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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 47

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

Family caregiving may not harm health of caregivers after all

A nine-year longitudinal study found that family caregivers did not experience significantly greater inflammation levels compared to non-caregivers, challenging past research findings. The study suggests that caregiving may have minimal effects on physical health for most caregivers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Vascular development may be at risk in autism

Researchers found that mice with a common genetic mutation in autism spectrum disorder had delayed and weaker blood vessel responses, which led to neuronal dysfunction and autistic traits. The study suggests that problems with blood vessels begin early in life and can contribute to the development of autism.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 13, 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.

Turning off 'junk DNA' may free stem cells to become neurons

A new NIH study suggests that deactivating certain genes in the human genome may play a role in controlling the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. The research found that these genes, which were once thought to be inactive 'junk DNA', may help regulate the maturation process of stem cells, leading to improved understanding of ...

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

POSTECH solves the durability issue of hydrogen cars

A research team at POSTECH developed a new catalyst that improves the durability of automotive fuel cells when shut down. The Pt/HxWO3 catalyst promotes hydrogen oxidation and selectively suppresses oxygen reduction reactions, solving the corrosion issue.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Earwig-inspired folding structures

Scientists create geometrical drawing method and software to design fan-like structures based on earwig wing folding. The method was used to recreate a Paleozoic earwig's wing folding pattern, shedding light on evolutionary pathways.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

How a Minecraft mod is helping build smarter AI

UT Dallas researchers are using the Minecraft mod Polycraft World to simulate dynamic and unexpected events to train AI systems. They aim to create artificial intelligence agents that can respond appropriately in novel scenarios, such as changing weather or unfamiliar terrain.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateJul 13, 2020

Parasite infestations revealed by tiny chicken backpacks

A new insect detection system using tiny chicken backpacks with wearable sensors has been developed to detect blood-feeding livestock mites. The technology, nicknamed 'Fitbits for chickens,' can help farmers identify infestations and improve poultry welfare.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 13, 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.

Is delirium associated with long-term cognitive decline?

A combined analysis of 23 studies found that episodes of delirium are a risk factor for long-term cognitive decline. The research suggests that individuals who experience delirium may be more likely to develop dementia and other cognitive impairments over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 13, 2020

Merging solar cell and liquid battery produces long-lasting solar storage

Researchers have developed a highly efficient solar-flow battery that can store and redeliver renewable electricity from the sun. The device achieved a record efficiency of 20 percent conversion, outperforming previous records by 40%. This breakthrough could potentially yield a new way to harness, store and use the sun's energy for sol...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 13, 2020

Mini-LED, Micro-LED and OLED displays: Present status and future perspectives

Researchers analyzed display technologies, including Mini-LED, Micro-LED, and OLED. They found that mLED/μLED/OLED emissive displays outperform LCDs in dynamic range, motion picture response time, color gamut, and adaptability to flexible and transparent displays.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 12, 2020

Biosignatures may reveal a wealth of new data locked inside old fossils

Researchers at Yale University have discovered a novel approach to finding biological signals in ancient fossils, providing insights into major evolutionary questions. The study has already revealed valuable information about the soft shells that encased early dinosaur eggs and identified an ancient creature known as the Tully Monster.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 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.

STRIDE study tests ways to prevent injuries from falls

A new study by Yale University researchers found that a nurse-delivered strategy to prevent falls among older adults reduced the rate of first adjudicated serious fall injury by nearly 10%. The approach also produced significant reductions in self-reported injuries, highlighting its potential in reducing fall-related harm.

SourceYale University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 12, 2020

Whole body scans for trauma patients saves time spent in emergency departments

A new study by University of South Australia medical imaging student Elio Arruzza found that whole-body CT (WBCT) scans can diagnose traumatic injuries faster and more accurately than conventional radiology procedures. WBCT also reduces the time spent in emergency departments, which could help alleviate overcrowding.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Radiology·DateJul 12, 2020

Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lethal lung disease

A Yale, Baylor study reveals new cell types in lungs affected by Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), revealing how cells change in response to the disease. The findings deepen understanding of IPF and could improve treatment of it and other fibrotic lung diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 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.

Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, receives SNMMI 2020 Paul C. Aebersold Award

Carolyn J. Anderson, PhD, has been recognized for her pioneering work in radiometal-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and targeted radiotherapy of cancer and other diseases. Her research focuses on developing imaging agents for upregulated receptors on immune cells involved in inflammation related to lung diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateJul 12, 2020

Differential scanning calorimetry to quantify protein-ligand binding

Researchers from Kazan Federal University developed a program to predict DSC curves from known binding constants and concentrations. This approach allows for the accurate measurement of high and weak binding constants, as well as stoichiometry of complexes, using albumin as a model protein.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJul 11, 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.

Total-body PET/CT captures full picture of systemic inflammatory arthritis

The uEXPLORER TB-PET/CT scanner offers a new imaging option for inflammatory arthritis by capturing glucose metabolism in normal and diseased joint tissues across the body. This allows for quantifying systemic inflammatory burden, which could have direct implications for disease staging, treatment selection, and monitoring of treatment...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 11, 2020

Optical shaping of polarization anisotropy in a laterally-coupled-quantum-dot dimer

Researchers found emission from laterally coupled quantum dots is strongly polarized along the coupling direction and can be shaped by changing excitation polarization. This control enables optically-controlled anisotropic wavefunctions, opening new avenues for data storage and thermoelectric energy harvesting.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 10, 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.

Health disparities published in new volume

The new volume uses a health equity approach to focus on factors associated with cancer disparities research and identifies potential solutions. Studies highlight the impact of lifestyle on breast cancer risk and link mammary gland development to breast cancer disparity.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateJul 10, 2020

BU researchers: 'Gun culture 3.0' is missing link to understand US gun culture

A new study finds differences in gun culture across the US, with three strands identified: recreational use, self-defense, and Second Amendment advocacy. Gun Culture 3.0 is characterized by fear of government threats and increased in states with stricter gun laws.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Single-cell RNA sequencing outlines the immune landscape of severe COVID-19

A new single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of over 59,000 cells from COVID-19 patients and influenza patients reveals distinct immune responses to both diseases. The study suggests targeting the IFN-I signaling pathway as a potential treatment strategy for severe COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 10, 2020

Study pinpoints brain cells that trigger sugar cravings and consumption

A new study has pinpointed the specific brain cells responsible for triggering sugar cravings and overconsumption. The research, led by Matthew Potthoff and Matthew Gillum, reveals that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) acts on glutamatergic neurons to lower sugar intake and sweet taste preference.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 10, 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.

Farmers' climate change conundrum: Low yields or revenue instability

A new study by Cornell University and Washington State University found that climate change will force farmers to choose between lower yields and higher revenue volatility. The research team used a model to explore the impact of drought-tolerant crop varieties, which can improve average yields but also increase revenue fluctuations.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Study finds fatty acid that kills cancer cells

Researchers at Washington State University discovered a fatty acid called dihomogamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) that can induce ferroptosis in human cancer cells. This iron-dependent type of cell death has been linked to various diseases and may hold potential as a treatment for cancer.

SourceWashington State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 10, 2020

More than meets the eye

A new study finds that people with face blindness use different memory processes for face recognition, relying on familiarity rather than recollection. The research suggests that successful facial recognition requires more than a vague familiarity with a face.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCortex·DateJul 10, 2020

Satellite data show severity of drought summers in 2018 and 2019

The GRACE-FO satellites measured significant water mass deficits in Central Europe during the two consecutive summer droughts of 2018 and 2019. The deficits reached 112 Gt in 2018 and 145 Gt in 2019, accounting for 73% and 94% of the average fluctuation in seasonal water storage.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 10, 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.

Construction: How to turn 36 seconds into USD 5.4 billion

A study from Aarhus University links national productivity statistics with actual work done on construction sites, revealing a decline in productivity since the 1970s. By optimizing processes, contractors can generate an estimated $5.4 billion annually in the US and Canada by spending just 36 seconds more per hour on value-adding work.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Construction Engineering and Management·DateJul 10, 2020

Largest study of prostate cancer genomics in Black Americans ids targets for therapies

A new study has identified genes more frequently altered in prostate tumors from men of African ancestry compared to other racial groups. The research found no significant differences in frequencies of mutations in genes important for current prostate cancer therapies, but suggests that precision medicine approaches can be effective if...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 10, 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.

