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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 48

JHU: A man who can't see numbers provides new insight into awareness

Researchers studied a man with a rare degenerative brain disease who couldn't see numbers, finding his brain processed faces and words without awareness. The study suggests additional neural processing is required for awareness, which was impaired in the individual.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Life in the galaxy: maybe this is as good as it gets?

Researchers found that early-formed rocky exoplanets are more likely to develop plate tectonics, a condition favorable to life emergence. This implies that life in the galaxy might have started earlier than previously thought, with planets formed later facing less chance of supporting life.

SourceGoldschmidt Conference·DateJun 22, 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.

Dirac electrons come back to life in magic-angle graphene

Researchers discovered a high-energy parent state with unusual symmetry breaking in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene, leading to the revival of Dirac electrons. The system exhibits asymmetric electronic compressibility and phase transitions near integer fillings.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateJun 21, 2020

Which came first?

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Hebrew University of Jerusalem reconstructed ancient protein sequences that may resemble those of early life forms. They discovered a way these primitive proteins could have progressed to form living cells, with positively-charged amino acids playing a crucial role.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2020

Not so robust: robusta coffee more sensitive to warming than previously thought

A new study suggests robusta coffee production decreases by 14% with each 1C increase above a lower-than-once-thought optimal temperature range. The findings contrast with previous estimates and highlight the need for climate adaptation strategies in the coffee industry.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 21, 2020

What does the "love hormone" do? It's complicated

A study of mice in semi-natural settings reveals that oxytocin can increase aggressive behavior as well as friendliness, depending on the environment. The findings suggest a more nuanced view of oxytocin's effects and highlight the need for complex environments to translate research findings to human behavior.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shining light on a malignant lung cancer

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) treatment targeting podoplanin-positive cells in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). NIR-PIT has shown promise in reducing fluorescence from cancer-tagged cells and demonstrating anti-cancer effects.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCells·DateJun 20, 2020

Breakthrough discovery to transform prostate cancer treatment

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel formulation of the prostate cancer drug abiraterone acetate, improving its effectiveness by 40%. The new oral formulation reduces side effects and allows for a smaller dose to be effective without fasting.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJun 20, 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
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.

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

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
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.

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.