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Science News for July 24, 2020


Study: Black entrepreneurship in the United States

A new study by UNLV political science professor Tiffiany Howard finds that Black business ownership is crucial for achieving economic parity and closing the racial wealth gap. Despite incremental growth, Black-owned businesses continue to lag behind others in terms of market share.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

Tandem catalytic system efficiently converts carbon dioxide to methanol

Researchers have developed a tandem catalytic system that converts carbon dioxide to methanol with high activity and selectivity at low temperatures. By encapsulating multiple molecular catalysts in nanoporous metal-organic frameworks, the team achieved efficient transformation and recyclability of the catalysts.

SourceBoston College·JournalChem·DateJul 24, 2020

An origin story for a family of oddball meteorites

A team of scientists at MIT and elsewhere has determined that a family of oddball meteorites likely came from an early planetesimal with a magnetic core. The discovery suggests that the diversity of the earliest objects in the solar system may have been more complex than previously thought.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 medical leave among EMS responders, firefighters in New York

A recent study by the FDNY World Trade Center Health Program found that emergency medical service responders and firefighters in New York experienced a significant increase in medical leave during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study compared this period to earlier times, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on these workers' health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2020

Elevated levels of a specific protein found to correlate with inflammatory symptom severity in COVID

A new study found elevated levels of transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBIp) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, correlating with disease severity. The research suggests TGFBIp could serve as a viable therapeutic target to treat severe inflammation and cytokine storms in patients with severe COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 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.

Photochromic bismuth complexes show great promise for optical memory elements

Researchers at Skoltech have designed a photosensitive bismuth complex that can be used as an advanced optically triggered material for memory devices. The device can switch between two quasi-stable electrical states in response to light and electric bias, enabling high-density data recording.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

Sputum testing provides higher rate of COVID-19 detection

A meta-analysis of over 3,000 specimens found that sputum testing detected the COVID-19 virus at significantly higher rates than other methods. Early testing also increased rates of diagnosis. The study suggests that sputum testing could be a valuable method for diagnosing and monitoring COVID-19 patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJul 24, 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.

Why is obesity so common in COVID-19 patients?

Research suggests a hormone called leptin, which regulates appetite and metabolism, also plays a role in how the body fights off COVID-19. Elevated leptin levels can lead to a low-grade systemic inflammatory state, impairing the body's ability to fight infection, particularly in people with obesity.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 24, 2020

American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

The American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting will take place online from August 17-20, with thousands of scientists and experts presenting on diverse fields including food, medicine, energy, and the environment. Journalists may apply for press credentials to access press conferences and embargoed press releases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateJul 24, 2020

Proposed framework for integrating chatbots into health care

A new viewpoint piece in JAMA outlines key considerations for implementing chatbots in healthcare, including patient safety, trust, and transparency. The authors propose a framework to inform decision-making on chatbot implementation, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation and research.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateJul 24, 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.

UTIA engineer named fellow by ASABE

Alvin R. Womac, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been recognized as an ASABE Fellow for his contributions to equipment systems for spray application technology and biomass logistics systems. His research has led to improvements in pesticide spray application safety and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJul 24, 2020

Ground system for NASA's Roman Space Telescope completes major review

The Roman mission's ground system has successfully completed its preliminary design review, meeting all requirements for science operations. The new data system will enable scientists to conduct sweeping cosmic surveys, yielding a wealth of new information about the universe, including insights into dark matter and dark energy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 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.

Wrong number of fingers leads down wrong track

Researchers from the Universities of Bonn and Opole have discovered a fossilized hand with five metacarpal bones in a Late Triassic temnospondyl, Metoposaurus krasiejowensis. This finding is significant because it challenges the long-held assumption that early ancestors of modern frogs and salamanders had only four fingers. The discove...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateJul 24, 2020

Genetic mutations help MRSA to become highly resistant to antibiotics

Scientists at the University of Sheffield have discovered genetic mutations in MRSA that allow it to become highly resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. This finding reveals important details on how MRSA evolves resistance and provides insight into developing new treatments and drugs.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 24, 2020

Ocean features and changes in the past are explored to anticipate future climate

A study by the University of the Basque Country analyzed microfossils from 176 species of benthic foraminifera, identifying evidence of climatic events, including cold periods like Younger Dryas and warm intervals like Bolling-Allerod. The research provides insights into the biodiversity of the Bay of Biscay during the Quaternary period.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalQuaternary International·DateJul 24, 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.

Dartmouth-industry collaborations improve computer graphics

Researchers at Dartmouth have developed two new software techniques that can create more realistic lighting effects in computer-generated images. The new techniques focus on 'real-time' graphics, which need to maintain the illusion of interactivity as scenes change in response to user moves.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 24, 2020

Serendipity broadens the scope for making graphite

Curtin University researchers have discovered a new method for creating crystalline graphite using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, without the need for metal catalysts or special raw materials. The technique was developed by Master-level student Jason Fogg, who used short fast pulses to heat samples to extreme temperatures.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

High-protein distillers dried grains with solubles provide high quality pig nutrition

Researchers found ProCap DDGS contains more crude protein and amino acids than conventional de-oiled DDGS, and its standardized ileal digestibility is nearly all amino acids. The product also provides approximately 1,200 kcal per kilogram of metabolizable energy more than conventional DDGS.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·DateJul 24, 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.

