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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 47

Timing key in understanding plant microbiomes

Researchers at Oregon State University have found that the order of microorganisms colonizing plants has a significant impact on microbiome composition and disease susceptibility. This discovery could provide farmers with important tools to combat plant diseases and maintain crop diversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2020

Immediate dialysis no better than wait-until-necessary approach, researchers find

A large international study found that starting dialysis early in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury did not reduce mortality after three months. The accelerated renal-replacement therapy strategy did not show significant difference in survival between the two treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CBD may help avert lung destruction in COVID-19

Researchers found that CBD can help reduce cytokine storm and excessive lung inflammation caused by COVID-19. The study suggests that CBD may enable lungs to recover from damage, potentially reducing the need for mechanical ventilation.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateJul 16, 2020

A simple laboratory test can aid in early recognition of COVID-19 in patients

A simple laboratory test, the eosinophil count from a routine complete blood cell count (CBC), can aid in early diagnosis and provide prognostic information for COVID-19 patients. Persistent low counts correlated with poor prognosis and high disease severity.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 16, 2020

Combating drug resistance in age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers has developed a potential approach to overcome anti-VEGF resistance in patients with age-related macular degeneration. By combining apolipoprotein A-I binding protein (AIBP) with anti-VEGF, the strategy effectively suppresses choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and reduces drug resistance.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

Genome guardians stop and reel in DNA to correct replication errors

Research from NC State University reveals how MutL and MutS proteins create an immobile structure to prevent replication errors, reducing errors by a thousand-fold. The complex also prevents mismatched regions from being packed back into the cell during division.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2020

Assess the effects of alcohol control policies in the Baltics

A new international research project aims to evaluate the impact of alcohol control policies on morbidity and mortality in Lithuania and other Baltic states. The study, led by CAMH and the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, will investigate the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented between 2016 and 2018.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·DateJul 16, 2020

Revealing Brazil's rotten agribusinesses

A peer-reviewed study published in Science finds that 18-22% of Brazil's annual soy exports to the European Union are potentially contaminated with illegal deforestation. The study identifies specific producers responsible for 'poisoning the barrel' and estimates greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation-linked soy and beef exports.

SourceBurness·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

Composing creativity: Children benefit from new painting materials

New research reveals that children's paintings contain valuable insights into their cognitive development, spatial relationships, and artistic abilities. Digital image analysis technology helps identify areas of improvement in art education, such as focusing on object size, composition, and creative methods.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalHealthcare·DateJul 16, 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.

Will telehealth services become the norm following COVID-19 pandemic?

The rapid adoption of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about care quality and safety. Experts warn that integrating essential components of traditional doctor visits into virtual care poses challenges, including physical exams, lab work, and imaging. However, telehealth also holds promise for improvi...

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 16, 2020

ATS publishes new guidance on safely restoring elective pulmonary and sleep services

The American Thoracic Society has published a guidance document to help clinicians restore elective in-person pulmonary and sleep services. The guidance provides recommendations for resuming services, prioritizing patients, and implementing infection control measures to mitigate the risk of viral transmission.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJul 16, 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.

Ethical recommendations for triage of COVID-19 patients

Medical ethicists warn against premature COVID-19 triage, citing concerns over fairness and strain on patients and medical personnel. The experts advocate for increased regional, national, and international collaboration in intensive care to avoid shortages.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateJul 16, 2020

Breeding new rice varieties will help farmers in Asia

Researchers have identified key agronomic traits for high yield in short-duration rice, which can enhance source capacity during grain filling. The new breeding lines yielded 11-38% higher than the most popular short-duration variety, indicating enormous potential for developing improved varieties.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJul 16, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new randomized trial published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine showed no benefit in reducing symptom severity or duration in outpatients with early, mild COVID-19. The study suggests that the treatment may not be effective in populations at higher risk for severe COVID-19.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 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.

Pre-brain surgery test protects language in some tumors

A pre-brain surgery test using navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) accurately maps language centers in patients with brain tumors not involved in these areas. The method's accuracy varies depending on tumor involvement, but it shows promise for improving surgical planning and patient outcomes.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2020

Megaphages harbor mini-Cas proteins ideal for gene editing

Researchers have discovered a compact Cas protein, CasΦ, in megaphages, which could make gene editing easier and more efficient. This protein targets specific regions of DNA with high accuracy and can cut both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA, making it a promising tool for crop improvement and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 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.

When you're 84...What should life look like as we age?

Dr. Lewis A. Lipsitz outlines his vision for a healthy longevity at 84, emphasizing the need for social connections, sense of purpose, and accessible healthcare. He envisions multigenerational communities with technology-enabled support, affordable housing, and community-based health services.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 16, 2020

New test offers clarity for couples struggling to conceive

A new male fertility test, Cap-Score, has been developed to predict which men need treatment and which couples might have success with different forms of assisted reproduction. The test quantifies sperm capacitation ability, enabling doctors and couples to make informed decisions about their fertility.

SourceCornell University·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·DateJul 16, 2020

Exotic neutrinos will be difficult to ferret out

An international team of physicists has analyzed comprehensive data from over a dozen subatomic experiments to investigate right-handed neutrinos. The analysis reveals significant challenges in detecting these particles, but also suggests a possible connection to dark matter.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 16, 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.

