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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 31 of 47

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.

Scientists discover key element of strong antibody response to COVID-19

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have identified a common molecular feature in human antibodies that neutralize SARS-CoV-2, which could lead to the development of effective vaccines. The study found that boosting levels of these potent antibodies, encoded by the IGHV3-53 gene, may provide adequate protection against COVID-19.

New solar material could clean drinking water

Researchers developed a new aluminum panel that concentrates solar energy to evaporate and purify contaminated water, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses a burst of laser pulses to etch the surface of aluminum, creating a super-wicking and light-absorbing surface that can efficiently purify water.

Engineered llama antibodies neutralize COVID-19 virus

Researchers at The Rosalind Franklin Institute have engineered llama antibodies that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, blocking its entry into human cells. These nanobodies show promise as a potential treatment for patients with severe COVID-19.

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.

Middle aged face more years of ill health than baby boomers

A new UCL-led study reveals that people in their 40s and 50s are likely to suffer more years of ill health than older generations. The study found a greater prevalence of ill health among those born later, with conditions such as diabetes and obesity affecting people earlier.

Patients overestimate the success of CPR

Research found patients significantly overestimating CPR success and understating its negative impact. Clinicians should discuss CPR with patients to clarify success rates and risks before consent is given. The study highlighted the importance of informed decision-making in end-of-life care.

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.

Immune cell responses to influenza vaccine

Researchers identified an enhanced immune response to the H5N1 influenza virus in a two-dose vaccination trial. The findings suggest that this approach could lead to the development of a universal flu vaccine targeting multiple strains.

Janggu makes deep learning a breeze

Researchers at MDC developed Janggu, a universal programming tool converting genomics data into a format compatible with deep learning models. This allows for flexible and efficient analysis of large datasets, enabling the investigation of various biological questions.

Study finds weight loss surgery cost disparity

A new study from the University of Georgia finds that bariatric weight loss surgery is more expensive for public insurance patients compared to private insurance. The study analyzed a national dataset and found that Medicare patients paid the highest average cost per surgery, while publicly insured patients paid more overall.

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.

Chemists advance solar energy storage aimed at global challenges

Researchers have designed a solar flow battery that combines energy conversion and storage in one unit, potentially expediting electrification in remote locations. The technology integrates photoelectrochemical solar cells with aqueous organic redox flow batteries to produce high voltage and stable cycling.

Study links attraction to 'tyrannical' leaders to dysfunctional family dynamics

A recent study by San Francisco State University found a correlation between adolescents who reported high conflict at home and those who later identified socially undesirable traits as ideal leadership qualities. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced high conflict in their childhood were more likely to prefer tyranni...

Tiny bubbles make a quantum leap

Columbia engineers use sophisticated microscopy techniques to directly image localized states in 2D material, yielding single-photon emitters that can be tuned and controlled. This breakthrough enables the creation of quantum optical circuitry for future photonic applications.

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.

New materials for extra thin computer chips

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered new materials to combine with 2D materials, enabling the creation of ultra-thin electronic components. The team found that special crystals containing fluorine atoms can be used as insulators, improving efficiency and speed.

Characteristics of RCTs for COVID-19 launched during pandemic

The review analyzes the design and implementation of RCTs for COVID-19 treatments, identifying common characteristics and limitations. Key takeaways include the importance of standardized reporting and the need for further research on treatment outcomes.

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.

Long-studied protein could be a measure of traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research have found that cathepsin B levels are increased in areas of injured brain relevant to critical executive functions. The study suggests that cathepsin B could be used as a blood-based biomarker to identify TBI severity within different brain regions and cerebral spinal fluid.

About nine family members to suffer grief from every COVID-19 fatality

A study by Penn State researchers found that every COVID-19 death will impact around nine surviving close family members, including grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, and children. The multiplier effect may help raise awareness about the disease's ripple effects and inform policies on family leave and paid leave.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

9 in 10 men want their doctors to ask about domestic violence

A survey of young men found that 90% believe their doctors should ask about domestic violence, but only 13% have ever been asked. Most men who experienced abuse said they wanted to discuss it with their doctor. The study aims to increase screening for intimate partner violence in primary care settings.

