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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 40


Page 40 of 47

Scientists offer roadmap for studying link between climate and armed conflict

A new report provides a path forward for research on the complex links between climate change and violent conflict. The study suggests prioritizing deepening insight into climate-conflict linkages, integrating research designs, and evaluating interventions to manage climate-conflict risks.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateJul 7, 2020

TARA biosystems demonstratesin vitrocardiac biology model mimics human drug response

TARA's in vitro human cardiac models replicate drug responses similar to those observed in humans, supporting their use as a robust platform for new medicines evaluation. The models' ability to reproduce diverse mechanisms of action showcases their applicability for cardiac drug discovery and development.

SourceCG Life·JournalJournal of Pharmacological and Toxicological Methods·DateJul 7, 2020

New bird checklists from Coiba National Park, Panama

A new bird checklist from Jicarón and Jicarita islands in Coiba National Park reveals 23 previously unrecorded species, including 10 endemic subspecies and 29 migratory birds. The islands' unique terrain supports a variety of bird species, with some rare migrants recorded.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalTecnociencia·DateJul 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A novel active photonic wireless system to power medical implants

Researchers at GIST developed an active photonic wireless system to power medical implants, eliminating the need for invasive battery replacements. The system uses photons to recharge devices in live tissues, enabling long-term use and accelerating emerging implant technologies.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2020

From Health Affairs: Child mortality lower when women hold office in Brazil

Researchers analyzed data from 2000-15 and found that electing women to local, state, and federal levels of decision making reduces child mortality. Higher representation leads to reductions in child mortality rates, with a 0.038 percentage point decrease for federal Chamber of Deputies and .038 percentage points at the state level.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 7, 2020

New study detects ringing of the global atmosphere

A recent study confirms theories developed by physicists over the last two centuries, showing the Earth's atmosphere vibrates like a bell. The study analyzed atmospheric pressure data for 38 years, revealing dozens of predicted wave modes, matching theory well.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalJournal of the Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 7, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Recent trials of COVID-19 treatments often use time to a positive outcome as a key endpoint, but this may not be suitable when death is a competing risk. The authors propose alternative methods for interpreting treatment effects in COVID-19 studies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 7, 2020

Old X-rays, new vision: A nano-focused X-ray laser

Scientists from Osaka University have reduced X-ray free-electron laser beam diameter to 6 nanometers, enabling precise imaging of single virus particles and ultrafast chemical processes. This advancement improves the accuracy of measurements closer to the atomic level than previously possible.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Synchrotron Radiation·DateJul 7, 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.

Desk-based jobs may offer protection against poor cognition in later life

A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that individuals with less active jobs, typically office-based desk jobs, performed better at cognitive tests and were at lower risk of poor cognition. Those in manual work had almost three times increased risk of poor cognition than those with an inactive job.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 7, 2020

Metabolomics meets genomics to improve patient diagnosis

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers integrates whole-exome sequencing with untargeted metabolomics to identify genetic causes of undiagnosed conditions. The integrated analysis informed 44% of cases, reclassifying variants as likely benign or disease-causing and confirming clinical diagnoses in 21 cases.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJul 7, 2020

Host cell fusion in bacteria infection alarms immune system, causing host cell destruction

The study reveals that Burkholderia pseudomallei infection sets off a series of events that provoke the host's immune system, causing infected cells to self-destruct. The researchers found that abnormal cell fusion stimulates the type 1 interferon signaling pathway, leading to autophagy and cell death.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 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.

Men and younger adults less active in lockdown

New research from Anglia Ruskin University found that women and older adults are more likely to meet exercise targets, whereas men and younger adults were less active. The study suggests that the public's increased free time during lockdown led to higher levels of physical activity.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateJul 7, 2020

Enzymes as double agents: New mechanism discovered in protein modification

Researchers identified eight new acetyltransferases in plants, which are doubly catalytically active and play a role in photosynthesis. The study reveals an entirely new complexity within the enzyme machinery, suggesting other enzymes with similar dual activities exist in eukaryotic cells.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJul 7, 2020

Famous 'Jurassic Park' dinosaur is less lizard, more bird

A new analysis of Dilophosaurus fossils reveals the largest land animal of its time had much in common with modern birds, including powerful muscles and air-filled bones. The study also sheds light on how Dilophosaurus evolved and its place in the family tree.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Paleontology·DateJul 7, 2020

Early childhood education centers can boost parents' engagement at home

Parents who perceive that early childhood education centers communicate well with them are more likely to engage in educational activities, such as reading and singing, both at the center and at home. The quality of these activities is a stronger predictor of school readiness than their quantity.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJul 7, 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.

