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Science News Archive June 2020


Page 1 of 48

Electrochemical reaction powers new drug discoveries

A Cornell-led collaboration has developed a new electrochemical reaction that enables the creation of chiral molecules, crucial for drug synthesis. The breakthrough could lead to the manufacture of a host of new, low-cost drugs with improved efficacy and reduced production costs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

A new view of microscopic interactions

Scientists developed a new experimental approach to study chemistry at very low temperatures, revealing specific molecular properties and providing more accurate theories. The approach uses laser-excited molecules in the same direction, allowing for a better understanding of molecular interactions.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 2020

Decoding material wear with supercomputers

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a new method for simulating wear and friction on an atomic scale using supercomputers. This allows them to study the behavior of materials on a microscopic level, enabling the prediction of durability and safety in industrial applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To support lactating emergency physicians, consider these strategies

Lactating emergency physicians face challenges in emergency departments due to lack of support and policies. Implementing strategies like time management, flexible scheduling and adequate lactation spaces can improve their ability to meet lactation goals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 30, 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.

Discovery of key protein behind cancer relapse and progression can lead to new therapies

The study reveals that low levels of MBNL1 protein are associated with poor overall survival in various common cancers. Blocking the JNK protein can reverse this mechanism, providing a potential biomarker for selecting patients for treatment. Researchers plan to investigate MBNL1's role in colorectal cancer and explore anti-JNK therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2020

Ethics and AI: An unethical optimization principle

Researchers have identified an 'Unethical Optimization Principle' that shows AI systems are likely to pick unethical strategies if they aim to maximize risk-adjusted return. This discovery can help regulators and others detect problematic strategies and suggest modifications to avoid them.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 30, 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.

Mathematical noodling leads to new insights into an old fusion problem

Researchers at DOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory have gained new insights into the sawtooth instability, a cooling phenomenon that interferes with fusion reactions. The discovery, rooted in abstract mathematics, suggests an alternative explanation for the phenomenon when the safety factor drops to around 0.7.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateJun 30, 2020

The "eyes" say more than the "mouth" and can distinguish English sounds

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered that pupillary responses can objectively estimate English language processing abilities, including distinguishing sounds like L and R. This method shows promise for efficient studying and may become a new indicator of language ability.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 30, 2020

For cardiac rehab patients, in-home portable air cleaners lower fine-particle pollutant exposure

A pilot study found that providing cardiac patients with in-home portable air cleaners (PACs) significantly reduces their personal-level exposure to fine-particle pollutants, a major risk factor for cardiovascular events. The study showed a 40% reduction in PM2.5 air pollution exposure and potentially lower cardiovascular event rates.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 30, 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.

3D ultrasound enables accurate, noninvasive measurements of blood flow

A new study published in Radiology found that 3D color-flow ultrasound is an effective, noninvasive method for measuring blood flow with high accuracy and reproducibility. The technique overcomes limitations of current methods such as blood pressure and 2D ultrasound, which provide only surrogate metrics or are prone to errors.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 30, 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.

Study gauges how Kansans get information on COVID-19, which sources they trust

A University of Kansas study found that Kansans tend to rely on multiple sources for reliable COVID-19 information, with a preference for local authorities and distrust of social media. Information from government briefings, search engines, and national newspapers were among the most trusted sources.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalKansas Journal of Medicine·DateJun 30, 2020

Malaria's secret to surviving in the blood uncovered

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a protein used by the malaria parasite to protect itself from toxic compounds in red blood cells. This discovery could lead to the development of drugs that block this process, potentially providing valuable insights for treating malaria.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 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.

Food taxes and subsidies would bring major health gains, study shows

Researchers estimate that a food tax on saturated fat, salt, and sugar would save the health system NZ$14.7 billion over time. This scheme would also lead to notable reductions in chronic disease rates, including a one quarter to one third reduction in diabetes incidence.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJun 30, 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.

New genomic atlas of the developing human brain

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have developed a comprehensive region-specific atlas of regulatory regions linked to human embryonic brain development. The study identified 19,000 potential genetic variants critical to brain development, providing a valuable tool for probing underlying biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2020

Glowing dye may aid in eliminating cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used a glowing dye to illuminate cancerous tissue during surgery, which helped identify spread to lymph nodes. The technique could improve outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 30, 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.

