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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 19


Page 19 of 48

Neandertal genes in the petri dish

A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers used stem cells and organoids to analyze the role of Neandertal DNA in human development. The team found that archaic DNA is present in nearly all modern humans outside Africa, with certain genes associated with skin and hair color being highly prevalent in Europeans.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalStem Cell Reports·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.

Scientists decode how the brain senses smell

Researchers have decoded the brain's smell-processing center, identifying a code for converting sensory information into perception. By manipulating nerve signaling, they found changes in glomeruli activation led to significant drops in odor recognition accuracy, with timing and order crucial for correct detection.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Veterinary medicine: Risk factors for heatstroke in UK dogs

A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fish fossils become buried treasure

Researchers discovered that ancient fish fossils near Japan hold valuable rare-earth elements, indicating potential new global supply sources. The findings suggest that fish populations were drawn to specific locations due to climate change and underwater geology, resulting in concentrated deposits of these metals.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Exploring mass dependence in electron-hole clusters

Research by Alexei Frolov finds distinct relationships between particle masses and cluster properties, improving understanding of semiconductors' optical spectra. The study's formulas could be adapted to describe clusters with varying masses, enabling finer tuning of semiconductor properties.

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

Homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to a hospital within 30 days

A new study found that homeless patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days due to chronic diseases and limited access to medical care. The study, conducted across three states, revealed a 17% combined 30-day readmission rate among homeless patients compared to 14% among housed individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 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.

How EU safety legislation has affected UK vapers

A new study from the University of East Anglia reveals that EU safety regulations have reassured UK vapers but also led to concerns about restricted e-liquid products and black market sales. The research highlights the need for awareness about vaping product safety and regulation.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTobacco Use Insights·DateJun 18, 2020

Cloning stem cells to find a cure for Crohn's disease

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified three different stem cell types in Crohn's biopsies, with two variants contributing to inflammation and fibrosis. The team is developing new drug therapies to selectively destroy these rogue cells and create new treatments for pediatric and adult Crohn's disease.

SourceUniversity of Houston·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.

Forest loss escalates biodiversity change

A new study reveals that global forest loss is amplifying both gains and losses in species diversity, leading to changes in ecosystems. The research found that some tropical areas experience significant declines in animal species due to forest loss.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

The Parkinson's disease gut has an overabundance of opportunistic pathogens

A study by Haydeh Payami and colleagues identifies a significant overabundance of opportunistic pathogens in the guts of persons with PD, compared to control subjects. The findings suggest that these microbes may play a role in triggering the disease, but more research is needed to confirm this association.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·DateJun 18, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued new Practice Points on the effectiveness of masks for preventing COVID-19 disease. The guidelines emphasize the importance of N95 respirators in healthcare settings and recommend surgical masks for non-medical individuals to reduce transmission risk. ACP also emphasizes the need for c...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 18, 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.

Latest findings on bitter substances in coffee

A recent study by Leibniz-Institute for Food Systems Biology found that five different bitter coffee constituents, including kahweol and cafestol, interact with human bitter taste receptors. The results suggest that these substances can reduce bitterness and affect gastric acid secretion.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJun 17, 2020

BU awarded grant to expand mental health, social support to women veterans

Boston University School of Medicine's Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) has received a $1.9 million grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation to provide online groups, peer support, and social connections for female veterans. The program aims to improve mental health, social support, and well-being for women veterans across the US.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Nanomaterial gives robots chameleon skin

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new film made of gold nanoparticles that can respond to any type of movement, enabling robots to mimic chameleons. The material's complex patterns can be displayed through programming, opening up various applications such as underwater exploration and authentication features.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 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.

New structural 'map' solves mysteries of gigantic gene regulator

Researchers have solved the structure of a critical protein region in SMCHD1, which plays a key role in 'switching off' genes. The new map reveals how inherited changes in this region cause certain diseases, including muscular dystrophy and developmental disorders.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJun 17, 2020

New techniques improve quantum communication, entangle phonons

Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed a new quantum communication technique that bypasses traditional channels, allowing for secure information transfer without photon loss. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient communication systems, opening up new possibilities for future technologies.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 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.

Vitamin D could help mitigate chemotherapy side effects

Researchers from the University of South Australia suggest that Vitamin D could mitigate chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis by suppressing inflammation and enhancing T-cell function. The study highlights the potential benefits of Vitamin D in reducing damage to the gut microbiome caused by chemotherapy agents.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateJun 17, 2020

Combination biomarker predicts response to immune checkpoint therapy in patients with advanced bladder cancer

Researchers discovered a novel combination of biomarkers from baseline tumor tissues that predict improved clinical responses and prolonged survival in patients with advanced bladder cancer. ARID1A mutations and CXCL13 expression were associated with better overall survival, suggesting potential patient selection improvements.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Art and science in dialogue: Schaufler Residency@TU Dresden 2021

