Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 16, 2020


Amyloid formation in the International Space Station

Researchers found amyloid β protein fibrillation slowed down in microgravity, resulting in distinct morphologies. The study provides fundamental insights into pathological amyloid formation, highlighting the ISS as an ideal experimental environment.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateJun 16, 2020

Researchers identify potent antibody cocktail to treat COVID-19

A team of researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine has developed a potent antibody cocktail that can treat COVID-19 by targeting the virus's spike protein. The cocktail will be tested in a clinical trial to evaluate its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists grow optical chips in a petri dish

A team of scientists from ITMO University developed a method to create optical chips in a Petri dish using gallium phosphide as a material for the waveguides. The new chip elements are three times smaller than those working in the IR spectral range, enabling compact and affordable production of lasers and waveguides.

SourceITMO University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 16, 2020

Study in Philadelphia links growth in tree canopy to decrease in human mortality

A study by the USDA Forest Service found that increasing tree canopy in Philadelphia could prevent between 271 and 400 premature deaths annually. The research suggests that even modest increases in tree canopy cover can lead to significant reductions in mortality rates, particularly in areas with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Northern Research Station·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJun 16, 2020

Cholesterol levels dropping in Western nations but rising in Asia

Cholesterol levels have dropped sharply in high-income nations like those in North-western Europe, North America, and Australasia, but risen in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. High cholesterol is responsible for approximately 3.9 million worldwide deaths annually.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature·DateJun 16, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

How to build the plane while flying

The study aims to create comprehensive clinical guidelines for preventing blood clots in COVID-19 patients. These guidelines will help providers prevent deaths from heart attack, stroke and pulmonary embolism due to the virus.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateJun 16, 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.

How the beetle got its bang

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology reveal how bombardier beetles biosynthesize chemicals to create fuel for their explosions. The study shows the beetles' biochemistry is intricate, with toxic chemicals derived from coal tar and benzene-like compounds metabolized from hydroquinone.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalThe Science of Nature·DateJun 16, 2020

Graphics cards farm to help in search of new physics at LHCb

Researchers from HSE University developed an algorithm called Allen, which processes data from the LHCb detector using a farm of GPUs. This approach increases processing speeds up to 40 Tbit/s and reduces costs compared to traditional CPU-based systems.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalComputing and Software for Big Science·DateJun 16, 2020

Strangely ordinary strata

Research reveals that ordinary river deposits dominate the stratigraphic record due to hierarchical organization in river dynamics. This understanding solves a long-standing enigma in geology and has implications for modern river systems affected by climate change and sea level rise.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 16, 2020

A coordinated COVID-19 response helped western Washington state "flatten the curve"

The region's successful response was attributed to six key factors: early communication and coordination, regional coordination and situational awareness, rapid testing development, proactive management of long-term care facilities, effective physical distancing in the community, and partnership with local organizations. This coordinat...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 16, 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.

Wildfires cause bird songs to change

A new study finds that wildfires change the types of songs sung by birds living in nearby forests, leading to increased local song diversity. Researchers recorded over 1,500 male Hermit Warblers and found that song dialects tend to be isolated from each other within different forest types.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateJun 16, 2020

Thinking small: New ideas in the search for dark matter

Researchers at Caltech propose a new approach to detecting dark matter using lighter-weight particles that can interact with magnons, excited electron spins. They suggest cooling equipment and moving it underground to detect these interactions.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2020

TU Darmstadt: Pause button for light particles

Physicists at TU Darmstadt have successfully stopped individual photons and preserved them for a short time, enabling the creation of controlled interactions between light and atoms. This breakthrough could lead to breakthroughs in nonlinear optics and simulation of solid materials through photon crystals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 16, 2020

The rafts used by viruses

Researchers discovered how viruses exploit lipid rafts in the cell membrane to trick receptors into binding, allowing the virus to enter the cell. The study may suggest new strategies for preventing or combating diseases like SARS and Covid-19 by understanding the interactions between viruses and host cells.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJun 16, 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.

Irregular findings common in knees of young competitive alpine skiers

A study finds that distal femoral cortical irregularities (DFCI) occur in over half of young competitive alpine skiers, primarily due to repetitive stress on tendon attachment sites. DFCI should not be mistaken for cancer or infection and are associated with increased bone remodeling and fibrous proliferation.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 16, 2020

The novel mechanisms for inflammation and cancer induced by HTLV-1

Research from Kumamoto University reveals HTLV-1's mechanism of causing inflammation and cancer through viral gene HBZ's impact on immune cell reactivity to cytokines. The study found that IL-6 has suppressive effects on HBZ-induced pathogenicity, while its deficiency further promotes Treg differentiation.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

All of the performance, none of the fuss: Nitrile hydrogenation done right

Researchers at Osaka University have synthesized an easy-to-handle nano-cobalt phosphide catalyst that achieves efficient hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines. The catalyst combines efficiency, cost-effectiveness, ease of handling, and reusability, offering numerous advantages in terms of cost and safety.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 16, 2020

'Relaxed' T cells critical to immune response

Rice University researchers suggest that T cell relaxation time is key to immune response, explaining how invaders prompt the immune system. The approach helps explain why T cells can react so fast and selectively, despite self-ligand imposters outnumbering invaders by a factor of 100,000.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 16, 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.

