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Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 47

Lead white pigments on Andean drinking vessels provide new historical context

Researchers analyzed lead white pigments on qeros, finding only three isotope signatures, two matching European lead paints, and one suggesting local manufacture in the Andes. This study provides new historical context for understanding the timeline and production of culturally significant items during the colonial period.

SourceDickinson College·JournalHeritage Science·DateJul 27, 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.

Make your own greenhouse gas logger

Researchers at Linköping University developed a simple and cost-efficient logger for measuring greenhouse gases, including methane. The open-source Arduino-based system provides data on methane levels, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, making it easier to monitor emissions locally and globally.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 27, 2020

New genome mapper is like "upgrading from dial-up to fibre-optic"

Researchers have developed a new technology called OligoFISSEQ that can visualize hundreds to thousands of genomes simultaneously under the microscope. This breakthrough enables researchers to study genome function and organization in unprecedented detail.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 27, 2020

Invisible barriers cut down on cheating

A new study published in PNAS found that simple environmental cues, such as a see-through partition or an imaginary barrier, can significantly reduce cheating in children. The researchers used four experiments with over 350 children aged 5-6 years old and demonstrated that just the idea of a barrier discouraged cheating.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

New depth map of the Arctic Ocean

The IBCAO 4.0 bathymetric chart provides a detailed map of the Arctic Ocean with higher and better resolution data than previous versions. The new chart reveals a great variety of glacial origins and helps to reconstruct geological processes in arctic latitudes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Data·DateJul 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Same-day IUD placements hard to come by in Ohio, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that most providers in Ohio do not offer same-day IUD placements, with 92% requiring multiple appointments. Insurance coverage was the primary barrier to access, with office staff often citing verification needs as a reason for the delay.

SourceOhio State University·JournalContraception·DateJul 27, 2020

Visibility of climate change news

A study analyzing climate change press releases found that opposing views received twice the citations as pro-action views. Press releases from scientific organizations were less likely to be covered.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Alternative amplification technique could speed up SARS-CoV-2 testing

A faster and less complicated SARS-CoV-2 testing method could aid in rapid isolation of infected people and prevent new outbreaks. Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a promising alternative to current standard methods, though with lower sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

Grape pips reveal collapse of ancient economy in the grip of plague and climate change

A study published in PNAS reveals a significant economic downturn in the Byzantine Empire's arid Negev desert during a pandemic in the mid-6th century CE. The research analyzed seeds found in ancient trash mounds, including grape pips, which show a high frequency, suggesting an increase in viticulture and wine export.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Rethinking women's mental health following partner abuse

A recent study reveals that nearly three-quarters of women experience good psychological well-being prior to partner abuse, yet more than half are diagnosed with a mental illness after. Professor Nicole Moulding calls for a new approach focusing on societal issues and support beyond medication and counseling.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJul 27, 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.

Nationwide trends show fewer cancer patients seeking care since start of pandemic

Research from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found significant decreases nationwide in cancer-related care, including a -56.9% decline in any neoplasm encounters and a 74% drop in new incidence neoplasms. Mammograms declined by 89.2% and colorectal cancer screenings fell by 84.5% during the pandemic.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJCO Clinical Cancer Informatics·DateJul 27, 2020

Heat smarter, not harder -- How microwaves make catalytic reactions more efficient

Scientists at Tokyo Tech develop a novel method to measure local temperature of platinum nanoparticles in catalysts using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. This approach demonstrates that microwave heating selectively heats the metal nanoparticles, increasing reaction rates and reducing temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 27, 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.

Highly invasive lung cancer cells have longer 'fingers'

Tiny finger-like projections called filopodia play a crucial role in invasive behavior of rare lung cancer cells. The cells have longer filopodia than their counterparts, which is linked to the gene MYO10, stabilizing these structures. This discovery could help develop treatments that prevent cancer from spreading.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Weight loss not always best strategy to enhance athletic fitness in young women

Research published at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 Scientific Sessions found that weight loss is not always the best strategy to enhance aerobic fitness in young women. In fact, a lower body mass index (BMI) may be aerobically counterproductive for many women under 30, who still have high aerobic ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJul 27, 2020

New approach refines the Hubble's constant and age of universe

A new study by a University of Oregon physicist estimates the age of the universe at 12.6 billion years using a refined distance-calculation technique. The approach recalibrates a distance-measuring tool known as the baryonic Tully-Fisher relation independently of Hubble's constant.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·DateJul 27, 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.

NASA tracks Hanna's soaking path into Mexico

NASA used infrared data from its Aqua satellite to track Tropical Depression Hanna's movement into Mexico. The storm brought heavy rain to Texas and broke records for rainfall in some areas, with forecasters predicting further heavy rainfall in parts of southern Texas and northern Mexico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 27, 2020

Mars 2020 mission to be guided by USGS astrogeology maps

The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·DateJul 27, 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.

