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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 48

New automotive radar spots hazards around corners

Researchers at Princeton University developed an automated system using Doppler radar to spot oncoming traffic and pedestrians around corners. The system allows cars to see objects out of line of sight, improving automotive safety.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateJun 25, 2020

From Jekyll to Hyde: New study pinpoints mutation that makes E. coli deadlier

Scientists have identified a specific protein mutation in E. coli that increases bacterial virulence, leading to increased resistance to antibiotics and antibacterial substances. The mutation affects the lipopolysaccharide transporter, causing the bacteria to produce more outer membrane vesicles and become more deadly.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 25, 2020

Super-Earths discovered orbiting nearby red dwarf

Researchers have detected a system of super-Earths orbiting the nearby star Gliese 887, a red dwarf with conditions suitable for liquid water and potentially hosting life. The newly discovered planets are large enough to be rocky worlds and could retain their atmospheres due to the star's low activity.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 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.

Machine learning explainability reveals public policy challenges

The increasing use of machine learning systems in public policy raises concerns about accountability, bias, and transparency. Explaining complex algorithms can reveal conflicting aims and implicit trade-offs in policy decisions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2020

Decades old mystery in leukaemia treatment solved

A new study reveals that the enzyme SAMHD1 protects B-ALL cells from nelarabine's anti-cancer effects, but not T-ALL cells. This discovery has crucial implications for leukaemia treatment, offering a potential biomarker to tailor therapy to individual patient needs.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 25, 2020

USask medical researchers awarded $900,000 to help fight COVID-19

Researchers are investigating re-purposing of approved drugs to treat COVID-19 patients, evaluating highly promising therapeutics, and gathering information on effective interventions. The projects will help prepare for future outbreaks by analyzing best practices from across Canada.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·DateJun 25, 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.

Dynamics of DNA replication revealed at the nanoscale

Researchers visualize DNA replication in single human cells, revealing a non-random selection mechanism for replication activation on CTCF-organized chromatin structures. The study provides critical insights into the role of local epigenetic environment in coordinating genome duplication.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2020

Confrontation may reduce white prejudices, Rutgers study finds

A Rutgers study found that confronting white individuals about biased statements can lead to a reduction in multiple types of prejudice. The research suggests that confrontation can prompt white men and women to recognize and regulate their own biases towards various groups.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 25, 2020

Unorthodox desalination method could transform global water management

Researchers apply temperature swing solvent extraction technique to attain energy-efficient ZLD, a major advance for global water management. The process extracts water from high-salinity brines without boiling, using low-polarity solvent and moderate temperatures.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 25, 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.

Bizarre saber-tooth predator from South America was no saber-tooth cat

Thylacosmilus atrox, a marsupial from Argentina, was previously thought to be a fierce predator like Smilodon. However, new research reveals it was likely a scavenger, using its canines to open carcasses and possibly its tongue to extract innards. Its skull and teeth show distinct differences from those of placental saber-toothed cats.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 25, 2020

America's political future will be shaped by aging, journal indicates

The journal Public Policy & Aging Report highlights how aging is reshaping politics with policy progress and stagnation, changing cultural views on aging. It offers insight into major trends, generational divides, and the impact of aging on the economy.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalPublic Policy & Aging Report·DateJun 25, 2020

Race, rurality play prominently in Georgia areas hardest hit by COVID-19

Rural Georgia counties with higher black populations experienced the highest rates of infection and death per capita. Investigators attribute this to treatment delays due to limited ICU beds and poor social determinants of health.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of the American College of Emergency Physicians·DateJun 25, 2020

Science study: Chemists achieve breakthrough in the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons

Researchers at MLU, UT, and ORNL have successfully produced graphene nanoribbons directly on semiconductor surfaces, overcoming previous limitations. This breakthrough enables customization of the material's properties, paving the way for potential applications in storage technology, semiconductor industry, and quantum computing.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2020

Uganda's Ik are not unbelievably selfish and mean

A Rutgers-led study challenges the notion that the Ik are selfish and mean, instead revealing their culture promotes generosity. The researchers found that the Ik live by a saying 'tomora marang,' which means it's good to share.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·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.

