Computer simulations revealed that Venus' coronae topography depends on crust thickness and magma activity, classifying over 100 large coronae into active and inactive groups. The 'Ring of Fire' in Venus' southern hemisphere is a zone expelling high levels of rising plume material.
Research reveals a complex interaction between bacteria and their viruses in the gut, where some bacteria can resist infection while others remain susceptible. The study suggests that beneficially altering the gut microbiome through bacterial viruses could offer a new treatment for disease.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 21, 2020
Research at The University of Tokyo found that influenza virus-infected macrophages release oxidized DNA, which activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and increases IL-1β secretion. Inhibition of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species decreased this secretion, providing a link between viral proteins and inflammasome activation.
SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournaliScience·DateJul 21, 2020
A Purdue University team, led by Gaurav Chopra and Riyi Shi, received a $1.3 million grant to develop biomarkers and treatments for traumatic brain injury-related Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The researchers aim to improve understanding of microglial cell states in the context of TBI-related neurodegenerative dementia.
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.
Researchers found that baby blacktip reef sharks can tolerate the extreme conditions of their nurseries, but these environments face an uncertain future due to climate change. The habitats' dramatic temperature and oxygen fluctuations can be a strain on the young sharks.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 21, 2020
The study captures the spike protein's shape change, showing how it can fuse with host membranes without ACE2 receptor binding. The researchers propose two conformational changes: one dependent on ACE2 and another independent.
SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020
Scientists from CNRS and University of Nantes have developed a mathematical model to predict the risk of epidemic emergence based on seasonal factors. The 'winter is coming' effect suggests that pathogens introduced before unfavorable winter periods are less likely to cause large epidemics.
SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh's Rehab Neural Engineering Labs has repurposed spinal cord stimulators to provide sensory feedback to amputees, generating sensations such as touch and pressure. The devices were found to be stable and effective in restoring feelings of touch in users.
Scientists propose a concept of temporal metamaterials that change permittivity tensor in time, demonstrating forward and backward waves with preserved wave vector and frequency changes. This enables real-time beam steering of electromagnetic energy, opening new possibilities for integrated photonic systems.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 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.
Researchers found a significant link between well depth and seismic probability, suggesting that deeper wells are more likely to trigger earthquakes. The study also revealed that the type of fluid used in hydraulic fracturing, including gel vs. slickwater operations, may affect seismic activity.
SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJul 21, 2020
A new approach uses photons to perform computations required by neural networks, improving speed and efficiency. Photonic tensor cores can process data in parallel, reducing power consumption and increasing throughput.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJul 21, 2020
Physicians using a holographic display developed by WashU were more accurate in performing cardiac ablation procedures, resulting in fewer lesions outside the target area. The technology allows physicians to control the procedure with hand-free and sterile gestures.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
The study found that spider monkeys use a collective computation approach to determine team sizes for foraging, taking into account the opinions of their group mates. The collective effects produce a range of team sizes that work well given the availability of fruiting trees in their forest.
SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateJul 21, 2020
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that stepping down asthma medication doses did not increase exacerbations and can significantly reduce costs. The research suggests that clinicians may be prescribing higher levels of treatment than is clinically indicated, highlighting the potential for cost savings.
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.
A survey of UK households found a substantial decline in mental health from before the pandemic into the first month of lockdown. The average level of mental distress increased, with over one quarter of participants reporting clinically significant levels of distress.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 21, 2020
A study published by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that mindfulness training can effectively help men manage their anger and reduce violent behavior towards their partners. The treatment group showed a significant decline in physical violence, from 85% to 10%, after completing the program.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers found rural communities experiencing high rates of firearm suicides are often diverse and have collective environmental risk factors. The study's findings support a broader public health approach that targets interventions in high-risk areas to reduce gun suicides and opioid deaths.
SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers aim to reduce bleeding time for soldiers on the battlefield by developing synthetic platelet substitutes that can be easily transported and stored. The technology, which involves freeze-drying artificial platelets into a powder, could potentially address blood shortages and improve treatment outcomes in emergency situations.
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that pregnancy and birth outcomes for women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were similar across different racial and ethnic groups, defying previous expectations of disparate treatment. Researchers attribute this finding to close follow-up care implemented by the medical center.
SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·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.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new optical sensing platform that can detect genomic cancer biomarkers in tissue samples using silver-plated gold nanostars. This technique has the potential to provide fast and reliable diagnostic results for cancer and other diseases, simplifying testing processes.
Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a leukemia drug, arsenic trioxide, to treat medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer most common in children. The drug made tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy and proved capable of killing tumor cells and preventing new colony formation.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers will test two existing drugs against SARS-CoV-2-infected mini lungs in a dish to find solutions for COVID-19. The grant aims to advance promising drug candidates and improve patient care.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science discovered that transcription factor PU.1 plays a crucial role in regulating PD-L2 expression, which has implications for developing new treatments for immune-related disorders and cancer. The study sheds light on the molecular events underlying PD-L2 regulation.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 21, 2020
Lionfish in Curacao reefs exhibit strong preference for brown chromis over other two prey fish species. The study suggests that lionfish can be picky about their daily menu as long as they are not starving, with poorer condition fish being less selective.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020
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 researchers report two new cryo-EM structures representing the pre- and postfusion conformations of the full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The findings suggest that current vaccine strategies may be relying on limited information about the natural state of the protein, highlighting the need for further evaluation.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers use VLA radio telescope to image galaxy NGC 4217's magnetic field, extending far beyond the galaxy's disk. The dynamo theory suggests that this massive magnetic field is generated by plasma motion within the galaxy's disk.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have created new surrogate viruses to test neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2, enabling rapid testing in biosafety level 2 labs. The tools will help assess vaccine efficacy and develop antibody-based therapies.
SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
A UCLA study reveals that COVID-19 antibodies decrease by roughly half every 36 days after infection in people with mild cases of the disease. This rapid decay raises concerns about the reliability of antibody tests and the potential impact on herd immunity and vaccine effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·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.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used EEG to study the impact of repetitive tactile stimulation on brain activity. They found that neuronal responses adapted to the frequency of stimulation and showed changes over time, potentially illustrating a learning process.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers from Skoltech and MSU discovered the type of electrochemical reaction associated with charge storage in the anode material for sodium-ion batteries. They also developed a method to produce hard carbon with high capacity comparable to graphite, a crucial step towards commercializing SIB.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at UCLA have identified a potential new combination therapy to treat advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting BMI1 proteins. The study found that using an anti-PD1 immunotherapy drug in combination with PTC209 successfully stopped cancer growth, prevented reoccurrences, and eliminated cancer stem cells.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that combining self-imposed prevention measures like handwashing and mask-wearing with government-imposed social distancing can delay and reduce the peak of a COVID-19 epidemic. The model found that if self-imposed measures exceed 50% efficacy, large epidemics can be prevented.
Researchers found that Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common mouth bacteria, can initiate cancer cell migration by sticking to and entering cancer cells using protein Fap2. This causes cancer cells to release cytokines IL-8 and CXCL1, leading to inflammation and attracting immune cells.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Signaling·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.
Researchers have created an optical switch that can direct high-frequency gamma radiation by switching the acoustic field. This effect demonstrates controlled transparency of a resonant medium for gamma radiation, which may be useful for controlling generated radiation in modern synchrotron sources and X-ray lasers.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2020
A non-invasive blood test, PanSeer, can detect five common types of cancers four years before conventional diagnosis methods. The test detected cancer in 91% of asymptomatic samples and accurately identified cancer-free samples 95% of the time.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers pinpointed a single gene biomarker, nitride oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), to distinguish between atopic dermatitis and psoriasis with 100% accuracy using adhesive tape strips. The study identifies distinct immune response markers for each disease.
SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers propose a new method for constructing higher-order topological insulators using ring resonators and synthetic dimensions, enabling dynamic control over system parameters. This approach allows for the creation of high-dimensional topological insulators with exotic properties.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·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.
Researchers analyzed the magnetic field of Milky Way-like galaxy NGC 4217 and discovered unique structures such as X-shaped fields, helices, superbubbles, and giant loops. These findings suggest a connection between star formation and supernovae explosions in shaping the galaxy's magnetic field.
Researchers discover that alcohol activates microglia in the brain, altering geometry and increasing dopamine diffusion, which may promote addiction. This study provides a new understanding of alcohol's effects on the brain and suggests potential treatments.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study found that children with newly-diagnosed type 1 diabetes have a distinct gut microbiome composition associated with poorer blood sugar control. The researchers used machine learning analysis and genetic analysis to identify this link, highlighting the importance of gut health in disease development.
SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 21, 2020
A new method detects MIR images using Si cameras through non-degenerate two-photon absorption, enabling simple and efficient imaging. The approach avoids alignment artifacts and utilizes the nonlinear optical properties of the Si chip itself to trigger photo-induced charge carriers.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
Thanks to a decade-long collaboration, the global population of the critically endangered Chinese crested tern has more than doubled, from fewer than 50 adults to over 100. The project used social attraction techniques to lure adult seabirds to restoration sites with suitable nesting habitat.
SourceOregon State University·JournalBiological Conservation·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.
Researchers at Stanford University have created a handheld, portable device to measure ammonia levels in blood. The device, which assesses ammonia levels from a finger or earlobe prick, can report results in less than a minute and is significantly more efficient than current methods.
SourceStanford University·JournalACS Sensors·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers studied convenience samples from 10 US geographic sites to estimate SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence. The study found varying levels of antibodies across different regions.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers propose an all-optical method to modulate plasmonic response in graphene and metal-based systems using intense pump beams, enabling ultrafast light modulation. The technique exploits nanoscale photothermal effects to heat electrons, inducing changes in conductivity and optical properties.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 21, 2020
A set of reviews concludes that hundreds of studies link widespread health issues including infertility, diabetes, and impaired brain development to hormone disruptors in pesticides, flame retardants, and certain plastics.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·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.
A new CSU study found that physical stress at work is linked to faster brain aging and poorer memory in older adults. Those who reported high levels of physical stress had smaller hippocampal volumes and performed poorly on memory tasks.
SourceColorado State University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science created artificial cells that produced viral parts, allowing for safe testing and development of diagnostic tools, drugs, and vaccines. The system consists of micrometer-sized compartments etched into a silicon chip, enabling controlled production of specific proteins.
SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at Flinders University warn that family members can be the first to detect early signs of a problem gambler. Chronic hypervigilance, relationship conflict, and exhaustion are common consequences for partners and families.
SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study found that training doctors in anaesthetic skills using Lego bricks can improve their performance. The study used a simple task where participants copied shapes using bricks to see in a mirror, and found that this improved their ability to perform ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia tasks.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateJul 21, 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.
A new study explores patients' views on hospital fundraising practices, finding that certain strategies cause concerns. Hospitals can show appreciation to donors through nicer hospital rooms, expedited appointments, or providing doctors' cell phone numbers, while avoiding wealth screening and sharing patient names without permission.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·DateJul 21, 2020
A new study by YANG Jia and colleagues identified both task-specific and subject-invariant components of perceptual learning ability, revealing multifaceted nature of learning and strong evidence for consistent pattern of individual differences across multiple training tasks.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020
A collaboration between Cornell and Northwestern universities has exposed tiny chemical flaws in human enamel using atomic imaging techniques. The findings suggest that irregularities in the enamel's structure may play a role in reinforcing it, making it more resilient to decay.
A recent study by Flinders University highlights the escalating gendered burdens faced by women during the pandemic, particularly in frontline healthcare roles and unpaid care work. Women experienced discrimination, eviction threats, and restricted access to essential services under COVID-19 restrictions.
SourceFlinders University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers have developed a droplet biosensing method that can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a sample in just minutes. This fast and accurate method uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze viral genetic material, reducing testing time and error margin.
Researchers found that over 20% of US homes lack sufficient space and plumbing facilities to isolate or quarantine COVID-19 patients. The study suggests that offering hotel stays with medical supervision at no cost could decrease transmission in minority communities.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers found that the WA Christmas Tree, a parasitic plant, adapts to its environment by adjusting to temperature changes rather than relying on precipitation. This discovery has implications for conservation and restoration efforts, as it could inform the collection of seed for these species.
SourceCurtin University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateJul 21, 2020
A study from the University of Tokyo found that feeding distillation remnants from shochu production to pigs reduces stress levels and improves the quality of meat, resulting in better-tasting sirloin and fillets. The leftovers also contain nutrients like leucine and histidine peptides, which may contribute to the benefits.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFood Chemistry·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.
Researchers have demonstrated coherence times up to 10,000 times longer than previously recorded for spin-orbit qubits, making them an ideal candidate for scaling up silicon quantum computers. Strong spin-orbit coupling is key to achieving stable qubits and robust quantum information.
SourceCentre for Quantum Computation & Communication Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 20, 2020