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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 21


Page 21 of 47

COVID-19 replicating RNA vaccine has robust response in nonhuman primates

A replicating RNA vaccine has shown robust immune response in both young and old animal models, producing antibodies comparable to those in people recovering from COVID-19. The vaccine's design avoids immune responses that could exacerbate the virus, instead inducing protective antiviral measures and T cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 20, 2020

Bouncing bubbles shake up emulsion studies

KAUST researchers used high-speed imaging to observe collisions between air bubbles and water surfaces, finding that the air-water interface is more mobile than expected. The team also developed a method using thin films of fatty acids to immobilize free water surfaces, drastically reducing bouncing.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLangmuir·DateJul 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Increased blood sugar levels may decrease benefits of aerobic exercise

Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center discovered that increased blood sugar levels can impair aerobic fitness and muscle adaptation in mice and humans. Despite this, regular aerobic exercise is still recommended for maintaining health, especially when combined with dietary changes.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJul 20, 2020

Plato was right. Earth is made, on average, of cubes

According to the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, rocks on Earth are, on average, cube-shaped due to fragmentation processes. The researchers' findings suggest that this shape is statistically average and applies not only to Earth but also around the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Pacemaker need in Africa outpacing resources

The African Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA) statement highlights barriers to effective pacing, including skilled implanter shortages and high device costs. Researchers propose solutions, such as improved local training and collaboration with governments to address these challenges.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 20, 2020

Plant roots increase carbon emission from permafrost soils

Research at Umea University reveals that plant roots can cause the emission of 40 billion tonnes of carbon from permafrost by 2100 through the priming effect. This increase is significant enough to account for almost a quarter of the remaining 'carbon budget' for limiting global warming.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 20, 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.

Yellow River runoff and human activity

Researchers reconstructed Yellow River's middle reach runoff from 1492 to 2013 CE, finding lowest natural runoff during drought 1926-1932 CE. Human activity since 1980s decreased precipitation, increased observed runoff variability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Dust deposition and North American glaciation

A study of dust from southeastern Iran reveals frequent plumes from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa correlate with rapid southward shifts of westerly winds. This suggests North American ice sheets exerted a stronger influence on West Asian climate during North Atlantic cooling events.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 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.

Label-free imaging helps predict reproductive outcomes

Researchers at Beckman Institute develop label-free imaging to evaluate fertility in sperm samples, enabling faster and more accurate analysis. The technique uses phase imaging with computational specificity to predict parameters critical to fertility.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Specialized cellular compartments discovered in bacteria

Researchers at McGill University have discovered bacterial organelles involved in gene expression, suggesting that bacteria may not be as simple as once thought. These findings could pave the way for a new generation of antibiotics to combat drug resistance.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020

Advancing knowledge on archaea

A web-based database, Archaeal Proteome Project (ArcPP), collects and makes available datasets to further research on archaea, a domain of microorganisms. The platform provides easily accessible data and expertise for analyzing proteomics studies, yielding significant new insights into archaeal biology.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2020

What silicone wristbands say about chemical exposure in Uruguayan children

A study of Uruguayan children wearing silicone wristbands found an average of 13 pollutants, including industrial and agricultural chemicals banned in the US. The researchers detected pesticides like DDT and brominated flame retardants, highlighting concerns about long-term environmental and health impacts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 20, 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.

Signal transduction in cells: Precise or economical?

Researchers at Max-Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology study signal transmission in baker's yeast to understand how cells balance information accuracy with energy costs. They found that the pheromone signalling pathway contains negative feedback regulations that improve accuracy, but may also impose fitness costs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2020

A new idea on how Earth's outer shell first broke into tectonic plates

A new theory proposes that early Earth's lithosphere heated up and expanded, causing cracks that eventually divided the planet into plates. The model, developed by Dr. Alexander Webb and his team, suggests that volcanic heat loss led to thermal contraction, which in turn caused the outer shell to warm up and expand.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2020

Humans need to do better if we're to avoid ocean system collapse

A new relationship between humanity and the ocean is required to secure the continuity of the diverse life support roles provided by the sea. The paper proposes three key transition pathways to make complex ocean systems more resilient and ensure a more sustainable future.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 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.

Scientists supercharge shellfish to tackle vitamin deficiency in humans

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have created microcapsule technology that fortifies bivalve shellfish with Vitamin A and D, providing a cheap and effective way to address global nutrient deficiencies. This breakthrough could help improve the health of millions while reducing environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateJul 19, 2020

Prostate cancer: How can we decide when to treat?

A global methodology has been developed to help decide when to treat prostate cancer, providing a single standard for estimating tumour aggressiveness. The GAP3 consortium's analysis of 14,380 patients reveals that certain factors can predict cancer development, enabling more informed treatment decisions.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateJul 18, 2020

Male sexual worries: What has changed in the post-Viagra age?

Researchers found that men are now more likely to visit clinics for Peyronie's disease and low sexual desire, while erectile dysfunction cases have declined. The study suggests a growing awareness of these conditions, possibly driven by increased openness and access to treatments.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·DateJul 18, 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.

