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Science News Archive July 2020


Page 5 of 47

Social distancing varies by income in US

A study by University of California, Davis found that wealthier US communities became the least mobile, while poorer areas increased mobility, exacerbating the pandemic's impact. The research highlights the need for targeted emergency relief packages to address lower-income regions' unique challenges.

Talbot helps ID muscle gene that, when altered, causes joint disease

A team of scientists identified a gene mutation that causes distal arthrogryposis (DA), a condition characterized by joint deformities and muscle loss. The MYLPF gene plays a crucial role in normal muscle development and function, and its mutations can lead to reduced muscle strength and degeneration.

Dean of UT AgResearch honored with ASABE Award for Global Engagement

Hongwei Xin, UT AgResearch Dean, is recognized for his global leadership skills in animal production environment, welfare, and sustainability. He has published over 600 refereed journal articles and has worked on various initiatives to facilitate linkages between academics, research, and economic development.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study provides new insight on colorectal cancer growth

A novel function of spermine synthase (SMS) has been identified as facilitating colorectal cancer growth, with excessive accumulation of spermidine having harmful effects on cell viability. Combined inhibition of SMS and MYC signaling induces cancer cell death and tumor regression.

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.

Biphilic surfaces reduce defrosting times in heat exchangers

Researchers have developed biphilic surfaces that significantly improve defrosting efficiency on heat exchangers. The unique surface design enables the removal of frost and slush from superhydrophobic regions before complete melting, reducing cleaning time and energy consumption.

Study sheds light on the evolution of the earliest dinosaurs

The study reanalyzed fossils of Pisanosaurus and dated rocks from the Ischigualasto Formation, finding that Ornithiscians and Saurischians first appeared and diverged around the same time. The researchers also found that the period over which the formation was deposited overlaps with the Chinle Formation in North America.

Reopening K-12 schools during COVID-19 pandemic

The article provides recommendations from a National Academies of Sciences report on reopening elementary and secondary schools, emphasizing partnerships with public health officials and transparent communication. The report aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits for students, staff, and communities.

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.

A snapshot of melting Arctic sea ice during the summer of 2018

Researchers studied the decline of Arctic sea ice in 2018, finding it was three times higher than the initial loss during the satellite era. The study links this decline to global atmospheric processes and warns of catastrophic impacts on air temperatures and ocean circulation if the trend continues.

The stars that time forgot

Astronomers have found a strange dismembered star cluster at the galaxy's edge, with lower quantities of heavier elements than other globular clusters. The discovery poses significant problems for current ideas on globular cluster origins.

'Giant atoms' enable quantum processing and communication in one

MIT researchers develop an on-off system that allows for low-error quantum computations and rapid sharing of quantum information between processors. The system uses 'giant atoms' made from superconducting qubits, enabling high-fidelity operations and interconnection between processors.

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.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. to publish Applied Biosafety

The Journal of ABSA International has been awarded to Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., effective 2021. The publication aims to promote global biosafety awareness and best practices in preventing occupational exposures and adverse environmental impacts related to biohazardous releases.

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.

ENCODE3: Interpreting the human and mouse genomes

The ENCODE project has completed Phase 3, providing insights into the human and mouse genomes' functional elements. The study identifies over 900,000 candidate regulatory elements from the human genome, shedding light on cancer biology and other topics.

Put down that cup of earl gray tea!

Gut microbiome plays a crucial role in cancer growth, particularly in the colon where high levels of metabolites from antioxidant-rich foods accelerate bowel cancer. In contrast, small intestines have fewer bacteria and may convert cancer-driving proteins into super-suppressors.

Studying interactions between ground-nesting bees and soils

Researchers Rebecca Lybrand and her team studied the interaction between ground-nesting bees and soils in agricultural settings. They found that active nesting sites were present in locations with little to no rock cover and low vegetation, which may provide a suitable habitat for these pollinators.

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.

Sense of normalcy bounces back fast: New study

Researchers found that psychological recovery can take place while still experiencing stressful conditions, contrary to previous research. Employees reported feeling less powerless and more authentic within two weeks of the crisis beginning.

FSU biologist uses genome database to investigate cancer cells

Researchers used a genome database to identify the cell type from which cancers derive, revealing new insights into cancer development. By comparing cancer cells to normal human cells, they found that different cancers mostly closely matched specific cell types, shedding light on their origins and tumor behavior.

