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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 43


Page 43 of 47

Norovirus has two alternative capsid structures which change before infection

Scientists from Japan investigate the mouse norovirus structure and find two alternative capsid structures (type A and type B) that switch depending on aqueous conditions. Type B particles show a delay in propagation and reduced adsorption to host cells, suggesting they may evade the immune system before changing to type A for infection.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 3, 2020

Closing the gap: Citizen science for monitoring sustainable development

A study found that citizen science has the potential to contribute to all 17 UN SDGs, supporting indicators such as environmental and spatial data. Citizen science initiatives can provide accurate, timely, and comprehensive data to track progress towards the SDGs.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalSustainability Science·DateJul 3, 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.

Did adaptive radiations shape reptile evolution?

A study found that fast rates of morphological evolution do not need to coincide with taxonomic diversification in reptiles. The team discovered that accelerated rates of evolution correspond to the origin of unique body plans, but varying rates can result in similar functional adaptations.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020

The sixth sense of animals

Researchers found that animals exhibited unusual behavior up to 20 hours before earthquakes, with stronger reactions closer to the epicenter. The movement data were evaluated using statistical models, suggesting a potential for an animal-based earthquake early warning system.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEthology·DateJul 3, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Getting a grasp on India's malaria burden

A new approach developed by Kyoto University scientists provides insight into the liver stage of the Plasmodium vivax malaria parasite. The method involves infecting human liver cells with mosquito-bred parasites, enabling researchers to study the parasite's life cycle and develop more effective treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMalaria Journal·DateJul 3, 2020

Heatwave trends accelerate worldwide

A global assessment of heatwaves has found increasing frequency and duration since the 1950s, with regions like the Mediterranean experiencing rapid changes. The cumulative heat metric shows accelerating trends worldwide, but not in heatwave intensity.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020

Solar assisted heating networks reduce environmental impact and energy consumption

The study demonstrates that solar assisted heating networks can reduce environmental impact by up to 89.3% compared to traditional heat generation methods, while also providing economic benefits through cost reduction of up to 66%. The system is most effective in larger communities, with a return on investment within 13.7 years.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Toxic air pollution nanoparticles found in heart cell 'powerhouses' of city dwellers

A new study confirms that toxic metallic air pollution nanoparticles are getting inside the crucial energy-producing structures within the hearts of people living in polluted cities, causing cardiac stress. The researchers found iron-rich nanoparticles inside the damaged heart cells of a 26-year-old and even a three-year-old toddler.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateJul 3, 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.

How the body regulates scar tissue growth after heart attacks

Researchers found that a protein called type 5 collagen plays a critical role in regulating the size of scar tissue in the heart. Without it, scarring can lead to increased strain on the remaining heart muscle and higher risks of heart rhythm problems and sudden cardiac death.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·DateJul 3, 2020

Skoltech researchers solve a 60-year-old puzzle about a superhard material

Researchers at Skoltech have solved the long-standing puzzle of tungsten boride's crystal structure, revealing a new material with exceptional mechanical properties. The discovery of WB5-x has exciting implications for various industrial applications, including drilling technology.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 3, 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.

Towards lasers powerful enough to investigate a new kind of physics

An international team of researchers has demonstrated a technique to increase the intensity of lasers by compressing light pulses. This approach could enable the exploration of quantum electrodynamics phenomena at previously inaccessible intensities.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 3, 2020

More ecosystem engineers create stability, preventing extinctions

A new study using ecological network models finds that many ecosystem engineers, such as the shipworm and beavers, create stability in ecosystems, preventing extinctions. The model uses simple rules to show how food webs are assembled and species interactions change over time.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 3, 2020

Long-term consequences of river damming in the Panama Canal

Researchers from Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute analyzed sediment cores and historical records to study the long-term effects of damming on Lake Gatun's ecosystem. The findings highlight the importance of natural river processes in maintaining biodiversity in tropical ecosystems.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJul 3, 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.

How prison and police discrimination affect black sexual minority men's health

A Rutgers-led study finds that incarceration and police discrimination contribute to higher rates of psychological distress, HIV risk, and lower willingness to take PrEP among Black gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men. The research highlights the need for anti-racist and anti-heterosexist advocacy and interventions to address ...

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

Call for immunology to return to the wild

A multidisciplinary research team proposes integrating diverse species and environments into immunology research to develop treatments and vaccines for viruses. Observations in nature, such as the cowpox virus, have led to vaccine discoveries; now, studying new species can yield large payoffs.

SourceMenzies Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

Sniffing out smell

Researchers discovered that neural representations of smell in the cortex reflect chemical similarities between odors, allowing for categorization. The findings also suggest that sensory experiences can rewire these representations.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateJul 2, 2020

DOE awards $3.15 million to Argonne to support collaborations with industry

The US Department of Energy has awarded $3.15 million to Argonne National Laboratory to support collaborations with private companies. This funding is part of the Technology Commercialization Fund, which aims to advance energy technologies and strengthen partnerships between DOE's National Laboratories and industry partners.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJul 2, 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.

Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found the Apgar score effective in assessing health of preterm infants, with lower scores associated with increased mortality risk. A higher Apgar score significantly increases the chance of survival for premature babies, highlighting its importance regardless of gestational age.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

A path to new nanofluidic devices applying spintronics technology

The study elucidates the mechanism of hydrodynamic power generation using spin currents in micrometer-scale channels, improving power generation efficiency drastically with smaller flow sizes. The researchers also demonstrate the feasibility of applying this technology to spintronics-based nanofluidic devices and flowmeters.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2020

Marijuana use while pregnant boosts risk of children's sleep problems

A University of Colorado Boulder study found that mothers who used marijuana during pregnancy were more likely to report their children having clinical sleep problems. The researchers also discovered that frequent marijuana use was associated with somnolence symptoms in children, such as excessive tiredness and difficulty waking up.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSleep Health·DateJul 2, 2020

Prospective teachers misperceive Black children as angry

A study by Amy G. Halberstadt found that prospective teachers are more likely to misperceive Black children as angry than white children, which can have negative consequences for Black youth. The study suggests that this anger bias can lead to Black children being disciplined unfairly and suspended more often from school.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateJul 2, 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.

Timing of SNAP benefits can reduce childhood injuries

A new study found that low-income families receiving SNAP benefits later in the month experience fewer emergency room visits for childhood injuries, likely due to better meal planning and food security. The researchers suggest that supporting federal food assistance programs like SNAP can help reduce childhood injuries and morbidity.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateJul 2, 2020

Tiny mineral particles are better vehicles for promising gene therapy

UW-Madison researchers have created a safer way to deliver mRNA-based therapy for cancer, liver disorders, and vaccination. Tiny mineral particles (MCMs) with pores on their surface can carry molecules like proteins or messenger RNA, mimicking ancient discoveries in archaeology.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 2020

Number of HIV-1 founder variants determined by source partner infection

A new modeling study suggests that the number of infection-initiating viral variants is primarily determined by how long the source partner has been infected. The risk for multiple-founder variant transfer during sexual HIV exposure is nearly doubled during the first three months of the source partner's infection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 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.

Coronavirus damages the endocrine system

A new review finds that COVID-19 can cause damage to the endocrine system, leading to worsening of existing conditions and increased risk of diabetes. Steroids may be a crucial treatment option for patients with COVID-19, as recent studies have shown improved mortality rates in severely ill patients treated with dexamethasone.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJul 2, 2020

The secret double life of histone H3 as a copper reductase enzyme

Histones may have evolved to adapt to oxygenated environments by reducing toxic copper, a crucial element for biological processes. The study reveals a new function of the histone H3-H4 tetramer as an oxidoreductase enzyme, making harmful copper oxidation state safe for use inside cells.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2020

The protein that stands between us and autoimmunity

Studies from Osaka University revealed that Tet2 and Tet3 proteins play a crucial role in regulating B cell activity and preventing autoimmunity. By knocking out these proteins, researchers found increased serum levels of autoantibodies and organ damage in mice, highlighting the importance of epigenetic control in immune function.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 2, 2020

Study explains potential causes for 'happy hypoxia' condition in COVID-19 patients

A new study sheds light on the mysterious condition known as silent hypoxemia or 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients. The research reveals that low oxygen levels without shortness of breath may be caused by a combination of factors, including inaccurate pulse oximeter readings and the brain's delayed response to low oxygen levels.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 2, 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.

Gender gaps in STEM college majors emerge in high school

Research by Cornell University's Kim Weeden suggests that early high school occupational plans are a key factor in determining future STEM college majors, with significant gender differences emerging at this stage. Women are less likely than men to plan for STEM careers, despite similar math abilities and academic achievements.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociology of Education·DateJul 2, 2020

Good news and bad news: Changing trends in cardiovascular disease in Canada

Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateJul 2, 2020

Early marriage may lead to unsafe drinking behavior by those with higher genetic risk

A study found that early marriage can exacerbate risky alcohol use among individuals with a high genetic predisposition, contradicting the traditional view of marriage as a protective factor. The research suggests that early life events may not be as protective against poor mental and physical health outcomes as previously thought.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateJul 2, 2020

New weapons for fighting Devil disease

New cost-effective technology enables advanced immunology studies on Tasmanian devils and reveals conserved immune pathways across 160 million years of evolution. The system can be applied to any vertebrate species, including humans.

SourceMenzies Institute for Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 2, 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.

New method reveals how the Parkinson's disease protein damages cell membranes

Researchers develop new method to study α-synuclein protein's interaction with cell membranes, revealing damage occurs at very low concentrations. The method uses lipid vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes and shows that α-synuclein binds to and destroys mitochondrial-like membranes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2020

Stemming the spread of misinformation on social media

Researchers found that priming people to consider accuracy makes them more adept at recognizing truth from falsehoods, even if they don't think about it directly. By subtly nudging the brain to consider accuracy, individuals can improve their choices about what to share on social media.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 2, 2020

Study: Crowdsourced data could help map urban food deserts

Researchers found that crowdsourced information gathered from mobile apps like Yelp can provide a more accurate real-time representation of food deserts in impoverished communities. The study suggests that the methods used by the USDA to identify areas with low access to healthy food are often outdated and narrow in scope.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateJul 2, 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.

A scientific measure of dog years

Researchers found a new formula that better matches canine-human life stages, with an 8-week-old dog equivalent to a 9-month-old baby. The study also identified developmental genes that drive aging and created an age-measuring clock for different species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·DateJul 2, 2020

Mobile clinics can help address health care needs of Latino farmworkers

A UC Riverside study finds that mobile health clinics can reduce access barriers and improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations like Latino farmworkers. The research suggests that mobile clinics offer culturally and linguistically appropriate care, minimizing structural barriers to care.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateJul 2, 2020

Mini-'Marsquakes' measured by InSight lander show effects of sun and wind

Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed data from NASA's InSight lander to determine the sources of different types and frequencies of Martian microtremors. The study found that low-frequency P-waves were related to changes in wind and solar irradiation, while higher-frequency ambient noises were dominated by lander vibration.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 2, 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.