NOAA names University of Miami to lead cooperative institute

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been selected by NOAA to host the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), which will conduct collaborative research on Earth's oceans and atmosphere. CIMAS will focus on coastal resilience, ocean conservation, and tropical weather prediction.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 17, 2020

Coordinated exit strategies crucial to avoid virus second-wave in Europe

Researchers found that uncoordinated lifting of lockdown measures can lead to earlier secondary epidemics, while coordination can reduce the risk of transmission. Synchronizing intermittent lockdowns across countries can significantly improve the likelihood of ending community transmission.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 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.

Psychology: The most personal device

Researchers at LMU Munich used smartphone data to analyze users' personalities, finding strong correlations between behavior patterns and self-assessed traits. The study focused on the Big Five personality dimensions, revealing that certain types of digital behavior are more informative for specific self-assessments.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 17, 2020

Baleen whales have changed their distribution in the Western North Atlantic

Researchers tracked baleen whale movements using passive acoustic recordings, finding four species have changed their distribution patterns in the past decade. The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than other regions, resulting in changes in distribution for five out of six baleen whale species.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 17, 2020

Decadal predictability of North Atlantic blocking and the NAO

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals remarkable skill in reproducing multi-annual variations of North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and atmospheric blocking frequency. This breakthrough suggests that impactful climate anomalies may be predictable with improved dynamical models, filling the gap between lo...

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateJul 17, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Clear strategies needed to reduce bushmeat hunting

A study in Côte d'Ivoire found that preferences for bushmeat vary widely among hunters, traders, and consumers, driven by factors such as nutritional needs, cultural practices, and economic incentives. The researchers urge policymakers to prioritize targeted conservation strategies that account for individual motivations and user groups.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 17, 2020

Where is the water during a drought?

Researchers from the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries investigated water distribution in the Demnitzer Mühlenfliess sub-catchment area. They found that vegetation plays a significant role in storing and releasing water, with forests having a drier soil than grasslands due to their root depth and leaf canopy.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateJul 17, 2020

COVID-19: Viral shutdown of protein synthesis

Researchers discovered how SARS-CoV-2 inhibits protein synthesis in infected cells, effectively disarming the body's immune response. The Nonstructural Protein 1 (Nsp1) is a central weapon used by the virus to replicate and propagate, targeting the 40S subunit of ribosomes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020

Fox Chase and Ben-Gurion University receive cancer treatment study grant

Fox Chase Cancer Center and Ben-Gurion University have received a $320,000 grant to test an immune-stimulating antibody developed by BGU researcher Angel Porgador for treating multiple myeloma. The antibody helps the immune system kill multiple myeloma tumor cells and may work on many different types of tumors.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateJul 17, 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.

Enhanced water repellent surfaces discovered in nature

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a previously unidentified nanostructure on insect surfaces that can be used to engineer stronger, more resilient water repellent coatings. These high-solid fraction textures may imbue additional water repelling benefits and could be applied to personal protective equipment (PPE) to better resis...

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 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.

Paper: Mundane behavioral decisions, actions can be 'misremembered' as done

A new study by Dolores Albarracin and colleagues found that people tend to conflate intentions and behaviors in routine actions, creating false memories. This phenomenon has significant implications for healthcare settings and self-reporting of following through on actions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJul 17, 2020

Cannabis shows potential for mitigating sickle cell disease pain

A new clinical trial suggests that vaporized cannabis is safe and potentially effective in mitigating chronic pain caused by sickle cell disease. The study found that patients experienced reduced pain levels and improved mood over time, paving the way for further research on medical cannabis as a treatment option.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 17, 2020

UNH scientists find faster way to count animal sperm using DNA

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have identified a quicker and less expensive way to count sperm in lobsters using DNA technology. This new method could help scientists better understand mating and population sustainability in various species.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateJul 17, 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.

Type 1 interferon deficiency: Biomarker of patients at risk of severe COVID

A study found that type 1 interferon deficiency is a biomarker for patients at risk of severe COVID-19. Low levels of type 1 interferon in plasma precede clinical worsening and are characteristic of each stage of the disease, suggesting it could identify a high-risk population.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalScience·DateJul 17, 2020

Female surgeon scientists claim more than their share of research grants

Despite low representation in academia, female surgeon-scientists are securing a greater percentage of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. Women researchers are more likely to be first-time grant recipients and have higher success rates when awarded NIH funding.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 17, 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.

Honeybees reveal environmental pollution in their surroundings

Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 17, 2020

The secret to renewable solar fuels is an off-and-on again relationship

Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that copper catalysts are superior to purely metallic-origin catalysts in producing ethylene after oxygen is depleted. The team developed a method to 'reactivate' the catalyst by re-adding and re-removing oxygen, improving efficiency.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 17, 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.

Study reveals intricate details about Huntington's disease protein

Researchers uncover how the huntingtin protein transports vital materials within neurons, revealing a potential avenue for therapeutics aimed at improving endosomal transport in Huntington's disease patients. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the protein's normal function to develop effective treatments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJul 17, 2020

Pesticides speed the spread of deadly waterborne pathogens

Research at UC Berkeley reveals pesticides can boost schistosome parasite transmission by affecting snail survival, aquatic predators and algae composition. This increases disease burden in areas with high agricultural agrochemical use, posing a significant threat to public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 17, 2020