Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 48

Indirect adverse effects of COVID-19 on children and youth's mental, physical health

The COVID-19 pandemic has significant indirect adverse effects on children's physical and mental health, including delayed care for non-COVID-19 illnesses, missed vaccinations, and increased family violence. Reduced social interaction and lack of structured routines also contribute to anxiety, depression, and decreased physical activity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 25, 2020

First comparison of dangers of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and waterpipes

A study published in the European Heart Journal finds that tobacco cigarettes are more harmful than e-cigarettes, while waterpipe smoke poses significant health risks. The review highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of e-cigarettes and waterpipes on human health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·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.

Monster black hole found in the early universe

Astronomers have discovered the second most distant quasar, Pōniuāʻena, containing a monster black hole twice the mass of other quasars at the same epoch. The discovery presents significant challenges to current theories on supermassive black hole formation and growth in the early universe.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·DateJun 25, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Why are plants green?

Researchers developed a model that reproduces a general feature of photosynthetic light harvesting, observed across many photosynthetic organisms. The model suggests that absorbing specific colors of light can protect against sudden changes in solar energy, resulting in efficient power conversion.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2020

Montana State researcher publishes paper examining COVID-19 spread

A Montana State University researcher used a database to count patients with influenza-like illnesses and found that many cases of COVID-19 may have gone undiagnosed early on. The study suggests that syndromic surveillance like this can help scientists predict and prepare for future epidemics.

SourceMontana State University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·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.

USask researchers to develop saliva-based COVID-19 home testing kit

Researchers at University of Saskatchewan are developing a unique saliva-based test to detect SARS-CoV-2 peptides in saliva, which is expected to be more sensitive, less invasive, and less expensive than current methods. The test aims to detect mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases and will be available by March 2021.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·DateJun 25, 2020

Motions in the Sun reveal inner workings of sunspot cycle

Scientists studied sunspots and their movement, discovering a giant cell in each hemisphere with plasma moving towards the equator at 15 km/h. The meridional flow explains why sunspots emerge closer to the equator as solar cycles progress.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A commentary from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reviews basic respiratory physiology and highlights the clinician's role in educating the public against relying on speech as a sign of adequate respiration. Data from studies of war and torture victims show that suffocation is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 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.

Dangerous tick-borne bacterium extremely rare in New Jersey

A recent study by Rutgers researchers found only one Rickettsia rickettsii-infected tick out of over 3,000 examined in New Jersey. This discovery brings good news as the bacterium is extremely rare in the state, but its presence highlights the need for continued surveillance and research.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 25, 2020

Racial disparities in surgery rates for esophageal cancer

A new study found that Black patients with early-stage esophageal cancer are less likely to receive life-saving surgery, contributing to their higher mortality rates. The study, which analyzed data from over 60,000 patients, suggests that education and targeted interventions are needed to address these disparities.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Gastrointestinal Surgery·DateJun 25, 2020

Gold nanoparticles to save neurons from cell death

Researchers develop gold nanoparticles that selectively inhibit extrasynaptic glutamate receptors, preserving neurotransmission while blocking excessive activation. This breakthrough offers promising perspectives for targeted therapy without major side effects.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 25, 2020

MicroCT reveals detailed head morphology of arthropod, Leanchoilia illecebrosa

A team of researchers at Harvard University has used MicroCT technology to study the head morphology of Leanchoilia illecebrosa, an ancient arthropod species. The study reveals that the species had a labrum, a flap-like structure overlying the mouth opening in most modern arthropods.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

Managing personal protective equipment in health care settings

A Canadian Medical Association Journal article emphasizes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings, particularly during COVID-19 outbreaks. The study highlights the effectiveness of N95 masks in preventing viral respiratory infections and provides strategies for managing limited PPE supply.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 25, 2020

New insights into the energy levels in quantum dots

Researchers from Basel and Bochum have experimentally confirmed the radiative Auger process in quantum dots, a crucial step for quantum communication. This discovery allows for precise determination of quantum mechanical energy levels, enabling better understanding of quantum systems.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 25, 2020

Wavy surfaces for better light control

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to produce more efficient and precise diffraction gratings, which can be used to create miniaturized optical devices. These devices have potential applications in futuristic smartphone cameras, biosensors, and autonomous vision for robots and self-driving cars.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 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.

X-rays size up protein structure at the 'heart' of COVID-19 virus

A team of researchers has performed the first room-temperature X-ray measurements on the SARS-CoV-2 main protease, enabling the creation of a comprehensive 3D model. This model will be used to advance supercomputing simulations aimed at finding drug inhibitors to block the virus's replication mechanism.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2020

Researchers discover improved treatment for children with sickle cell anemia

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that dose escalation of hydroxyurea treatment is more effective and has similar side effects than a lower fixed dose for children with sickle cell anemia in Uganda. The results have global implications and can potentially improve treatment outcomes worldwide.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

Mountain meadow restoration can bring birds back

A study published in Restoration Ecology found that mountain meadow restorations using the 'pond and plug' technique increased bird populations over time. The study's authors concluded that both hydrologic measures and vegetative measures were helpful in creating habitat for birds, with the latter approach accelerating positive impacts.

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateJun 25, 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.

