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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 48

Pernicious effects of stigma

Researchers found that negative stereotype exposure leads to altered brain activity in the nucleus accumbens, affecting anticipation of rewards and punishments. This study sheds light on the psychological fatigue and stress associated with stigmatization, which can contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Using cellular networks to detect at-risk areas for spread of COVID-19

A team of researchers has developed a method to identify crowded areas with high viral transmission rates using data from existing wireless networks. This technique could help regions manage risks and prevent future outbreaks, while protecting user privacy.

SourceColorado State University·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateJun 29, 2020

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood... or is it?

A study conducted by Michigan State University researcher Zachary Neal found that only 16% of a person's satisfaction with their neighborhood depends on the neighborhood itself. Instead, factors such as individual personality and perception play a significant role in determining neighborhood satisfaction.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrban Studies·DateJun 29, 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.

Responses to cyberbullying

A study of over 6,000 Japanese adolescents found that emotional competence can both protect against and worsen the negative effects of cyberbullying. The researchers suggest that intrapersonal and interpersonal emotional competence play different roles in moderating the impact of cyberbullying victimization on adolescent mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJun 29, 2020

Faster processing makes cutting-edge fluorescence microscopy more accessible

Researchers have developed new techniques that can significantly reduce the time needed to process complex images from cutting-edge microscopes. These methods use deconvolution algorithm modifications, parallelization, and neural networks to speed up processing time by several thousand-fold.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Plasticity may make neurons vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease

Researchers found that neurons with high remodeling activity are more vulnerable to Alzheimer's disease and die when their remodeling goes awry. The study, which linked amyloid-beta and tau proteins at the genetic and molecular levels, provides insights into the disease's progression.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalNeuron·DateJun 29, 2020

First measurement of spin-orbit alignment on planet Beta Pictoris b

Researchers successfully measured the spin-orbit alignment for the first time in a directly-imaged planetary system. The study reveals that the Beta Pictoris system is as well-aligned as our own solar system, favoring planet-planet scattering as the cause of orbit obliquities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2020

Engineers use 'DNA origami' to identify vaccine design rules

Researchers used DNA origami to create virus-like particles coated with HIV proteins, eliciting a strong immune response from human B cells. The study found that the optimal spacing between antigens is wider than previously thought, contradicting common assumptions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Cause of end-Cretaceous dinosaur extinction

Nonavian dinosaurs went extinct during the end-Cretaceous mass extinction due to a 10-15% reduction in sunlight caused by an asteroid impact. Simulations suggest that the asteroid impact was the main driver of nonavian dinosaur extinction, while volcanism might have mitigated its effects.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Racial differences in rates of autopsy in the US

A study analyzing CDC data from 2008 to 2017 found racial disparities in US autopsy rates. Autopsy rates were lower for Hispanic and black patients compared to white patients, highlighting the need for increased awareness and addressing these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Even minor heart defects are associated with long-term problems in adulthood

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that even minor heart defects can lead to chronic diseases, such as arrhythmia and heart failure, in adulthood. Adults who underwent congenital heart surgery during childhood are more likely to experience lower levels of education and employment rates.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solving the CNL6 mystery in Batten disease

A study by Baylor College of Medicine researchers reveals that defective CLN6 causes toxic waste accumulation in cells, leading to progressive degeneration and cell death. The researchers found that CLN6 works together with CLN8 to transport enzymes to lysosomes, and when CLN6 is defective, this process is impaired.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 29, 2020

New treatment for common form of muscular dystrophy shows promise in cells, animals

A synthetic molecule has been designed to stop production of a toxic protein that destroys muscles in people with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Researchers found that the treatment effectively reduced DUX4 production by over 99% and improved muscle cell function.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

How volcanoes explode in the deep sea

An international research group has demonstrated a mechanism for explosive disintegration of magma under water pressure. The team used a diving robot to examine ash deposits on the seabed and conducted experiments in a laboratory setting, revealing processes similar to those that occurred at a depth of 1,000 meters on the sea floor.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers print, tune graphene sensors to monitor food freshness, safety

Graphene sensors printed with aerosol jet technology can detect histamine in tuna broth down to 3.41 parts per million, exceeding US FDA guidelines for food safety. The technology also has potential applications in environmental toxin detection, wearable health monitoring, and disease diagnostics.