Pandemic inspires framework for enhanced care in nursing homes

A new framework aims to improve care quality in nursing homes during the pandemic and beyond. The framework provides a path for leaders to guide quality assurance and informed decision-making in response to COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Aging & Social Policy·DateJul 10, 2020

UC Riverside postdoc receives NIH Pathway to Independence grant

Rebekah Charney, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Riverside, has received a five-year Pathway to Independence grant from the NIH to study Mowat-Wilson syndrome. Her research aims to understand the mechanisms underlying neural crest cell development and craniofacial pathologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 10, 2020

COVID-19 can be transmitted in the womb, reports pediatric infectious disease journal

A recent study reports evidence of intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to infant, highlighting the importance of protecting pregnant women from COVID-19. The findings suggest that infection can occur during pregnancy, and researchers emphasize the need for further research into mechanisms and risk factors.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateJul 10, 2020

Extraordinary regeneration of neurons in zebrafish

Biologists at the University of Bayreuth have discovered a unique form of rapid regeneration in zebrafish neurons. Mauthner cells, responsible for escape behavior, can regenerate their axons within a week after injury. This finding disproves the widely accepted view that these cells are unable to regenerate.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 10, 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.

Age-related features of facial anatomy for increase safety during plastic surgery

The study analyzed 150 patients' cranial CT scans and identified three types of angular arteries, with the artery's depth varying by age. The findings suggest that injecting hyaluronic acid into elderly patients requires special caution to avoid damaging the artery, which can be exposed due to fat volume loss.

SourceCenter of Diagnostics and Telemedicine·JournalAesthetic Surgery Journal·DateJul 10, 2020

Couldn't socially distance? Blame your working memory

A UC Riverside-led study highlights the importance of working memory capacity in social distancing compliance. Individuals with higher working memory capacity are more likely to follow recommended guidelines, even after controlling for psychological and socioeconomic factors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 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.

Montana State research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology

A Montana State University professor's research on plant chemistry published in Global Change Biology reveals increased greening across the Northern Great Plains and Northern Rockies. The study found decreased levels of nitrogen and increased levels of carbon in recent plant samples, as well as improved water use efficiency.

SourceMontana State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 10, 2020

Building surge ICU capacity during COVID-19

The MUSC team, led by Leslie Lenert and Dee Ford, developed a prototype called Portable Remote Operational Wireless Enabled Surge Specialist ICU (Prowess-ICU) to address COVID-19 surge capacity. The Prowess-ICU model integrates technology-based and patient-centered care solutions within existing regional health care networks.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateJul 10, 2020

NASA tracks tropical storm fay's development and strongest side

NASA tracked Tropical Storm Fay's development using satellite data, creating an animation of the storm's progression. The strongest storms were located in the northeastern quadrant, with temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating powerful thunderstorms and potential heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2020

Arctic Ocean changes driven by sub-Arctic seas

Research reveals complex changes in the Arctic Ocean driven by anomalous influxes of oceanic water from lower-latitude oceans. This process, known as borealization, affects physical, chemical, and biological communities in distinct ways.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 10, 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.

Liquid metal synthesis for better piezoelectrics: Atomically-thin tin-monosulfide

A new study applies liquid-metal synthesis to create atomically-thin tin-monosulfide with excellent electronic and piezoelectric properties, enabling flexible nanogenerators for wearable electronics and biosensors. The resulting material displays high durability and flexibility, making it suitable for commercial implementation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2020

Black phosphorus-based van der Waals heterostructures for mid-infrared light-emission applications

Researchers propose a novel vdW heterostructure for MIR light-emission applications using BP and TMDC materials. The BP-WSe2 heterostructure shows a type-I band alignment, enhancing MIR photoluminescence by ~200%. In contrast, the BP-MoS2 heterostructure forms a type-II band alignment, enabling efficient MIR electroluminescence.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJul 10, 2020