Carbon cycling in wet soils

Research found that dynamic waterlogging enhances carbon dioxide emissions and depletes soil organic carbon. Microbes exhibit higher activity under fluctuating conditions, but not necessarily greater diversity.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateJun 25, 2020

Helping consumers in a crisis

A new study shows that quantitative easing drove down mortgage interest rates, allowed consumers to refinance their house loans, and spent more on everyday items, bolstering the economy. However, the benefits were primarily targeted at mortgage holders from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJun 25, 2020

Quantum entanglement demonstrated aboard orbiting CubeSat

Researchers successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement onboard a CubeSat, paving the way for a cost-effective global quantum communications network. The miniaturized photon source operated successfully in space, maintaining high-quality entanglement despite temperature changes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 25, 2020

How conspiracy theories emerge -- and how their storylines fall apart

A new study by UCLA professors combines AI and folklore analysis to examine the storytelling elements of debunked conspiracy theories and actual news stories. The researchers found that conspiracy theories tend to form around specific elements that act as an adhesive, holding facts and characters together.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·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.

Comparing 13 different CRISPR-Cas9 DNA scissors

A study by IBS researchers compared 13 SpCas9 variants and identified optimal PAM sequences, finding evoCas9 has highest specificity but low activity. A computational tool, DeepSpCas9variants, was developed to predict SpCas9 variant activities, providing a useful guide for researchers.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 25, 2020

X-ray vision and eavesdropping ensure quality

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a method to detect keyhole instability in laser deep penetration welding. The technique uses an acoustic sensor and optical measurements analyzed with artificial intelligence, allowing for real-time monitoring of weld quality.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalIEEE Access·DateJun 25, 2020

Novel function of platelets in tumor blood vessels found

Researchers discovered that platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGFB) plays a key role in maintaining the vascular barrier in tumors, reducing the spread of cancer cells. In mouse models, PDGFB deletion from platelets led to increased circulating tumor cells and metastasis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 25, 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.

Study identifies pathways between memory and decisions

Researchers have identified neural networks behind conscious recollection of information, shedding light on how memories are retrieved for decision-making. The study found that specific neurons in the medial frontal cortex coordinate with those in the hippocampus to create 'memory pathways,' which are selectively switched on when needed.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalScience·DateJun 25, 2020

Nearness of newly found exoplanetary system offers great promise for studying exoplanet atmospheres

The newly discovered GJ 887 system hosts multiple super-Earth sized planets, making it an ideal target for the James Webb Space Telescope. The system's proximity and relatively quiet red dwarf star reduce the risk of harmful solar flares, providing a promising opportunity to study exoplanet atmospheres.

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

Most massive quasar known in early universe discovered on Maunakea

Astronomers have discovered the second-most distant quasar, Pōniuā`ena, powered by a supermassive black hole 1.5 billion times more massive than our Sun. The discovery challenges current theories of how these massive black holes formed and grew in the young universe.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·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.

Most American women haven't heard of breast implant-related lymphoma

A survey found that only 1 in 7 American women have heard of breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer linked to textured breast implants. The study also showed that awareness increases among women who have received breast implants, with 51.7% being aware after receiving information about the risk.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJun 25, 2020

Better sleep with a partner

Research found that couples sleeping together exhibit increased rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep and synchronized sleep patterns, positively associated with relationship depth. This study suggests that sharing a bed may enhance REM sleep, leading to improved social interactions and reduced emotional stress.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateJun 25, 2020

Genome study opens pathway toward sustainable edible seaweed

Researchers from OIST have decoded the genomes of four Okinawa mozuku strains, revealing unique genetic differences and potential heat tolerance. The findings could help improve cultivation methods and develop new strains tolerant to climate change effects.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalBMC Genomics·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.

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.

Twitter data research reveals more about what patients think about statins

Researchers analyzed over 11,000 Twitter posts to understand patient attitudes towards statins, finding that people perceive themselves as protected from harm while taking preventative medications. This study may inform public health messages and improve communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 25, 2020

Researchers discover critical new allergy pathway

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health identified a new allergy pathway triggered by house dust mites, which can lead to asthma and allergic rhinitis. The study found that blocking this pathway may be a potential preventive or treatment strategy against these disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 25, 2020

Early childhood vaccinations might protect children from COVID-19

Researchers propose that MMR vaccination could provide protection against COVID-19 in children, based on sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and measles viruses. Experimental research is needed to support this hypothesis and confirm the duration of protection.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateJun 25, 2020

Smile! Photos converted into 3D from any mobile device

Researchers at Facebook have developed an end-to-end system that converts 2D photos into 3D images, requiring no advanced photographic skills or equipment. The new technology provides seamless real-time conversion, robust enough to work on almost any photo, and generates results in seconds.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 25, 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.

Survey: Alternative medicine is widespread among people with MS

A survey of over 1,000 MS patients in Oregon found that an overwhelming majority use complementary and alternative medicine, including dietary supplements, mind-body therapies, and exercise. The study suggests a shift towards greater openness between patients and healthcare providers about the use of alternatives.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·DateJun 25, 2020

Hubble sees cosmic flapping 'bat shadow'

The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of a young star surrounded by a disk that casts a huge, 200-light-year-long shadow. The shadow's movement was initially thought to be caused by planet warping the disk, but further observation revealed it was actually flapping like wings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 25, 2020