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Science News Archive June 2020


Page 22 of 48

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.