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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 47

UAlberta researchers make real-time tumor tracking in radiation therapy 5 times faster

The study's lead researcher found that using a graphics processing unit (GPU) increased the speed of real-time tumor tracking by five times, improving accuracy over previous methods. This breakthrough could lead to safer and possibly fully automated radiation therapy in the future.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateJul 22, 2020

Optimizing neural networks on a brain-inspired computer

A study by Heidelberg University and Max-Planck-Institute found that the distance to criticality can be adjusted in a brain-inspired chip, but only complex tasks benefit from it. Optimal network dynamics can be tuned using homeostatic plasticity by adapting mean input strength.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Erectile dysfunction drugs can help cells destroy misfolded proteins

Researchers found that PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil can enhance the activity of the proteasome, a cell's garbage disposal system, to reduce misfolded proteins. This approach may help combat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2020

Fine-tuning adoptive cell therapy for advanced cancers

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a phenomenon where some patients' T cells lose expression of transgenic TCR over time, potentially due to DNA methylation. This study aims to inform the design of future cellular immunotherapies and improve treatment outcomes for advanced cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 22, 2020

NASA infrared confirms Douglas still a tropical storm

NASA's infrared data revealed strong thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures around Tropical Storm Douglas, indicating potential for heavy rainfall. Despite the threat, Douglas is moving westward at 15 mph and is expected to strengthen into a hurricane on July 23.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

What factors help predict who will keep their memory into their 90s?

A study published in Neurology found that people with normal thinking and memory scores at the start of the study were less likely to develop later problems, even with amyloid plaques. Those with the APOE ε2 gene variant were also more resistant to developing plaques.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 22, 2020

Keeping pinto beans away from the dark side

A new variety of pinto bean has been developed with a slow-darkening trait, which improves agronomic performance and cooking time. The beans show higher yields compared to regular varieties, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 22, 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.

Sweet coolers a gateway to increased alcohol consumption

A University of Guelph study finds that sweetened coolers with high-fructose corn syrup can promote harmful alcohol consumption among teenagers. The researchers suggest that these beverages act as a gateway to introduce young people to alcohol, increasing the likelihood of binge drinking.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalAlcohol·DateJul 22, 2020

Researchers track down metabolic enzyme that protects against inflammation

A new study from La Jolla Institute for Immunology reveals that a metabolic enzyme called ADA2 inhibits inflammation in blood vessels and restrains the immune system. The researchers found that ADA2's loss stimulates a robust innate immune response, which can lead to harmful inflammation.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2020

No honor among cyber thieves

A study examining online user activity on two carding forums reveals the vast majority of users aren't buyers or sellers but rather seek free tutorials, malware source codes, and hacking guides. Actual buyers and sellers comprise a fraction, primarily using stolen identity info for unauthorized purchases.

SourceWashington State University·JournalSocial Science Computer Review·DateJul 22, 2020

Researcher receives $5M grant to further cancer studies

Dr. Tanmay Lele's research focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how cells sense external mechanical forces and generate mechanical forces in cancer. He aims to develop new knowledge of human cancers and their progression, with the goal of improving diagnosis and treatment.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 22, 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.

Scientists develop new material for longer-lasting fuel cells

Researchers created a durable graphene-based catalyst that outperforms commercial catalysts and lasts longer, potentially enabling widespread adoption of hydrogen fuel cells. The breakthrough could address the high cost of platinum catalysts and reduce environmental impact.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNanoscale·DateJul 22, 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.

Science sweetens native honey health claims

A recent study has identified trehalulose, a rare sugar in native stingless bee honey, as having a low glycaemic index and not causing tooth decay. This discovery strengthens the market for stingless bee honey and creates new opportunities for its use in food products.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 22, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study suggests increased risks for COVID-19 patients who smoke, vape

Researchers found that COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections, as well as cerebrovascular-neurological dysfunction. The study suggests that the virus can affect the brain and lead to ischemic strokes in smokers.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJul 22, 2020
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 study finds access to food stamps reduces visits to the physicians

A new study found that access to the food stamp program lowers repeat physician visits by over 14% due to improved immune response. This reduction in healthcare utilization results in significant savings for individuals and the federal government, with estimates suggesting $9 per person in cost savings.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 22, 2020

More flowers and pollinator diversity could help protect bees from parasites

Research suggests that having more flowers and a more diverse bee community could reduce the spread of bee parasites. The study found that when bee communities are at their most diverse, the proportion of infected bees is lowest, and when flowers are at their most abundant, fewer are likely to act as transmission hubs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 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.

