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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 20 of 47

New diagnostic test for heart failure patients could also help COVID-19 patients

A new diagnostic test for heart failure patients has been found to also predict COVID-19 patient outcomes, highlighting the connection between cardiovascular disease and COVID-19. The test measures a balance of beneficial and harmful peptides in the blood, suggesting that targeting this pathway could improve treatment for both conditions.

Race is a risk factor for postoperative death in apparently healthy children

Researchers found that being African American strongly associated with higher risk of postoperative complications and mortality among apparently healthy children. African American children had 27% greater odds of developing postoperative complications and 3.43 times higher odds of dying within 30 days after surgery compared to white peers

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.

South Atlantic anomalies existed 8 - 11 million years ago

Research by University of Liverpool reveals strange magnetic behaviour in South Atlantic region dated back eight to 11 million years ago. The study suggests that today's South Atlantic Anomaly is not a new phenomenon and may be linked to features of the Earth's interior.

Which way to the fridge? Common sense helps robots navigate

A Carnegie Mellon-developed navigation system, SemExp, uses machine learning to train robots to recognize objects and understand their locations in a home. This enables the system to think strategically about how to search for something, making it more efficient than classical robotic navigation systems.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A look inside a battery

Scientists at Oldenburg University have developed a new technique to observe chemical processes during battery operation. The team used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to track changes on the lithium anode's surface, revealing how dendrites form and limit durability.

Native bushland's fertility secret

New research highlights the importance of soil biological health and organic farm inputs for crop production in Australia. The study found that native vegetation acts as a reservoir for beneficial actinobacteria, which can enrich adjoining agricultural soils.

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.

Cheese making relies on milk proteins to form structure

A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science reveals that milk protein composition plays a crucial role in cheese production. The researchers found that non-coagulating milk has higher concentrations of certain proteins, leading to lower cheese yields and economic impacts.

Nearly 60% of American children lack healthy cardiorespiratory fitness

Children with low cardiorespiratory fitness are at risk for premature heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Improving CRF through regular physical activity, such as sports or high-intensity interval training, can lead to better academic achievement, mental health, and overall health.

Changes in farming urgent to rescue biodiversity

A global transition to agroecological production is crucial to reduce threats to biodiversity and support ecosystems. Agroecology can enhance biodiversity, promote connectivity between protected areas and increase species' ability to respond to environmental threats.

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.

Scientists look to space to track plant pathogens coasting through atmosphere

A multidisciplinary team of scientists will use data from NASA's Earth Observing Satellites to identify areas of potential disease and track plumes of dust that traverse the globe. By predicting the origins and landing spots of specific pathogens, farmers can be advised on practices to avoid increasing their spread.

Legal marijuana may be slowing reductions in teen marijuana use, study says

A new study from the University of Washington found that teens may be more likely to use marijuana following legalization due to increased adult use and store proliferation. The study's lead author notes that early use during adolescence can have negative health consequences, making it concerning that teen use may be going up.

Bisexual orientation in men

A study of over 500 men found a U-shaped function in genital and self-reported arousal to erotic stimuli, suggesting a continuum of male sexual orientations. Bisexual-identifying men exhibited smaller differences in arousal between male and female stimuli compared to heterosexual and homosexual men.

Cacti and other iconic desert plants threatened by solar development

A study by UC Davis finds that ground-mounted solar energy development in the Mojave Desert harms native plants, including cacti and Mojave yucca, culturally significant to indigenous tribes. Management options like 'halos' can conserve these species, but developing solar energy on undeveloped lands is more sustainable.

Mutant zebrafish reveals a turning point in spine's evolution

Researchers have discovered a single-letter change in DNA that alters the way zebrafish build their spines, leading to shorter bodies and tortured-looking spines. This mutation has similarities with fossil specimens of ancestral fish, revealing insights into spine evolution and development.

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.

Physicists take stop-action images of light-driven molecular reaction

Researchers at Kansas State University have developed a method to visualize light-induced molecular ring-opening reactions using free-electron lasers. The study reveals the speed and mechanisms behind these reactions, which are essential for understanding biological processes like vitamin D formation.

Carbon footprints of US residents

A study reveals that high-income neighborhoods emit significantly more GHGs for energy use due to larger homes and less dense communities. To achieve the Paris Agreement target, the authors suggest reducing floor spaces and increasing community density in low-carbon neighborhoods.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Columbia data scientist designs better e-commerce systems

A Columbia data scientist aims to develop tools to manage demand with flexible options for consumers, converting their flexibility into operational efficiency for companies. He plans to create mathematical frameworks to optimize pricing and scheduling, benefiting both consumers and firms.

Gum disease may raise risk of some cancers

A study published in the journal Gut found that people with periodontal disease may be at a higher risk of developing oesophageal and gastric cancer. The research examined data from over 98,000 women and men and found a 43-52% increased risk associated with periodontal disease.

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 nano drug candidate kills aggressive breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a new nano drug candidate that kills triple negative breast cancer cells. The discovery aims to target breast cancer cells directly, reducing adverse and toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy.

How to repair your gut

A strong cellular lining is essential for a healthy gut, and damage to it can cause painful symptoms. Monash University researchers have identified a key biomolecule, Neuregulin-1, that accelerates the repair of damaged tissue by prompting stem cells to regenerate.