Thermal storage units that repair themselves

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg developed a method to incorporate paraffin wax into the shell of thermal storage tanks, reducing heat loss and promoting self-healing. The study's findings suggest a potential solution for storing renewable energy in the medium term.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Arguments between couples: Our neurons like mediation

A study by scientists from Université de Genève found that active mediation in couples enhances conflict resolution and satisfaction. Couples who received mediation showed increased activation in the nucleus accumbens, a key region associated with feelings of pleasure and motivation.

How women and men forgive infidelity

Research reveals that men and women are equally willing to forgive their partner for infidelity, with the degree of forgiveness not related to the type of infidelity. The mechanisms underlying forgiveness appear to be identical between genders, with individual differences playing a role in reaction to infidelity.

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.

Gender gap in surgical residencies

A decade-long study finds that certain surgical specialties have significantly lower percentages of female resident physicians. The researchers identified these specialties and tracked changes in the number of women in each over time.

Whale 'snot' reveals likely poor health during migration

Researchers found significantly less microbial diversity and richness in humpback whales' respiratory microbiota during the return leg of their migration, suggesting they were likely in poorer health. This study provides new insights into using airway microbiota as a non-invasive method for monitoring whale health.

COVID-19 risk model uses hospital data to guide decisions on social distancing

A new framework helps local entities determine when to tighten social distancing measures and relax restrictions based on hospital data, aiming to minimize economic impact. The model provides clear guidance for tracking hospital admissions data and acting on strict thresholds to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

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.

UMMS scientists lead effort to annotate human genome

Researchers identified nearly 1 million potential functional genomic elements in the human genome, which control gene expression and promote health or disease. The UMMS team's registry of these elements can be used to study links between regulatory switches and genetic diseases.

How stony-iron meteorites form

A scientific team has successfully simulated the formation of pallasites, a type of stony-iron meteorite, on an experimental basis. The experiments confirmed that both partial separation of core and mantle, and subsequent impact of another celestial body, are required for their formation.

Tailored light inspired by nature

A team of international researchers developed propagation-invariant light fields using caustics that do not change during propagation. This breakthrough enables new applications in high-resolution microscopy, material processing, and multidimensional signal transmission.

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.

Britta Will, Ph.D., wins Pershing Square Sohn Prize for cancer research

Dr. Britta Will, an assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, has won the prestigious Pershing Square Sohn Prize for her innovative cancer research. Her studies focus on understanding mechanisms that create and sustain cancer stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Newer PFAS compound detected for first time in Arctic seawater

Researchers have detected a newer PFAS compound, HFPO-DA, in Arctic seawater for the first time, posing similar health and persistence concerns as PFOA. Higher levels of PFAS were found in outgoing water compared to entering water from the North Atlantic.

New drug targets for lethal brain cancer discovered

Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Institute have engineered a new mouse model to study glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain cancer. The study identified over 200 genes that contribute to the development and growth of glioblastoma, providing potential new drug targets.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that severe COVID-19 is associated with endotheliitis and microangiopathy, leading to a multisystem inflammatory syndrome similar to Kawasaki disease. Additionally, obesity in adults under 65 years old increases the risk of intubation or death from COVID-19, but not for those over 65.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Research brief: 'Fool's gold' may be valuable after all

Scientists at the University of Minnesota have successfully electrically transformed iron sulfide, or 'fool's gold', into a magnetic material. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of valuable new magnetic materials for more efficient computer memory devices.

Rapid antibody development yields possible treatment for yellow fever

A potential treatment for yellow fever has shown promise in early-stage clinical trials in Singapore, using a novel approach to develop an engineered monoclonal antibody that targets the virus. The therapy was developed in seven months, significantly reducing the time required for drug development.

Scientists find new way to kill tuberculosis

Researchers at Durham University have found a new toxin, called MenT, produced by the TB bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This toxin inhibits the use of amino acids needed for protein production, causing the bacteria to die. The discovery opens up new avenues for treating tuberculosis and other infections.

In HEPA we trust: making the indoors safer during COVID

Syracuse University Professor Jianshun Zhang proposes a three-step plan to improve IAQ and reduce the risk of asymptomatic SARS CoV-2 infections. The plan includes source control, ventilation with increased outdoor air supply, and high-efficiency air cleaning with HEPA filters.

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.

Anti-Asian racism during COVID-19 has historical ties in United States

A new academic paper examines the history of anti-Asian hate crimes during health crises, revealing a long-standing pattern of xenophobia and discrimination. The study highlights how COVID-19 has furthered this historical trend, with Asian Americans facing verbal harassment, physical violence, and unwarranted suspicion.

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.