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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 36


Page 36 of 49

Cultivating Black chemists

HBCUs graduate more successful Black chemists than other schools due to their supportive faculty, rigorous curriculum, and diverse environment. However, HBCUs face limitations in funding and faculty burden, which can impact publication and collaboration.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Magnetic whirls crystallize in two dimensions

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz engineered a system of magnetic whirls to form a regularly ordered state, akin to crystalization in two dimensions. This breakthrough demonstrates the emergence of a hexatic phase, exhibiting properties similar to hard discs.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 9, 2020

Hair loss drug spironolactone may be safe for use in breast cancer survivors

A retrospective study from George Washington University found that spironolactone is not associated with increased risk of female breast cancer recurrence. The drug may be used as an additional treatment option for alopecia in female breast cancer patients who are disease-free.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateSep 9, 2020

Lecturer takes laptops and smart phones away and musters student presence

A Danish university lecturer experimented with banning screens in discussion lessons, resulting in greater student presence, improved engagement, and deeper learning. The study suggests that humans can't multitask, and a more analog approach leads to better retention of knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Further and Higher Education·DateSep 9, 2020

Discovery of four COVID-19 risk groups helps guide treatment

A new tool helps clinical staff choose optimal treatment for hospital patients with COVID-19, categorizing patients into low-risk and high-risk groups. The four-rank system enables targeted care, such as treating at home or using antivirals for high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateSep 9, 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.

Discovery challenges the foundations of gene therapy

Researchers at Children's Medical Research Institute have discovered a reason behind the low success rate of gene therapy targeting liver diseases using Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2). The team found that AAV2 binds too tightly to its attachment receptor, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which leads to the vector getting

SourceChildren's Medical Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 9, 2020

Restless nature of human spinal cord revealed by non-invasive functional imaging

Scientists have used tailored fMRI protocols to observe the human spinal cord in action for the first time, revealing a richly organized network of signals even at rest. This discovery has significant implications for understanding human motor control and developing targeted therapies for spinal cord injuries.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNeuron·DateSep 9, 2020

AI used to show how hydrogen becomes a metal inside giant planets

Researchers used AI and quantum mechanics to study dense metallic hydrogen, finding a smooth and gradual transformation from molecular to atomic phases. The discovery resolves long-standing debates on the nature of dense hydrogen and has implications for understanding giant gas planets.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 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.

The neurons that connect stress, insomnia, and the immune system

Researchers at CSHL and Stanford University found a direct connection between stress-sensitive neurons and insomnia-inducing neurons in mice. Stimulating this connection enabled mice to sleep peacefully, while disrupting it caused insomnia. The same connection also affects the immune system, weakening its defenses against threats.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 2020

New tool outsmarts COVID-19 virus to help vaccine development

Researchers have developed a tool called COVID-3D to monitor mutations in the COVID-19 virus, helping to inform vaccine and drug development. The tool uses genomic and protein information to aid researchers in identifying effective targets for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 9, 2020

Rural COVID-19 mortality highest in counties with more blacks and hispanics

A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that rural COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher in counties with larger shares of Black and Hispanic residents. These disparities are not limited to urban areas, but also affect rural communities, where racial and ethnic minorities face significant health challenges.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateSep 9, 2020

Making dog food more delectable by analyzing aromas

Scientists analyzed six dog foods and found that certain aroma compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, 2-furfurylthiol, and 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol, were correlated with increased canine intake. These findings could help dog food manufacturers create more appealing kibble.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 9, 2020

Studying short-term cloud feedback to understand climate change in East Asia

Research in East Asia reveals that short-term cloud feedback is mainly driven by decreases in mid- and low-cloud fraction, resulting from changes in atmospheric thermodynamics. The study provides a reference for narrowing inter-model uncertainties in long-term cloud feedbacks.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 9, 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.

