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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 31


Page 31 of 49

Structure of ATPase, the world's smallest turbine, solved

Researchers have solved the structure of F1Fo ATP synthase, shedding light on its rotation mechanism and permeability transition pore formation. The fully resolved structure reveals the c-ring is plugged by two lipids, one from each side of the membrane.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 14, 2020

NIH augments large scale study of Alzheimer's disease biomarkers

The NIH has augmented the Health and Aging Brain Among Latino Elders (HABLE) Study to include additional biomarkers, including positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, to better understand Alzheimer's disease in Mexican Americans. The study will help identify health disparities and potential treatments for the condition.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateSep 14, 2020

Facebook anniversaries inspire reflection, nostalgia

A new study from Cornell University finds that Facebook anniversaries, like birthdays, prompt users to reflect on time and patterns in their lives. This tradition stems from newspapers' 'on this date' lists, which encourage people to put time into perspective by remembering significant events.

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateSep 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers create morphing crystals powered by water evaporation

Scientists at CUNY ASRC develop morphing crystals that convert water evaporation into powerful motions, offering a clean source of energy for mechanical devices. The materials are biocompatible, biodegradable, and cost-effective, with potential applications in robotics and micro-machines.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 14, 2020

Guidance balances staph infection prevention in critically ill infants with family contact

A new white paper from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America provides targeted screening and decolonization strategies to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections in critically ill infants. The guidance balances infection prevention with the need for skin-to-skin contact with parents and siblings.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 14, 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.

Virtual reality trains public to reverse opioid overdoses

Researchers developed a virtual reality training program to educate the public on administering naloxone, reversing opioid overdoses. The 9-minute VR training was found to be just as effective as an in-person training in increasing knowledge and confidence among participants.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 14, 2020

Imaging agent developed at Washington University spotlights inflammation

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have developed an experimental imaging agent called Galuminox that detects inflammation via positron-emission tomography (PET) scans. The agent has shown promise in imaging inflammation in the lungs of mice with acute lung injury, and its potential uses include cancer treatment an...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalRedox Biology·DateSep 14, 2020

Magnetic field with the edge!

A team of Indian and Japanese physicists have overturned the six-decade old notion that giant magnetic fields in plasma evolve from small scales. Instead, they originate at macroscopic scales defined by the boundaries of electron beams, leading to a new understanding of magnetic fields in astrophysical scenarios and laser fusion.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 14, 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.

Carbon reduction and REDD+ projects

Researchers analyzed 12 voluntary REDD+ projects in the Brazilian Amazon and found that they overestimated reduction of deforestation and carbon emissions. Decreasing deforestation trends during early stages of REDD+ projects may explain why these projects resulted in less avoided deforestation than expected.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

You can train your brain to reduce motion sickness

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a training tool to reduce motion sickness susceptibility by over 50% using visuospatial exercises. This method has shown promise in both driving simulators and on-road experimentation, with potential applications in autonomous vehicles and other domains.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateSep 14, 2020

Touch-and-know: Brain activity during tactile stimuli reveals hand preferences in people

Researchers distinguish between brain activities of right-handers and left-handers using functional near-infrared spectroscopy, revealing asymmetry in response to passive touch stimulations. The study may have implications for brain-computer interfaces, rehabilitation robotics, and cognitive enhancement treatments.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 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.

Which immune response could cause a vaccine against COVID-19?

Researchers at Sechenov University study immune reactions to develop an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The key finding is that vaccines should induce high-affinity neutralizing antibodies targeting ACE2, while avoiding eosinophilic complications.

SourceSechenov University·JournalInternational Archives of Allergy and Immunology·DateSep 14, 2020

The intricate protein architecture linked to disease

Researchers at the University of Leeds have visualised the structure of amylin fibrils, a key player in type 2 diabetes, and discovered an intricate architecture that makes some sequences more prone to aggregation. This finding suggests a potential explanation for the rapid onset of disease in individuals with early-onset type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 14, 2020

Reducing nitrogen with boron and beer

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed a method to convert nitrogen to ammonium at room temperature without using transition metals. The key to this process is the use of boron and water, which enables sequential reactions that bring the team close to producing ammonia.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2020

Light processing improves robotic sensing, study finds

Researchers discovered how the brain processes bright and contrasting light, enabling robots to team with humans. The study's findings reveal principles that can guide modeling toward correct mechanisms for reconstructing 3D shape in real-world luminance.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Vision·DateSep 14, 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.

Tiny antibody component highly effective against SARS-COV-2 in animal studies

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh isolated the smallest biological molecule to date that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. The tiny antibody component, known as Ab8, is 10 times smaller than a full-sized antibody and has been shown to be highly effective in preventing and treating SARS-COV-2 infection in mice and hamsters.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell·DateSep 14, 2020

UofL receives $11.5 million to advance cancer immunotherapies

The University of Louisville will establish a Center for Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy to develop and improve cancer treatments that utilize the immune system. Researchers will focus on advancing strategies to use the immune response to fight cancer, with the goal of saving lives through immunotherapies.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateSep 14, 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.

