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Science News for September 3, 2020


Unmanned aerial vehicles help wheat breeders

Researchers used UAVs to collect NDVI data at the seed increase stage of a CIMMYT wheat breeding program, showing heritable correlations with grain yield. Selection based on NDVI outperformed visual selection, suggesting improved resource-use efficiency and genetic gain.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 3, 2020

Natural pest control saving billions

Research by University of Queensland-led team finds biological control techniques saving farmers $20.1 billion to $26.8 billion annually in Asia-Pacific region. Biological control helps regulate invasive pest threats, particularly in key crops like banana, breadfruit and coconut.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 3, 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.

Researchers probe Soldier sleep deprivation effects

Researchers investigated the impact of sleep deprivation on glymphatic system function, which regulates waste removal in the brain. The study found that astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating this process, and disruptions to circadian rhythms can lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine first?

A new model prioritizes countries based on premature deaths caused by COVID-19, focusing on mitigating three types of harms: death and permanent organ damage, indirect health consequences, and economic destruction. The Fair Priority Model aims to reduce premature deaths and other irreversible health consequences from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

Holistic bursting cells might be basis of brain cognition

A novel functional class of cortical neurons, known as holistic bursting cells, has been discovered to represent learned complex objects as wholes rather than parts. These cells exhibit a unique mode of high-rate, prolonged burst firing response to trained sounds, including chords consisting of multiple pure-tones.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020

New species of freshwater Crustacea found in the hottest place on earth

A new species of freshwater Crustacea, Phallocryptus fahimii, has been identified in the Lut desert in Iran. The discovery highlights the resilience of crustaceans to extreme environments. Found in a small seasonal lake, these animals are adapted to survive for decades in arid conditions.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalZoology in the Middle East·DateSep 3, 2020

Study: Vitamin D deficiency may raise risk of getting COVID-19

A retrospective study of 489 patients found an association between vitamin D deficiency and the likelihood of becoming infected with COVID-19. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were almost twice as likely to test positive for the coronavirus compared to those with sufficient levels.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 3, 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.

Advancing the study of traumatic brain injuries

Ashfaq Adnan, a UTA mechanical engineer, will expand his research on traumatic brain injuries using a multi-material 3D printer and high-speed cameras. The new equipment enables the capture of realistic images of brain injuries, which could lead to better detection and treatment methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 3, 2020

Cell division: Cleaning the nucleus without detergents

A recent study published in Nature reveals that the protein Ki-67 plays a crucial role in excluding large cytoplasmic components from the nucleus before nuclear envelope reassembly. This exclusion process is essential for maintaining cellular compartmentalization and preventing premature translation of immature RNAs.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2020

Children can have COVID-19 antibodies and virus in their system simultaneously

A recent study published in Journal of Pediatrics found that COVID-19 patients, especially children under 16 years old, can have both the virus and antibodies in their system simultaneously. The study suggests that these children still pose a risk of transmitting the virus even if they have developed antibodies.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateSep 3, 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.

Indigenous knowledge still undervalued - study

New research reveals Indigenous knowledge is regularly misunderstood when making important environmental decisions. The study highlights a power imbalance between Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists, with Indigenous knowledge often perceived as less valuable.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPeople and Nature·DateSep 3, 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.

Helping teens with type 1 diabetes improve diabetes control with MyDiaText

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that a text messaging intervention combined with MyDiaText improved self-care for adolescents with T1DM. The study showed persistent engagement and potential increase in glycemic control, suggesting a promising method to engage this population.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateSep 3, 2020

NASA finds Maysak becoming extra-tropical

Maysak made landfall on Sept 2 at 12 miles west of Busan, South Korea, with maximum sustained surface winds of 64 knots. The storm underwent extra-tropical transition, gaining frontal characteristics, and is forecast to deepen as a low-pressure area over North Korea and China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2020

A spicy silver lining

Researchers developed a simple, low-cost method to synthesize silver nanoparticles using habanero peppers. The process utilizes the antioxidant properties of the peppers to reduce silver ions, resulting in stable nanoparticles with potential applications in optics, biosensing, and antimicrobial coatings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Nanophotonics·DateSep 3, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

CAPPA scholars honored by Texas Society of Architects

Bradley Bell and Kathryn Holliday, CAPPA scholars, received 2020 Honor Awards from the Texas Society of Architects. They were recognized for their outstanding educational contributions in architecture and excellence in promoting architecture through the media, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 3, 2020

