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Science News for June 19, 2020


The exhaust gas from a power plant can be recovered and used as a raw reaction material

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new CO2 capture technology that conserves energy used to capture carbon dioxide from facilities like thermal power plants. The H2 stripping regeneration technology replaces combustion exhaust gas with CO2/H2 gas at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption by up to 99%.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 19, 2020

Live Biotherapeutic products -- a new regulatory approach for the safety assessment of a specific category of biological medicinal products

The article recommends a risk assessment roadmap for LBPs, proposing adapted guidelines for non-clinical programmes and First in Human clinical safety trials. The approach focuses on strain characterization, history of use, antibiotic resistance, and virulence testing to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.

SourcePharmabiotic Research Institute (PRI)·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJun 19, 2020

Measuring a tiny quasiparticle is a major step forward for semiconductor technology

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to measure the mass of individual components in quasiparticles, which could play a crucial role in future applications of quantum computing and more efficient energy conversion. The study reveals significant differences in mass between electrons and holes in ...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Skyrmion dynamics and traverse mobility

Researchers have studied skyrmion behavior under dc and ac drives, discovering directional locking effects and enhanced transverse mobility. The study's findings could revolutionize computing and solve the mystery of ball lightning.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 19, 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.

Fantastic muscle proteins and where to find them

Scientists at Max Delbrück Center develop mouse model to study sarcomere structure and function, identifying key proteins involved in muscle contraction and relaxation. They discover that myosin enters the Z-disc, challenging current models of sarcomere mechanics.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Polymers can fine-tune attractions between suspended nanocubes

Adding polymers to a solution containing hollow silica nanocubes can adjust their attractions, leading to stable mixtures. By varying polymer concentrations, researchers can manipulate the behavior of colloidal mixtures and explore new technologies in light sensing and manipulation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 19, 2020

Resounding yes to message on a bottle

A global study found broad support for alcohol warning labels in seven countries, including Australia (68%) and New Zealand (67%). The study suggests that governments should introduce clear and visible health warnings on alcohol products to improve public health.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJun 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Babies with COVID-19 tend to have mild illness, mostly with fever

Infants under 90 days old who tested positive for COVID-19 mostly experience mild symptoms, with fever being the primary symptom. High viral loads were found in young infants despite mild clinical illness. The decision to admit to hospital is based on age, need for preemptive treatment and clinical assessment.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 19, 2020

Smartphone app uses voice recordings to detect fluid in the lungs

A new smartphone app uses voice recordings to detect fluid in the lungs of heart failure patients, allowing for early intervention and potentially preventing hospitalizations. The app requires a daily 30-second recording, which is compared to a personalized 'healthy' model to identify subtle changes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateJun 19, 2020

Cell removal as the result of a mechanical instability

A simple epithelium modelled as a layer of interconnected polyhedra reveals an inherent mechanical instability that leads to cell extrusion. Small changes in density or topology can trigger extrusion without additional forces, generating forces within the layer that direct further extrusions.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJun 19, 2020

An ant-inspired approach to mathematical sampling

A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 19, 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.

MMR vaccine could protect against the worst symptoms of COVID-19

Administering the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine could serve as a preventive measure to dampen septic inflammation associated with COVID-19 infection. Vaccination has no contraindications and may be especially effective for healthcare workers who can easily be exposed to COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateJun 19, 2020

Heat may kill more people in US than previously reported: BU and UBC study

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and the University of British Columbia finds that thousands of US deaths may be caused by heat each year. The researchers estimate that moderate heat killed 3,309 people per year in the counties included in the study, while extreme heat killed 2,299 people annually.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·DateJun 19, 2020

New light shone on inflammatory cell death regulator

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute researchers used advanced imaging to visualize MLKL's role in necroptosis, a form of cell death triggered by inflammation. They found that inherited variants of MLKL are connected to human inflammatory diseases and have been subject to evolutionary pressures.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 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.

