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Science News for September 7, 2020


Is APM the best way to evaluate NBA players?

A recent study by Syracuse University researchers challenges the use of Adjusted Plus-Minus (APM) as a reliable metric for evaluating NBA player performance. The study finds that teammates' quality affects a player's APM score, suggesting that APM does not accurately account for individual contributions.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2020

Producing leather-like materials from fungi

Researchers from the University of Vienna have developed biodegradable, CO2-neutral leather substitutes from fungi, using low-cost agricultural by-products. These materials exhibit comparable properties to traditional leather and hold significant potential as an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 7, 2020

Probiotics may help manage childhood obesity

A study found that obese children who took probiotics Bifidobacterium breve BR03 and B632 lost more weight and had improved insulin sensitivity compared to those on a diet only. The findings suggest that probiotic supplements and a calorie-controlled diet may help manage childhood obesity.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateSep 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First 'plug and play' brain prosthesis demoed in paralyzed person

A team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, has made a significant breakthrough in developing a 'plug and play' brain prosthesis that enables individuals with paralysis to control devices using their brain activity. The device uses machine learning algorithms to match brain signals to desired movements, allo...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2020

Preventing lead contamination in drinking water

Insufficient knowledge of thermodynamic and kinetic factors governing lead release led to the Flint Water Crisis. Understanding these factors can help anticipate and prevent lead contamination.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Movement of early Solar System material

A study of meteorites formed in the outer Solar System finds a mix of materials from inner and outer systems, suggesting Jupiter's formation may have trapped dust. The discovery could indicate that material transport between inner and outer systems was halted by Jupiter's formation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Genome sequencing accelerates cancer detection

Researchers developed a statistical model using genomic data to predict risk of developing oesophageal cancer in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. The model accurately identified high-risk patients years before diagnosis, allowing for early treatment and reducing unnecessary surveillance.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 7, 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.

Could singing spread COVID-19?

Researchers at Lund University studied the amount of aerosol particles and virus particles emitted by singers during music tests, finding that loud and consonant-rich singing spreads more aerosols. Safe singing practices like social distancing, good ventilation, and face masks can reduce the risk of transmission.

SourceLund University·JournalAerosol Science and Technology·DateSep 7, 2020

A difficult year for forests, fields and meadows

Extensive measurement data reveals severe impact of heat and drought on lower-altitude ecosystems, while higher-altitude ecosystems benefited from warmer temperatures. Productivity fell by an average of 20% in mixed forest and meadows at lower altitudes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 7, 2020

Language development and brain hemispheres

In a study of spoken language comprehension in 39 children aged 4-13, researchers found that the brain's right hemisphere was active early in life and contributed to language development. The results suggest an alternate route for language processing upon brain injury in young children.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 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.

Children use both brain hemispheres to understand language, unlike adults

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that children's brains use both hemispheres to process language, whereas adults typically rely on one hemisphere. This discovery suggests that children's brains are more adaptable and resilient, allowing them to recover from neural injuries more effectively.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Paving the way for tunable graphene plasmonic THz amplifiers

A team of international researchers has successfully demonstrated room-temperature coherent amplification of terahertz radiation in graphene. The development paves the way for a new generation of all-electronic, resonant, and voltage-controlled THz amplifiers.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 7, 2020

Why rats would win Australian survivor

A new study by Flinders University and The University of Queensland reveals that rodents' skull shapes are similar across habitats, contradicting expectations. This conservation of shape may be due to the specialization of rodent jaws, allowing for a versatile arrangement that discourages evolutionary change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateSep 7, 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.

Viruses play critical role in evolution and survival of the species

New research reveals viruses, especially endogenous retroviruses, shape evolution by driving gene expression and fine-tuning species-specific transcriptomes. This has significant implications for clinical practice, particularly in understanding male infertility and birth defects.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 7, 2020

Predicting heat death in species more reliable with new mathematical model

A new dynamic mathematical model developed by researchers from the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona has shown that it can accurately predict the probability of mortality and survival of small species under heat stress. The study's findings suggest that the current standard model subestimates species' vulnerability to climate warming a...

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2020

Researchers show how mutations in DNA packaging machines cause cancer

Researchers discovered that mutations in ARID1A and ARID1B genes lead to the disassembly of cBAF complexes, causing aggressive liver and skin cancer. This finding challenges a proposed strategy to target these proteins for cancer treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding SWI/SNF biology.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Cancer·DateSep 7, 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.

Accelerated drying of electrodes -- cheaper production of batteries

The EPIC project aims to accelerate electrode drying for lithium-ion batteries by increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs. Innovative drying management techniques are being developed and tested to improve the environmental performance and position Germany as a leading location for battery production.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateSep 7, 2020

The brain can induce diabetes remission in rodents, but how?