Tracking Australia's gigantic carnivorous dinosaurs

Research led by Dr Anthony Romilio found evidence of massive predators in Jurassic-era fossil footprints in southern Queensland. The tracks suggest dinosaurs up to three metres high and 10 metres long roamed the area.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalHistorical Biology·DateJun 16, 2020

Determining effective magnetic moment of multicore nanoparticles

A study compares the effective magnetic moments of different multicore nanoparticle systems, showing they are magnetic-field dependent. The findings are important for optimizing magnetic nanoparticles for various applications, including magnetic hyperthermia and targeted drug delivery.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 16, 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.

Simulated sea slug gets addicted to drug

A computer model of a sea slug's brain network became addicted to a highly rewarding but nutritionally empty drug, mimicking addiction in other organisms. The creature cycled between eating and chasing the drug due to desire for reward and satiation, eventually experiencing full-fledged withdrawal.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2020

Honeybee lives shortened after exposure to two widely used pesticides

The study found that exposure to Transform and Sivanto pesticides shortens honeybee lifespan and causes physiological stress. Researchers suggest that more information be put on the labels of these products and further studies be conducted on sublethal effects of chronic exposure.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 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.

Off-the-shelf tool for making mouse models of COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a gene therapy approach to convert lab mice into models of COVID-19. This tool allows researchers to rapidly test treatments and vaccines, including poly I:C, convalescent plasma, and remdesivir, which prevented weight loss and lung disease in infected mice.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCell·DateJun 16, 2020

Persistent DNA damage in the placenta affects pregnancy outcomes

Researchers found persistent DNA damage in placentas of mice with cohesin mutations, leading to senescence and pro-inflammatory cytokines affecting embryonic growth. Targeting cytokine signaling may be a way to protect the health of the placenta and promote healthy pregnancies.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 16, 2020

New discovery paves way for next generation malaria vaccine

Scientists at Seattle Children's Research Institute have developed a genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) that arrests late in the liver stage of human malaria, paving the way for a novel next-generation vaccine. The GAP technology has the potential to offer protection to those living in regions where malaria transmission is widespread.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJCI Insight·DateJun 16, 2020

Effect of high-deductible insurance use in bipolar disorder

A study found that individuals with bipolar disorder who switched to high-deductible health plans experienced a moderate decrease in nonpsychiatrist mental health outpatient visits. However, rates of psychiatrist visits, medication use, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations remained unchanged.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateJun 16, 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.

The smallest motor in the world

Researchers develop 16-atom motor with high directional stability, powered by thermal and electrical energy. The motor's operation challenges classical physics and quantum principles, revealing new insights into energy transfer and time direction.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 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.

Improved heat-resistant wheat varieties are identified

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have identified 10 genetically improved wheat genotypes that can tolerate high temperatures better than others. These varieties, recently developed through genetic improvement programs, demonstrated their effectiveness in maintaining productivity under heat-stress conditions.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cereal Science·DateJun 16, 2020

Could the cure for IBD be inside your mouth?

A new study reveals that poor oral health can exacerbate gut inflammation in IBD patients, potentially leading to reduced quality of life and surgery. The research suggests that promoting oral health could improve clinical outcomes in IBD, making it a crucial aspect of total body health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell·DateJun 16, 2020

Refugee camps vulnerable to COVID-19 outbreaks

A new study simulates the spread of COVID-19 in a densely populated refugee settlement in Bangladesh, predicting over 420,000 infected people and 2,800 deaths in one year. The researchers emphasize the need for innovative responses and intervention to quell the spread and treat the infected population.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2020

Shhhh, the whales are resting

Researchers from Aarhus University found that boat engines can disturb humpback whales, causing them to change behavior and reducing their resting time. The team recommends a 150 dB noise emission standard to minimize disturbance, ensuring whales receive some peace and quiet.

SourceAarhus University·DateJun 16, 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.

World's most complete health analysis of nesting sea turtles conducted in Florida

A team from Florida Atlantic University conducted the world's most complete health analysis of nesting green sea turtles in Florida, providing critical insights into physiology, biology, and herpesvirus epidemiology. The study found no significant differences between healthy and infected turtles, indicating that these viruses are endem...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateJun 16, 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.

