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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 47

Ideal way to screen for disease

Scientists at Flinders University recommend AIEgen technology for accurate clinical biomarkers and rapid disease screening through bioprobe tests. The technique can detect disease biomarkers in very low concentrations using low-cost, portable devices.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateJul 15, 2020

Space station motors make a robotic prosthetic leg more comfortable, extend battery life

Researchers developed a new robotic prosthetic leg that consumes half the battery power of state-of-art robotic legs while producing more force. The streamlined design features regenerative braking, which charges the battery with energy captured when the foot hits the ground, enabling users to walk for over twice as long on one charge.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateJul 15, 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.

How long should you fast for weight loss?

A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that two daily fasting diets, with eating windows of 4-6 hours, can lead to significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants lost about 3% of their body weight by reducing calorie intake and showed reduced insulin resistance and oxidative stress levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 15, 2020

Tree planting does not always boost ecosystem carbon stocks, study finds

A recent study found that tree planting on heather moorland in Scotland did not increase carbon storage, but instead led to a decline in soil organic carbon stocks. The research suggests that planting trees may not be an effective strategy for mitigating climate change in certain areas.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 15, 2020

Mystery about cause of genetic disease in horses

A research team from Göttingen University has re-examined the skin of Dark Ronald XX and found no evidence of the PLOD1 mutation responsible for Warmblood fragile foal syndrome. The study suggests that the disease may have originated from a different genetic source, challenging previous theories.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalAnimal Genetics·DateJul 15, 2020

What COVID-19 can teach tourism about the climate crisis

New research from Lund University suggests that COVID-19 has exposed the tourism industry's lack of resilience to downturns and its vulnerability to the climate crisis. The study advises destinations to prioritize shorter stays, increase local profits, and rethink food services to reduce carbon emissions.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Travel Research·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.

Scientists identify new material with potential for brain-like computing

Lehigh University researchers have developed a new complex material design strategy for potential use in neuromorphic computing, using metallocene intercalation in hafnium disulfide (HfS2). The work demonstrates the effectiveness of functionalizing a 2D material with an organic molecule, achieving high tunability and energy efficiency.

SourceLehigh University·JournalMaterials Today·DateJul 15, 2020

Slow growth the key to long term cold sensing

Researchers have found a new temperature sensing mechanism in plants that uses slow growth to measure long-term changes in temperature. The study reveals that the protein NTL8 plays a crucial role in this process, accumulating slowly over time and being diluted by faster growth rates.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

Consensus statement on doppler waveforms

The document proposes standardized nomenclature for arterial and venous waveforms, aiming to improve communication amongst vascular professionals and ultimately enhance patient care. It covers various vascular territories throughout the body, including carotid, peripheral arterial, and renal circulation.

SourceSAGE·JournalVascular Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Bed bugs modify microbiome of homes they infest

Researchers at North Carolina State University found that bed bug infestations alter the indoor microbial diversity in homes, with the presence of Wolbachia bacterium being a key driver. After eliminating bed bugs, home microbiomes gradually shifted toward those of uninfested homes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 15, 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.

Invasive hedgehogs and ferrets habituate to and categorize smells

Researchers found that ferrets generalize avian smells, while hedgehogs do not, which could inform strategies to protect bird colonies by saturating the area with bird smell. The study provides insights into the hunting strategies and priorities of invasive predators.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 15, 2020

Scientists open new window into the nanoworld

Researchers at JILA have developed an ultraviolet laser technique to probe materials down to 5 nanometers thick, revealing surprising discoveries about material behavior. The study found that very thin materials can be up to 10 times softer than expected, and certain dopings can disrupt atomic bonds, affecting strength.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Materials·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.

High-fat diet with antibiotic use linked to gut inflammation

A high-fat diet combined with antibiotic use significantly increases the risk of developing pre-IBD. The study suggests that this combination disrupts mitochondria in cells of the large intestinal lining, leading to gut inflammation and a vicious cycle of replacing good bacteria with harmful microbes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJul 14, 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.

