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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 36 of 47

Enforcing gender quotas increases boardroom diversity and quality

A study by City University London's Business School found that countries with mandatory gender quotas have significantly higher female representation on their boards of directors compared to those with voluntary guidelines. The research also showed no deterioration in board quality, and even improvement, under mandatory regulation.

Stress testing 'coral in a box'

Researchers have developed a rapid stress test to assess coral thermotolerance, allowing for the identification of resilient corals that can survive ocean warming. The 'Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System' (CBASS) enables on-site testing within 18 hours, compared to months in a laboratory.

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.

Tackling coral reefs' thorny problem

Researchers from OIST Graduate University discovered the crown-of-thorns starfish's evolution, shedding light on its population changes and potential threats to coral reefs. The findings suggest complex ocean currents in the Ryukyu Archipelago may aid the survival of the larvae.

Late coronary stent thrombosis in patient with COVID-19

A patient with COVID-19 developed late drug-eluting stent thrombosis, a serious cardiovascular complication. The case report highlights the need for careful monitoring and management of patients with COVID-19 to prevent such adverse events.

Researchers work to better measure delirium severity in older patients

A study aimed to develop and validate tools for assessing delirium severity in older patients, which could lead to improved prevention and treatment. Researchers identified a set of items capturing the severity of delirium and developed a new instrument for quick and easy administration.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rock 'n' control

Researchers at University of Göttingen use femtochemistry to film and control chemical reactions on solid surfaces. They successfully transfer principle from molecules to a solid, controlling its crystal structure with high efficiency.

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.

New molecular tool precisely edits mitochondrial DNA

A team at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard developed a new molecular editor that can precisely edit mitochondrial DNA, enabling modeling of disease-associated mutations. The editor, engineered from a bacterial toxin, enables researchers to study genetic changes associated with cancer, aging, and more.

Biobased chemicals take center stage

Biobased chemicals are being developed to replace petroleum-based products in various industries, including diapers, electronics, and automotive coatings. These new materials offer improved performance and sustainability, with potential applications in areas such as electronic touchscreen displays and emission-reducing coatings.

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.

Does early access to pension funds improve health?

A recent study from Singapore found that early access to pension wealth improves overall health status. The researchers analyzed monthly survey data from 2015 to 2019 and discovered that individuals who accessed their pension funds before age 55 had better self-reported health status afterward.

Where did the Asian longhorned ticks in the US come from?

A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that the Asian longhorned tick in the US originated from at least three self-cloning females from northeastern Asia. The tick species has been linked to serious illnesses in other countries, but its impact on human health in the US remains unclear.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

TGen-led study identifies unique cells that may drive lung fibrosis

A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances has identified five unique cell types associated with lung fibrosis, including a pro-fibrotic epithelial cell that drives the disease. The research also reveals high plasticity in lung cells, allowing them to transform into different types under certain conditions.

The story behind a uniquely dark, wetland soil

A team of scientists investigated an unusual wetland soil in California, discovering its peculiar properties that misled initial classification. By analyzing color, water content, vegetation, and chemical composition, they applied a new method to accurately classify the soil as hydric, crucial for conservation.

Technique fishes valuable nutrients out of shrimp processing water

Researchers have developed a sustainable method to recover valuable nutrients from shrimp processing water, including protein and lipids, for use in food or feed. The technique combines food-grade flocculants with dissolved air flotation, capturing up to 98% of the protein present in the water.

Outdoor light linked with teens' sleep and mental health

A large-scale US study reveals associations between high levels of outdoor and artificial light at night with less sleep and increased risk of mood disorders among teens. Teens living in areas with high levels of outdoor artificial light tend to report later bedtimes and shorter sleep duration.

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.

The effects of smartphone use on parenting

A new analysis found little evidence of negative impacts on parenting from smartphone use. At low levels of displacing family time, more smartphone use was associated with better parenting.