Turmeric supplement more effective than placebo for osteoarthritis knee pain

A randomized, double-blind trial found that turmeric supplements were more effective in reducing knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis compared to a placebo. The study also showed no adverse events and reduced medication usage, but highlighted the need for larger, longer-term trials.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020

Genetic factors in chronic versus episodic migraine

Researchers found genetic markers protecting against migraines' chronification, enabling personalized prevention therapies for at-risk individuals. The study identified polymorphisms in the pain receptor TRPV1, which may help detect those prone to chronic migraine.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Molecular Neuroscience·DateSep 14, 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.

Immune system affects mind and body, study indicates

Researchers found that immune cells surrounding the brain produce a molecule called IL-17, which is then absorbed by neurons and appears to be necessary for normal behavior. The findings suggest that elements of the immune system affect both mind and body.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 14, 2020

Cool eyes on fever screening: Optimizing infrared thermography

Researchers found that full-face readings provide greater accuracy than targeting only the inner canthi region for fever screening with IRTs. The study evaluated over 500 individuals and reported excellent IRT performance with clear correlations to oral temperature baseline data.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateSep 14, 2020

Shining a light on disordered and fractal systems

The team used terahertz-frequency light to probe the vibrational modes of lysozyme, discovering that its glassy and fractal nature explains the anomalously large vibrations. The study may lead to improvements in industrial glass manufacturing by understanding disordered materials.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 14, 2020

Estimating population without census surveys

A Bayesian modeling framework can estimate population in each 100-m grid cell with an overall error rate of 67 people per hectare. This approach may be suitable for conflict-affected or remote areas where regular census surveys are not feasible.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 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.

Solitary tortoises orient toward faces

Newly hatched tortoises preferentially orient toward face-like representations, which may be an evolutionary leftover from a common ancestor of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This exploratory behavior could play a role in learning and development.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2020

Transplantation of sperm-producing stem cells

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to remove endogenous germline in recipients, allowing for donor-derived spermatogenesis. The approach shows promise for improving livestock and conserving endangered species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 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.

Possible marker of life spotted on venus

A team of international researchers has detected phosphine gas in Venus' clouds, a potential biosignature indicative of life. The finding is significant as it rules out natural non-biological processes that could produce the same amount of phosphine.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 14, 2020

Smart virus

Researchers at HSE University have discovered microRNA molecules that can bind to coronavirus genomes, slowing down their replication and potentially allowing the virus to delay an active immune response. The study found four families of human miRNAs with binding sites for all seven types of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPeerJ·DateSep 14, 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.

A warm Jupiter orbiting a cool star

Astronomers have detected a Jupiter-sized planet, TOI-1899 b, orbiting a low-mass star, providing insights into the formation of giant planets. The discovery was made possible by the Habitable-zone Planet Finder spectrograph and offers a unique opportunity to study the properties of warm Jupiters.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 14, 2020

Facebook political ads more partisan, less negative than TV

A study published in American Political Science Review found that Facebook political ads were more partisan and less negative than TV ads in the 2018 campaign season. Social media was a more practical option for many candidates due to its affordability, with nearly 6,000 candidates using only Facebook ads.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateSep 14, 2020

Peruvian Amazonian shaman rose to power in early 20th century

In the early 20th century, José Carlos Amaringo Chico rose to power as an Ashaninka shaman-chief, driven by his unwavering belief in transformation and immortality. He took a strong anti-slavery stance, fueling social liberation movements and achieving a peaceful transition with Seventh Day Adventist missionaries.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateSep 14, 2020

No benefit from drug used to reduce heart disease in kidney patients

A large-scale clinical trial has shown that lanthanum carbonate does not reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease developing in patients with chronic kidney disease. High phosphate levels are a common problem in kidney disease and linked to cardiovascular disease, but the study found no benefit from the medication.

SourceTranslational Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 14, 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.

How do giraffes and elephants alter the African Savanna landscape?

Scientists studied giraffe and elephant foraging patterns in Kenyan savannas to understand how megaherbivores impact vegetation. They found that these animals prefer flat ground while feeding, leading to reduced damage on Acacia mellifera trees on steep slopes.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalBiotropica·DateSep 14, 2020

On the road to conductors of the future

Scientists have introduced a new finding about hydrogen sulfide, producing superconducting structures at relatively high temperatures. The discovery uses stoichiometric H3S produced by heating elemental sulfur with excess hydrogen under pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 14, 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.

DNA webs may drive lung pathology in severe COVID-19

Studies published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine found that sticky webs of DNA released from immune cells cause much of the tissue damage associated with severe COVID-19. Blocking the release of these DNA webs could be a new therapeutic target for managing severe forms of the disease.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020

DNA damage caused by migrating light energy

A team of researchers at KIT demonstrated that DNA damage can occur up to 30 DNA building blocks away from the entry point of UV radiation. This finding has significant implications for understanding DNA photodamage and its role in skin cancer.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 14, 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.

Boston University researchers to develop new breast tumor models

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine aim to create new breast tumor models that represent women with comorbidities like diabetes, which can lead to improved outcomes in survival. The project's goal is to address the unmet clinical need for better treatment options for these patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateSep 14, 2020