Keeping innocent people out of jail using the science of perception

Salk scientists have developed a new lineup method that reveals the strength of recognition memory for each face and eliminates unconscious biases. This technique, called paired comparisons, estimates the probability of correctly identifying the culprit, offering an unprecedented quantitative index of certainty.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2020

Scientists find new link between delirium and brain energy disruption

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have discovered a new link between impaired brain energy metabolism and delirium, a disorienting disorder common in the elderly. Collectively, their research suggests that therapies focusing on brain energy metabolism may offer new routes to mitigating delirium.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·DateJul 14, 2020

Correlations identified between insurance coverage and states' voting patterns

A recent study by Case Western Reserve University reveals a correlation between states' voting patterns in the 2016 presidential election and decreases in health insurance coverage. States classified as 'red' had the highest uninsured rates, while 'blue' states saw a decrease of over 7.6 million uninsured adults.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2020

Nanoelectronics learn the same way as the human brain

Scientists at TU Dresden and HZDR successfully imitated brain neuron functioning using semiconductor materials. This development enables more efficient and intelligent computing, with potential applications in areas such as robotics and image recognition.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 14, 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.

COVID-19 makes clear the need to address social determinants of health

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of social determinants, such as housing, income, and chronic health conditions, in influencing an individual's ability to cope with infectious disease. Primary care can play a crucial role in addressing these disparities through emphasis on equity, social determinants, and prevention.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2020

Predation by Caspian terns on young steelhead means fewer return as adults

A study by Oregon State University found that Caspian terns have a significant impact on steelhead survival, with predation adding to the annual death toll. The birds' presence was connected to statistically significant decreases in steelhead survival rates, highlighting the need for effective predator management.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 14, 2020

Designing better asteroid explorers

Researchers studied robotic explorers' impact on asteroid surfaces, finding that some rocks and boulders likely ricochet due to low gravity. The study provides critical information for designing successful asteroid missions.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalIcarus·DateJul 14, 2020

Autism researchers map brain circuitry of social preference

A new study from Scripps Research reveals how two key neural circuits control social preference in mice, providing insight into the challenges faced by individuals with autism. The research identifies a specific circuit linking higher-level thought and decision-making to emotional regulation, which is impaired in individuals with autism.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 14, 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.

International conference on social determinants of health identified change needs

Clinicians and experts gathered at the Toronto International Conference on Social Determinants of Health to discuss strategies for improving health equity in primary care. Key findings emphasized the need to incorporate community members, especially those with lived experiences of discrimination, into healthcare design teams.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2020

NREL research points to strategies for recycling of solar panels

Researchers at NREL conducted the first global assessment of solar panel recycling approaches. They recommend focusing on high-value silicon purification and exploring techno-economic analyses to mitigate environmental impacts. The study aims to contribute to a PV circular economy, reducing waste and conserving valuable materials.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 14, 2020

Big data analytics enables scientists to model COVID-19 spread

Researchers from FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science developed a model to predict COVID-19 spread using innovative big data analytics techniques. The project leverages prior experience in modeling Ebola spread to create computational models that can quickly identify contacts of infected individuals.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateJul 14, 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.

A Raspberry Pi-based virtual reality system for small animals

Researchers developed a low-cost, customizable VR system to study animal behavior using freely moving small animals. The system, called PiVR, enables the delivery of virtual realities in real-time, allowing scientists to examine causal relationships between neural activity and specific behaviors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 14, 2020

Mismatched caregiver-infant interactions during feeding could boost babies' risk of later obesity

Infants who are fed in the absence of hunger or beyond fullness may develop skewed perceptions of hunger and fullness, increasing their risk of obesity. Caregiver-infant interactions during feeding can shape infants' self-regulation of energy intake, with feeding responsiveness to cues being linked to obesity.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateJul 14, 2020

Palliative nursing's role during COVID-19 and beyond

A recent editorial by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing researchers emphasizes the importance of palliative care in supporting patients, families, and healthcare systems during pandemics. The authors provide recommendations for integrating palliative nursing roles to mitigate the effects of future health crises.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Nursing Scholarship·DateJul 14, 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.

