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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 47

The Venus 'ring of fire'

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 21, 2020

How viruses and bacteria balance each other in the gut microbiome

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

Influenza virus-induced oxidized DNA activates inflammasomes

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
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.

Life in the shallows becomes a trap for baby sharks

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

"Winter is coming": The influence of seasonality on pathogen emergence

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

Spinal stimulators repurposed to restore touch in lost limb

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJul 21, 2020

Temporal aiming with temporal metamaterials

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.

What factors influence the likelihood of fracking-related seismicity in Oklahoma?

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

WashU-developed holograms help physicians during cardiac procedure

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

Spider monkey groups as collective computers

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
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.

Mindfulness training helps men manage anger

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

Rural firearm-suicides impacted by socioeconomic, environmental factors

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

Working toward freeze-drying synthetic platelets

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.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateJul 21, 2020

Race and ethnicity did not affect outcomes for new moms with COVID-19, finds study

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.

Silver-plated gold nanostars detect early cancer biomarkers

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.

SourceDuke University·DateJul 21, 2020

Leukemia drug shows the potential to treat aggressive pediatric brain câncer

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

Invasive lionfish may be a selective predator

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.

Scientists present pre- and postfusion cryo-em structures of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

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

Magnetic field of a spiral galaxy

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.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·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.

Scientists observe learning processes online in the brain

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

Russian scientists identified energy storage mechanism of sodium-ion battery anode

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 ID new target in drive to improve immunotherapy for cancer

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physicists find ways to control gamma radiation

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
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.

New cosmic magnetic field structures discovered in galaxy NGC 4217

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.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJul 21, 2020

The immune system facilitates alcohol addiction

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

Children with type 1 diabetes may have a less desirable gut bacteria composition

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

New detection method turns silicon cameras into mid-infrared detectors

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
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 develop a portable blood ammonia detector

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

Thermal manipulation of plasmons in atomically thin films

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

Evidence of "hormone disruptor" chemical threats grows

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.

Artificial cells produce parts of viruses for safe studies

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

Living with a problem gambler?

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

Lego builds anaesthesia skills according to new study

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.

How should hospitals ask patients for donations?

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

Researchers identify subject-specific component to perceptual learning ability

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

Smile: Atomic imaging finds root of tooth decay

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJul 21, 2020

Women's burden increases in COVID-19 era

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

Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

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

O Christmas Tree: DNA shows WA's largest parasitic plant adapts to climate

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
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.

Scientists strengthen quantum building blocks in milestone critical for scale-up

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