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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 48

WHOI researcher dives to Challenger Deep

Dr. Ying-Tsong Lin, the 12th person in history to visit Challenger Deep, is an acoustic scientist studying sound propagation in the ocean. His research aims to improve acoustic communication and geo-location at extreme depths.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateJun 26, 2020

Stephen S. Fuller Institute updating Affordable Housing Master Plan

The Stephen S. Fuller Institute is updating Arlington County's affordable housing master plan using the latest available data from the American Community Survey. The researchers will analyze housing needs, affordability, and population forecasts to provide a comprehensive set of statistics for county officials.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJun 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Developing new techniques to improve atomic force microscopy

Developing new techniques to improve atomic force microscopy has reduced the noise associated with the technique. By utilizing a piezo component to maintain zero deflection, researchers can record IR signals with improved precision and image smaller sample volumes, like cell membranes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 26, 2020

Tiny Japanese dinosaur eggs help unscramble Cretaceous ecosystem

A new study reveals a nest of exceptionally small non-avian theropod egg fossils in Japan, providing insights into Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The Kamitaki Egg Quarry yielded over 1300 fossil eggs, mostly belonging to the newly discovered Himeoolithus murakamii genus.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCretaceous Research·DateJun 26, 2020

Pantera leo's family tree takes shape

Researchers have expanded the lion species' family tree through genetic analysis, revealing two main branches and shedding light on subspecies relationships. The study suggests that cave lions diverged from modern lions around 500,000 years ago, with some populations showing minimal interbreeding.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 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.

FCC grant to expand UVA Health's COVID-19 telehealth care

The Federal Communications Commission awarded UVA Health a $767,139 grant to expand its use of telehealth for patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will support remote patient monitoring, virtual urgent care, and videoconferencing to reduce exposure for patients and care providers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·DateJun 26, 2020

Process for 'two-faced' nanomaterials may aid energy, information tech

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to implant atoms precisely into ultra-thin crystals, yielding Janus structures with different chemical compositions. This technique may improve the abilities of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) to separate charge and catalyze chemical reactions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 26, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

SNAP work requirements put low-income Americans at risk

A new study finds that SNAP work requirements lead to a 21% drop in program participation among adults aged 18-49. Black adults experience a significantly higher loss of food assistance benefits compared to white adults, with disabled individuals also facing significant declines.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 26, 2020

A free hobby as part of the school day for all chil­dren in Fin­land

The Finnish model combines research, collaboration, and consultation with children to provide free hobby services as part of the school day, focusing on well-being and accessibility. The initiative has shown promising results in strengthening cultural capital and promoting active participation in society.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·DateJun 26, 2020

Ancient Maya reservoirs contained toxic pollution

Researchers found toxic levels of mercury and blue-green algae in ancient Maya reservoirs, suggesting droughts may have contributed to the city's abandonment. The pollutants made the water toxic to drink, even if boiled, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental factors in ancient civilizations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2020

Towbin receives National Institutes of Health research project grant

Dr. Jeffrey A. Towbin, a researcher at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, has received a NIH research project grant to identify modifier genes in cardiomyopathy. The study aims to understand how different genetic backgrounds affect the expression of myopalladin, a gene linked to the severity of cardiomyopathy.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·DateJun 26, 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.

Air pollution could help London transport planners fight COVID-19

A new study reveals strong links between exposure to air pollution and COVID-19 transmission. Analysis of air pollution, COVID-19 cases, and fatality rates in London demonstrates a connection between increased levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) and higher risk of viral transmission.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 26, 2020

The geological record of mud deposits

Researchers analyzed cores from the Basque Mud Patch to determine sedimentation rates and detect environmental contamination. The study found that metals and contaminants accumulate at an approximate rate of one millimeter per year, highlighting human activity's impact on the coastal area.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalQuaternary International·DateJun 26, 2020

A focused approach to imaging neural activity in the brain

Researchers developed a new calcium indicator that accumulates only in neuron bodies, reducing crosstalk and improving signal accuracy. This breakthrough allows for more precise monitoring of individual neurons and their roles in brain functions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 26, 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.

The millenial pre-colonial cultural inluence is evident in the Amazon forest

A Finnish-Brazilian team uncovered evidence of a pre-colonial civilization in the Amazon that domesticated plants for food and used the environment sustainably. The research found that Indigenous peoples protected and cared for trees, including Brazilian nut and palm trees, to maintain their ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEnvironmental Archaeology·DateJun 26, 2020

Gender bias kept alive by people who think it's dead

A study by the University of Exeter found that managers who thought gender bias no longer existed were more likely to recommend higher salaries for men and undervalue female staff. The research suggests that holding this belief constitutes a critical risk factor for perpetuating issues of gender bias.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2020

Side effects of testicular cancer predicted by machine learning

Researchers developed a machine learning predictive model to predict nephrotoxicity risk in testicular cancer patients using Danish patient data. The model correctly predicted 67% of high-risk patients and 92% of low-risk patients who did not develop nephrotoxicity.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJun 26, 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.

No leg to stand on for Australia's flamingos

Three species of pink flamingos evolved to live in shallow lakes and breed during seasonal blooms of algae and zooplankton before the inland lakes dried up due to climate change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·DateJun 26, 2020

New compounds from starfish of Kuril basin show efficacy against cancer cells.