Outcomes of cardiovascular MRI in patients recovered from COVID-19

This observational study evaluates myocardial injury in COVID-19 recovered patients using cardiovascular MRI, revealing key findings on cardiac complications. The study aims to improve understanding of long-term cardiovascular effects in survivors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJul 27, 2020

Lockdown saw modest drop in China air pollution - study

A new study analyzed China's national network of air monitoring stations and found that nitrogen dioxide concentrations dropped by 27% on average, while particulate matter (PM2.5) saw a modest reduction of 11%. Ozone pollution showed little change despite the lockdown.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 27, 2020

Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020

Spillover effects of healthcare payment reform

Changing healthcare payment for one insurer can impact patients covered by others, a nationwide randomized trial suggests. The study found lower hospital readmissions and care intensity among TM patients and those with private insurance through Medicare Advantage.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Study seeks to explain decline in hip fracture rates

Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Osteoporosis Study to explain the decline in hip fracture rates in the US. Lifestyle factors such as reduced smoking and excessive alcohol consumption contributed to the decrease, highlighting the importance of public health interventions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

RNA biology provides the key to cell identity and health

Two studies published in Genome Research provide new insights into the core regulatory networks governing cell types across different vertebrate species. The research highlights the importance of understanding RNA expression in establishing cell function, morphology, and behavior. Long non-coding RNAs were found to affect cell growth a...

SourceRIKEN·JournalGenome Research·DateJul 27, 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.

A new way to target cancers using 'synthetic lethality'

Researchers discovered a way to target cancer cells by blocking functions of Flap Endonuclease 1 (FEN1), which is involved in DNA replication and repair. The approach preferentially killed BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutant cancer cell lines, with normal cells recovering from FEN1 inhibition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Identified a new regulatory mechanism of response to metabolic stress

Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute have identified a new enzymatic activity of Sirtuin SIRT7 that regulates the cellular response to metabolic stress. This discovery opens the door to new therapeutic targets for treating leukaemia and other malignant haemopathies.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Hydrogel mimics human brain with memorizing and forgetting ability

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hydrogel that mimics the human brain's dynamic memory function, encoding information that fades with time depending on intensity. The hydrogel's memory system can be programmed by temperature and learning time, allowing for stable memory establishment and controlled forgetting processes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Researcher earns federal grant for knee osteoarthritis research

A researcher at the University of Oklahoma has received a $1.6 million grant to develop a biomarker for early osteoarthritis diagnosis and predict disease progression. The study aims to identify epigenetic patterns that can help determine whether a patient's condition will worsen quickly or slowly.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 27, 2020

LSU associate professor Jun-Hong Liang receives prestigious NSF CAREER Award

Jun-Hong Liang, an LSU associate professor, has received a five-year NSF CAREER award to support his research on ocean bubbles and their impact on upper ocean dynamics and air-sea gas exchange. The award will enable him to develop high-resolution simulations and physics-based formulas to calculate air-sea gas flux, ultimately improving...

SourceLouisiana State University·DateJul 27, 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.

The solar cell you can print

The £6 million grant will advance organic and perovskite solar cells into new applications, including 5G, the Internet of Things, and zero-carbon buildings. The project aims to develop low-cost manufacturing methods and prototypes to showcase their potential in these areas.

SourceSwansea University·DateJul 27, 2020

How airway cells work together in regeneration and aging

The study found that a delicate equilibrium between stem cells and airway cells is necessary for proper lung regeneration. In the aging process, this balance is disrupted, leading to increased cancer risk and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 27, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A team of bioethicists from Johns Hopkins University emphasizes the need for informed consent in public health activities, including those related to COVID-19. The authors suggest that good governance of public health surveillance infrastructure is crucial to maintain public trust and prevent research abuses.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

X-rays recount origin of oddball meteorites

Researchers at Berkeley Lab used Advanced Light Source to produce 3D reconstructions of magnetization patterns in two rare meteorite samples. The study reveals a parent body with both melted and unmelted parts, pointing to a large planetesimal with a molten metallic core.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 27, 2020

Overweight and obesity are associated with a low sperm quality

A systematic review and meta-analysis of existing studies found associations between adiposity and low semen quality parameters. Overweight and obesity were linked to reduced semen volume, sperm count, vitality, and morphology, while underweight was associated with lower normal morphology.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalObesity Reviews·DateJul 27, 2020

Growing wheat with vertical farming

Simulated vertical farming yields revealed a significant increase in grain production, with potential of 700-1940 t/ha per year, compared to the current world average annual yield. This innovative method also reduces land area, water consumption, and environmental pollution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Safe work protocols can increase the likelihood the business will fail

New research in INFORMS journal Management Science suggests that organizations with safe workplaces have lower odds of survival. Employers who don't prioritize worker safety may gain an economic advantage by reducing costs and increasing productivity. The study analyzed data from 100,000 organizations across 25 years in Oregon.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 27, 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.

Life in the pits: Scientists identify the key enzyme behind BO

Researchers discovered a unique 'BO enzyme' found only within certain bacteria responsible for producing body odour molecules. This breakthrough highlights the role of Staphylococcus hominis in body odour production and suggests its existence prior to modern humans' evolution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2020

Link between education, income inequality has existed for a century

A new study finds that educational inequality has consistently risen with income inequality in the US since the early 20th century, despite periods of relative equality. The research also highlights a 'Vietnam War effect' where collegiate inequality was high among men but low among women during this period.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

Lithium in drinking water linked with lower suicide rates

A new study found that geographical areas with high levels of lithium in public drinking water had correspondingly lower suicide rates. Lithium, known for its anti-suicidal effect, is widely used as a medication for mood disorders and has potential preventative use to combat dementia.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateJul 27, 2020

"Inchworm" pattern of Indonesian earthquake rupture powered seismic "boom"

The study reveals an 'inchworm-like' slip evolution of supershear rupture along the Palu-Koro fault, showcasing the effect of complex fault geometry on rupture propagation. This phenomenon may have significant implications for assessing future earthquake impacts and related disasters.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 27, 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.