Day after COVID-19: Time to rethink oncology clinical research

The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a shift in oncology clinical research, as new technologies are incorporated and old practices are revisited. This Viewpoint discusses how the pandemic may reshape clinical practice and highlight the need for rethinking oncology clinical research.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 3, 2020

Researchers redesign the face mask to improve comfort and protection

The modular mask combines barrier filtration with stretchable fabric, holding it in place without frequent adjustments. Prototypes have withstood 20 washings without shrinking or losing shape, addressing the fundamental flaw in existing reusable cloth masks.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the Textile Institute·DateSep 3, 2020

Comprehensive look at US fuel economy standards show big savings on fuel and emissions

The US fuel economy standards have been effective in reducing reliance on foreign oil and greenhouse gas emissions, saving consumers $5 trillion in fuel costs. The standards also prevented 14 billion metric tons of carbon from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to eliminating all US emissions for nearly three years.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 3, 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.

ALMA discovers misaligned rings in planet-forming disk around triple stars

Two teams of astronomers used ALMA to discover a misaligned ring system in the planet-forming disk of GW Orionis, a triple star system. The findings suggest that either gravitational pull from the stars or a newborn planet caused the misalignment, highlighting the complex processes involved in planetary formation.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 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.

Study of siblings finds moderate cannabis use impacts cognitive functioning

A new study published in the journal Addiction found that moderate cannabis use during adolescence can have adverse effects on cognitive function, especially verbal memory. The study compared siblings to account for environmental and genetic factors, shedding light on the potential risks of cannabis use on developing brains.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAddiction·DateSep 3, 2020

Special Issue - Democracy: In Flux and Under Threat

A series of Insights pieces examines democracy's current state, highlighting key findings on political campaigns, gerrymandering, and racialized governance. Experts propose reforms to better serve marginalized populations and improve democratic governance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

To make a better sensor, just add noise

Penn State researchers discovered that adding background noise can enhance weak signals in manmade sensors, a phenomenon common in the animal world. This technique, known as stochastic resonance, can be used to detect other signals with low energy consumption and space requirements, making it suitable for deployment in IoT applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 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.

Coaxing single stem cells into specialized cells

Researchers at UIC develop a unique method for precisely controlling the deposition of hydrogel to coax bone marrow stem cells into specialized cells. This technique allows for more accurate interactions between cells and their surroundings, potentially leading to breakthroughs in regenerative therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 3, 2020

High levels of toxic flame retardant chemicals found in dust inside college classrooms

Researchers found high levels of toxic flame retardants in college classroom dust, with outdated furniture showing significantly lower levels. The study highlights the need to reduce harmful exposures and create healthier indoor environments, especially in institutions like colleges, offices, libraries, and hospitals.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateSep 3, 2020

UT Herbarium among recipients of NSF Grant

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville Herbarium is part of a $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to image and digitize metadata for over 1.2 million lichen and bryophyte specimens. Researchers will access specimen metadata and photos to study cryptobiotic communities.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateSep 3, 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.

Drone survey reveals large earthwork at ancestral Wichita site in Kansas

A multisensor drone survey has revealed a large circular earthwork at what may be Etzanoa, an archaeological site near Wichita, Kansas. The discovery suggests that undiscovered monumental earthworks may still exist in the Great Plains, and new archaeological methods allow us to see that people made these earthworks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateSep 3, 2020

UArizona collaborates on $115M effort to build quantum computer

Researchers at UArizona are working with a $115 million federal program to develop a quantum computer and sensors for discoveries about dark matter. The center aims to overcome qubit decoherence, enabling more powerful computing and sensing applications.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateSep 3, 2020

When doing good boosts health, well-being

Research by the American Psychological Association found that performing acts of kindness and helping others can improve one's mental and physical health. The study, which analyzed 201 independent studies, showed a modest link between prosocial behavior and overall well-being, with younger givers and women reporting stronger relationsh...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateSep 3, 2020

Discovery of unconventional hall effect

A team of scientists has found a new Hall effect phenomenon in non-magnetic materials, revealing an intrinsic in-plane response that defies classical expectations. The observed effect is attributed to the interplay between Berry curvature and Weyl semimetal properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 3, 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.