Synaptic variability provides adaptability for rhythmic motor pattern

A study by researchers at Nanjing University found that synaptic variability allows the nervous system to generate variable motor programs, enabling flexibility and adaptability. This mechanism is crucial for learning new activities and adjusting to changing environments.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2020

Teaching physics to neural networks removes 'chaos blindness'

Researchers from North Carolina State University discovered that incorporating Hamiltonian function into neural networks enables them to better predict and respond to chaos. This innovation has significant implications for improved artificial intelligence applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 19, 2020

Study finds 'dark matter' DNA is vital for rice reproduction

Researchers identified a specific non-coding genomic region essential for proper development of male and female reproductive organs in rice. The discovery highlights the importance of non-coding RNAs in plant reproduction and could lead to increased productivity and stable yields of rice.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 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.

New system uses wind turbines to defend the national grid from power cuts

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a 'smart' system that controls energy storage and release in wind turbines to regulate the national grid. The system uses variable speed rotors to keep pace with electricity demand, reducing the risk of power cuts and supporting widespread wind energy use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalIEEE Open Access Journal of Power and Energy·DateJun 19, 2020

NASA observes large Saharan dust plume over Atlantic ocean

A massive Saharan dust cloud formed from strong atmospheric updrafts, picked up by prevailing winds, and is now being blown across the Atlantic and eventually over North and South America. The dust helps build beaches in the Caribbean and fertilizes soils in the Amazon.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 19, 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.

Researchers attempt new treatment approach for blood cancer

Researchers inhibited a specific protein to decrease megakaryocyte numbers in an experimental model, showing promise for treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. The study's findings suggest a potential complementary or alternative therapy for this debilitating disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBlood·DateJun 19, 2020

Matching-commitment agreements to incentivize climate action

A new IIASA-led study suggests that matching-commitment agreements can incentivize countries to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potentially leading to a more effective international climate agreement. The research results indicate that such an agreement can successfully divert countries from a rational outcome to a new ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 19, 2020

Simulating wind farm development

Researchers at Stanford University have devised a model that considers the impact of interactions between developers and landowners on the success and cost of wind farms. The model highlights three actions developers could take to increase landowner acceptance and ultimately reduce costs, including community engagement meetings, prelim...

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateJun 19, 2020

Two quantum cheshire cats exchange grins

Scientists have successfully demonstrated the unique quantum characteristic of the 'Quantum Cheshire Cat' by exchanging grins between two photons without physical contact. By applying a perturbation to the system, they were able to obtain weak values that separated each photon's polarization.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 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.

A new social role for echolocation in bats that hunt together

A recent study by Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute scientists found that search-phase echolocation calls contain information about a bat's identity, allowing them to distinguish between group members. This discovery could mean these calls serve a double function: aiding prey detection and conveying individual identities.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateJun 19, 2020

New adjuvant successful in extending immunity against HIV

A new adjuvant, 3M-052, has been shown to induce long-lasting immunity against HIV in a pre-clinical study involving 90 rhesus monkeys. The adjuvant successfully generated vaccine-specific, long-lived bone marrow plasma cells that maintained high numbers for over one year after vaccination.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 19, 2020

Wind beneath their wings: Albatrosses fine-tuned to wind conditions

A new study found that albatrosses wait for stronger winds to fly again and males rely more on strong winds for take-off due to their larger size. The research tracked over 300 albatrosses and combined tracking data with computer modeling to shed light on the role of wind in flight decisions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 19, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) publishes a new policy paper condemning racism and violence against Black individuals, citing adverse individual and community health consequences. ACP offers specific solutions to increase transparency, accountability, and safer law enforcement practices.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 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.

Coronavirus: A wake-up call to strengthen the global food system

A global pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of the interconnected food system, with supply chain disruptions leading to food shortages and price spikes. A systems approach is needed to address the challenges of a globally complex food system, incorporating systemic risk and opportunities into food-related policies.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalOne Earth·DateJun 19, 2020

Higher rates of severe COVID-19 in BAME populations remain unexplained

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London found that higher rates of severe COVID-19 infections in Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or behavioral factors. The researchers used the UK Biobank cohort to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 infection and ethnicity...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateJun 19, 2020

The relationship between looking/listening and human emotions

A study from Toyohashi University of Technology reveals that visual perception elicits emotions across all attentional states, while auditory perception only elicits emotions when attention is paid to sounds. This suggests distinct relationships between attentional states and emotional responses to visual and auditory stimuli.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 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.

