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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 35


Page 35 of 49

Infrared NASA imagery provides Paulette's temperature palette

Tropical Storm Paulette's cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 63 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of creating heavy rain. The storm was weakened by wind shear, but forecast to re-strengthen over the weekend and potentially become a hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 10, 2020

66 million years of Earth's climate uncovered from ocean sediments

A new global climate reference curve reveals the natural variability and extreme climate events that occurred during warm climate states over the last 66 million years. The study provides context for ongoing anthropogenic change and its potential to exceed natural variability.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 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.

NIH expands nation's Alzheimer's and related dementias research capacity

The National Institute on Aging has funded four new exploratory Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers to broaden current research initiatives with underrepresented populations. These centers will prioritize rural communities and focus on specific scientific areas such as vascular risk factors and disparities in the Deep South region.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Aging·DateSep 10, 2020

Biological sex affects genes for body fat, cancer, birth weight

A new study from Northwestern Medicine reveals that biological sex has a small but significant impact on gene expression in every type of human tissue. The researchers found over 37% of genes were expressed differently in males and females, with diverse molecular functions involved, including disease-related traits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

COVID-19 may have been in LA as early as last December, UCLA-led study suggests

Researchers detected a significant spike in cough and acute respiratory failure cases at UCLA Health facilities between Dec. 2019 and Feb. 2020, exceeding previous year's averages by 1,000. This unexpected increase may indicate early COVID-19 cases in the area.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateSep 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Quirky response to magnetism presents quantum physics mystery

Researchers discovered a topological insulator that exhibits two electronic states with opposite spin, but only one responds to magnetism. The findings challenge our understanding of exotic physics and raise questions about the properties of this material.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 10, 2020

Study provides insights on bouncing back from job loss

A new study published in the Journal of Employment Counseling found that high levels of self-regulation predict better well-being, job search clarity, and job search self-efficacy. The findings suggest that employment counseling efforts should help individuals improve their self-regulation to achieve positive outcomes after job loss.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Employment Counseling·DateSep 10, 2020

New machine learning-assisted method rapidly classifies quantum sources

A new machine learning-assisted method has been developed by Purdue University engineers to rapidly preselect solid-state quantum emitters for large-scale integration on chips. This approach significantly speeds up the process, reducing analysis time from minutes to seconds.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Quantum Technologies·DateSep 10, 2020

Giant particle accelerator in the sky

Scientists discovered that electrons in Van Allen Radiation Belts are accelerated to extreme high speeds locally, reaching ultra-relativistic energies. This process is extremely efficient and may help understand acceleration processes in the universe.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 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.

Emotion vocabulary reflects state of well-being, study suggests

A study analyzed public blogs and stream-of-consciousness essays to find that individuals with a larger negative emotion vocabulary tend to experience more psychological distress and poorer physical health. Conversely, those with a positive emotion vocabulary report better well-being and physical health.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2020

FSU-led research team discovers unique supernova explosion

A 100 million light year away, an unusual Type Ia supernova has been observed by a Florida State University led research team. The supernova's slow brightening and unusual characteristics are unlike any other, providing valuable insights into the origins of these powerful explosions.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateSep 10, 2020

Epigenetic changes precede onset of diabetes

Researchers have identified 105 epigenetic changes in blood cells that precede the onset of type 2 diabetes. These changes are associated with altered methylation activity and expression patterns in islets of Langerhans, suggesting a potential diagnostic marker for early detection.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetes·DateSep 10, 2020

Diamondback moth uses plant defense substances as oviposition cues

A Chinese-German research team identified two olfactory receptors that detect isothiocyanates from cruciferous plants, guiding female diamondback moths to lay eggs on these plants. The discovery offers approaches to control the pest using attractants or chemical agents to interrupt perception of isothiocyanates.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 10, 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.

