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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 48

Fat cells found to play a central role in renal failure-associated cardiomyopathy

New research from Marshall University finds that production of peptide NaKtide in fat cells inhibits sodium pump function, preventing the development of cardiomyopathy associated with renal failure. The study also suggests targeting adipocytes may serve as a viable clinical strategy for preventing and treating the condition.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 29, 2020

A new antibiotic binding site was found in the ribosome

A team of scientists discovered a new antibiotic binding site on the ribosome, blocking protein synthesis in bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibacterial drugs that overcome existing antibiotic resistance.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 29, 2020

Engineered immune cells recognize, attack human and mouse solid-tumor cancer cells

Researchers have successfully engineered T-cells to target a variety of solid-tumor cancer cells in humans and mice using CAR-T therapy. The new approach broadens the potential targets by recognizing proteins with short sugar chains attached, which are often mutated in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Wearable-tech glove translates sign language into speech in real time

A UCLA bioengineer designed a glove-like device that can translate American Sign Language into English speech in real-time using a smartphone app. The system uses thin sensors to pick up hand motions and finger placements, which are then translated into spoken words at the rate of about one word per second.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 29, 2020

The magnetic history of ice

Researchers propose a new method to read magnetic pole reversals by analyzing ice cores, which could be applied to other bodies in the solar system. The team created artificial snowfall with magnetic dust and froze it into hard ice, detecting a small but detectible magnetic moment that matched the applied fields.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 28, 2020

Ladder falls have long-lasting consequences for older blokes

A study by Queensland researchers found that half of individuals who fell from ladders experienced a deterioration in psychological wellbeing for at least six months after the incident. The study highlights the need for improved safety designs and injury prevention strategies to prevent ladder falls.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 28, 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 solar forecasting model performs best

A new mathematical model for solar irradiance prediction has been developed at Uppsala University and proved highly reliable. The MCM model provides accurate forecasts of solar power production fluctuations, enabling greater control over solar energy use.

SourceUppsala University·JournalSolar Energy·DateJun 28, 2020

Red Sea's coral reefs help protect the KSA coast

Researchers at KAUST used high-resolution modeling to show coral reefs play a crucial role in reducing wave heights by half along the Red Sea coastline, enabling safer coastal construction and reduced fill material costs.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalOcean Engineering·DateJun 28, 2020

Report points to intergroup tensions from different interpretations of social distancing

A new report from psychologists at the University of Bath highlights emerging tensions between groups who interpret social distancing guidelines differently. As lockdown measures ease, people are now negotiating social distancing on an interpersonal level, leading to challenges for those who want to maintain strict practices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2020

Declining eyesight improved by looking at deep red light

Researchers discovered that looking at deep red light for three minutes a day can significantly improve declining eyesight in people over 40. The study found improvements in rod and cone sensitivity, with significant gains in color contrast sensitivity, particularly in the blue part of the spectrum.

SourceUniversity College London·DateJun 28, 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.

MRI scan used for heart disease could also pick out aggressive cancers

A new study suggests that a type of MRI scan used for heart disease can also pick out aggressive cancers in children. The T1-mapping technique measures how water molecules interact inside cells, allowing clinicians to understand the cellular make-up of tissue and spot early signs of treatment effectiveness.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 28, 2020

Excessive sugar intake linked with unhealthy fat deposits

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJun 28, 2020

Spraying ethanol to nanofiber masks makes them reusable

Researchers found that nanofiber masks can be reused up to 10 times after spraying ethanol, while melt-blown filters lose efficiency after cleaning. This process inhibits pathogens and maintains air filtration rate.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJun 28, 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.

Improved medical imaging improves cancer staging

Researchers developed a novel photoacoustic imaging method using clinically-approved carbon nanoparticles to trace lymph nodes and guide fine needle aspiration biopsies. The technique improved image quality and accuracy for breast cancer staging, offering a promising alternative to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 28, 2020

'Spear and shield' inspire high toughness microstructure

A team of scientists designed a discontinuous fibrous Bouligand architecture to create exceptional fracture toughness and crack orientation insensitivity. The study reveals the origin of biomimetic microstructures for high-performance advanced composite materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2020

Trends in the global burden of thyroid cancer

The global burden of thyroid cancer has increased significantly between 1990 and 2017, with a notable rise in younger age groups. The study found that the incidence rate varied greatly across different regions and socioeconomic factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 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.

A new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease revealed by the 3D structure of Aβ protein

Researchers have identified a new mechanism of toxicity in Alzheimer's disease, where Aβ protein assemblies disrupt the neuronal membrane, leading to cell death. The study provides insight into the atomic structure of these assemblies and proposes targeting membrane pores to prevent neurotoxicity.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

Planning for a growing elderly population

The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 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.

Analyzing matter's building blocks

Nobuo Sato has been awarded a five-year grant from the Department of Energy to develop the FemtoAnalyzer, a tool that will help nuclear physicists image the three-dimensional internal structure of protons and neutrons. The project aims to produce unprecedented resolution in understanding the building blocks of matter.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateJun 26, 2020

Cellulose for manufacturing advanced materials

Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateJun 26, 2020

Neuromarketing of taste

Marina Domracheva and Sofya Kulikova discovered a new method to analyze perceived similarity of food products using electroencephalography signals. They found that the power of gamma oscillations can reflect similarities in a cross-modal approach, providing a useful tool for neuromarketing studies.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJun 26, 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.