Cell-autonomous immunity shaped human evolution

Researchers argue that cell-autonomous immunity, a ancient defense mechanism in human cells, plays a crucial role in shaping human evolution. Understanding this concept is essential for developing effective treatments for diseases like sepsis, as traditional approaches often fail due to the immune system's conserved mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateSep 9, 2020

Nature as a model: Researchers develop novel anti-inflammatory substance

A research group at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg has developed a method to produce controlled-quality phospholipid-based substances that can reduce inflammation without triggering an immune response. These natural compounds have shown promise in treating conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, and infarcts.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·DateSep 9, 2020

Refined finish for fine fish oil

Researchers developed a superior method to produce high-quality dietary Omega-3 health supplements using vortex fluidic device processing. The process enriches Omega-3 fatty acid content without changing sensory values, improving shelf life and purity.

SourceFlinders University·DateSep 9, 2020

UMass Lowell prof to present TEDx talk on 'Breaking Barriers'

Archana Kamal, a UMass Lowell physics professor and expert on quantum information technologies, will co-present a free TEDx talk on the next quantum revolution. The event features prominent women experts in various fields, including science, technology, education, and business.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateSep 9, 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.

Consequences of the 2018 summer drought

A 2018 European drought had devastating effects on crops, forests, and grasslands. Researchers found that plants initially benefited from the warm spring weather but suffered from lack of water during summer heatwaves.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateSep 9, 2020

Finding a handle to bag the right proteins

Researchers have developed a simpler detection procedure to identify and purify specific proteins from complex mixtures. The new method uses a UV-excitable fluorophore that binds to polyhistidine tags, allowing for easy detection of tagged proteins in gel electrophoresis.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 9, 2020

Flipping light on-off turns bacteria into chemical factories

Researchers at Princeton University have created a system to control genetically engineered bacteria using light, allowing for precise production of chemicals and proteins. This method, called OptoLac, enables easy tuning and reversal of induction signals, reducing costs and carbon footprint.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 9, 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.

The Lancet Global Health: Modelling study estimates health-care cost of COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries at US$52 billion every four weeks

A modelling study estimates that the COVID-19 response in low- and middle-income countries costs around $52 billion over four weeks, with increased transmission scenarios leading to higher costs. The study highlights the importance of investing in pandemic preparedness to reduce virus transmission and contain costs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 9, 2020

Unlocking the mystery of tau for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers discovered a novel role of tau specific to FTLD spectrum diseases, contributing to conditions like ALS, PSP, and CBD, but not AD and Pick's disease. The study proposes an imbalanced accumulation of tau model, where FUS and SFPQ regulate MAPT processing, leading to increased 4-repeat tau levels.

SourceNagoya University·JournalBrain·DateSep 9, 2020

More chemicals can be assessed for endocrine disrupting effects

Researchers found that butylparaben, used in cosmetics, has endocrine disrupting effects on humans. The study proposes using the existing EU guidance document with modifications to identify endocrine disrupting effects of a broader spectrum of chemicals.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 9, 2020

A new study of ocean salinity finds substantial amplification of the global water cycle

A new study has found substantial amplification of the global water cycle, with increased evaporation and precipitation rates, due to changes in ocean salinity. This change is largely driven by human influence and has significant implications for future climate, including more extreme weather events and droughts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateSep 9, 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.

The marshmallow test revisited

Researchers found that preschool children in China waited longer for a reward if they were told their teacher would find out how long they waited. The study suggests that children make a cost-benefit analysis taking into account social rewards and reputation management.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2020

A new technique prevents errors in quantum computers

A new protocol allows for the protection and correction of fragile quantum information in case of qubit loss, addressing a crucial issue in quantum computing. This breakthrough could prove essential for future large-scale quantum computer development.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2020

Velcro-like food sensor detects spoilage and contamination

Researchers at MIT have developed a Velcro-like food sensor that uses an array of silk microneedles to detect spoilage and bacterial contamination. The sensor, made from edible proteins and bioinks, changes color when it senses contaminants like E. coli or pH levels associated with spoilage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 9, 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.