Hyperactive immune cells accelerate heart valve disease: Study

Researchers found that hyperactive immune cells aggravate heart valve disease by activating harmful inflammation due to shear stress. The study identified a potential drug target, Piezo-1, and showed that replacing the aortic valve has an anti-inflammatory effect.

The best (and worst) materials for masks

Researchers assessed non-traditional mask materials, finding vacuum cleaner filters reduced infection risk by 83% for a 30-second exposure and 58% for a 20-minute exposure. N99 masks were found to be the most effective option, reducing average risk by 94-99%.

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.

How good gut bacteria help reduce the risk for heart disease

Researchers discovered a beneficial protein in good gut bacteria that reduces production of a chemical linked to clogged arteries. This interaction eliminates the compound's harmful effects, suggesting new therapeutic possibilities for this microbe.

Community and law enforcement partnerships best help kids who witness home violence

A Rutgers-led study found that community and law enforcement partnerships can significantly improve PTSD screening and treatment for children who witness home violence. The Child Trauma Response Team model, which provides immediate outreach and victim safety assessments, showed a three-fold increase in child PTSD screens among families...

UBCO kindness researcher challenges the notion of mean teens

A UBC Okanagan researcher conducted a survey of 191 Grade 9 students to determine the extent they see themselves as kind in online and face-to-face interactions. The results showed that adolescents accomplish an average of 943 acts of kindness, with 94% completing three or more assigned acts.

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.

Menthol cigarette ban in the US may lower number of smokers

A study published in BMC Public Health suggests that extending US menthol cigarette flavor bans could encourage smokers to quit and lower smoking rates. The authors estimate that up to 45% of current US menthol smokers may quit in response to a ban, while some retailers continue to sell banned products.

New clues to lung-scarring disease may aid treatment

Scientists have discovered previously unreported genetic and cellular changes in the lungs of people with pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating lung-scarring disease. The findings provide remarkable insights into the fundamental mechanisms driving disease pathology in PF and may aid the search for new ways to treat or prevent the condition.

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.

UChicago study shows 'Bystander Effect' not exclusive to humans

A new study from UChicago found that rats are less likely to help a trapped companion if they are with other rats that aren't helping. However, the presence of confederate rats made of an antianxiety drug can actually increase helping behavior in duos and trios.

Animals who try to sound 'bigger' are good at learning sounds

A study found that animals who try to sound 'bigger' are often skilled sound learners. Researchers analyzed the sounds and body size of 164 mammals and discovered that those who fake their size are frequently good at learning new sounds. This discovery may provide insight into human speech evolution.

When is someone old?

Researchers propose using an equivalency criterion to determine the old age threshold based on a fixed remaining life expectancy, which is consistent with the equivalency criterion. This approach highlights the need to reevaluate traditional measures of aging and provides a more nuanced understanding of population aging.

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.

Numerous jobs linked to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis

A major global systematic review has identified several jobs that may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis, including agriculture, construction, and service work. The study found that workers in these industries are more likely to develop knee OA due to increased physical stress and repetitive activities.

HKUST researchers discover a novel mechanism regulating planar cell polarity

Researchers at HKUST have discovered a new mechanism that regulates planar cell polarity, a process crucial for development and organ function. The study reveals a critical protein interaction that enables efficient delivery of PCP proteins to the cell surface, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

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.

Life and death, hope and despair in era of COVID-19

A new study examines the emotional toll of COVID-19 on physicians, revealing a mix of hope and despair. The research finds that doctors often struggle with feelings of burnout and hopelessness despite their efforts to care for patients.

Biosynthetic sustainable hierarchical solar steam generator

A new solar-powered water purification technology uses a biomimetic hierarchical steam generator to produce clean drinking water from non-drinkable sources. The device achieves high evaporation rates and efficiency, making it a promising solution for water-scarce 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.

UBC research shows hearing persists at end of life

Researchers found that a dying brain can respond to sound even in an unconscious state, up to the last hours of life. The study used EEG to analyze brain activity from hospice patients and healthy controls, revealing similar responses to common and rare sounds.

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.