Russian scientists have discovered four new steroid substances extracted from starfish that target human breast cancer and colorectal carcinoma cells. These non-typical derivatives of polar steroids may also help nerve cells survive distress, suggesting potential applications in Alzheimer's disease prevention.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalMarine Drugs·DateJun 26, 2020

How ApoE4 endangers the brain

The ApoE4 variant prevents the recycling of sortilin, a receptor that supplies neurons with essential fatty acids. This disruption leads to reduced lipid uptake and increased inflammation in brain cells, making them susceptible to cell death.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·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.

Case for axion origin of dark matter gains traction

Researchers propose a kinetic misalignment scenario that strengthens the axion/dark matter equivalence. This novel concept answers key questions and provides new avenues for detection efforts.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2020

Macroscopic quantum interference in an ultra-pure metal

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute discovered strong oscillations in conductivity that signal quantum interference over vast distances. The findings require macroscopic quantum coherence and are only possible with ultra-pure materials like delafossites.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalScience·DateJun 26, 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.

FSU News: MagLab geochemists solve mystery of Earth's vanishing crust

A team of geochemists at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory has solved the mystery of Earth's vanishing crust by discovering a distinct chemical fingerprint for subducted crust. They found that about 5-6% of the Earth's mantle is made of recycled crust, contradicting prevailing theories on crust formation rates.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2020

Pilot program increases access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in Colorado

A pilot program trained Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants to prescribe Medication for Opioid Use Disorders, increasing availability of services by 10-fold in two rural counties. The project led to the expansion of Medication-Assisted Treatment into 17 counties, addressing a critical need in Colorado's opioid crisis.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateJun 26, 2020

We feel connected when we move together in time with music

A new study found that moving together in time with music increases social closeness between individuals, regardless of their cultural familiarity with the music. The study showed that people who enjoy the music they move to experience stronger social bonds than those who do not.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 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.

Function-based sequencing technique permits analysis of just a single bacteria cell

Researchers have developed a function-based sequencing technique using optical tweezers to analyze individual bacteria cells, enabling direct genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing from a single cell. This breakthrough technology supports rapid antibiotic selection and more precise treatment of bacterial infections.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalSmall·DateJun 26, 2020

Novel and simple method to engineer a platform mimicking blood vessels

A new method allows for the creation of a complex network of microchannels in an extracellular matrix that resembles human tissues. Human endothelial cells were successfully cultured on the surface of the microchannel to form a tube mimicking blood vessels, achieving pulsatile flow under conditions of perfusion and stretch.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 26, 2020

Templating S100A9 amyloids on Aβ fibrillar surfaces revealed

Researchers provide new understanding of co-aggregation process between proinflammatory S100A9 protein and Aβ42 peptide in Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals that S100A9 amyloids coat the surface of Aβ42 amyloids, reducing secondary nucleation sites and enhancing cellular toxicity.

SourceUmea University·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 26, 2020

Fancy Aussie bees flew in from Asia

Researchers found that ancestors of distinctive Australian pollinating bees likely originated in tropical Asian countries, islands in the south-west Pacific or greater Oceania region. This study aims to better understand the origin and radiation of insects and other animals, helping environmental management during changing climates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·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.

Nationwide EMS calls have dropped 26% since the start of the pandemic

The study found a significant drop in EMS calls, but a corresponding doubling in EMS-attended deaths, highlighting the severity of non-COVID-19 emergencies during the pandemic. The trend persists despite easing pandemic restrictions, indicating ongoing concerns about accessing healthcare.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

External ultrasound therapy of calcific aortic stenosis -- First-in-man

A new non-invasive ultrasound therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in improving heart condition and clinical status of patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis. The therapy, developed by Cardiawave, widens the aortic valve opening using high-intensity ultrasounds, eliminating the need for invasive treatment.

SourcePCR·DateJun 25, 2020

Black hole collision may have exploded with light

Astronomers have spotted evidence of a light-producing scenario during a black hole merger, with the flare likely resulting from the reaction of gas to the merging black holes. The event, observed by ZTF and other telescopes, provides insights into the behavior of supermassive black holes.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 25, 2020

These muscle cells are guideposts to help regenerative flatworms grow back their eyes

A new study from Peter Reddien's Lab at Whitehead Institute has identified muscle cells that serve as guideposts to help regrow axons from the eyes to the brain in regenerative flatworms. The discovery sheds light on neural circuit regeneration in adults and could have implications for understanding human brain or nerve damage.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 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.

Dolphins learn foraging skills from peers

A study published in Current Biology found that dolphins can learn new foraging skills by observing and imitating their peers, not just their mothers. The researchers identified over 1,000 individual dolphins performing the behavior, which spreads primarily within social networks.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2020

Novel radiotracer advantageous for imaging of neuroendocrine tumor patients

A new radiotracer, 68Ga-DOTA-JR11, has shown excellent imaging performance in detecting liver metastases and providing important information to guide treatment. The study found that 68Ga-DOTA-JR11 performed better than 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in detecting liver lesions, with a higher tumor-to-background ratio.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

New sensor may soon test for coronavirus and flu simultaneously

Researchers at UT Austin are developing a new sensor that can differentiate between COVID-19 and the flu, informing treatment decisions and infection control measures. The dual test is more convenient for patients and saves time for medical personnel, potentially reducing costs and workload.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJun 25, 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.