Life-emulating molecules show basic metabolism

Researchers discovered that self-replicating molecules can act as catalysts, speeding up ring formation and exhibiting a primitive form of metabolism. The system uses light energy to power growth, bringing artificial life one step closer.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 26, 2020

Zhao receives NSF CAREER Award

Liang Zhao at George Mason University has been awarded a $102,873 NSF CAREER Award to develop transformative frameworks for spatial network generative modeling. The project aims to learn complex generation processes from massive datasets and create more interpretable models.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 26, 2020

NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite analyzes Saharan dust aerosol blanket

The Suomi NPP satellite analyzed the expansive Saharan dust plume, which extended over 5,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean and impacted air quality in North and South America. The aerosol particles have significant effects on human health, weather, and climate, including cooling or warming the earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 26, 2020

Sexist views on education within families affect future academic choices

A study by UOC researchers found that sexist views within families can impact academic decisions, with girls more likely to confront sexism and seek help, while boys tend to avoid it. The study also highlights the importance of educating both boys and girls on equality and dealing with sexism.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychology Revista de Psicología Social·DateJun 26, 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.

Computational model decodes speech by predicting it

Researchers from UNIGE developed a computational model that reproduces the brain's mechanism for analyzing spoken language. The model uses predictive coding to optimize perception by constantly trying to predict sensory signals. It has successfully recognized thousands of syllables in hundreds of sentences, validating the idea that neu...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

New study examines recursive thinking

A multi-institutional research team found that humans and non-human primates can represent recursive sequences, suggesting a universal cognitive ability. The study's findings dispel the long-held belief that only humans possess this capacity.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 26, 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.

Chemistry paves the way for improved electronic materials

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new molecule that can be used to create high-quality indium nitride, enabling its use in high-frequency electronics. The indium triazenide molecule allows for epitaxial growth of indium nitride on silicon carbide substrates, producing extremely pure material.

SourceLinköping University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 26, 2020

Beacon from the early universe

The discovery of Po?niua??ena, the second-most distant quasar, sheds light on the formation of massive black holes and galaxies in the young universe. The quasar's existence challenges current theories, requiring a new mechanism to explain its massive size formed so early in the universe's history.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers report a lower incidence of COVID-19 among HIV-positive patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) therapy. Further investigation is warranted to understand the findings' implications for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and randomized trials.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 26, 2020

More evidence of causal link between air pollution and early death

Researchers linked long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution with premature death among older Americans, suggesting current US standards are insufficient. Strengthening standards could lead to a 6%-7% decrease in mortality risk and save thousands of lives.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 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.

Children more resilient against coronavirus, study reveals

A large systematic review of children with COVID-19 from 26 countries found that most cases had mild symptoms, with 19% having no symptoms. Laboratory findings showed abnormal inflammatory markers, but severe cases were rare, with only seven deaths reported.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 26, 2020

Non-tobacco plant identified in ancient pipe for first time

Researchers identified Rhus glabra, a smooth sumac plant, as the first non-tobacco plant found in an archeological pipe. The discovery sheds light on ancient plant mixtures used by Native American tribes for ceremonial and medicinal purposes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateJun 26, 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.

The nature of nuclear forces imprinted in photons

Researchers confirmed the need to include three-nucleon interactions in electromagnetic transitions, using state-of-the-art gamma-ray detectors and femtosecond lifetimes measurements. The experiment found significant differences in lifetime predictions between two-body and three-body nuclear interactions.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review C·DateJun 26, 2020

Unknown currents in Southern Ocean have been observed with help of seals

Using highly novel techniques, researchers observed upper ocean currents of approximately 0.1-10 km in size, critical for controlling heat and carbon movement between the ocean and atmosphere. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of small-scale ocean and climate processes with impacts globally.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

New protein complex gets chromosomes sorted

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba identified a novel protein complex, NWC, involved in regulating Aurora B localization to ensure correct chromosome separation. The study found that NWC functions in mitotic chromosome stability by allowing Aurora B to accumulate at centromeres.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 26, 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.

Long-term use of muscle relaxants has skyrocketed since 2005

Long-term use of muscle relaxants has increased dramatically since 2005, particularly among older adults, who are prescribed these drugs at a rate nearly three times that of their proportion in the US population. This trend is concerning, as it can lead to dangerous interactions with opioids and other serious side effects.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

Gas cooker exposure can lower blood pressure, study finds

A study published in Circulation Research found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide from gas cookers can lower blood pressure by 5 mm Hg. Blood levels of nitrite also increased after exposure, suggesting a possible mechanism linking air pollution to cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that cooking with gas may have a beneficial e...

SourceKing's College London·JournalCirculation Research·DateJun 26, 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.

Al2Pt for oxygen evolution reaction in water splitting

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids developed a new intermetallic compound Al2Pt as a precursor for oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst material. The compound's reduced density of states and polar chemical bonding provide inherent OER activity, increasing stability under harsh oxidative conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 26, 2020