Digital strategies to fight COVID-19

The article discusses Luxembourg's expertise in digital health and its role in fighting COVID-19. The country has developed innovative digital solutions, including telemedicine, mobile apps, and AI-powered tools, to support healthcare systems and monitor the pandemic. The 'Predi-COVID' study is a prime example of this efforts, using da...

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 16, 2020

Support drives fate of protected gold nanoclusters as catalysts

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä have discovered that the choice of a support material for gold nanocluster catalysts can drastically affect their structure. On certain supports, clusters disintegrate completely, while on others, the protective organic layer peels away, leaving behind intact metallic nanoclusters.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJun 16, 2020

Researchers study COVID-19, health disparities on caregivers of people with ADRD

A team of researchers from Northern Arizona University is studying the unique needs of caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias living in northern Arizona. The study aims to identify how health and caregiver support resources have changed during COVID-19 and develop programs that provide support to careg...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Australian fossil reveals new plant species

A new plant species, Keraphyton mawsoniae, has been discovered in a 372-359 million year old Australian fossil. The fern-like plant shares similarities with modern ferns and horsetails, providing valuable information on plant evolution during the Devonian-Carboniferous period.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 16, 2020

Children with developmental disabilities more likely to develop asthma

A new study has found that children with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of developing asthma. The study, which analyzed data from over 71,000 families, showed that ethnic minority children were particularly at risk of dual diagnoses of asthma and disability.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 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.

Characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in Detroit

This case series examines clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients in Detroit, providing a comparative analysis of hospitalized and ambulatory populations. Key findings highlight the importance of considering patient demographics and comorbidities in managing COVID-19 cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2020

Brain research sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of depression

A new study found that depressive and anxious symptoms are linked to reduced opioid receptors in the brain, which can be an important mechanism in treating depression. The study, conducted with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, suggests that drugs affecting the opioid system may help treat depression.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJun 16, 2020

Hurricane season combined with COVID-19 pandemic could create perfect storm

Researchers from diverse backgrounds recommend comprehensive solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of connected extremes on food, water, health, and infrastructure. The combination of climate conditions with stressors to social systems, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could lead to severe consequences.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 16, 2020

Wearable patch may provide new treatment option for skin cancer

A novel wearable patch has been developed to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs directly to melanoma sites, providing a more sustainable and long-lasting treatment experience. The patch uses biocompatible silicon nanoneedles that dissolve in tissue fluids, reducing toxicity and side effects associated with conventional treatments.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 16, 2020

Novel antisense drug shows promise in slowing fatty liver disease

A Phase II trial found that the treatment inhibited key enzyme, resulting in lowered triglyceride production and slower progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The study showed robust reduction in liver fat without corresponding increases in blood lipids.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateJun 16, 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.

Digitize your dog into a computer game

Researchers from the University of Bath have developed motion capture technology that can digitise dogs without a suit and using only one camera. This technology has various applications, including helping vets diagnose lameness and monitoring recovery in canine patients.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 16, 2020

COVID-19: Impact on environmental justice

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on environmental justice communities, who are already vulnerable to poor air and water quality, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic hardship. These disparities in health outcomes and mortality rates highlight the need for urgent attention and policy changes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateJun 16, 2020

New Editor-in-Chief appointed for Journal of Photonics for Energy

Sean Shaheen, associate professor at University of Colorado Boulder, takes over as new editor-in-chief of Journal of Photonics for Energy in July 2020. He aims to publish emerging science and technology concepts in photonics for renewable energy harvesting and applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJun 16, 2020

Preparing health practitioners to deal with family violence

A University of Melbourne-led study developed a world-first framework that identifies health practitioners' readiness to address family violence. The CATCH model highlights five vital themes: Commitment, Advocacy, Trust, Collaboration, and Health system support.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 16, 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.

How COVID-19 affects pediatric patients

A study of 34 pediatric COVID-19 patients in China found that children presented with mild to moderate symptoms, including fever and cough, which recovered within days after treatment. Chest CT scans revealed distinct lung patterns, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention in suspected cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 2020

Loss of lipid-regulating gene fuels prostate cancer spread

Researchers found that removing CAVIN1 from stromal cells allows prostate cancer cells to feed on lipids, fueling growth and spreading. This leads to aggressive tumor behavior, including invasive and metastatic behavior.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJun 16, 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.

Flushing toilets create clouds of virus-containing particles

Researchers used computer simulations to show that flushing toilets can create a cloud of virus-containing aerosol droplets that rise high above the seat and last for over a minute. Closing the lid before flushing or using an automatic lid system could help reduce aerosol spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 16, 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.

