routine actions, creating false memories. This phenomenon has significant implications for healthcare settings and self-reporting of following through on actions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 17, 2020

Cannabis shows potential for mitigating sickle cell disease pain

A new clinical trial suggests that vaporized cannabis is safe and potentially effective in mitigating chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease. The study found that patients experienced reduced pain levels and improved mood over time, paving the way for further research on medical cannabis as a treatment option.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 17, 2020

UNH scientists find faster way to count animal sperm using DNA

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have identified a quicker and less expensive way to count sperm in lobsters using DNA technology. This new method could help scientists better understand mating and population sustainability in various species.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateJul 17, 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.

Type 1 interferon deficiency: Biomarker of patients at risk of severe COVID

A study found that type 1 interferon deficiency is a biomarker for patients at risk of severe COVID-19. Low levels of type 1 interferon in plasma precede clinical worsening and are characteristic of each stage of the disease, suggesting it could identify a high-risk population.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020

Female surgeon scientists claim more than their share of research grants

Despite low representation in academia, female surgeon-scientists are securing a greater percentage of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. Women researchers are more likely to be first-time grant recipients and have higher success rates when awarded NIH funding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 17, 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.

Honeybees reveal environmental pollution in their surroundings

Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2020

The secret to renewable solar fuels is an off-and-on again relationship

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that copper catalysts are superior to purely metallic-origin catalysts in producing ethylene after oxygen is depleted. The team developed a method to 'reactivate' the catalyst by re-adding and re-removing oxygen, improving efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 17, 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.

Study reveals intricate details about Huntington's disease protein

Researchers uncover how the huntingtin protein transports vital materials within neurons, revealing a potential avenue for therapeutics aimed at improving endosomal transport in Huntington's disease patients. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the protein's normal function to develop effective treatments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJul 17, 2020

Pesticides speed the spread of deadly waterborne pathogens

Research at UC Berkeley reveals pesticides can boost schistosome parasite transmission by affecting snail survival, aquatic predators and algae composition. This increases disease burden in areas with high agricultural agrochemical use, posing a significant threat to public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 17, 2020

Radiology practices struggle to survive amid COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on private radiology practices, with examination volumes decreasing by 40%-90%. To mitigate losses, practices are adjusting service availability, staffing, compensation, and seeking additional revenues.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 17, 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.

Orderly arranged bead-chain ternary nanocomposites for supercapacitors

Researchers from Jiangsu University of Technology developed novel Cu2O-Mn3O4-NiO ternary nanocomposites using electrospinning technology, showing improved performance in supercapacitor electrode materials. The nanocomposites exhibit high specific capacitance and capacitance retention due to strong interaction between functional groups ...

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJul 17, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a volunteer blood donor 40 days after resolution of COVID-19-like symptoms. This detection raises concerns about the risk to blood supply safety, as current guidelines do not recommend screening for SARS-CoV-2 in allogeneic donors.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 2020

Doctors motivated by both health, malpractice concerns when ordering additional tests

A UCLA-led study found that dermatopathologists are motivated by both patient safety concerns and malpractice fears when ordering additional tests. The study surveyed 160 dermatopathologists in the US, who reported a strong emphasis on patient safety as a driving factor for their actions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Pathology·DateJul 17, 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.

Turmeric could have antiviral properties

A study published in the Journal of General Virology found that curcumin can prevent TGEV infection and kill virus particles. This antiviral property could be beneficial in preventing diseases caused by TGEV in piglets.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateJul 17, 2020

Pigs turn to humans as dogs do, unless they have a problem to solve

Researchers found that pigs initially initiate interactions with humans as dogs do, but in a problem-solving situation, pigs persist on their own, while dogs rely on humans for help. This study compares the communication behaviors of dogs and pigs in a problem-solving context.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 17, 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.

Mysterious mechanism of graphene oxide formation explained

Researchers at Kazan Federal University discovered that water molecules, not manganese derivatives, form covalent C-O bonds in graphene oxide. The study also found that the C-O bonds can be easily cleaved and remigrated along the graphene plane.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalCarbon·DateJul 17, 2020

Glaucoma study findings emphasise need for regular eye checks

A new study by the University of Bradford reveals that people with early-stage glaucoma see contrast in a similar way to those without it, despite measurable vision loss. This underlines the importance of regular eye checks to detect glaucoma before damage is established.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 17, 2020

Study identifies missing piece needed for lower-cost, high-quality MRI

Physicists at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as a potential contrast agent for low-field MRI scanners. The nanoparticles could enable the use of low-cost MRI technology in emergency rooms and doctors' offices for routine screenings, revolutionizing disease diagnosis and screening.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2020

Pressure suppresses carrier trapping in 2D halide perovskite

A team of researchers found that applying pressure to a 2D halide perovskite suppressed carrier trapping and led to enhanced emission. The findings show a new phase with higher crystallographic symmetry and fewer trap states was formed after pressure treatment.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 17, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Uplifting of Columbia River basalts opens window on how region was sculpted

Researchers from the University of Oregon have identified chemical changes caused by hot magma flows that dramatically altered the Columbia River region's landscape. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used oxygen and hydrogen isotopes to analyze 27 samples from dikes in the flood-basalt province.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2020