Universal right to health could inspire people, organizations to make real change

Acknowledging a universal human right to health can motivate individuals and groups to create significant improvements in global health. By recognizing this fundamental right, people may refuse to accept impossibility and develop innovative solutions, as seen with HIV/AIDS access efforts that reduced treatment costs.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Social Philosophy·DateJun 25, 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.

Dolphins learn in similar ways to great apes

Dolphins use complex techniques like 'shelling' to obtain food, a behavior comparable to tool use in humans. A study revealed that dolphins learn new foraging methods mainly through social transmission among peers, similar to great apes and gorillas. This discovery expands our understanding of how dolphins adapt to changing environment...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 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.

Women underrepresented in academic hospital medicine leadership roles, study finds

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that women comprise only 22% of full-time professors and 39% of full-time faculty in academic hospital medicine programs. Furthermore, male hospitalist leaders are more likely to have attained the rank of full professor than female leaders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

Selling something? Tap into consumer arrogance

A new study from Michigan State University found that consumer arrogance drives both positive and negative word-of-mouth communication, with consumers bragging about their purchases to show off their superiority. The research suggests that tapping into this phenomenon can be a key strategy for marketers on social media.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJun 25, 2020

Research shows COVID-19 is an independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke

A study published in the American Journal of Neuroradiology found COVID-19 infection to be significantly associated with acute ischemic stroke. After adjusting for age, gender, and risk factors, the researchers showed a 3.9-fold increased risk of stroke among patients with COVID-19 compared to control subjects.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateJun 25, 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.

Variability in natural speech is challenging for the dyslexic brain

Dyslexia compromises phoneme processing due to continuous acoustic variation in natural speech, making detection of phonemes challenging for individuals with developmental reading-deficit dyslexia. Neural-level evidence suggests difficulties in categorizing speech sounds, impacting the learning of native language phonemes.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 25, 2020

Study is first to identify potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19

A study has identified six molecules that could be used as therapeutic targets to treat COVID-19. The research team found that these molecules were uniquely elevated in the blood of critically ill patients, and were able to predict the presence of COVID-19 with high accuracy using artificial intelligence.

SourceLawson Health Research Institute·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateJun 25, 2020

Climate extremes will cause forest changes

Research team reports record-breaking temperatures causing water transport collapse through wood, leading to widespread tree death and drought-related stress symptoms. Mixed forests with drought-resistant species are needed to mitigate climate change impacts.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smart phones are empowering women worldwide

Access to mobile phones is linked to improved health outcomes, including lower infant and maternal mortality rates. Mobile phones also enable women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including the use of modern contraceptive methods.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2020

Should physicians rethink terms used to describe kidney health?

A new study found that certain medical terms used by physicians to describe kidney health may be distressing or too difficult to understand for patients with kidney disease. Using consistent and meaningful language can help improve patients' health and satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJun 25, 2020

Identified genes that predispose to cancer by impairing the immune system

A study has identified genetic variants that predispose to cancer and impair the immune system. The research found up to 57 genetic variants in 13 types of cancer, which affect the body's defenses. The immune system plays a key role in protecting against malignancies, but cancer cells have mechanisms to escape immune responses.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournaliScience·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.

Disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on socially vulnerable communities

A new study found COVID-19 has a disproportionate impact on minority and non-English speaking communities, with increased risk of diagnosis and death in rural and urban counties. The study highlights the need for standardized collection of sociodemographic characteristics and targeted interventions to address these disparities.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

New study looks at post-COVID-19 emerging disease in children

A new case series published in Radiology examines the spectrum of imaging findings in children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with prior exposure or infection to SARS-CoV-2. The study identified a pattern of imaging findings including airway inflammation and pulmonary edema.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJun 25, 2020

Sledge dogs are closely related to 9,500-year-old 'ancient dog'

Researchers sequenced ancient DNA from a 9,500-year-old dog, revealing that modern sledge dogs share a common origin with the ancient breed. The study also found genetic adaptations similar to those of polar bears and Arctic people.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 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.