Obesity may alter immune system response to COVID-19

A new study finds that obesity can lead to an overactive immune response to COVID-19, impairing the body's ability to fight the virus. The review highlights the importance of understanding how obesity interacts with new COVID-19 treatments and vaccines.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalEndocrinology·DateSep 3, 2020

The circumstellar disk in the triple-star system GW-Orionis is shaped by disk tearing

A new observational study reveals that the GW-Orionis triple-star system's disk is misaligned due to disk tearing, which could lead to planetary systems with oblique or retrograde orbits. The study provides a three-dimensional model and simulation of the system, reproducing its highly deformed disk and misaligned rings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

Minimally invasive ellipsys system allows kidney patients to begin dialysis sooner

A new study shows that the Ellipsys Vascular Access System reduces the time before patients with kidney failure can start lifesaving dialysis treatments, while requiring fewer secondary procedures. The technology uses a small needle puncture and catheter to create an endovascular AVF, reducing the average time from fistula creation to ...

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateSep 3, 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.

Personal success more appreciated than team dominance in sports, business

A recent study by Cornell University found that individual success inspires greater awe and hope than team success, with people preferring to see extraordinary achievements by lone individuals. This preference has implications for how we perceive economic inequality and policy solutions.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 3, 2020

How we sleep today may forecast when Alzheimer's disease begins

Researchers at UC Berkeley found a correlation between poor sleep quality and increased beta-amyloid plaques in the brain, indicating an earlier onset of Alzheimer's disease. Deep non-REM slow-wave sleep has been identified as a potential target for intervention against cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 2020

Study reveals lactose tolerance happened quickly in Europe

Researchers found that lactase persistence spread rapidly through Central Europe in just a few thousand years, with one in eight warriors able to digest milk. This rapid transformation suggests that the ability to break down lactose provided a significant survival advantage during food shortages or contaminated water scarcity.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 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.

Examining the side effects of Alzheimer's disease dementia drugs

A University of Houston researcher is investigating the adverse effects of mixing cholinesterase inhibitors and antimuscarinics in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to evaluate drug interactions and their effects on severe adverse events, ultimately improving the quality of medication use in dementia care.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 3, 2020

Wool-like material can remember and change shape

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a biocompatible material with reversible shape memory. The material, made from recycled keratin protein, can be 3D-printed into any shape and change its structure in response to moisture.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 3, 2020

EU grant award of EUR 1.5 million to Norwegian university

The ELECTRODE project aims to develop more efficient methods for storing renewable energy, a crucial step towards phasing out fossil fuels. Researchers will create porous photopolymer structures using 3D printing, increasing the effect of fuel cells.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateSep 3, 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.

A better model for predicting death by heat in nature?

A mathematical model better accounts for temperature impacts from duration of exposure to improve predictions of heat mortality in natural Drosophila populations. The approach captures cumulative effects of thermal stress and is applicable to other small ectotherms.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

"Hotspots" of a corona infection in the human body

A study published in Cell Reports identifies new possible entry points for SARS-CoV-2 into human bodies, including the nasal mucosa and potential hotspots such as the intestine and kidneys. The research provides insights into cellular factors that could contribute to the virus's spread and suggests promising candidates for therapies.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 3, 2020

Autonomous robot plays with NanoLEGO

Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence system that autonomously learns how to grip and move individual molecules, overcoming the complexity of nanoscale manipulation. The system uses reinforcement learning to find optimal movement patterns, enabling targeted assembly and separation of molecules.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 3, 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.

A new model to predict survival in colorectal cancer

A new hybrid signature based on DNA mutation and RNA expression patterns has been developed to predict the mutation status and survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The model achieved high accuracy and was found to be prognostic for CRC patients.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Bioinformatics·DateSep 3, 2020

How to imitate natural spring-loaded snapping movement without losing energy

Materials scientists at UMass Amherst developed a way to efficiently convert elastic energy into kinetic energy for high-acceleration movements. By designing elastic bands with strategically placed elliptical holes, they achieved more than 90% energy conversion, compared to 70% for plain bands.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

It takes more than plexiglass to protect against aerosolized SARS-CoV-2

Researchers created an individual biocontainment unit to keep front-line healthcare workers safe during intubation. The device, described in a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine, trapped over 99.9% of simulated SARS-CoV-2 aerosols and prevented them from escaping into the environment.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 3, 2020

Old males vital to elephant societies

Research suggests that older bull elephants hold leading positions in male elephant societies, helping younger followers find food and water. The study's findings raise concerns over the removal of old bulls in both legal and illegal hunting practices.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2020

'Attack Helicopters' an online sub-culture to watch out for

A new study by Australian researchers examines the 'Attack Helicopter' subculture, a group that uses online platforms to express misogynistic and racist views. The study, which analyzed data from over 12,000 Australians, found that this group displays more aggressive behavior towards non-binary gender politics than trolls.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalFirst Monday·DateSep 3, 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.

