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Science News for July 2, 2020


How prison and police discrimination affect black sexual minority men's health

A Rutgers-led study finds that incarceration and police discrimination contribute to higher rates of psychological distress, HIV risk, and lower willingness to take PrEP among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. The research highlights the need for anti-racist and anti-heterosexist advocacy and interventions to address ...

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

Call for immunology to return to the wild

A multidisciplinary research team proposes integrating diverse species and environments into immunology research to develop treatments and vaccines for viruses. Observations in nature, such as the cowpox virus, have led to vaccine discoveries; now, studying new species can yield large payoffs.

SourceMenzies Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

Sniffing out smell

Researchers discovered that neural representations of smell in the cortex reflect chemical similarities between odors, allowing for categorization. The findings also suggest that sensory experiences can rewire these representations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2020

DOE awards $3.15 million to Argonne to support collaborations with industry

The US Department of Energy has awarded $3.15 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support collaborations with private companies. This funding is part of the Technology Commercialization Fund, which aims to advance energy technologies and strengthen partnerships between DOE's National Laboratories and industry partners.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 2, 2020

Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found the Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants, with lower scores associated with increased mortality risk. A higher Apgar score significantly increases the chance of survival for premature babies, highlighting its importance regardless of gestational age.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 2, 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.

A path to new nanofluidic devices applying spintronics technology

The study elucidates the mechanism of hydrodynamic power generation using spin currents in micrometer-scale channels, improving power generation efficiency drastically with smaller flow sizes. The researchers also demonstrate the feasibility of applying this technology to spintronics-based nanofluidic devices and flowmeters.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2020

Marijuana use while pregnant boosts risk of children's sleep problems

A University of Colorado Boulder study found that mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to report their children having clinical sleep problems. The researchers also discovered that frequent marijuana use was associated with somnolence symptoms in children, such as excessive tiredness and difficulty waking up.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSleep Health·DateJul 2, 2020

Prospective teachers misperceive Black children as angry

A study by Amy G. Halberstadt found that prospective teachers are more likely to misperceive Black children as angry than white children, which can have negative consequences for Black youth. The study suggests that this anger bias can lead to Black children being disciplined unfairly and suspended more often from school.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateJul 2, 2020

Timing of SNAP benefits can reduce childhood injuries

A new study found that low-income families receiving SNAP benefits later in the month experience fewer emergency room visits for childhood injuries, likely due to better meal planning and food security. The researchers suggest that supporting federal food assistance programs like SNAP can help reduce childhood injuries and morbidity.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateJul 2, 2020

Tiny mineral particles are better vehicles for promising gene therapy

UW-Madison researchers have created a safer way to deliver mRNA-based therapy for cancer, liver disorders, and vaccination. Tiny mineral particles (MCMs) with pores on their surface can carry molecules like proteins or messenger RNA, mimicking ancient discoveries in archaeology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 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.

Number of HIV-1 founder variants determined by source partner infection

A new modeling study suggests that the number of infection-initiating viral variants is primarily determined by how long the source partner has been infected. The risk for multiple-founder variant transfer during sexual HIV exposure is nearly doubled during the first three months of the source partner's infection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Coronavirus damages the endocrine system

A new review finds that COVID-19 can cause damage to the endocrine system, leading to worsening of existing conditions and increased risk of diabetes. Steroids may be a crucial treatment option for patients with COVID-19, as recent studies have shown improved mortality rates in severely ill patients treated with dexamethasone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJul 2, 2020

The secret double life of histone H3 as a copper reductase enzyme

Histones may have evolved to adapt to oxygenated environments by reducing toxic copper, a crucial element for biological processes. The study reveals a new function of the histone H3-H4 tetramer as an oxidoreductase enzyme, making harmful copper oxidation state safe for use inside cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

The protein that stands between us and autoimmunity

Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 2, 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.

Study explains potential causes for 'happy hypoxia' condition in COVID-19 patients

A new study sheds light on the mysterious condition known as silent hypoxemia or 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients. The research reveals that low oxygen levels without shortness of breath may be caused by a combination of factors, including inaccurate pulse oximeter readings and the brain's delayed response to low oxygen levels.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

Gender gaps in STEM college majors emerge in high school

Research by Cornell University's Kim Weeden suggests that early high school occupational plans are a key factor in determining future STEM college majors, with significant gender differences emerging at this stage. Women are less likely than men to plan for STEM careers, despite similar math abilities and academic achievements.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociology of Education·DateJul 2, 2020

Good news and bad news: Changing trends in cardiovascular disease in Canada

Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateJul 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Early marriage may lead to unsafe drinking behavior by those with higher genetic risk

A study found that early marriage can exacerbate risky alcohol use among individuals with a high genetic predisposition, contradicting the traditional view of marriage as a protective factor. The research suggests that early life events may not be as protective against poor mental and physical health outcomes as previously thought.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJul 2, 2020

New weapons for fighting Devil disease

New cost-effective technology enables advanced immunology studies on Tasmanian devils and reveals conserved immune pathways across 160 million years of evolution. The system can be applied to any vertebrate species, including humans.