BIO Integration Journal, volume 1, issue number 1, publishes

The BIO Integration Journal bridges the gap between laboratory, clinic, and biotechnology industries, offering a cross-disciplinary platform for biomedical research advances. Featured papers emphasize interdisciplinary integration in COVID-19 research and immunotherapy strategies.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateJul 7, 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.

Future Texas hurricanes: Fast like Ike or slow like Harvey?

A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that climate change will intensify winds steering hurricanes north over Texas, increasing the likelihood of fast-moving storms. The research found a 50% rise in the chances of fast-moving hurricanes compared to slow-movers like Harvey.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020

Researchers create air filter that can kill the coronavirus

Researchers designed an air filter that can trap and kill the coronavirus and other pathogens, with a 99.8% kill rate in a single pass. The filter uses nickel foam heated to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for external heating sources and minimizing strain on HVAC systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateJul 7, 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.

New study sparks fresh call for seagrass preservation

A new study reveals that seagrass loss in Australia has led to a 2% increase in annual carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 5 million cars per year. The research highlights the vital role seagrass meadows play in mitigating climate change and urges preservation and restoration of these ecosystems.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 7, 2020

Study: Dying stars breathe life into Earth

A new study published in Nature Astronomy sheds light on the origin of carbon in the Milky Way, revealing that dying stars play a crucial role in its synthesis. The research team found that low-mass stars shed more massive remnants than previously thought, breaking a linear trend in star formation and planetary evolution.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 6, 2020

Ultrasonic manipulation of objects in living bodies

A new method uses phased ultrasound to levitate and manipulate objects in living bodies, including solid glass spheres. Researchers believe this technology could be used to guide the clearance of kidney stones or manipulate an ingestible camera.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

Liquid crystal integrated metalens for versatile color focus

Researchers developed a liquid crystal integrated metalens that can achieve both achromatic and chromatic focusing with a single device. The design overcomes the challenge of chromatic aberration, allowing for improved resolution in full-color and hyperspectral imaging.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 6, 2020

Improving wind and solar energy modeling

Researchers developed a deep learning method that enhances global climate models' ability to predict wind velocity and solar irradiance data, leading to more accurate renewable energy prospects. The approach results in high-resolution modeling under various climate scenarios.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Suicide reporting guidelines and social media

A study analyzed 664 news articles about suicide posted on a social network between 2018 and 2019. The findings suggest that adherence to suicide reporting guidelines may benefit individual health as well as reader engagement, with US-based publications being less likely to adhere to the guidelines.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

A different Chia-PET provides insight into prostate cancer

Researchers used ChIA-PET to map associations between proteins and DNA in prostate cancer cells, discovering hubs of interacting enhancers that regulate gene expression. These findings may lead to novel treatments for the most common type of prostate cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 6, 2020

Group genomics drive aggression in honey bees

A new study found that genomic traits of the hive are strongly associated with how fiercely its soldiers attack. The research suggests that the genetic makeup of the society, not individual bee genetics, plays a key role in aggression.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

Coexistence and conflict between humans and bears

Brown bears increasingly live among human settlements due to habitat loss, leading to conflict and high mortality rates. The study found that connected wilderness areas and nocturnal behaviors are crucial for coexistence between humans and bears.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

Why it's no last orders for the Tequila bat

A study by researchers from the University of Bristol has identified the ancestral origin of tequila bats in Mexico, revealing distinct migratory patterns and breeding habits. The findings support the need for targeted conservation management strategies to protect this Near Threatened species.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateJul 6, 2020

LSU Health New Orleans discovers new class of safer analgesics

A team of researchers discovered a new class of pipeline drugs to relieve pain and reduce fever, excluding hepatotoxicity and opioid addiction. The findings have significant implications for acute and chronic pain management, particularly in the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJul 6, 2020

Community science birding data does not yet capture global bird trends

Ornithologists at the University of Utah found that community science bird data shows different trends in bird populations than professional surveys, especially in developing countries. The researchers hope to encourage more conscientious recording and connection between birders and professionals to fill data gaps.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJul 6, 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.