Correcting COVID-19 misconceptions may require speaking to individuals' moral values

A new study finds that people's prevailing moral values significantly influence their acceptance of correct COVID-19 information. Tailored messaging can address differing moral orientations, such as prioritizing social cohesion or individual freedom. The authors suggest framing messages differently to connect with various moral beliefs.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateSep 10, 2020

Understanding the 'deep-carbon cycle'

Scientists have discovered that a small fraction of carbonate melt is present throughout the Earth's mantle, storing a large mass of carbon. This finding sheds light on seismology and its connection to climate change.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Artificial intelligence helps cut down on MRI no-shows

Researchers used modest data and basic engineering AI to solve complex MRI appointment no-shows. The study found a 17.2% improvement in no-show rates after implementing phone call reminders for high-risk patients.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateSep 10, 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.

GTEx findings reveal genetic regulatory variation across tissues and cell types

The GTEx resource provides an important tool to address the relationship between genetic variants and gene regulation, with analysis discovering eQTLs and sQTLs for the vast majority of genes. The study details mechanisms of how genetic effects from coding and non-coding regions affect gene expression and splicing regulation.

SourceNew York Genome Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

Mutant tomato helps to crack the secrets of fruiting

A study published in PNAS reveals that fruit development rewires the central metabolism pathway in tomatoes via increased sensitivity to gibberellin. The role of this hormone in fruit-setting ovaries was previously unknown and has significant implications for breeding parthenocarpic fruits.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

Structure of 'immortality protein' now better understood

Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Moscow State University studied the Est3 subunit of telomerase, revealing its importance for stabilizing the whole protein complex. The study used NMR spectrometry to understand the spatial structure and interactions of Est3 molecules.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 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.

Does the Mediterranean diet protect against rheumatoid arthritis?

The analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women who smoked or used to smoke. Among these individuals, high adherence to the Mediterranean diet resulted in 383 cases per 1 million people per year compared to 515 cases per 1 million people per year.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 10, 2020

A new way to solve thermal maturity of marine shales with high-over maturities

Researchers developed a new technique using Laser Raman spectroscopy to analyze mineral-organic aggregations (MOA) for estimating thermal maturity levels in high and over-mature marine shales. This method provides an alternative solution for evaluating maturity in lower Paleozoic and Precambrian shales with rare organic matter.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 10, 2020

In the line of fire

A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers reveals that humans caused 97% of wildfires in the wildland-urban interface, a fivefold increase from previous estimates. The study also found that human-started wildfires are expensive and account for half of firefighting costs.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFire·DateSep 10, 2020

The pharmacist's role in HIV care in France

A recent study examined the pharmacist's role in HIV care in France, revealing that only 40% of pharmacists systematically offer online patient medication files to people living with HIV. The survey also found that 7% of those who were offered medication interviews felt well taken care of.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateSep 10, 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.

The surprising rhythms of Leopards: Females are early birds, males are nocturnal

A study by the University of Copenhagen reveals that female leopards in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains are active from early morning to late afternoon, whereas male leopards only hunt at night. This finding contradicts previous assumptions and highlights the need for further research on these majestic predators.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Zoology·DateSep 10, 2020

UCLA study shows how interferon-gamma guides response to cancer immunotherapy

A new UCLA study identifies two key drivers of the immune system's attack on cancer cells: T cell infiltration and interferon-gamma signaling. The research found that blocking immune checkpoints amplifies interferon-gamma signaling, leading to enhanced antitumor immune responses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Cell·DateSep 10, 2020

Americans sick with Covid disproportionately poor, minorities, uninsured and food insecure

A new study reveals the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on working-age adults in the US, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with less education. The analysis found that these individuals had high rates of uninsurance and food insecurity, which can exacerbate health harm.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020

Factors linked to college aspirations, enrollment, and success

A recent study found that high school seniors with a college-going aspirational identity and clear post-secondary educational goals are more likely to attend college. Environmental factors like supportive colleges and financial certainty also play a crucial role in student success.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateSep 10, 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.

Levodopa may improve vision in patients with macular degeneration

Researchers found that levodopa stabilized and improved vision in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reducing the number of treatments necessary. The drug's ability to target the GPR143 receptor led to a decrease in retinal fluid and an improvement in visual acuity.