Better vaccines are in our blood

A new vaccine platform technology called Erythrocyte-Driven Immune Targeting (EDIT) successfully slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice by delivering antigens to antigen-presenting cells in the spleen. The approach uses red blood cells as delivery vehicles, generating an immune response without the need for adjuvants.

Gut microbiota provide clues for treating diabetes

Researchers have found that an individual's gut microbiota can predict and treat type 2 diabetes, with altered gut bacteria linked to reduced butyrate production. The study suggests potential for personalized dietary changes or probiotics to prevent or treat the disease.

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.

Road verges could be havens for pollinators

New research shows road verges can provide vital food and shelter for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. By mowing less, limiting street lighting, and reducing pollution, managers can create 'corridors' to aid pollinator conservation.

Listeria protein provides a CRISPR 'kill switch'

Researchers have discovered a single protein derived from a harmless bacteria that can halt the CRISPR-Cas13 editing process. This 'kill switch' enables scientists to edit RNA with more precision and exact control, potentially benefiting coronavirus researchers and applications.

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.

Rising sea levels and river delta growth

A study examines how sea-level rise and subsidence affect river avulsions on deltas, finding that frequent avulsions occur when rates of these processes match sediment supply. Engineered avulsions may help mitigate climate change effects, but thresholds exist where sediment supply cannot keep up with rising sea levels.

Lasers etch an efficient way to address global water crisis

A new laser-based method can evaporate and purify contaminated water with over 100% efficiency, reducing contaminants to safe levels for drinking. The technology uses sunlight to heat water, eliminating microbial pathogens and heavy metals, and is easy to clean and aim.

The colorful history of plastids

Recent genomic data reveal emerging insights into plastid evolution, highlighting the complexity of their origins and history. Plastids are found patchily distributed across eukaryotic lineages, with secondary and tertiary acquisitions contributing to their diversity.

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.

Single-dose flu drug can reduce spread within households, study finds

A single dose of baloxavir marboxil significantly reduced flu infections among household contacts, with only 1.9% developing the illness compared to 13.6% on placebo. The study supports the use of baloxavir for preventing influenza in high-risk settings like nursing homes and healthcare facilities.

Why are memories attached to emotions so strong?

Researchers have discovered that synchronization of brain neurons is critical for establishing fear memories, which can become too strong in people with PTSD. The study found that synchronized neurons are more likely to be recalled from memory.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Bird droppings carry risk of antibiotic resistance

A recent study by Rice University environmental engineers has found high levels of antibiotic-resistant genes in the droppings of common urban ducks, crows, and gulls. The researchers discovered that these genes encoded significant resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactam, and sulfonamide antibiotics.

Researchers find the worst reason to give a gift

Researchers found that gifts intended to save time are seen as compliments, while those meant to save money are perceived as a reflection of the recipient's lower status. In real-world situations, people who received money-saving gift cards reported feeling embarrassed and believed the giver thought they were incompetent.

New PET/MRI approach pinpoints chronic pain location, alters management

A new molecular imaging approach using PET/MRI has been developed to precisely identify the location of pain generators in chronic pain patients. This approach resulted in a significant modification of management plans for nearly half of the patients, with some receiving invasive procedures.

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.

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.

Power of DNA to store information gets an upgrade

Researchers discovered a new DNA storage technique that encodes and retrieves information with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. The method harnesses the capacity of intertwined DNA strands to store durable and compact data, outperforming current methods in information accuracy and efficiency.

Social media inspired models show winter warming hits fish stocks

Researchers used social media network models to analyze fish populations in the Mediterranean Sea, finding that warming seas have significant and widespread effects on biodiversity. The study suggests that winter warming may lead to changes in fish communities, potentially causing some species to disappear from certain areas.

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.