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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 48

How COVID-19 affects pediatric patients

A study of 34 pediatric COVID-19 patients in China found that children presented with mild to moderate symptoms, including fever and cough, which recovered within days after treatment. Chest CT scans revealed distinct lung patterns, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention in suspected cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

Loss of lipid-regulating gene fuels prostate cancer spread

Researchers found that removing CAVIN1 from stromal cells allows prostate cancer cells to feed on lipids, fueling growth and spreading. This leads to aggressive tumor behavior, including invasive and metastatic behavior.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateJun 16, 2020

Flushing toilets create clouds of virus-containing particles

Researchers used computer simulations to show that flushing toilets can create a cloud of virus-containing aerosol droplets that rise high above the seat and last for over a minute. Closing the lid before flushing or using an automatic lid system could help reduce aerosol spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: UK modelling study finds case isolation and contact tracing vital to COVID-19 epidemic control

A new UK modelling study suggests that combining self-isolation, intensive contact tracing, and moderate physical distancing measures can effectively control the COVID-19 epidemic. The study found that a high incidence of cases would require a large number of individuals to be quarantined to control transmission.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 16, 2020

Asthma among children with developmental disabilities

The study found that asthma was significantly more common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and vision, hearing, or speech delays. Children with these conditions were nearly twice as likely to have asthma compared to their non-disabled peers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 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.

Newly discovered plant gene could boost phosphorus intake

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new plant gene, CLE53, that regulates cooperation between fungi and plants. The gene helps plants absorb phosphorus more effectively, reducing fertiliser use and increasing agricultural efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateJun 16, 2020

A sugar hit to help destroy cancer cells

Researchers at USC Viterbi's Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have discovered a fatal vulnerability in many cancer cells: their inability to adapt to alternative sugars like galactose. The discovery could lead to new metabolic treatments for cancer, targeting cells with specific genetic mutations.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateJun 16, 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.

Teens who say their parents are overcontrolling struggle with relationships, educational goals as adults

A new longitudinal study found that teenagers whose parents are overbearing experience difficulties in social relationships and educational attainment by adulthood. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that overcontrolling parenting can stunt adolescent development and lead to long-term problems.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJun 16, 2020

Black hole's heart still beating

Astronomers have detected a supermassive black hole's heartbeat, which has been ongoing for over ten years. The signal was spotted again in 2018 using X-ray satellite observations, providing valuable information about the black hole's event horizon.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 16, 2020

Coal-burning in Siberia led to climate change 250 million years ago

A team of researchers has found direct evidence that massive coal burning in Siberia led to the Permo-Triassic Extinction, resulting in up to 96% marine species and 70% terrestrial vertebrate extinctions. The study suggests that catastrophic global warming devastated life on Earth.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeology·DateJun 16, 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.

Overlooked: The role of bacterial viruses in plant health

A review paper argues that bacteriophages are essential for maintaining healthy bacterial communities around plant roots, which is vital for plant growth. The researchers suggest that these phages can stimulate microbes to protect plants during droughts and transfer DNA between cells, leading to new functionalities.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateJun 16, 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.

Study evaluates stress level of rehabilitated sea turtles during transport

A new study found that rehabilitated Kemp's ridley and loggerhead sea turtles exhibit a substantial stress response when transported to release locations in the southern United States. Despite this, the turtles remained physically stable and ready for release, with minimal impact on their vital signs or blood data.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalIntegrative Organismal Biology·DateJun 16, 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.

Researcher builds solution to work-from-home cloud-computing 'storms'

A computer science researcher has developed an algorithm called Orchestra that reduces spikes in resource demands in cloud computing, allowing companies to maintain smooth operations despite increased work-from-home usage. The solution uses lightweight monitoring and performance-based models to adjust cloud resources in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalIEEE Transactions on Cloud Computing·DateJun 16, 2020

The balancing act between plant growth and defense

Researchers from Kumamoto University identified a plant gene that balances growth with defense mechanisms to protect against nematode infections. The DEL1 gene helps plants allocate energy to growth rather than defense, leading to increased yields and resistance to pests.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2020

Adding lean beef to a healthy diet does not adversely affect heart health or diabetes risk

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming lean beef as part of a healthy diet does not negatively impact cardiovascular health or type 2 diabetes risk. The study compared two diets: one with an additional 5.3 ounces of lean beef and another without it, both following US-style eating patterns.

SourceNational Cattlemen's Beef Association·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 16, 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.