SourceMenzies Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2020

New method reveals how the Parkinson's disease protein damages cell membranes

Researchers develop new method to study α-synuclein protein's interaction with cell membranes, revealing damage occurs at very low concentrations. The method uses lipid vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes and shows that α-synuclein binds to and destroys mitochondrial-like membranes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2020

Stemming the spread of misinformation on social media

Researchers found that priming people to consider accuracy makes them more adept at recognizing truth from falsehoods, even if they don't think about it directly. By subtly nudging the brain to consider accuracy, individuals can improve their choices about what to share on social media.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 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.

Study: Crowdsourced data could help map urban food deserts

Researchers found that crowdsourced information gathered from mobile apps like Yelp can provide a more accurate real-time representation of food deserts in impoverished communities. The study suggests that the methods used by the USDA to identify areas with low access to healthy food are often outdated and narrow in scope.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJul 2, 2020

A scientific measure of dog years

Researchers found a new formula that better matches canine-human life stages, with an 8-week-old dog equivalent to a 9-month-old baby. The study also identified developmental genes that drive aging and created an age-measuring clock for different species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 2, 2020

Mobile clinics can help address health care needs of Latino farmworkers

A UC Riverside study finds that mobile health clinics can reduce access barriers and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations like Latino farmworkers. The research suggests that mobile clinics offer culturally and linguistically appropriate care, minimizing structural barriers to care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateJul 2, 2020

Mini-'Marsquakes' measured by InSight lander show effects of sun and wind

Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed data from NASA's InSight lander to determine the sources of different types and frequencies of Martian microtremors. The study found that low-frequency P-waves were related to changes in wind and solar irradiation, while higher-frequency ambient noises were dominated by lander vibration.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 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.

Research reflects how AI sees through the looking glass

Researchers at Cornell University used AI to investigate how reflection changes images, discovering clues like facial features and beards that can differentiate originals from reflections. The study has implications for training machine learning models and detecting faked images.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 2, 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.

Elderly people's response to COVID-19 not as expected

A study examining elderly people's attitudes and compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures found that older adults are not more willing to isolate or wear masks, despite being most vulnerable to severe illness. However, they are more likely to avoid public transportation and small gatherings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2020

Targeting deep areas of the skeletal muscles effectively alleviates postoperative pain

The NETOIMS method effectively alleviates postoperative pain by inserting a needle in the muscle and electrically eliciting twitch responses, targeting strained muscle fibers. This technique results in improved circulation, relaxing the muscle and reducing postoperative complications after open abdominal surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 2, 2020

Unlocking the key to an effective vaccine

A recent study by Monash University suggests that components within vaccines can play a major role in aiding the lifespan of individual plasma cells. This understanding could lead to the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceMonash University·JournalImmunological Reviews·DateJul 2, 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.

Why are the offspring of older mothers less fit to live long and prosper?

A new study reveals that offspring of older mothers are less fit to survive and reproduce, affecting their health, lifespan, and fertility in humans and other species. Mathematical modeling suggests a decline in natural selection pressure with maternal age may contribute to the persistence of this phenomenon.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2020

Grassroots dog vaccinations can help stop rabies, but not alone

A study in Kenya found that grassroots dog vaccination campaigns can prevent rabies deaths, but to eliminate the disease, larger efforts are required. The efforts involved vaccinating over 13,000 dogs and raising awareness among children about rabies prevention.

SourceField Museum·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 2, 2020

New sequencing technology will help scientists decipher disease mechanisms

A new sequencing technology will help scientists better understand the mechanisms of rare nucleotides thought to play an important role in the progression of some diseases. These modified nucleotides are crucial additions to the genetic code, but their detection is difficult and comes with high error rates.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 2020

New candidate for raw material synthesis through gene transfer

Scientists at KIT have successfully introduced genetic information into a multicellular cyanobacterium, Phormidium lacuna, using natural transformation. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for basic research and biotechnical applications, including the synthesis of biofuels like ethanol and hydrogen.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 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.