Seeing progress

Scientists have created a model that replicates the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease with no current treatment. By understanding how RPE cells respond to stress and changes in gene expression, researchers can now test potential therapeutics for dry AMD.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 3, 2020

Study in half a million adults with overweight or obesity suggests benefit of weight loss on serious health problems

A study of over 550,000 adults in the UK found that losing an average of 13% of body weight reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 42%-44%, sleep apnoea by 22%-27%, high blood pressure by 18%-25%, and dyslipidaemia by 20-22%. The study suggests that intentional weight loss can markedly reduce disease risk in people with obes...

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateSep 3, 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.

Novel insights of how prostate cancer causes secondary tumors

A new study by Umeå University researchers sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer cell mobilization. They found that an amino acid in TGF-β signalling molecule Smad7 enables cancer cells to spread and form life-threatening metastases.

SourceUmea University·JournaliScience·DateSep 3, 2020

True size of prehistoric mega-shark finally revealed

A new study led by Swansea University and the University of Bristol has revealed the size of Megalodon, including its massive fins. The shark's estimated body length is 16 meters, with a head diameter of 4.65 meters.

SourceSwansea University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 3, 2020

Megafire does not deter Yosemite's spotted owls

Researchers found that Yosemite's Spotted Owl numbers and nesting rates remained stable after the Rim Fire, which burned one-third of their habitat in 2013. The owls' ability to thrive despite the fire can be attributed to the park's unique history and management strategy.

SourceThe Institute for Bird Populations·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 3, 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.

Is consciousness continuous or discrete? Maybe it's both, argue researchers

A two-stage model integrates continuous processing with discrete conscious moments, resolving the 1,500-year-old question of whether consciousness is continuous or discrete. This new framework offers a fresh perspective on information processing and could revolutionize fields like neuroscience, psychology, and computer vision.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateSep 3, 2020

NASA eyes typhoon Haishen's 10 mile-wide eye

Typhoon Haishen has a 10 nautical-mile wide eye surrounded by hundreds of miles of thunderstorms, intensifying to 130 knots with forecast landfall in South Korea. NASA's Terra satellite captures visible images revealing deep convection and spiral banding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 3, 2020

Editing the immune response could make gene therapy more effective

Researchers created a system that uses CRISPR to briefly suppress genes related to AAV antibody production, allowing the virus to deliver its cargo unimpeded. The study shows promise for improving gene therapy's effectiveness and preventing or treating sepsis in mice.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 3, 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.

Bronchitis as a child predicts worse lung health in middle age

People who had bronchitis at least once before the age of seven are more likely to develop lung problems in later life. Childhood bronchitis was linked to increased risks of pneumonia and asthma in middle age, with stronger associations found for those with more frequent episodes.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·DateSep 3, 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.

Innovative biocontainment unit shows promise to protect healthcare workers

A team of researchers developed an individual biocontainment unit using negative pressure to filter out viral particles, preventing environmental contamination. The device was tested with over 99.99% of virus-sized aerosols trapped, making it safer for healthcare workers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateSep 3, 2020

New understanding of electrolyte additives will improve dye-sensitised solar cells

Dye-sensitised solar cells can perform more consistently in low-light conditions thanks to improved understanding of electrolyte additives. Researchers have found that certain molecules, such as 4-tert-butylpyridine and 1-methyl-benzimidazole, are crucial to suppressing recombination losses and maximizing efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 3, 2020

Attacking tumors from the inside

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered two experimental drugs that can suppress the growth and spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by affecting its blood vessels, oxygen levels, and other environmental factors. The findings highlight the potential of these drugs for NSCLC treatment.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 3, 2020

Cellular roadmaps predict body's coronavirus vulnerability

Researchers at Cornell University developed a comprehensive map of coronavirus entry factors, predicting which tissues and cell types are most vulnerable to infection. The study's findings support emerging clinical data on SARS-CoV-2's ability to infect various organs, including the intestines, kidney, and placenta.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 3, 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.

