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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 47

Studies suggest a fasting diet could boost breast cancer therapy

A USC-led team found a fasting-mimicking diet combined with hormone therapy may increase the power of cancer hormone drugs and delay resistance in small clinical trials and mouse studies. Researchers observed reduced insulin, IGF1, and leptin levels, leading to potential anti-cancer activity.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2020

A survey on optical memory and optical RAM technologies

A team of Greek researchers evaluate the progress in optical memory domain over past 25 years, shedding light on physical mechanisms behind demonstrated devices and classifying performance metrics. They highlight benefits of different optical technologies and report recent achievements towards advancing memory functionalities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020

Crown-of-thorns enhance their growth by switching diets early

Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish that switch to coral diets early exhibit enhanced growth rates and larger size, leading to increased reproductive capacity. This variation in early development can have significant consequences for crown-of-thorns population dynamics and coral reef ecosystem health.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateJul 21, 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.

Front-line physicians stressed and anxious at work and home

A new analysis of 426 emergency physicians found moderate to severe levels of anxiety at both work and home, with women reporting higher stress. The study identified key factors contributing to stress, including lack of PPE and inadequate rapid diagnostic testing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

Skin cancer treatments could be used to treat other forms of the disease

Researchers have developed a new method for treating skin cancer that uses silica nanoparticles to deliver light-sensitive medication, potentially expanding its use to other types of cancer. This innovative approach could increase the effectiveness of photodynamic therapies by penetrating deeper into tissue.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalChemical Science·DateJul 21, 2020

US military improved mortality since World War II, but there have been alarming exceptions

Despite overall improvements in combat casualty outcomes since World War II, research reveals significant spikes in mortality during specific conflicts, including Vietnam and Iraq. Understanding these patterns is crucial for identifying areas for improvement and enhancing military readiness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJul 21, 2020

Tropical Storm Douglas organizing in NASA infrared imagery

Tropical Storm Douglas is strengthening due to low wind shear and warm sea surface temperatures, with the potential to become a hurricane in the next few days. The storm's cloud tops reached as cold as minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of generating heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 21, 2020

Autopsies reveal surprising cardiac changes in COVID-19 patients

A study of 22 COVID-19 patient autopsies found a unique pattern of cell death in scattered heart muscle cells, challenging traditional myocarditis theories. The researchers propose several theories to explain the cardiac injury and suggest further investigation for potential treatment interventions.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCirculation·DateJul 21, 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.

New drug discoveries are closely linked to the quality of lab procedures

New research from the University of Bath reveals that high-quality lab procedures are crucial for identifying effective new molecules. The study found a strong correlation between assay quality, as measured by the Z'-factor, and hit frequency in high-throughput screenings.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 21, 2020

Nitric oxide may slow progression of COVID-19

A recent review suggests that nitric oxide has promise as a therapeutic to control the replication and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. The molecule has shown potential in inhibiting viral replication and regulating inflammatory cascades in pulmonary diseases.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNitric Oxide·DateJul 21, 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.

How does ridesourcing substitute for public transit network?

A recent study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) found that one-third of ridesourcing trips potentially substitute for public transit. The substitution effect varies by location, with higher rates in city centers and suburban areas, but the study suggests that ridesharing amplifies existing digital divides.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·DateJul 21, 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.

How to get good at disagreeing

Disagreeing in groups can be difficult, but it's crucial for improvement. Research suggests that a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up when they disagree is key. Practicing constructive confrontation through regular exercises can help build this skill.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalTeam Performance Management·DateJul 21, 2020

Genes and cardiovascular health both affect dementia risk: BU study

A new Boston University School of Public Health and School of Medicine study finds that genetic risk factors for dementia can be lowered by improving cardiovascular health. Participants with a high genetic risk score were 2.6 times more likely to develop dementia, but those with good cardiovascular health were half as likely.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateJul 21, 2020

Brain network mechanism causing spatial memory impairment revealed

A study published in Neuron reveals how normal brain network function of hippocampus cells, which works to discriminate a distinct spatial environment, is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease. The disruption is likely caused by the activity impairment of the entorhinal cortex.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 21, 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.

Using lung X-rays to diagnose COVID-19

Researchers from the University of Seville have developed a system that uses deep learning to identify COVID-19 patients using lung X-ray images. The system achieves around 100% accuracy in identifying COVID-19 and can help reduce health professionals' workload by filtering out negative cases.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalApplied Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020

Topological photonics in fractal lattices

Researchers created a photonic Floquet topological insulator in a periodically driven fractal lattice, exhibiting topological edge states with real-space Chern number 1. The simulations show wavepackets can propagate along the outer and inner edges without penetration or backscattering.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020

Weather-based decisions may reduce fungicide sprays on table beets

Using a weather-based decision support system can significantly improve Cercospora leaf spot control in table beet by reducing unnecessary fungicide applications. The approach also helps minimize the risk of resistance development due to single-site modes of action.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateJul 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

World's smallest imaging device has heart disease in focus

Researchers have developed a tiny, flexible scope that can provide high-quality 3D images inside blood vessels, enabling better understanding of heart attack causes and progression. The device's miniaturization could lead to improved treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 21, 2020

Shortening of average serial interval over time indicates isolation effectively limits COVID-19 transmission

A new analysis of SARS-CoV-2 transmission data in China shows that faster identification and isolation of infected individuals contributed to the shortening of the average serial interval over time. This indicates that isolation effectively limits COVID-19 transmission by reducing opportunities for viral transmission.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020

Study strengthens calls to clear cancer diagnosis backlog

A new study found that delays in cancer diagnosis due to the pandemic could result in more than 1,000 excess deaths in England. The researchers suggest prioritizing certain tumor types and ramping up diagnostic capacity to mitigate the impact of these delays.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJul 21, 2020

Site-directed mutagenesis in wheat via haploid induction by maize

A new study has successfully demonstrated a method for site-directed mutagenesis in wheat using haploid induction by maize. The technique resulted in the identification of 15 independent target gene-specific mutants in six different wheat backgrounds, with mutations found in all three genomic target motifs.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateJul 21, 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.