The five phases of pandemic care for primary care

The article outlines a 5-phase roadmap for transforming US primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first three phases focus on testing, triage, and virtual visits, while the fourth phase emphasizes recovery after acute care. The fifth phase addresses indirect consequences like worsening mental health and social risks.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2020

Scientists discuss evolution of white coloration of Thistle-down velvet ants

A team of researchers from Utah State University and the California Department of Food and Agriculture investigated the evolution of Thistle-down velvet ants' white coloration. They found that the wasps' pale coloring provides thermoecological benefits in their hot desert environment, rather than serving as camouflage to avoid predators.

SourceUtah State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 14, 2020

Particulate plutonium released from the Fukushima Daiichi meltdowns

A recent study published in Science of the Total Environment reveals that small amounts of plutonium were released into the environment during the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The research found that plutonium was included inside cesium-rich microparticles, which were emitted from the damaged reactors and deposited across Japan.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 14, 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.

Thermonuclear blast sends supernova survivor star hurtling across the Milky Way

A team of scientists from the University of Warwick has discovered a white dwarf star that survived a partial thermonuclear supernova explosion. The star, SDSS J1240+6710, is traveling at an incredible velocity of 900,000 km/h and has a low mass consistent with the loss of mass during the explosion.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 14, 2020

Robot jaws shows medicated chewing gum could be the future

A new study uses a humanoid chewing robot to assess medicated chewing gum, replicating human chewing motion in a closed environment. The researchers found that the robot demonstrates a similar release rate of xylitol as human participants, with the greatest release occurring during the first five minutes of chewing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 14, 2020

Researchers found a link between genes and preeclampsia

A study published in EBiomedicine reveals a genetic link between the HLA-G gene and preeclampsia. The researchers found that certain alternative forms of the HLA-G gene are connected to the male-to-female ratio at birth, fetal survival, and pregnancy complications.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJul 14, 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.

NHGRI researchers generate complete human X chromosome sequence

Researchers at NHGRI have produced the first end-to-end DNA sequence of a human chromosome, enabling the production of a complete human genome sequence. The achievement opens a new era in genomics research and will aid in gaining a comprehensive understanding of genome function.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2020

'ENHANCE' receives prestigious grant from the European Commission

The ENHANCE alliance will strengthen mobility of students and staff, foster inclusiveness in European higher education, and promote joint strategy and European values. The seven partner universities aim to lay the foundation for structures enabling seamless mobility through innovative teaching formats.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·DateJul 14, 2020

More than one cognition: A call for change in the field of comparative psychology

A recent review in the Journal of Intelligence identifies two main problems hindering research in comparative psychology: anthropocentrism and a narrow view of cognition. The authors argue that studies should take a biocentric approach, considering each species in its own right, and focus on cognitive abilities unique to each species.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalJournal of Intelligence·DateJul 14, 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.

Molecularly thin interface between polymers -- for efficient CO2 capture membrane

Scientists at Kyushu University created composite membranes with ultrathin layers that selectively separate CO2 from nitrogen, thanks to the molecularly thin interface formed between polymers. The discovery opens a new area for designing more efficient membranes for industrial CO2 capture applications.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 14, 2020

Scientists found a way to identify diseases by blood serum

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University and Tsinghua University created a dynamic light scattering method to determine immune complex sizes in blood serum. The new method can detect diseases, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer, by analyzing changes in immune complex concentrations.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalBiology·DateJul 14, 2020

Wireless aquatic robot could clean water and transport cells

Researchers developed a tiny plastic robot that moves under the influence of light and magnetism, allowing it to attract and capture contaminant particles from the surrounding liquid or pick up and transport cells. The robot operates independently of the water composition, making it suitable for use in contaminated water.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 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.