SourceElsevier·DateSep 10, 2020

Weight stigma predicts emotional distress and binge eating during COVID-19

A study found that weight stigma in young adults predicted higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also showed that weight stigma was associated with worse health outcomes for both males and females, regardless of their body weight.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 10, 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.

Autistic adults have a higher rate of physical health conditions

A new study reveals that autistic individuals are 1.5 to 4.3 times more likely to have chronic physical health conditions, including low blood pressure, arrhythmias, asthma, and prediabetes. Autistic females also face increased risks of these conditions, depending on their biological sex.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAutism·DateSep 10, 2020

Addicted to the sun? Research shows it's in your genes

A study of over 260,000 people found that genetics play a key role in sun-seeking behaviour, making it more challenging to address excessive sun exposure. The research identified five genes linked to behavioural traits associated with risk-taking and addiction.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateSep 10, 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.

Lumpy proteins stiffen blood vessels of the brain

Researchers found that Medin protein deposits reduce blood vessel elasticity in aging brains, contributing to vascular dementia. These deposits also cause sluggish vessel expansion, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2020

Seeing objects through clouds and fog

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that can reconstruct three-dimensional hidden scenes based on the movement of individual particles of light. This technique complements other vision systems and is more focused on large-scale situations, such as navigating self-driving cars in fog or heavy rain.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2020

Sampling the gut microbiome with an ingestible pill

Scientists have created an ingestible capsule that captures bacteria and biological samples from the gut while passing through the gastrointestinal tract. The device, which doesn't cause inflammation or toxicity, can be triggered over a range of pH to deliver biologics, providing insight into associated GI disease progression.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 9, 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.

BIO Integration Journal, Volume 1, Issue Number 2, publishes

The journal features original research articles on Parkinson's Disease and drug-induced interstitial lung disease, as well as a case report and opinion piece on breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open access publishing and author support are also highlighted.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateSep 9, 2020

RIT/NTID researchers study how deaf and hearing people watch sign language

A recent study by Rain Bosworth explores how gaze behaviors reveal cognitive effort and knowledge in signers, with novice and fluent signers exhibiting different eye movements. Fluent signers primarily focus on the face and utilize peripheral vision to catch details.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education·DateSep 9, 2020

University of Illinois awarded $4.5 million to develop commercial carbon credit tools

The University of Illinois has been awarded $4.5 million to develop a commercial solution called SYMFONI, which enables accurate and rapid field-level quantification of carbon intensity at a regional scale. This technology will facilitate the adoption of new technologies to increase feedstock productivity and reduce carbon footprint in...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

National parks preserve more than species

Researchers analyzed over 4,200 camera trap photos in Costa Rica's Braulio Carrillo National Park, finding that trait diversity within the park did not decline despite deforestation. The study suggests national parks can be more resilient than expected, particularly in terms of functional redundancy.

SourceRice University·JournalBiotropica·DateSep 9, 2020

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on COVID-19

Chinese American families are experiencing increased racist experiences during COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 discovery in China. Johns Hopkins experts offer steps to combat racism, including learning about racial bias and its impact on health outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 9, 2020

New method prevents quantum computers from crashing

Researchers have developed techniques to detect and correct loss of qubits in real-time, protecting fragile stored quantum information. The approach combines quantum error correction with correction of qubit loss and leakage, enabling robust quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 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.

Oxygen-releasing bioink for 3D bioprinting

A newly developed oxygen-releasing bioink has been shown to enhance the ability of implanted cells to grow and regenerate new tissue. The bioink was tested extensively to optimize its properties, delivering oxygen to cells in tissue constructs for the necessary period for blood vessels to develop fully.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 9, 2020

Development of photovoltaics that can be applied like paint for real-life application

Researchers at KIST have developed high-efficiency large-area organic photovoltaics by controlling solvent evaporation rates, achieving 30% higher power conversion efficiency than existing photovoltaics. This breakthrough enables the creation of practical solar cell technology for future energy self-sufficiency and eco-friendly energy ...

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 9, 2020