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: UK modelling study finds case isolation and contact tracing vital to COVID-19 epidemic control

A new UK modelling study suggests that combining self-isolation, intensive contact tracing, and moderate physical distancing measures can effectively control the COVID-19 epidemic. The study found that a high incidence of cases would require a large number of individuals to be quarantined to control transmission.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2020

Asthma among children with developmental disabilities

The study found that asthma was significantly more common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and vision, hearing, or speech delays. Children with these conditions were nearly twice as likely to have asthma compared to their non-disabled peers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2020

Newly discovered plant gene could boost phosphorus intake

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new plant gene, CLE53, that regulates cooperation between fungi and plants. The gene helps plants absorb phosphorus more effectively, reducing fertiliser use and increasing agricultural efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 16, 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.

A sugar hit to help destroy cancer cells

Researchers at USC Viterbi's Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have discovered a fatal vulnerability in many cancer cells: their inability to adapt to alternative sugars like galactose. The discovery could lead to new metabolic treatments for cancer, targeting cells with specific genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateJun 16, 2020

Teens who say their parents are overcontrolling struggle with relationships, educational goals as adults

A new longitudinal study found that teenagers whose parents are overbearing experience difficulties in social relationships and educational attainment by adulthood. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that overcontrolling parenting can stunt adolescent development and lead to long-term problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 16, 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.

Black hole's heart still beating

Astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole's heartbeat, which has been ongoing for over ten years. The signal was spotted again in 2018 using X-ray satellite observations, providing valuable information about the black hole's event horizon.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 16, 2020

Coal-burning in Siberia led to climate change 250 million years ago

A team of researchers has found direct evidence that massive coal burning in Siberia led to the Permo-Triassic Extinction, resulting in up to 96% marine species and 70% terrestrial vertebrate extinctions. The study suggests that catastrophic global warming devastated life on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeology·DateJun 16, 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.

Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health

A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateJun 16, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study evaluates stress level of rehabilitated sea turtles during transport

A new study found that rehabilitated Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles exhibit a substantial stress response when transported to release locations in the southern United States. Despite this, the turtles remained physically stable and ready for release, with minimal impact on their vital signs or blood data.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJun 16, 2020

Researcher builds solution to work-from-home cloud-computing 'storms'

A computer science researcher has developed an algorithm called Orchestra that reduces spikes in resource demands in cloud computing, allowing companies to maintain smooth operations despite increased work-from-home usage. The solution uses lightweight monitoring and performance-based models to adjust cloud resources in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing·DateJun 16, 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.

The balancing act between plant growth and defense

Researchers from Kumamoto University identified a plant gene that balances growth with defense mechanisms to protect against nematode infections. The DEL1 gene helps plants allocate energy to growth rather than defense, leading to increased yields and resistance to pests.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2020

Adding lean beef to a healthy diet does not adversely affect heart health or diabetes risk

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming lean beef as part of a healthy diet does not negatively impact cardiovascular health or type 2 diabetes risk. The study compared two diets: one with an additional 5.3 ounces of lean beef and another without it, both following US-style eating patterns.

SourceNational Cattlemen's Beef Association·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 16, 2020

Multi-institutional study looks at brain MRI findings in COVID-19

A new multi-institutional study found patterns of abnormal brain MRI findings in patients with severe COVID-19, including signal abnormalities in the medial temporal lobe and non-confluent multifocal white matter hyperintense lesions. The study suggests that imaging and neurological follow-up are crucial to evaluate prognosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 16, 2020

Hormone systems can still be adapted in adulthood

Researchers found that male guinea pigs' hormone systems adjust after being transferred from colony housing to pair housing with an unfamiliar female. This adaptation allows them to exhibit more aggressive behavior in defense of the partner, similar to those in prior pair-housing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·DateJun 16, 2020

NUS researchers uncover mysterious tanaids

Two new tanaid species were discovered by NUS researchers in the eastern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into biodiversity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The discovery is significant for environmental management, as it sheds light on the ecosystems and potential resource areas of this understudied region.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalZootaxa·DateJun 16, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, highlighting the importance of high-quality clinical trials and informative multi-group trials to counteract misleading information. The journal also emphasizes the potential for the pandemic to transform medical care, education, and work.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 2020

New species extinction target proposed for global nature rescue plan

Experts demand a prominent target of 20 species extinctions per year to lower biodiversity loss rates and protect ecosystem services. The proposed target is comparable to the 2-degree climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2020

Shining like a diamond: A new species of diamond frog from northern Madagascar

A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJun 16, 2020

Classes set by ability are hitting children's self-confidence, study finds

A new study found that ability-based classes severely affect pupils' self-confidence, particularly in maths. The research suggests that students in top sets have higher self-confidence in maths and English, while those in bottom sets have lower self-confidence, widening the gap over time.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology of Education·DateJun 16, 2020