Behind the dead-water phenomenon

Researchers from CNRS and University of Poitiers have explained the 'dead water' phenomenon in ships, where waves create drag, slowing down or stopping vessels. The study reveals waves act like an undulating conveyor belt, causing speed oscillations in trapped boats.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

NYUAD researchers study effects of cellular crowding on the cell's transport system

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi investigate how cellular crowding affects the speed of motor proteins in groups versus singularly, with findings that crowding impacts group movement but not individual motors. The study uses optical tweezers to simulate crowded environments, revealing the balance between motor function and cell survival.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 6, 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.

Climate change and seasonal survival of marmots

Researchers found that climate change positively impacts yellow-bellied marmot survival during short, wet summers and negatively affects it during harsh winters. This study suggests that certain species may benefit in one season while facing unfavorable conditions in another due to climate change.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020

When metal flows like liquid glass: a technology for producing superplastic wire is proposed

Lobachevsky University scientists have developed new ways to modify the structure of aluminium alloys, improving their performance. They used induction casting in vacuum and plastic deformation technologies to create homogeneous highly plastic structures that maintain high strength, thermal resistance, and electrical conductivity.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 6, 2020

Scientists discover a new connection between the eyes and touch

A team of scientists at New York University has found that tiny eye movements can be used as an index of humans' ability to anticipate relevant information in the environment. The study reveals a connection between eye movements and the sense of touch, with micro-saccades hindering tactile discrimination and suppressing them enhancing it.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020

How do bacteria build up natural products?

Researchers have successfully investigated the basic mechanisms of molecular factories in bacteria, revealing insights into the production of complex structures like polyketides. This discovery inspires targeted manipulation of biochemical processes, leading to potential improvements in antibiotics and other drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 6, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers studied SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 11,066 patients, finding they associate with clinical severity and provide valuable diagnostic support. Obesity is associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes in NYC cohort of 1,687 persons hospitalized with confirmed cases.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 6, 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.

Leap in lidar could improve safety, security of new technology

Researchers developed a new silicon chip with no moving parts that improves lidar system resolution and scanning speed, enabling applications in self-driving cars and smartphones. The breakthrough could lead to cheaper, smaller, and more complex lidar systems.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOptica·DateJul 6, 2020

Owner behavior affects effort and accuracy in dogs' communications

Research found that owner behavior, rather than internal principles like the principle of least effort, affects the effort and accuracy of dogs' showing. Owners who encouraged their dog to show where a toy was hidden increased effort but decreased accuracy.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJul 6, 2020

Harmful microbes found on sewer pipe walls

A Rutgers study reveals that sewer pipe walls harbor biofilms containing antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which can withstand standard disinfection methods. Cleaning with bleach can reduce biofilm density but not remove them entirely, posing health risks to wastewater treatment workers and the public.

SourceRutgers University·DateJul 6, 2020

How bats cope with acoustic clutter

In cluttered environments, bats use lowest broadcast frequencies to detect nearby objects and ignore distant echoes. By ignoring long-delay echoes elicited by initial broadcasts, bats can accurately match echoes with corresponding broadcasts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 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.

Motherhood overrides the brain's decision-making

A new study published in eNeuro found that motherhood takes over the brain's decision-making regions to prioritize caring for offspring. The infralimbic cortex directs mothers to choose their pups over drugs, promoting maternal behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 6, 2020

Private wells and lead levels in blood

Children living in homes with private wells were more likely to have elevated blood lead levels than those with city water. Researchers found that African American neighborhoods lacking access to municipal water service faced compounded risks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020