SourceIowa State University·Journal2D Materials·DateJun 29, 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.

Closer threats inspire a more primitive kind of fear

Researchers used virtual reality to study how brain circuits respond to threats at different distances. They found that near threats engage survival circuitry, making them harder to extinguish, while distant threats are processed by higher-order thinking areas. This could lead to new therapies for PTSD.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

School HPV vaccine policies could result in higher vaccination rates, reduction in cancers

A UCLA-led study found that school HPV vaccine policies in Rhode Island and the District of Columbia significantly increased vaccination rates among adolescents. The expansion of such policies could lead to higher vaccination rates and reduced cancer risk, particularly for cervical, oral, and rectal cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 29, 2020

Staying apart during a pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant social and physical distancing, causing a loss of human connection. This can have negative effects on mental health, including increased rates of loneliness and depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 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.

Poison-induced mortality of red kites

Researchers correlated poisoned red kites with local extinction and declining breeding populations in Spain between 1994-2014. Wildlife poisoning from pesticides and lead ammunition may contribute to species declines across the country.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Laser-welded sugar: Sweet way to 3D-print blood vessels

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created complex blood vessel networks using laser-welded sugar templates, paving the way for the creation of large tissue models. The technique enables the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells throughout the body, making it a promising approach for future therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

Protein derived from tick saliva proves effective in the treatment of equine skin cancer

Researchers have successfully treated horse melanomas using Amblyomin-X, a protein derived from tick saliva. The treatment resulted in tumor shrinkage and remission in some cases, with no adverse reactions reported. Further analysis of signaling pathways revealed activation of the innate immune system's rapid response.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 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.

Weather and spring migration in birds

A recent study suggests that long-distance migratory birds are not declining due to an inability to advance their spring migration timing in response to climate change. Instead, improvements in wind conditions and land-use changes play a major role in shaping bird population sizes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Ethnolinguistic diversity and urbanization

Researchers analyzed language use and population distribution to find links between ethnolinguistic diversity, urbanization, and armed conflict. The study suggests that policies addressing ethnolinguistic tensions can minimize negative impacts on economic growth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

New eye drops may prevent a common cause of blindness

Researchers have developed eye drops that target caspase-9 enzyme to treat retinal vein occlusion, a common cause of blindness. The treatment has shown promise in improving retinal function and reducing swelling in a mouse model of the condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2020

Human-Artificial intelligence collaborations best for skin cancer diagnosis

A recent study by University of Queensland researchers found that AI improved skin cancer diagnostic accuracy when used in collaboration with human clinical checks. The highest diagnostic accuracy was achieved when crowd wisdom and AI predictions were combined, indicating the importance of human-AI collaborations in skin cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 29, 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.

Artificial intelligence identifies, locates seizures in real-time

Researchers developed a new method to detect and locate seizures in real-time using artificial intelligence and systems theory. By treating the brain as a network, they extracted meaningful data from electroencephalograph (EEG) signals, improving seizure detection accuracy.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2020

Accurate thermal-welding of resins for high-quality products

Researchers developed a precision welding technique using laser heating to join thermoplastic resins like PPS, COP, and PET. This method improves the quality of small electronic components, microchannels, and flat panels by avoiding overheating and burning.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·DateJun 29, 2020

Bleaching affects aquarium corals, too

A new study reveals that two key species of Australian aquarium corals are particularly susceptible to bleaching due to recurrent heatwaves. The study's findings emphasize the need for targeted in-situ monitoring to ensure the long-term sustainability of the coral industry.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalCoral Reefs·DateJun 29, 2020

How upregulation of a single gene by SARS-CoV-2 can result in a cytokine storm

The SARS-CoV-2 virus activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs) through the IDO1-kynurenine-AhR signaling pathway, leading to Systemic AhR Activation Syndrome (SAAS). This triggers a cytokine storm causing inflammation, thromboembolism, and fibrosis. Researchers propose therapies targeting downregulation of AhRs and IDO1 genes to ...

