Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 48

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

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
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.

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

Graphene smart textiles developed for heat adaptive clothing

Researchers from The University of Manchester created a prototype garment that can lower the body temperature in hot climates using graphene's remarkable thermal properties. The technology also opens up new possibilities for interactive infrared displays and covert communication on textile.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 18, 2020

Study links financial hardship to more ED visits; less preventive care

A new study by American Cancer Society finds that cancer survivors experiencing higher medical and nonmedical financial hardships are more likely to visit the emergency department, receive less preventive care, and have worse self-rated health. The study highlights the growing healthcare costs and their impact on worsening health dispa...

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 18, 2020

US cities with pro sports see more flu deaths

A West Virginia University-led study found a significant increase in seasonal flu deaths in US cities with professional sports teams. Researchers analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and discovered that flu mortality rates rose by 5-24% during pro sports seasons, with the largest jump observed in NHL games.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJun 18, 2020

Viruses can steal our genetic code to create new human-virus genes

A study published in Cell reveals that viruses can produce previously undetected proteins by stitching together host and viral sequences, altering the course of viral infection. These new proteins could be exploited for vaccine purposes and may hold key to understanding viral virulence.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateJun 18, 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.

Simulating cooperation in local communities

Researchers introduced a new system to improve cooperation among goods and service providers in rural villages, by assigning reputation scores and rewarding responsible welfare usage. The study's findings suggest that the payoff transfer mechanism can optimize public cooperation without significant costs.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 18, 2020

Much improved climate predictions from statistical mechanics

A new study using statistical mechanics improves climate prediction accuracy for IPCC-class models, bridging gap between scenarios and models. This approach enables real-time scenario construction and facilitates the assessment of tipping points, a crucial aspect of understanding climate change.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Australian scientists reveal a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution

Researchers have developed a method to detect the presence of weak gravitational wave events, revealing a lost 8 billion light years of universe evolution. This breakthrough will allow scientists to observe farther away in space-time and gain insights into the early universe's structure.

SourceThe Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 18, 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.

Design, analyses of oncology trials during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the design and analysis of oncology trials, presenting challenges for cancer researchers and clinicians. As a result, cancer treatment options and patient care have been disrupted, highlighting the need for new strategies to overcome these obstacles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 18, 2020

Hubble provides holistic view of stars gone haywire

Researchers have found unprecedented levels of complexity and rapid changes in jets and gas bubbles blasting off from the centers of two young planetary nebulas. Hubble's multi-wavelength observations are helping to converge on an understanding of the mechanisms underlying these chaotic fireworks.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGalaxies·DateJun 18, 2020

Natural fluid injections triggered Cahuilla earthquake swarm

A four-year-long earthquake swarm near Cahuilla, California was driven by a naturally occurring injection of underground fluids, revealing complex conditions for fluid flow within the fault zone. The study provides new insights into seismic processes and brings closer concrete explanations for how earthquake swarms start and terminate.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 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.

New study: Publicizing OSHA violations increases compliance

A Duke researcher found that publicizing OSHA violations through press releases leads to a significant improvement in compliance among nearby facilities, with effects persisting up to 31 miles away. The study suggests that this approach can be an effective tool for regulatory agencies to promote safety and health in the workplace.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 18, 2020

Predicting side effects

A new open-source machine learning tool identifies proteins associated with drug side effects, offering insights into how the human body responds to drug compounds. The algorithm has generated 221 associations between individual proteins and specific adverse drug reactions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJun 18, 2020

Simple is best? Simple and universal design for fuel cell electrolyte

The study establishes a cost-effective synthetic strategy to gain highly proton-conductive porous organic polymers (POPs) with excellent conductivity of 10-2 to 10-1 S cm-1. This design offers a universal means for evolving structural design for highly proton-conductive materials.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalMaterials Chemistry Frontiers·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers create a photographic film of a molecular switch

A European research team developed a photographic film at the atomic level to track the motion of a molecular building block. The result shows a light-controlled 'pedalo-type motion', moving forward and backward, which could help control material properties with molecular switches.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 18, 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.

Forest loss escalates biodiversity change

New international research reveals that forest cover loss amplifies both gains and losses in global biodiversity. The study, spanning 150 years and over 6,000 locations, finds that forests support around 80% of all land species, with some species declining rapidly after forest loss.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through testing

Testing is vital to identify cases, track superspreading events, and spot previously infected individuals. Innovative approaches are helping to overcome bottlenecks in testing efforts, with the US still struggling to match countries like New Zealand and South Korea.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalRNA·DateJun 18, 2020

High cortisol levels associated with greater risk of death from COVID-19

A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that COVID-19 patients with extremely high cortisol levels are more likely to deteriorate quickly and die. Cortisol levels can be used as a marker of illness severity, helping identify patients who need intensive care.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJun 18, 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.