Global health experts propose ethical framework for vaccine allocation

A new Fair Priority Model proposes mitigating three types of COVID-19 harms: death, organ damage, healthcare strain, and economic destruction. The model aims to benefit people and limit harm while prioritizing the disadvantaged and giving equal moral concern to all individuals.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

Social experiences impact zebrafish from an early age

Researchers at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown found that social experiences during the first week of development impact zebrafish behaviour at an early larval stage. Isolated larvae showed stronger escape swims in response to local water vibrations, indicating a lasting effect.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 2020

Financial strains significantly raise risk of suicide attempts

A new study from Duke University Medical Center finds that financial strains such as high debt, low income, and unemployment are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts. The study, conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need to consider financial stressors in mental health interventions.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 3, 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.

The Lancet: Many countries falling behind on global commitments to tackling premature deaths from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lung cancer and heart disease

The Lancet report highlights that many countries are falling behind on their commitments to reduce premature deaths from chronic diseases. Despite a decline in death rates from some diseases over the past decade, others such as diabetes and lung cancer are not showing sufficient progress. The report warns that if current trends continu...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 3, 2020

Quntao Zhuang receives DARPA Young Faculty Award

Quntao Zhuang, a University of Arizona electrical and computer engineer, has received the DARPA Young Faculty Award to improve the precision of quantum sensor networks. His research focuses on enhancing the ability of these sensors to perform in noisy environments.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateSep 3, 2020

Start here to make a protein

The structure of the mRNA initiation complex provides new insights into cancer and disease processes. The discovery proposes a model for how mRNA is pulled through the ribosome for scanning, revealing that start codons need to be sufficiently far from the front end of the mRNA.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·DateSep 3, 2020

New model explains when the brain becomes aware of information

Researchers propose a new model explaining how consciousness arises, suggesting that the brain processes and integrates information for up to half a second before becoming aware of it. This counterintuitive view challenges the idea of continuous perception and provides insights into how people experience reality.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateSep 3, 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.

Weight gainers more likely to underestimate their true body size

A new study found that people with obesity who gain weight tend to perceive their body size as smaller than it actually is. Despite improvements in accuracy over time for those maintaining a stable weight, the degree of body image distortion remained significant in weight gainers.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of Obesity·DateSep 3, 2020

Battery-free Game Boy runs forever

Researchers at Northwestern University and TU Delft have developed a battery-free, energy-harvesting Game Boy that can play games from original cartridges, reducing the need for batteries. The device harnesses energy from solar panels and user button presses to enable indefinite gameplay.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 3, 2020

How to spot patients most likely to die from blood infections

A team of scientists has identified a collective signature of proteins and metabolites that can predict who is at highest risk of dying from the infection. The biomarkers, including lower levels of glycosylated fetuin A and higher levels of serum protein carbamylation, were associated with death due to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateSep 3, 2020

Hearing loss in naked mole-rats is an advantage, not a hardship

Researchers found that naked mole-rats have poor hearing due to six mutations in genes associated with hearing loss. Without cochlear amplification, the constant noise they produce doesn't harm their hair cells, making this adaptation beneficial for their survival.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 3, 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.

ERC Starting Grant for Sara Buson

Sara Buson aims to confirm blazars as the most important extragalactic neutrino sources, revolutionizing our understanding of blazar astrophysics. She will analyze a large sample of observations and physical data to establish a new framework for multimessenger studies.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateSep 3, 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.

Towards new algorithms and discretization

Professor Dietmar Gallistl from Friedrich Schiller University Jena aims to develop new algorithms and discretization techniques for fully nonlinear equations, with potential applications in financial mathematics and geometry. The project will focus on minimizing computational effort while achieving accurate approximations.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateSep 3, 2020

Two ERC Starting Grants for MDC scientists

Two MDC scientists, Dr. Kathrin de la Rosa and Dr. Ilaria Piazza, have been awarded European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grants to fund their innovative projects in proteomics and immunology.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateSep 3, 2020

Quantum leap for speed limit bounds

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method for calculating the upper bound of speed limits in quantum matter, which produces more accurate results in some cases. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of quantum computing and materials science, as well as more precise numerical algorithms.

SourceRice University·JournalPRX Quantum·DateSep 3, 2020