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Wrapping up hydrophobic hydration

Researchers discovered a two-layer water network surrounding hydrophobic molecules, with the inner layer being longer stable and more densely packed. This new understanding is crucial for biomolecular recognition and protein folding processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 29, 2020

The gut shields the liver from fructose-induced damage

A new study reveals that excessive fructose consumption overwhelms the gut's ability to break down sugar, leading to fatty liver development. The research found that consuming food slowly mitigates adverse effects, highlighting the importance of rate-dependent fructose processing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJun 29, 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.

Multifunctional nanofiber protects against explosions

Researchers have developed a multifunctional nanofiber material that can protect wearers from both extreme temperatures and ballistic threats. The material combines the strength of woven fibers with the thermal insulation of porous aerogels, providing a lightweight solution for protecting extremities in explosive environments.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalMatter·DateJun 29, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers suggest routine use of N95 respirators for inpatient COVID-19 care, citing existing data as evidence. Worldwide step count decreases have been seen during COVID-19, with regional variability reflecting adherence to social distancing measures.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Soft coral garden discovered in Greenland's deep sea

Researchers from UCL and ZSL have discovered a soft coral garden habitat in Greenlandic waters, characterized by cauliflower corals and diverse fauna. The discovery has direct implications for the management of deep-sea trawl fisheries and may lead to protection under UN guidelines.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 29, 2020

Lose weight of fusion reactor component

A team of researchers successfully applied topology optimization to a fusion reactor component, reducing its weight by 25%, while maintaining its strength. The superconducting coil requires a strong magnetic field and support structure to function, but this structure is extremely heavy, weighing 20 times that of the Large Helical Device.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers catch a wave to determine how forces control granular material properties

A team of researchers used X-ray measurements to study the behavior of waves in granular materials. The findings provide a better understanding of how particle arrangements and forces affect wave propagation. This knowledge is crucial for detecting earthquakes, locating oil and gas reservoirs, and designing acoustic insulation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

Gold mining restricts Amazon rainforest recovery

A new study reveals that gold mining significantly restricts Amazon forest regeneration, leading to substantial losses in carbon sink capacity. The research highlights the urgent need for active land management and restoration to recover tropical forests on previously mined lands.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJun 29, 2020

WFIRM scientists prove bioengineered uteri support pregnancy

Scientists at WFIRM have successfully engineered uterine tissue that supports fertilization, fetal development, and live birth. The study's findings suggest a regenerative medicine solution to treat uterine defects, avoiding organ rejection and the need for antirejection drugs.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Inflammation and autism spectrum disorder

A new study published in PNAS reveals that low levels of the cytokine IL-38 are associated with increased inflammation in the amygdala of children with autism spectrum disorder. This suggests that targeting IL-38 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating autism.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Sex differences in neutrophils and immunity

The study found that female neutrophils have enhanced proinflammatory genes and responses to inflammatory stimuli compared to male neutrophils. Sex hormones may drive these differences, with males exhibiting increased mitochondrial metabolism in their neutrophils.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 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.

Ad blockers may benefit websites, users, and the market at large

A new study found that ad blockers can help websites target specific audiences with less intrusive ads, benefiting both platforms and users. The study suggests that allowing ad blockers can lead to a more efficient market, resulting in better-quality content for users.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateJun 29, 2020

An ethical eye on AI

Researchers have found a mathematical means to help regulators and businesses manage AI systems' biases towards making unethical and costly commercial choices. The new 'Unethical Optimization Principle' provides a simple formula to estimate its impact, aiming to reduce the risk of AI-driven unethical strategies.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 29, 2020