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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 47

Learning the wiring diagram for autism spectrum disorders

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a key brain region, the cerebellum's Rcrus1, which regulates repetitive and inflexible behaviors in individuals with autism. Inhibiting activity in this region improved social behaviors, while stimulation restored social functions, offering potential new therapies for ASD.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 15, 2020

Only a third of pediatricians fully follow guidelines on peanut allergy prevention

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that only 30% of US pediatricians fully implement recommended practices for preventing peanut allergy, with common barriers including lack of clinic time and parental fear. The 2017 guidelines aim to introduce peanut-containing foods at 4-6 months to reduce prevalence.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 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.

Early life stress is associated with youth-onset depression for some types of stress but not others

A meta-analysis of 62 studies and 44,000 participants reveals that eight specific types of early life stress are associated with an increased risk of developing depression in youth. These include emotional abuse, poverty, and death of a family member, while others like sexual abuse and physical abuse show stronger links to the condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2020

Tulane scientists build high-performing hybrid solar energy converter

Researchers developed a hybrid solar energy converter that generates both electricity and thermal energy with high efficiency and low cost, enabling zero-net-energy development and greenhouse-gas-free operations. The system demonstrated 85.1% efficiency and is projected to have a system levelized cost of 3 cents per kilowatt hour.

SourceTulane University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 15, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Unleashing the potential of tethered drones

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a new model for positioning tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) to improve cellular phone and internet networks. The study shows that TUAVs can outperform free-flying UAVs in most scenarios with longer tethers.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Communications·DateJul 15, 2020

Marine drifters: Interdisciplinary study explores plankton diversity

Researchers from OIST Graduate University explored how ocean currents impact plankton diversity, finding that currents create barriers that limit dispersal and force coexistence of species. The study used mathematical models and metagenomics to uncover the mystery behind high plankton diversity in oceans.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2020

The road to a battery-powered Europe

European manufacturers are emerging as sustainable successors to combustion engines, with the European Commission investing heavily in initiatives to establish new factories and mining operations across the region. The goal is to create hundreds of thousands of jobs while reducing the carbon footprint of production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 15, 2020

Hyksos, 15th Dynasty rulers of Ancient Egypt, were an internal takeover

A study using chemical analysis reveals that the Hyksos rulers of Ancient Egypt were a multi-cultural group who rose to power from within. The research found that a large percentage of the population in the ancient capital city were non-locals who immigrated from various places, contradicting the common story of a sudden invasion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 15, 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.

Study of natural gas flaring finds high risks to babies

A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a strong association between natural gas flaring and an increased risk of preterm birth. Exposure to high levels of flaring was linked to a 50% higher odds of preterm birth compared to no exposure, with women living near flaring sites facing the greatest risks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 15, 2020

Don't Let social isolation keep you from being active

Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Does eating fish protect our brains from air pollution?

A new study found that older women who eat more fish may counteract the negative effects of air pollution on their brains. The research discovered a link between higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and greater brain volumes, particularly in white matter and the hippocampus.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 15, 2020

COVID-19 'price gouging' could be prevented

A new paper from the University of Portsmouth argues that excessive pricing due to COVID-19 can be prevented by enforcing EU competition law and applying price controls. The research suggests that imposing fines may not be effective in addressing price gouging, as companies may continue to raise prices in the future.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of European Competition Law & Practice·DateJul 15, 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.

Antarctica more widely impacted than previously thought

A team of researchers has quantified human activity across Antarctica, revealing that almost every area has been visited. Biodiversity is not well-represented within these areas, highlighting the need for swift action to declare new protected areas.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

Common FDA-approved drug may effectively neutralize virus that causes COVID-19

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that heparin, a common blood thinner, can effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The drug binds tightly to the surface spike protein of the virus, preventing it from infecting human cells and potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalAntiviral Research·DateJul 15, 2020

Love-hate relationship of solvent and water leads to better biomass breakup

A team of scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutron scattering and supercomputing to understand how an organic solvent and water work together to break down plant biomass. They identified optimal temperatures for the process, which can aid in the rational design of even more efficient technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 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.

Translating skeletal movements, joint by joint

A global team of computer scientists developed a novel deep-learning framework to automate precise translation of human motion. The framework can accurately replicate motion retargeting without specifying explicit pairing between varying data sets, enabling the training of stronger models.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 15, 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.

Four winners of the Schmidt Marine Costal Pollution Challenge are named

The Schmidt Marine Coastal Pollution Challenge selected four innovative solutions to address the urgent need to eliminate the causes and reduce the impact of coastal pollution, specifically nitrogen and phosphorous. The winning projects include a biodegradable plastic alternative and a low-cost nitrogen sensor technology.