Moss protein corrects genetic defects of other plants

Researchers from the University of Bonn successfully transferred a moss protein into a flowering plant, demonstrating its ability to correct genetic errors. This breakthrough could contribute to the development of more efficient crops and provide insights into plant energy metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 2, 2020

Spintronics: Faster data processing through ultrashort electric pulses

Researchers at MLU and Lanzhou University developed a simple concept for improved magnetic-based data processing using ultrashort electric pulses in the terahertz range. This enables fast and energy-efficient data storage with billions of read and write operations per second.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateJul 2, 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.

Fluorine enables separation-free 'chiral chromatographic analysis'

Researchers developed a platform for rapid chiral analysis, producing chromatogram-like output without separation. The method effectively resolved a wide range of chiral molecules, including pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 2, 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.

Largest source of AATD stem cells collected

Researchers at Boston University and Boston Medical Center have assembled the largest repository of patient-derived stem cells from AATD patients. The cells can be used to study genetic diseases and potentially find new treatment approaches for AATD.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 2, 2020

Typhoon changed earthquake patterns

A typhoon-induced event altered the frequency and location of earthquakes in Taiwan by changing crustal stress levels. This study suggests that surface processes can trigger seismicity, highlighting a new connection between tectonics and external factors in earthquake hazard assessment.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 2, 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.

New algorithm for personalized models of human cardiac electrophysiology

Researchers proposed an algorithm to create patient-specific models describing electrical excitation of human heart cells. The model uses gene expression profiles to predict action potential in other patients. This could lead to personalized treatment and drug design for heart conditions.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 2, 2020

Mothering in domestic violence: Protecting children behind closed doors

Researchers found that mothers engage in various protective behaviors to shield their children from domestic abuse, such as controlling the home environment and 'keeping the peace.' A strengths-based approach is essential for practitioners to recognize and support these efforts, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes of motherhood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalQualitative Social Work·DateJul 2, 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.

Algae as living biocatalysts for a green industry

Researchers discovered unicellular green algae with enzymes that can convert commercially viable substances without generating co-substrate, using photosynthesis. This breakthrough has the potential to create a greener industry by producing substances at mild temperatures and in water.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAlgal Research·DateJul 2, 2020

"Targeting peptide" discovery offers hope as new, highly effective anti-inflammatory

A collaboration between University of Toronto and National Jewish Health has yielded a new drug discovery that could combat inflammation and acute respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. The 'drug' is a combination of two naturally occurring peptides, TAT CARMIL1, which reduces collagen degradation by up to 43%.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Faculty of Dentistry·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 2, 2020

Marine alga from the Kiel Fjord discovered as a remedy against infections and skin cancer

The GEOMAR research group has successfully discovered a marine alga from the Kiel Fjord that inhibits pathogenic bacteria and kills melanoma-type skin cancer cells with low cytotoxicity. The researchers used bioinformatics methods and machine learning tools to accelerate the discovery process, reducing it from 3-4 years to months.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalMarine Drugs·DateJul 2, 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.

UCLA study pinpoints new function for histones

Researchers identified a new function for histones, enabling the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another, converting copper into a usable form for cells. This discovery refutes earlier theories and suggests histones played a crucial role in the evolution of eukaryotes, including humans, around 2 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Antioxidant treatment in acute ischemic stroke may delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia

Research suggests that antioxidant treatment after acute ischemic stroke could delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia by reducing oxidative stress and promoting mitochondrial function. Studies have shown promising results with molecules like edaravone and nerinetide, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets·DateJul 2, 2020

Fans love musicians' personalities as much as their music

A new study found that listeners' musical preferences are driven by the similarity between their personality and that of famous musicians. The 'self-congruity effect of music' suggests that people prefer music from artists with similar public personas, which can evoke feelings of pride and belonging.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 2, 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.

The lightest shielding material in the world

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology create a composite of cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires, achieving impressive shielding effectiveness. The resulting aerogel is incredibly light, flexible, and durable, with high shielding capabilities against electromagnetic radiation.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 2, 2020

Carbon-loving materials designed to reduce industrial emissions

Researchers have developed a novel fluorinated gas membrane material that exceeds the Robeson upper limit, surpassing current bottlenecks in selectivity and permeability. This breakthrough enhances carbon-capture performance in real environments, offering a promising solution for reducing industrial carbon emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChem·DateJul 2, 2020

Climate change threat to tropical plants

A study by UNSW researchers found that tropical plants are more at risk from climate change than previously thought, with over 20% predicted to face temperatures above their upper limit. This is because they are near their maximum seed germination temperatures, and even small temperature increases could push them over the edge.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJul 2, 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.