New study explains 'miracle' of how the Warsaw Ghetto beat Typhus

Historical modelling analysis suggests that community-led interventions, including public hygiene initiatives and social distancing measures, played a crucial role in controlling the Typhus epidemic in the Warsaw Ghetto. The study highlights the importance of grassroots efforts in combating infectious diseases.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2020

Look into the mirror

Scientists from IPC PAS develop holographic OCT tomography, capturing cornea in a fraction of a second with high resolution, without contact or anesthesia. This breakthrough technology enables sharper images even with micro-movement of the eye, revolutionizing diagnosis of eye diseases.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateJul 24, 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.

USTC made breakthrough in the Sb2(S,Se)3 solar cell efficiency

Researchers at USTC developed a hydrothermal deposition method for synthesizing antimony selenosulfide, which enables the creation of compact and flat films with high efficiency and stability. The material's tunable band gap and high extinction coefficient make it suitable for light-weight and portable electricity generation devices.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 24, 2020

Plant-based diets shown to lower blood pressure even with limited meat and dairy

A systematic review of seven plant-based diets found that even small amounts of meat and dairy can be consumed while still experiencing a significant reduction in blood pressure. This study suggests that incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into one's diet can lead to improved cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Hypertension·DateJul 24, 2020

Discovery of grain-boundary disordered nanolayers in intermetallic alloys​

Researchers have discovered a way to resolve the conflict between high strength and ductility in intermetallic alloys by introducing disordered nanoscale layers at grain boundaries. These nanolayers improve the alloy's strength with excellent thermal stability at high temperatures, opening up new possibilities for designing structural ...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateJul 24, 2020

Neurons are genetically programmed to have long lives

A research team led by Sika Zheng identifies a mechanism that prevents death of neurons, which is triggered at neuron birth and is crucial for maintaining neural circuit integrity. The study challenges the notion that neuronal survival is determined extrinsically.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNeuron·DateJul 24, 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.

Project creates more powerful, versatile ultrafast laser pulse

University of Rochester researchers have created a new device that enhances ultrafast laser pulses, producing the shortest pulse ever from a gain-free fiber source. The technology has significant implications for various engineering and biomedical applications, including spectroscopy and frequency synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 24, 2020

Solving the jigsaw puzzle of regional carbon budgets

A new study has provided the first global 'bottom-up' terrestrial carbon budget, estimating a net sink of -2.2 ± 0.6 Pg C y-1 between 2000 and 2009. The study reveals that a significant portion of carbon fixed in terrestrial ecosystems is lost through fires, emissions, and export to rivers, rather than being retained in the soil.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 24, 2020

NASA's tracking Hawaii-bound Major Hurricane Douglas

NASA's Aqua satellite identified strongest storms surrounding Hurricane Douglas' eyewall, with coldest cloud top temperatures as low as -70 degrees Fahrenheit. The storm is expected to move near or over the Hawaiian Islands this weekend, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 24, 2020

Researchers make significant step toward blood test for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed a technique to detect minute amounts of p-tau-217, a protein fragment linked to Alzheimer's disease in the blood. The levels of this protein are elevated during the early stages of the disease and can accurately predict the presence of amyloid plaques in PET scans.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2020

Livestock expansion is a factor in global pandemics

Research shows a correlation between epidemics in humans and local biodiversity loss, with the number of epidemics increasing as endangered species disappear. Livestock expansion worldwide exacerbates this risk, facilitating the transmission of pathogens.

SourceCNRS·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 24, 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.

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.

T cells can shift from helping to harming in atherosclerosis

A new study reveals that certain T lymphocytes can increase inflammation and worsen atherosclerosis cases, contrary to their usual role as immune system defenders. Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology are working to design a safe anti-atherosclerosis vaccine by harnessing the power of T cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCirculation·DateJul 24, 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.

Mouse study shows spinal cord injury causes bone marrow failure syndrome

Researchers at Ohio State University found that spinal cord injuries in mice cause an acquired bone marrow failure syndrome contributing to chronic immune dysfunction. The study also discovered a potential treatment using the FDA-approved drug Plerixafor to mobilize cells from the bone marrow niche and restore immune function.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

Machine learning reveals recipe for building artificial proteins

A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has developed an AI-led process to design artificial proteins using big data and machine learning models. The breakthrough reveals relatively simple design rules for building artificial proteins, which performed chemistries rivalling those found in nature.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateJul 24, 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.

Alaska is getting wetter. That's bad news for permafrost and the climate.

A new study shows that increased summer rainfall in Alaska is degrading permafrost across the state. The research team took 2750 measurements of how far below the land's surface permafrost had thawed by the end of summer, finding that more rainfall led to deeper thaw across all sites.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJul 24, 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.

High-deductible health plans and major cardiovascular outcomes

A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors who switched to high-deductible health plans did not experience an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The researchers attributed this finding to the inclusion of low or no out-of-pocket costs for medications and p...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2020

Big brains and dexterous hands

A recent study by Sandra Heldstab and colleagues found that primate species follow fixed neural development patterns when learning fine motor skills. Humans develop their abilities later than other primate species due to the less developed state of our larger brains at birth.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 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.

Heart transplants declined sharply during pandemic

The number of heart transplants performed nationwide dropped 26% during the height of the pandemic compared to the prior 8 weeks. This decline occurred across regions and was similar to other health concerns like ICU bed availability.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 24, 2020

Coronavirus makes changes that cause cells not to recognize it

The SARS-CoV-2 virus modifies its messenger RNA cap to evade cell recognition, leading to a new target for antiviral drugs. Researchers at UT Health San Antonio deciphered the structure of an enzyme involved in this process, providing a foundation for designing effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2020

How COVID-19 causes smell loss

A new study reveals that COVID-19 causes smell loss due to infection of nonneuronal supporting cells, not neurons. The research team found that olfactory sensory neurons are not vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection because they do not express ACE2, a key protein used by the virus to enter human cells.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2020