Researchers discover hybrid fungus involved in lung infections

Researchers discovered a hybrid fungus, Aspergillus latus, in a hospital environment, which is up to three times more drug-resistant than its parental species and highly dangerous. The study aims to investigate the role of fungi in COVID-19 and improve treatment strategies.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 17, 2020

A call to arms: Enlisting private land owners in conservation

A US study reveals that only 21 of 159 endangered species are adequately protected by existing areas, highlighting the need to increase conservation efforts. Private landowners can play a vital role in achieving conservation goals through conservation easements.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2020

Predicting the biodiversity of rivers

Scientists combined environmental DNA and hydrological models to assess riverine ecosystems' biodiversity with unprecedented accuracy, identifying unseen hotspots for conservation strategies. The new method enables rapid application of research findings in Switzerland, finalizing guidelines for the Federal Office for Environment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2020

Antarctica more widely impacted by humans than previously thought

A recent study using 2.7 million human activity records found that humans have extensively used Antarctica over the last 200 years, with only 16% of Important Bird Areas located within negligibly impacted areas. This highlights the need for swift action to declare new protected areas and conserve biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 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.

Atomtronic device could probe boundary between quantum, everyday worlds

A new atomtronic device is being developed to test the boundary between the quantum and classical worlds. The device uses neutral atoms instead of charged electrons to create a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), which can detect mechanical rotation with high sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 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.

Scientists achieve major breakthrough in preserving integrity of sound waves

Researchers have demonstrated strong topological order for sound stemming from time modulations, allowing robust propagation along boundaries of topological metamaterials. This advancement enables cheaper, lighter devices with reduced battery power consumption, suitable for harsh environments.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2020

New insight into the origin of water on the earth

Scientists have found that heating interstellar organic matter can produce abundant water and oil, challenging the cometary origin theory of terrestrial water. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used chemical reagents to mimic interstellar organics and demonstrated the formation of water droplets at high temperatures.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2020

New technology promises to revolutionize nanomedicine

Researchers developed a breakthrough technology to resolve the problem of nanoparticles being cleared from the bloodstream too quickly. By exploiting the body's natural process of eliminating old red blood cells, they found an elegant solution that prolongs blood circulation for virtually any nanomedicine.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 17, 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.

A chemical tailor-made suit for Alzheimer's drugs

Researchers from Göttingen and Halle create novel inhibitors for enzymes involved in Alzheimer's disease, offering a promising new treatment approach. The study reveals a potential solution to the incurable nature of Alzheimer's disease through highly selective binding without harmful side effects.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBiochemistry·DateJul 17, 2020

Isoflavones in soybean help protect pigs against viral infections

Researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that isoflavones in soybeans can help protect pigs from viral infections, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The study found that pigs fed a diet with isoflavones had a lower rate of infection-related mortality compared to those without.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 17, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Benefits of routine childhood vaccines far outweigh risks of additional COVID-19 transmission in Africa, modelling study suggests

A modelling study published in The Lancet Global Health found that continuing routine childhood vaccination programmes in Africa during the pandemic could save around 702,000 child lives from vaccine-preventable diseases. This number far exceeds the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission to older family members.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 17, 2020
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.

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 4 Issue 4

This latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) features groundbreaking research on identification of novel TTN mutations and discovery of digenic mutations. The issue includes studies on the genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy and the effects of glycyrrhizic acid on vascular injury.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJul 17, 2020

Fast and flexible computation of optical diffraction

A team of scientists has proposed an efficient full-path calculation method for optical diffraction, leveraging the mathematical similarities between scalar and vector diffraction. The method uses the Bluestein approach to reduce computation time to sub-second levels, with superior flexibility in choosing ROIs and sampling numbers.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 17, 2020

MU advances chemotherapy-free treatment for cancer in animals and humans

Researchers at MU successfully treated bone cancer in dogs with a vaccine that stimulates the immune system against abnormal proteins specific to the patient's tumor. The treatment outperformed chemotherapy, resulting in over 400 days of cancer survival for dogs compared to about 270 days for those receiving traditional chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateJul 17, 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.

Does having Alzheimer's disease and dementia affect severity of delirium?

Researchers discovered that individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia experience more severe delirium and increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without ADRD. Targeted strategies can help prevent or reduce delirium severity, particularly in patients with ADRD.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 17, 2020

New technology speeds up organic data transfer

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new type of organic LED that enables faster data transfer speeds, reaching 2.2 Mb/s. This breakthrough could enable the integration of portable and wearable organic biosensors into visible light communication links.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 17, 2020

Perspective: T cell responses to COVID-19 are a crucial target for research

Emerging evidence highlights T cells' role in protecting against viral infections, with antibody responses appearing short-lived and T cell memory potentially more durable. Standardized testing methods for T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2 are needed to fully understand population-level immunity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 17, 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.

Close-up of SARS-CoV-2 protein shows how it interferes with host anti-viral immunity

The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 protein Nsp1 effectively shuts down the host's anti-viral immune response by binding to the ribosome and preventing protein production. This finding highlights the importance of targeting the interaction between Nsp1 and the ribosome as a potential therapeutic strategy.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020