Spawning fish and embryos most vulnerable to climate's warming waters

A new study reveals that fish spawning and embryos are more susceptible to temperature changes than other life stages, with up to 60% of species at risk within a century. The findings highlight the critical importance of considering thermal bottlenecks across an organism's lifecycle in climate risk assessments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Putting zinc on bread wheat leaves

Researchers applied zinc foliar application to hard red spring wheat cultivars, increasing grain zinc concentration above the target level of 40 mg kg-1. The second application at flowering stage was necessary for this achievement, and price incentives are needed to motivate farmers to adopt biofortification.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJul 2, 2020

How the body fights off urinary tract infections

Researchers discovered that uromodulin forms long filaments that envelop pathogens, neutralizing them and preventing infection. The findings offer pointers for developing new treatments and drugs to prevent urinary tract infections without antibiotics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Men more likely than women to be seen as brilliant

A new global study found that an unconscious stereotype links men to brilliance, hindering women's career advancement in prestigious fields. The research used the Implicit Association Test to measure implicit biases, revealing a strong association between brilliance and masculinity.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 2, 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.

Nitrous oxide may bring relief to veterans suffering from PTSD, new study suggests

A new pilot study found that three military veterans with PTSD experienced marked improvements in symptoms after inhaling a single dose of 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. The effects, however, were not consistent across all patients, and further research is needed to determine the treatment's efficacy and optimal dosage.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJul 2, 2020

Social media and radiology -- The good, the bad, and the ugly

The study highlights social media's benefits in Radiology, including educational content dissemination, professional networking, and collaboration. However, it also warns of challenges, such as maintaining patient privacy and avoiding e-professionalism.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalAcademic Radiology·DateJul 2, 2020

New method measures temperature within 3D objects

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers developed a new technique to measure temperature beneath the surface of certain materials, called depth thermography. This method uses thermal radiation emitted by objects and sophisticated algorithms to infer temperature not just on the surface but also underneath.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalACS Photonics·DateJul 2, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Taiwan's universities share their experience in safely reopening colleges and universities, highlighting effective public health strategies. Immigrant physicians in the US face unique challenges due to visa status, affecting their families' health and safety.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

CSH corona traffic light: A tool to easily assess the situation

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna developed a traffic light system to show global coronavirus infection trends. The tool helps users assess safe travel destinations by analyzing confirmed cases per 10,000 inhabitants, providing insights into the risks of traveling to countries with varying levels of infection.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·DateJul 2, 2020

In mouse study, black raspberries show promise for reducing skin inflammation

A mouse study found that consuming black raspberries can reduce swelling caused by contact hypersensitivity, a condition that triggers redness and inflammation in the skin. The researchers believe that black raspberries modulate dendritic cells, which help regulate the immune system's response to allergens.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNutrients·DateJul 2, 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.

Newer variant of COVID-19-causing virus dominates global infections

A specific change in the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus virus genome, D614G, makes a small but effective change in the virus's 'Spike' protein, increasing its infectivity in cell culture. The variant has become the prevalent form globally, with tracking data showing its emergence in every geographic level.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJul 2, 2020

Abnormal proteins in the gut could contribute to the development of Alzheimer's Disease

A new study suggests that misfolded protein build-up in the gut may contribute to Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice, potentially leading to a new treatment approach targeting the gut. The researchers found that beta amyloid proteins injected into the gut traveled to the nervous system and brain, causing cognitive impairments.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 2, 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.

Flexible material shows potential for use in fabrics to heat, cool

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a flexible material made of tiny carbon nanotubes that can heat or cool the wearer on demand. The material has a combination of thermal, electrical, and physical properties that make it an appealing candidate for next-generation smart fabrics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateJul 2, 2020

Blood tests can predict the risk of liver cirrhosis

Repeated blood tests measuring liver damage biomarker FIB-4 identify people at high risk of severe liver disease. The study found that increased FIB-4 scores between testing occasions can predict future liver cirrhosis, with almost half of affected individuals identifiable.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJul 2, 2020

New Human Gene Therapy editorial: Concern following gene therapy adverse events

A recent report of two children's deaths in a gene therapy trial for X-linked myotubular myopathy has sparked concerns over the safety of gene therapy vectors. The editorial emphasizes the need for iterative development and cooperation among scientists to ensure safe and effective treatments for rare genetic diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJul 2, 2020