Quantum simulation: Particle behavior near the event horizon of block hole

Researchers used femtosecond laser direct write technology to simulate curved space-time near a black hole. They observed accelerated single-photon wave packets and fermion pairs escaping the black hole, mimicking Hawking radiation. This experiment demonstrates the potential for quantum simulation in studying general relativity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 16, 2020

Over $10 million awarded to Penn State for energy center

The US Department of Energy has awarded Penn State over $10 million to develop new ferroelectric memory materials that can be stacked in the third dimension above processor chips. This breakthrough technology aims to mitigate the von Neumann bottleneck, allowing for seamless communication between memory and computation.

SourcePenn State·DateJul 16, 2020

Chest x-rays show more severe COVID-19 in non-white patients

A study found that non-white patients with COVID-19 have more severe disease on chest X-rays, increasing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Limited English proficiency and socioeconomic factors contribute to these disparities.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 16, 2020

Beautyberry leaf extract restores drug's power to fight 'superbug'

Scientists have discovered a compound in the American beautyberry leaves that works in combination with oxacillin to knock down resistance to the drug methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. The study suggests a new potential therapy for treating antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·DateJul 16, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Research helping to improve detection of disease in newborn babies

Researchers at the University of Alberta and Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas developed a new method to analyze urinary metabolome in healthy newborns. The study provides reference data for 86 previously unmeasured chemicals in newborn urine, enabling more accurate diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalMetabolites·DateJul 16, 2020

Streamlining quantum information transmission

Researchers have developed a method to reduce noise and resources required for quantum information transmission, paving the way for a quantum internet. Quantum multiplexing allows for the combination of multiple pieces of information into one photon, reducing the need for separate stamps and enabling significant resource reduction.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 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 evidence for a dynamic metallocofactor during nitrogen gas reduction

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have discovered a key mechanism in breaking down nitrogen gas, a crucial step towards developing more efficient and sustainable methods. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient ways to produce fertilizers and alternative fuels.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2020

Some decontamination processes damage N95 face masks

Certain decontamination methods for reusable N95 face masks can significantly impair their effectiveness. Research found that treatments using high concentrations of gas plasma hydrogen peroxide or longer processing times degrade filtration performance. In contrast, vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizers and shorter decontamination cy...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 16, 2020

Finding hints at novel target for Ewing sarcoma therapy

Scientists have discovered a potential new target for treating Ewing sarcoma, a childhood cancer that affects the bone and soft tissue. The researchers found that an imbalance in genetic code-reading machines causes nucleoli to break up into smaller entities in Ewing sarcoma.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2020

Divining monsoon rainfall months in advance with satellites and simulations

The research team created better climate model simulations that predict variation in monsoon rainfall the following season, with improved forecasts for the Indian subcontinent. The new model uses complementary satellite data to quantify the connection between snow pack characteristics and monsoon strength over the Asian monsoon region.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 16, 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.

'Blinking" crystals may convert CO2 into fuels

Researchers at Rutgers University have created ultra-small nanoparticles that exhibit unusual blinking behavior, which could help produce methane and other fuels. The crystals, composed of titanium dioxide, stay charged for tens of seconds, enabling potential applications in environmental cleanups, sensors, and electronic devices.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJul 16, 2020

Wonders of animal migration: How sea turtles find small, isolated islands

Researchers tracked green sea turtles migrating long distances in the Indian Ocean to small oceanic islands, revealing that they can redirect in the open ocean at a crude level. The study provides evidence of a map sense with open ocean reorientation, allowing turtles to fine-tune their navigation.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 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.

Polymers self-assembling like links of a chain for innovative materials

Researchers have successfully created supramolecular poly-catenanes through molecular self-assembly, forming hierarchical structures composed of interconnected rings. The nano-poly[n]catenanes exhibit unprecedented physical properties and potential applications in molecular machines and active materials.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·JournalNature·DateJul 16, 2020

GW researcher awarded $3.6 million to investigate HIV antibody treatments

A GW-led research team is investigating HIV-1 resistance to antibody treatments, aiming to develop effective combination therapies for treatment, prevention, and potential cure. The project, funded through April 2025, aims to identify effective combination antibody cocktails that limit the virus's ability to escape from antibody pressure.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateJul 16, 2020

Studying small to learn big

Dien Nguyen investigates nucleon interactions at short distances in both heavy and light nuclei during her fellowship. Her research will expand on previous findings, providing insights into neutron stars and the behavior of protons and neutrons inside atomic nuclei.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJul 16, 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.

Does "naming and shaming" of colleges with large tuition increases make a difference?

A study published in Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis found that institutions included in the College Affordability and Transparency Center lists did not change their pricing policies or students' enrollment decisions. The findings suggest that relying on students to seek out affordability information is unlikely to influence...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJul 16, 2020

Oral herpes rates are falling in children

Research published in BMJ Global Health suggests that oral herpes rates are falling among European children and young people. The prevalence of the virus is declining by 1% per year, with more than two-thirds of the population testing positive for HSV-1, but risks increasing sexually in adulthood.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateJul 16, 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.

Yale researchers discover potential treatment for rare degenerative disease

Wolfram Syndrome is a progressive degenerative disease characterized by diabetes, psychiatric symptoms, loss of vision, deafness, and incontinence. Yale researchers have discovered a potential treatment involving two existing drugs that restore calcium signaling and improve cell functions.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 16, 2020

New very short-lived isotope222Np is observed

A team of scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has discovered a new, very short-lived isotope of neptunium, confirming the existence of the N = 126 shell in Np isotopes. The study used alpha-decay spectroscopy to identify the new isotope, which was produced through fusion reactions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 2020