First in-depth insights into parturition in rhinos

Scientists have gained significant knowledge of rhinoceros parturition, enabling better birth management and obstetrics in zoological gardens. The study reveals the average duration of parturition is 7 hours and 38 minutes, with most births occurring head-first, resulting in a rapid final expulsion.

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.

Professors Sam Sia and Ken Shepard win $16.4M DARPA Grant

Researchers are developing an active bandage with integrated sensors to monitor and accelerate the wound healing process in real-time. The device will enable individualized interventions to accelerate healing through continuous sensing and actuation capabilities.

Photos may improve understanding of volcanic processes

Researchers studied Telica Volcano, using photos collected from 1994-2017 and photogrammetric techniques to quantify changes in crater morphology. They found that crater wall collapse is a primary mechanism for changing volcano shape.

Prostate cancer metastasis linked to revival of dormant molecular program

A study published in Nature Genetics confirms decades-old hypothesis that metastatic disease hijacks tissue-specific developmental programs. The researchers analyzed epigenetic data from patient-derived samples and identified thousands of sites across the prostate genome regulating gene expression.

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.

New model connects respiratory droplet physics with spread of Covid-19

Researchers developed a new mathematical model that incorporates environmental factors into predicting respiratory virus transmission, highlighting the importance of weather conditions on droplet spread. The model suggests that social distancing measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission without masks in humid climates.

Hair cell loss causes age-related hearing loss

A recent study published in JNeurosci suggests that age-related hearing loss is primarily caused by the death of hair cells, rather than degradation of the cellular battery powering them. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and has significant implications for preventing or treating age-related hearing loss

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.

Pest resistance to transgenic insecticidal crops

A study from 2011 to 2016 found that transgenic corn can be less damaged by the western corn rootworm through crop rotation. The research suggests using multiple transgenic corn varieties as a strategy for reducing resistance.

Geomagnetic anomaly in the South Atlantic

Anomalous geomagnetic activity detected in South Atlantic Ocean, potentially hindering satellites due to increased solar particles. Volcanic rocks on Saint Helena island reveal variation in magnetic field directions higher than expected at the latitude.

Researchers boost koala spotting system

QUT researchers have published a new method for detecting koalas in bushfire areas, using drones equipped with infrared cameras and an artificial intelligence algorithm. The system is more accurate and less invasive than traditional methods, providing a more reliable estimate of the population size.

Shifts in durations of avian breeding

Bird species at mid- to high latitudes have changed their breeding season durations over the last four decades. Climate change has influenced this shift, with some species contracting their breeding periods, typically breeding earlier and having shorter seasons.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Concerns over police head injuries

A new study found that police officers are at a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) than the general public, with 38.9% reporting a TBI resulting in loss of consciousness. Officers with a history of TBI also experienced higher levels of post-concussion symptoms and mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.

Could mini-Neptunes be irradiated ocean planets?

New findings suggest mini-Neptunes may form as super-Earths with a rocky core surrounded by water in a supercritical state, challenging their previous classification as gas planets. Scientists propose that intense stellar irradiation causes a greenhouse effect, increasing the size of atmospheres and forming such planetary configurations.

How governments resist World Heritage 'in Danger' listings

A study found that national governments resist World Heritage 'in Danger' listings despite the sites being equally or more threatened than those already on the list. Low visibility strategies and industrial lobbying are prevalent in blocking environmental governance.

Arizona rock core sheds light on triassic dark ages

A rock core from Petrified Forest National Park has provided a continuous timeline of Earth's history from 225 million to 209 million years ago, shedding light on the Triassic dark ages. The analysis suggests two possible scenarios for the changes in the fossil record: gradual evolution or a powerful asteroid impact.

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.

Cyber expert on 'insider threat' attacks

Researchers at Cranfield University are exploring ways to detect and prevent insider threats, including bribed employees using internal tools. Their latest research focuses on analyzing employee reports to improve organizational security knowledge.

A new species of darkling beetle larvae that degrade plastic

A new species of darkling beetle larvae discovered in East Asia can degrade polystyrene, a material notoriously difficult to decompose. The larvae's unique gut flora contains a simple group of bacterial species that oxidize and change the surface property of polystyrene.

Call to action for stronger, better-funded federal nutrition research

A high-level group of experts recommends strengthening federal nutrition research with improved coordination and investment to accelerate discoveries and reduce diet-related diseases. The new approach aims to generate critical science to rapidly treat and prevent diet-related diseases, improving public health and population resilience.

Eating habits of baby predator starfish revealed

Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish exhibit flexible diets, consuming a range of algae types and even biofilm to avoid starvation. This adaptability complicates age prediction and outbreak forecasting for the species, which poses a significant threat to coral reefs.

How immune cells activate the killer mode

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a previously undiscovered domain of the T-cell receptor called RK motif. This discovery enables more precise control over T cells, potentially improving therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

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.

Quantum exciton found in magnetic van der Waals material NiPS3

Researchers discovered a novel exciton state in magnetic van der Waals material NiPS3, which is intrinsically a quantum state arising from a transition between two energy states. This breakthrough has significant implications for the field of quantum information and computing.