As wildfires flare up across West, research highlights risk of ecological change

Research highlights risk of ecological change as wildfires flare up across West, driving changes in forest vegetation and threatening wildlife habitats and local economies. Scientists explore strategies to adapt forests to emerging climatic conditions, including 'assisted migration' and managing wildfire for resource objectives.

SourceColorado State University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 30, 2020

Study: Walking backward to get ahead

Researchers examine how walking backward on a treadmill impacts sensory signaling in the brain and body to improve walking in stroke survivors. The study aims to develop more effective walking rehabilitation strategies for those with remaining walking impairment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJun 30, 2020

Just add sugar: How a protein's small change leads to big trouble for cells

Researchers found that a single change in the GRP94 protein causes it to behave abnormally, leading to widespread dysfunction in cells. A new small molecule PU-WS13 has been identified as a potential treatment for cancer and Alzheimer's disease by repairing defects in the defective protein.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 30, 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.

Spider silk can create lenses useful for biological imaging

Researchers have created biocompatible lenses using spider silk, enabling large-area imaging of biological areas with high resolution. The lenses use dragline silk's unique properties to generate a photonic nanojet, suitable for biomedical applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 30, 2020

Traditional strength training vs jump training for physically inactive young adults

A four-week study found that traditional strength training (TRT) and plyometric jump training (PJT) are equally effective in improving muscular fitness among sedentary young adults. No significant differences were observed between the two groups, suggesting these exercises can be used interchangeably for physical fitness.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Sports Sciences Journal·DateJun 30, 2020

Wild bees depend on the landscape structure

Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 30, 2020

Roadside hedges protect human health at the cost of plant health

A new study from the University of Surrey discovered that roadside hedges protect human health by reducing air pollution exposure, but at the cost of harming plant health. The researchers found that fine particles on leaves were more prevalent on the traffic-facing side of the hedge.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateJun 30, 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.

Pandemic resource allocation needs to address health inequity

A Johns Hopkins Medicine team recommends equitable care during pandemic resource allocation by requiring bias training and assessing system inequalities. Hospitals should prioritize resource distribution based on individual patient needs rather than solely on health factors like heart failure or diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 30, 2020

Could your computer please be more polite? Thank you

A team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University has developed an automated method for making communications more polite, using a large dataset of labeled sentences. The system can restructure nonpolite directives or add words to make them more well-mannered, while maintaining the original meaning.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJun 30, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Research shows quality of prostate MRI is highly variable among institutions

A recent study published in Radiology found that prostate MRI quality is highly variable across institutions, with a significant impact on cancer detection and treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that improved standardization and training are needed to ensure consistent imaging results and better patient care.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalRadiology·DateJun 30, 2020

To find giant black holes, start with Jupiter

Researchers are using Jupiter's mass and orbit to help locate the center of gravity of the solar system, which can signal the presence of massive black holes. By analyzing changes in pulsar timing, they aim to detect gravitational waves that warp space-time.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 30, 2020

No touching: Skoltech researchers find contactless way to measure thickness of carbon nanotube films

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 30, 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.

Brain receptor pulls open electrical gate like a puppet master

Tracking each atom in the NMDA receptor has revealed how it transmits and inhibits neural signals. The discovery could lead to better treatments for Alzheimer's disease, depression, epilepsy, stroke, or schizophrenia by controlling the receptor's activity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 30, 2020

Amber fossils unlock true color of 99-million-year-old insects

Scientists discovered colorful insect specimens in 99-million-year-old amber fossils, revealing the secrets of true coloration. The study sheds light on the behavior and ecology of ancient animals, providing insights into ecosystems in the deep geological past.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateJun 30, 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.

New strategy emerges for vaccine against methicillin-resistant staphylococcal aureus

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have developed a new vaccination strategy that targets the toxic molecules released by Staphylococcal bacteria, including MRSA, to prevent deadly infections. In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, mice vaccinated with this experimental vaccine demonstrated an immune response and ...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJun 30, 2020

Sneaky salmonella finds a backdoor into plants

Wild strains of salmonella have been found to reopen stomates on plants, allowing them to bypass the immune defense system and cause foodborne illnesses. This finding highlights the increasing threat of opportunistic pathogens jumping from plants to humans through contaminated foods.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 30, 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.