Overconsumption and growth economy key drivers of environmental crises

A review by researchers identifies the link between wealth, economy, and environmental impacts, highlighting the need for structural change to address affluence. Lifestyle changes are crucial, but also, broader economic paradigm shifts are necessary to manage economies in a way that protects climate and natural resources.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Fungal pathogen disables plant defense mechanism

Researchers discovered that the white mold fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum uses two detoxification mechanisms to overcome the mustard oil bomb in plants of the cabbage family. The fungus can grow on these plants by rendering the toxic isothiocyanates harmless.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Is teleportation possible? Yes, in the quantum world

Researchers from the University of Rochester and Purdue University have successfully demonstrated quantum teleportation using electrons, paving the way for future research on this technology. The technique involves entangled pairs of electrons, which can be used to transmit information in semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020

Old drug standards delay new drug approvals

Researchers found that having more information about existing drugs delays new drug approvals for the same conditions. Innovative drugs took an average of 20 months to win approval when there was less information available.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 19, 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.

Peer-reviewed journal Telemedicine Reports launching summer 2020

Telemedicine Reports will publish articles on telemedicine and telehealth advancements, offering innovative solutions for practitioners and medical centers. The journal will provide a dedicated forum for authors to share research, reviews, and practical solutions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine Reports·DateJun 19, 2020

Human activity on rivers outpaces, compounds effects of climate change

Research highlights human activity and climate change as major stressors to river systems, compromising their resilience and vulnerability to extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for urgent governance at local and international levels to address these issues.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOne Earth·DateJun 19, 2020

Ancient societies hold lessons for modern cities

A study published in Science Advances finds that as ancient Pueblo villages grew in size, their residents' per capita production of food and goods increased. This suggests that busy streets may lead to better-off citizens. The research provides a lesson for modern cities on the benefits of social connection and urbanization.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 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.

How a historic drought led to higher power costs and emissions

A study found that droughts can increase power costs and pollution linked to hydropower losses, even with increased renewable energy. The analysis of the 2012-2016 California drought revealed a moderate impact on electricity prices but also highlighted the importance of flexible generation sources during drought years.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2020

Survey finds US adults largely supported measures to limit spread of COVID-19 in May

A survey of US adults in May found widespread support for public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Almost 80% of respondents supported stay-at-home orders and nonessential business closures, with high levels of adherence to public health recommendations such as using cloth face coverings and maintaining physical distancing.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateJun 19, 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.

Environmental conditions found to affect stability of virus that causes COVID-19

A study by Marshall University researcher M. Jeremiah Matson found that higher humidity and warmer temperatures reduce the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal mucus and sputum. Viral RNA was consistently detectable, while infectious virus was detectable for shorter periods.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJun 19, 2020

Why businesses should offer free trials to existing customers

A new study found that offering free trials to existing customers can increase sales, particularly among higher data usage customers. Including a sharing feature in the offer also boosts impact. This approach leverages the 'power of sharing' and can help businesses retain customers while growing future sales.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalManagement Science·DateJun 19, 2020

Patient data can predict life expectancy for older adults with diabetes

A new study from Veterans Affairs Research Communications used predictive modeling techniques on over 275,000 patients with diabetes to identify factors that impact mortality. The results placed patients in three time frames for expected death and provide a framework for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 19, 2020

Researchers pioneer new production method for heterostructure devices

Researchers developed a pioneering production method for heterostructure devices based on 2D materials, forming sharp heterointerfaces through mechanical abrasion. The technique enables the creation of various functional devices with superior performance to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 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.

Signs of being prone to adult diabetes are already visible at age 8 years old

A new study found that early signs of type 2 diabetes can be detected in children as young as 8 years old through metabolic changes measured by blood samples. The research identified subtle differences in metabolism among participants who were more genetically prone to developing the disease later in life.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalDiabetes Care·DateJun 19, 2020

A novel radioisotope therapy for children with neuroblastoma

Researchers found high-dose131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine treatment improved outcomes in refractory high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The study discovered a 42% event-free survival rate at 1 year and 16% at 5 years, with overall survival rates of 58% at 1 year and 42% at 5 years.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAnnals of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 19, 2020

Renewed hope for treatment of pain and depression

Researchers developed LIH383, a novel molecule targeting ACKR3, which modulates natural painkilling and antidepressant properties by reducing opioid peptide levels. This discovery offers an alternative therapeutic strategy for chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as cancer treatment.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 19, 2020