SourceSchmidt Ocean Institute·DateJul 15, 2020

'Bystander' Cs meet their match in gene-editing technique

Biomolecular engineers at Rice University have developed a gene-editing technique that dramatically enhances the accuracy of CRISPR-based edits. The new technique, called A3G-BE, precisely modifies single targeted cytosine mutations while minimizing unwanted editing, showing significant success in treating disease-relevant contexts.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 15, 2020

Renewable energy transition makes dollars and sense

Researchers found that transitioning to renewable energy technologies has high energy return on investment (EROI) values, making it a worthwhile transition. The study analyzed dozens of studies on wind and solar renewables in regions with high solar and/or wind resources.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEcological Economics·DateJul 15, 2020

Monitoring groundwater changes more precisely

Researchers from Potsdam and the USA combined gravity field data from GRACE satellites with local measurement methods to track groundwater changes more precisely. This new approach allows for accurate water storage analysis in smaller regions, even for catchments as small as 1000 square kilometers.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 15, 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.

When should you neuter your dog to avoid health risks?

A comprehensive study of 35 dog breeds found that vulnerability to joint disorders varies greatly depending on the breed, with smaller breeds generally unaffected. The study also identified significant increases in certain cancers in smaller dogs when neutered, highlighting the need for personalized neutering decisions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateJul 15, 2020

Blood test could reveal when rheumatoid arthritis will strike

Researchers have discovered a novel cell type called PRIME cells that accumulate in the blood before rheumatoid arthritis flares, allowing for potential early prediction of disease onset. The findings could lead to better management of the condition and its symptoms.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Elderly Alzheimer's patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection

A recent study has found that elderly Alzheimer's patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to increased expression of the ACE2 gene, which acts as an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The research, published in the Journal of Infection, suggests that elevated ACE2 levels can lead to a higher risk of infection.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalJournal of Infection·DateJul 15, 2020

HKBU research reveals greater flood risks in the coastal region of China

A study by Hong Kong Baptist University found that slow-moving tropical cyclones bring about 20% more rainfall, resulting in increased flood risks in the region. The research also identified a correlation between slower moving speeds and higher rainfall volumes.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 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.

Dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change

A new study reveals that dehydration increases amphibian vulnerability to climate change, with rising temperatures and dry conditions posing a dual threat. By 2080s, habitats may become too hot or dehydrating for many species, forcing them to adapt by moving between habitats more often.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 15, 2020

New material mimics strength, toughness of mother of pearl

Researchers have created a new material that mimics the strength and toughness of mother of pearl, with layers of aragonite stacked in an intricate herringbone pattern. The material is almost twice as strong and four times as tough as previous nacre mimics, making it suitable for sustainable medical uses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 15, 2020

Data analytics can predict global warming trends, heat waves

A new study from Arizona State University and Stanford University uses data analytics to predict global warming trends and heat waves. The researchers tracked temperature variances over years and days, identifying early warning signs of catastrophic changes. Urban greening strategies may promote reverse tipping to restore climate syste...

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 15, 2020

In the sharing economy, consumers see themselves as helpers

A new study by Ohio State University suggests that consumers view independent providers in the sharing economy differently from traditional employees. Firms like Uber and Airbnb should focus on people who provide their services to effectively market themselves to consumers. This shift in perception may have implications for consumer be...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 15, 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.

CUNY ISPH landmark national cohort study awarded $3.4 million NIH grant

The CHASING COVID study follows a diverse cohort of thousands of adults to understand the effects of COVID-19 on mental health, employment, and economic outcomes. The study aims to inform the response to the pandemic and future pandemics with knowledge generated from its longitudinal epidemiologic design.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·DateJul 15, 2020

Regular physical activity seems to enhance cognition in children who need it most

A recent study by the University of Tsukuba found that regular physical activity improves cognitive skills, especially in children with initially poor executive function. The research suggests daily physical activity is critical for school-aged children and has practical implications for educational institutions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Penn researchers find three distinct immune responses for sicker COVID-19 patients

A new study from Penn researchers identified three distinct immune profiles in severely ill COVID-19 patients. These immunotypes were characterized by different levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activity, with the third type showing little to no immune response. The findings could help predict disease severity and guide treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 15, 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.

Exploring how a scorpion toxin might help treat heart attacks

Researchers have discovered a peptide in scorpion venom that can dilate blood vessels and lower blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The compound, KPP, regulates proteins associated with cell death, energy production, and muscle contraction.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateJul 15, 2020

"Alexa, go to the kitchen and fetch me a snack"

Researchers create 3D Dynamic Scene Graphs, enabling robots to quickly generate maps of their surroundings and extract relevant information. The new model is modeled after human perception and allows robots to navigate and make decisions like humans.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 15, 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.

Bacteria with a metal diet discovered in dirty glassware

Researchers at Caltech have found bacteria that use manganese as their primary source of energy, converting carbon dioxide into biomass through chemosynthesis. This discovery sheds light on the geochemistry of groundwater and has implications for understanding manganese nodules on the seafloor.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are risk factors for severe influenza, COVID-19

Research finds obesity and metabolic syndrome to be risk factors for severe disease from viral infections. Patients with these conditions are at increased risk of developing severe pneumonia and a cytokine storm that damages lung tissue, making them more susceptible to severe illness from influenza and COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalJournal of Virology·DateJul 15, 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.

Prediabetes - a window of opportunity to reduce healthcare burden?

A new study by The George Institute for Global Health found that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Researchers analyzed over 10 million people and found that early detection and proper treatment can have significant benefits in reducing the burden of these conditions.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 15, 2020