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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 49

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

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
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.

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

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
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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 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.

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

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
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.

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

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
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.

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

Protected areas can 'double' imperilled species populations

Research by a University of Queensland-led team shows that protected areas have doubled the populations of 80% of monitored mammal species over the last 50 years. Protected land is home to 10% of analysed species, highlighting their importance in conserving biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Letters·DateSep 6, 2020

Thyroid inflammation linked to anxiety disorders

A recent study has found a significant link between thyroid inflammation and anxiety disorders. Patients with anxiety were found to have thyroid gland inflammation that could be reduced by taking ibuprofen, suggesting that thyroid function may play an important role in the development of anxiety.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·DateSep 6, 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.

Producing technicolor through brain-like electronic devices

A POSTECH research team developed a technology to freely change structural colors using IGZO-based color filter, enabling low-power displays and quick color adjustments. The device can transmit vivid colors with extremely low light loss.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalPhotonics Research·DateSep 6, 2020

Endometriosis: No cure, but diagnosis could avert surgery

Researchers investigate transvaginal ultrasound as an alternative to invasive laparoscopic surgery for diagnosing deep infiltrating endometriosis. The study finds TVUS to be highly accurate in detecting the condition, reducing diagnostic delays and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Ultrasound in Medicine·DateSep 6, 2020

Quality over quantity in recovering language after stroke

A new ECU study found that early intervention and less-intensive therapy can lead to better communication outcomes. The researchers suggest tailoring the difficulty level of aphasia therapy to individual tolerance and spacing sessions to enhance learning consolidation.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Stroke·DateSep 6, 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.

New drug shown to improve bone growth in children with achondroplasia

A phase 3 global clinical trial showed a new drug boosts bone growth in children born with achondroplasia by blocking the activity of FGFR3 protein, potentially returning growth rates to normal. The experimental drug vosoritide was safe and effective in increasing bone growth over one year.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 5, 2020

Key priorities for transplant and living donor advocacy during COVID-1

Researchers describe ways to achieve optimal patient advocacy for kidney recipients and donors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key areas include informing patients fully in their care decision process and honoring patient priorities in all care innovations and policies.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCurrent Transplantation Reports·DateSep 4, 2020

Images of captive torment in art

A study of WWII art made by prisoners of war in Australian and New Zealand internment camps uncovers surprising quality and artistic confidence among the works. The artworks, created between 1942 and 1945, depict alluring female figures and cultural symbols, providing insight into the lives of ethnic and part-Japanese detainees.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Art·DateSep 4, 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.

Does the COVID-19 cytokine storm exist?

Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center measured cytokines in COVID-19 patients and found significantly lower levels compared to patients with septic shock and ARDS. This challenges the concept of a COVID-19 cytokine storm, potentially impacting treatment strategies.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateSep 4, 2020

Relief for people who struggle with CPAP masks

A new surgical trial found excellent outcomes for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who couldn't use CPAP masks, with significant reductions in night-time apnoea events and improvements in daytime sleepiness. The procedure combines palate surgery with a low-risk tongue procedure to create an improved airway.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 4, 2020

Deep underground forces explain quakes on San Andreas Fault

New USC research reveals that rock-melting forces deep within the Earth's crust are responsible for tremors along a notorious segment of California's San Andreas Fault. The study suggests that these underground excitations can lead to instability and ruptures in the fault, generating anomalous seismic waves.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2020

NASA's Aqua Satellite finds wind shear not letting up on Omar

Tropical Depression Omar is being affected by persistent wind shear, which is weakening the storm's rotation and inhibiting thunderstorm development. The NASA Aqua satellite has provided temperature information about the system's clouds, confirming the presence of wind shear.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 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.

Psychological abuse: obstetric care must delve deeper

A new study highlights the vital role that obstetric health practitioners play in a woman's decision to stay or leave an abusive relationship. Health professionals can offer empathy, support, and information to women experiencing coercive control during pregnancy, birth, and post-delivery.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateSep 4, 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.

Chen studying true cost of dual-enrollment programs in Virginia

P. Daniel Chen examines cost of dual-enrollment programs in Virginia to estimate true costs for secondary schools and community colleges. The study aims to answer three questions: on-site course costs, administrative support costs, and Commonwealth spending per course and pupil.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateSep 4, 2020

Scientists predicted new hard and superhard ternary compounds

Researchers at Skoltech predicted high-entropy alloys with improved mechanical properties, such as hardness and fracture resistance, in the W-Mo-B system. The study aims to develop new hard materials that can withstand higher temperatures or pressures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateSep 4, 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.