Quantum rings in the hold of laser light

Researchers from the Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences successfully create tensile and inhomogeneous quantum rings in a controlled manner. The work involves trapping ultracold atoms in optical lattices and modifying interaction between atoms to mimic superconductors.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2020

Know the risks of investing in forests

Researchers warn that forests can be vulnerable to climate change, including fire, drought, and insect damage, which can undermine the effectiveness of forest-based natural climate solutions. Scientists must focus on assessing forest climate risks and sharing data with policymakers to inform climate strategies.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

How chandelier cells light up the brain

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding chandelier cells, which are key regulators of brain signaling. Abnormalities in these cells have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, and studying them may provide insights into disease mechanisms.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJun 18, 2020

Crowded homes, poor neighborhoods linked to COVID-19

A Columbia University study found that crowded homes and poor neighborhoods increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. Women living in high-density households were three times more likely to contract the virus.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateJun 18, 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.

Addressing the persistent gender gaps in some STEM pursuits

Despite efforts to equalize gender representation in STEM fields, persistent gaps remain, particularly in Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. Low-achieving men dominate these fields, while high-achieving women are discouraged from entering.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers take a bloody good look at the medicinal leech genome

The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of blood thinners in leech saliva, shedding light on their potential use in hospital settings. The leech genome sequence offers critical insight into the evolution of bloodfeeding in leeches and may revolutionize the treatment of certain medical conditions.

SourceRoyal Ontario Museum·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Targeting stem cells: The path to curing poor-prognosis leukaemia

Children's Cancer Institute researchers have discovered a new approach to treating acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) by targeting leukemia stem cells. The therapy disrupts the ability of these cells to self-renew, markedly reducing leukaemia amounts and preventing new cells from growing.

SourceChildren's Cancer Institute Australia·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 18, 2020

UC Davis study details use of extreme risk protection orders in Calif. over first four years

A UC Davis study found that the use of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in California increased substantially over the first four years, with most orders requested by law enforcement officers for male and white individuals. The study also identified differences in ERPO use across counties and geographic clustering among neighbori...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 18, 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.

Antioxidant agent may prevent chronic kidney disease and Parkinson's disease

Researchers developed a novel dietary silicon-based antioxidant agent that suppressed the development and progression of kidney failure and Parkinson's disease in rodents. The agent enabled the continuous production of an OH-eliminating molecule, significantly lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

No disadvantages to having kids early

A recent NTNU study on wild boars in France reveals that rapid growth and early maturity may not come at a cost. In fact, faster-growing males had lower mortality rates due to hunting and natural causes, while females showed no significant impact from early reproduction.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalOecologia·DateJun 18, 2020

Stroke survival rates worse in rural areas, study says

Rural patients receive lower quality care and have higher mortality rates due to limited access to advanced stroke treatments. The analysis found that hospital capabilities for delivering advanced stroke care are lower in rural areas, resulting in substantially higher mortality rates.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalStroke·DateJun 18, 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.

Researchers find a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer

A new study has discovered a direct link between mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and the KRAS oncogene, driving the formation of pancreatic cancer. The research provides insight into the mechanism that regulates cell activity, offering potential therapeutic targets for future development.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalCancer Cell·DateJun 18, 2020

Are planets with oceans common in the galaxy? It's likely, NASA scientists find

More than a quarter of exoplanets could be ocean worlds, harboring subsurface oceans and releasing energy similar to Europa and Enceladus. Scientists predict that these planets may be geologically active enough to support life, with some releasing more heat than others.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateJun 18, 2020

Laser technology: The Turbulence and the Comb

A team of scientists has successfully produced a special type of light called a frequency comb, which consists of different light frequencies arranged at regular distances. The breakthrough uses circular quantum cascade lasers and turbulence to create the ordered light, contradicting current laser theory.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 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.

Stirling-led project could be key in tackling 'snail fever'

A Stirling-led project aims to reduce the prevalence of schistosomiasis, a debilitating infection affecting 200 million people worldwide. By boosting native snail predators through aquaculture, researchers hope to control snail populations and limit the spread of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateJun 18, 2020

Decide now or wait for something better?

Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe human behavior in various scenarios, helping to understand decision-making. The study found that people tend to use a linear threshold model, increasing the price they're willing to pay over time.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2020

Yale scientists solve a thorny problem

Researchers found that thorns in citrus plants arise from stem cells, which undergo a programmed arrest to create the sharp pointy end. This discovery may lead to safer fruit harvesting and more fruitful orchards.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 18, 2020

Five steps to stop the death of the most threatened birds of prey

A new five-step protocol aims to reduce mortality of threatened birds of prey due to accidents with infrastructures. The protocol identifies sink populations, frequented areas, and high-risk infrastructure features to improve conservation actions.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·DateJun 18, 2020

Cyclosporin study may lead to novel ways of approaching mitochondrial dysfunction

Research investigates cyclosporin variants for their potential in regulating mitochondrial activity, shedding light on the structure-activity relationship. The study's findings suggest that certain cycloprotein molecules may be useful in treating diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateJun 18, 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.

Simple oral health steps help improve elite athletes' performance

A study led by University College London found that elite athletes who adopted simple oral health measures reported reduced negative effects on performance related to poor oral health. The behaviour change programme improved oral health behaviours and reduced symptoms of gum inflammation, leading to improved sporting performance.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·DateJun 18, 2020