Chocolate is good for the heart

A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 22, 2020

Digitizing chemistry with a smart stir bar

Researchers created an inexpensive smart stir bar that can automatically measure and transmit data on a solution's properties to a smartphone or computer. This device uses open-source software and low-cost components to detect parameters such as color, electrical conductivity, and viscosity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

USDA funds study of dairy cattle's environmental footprint

A new open-source computer model is being developed to simulate production and quantify the environmental effects of management decisions on dairy farms. The Ruminant Farms Systems Model project aims to address limitations of current farm management models and provide tools for economic and environmentally balanced decision-making.

SourceCornell University·DateJul 22, 2020

Is it a bird, a plane? Not superman, but a flapping wing drone

A team of engineers has designed a 26 gram ornithopter that can hover, dart, glide, brake, and dive like a swift, making it more versatile and safer than quadcopter drones. The drone's ability to fly in cluttered environments and stop quickly from fast speeds avoids collisions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 22, 2020

Invention offers new option for monitoring heart health

Researchers at Purdue University developed self-powered wearable devices that can monitor cardiovascular health using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and transform mechanical energy into power. These devices have the potential to be non-invasive, personalized, and cost-effective for detecting common heart diseases.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 22, 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.

How a few negative online reviews early on can hurt a restaurant

A recent study published in Papers in Applied Geography found that just a few negative online reviews can determine early on how many reviews a restaurant receives long-term. The study also discovered that restaurants with a smaller number of reviews had a higher likelihood of low ratings, while those with more reviews were more likely...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPapers in Applied Geography·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Study finds clothing-based racist stereotypes persist against Black men

A recent study from Oregon State University found that people often hold negative stereotypes about Black men based on what they're wearing. Despite formal attire reducing some biases, it does not eliminate them entirely. The study suggests that awareness and resistance to stereotypes are key to overcoming racist assumptions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 22, 2020

Siblings can also differ from one another in bacteria

A research team discovered that certain sections of bacterial genetic material are doubled or multiplied, giving bacteria new capabilities to influence the immune system and adapt to changing environments. This process is crucial for pathogens to develop and evolve in their battle against the human immune system.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2020

Even if you want to, you can't ignore how people look or sound

A new Ohio State University study found that people can't completely ignore how someone looks or sounds, even when told to do so. This has implications for racial stereotyping, as participants were more careful to avoid showing bias when evaluating accents, but not when judging physical attractiveness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sociolinguistics·DateJul 22, 2020

What happens in Vegas, may come from the Arctic?

A new UNLV study provides a 13,000-year climate history from stalagmite specimens, showing that Nevada was even hotter and drier in the past than it is today. The research warns of potential permanent aridity in the region due to human-induced Arctic and tropical Pacific warming.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Flood data from 500 years: Rivers and climate change in Europe

A major international research project shows that flooding characteristics in recent decades are unlike those of previous centuries. Historical data analysis identified nine flood-rich periods and associated regions, with a shift in the timing and relationship between floods and air temperatures.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020

Proteins -- and labs -- coming together to prevent Rett syndrome

Researchers have made new discoveries about the disruption of condensates in Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder. The study found that MeCP2's condensate-forming ability is disrupted in Rett syndrome and suggests that therapies targeting condensates associated with the protein may be promising.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020

Non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose infant urinary tract obstruction

Researchers at UConn Health have developed a non-invasive biomarker panel for diagnosing and monitoring infant urinary tract obstruction. The panel of five proteins can detect UPJO in infants and toddlers, reducing the need for expensive and invasive tests.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Pediatric Urology·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Tracking misinformation campaigns in real-time is possible, study shows

A team of researchers developed a technique to identify malicious internet accounts and track online foreign misinformation campaigns in real time. They found that their model was effective in identifying posts and accounts that were part of a foreign influence campaign, including those by accounts that had never been used before.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 22, 2020

Instantaneous color holography system for sensing fluorescence and white light

A color-multiplexed holography system has been developed to record 3D information of objects illuminated by a white-light lamp and self-luminous specimens as a single multicolor hologram. The system acquires color 3D information with only a single-shot exposure and no color filter array.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 22, 2020

Novel 'on-off' switch discovered in plant defenses

Researchers at UC San Diego identified a new RNA-binding protein that regulates plant immune responses, enabling rapid on and off signals to fight pathogens. The discovery provides insights into the complex mechanisms of plant defense and paves the way for improved disease resistance and food security.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 22, 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.

Stone tools move back the arrival of humans in America thousands of years

A new international study has found evidence of stone tools dating back at least 30,000 years to the first human immigration to America. The discovery was made in a Mexican mountain cave and pushes the estimated arrival time back by approximately 15,000 years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJul 22, 2020