Tracking the spread of mosquito insecticide resistance across Africa

A recent study mapped mosquito insecticide resistance patterns across Africa, finding dramatic increases in resistance to five mainstream insecticides between 2005 and 2017. This surge in resistance poses a significant threat to malaria control efforts, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where over half of all cases occur.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 25, 2020

3D printed insoles offers new hope for patients with diabetes

Researchers from Staffordshire University found that optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly reduce plantar pressure, leading to ulcers and painful complications. The study used made-to-measure 3D-printed insoles to change the stiffness of the sole, finding a clear relationship between BMI and optimal stiffness.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalGait & Posture·DateJun 25, 2020

Scientists found out how nanoparticles kill cancer cells

Researchers from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University discovered how nanoparticles, particularly iron oxide nanocubes and nanoclusters, can selectively target and activate specific genes in liver cancer cells, leading to apoptosis and autophagy. This breakthrough could lead to personalized cancer therapy and diagnostic tools.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalNano Convergence·DateJun 25, 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.

Common food additive causes adverse health effects in mice

Researchers at UMass Amherst find TiO2 nanoparticles alter gut microbiota, causing inflammation and changes in liver protein expression. The study suggests long-term exposure to foodborne TiO2 NPs may have adverse health effects, particularly in obese mice.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalSmall·DateJun 25, 2020

The CNRS 2020 Innovation Medal

The CNRS 2020 Innovation Medallists have made significant contributions to various fields, including graft rejection treatment and high-precision sensors. Their work has led to the development of innovative technologies with applications in industry, healthcare, and research.

SourceCNRS·DateJun 25, 2020

Receptor makes mice strong and slim

Researchers at the University of Bonn identified a receptor that regulates two side effects of aging: increased abdominal girth and shrinking muscles. The A2B receptor is found in mice and human cell cultures, and its activation increases heat generation and muscle growth.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 25, 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.

Global pollution estimates reveal surprises, opportunity

The study reveals a significant drop in PM2.5 levels in China since 2011, while India is experiencing a plateau phase. The researchers' hybrid dataset shows that effective controls can be remarkably effective at reducing air pollution.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 25, 2020

Illinois professor proposes guide for developing common data science approaches

A University of Illinois professor has proposed a framework for guiding researchers in developing common data science approaches, aiming to unify conversations and share knowledge across disciplines. The data science life cycle framework identifies key issues that can be generalized across fields and those specific to each discipline.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateJun 25, 2020

The tug-of-war at the heart of cellular symmetry

Researchers at Kyoto University create simplified artificial cell to investigate internal structure of cells. The team discovers two coexisting actomyosin networks with opposing functions that determine positioning symmetry.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 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.

University of Minnesota Medical School finds promising treatment to slow kidney disease doesn't prove out in clinical trial

A new clinical trial from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that allopurinol did not slow kidney function in people with type 1 diabetes, despite reducing uric acid levels. The three-year study enrolled 530 participants and followed their glomerular filtration rate to assess kidney health.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

AI could help improve performance of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells

Researchers applied machine learning techniques to explore microstructure of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. They used DC-GANs to generate 3D image data and run simulations to predict cell performance. The technique could help design optimized electrodes for improved energy storage.

SourceImperial College London·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJun 25, 2020

Researchers discover new boron-lanthanide nanostructure

Researchers from Brown and Tsinghua Universities have created a bizarre cage-like structure by clustering boron atoms with lanthanide elements, challenging conventional chemistry rules. The discovery may shed light on bulk structure and chemical bonding behavior of boron lanthanides, an important class of materials.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2020

Superbug impact on the gut

The study found that C. difficile massively activates a human enzyme called plasminogen to destroy gut tissue and spread infection. Researchers developed an antibody that prevents plasminogen activation, stalling infection progress and tissue damage.

SourceMonash University·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJun 25, 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.