Anton Ginzburg, a New York-based artist, will explore concepts of creativity and cultural labour in a historical context at the Schaufler Lab@TU Dresden. The residency aims to initiate a dialogue between science and art on AI's influence on contemporary artistic practices.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateJun 17, 2020

'Remarkably high' rate of suicide among elderly patients after hip fracture

A nationwide study in South Korea found that elderly patients with hip fractures are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide within the first six months following surgical treatment. The study also suggests that mental stress and emotional status evaluation are crucial for management.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJun 17, 2020

Using a Gaussian mathematical model to define eruptive stages of young volcanic rocks

Researchers applied a new Gaussian mathematical model to high-precision laser 40Ar/39Ar dating data from the Tengchong area, resolving 3 volcanic eruptive stages: Pliocene (3.78 Ma), early Middle Pleistocene (0.63 Ma) and late Middle Pleistocene (0.139 Ma). The method reduces uncertainty and defines stages with high precision.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJun 17, 2020

Study calls for reallocation of subsidies for biocontrols to fight fall armyworm

A new CABI-led study suggests that governments should reallocate subsidies to encourage the use of lower-risk control options like biopesticides. The research also emphasizes the importance of enforcing pesticide regulations and mass media campaigns to inform farmers about recommended pesticides and sustainable management options.

SourceCABI·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 17, 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.

Without intervention, a 70% reduction in strokes or death in patients with brain AVMs

A recent clinical trial published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can experience a significant reduction in stroke risk and mortality when left alone to follow their natural course. In contrast, standard medical interventions may pose more harm than benefit.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJun 17, 2020

Fish evolution in action: Land fish forced to adapt after leap out of water

A new study led by UNSW reveals that blenny fish's transition from water to land is driven by dietary flexibility, which allows them to survive and thrive on land. The researchers found that once on land, these remarkable creatures face restrictions on food availability, triggering major evolutionary changes in their morphology.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 17, 2020

Non-invasive fetal oxygen monitor could make for safer deliveries

Researchers at UC Davis have created a device to directly measure fetal blood oxygen saturation during labor, which could lead to better information on the health of the fetus before birth. This technology has the potential to reduce the rate of C-sections and improve outcomes in difficult deliveries.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 17, 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.

Quantum diamond sensing

Researchers developed a new quantum sensing technique that allows high-resolution NMR spectroscopy on small molecules in dilute solution, achieving femtomole molecular sensitivity. This breakthrough enables chemical analysis and magnetic resonance imaging at the level of individual biological cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 17, 2020

Arctic Ocean acidification worse than previously expected

The Arctic Ocean is projected to absorb 20% more CO2 by the end of the 21st century, leading to stronger ocean acidification. This increase in CO2 will negatively impact calcifying organisms such as mussels and corals, having serious consequences for the entire food chain.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

African lion counts miss the mark, but new method shows promise

A recent study developed a new technique for photographing and data analytics to count lions, which has shown promising results in understanding their populations and movements. The current estimates of African lion populations are thought to be unreliable due to the use of outdated methods such as track counts and audio lure surveys.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 17, 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.

Envy divides society

A game theoretical study by Claudius Gros shows that envy can lead to the emergence of social classes in a society. The study simulates individual behaviour in a competitive environment, where agents with different skills and opportunities interact.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 17, 2020

Virtual demolition

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system that can virtually remove buildings, trees, or moving objects from real-time landscape simulations using deep learning and video game graphics engines. This technology may become standard for urban planning in busy areas with many distractions present, allowing for the visualizati...

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·DateJun 17, 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.

An excessive amount of propionic acid (PPA) in food preservatives may hinder brain development

A recent study published in Molecular Brain suggests that an imbalance of human gut microorganisms and excessive propionic acid consumption may contribute to autism. The researchers found that propionic acid disrupts autophagy, a natural cell mechanism, leading to reduced dendritic spine formation and hindering child brain development.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Brain·DateJun 17, 2020

Knock-knock? Who's there? How coral let symbiotic algae in

A team of Carnegie scientists solved a marine science mystery by identifying the cell type and genes responsible for coral recognition and uptake of photosynthetic algae. This breakthrough can aid coral conservation and increase understanding of other coral species threatened by warming oceans.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 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.

Patient-personalized sequencing pipeline steps up sensitivity of tumor DNA monitoring

A patient-personalized sequencing pipeline, INVAR, enhances the sensitivity of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in plasma samples. This technique analyzes hundreds of patient-specific mutations to detect ctDNA, enabling more accurate monitoring and potentially early relapse spotting.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Tick surveillance and control lagging in US, study shows

A new survey of US tick-management programs reveals a public health gap in surveillance and control efforts. The study found that less than half of programs engage in active tick surveillance and only 12% conduct or support tick-control efforts.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJun 17, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Bouillon fortified with a new iron compound could help reduce iron deficiency

A new iron compound, containing phytate and corn protein hydrolysate, has been found to be easily absorbed by the intestine without compromising food quality. The compound is bound to amino acids and has been shown to increase iron uptake in human intestinal cells, particularly in those with iron absorption inhibitors.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 17, 2020