Mindfulness with paced breathing and lowering blood pressure

Researchers explore the possibility that mindfulness with paced breathing lowers blood pressure, reducing risks of stroke and heart attacks. The study aims to test this hypothesis through a pilot trial, which could lead to further research and potentially life-saving results for millions worldwide.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateSep 9, 2020

Feline leukaemia virus infection: A clinical and epidemiological enigma

The article reviews recent insights into feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) infection pathogenesis using molecular techniques. It explains the various outcomes of FeLV infection, including progressive, regressive, focal, and abortive infections, highlighting the importance of understanding the cat's immune response and the virus.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateSep 9, 2020

As collegiate esports become more professional, women are being left out

A new study finds that collegiate esports are becoming a two-tiered system with well-funded varsity programs dominated by men and club-level programs supporting gender diversity. Women are being pushed out of esports due to financial constraints and a lack of emphasis on developing players rather than recruitment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCritical Studies in Media Communication·DateSep 9, 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.

The birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring

Researchers at Uppsala University have reconstructed the birth of a male sex chromosome in Atlantic herring, identifying a tiny region with only three genes. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of sex determination and provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying sex-based traits.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2020

Prediction of protein disorder from amino acid sequence

Researchers developed ODiNPred, a machine learning tool using experimental NMR data for hundreds of proteins, to predict regions of rigidity and flexibility. This helps understand the biological role and regulation of intrinsically disordered proteins.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 9, 2020

New vaccine design reduces inflammation, enhances protection

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to limit inflammation from adjuvants by adding a molecule that disrupts certain pathways in cells. This approach increases protective response against viruses and could lead to a new vaccine design for SARS-CoV-2, HIV, and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 9, 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.

Researchers draw more links between vaping, smoking, young people, and coronavirus

A study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that vaping and smoking are linked to an increased risk of COVID-19 in young people. The research team is investigating the role of ACE2 receptors in this connection, which may help identify vulnerable individuals who can be better monitored.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·DateSep 9, 2020

Phasing out a microscope's tricks

A study by researchers at KAUST reveals that image artifacts from astigmatism can misidentify crystal phases in 2D semiconductors, affecting the accuracy of scanning transmission electron microscopy. The team demonstrated that these effects can be mitigated using specific beam configurations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·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.

Cover crops effective at suppressing weeds in cotton

Planting cover crops is a key strategy for effective integrated weed management in cotton, offering benefits like improved Palmer amaranth control and reduced herbicide input. Research shows that cover crops can also mitigate wind and water erosion, while minimizing labor and improving cotton stand.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateSep 9, 2020

During the pandemic, online lecture series helps fill gaps in training for urology residents

During the pandemic, an online urology lecture series has provided invaluable training opportunities for resident physicians, with thousands of views and overwhelmingly positive reviews. The multi-institutional collaboration, Urology COViD, has been a smashing success, offering a sense of community connectedness during social isolation.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalUrology Practice·DateSep 9, 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.

Transistor-integrated cooling for a more powerful chip

Researchers at EPFL developed a novel microfluidic cooling technology that integrates electronics and cooling systems, enabling compact devices with improved heat management. This innovation aims to reduce energy consumption and minimize environmental impact by eliminating large external heat sinks.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateSep 9, 2020

Allergic immune responses help fight bacterial infections

Researchers found that mice with mild skin infections develop adaptive immunity against bacteria, granting increased resistance to severe secondary infections. This discovery suggests that the 'allergy module' has an important biological function in defending against toxin-producing pathogens.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalImmunity·DateSep 9, 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.

UC Davis researchers find a way to help stem cells work for the heart

Researchers at UC Davis Health have made a breakthrough in using stem cell treatments for heart disease. By blocking an enzyme linked with inflammation, they were able to increase the survival of transplanted stem cells and improve cardiac function. This discovery could lead to a cellular-based treatment for heart failure.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateSep 9, 2020

Wild cousins may help crops battle climate change

Researchers tested using wild crop relatives in breeding programs to improve crop resilience. The results showed that these relatives provided increased resistance to heat, drought, and some diseases, making them a promising approach to address climate change adaptation. However, breeders must also consider the potential impact on indu...

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateSep 9, 2020