Researchers found that fibroblast growth factor 1 repairs damaged perineuronal nets in the brain, a critical response required for sustained diabetes remission. The discovery sheds light on the intricate biology of the brain's response to the protein and may lead to more effective diabetes treatments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateSep 7, 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.

Comparing the controllability of young hand-raised wolves and dogs

A study comparing young hand-raised wolves and dogs found that dogs are more tractable than wolves, especially in contexts involving access to resources. Dogs were more prepared to follow human initiation of action, but this difference diminished with age.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 7, 2020

Rare hyperinflammatory syndrome in children with COVID-19 described

Researchers have mapped the immune response in children with a rare and life-threatening inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19. The study found that the condition differs from Kawasaki disease and severe acute COVID-19, with distinct patterns of immune cell populations, inflammatory cytokines, and autoantibodies.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateSep 7, 2020

Vitamin D levels in the blood can predict future health risks and death

A recent study suggests that free, circulating vitamin D levels in the blood may be a better predictor of future health risks in aging men than total vitamin D. The study found that higher levels of free 25-hydroxyvitamin D were associated with a lower risk of death, while free 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D was not predictive of mortality.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateSep 7, 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.

A tiny instrument to measure the faintest magnetic fields

Physicists develop minuscule superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) able to detect extremely weak magnetic fields, with potential applications in medicine and research. The device features a complex six-layer stack of individual two-dimensional materials.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 7, 2020

Plant community stability and biodiversity

A study analyzing 79 plant communities worldwide found that greater species synchrony predicts less community stability. Higher species richness is associated with increased stability, but this effect is relatively small.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Gen Z not ready to eat lab-grown meat

A recent study found that 72% of Gen Z are not ready to accept lab-grown meat, citing concerns over taste, health, and environmental impact. Despite this, 41% believe it could be a viable nutritional source for transitioning to more sustainable food options.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·DateSep 7, 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.

Protecting against spaceflight-induced muscle and bone loss

A study found that inhibiting a specific signaling pathway can prevent microgravity-exposed mice from losing muscle and bone mass. The researchers tested this strategy by injecting a decoy receptor into the mice, resulting in similar increases in muscle and bone mass compared to untreated control mice.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Mechanisms of Younger Dryas event

Researchers analyzed isotopic properties of speleothem samples worldwide to understand the Younger Dryas event's mechanisms. The event began at high northern latitudes before spreading globally, but reversed course in Antarctica, taking on La Niña-like characteristics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

New surgical tools with smart sensors can advance cardiac surgery and therapy

Researchers developed a new class of medical instruments equipped with advanced soft electronics, enabling simultaneous in vivo measurements and real-time feedback control. The new system conforms better to the body's soft tissue, reducing the length of invasive ablation procedures and exposure to X-ray radiation.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 7, 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.

Gene test can predict risk of medications causing liver injury

Scientists have developed a gene test that can predict the risk of certain medications causing liver injury. The test uses a polygenic risk score, which takes into account over 20,000 gene variants to identify individuals at higher risk. This could lead to more accurate prescribing and safer drug development.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 7, 2020

New process for efficient removal of steroid hormones from water

Researchers developed a filtration system that combines a polymer membrane with activated carbon to eliminate estradiol in drinking water. The method achieves an efficiency of more than 99%, reaching the European Commission's reference value of 1 nanogram per liter.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalWater Research·DateSep 7, 2020

A new twist on DNA origami

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new type of meta-DNA structure that can be used to engineer sophisticated nanoscale structures and devices. The meta-DNA self-assembly concept has opened up new possibilities for optoelectronics, including information storage and encryption, as well as synthetic biology.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 7, 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.

The mathematical values of Linear A fraction signs

A recent study by a team of researchers from the University of Bologna has shed light on the Minoan system of fractions, revealing that the lowest fraction is 1/60. The results have significant implications for understanding the Linear B script and its use in measuring units of measurement.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateSep 7, 2020

Extracting order from a quantum measurement finally shown experimentally

Researchers developed a framework to analyze entropy in quantum systems, allowing for control over measurements and improving the quality of quantum computer readouts. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding the link between thermodynamics and quantum measurements.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 7, 2020

Floodwater farming in ancient Peru

A study reveals that ancient Peruvian farmers used floodwater from El Niño events for agriculture, benefiting from flushed-out salts and flexible irrigation systems. This ancient farming practice allowed for runoff harvesting and river water distribution, suggesting potential agricultural advantages during El Niño events.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 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.