Lab-made virus mimics COVID-19 virus

Researchers created a hybrid virus that targets cells like SARS-CoV-2 but lacks severe disease genes. The hybrid virus can be handled under ordinary laboratory safety conditions, making it ideal for high-throughput analyses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 21, 2020

Postdoc pushes backward physics to fore

Wenliang Li, a postdoctoral researcher at William & Mary, is studying proton structure from a new angle using Jefferson Lab's 12 GeV electron beam. He's examining particles that fly backward in the interaction to learn more about proton structure.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 21, 2020

Making comprehensive water resources modeling more accessible

The Community Water Model is a large-scale hydrological and water resources model that simulates global and regional water availability. It considers various sectors' demands and environmental needs, providing insights into the impact of climate change on water supply.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·DateJul 21, 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.

New $25-million center to advance quantum science and engineering

The new Q-SEnSE center will explore grand challenges in quantum sensing, measurement science, and advancing real-world technologies. Researchers will partner with engineers to turn advancements into practical applications, educating the next generation of quantum workforce.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 21, 2020

Chinese, American scientists leading efforts on COVID-19

The study finds that US and Chinese scientists are intensifying their collaborations, producing over 1,600 articles in the first four months of 2020. China has become the world leader in funding coronavirus research since COVID-19 was discovered.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 21, 2020

New study shows advantages of Ellipsys System in creating reliable dialysis access

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that the Ellipsys System created durable vascular access for ESRD patients who require hemodialysis, with a patency rate of 96% after one year. This minimally invasive procedure reduces reliance on riskier vascular access options and improves patient safety.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·DateJul 21, 2020

Valley-Hall nanoscale lasers

Researchers created nanophotonic cavities in a nanopatterned InGaAsP membrane, exhibiting photonic analogue of valley-Hall effect. The structure supports quantized spectrum of modes confined to the domain wall, enabling topologically controlled ultrathin light sources.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020

Genetic testing could improve screening for osteoporosis

A novel genetic measure called gSOS has been developed to assess fracture risk in osteoporosis, which could reduce the need for bone mineral density tests by 37-41%. This cost-effective approach may improve healthcare efficiency and identify individuals at higher risk of diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 21, 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.

New material can generate hydrogen from salt and polluted water

Scientists developed a new 2D material to produce hydrogen from fresh, salt, and polluted water by exposing it to sunlight. The material efficiently generates 0.5 liters of hydrogen in an hour from 100 square centimeters, making it one of the highest rates recorded for 2D materials.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 21, 2020

'Lost' world's rediscovery is step towards finding habitable planets

Astronomers have discovered a lost planet, NGTS-11b, which orbits a star 620 light years away and is located five times closer to its sun than Earth. The discovery brings astronomers closer to finding cooler planets in the habitable 'Goldilocks zone' that can support liquid water.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 21, 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.

Starve the cancer

A team of researchers has identified a cellular mechanism that inhibits the signal to proliferate and starves malignant cells, leading to their death. The study uses a sea sponge-derived molecule XeB to block calcium ion transport, impacting cancer cell metabolism and leading to high cell death rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Signaling·DateJul 21, 2020

Identification of distinct loci for de novo DNA methylation by DNMT3A and DNMT3B during mammalian development

Scientists have identified unique de novo DNA methylation targets for DNMT3 enzymes during mammalian development. Dnmt3a exclusively regulates differentiation-related genes, while dnmT3b regulates X-chromosome genes. The study's findings may lead to a novel therapeutic approach for patients with DNMT3 mutations.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2020

Cells communicate by doing the 'wave'

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a novel method of communication among cells using 'mechano-chemical' signals. The findings show that the movement of one cell can trigger a cascading reaction resulting in collective cell migration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 21, 2020
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.

ESC Congress 2020 - Highlights from the scientific program

ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateJul 21, 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.

Fusion protein holds promise for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension

Researchers have identified key biological insights that may help solve the mystery of what drives PAH and why a new therapy in clinical trials may work. The fusion protein is more effective than vasodilators at treating PAH and preventing blood vessel remodeling, restoring a normal balance between cell proliferation and death.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

Racial discrimination may adversely impact cognition in African Americans

Experiences of racism among African Americans are associated with lower subjective cognitive function and increased risks of depression, poor sleep, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Research from the Black Women's Health Study found that women reporting higher levels of daily and institutional racism had a greater risk of poor SCF.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020

81 million Americans lacking space or bathrooms to follow COVID quarantine recommendations

A study by Physicians for a National Health Program found that nearly 25% of US dwellings are unsuitable for isolation or quarantine due to lack of space and plumbing facilities. This is particularly concerning among minority and low-income households, which have faced high rates of COVID-19 illness and death.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020