Multi-institutional study looks at brain MRI findings in COVID-19

A new multi-institutional study found patterns of abnormal brain MRI findings in patients with severe COVID-19, including signal abnormalities in the medial temporal lobe and non-confluent multifocal white matter hyperintense lesions. The study suggests that imaging and neurological follow-up are crucial to evaluate prognosis.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 16, 2020

Hormone systems can still be adapted in adulthood

Researchers found that male guinea pigs' hormone systems adjust after being transferred from colony housing to pair housing with an unfamiliar female. This adaptation allows them to exhibit more aggressive behavior in defense of the partner, similar to those in prior pair-housing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Münster·DateJun 16, 2020

NUS researchers uncover mysterious tanaids

Two new tanaid species were discovered by NUS researchers in the eastern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into biodiversity in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. The discovery is significant for environmental management, as it sheds light on the ecosystems and potential resource areas of this understudied region.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalZootaxa·DateJun 16, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, highlighting the importance of high-quality clinical trials and informative multi-group trials to counteract misleading information. The journal also emphasizes the potential for the pandemic to transform medical care, education, and work.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 16, 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.

New species extinction target proposed for global nature rescue plan

Experts demand a prominent target of 20 species extinctions per year to lower biodiversity loss rates and protect ecosystem services. The proposed target is comparable to the 2-degree climate target, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScience·DateJun 16, 2020

Shining like a diamond: A new species of diamond frog from northern Madagascar

A new species of diamond frog, Rhombophryne ellae, has been discovered in Montagne d'Ambre National Park, northern Madagascar. The species features distinctive orange flash-markings on its legs and large black spots on its hip. Its discovery highlights the gaps in knowledge of amphibians in tropical regions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZoosystematics and Evolution·DateJun 16, 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.

Classes set by ability are hitting children's self-confidence, study finds

A new study found that ability-based classes severely affect pupils' self-confidence, particularly in maths. The research suggests that students in top sets have higher self-confidence in maths and English, while those in bottom sets have lower self-confidence, widening the gap over time.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology of Education·DateJun 16, 2020

Treating relapsing multiple sclerosis with hookworm infection

A randomized clinical trial investigated treating patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis using a therapeutic hookworm infection, comparing it to placebo. The study aimed to determine if gut worms could induce immune responses that protect against multiple sclerosis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 15, 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.

As food insecurity continues to plague New Yorkers, impact on children is worrisome

A recent survey by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health found that one in four households with children under 18 have reported a child experiencing hunger, leading to weight loss and health concerns. The survey also highlights widening dietary inequities among low-income and minority households.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 15, 2020

COVID-19 hospitalizations could mean significant out-of-pocket medical costs for many Americans

Researchers analyzed insurance claims from 2016 to 2019 and found that out-of-pocket costs for respiratory illnesses were particularly high for consumer-directed plans. Tens of millions of Americans with self-insured health plans may face significant financial burden due to COVID-19 hospitalizations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 15, 2020

Super-potent human antibodies protect against COVID-19 in animal tests

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute isolate powerful coronavirus-neutralizing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients and test their effectiveness in animals, achieving results in under seven weeks. The discovery offers hope for a rapid response to the pandemic and potential clinical trials for treatment and preventive measures.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 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.

A phase battery for quantum technologies

Researchers have created the first quantum phase battery, which induces supercurrents in a quantum circuit by providing a persistent phase difference. The battery consists of an indium arsenide nanowire and aluminum superconducting leads.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature·DateJun 15, 2020

Three new studies identify neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2

Several newly discovered human antibodies target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering promising therapeutic leads and potential protection against new coronavirus outbreaks. Researchers have isolated hundreds of antibodies from convalescent donors, with some showing strong cross-neutralization capabilities against related bat coronaviruses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2020

Taking a landslide's temperature to avert catastrophe

A new model developed by Duke University engineers can accurately recreate the dynamics of historic and current landslides, pointing to the temperature of a thin layer of clay as critical to its potential for sudden cataclysmic failure. The approach is being used to monitor an evolving landslide in Andorra.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 15, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Building a circular chemical economy

McKone's project aims to convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, addressing the environmental impact of excess CO2. He is developing new catalysts and reactors to mimic biological enzymes and improve efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 15, 2020

State laws and firearm mortality

A study found that child access prevention (CAP) laws, but not right-to-carry (RTC) or stand your ground (SYG) laws, are associated with reduced firearm-related deaths. States with more restrictive policies had 11% fewer firearm deaths, corresponding to an estimated 4,475 fewer deaths per year.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020

Cell wall research reveals possibility of simple and sustainable method to protect crops

Scientists have found that cell wall extracts from immune-active plants can trigger plant immunity and disease resistance, providing a new approach to protecting crops against pathogens and pests. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of simple, sustainable, and effective treatments to reduce crop losses.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 15, 2020