How to have a blast like a black hole

Researchers at Osaka University used powerful lasers to recreate relativistic magnetic reconnection, a process responsible for X-ray emissions from black holes. This study may help explain the mysterious X-rays emitted by some celestial bodies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 7, 2020

Rubbing skin activates itch-relief neural pathway

A recent study published in JNeurosci found that stroking skin triggers an anti-itch neural pathway in the spinal cord, reducing itchiness. The researchers discovered that sensory neurons under the skin activate anti-itch interneurons, leading to reduced neural activity and relief from itching.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateSep 7, 2020

Scientists uncover secret of material for promising thermal imagers

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology uncover the mechanism behind vanadium dioxide films' conductivity, enabling thermal imaging devices with improved performance. The discovery allows for the synthesis of thin films with predefined properties, such as temperature-dependent conductivity.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateSep 7, 2020

Markers may predict patient response to immune therapy of cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a method to identify clinical markers that predict patient response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The approach involves analyzing gene signatures from cancer tumors and correlating them with patient outcomes, revealing distinct patterns between responders and non-responders.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 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.

Stability of Jupiter's polar vortices

A numerical model recreates Jupiter's polygonal vortex patterns, revealing the importance of shielding and vortex depths. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand why these patterns persist on Jupiter but not on other large gas giants.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

How do stone forests get their spikes? New research offers pointed answer

Researchers at New York University have discovered that flowing water carves ultra-sharp spikes in landforms, creating the pointed rock formations known as stone forests. The study sheds light on a mechanism that explains the prevalence of these structures in karst topography.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 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.

Rare immune cells drive gut repair

Scientists discovered that type-1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) promote tissue repair in the gut, but when dysregulated can contribute to IBD co-morbidities such as cancer and fibrosis. This finding has important implications for treating patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2020

Examining neurotoxicity of pure prions

Researchers have discovered that pure prions do not exhibit neurotoxicity, but instead cause disease through a distinct species. Brain tissue from symptomatic prion-infected mice is found to be toxic to healthy neurons, highlighting the complexity of prion-induced neurodegeneration.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Ancient bony fish forces rethink of how sharks evolved

A 410-million-year-old fossil discovery challenges conventional wisdom on shark evolution, hinting that bone may have emerged before cartilage. The find provides new insights into the evolutionary history of sharks and their relatives.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 7, 2020

Vortex top-hats emerge in superfluids

A new study reveals that all initial vortex arrangements in superfluids collapse to form a 'Rankine' super-vortex distribution, similar to a top hat. This universal dynamics phenomenon explains how superfluids dissipate their energy via quantised vortices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 7, 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.

'Wrong-way' migrations stop shellfish from escaping ocean warming

A Rutgers-led study finds that 80% of bottom-dwelling invertebrates have disappeared from Georges Bank due to warming-induced changes in spawning times. Ocean warming causes these creatures to spawn earlier, exposing larvae to stronger winds and water currents that push them toward warmer waters.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 7, 2020

Inheritance in plants can now be controlled specifically

Researchers at KIT have successfully modified gene sequences on a chromosome using CRISPR/Cas, enabling controlled inheritance. This breakthrough could revolutionize crop cultivation by eliminating genetic obstacles and introducing desirable traits.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2020

Multinationals' supply chains account for a fifth of global emissions

A new study reveals that multinationals' supply chains account for 18.7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority generated by investments in developing countries. The research highlights the need for companies to take responsibility for their global emissions and encourages greater energy efficiency among suppliers.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 7, 2020

Mini-organs could offer treatment hope for children with intestinal failure

Researchers have successfully grown human intestinal grafts using stem cells from patient tissue, paving the way for personalized transplants for children with intestinal failure. The mini-organs can digest and absorb nutrients, reducing the risk of complications associated with parenteral nutrition.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 7, 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.

Gulls pay attention to human eyes

Researchers found that herring gulls pay attention to human gaze direction, reacting faster and more aggressively when watched than when ignored. The study also confirms the bolder nature of urban gulls compared to rural ones.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateSep 7, 2020

New insight into mammalian stem cell evolution

Researchers at Kyoto University found that gene regulatory networks for pluripotent stem cells are highly conserved across mammals, but also exhibit unique variations. These differences may explain why certain features of mammalian pluripotent stem cells have evolved differently in various species.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateSep 7, 2020

Improving European healthcare through cell-based interceptive medicine

The LifeTime Initiative aims to track, understand and treat human cells throughout an individual's lifetime, improving health outcomes and treatment efficiency. Breakthrough technologies will enable earlier disease detection and more effective therapies for individual patients.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2020