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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 49

Warm climate of the Oligocene

Researchers reconstructed Oligocene sea surface temperatures and found a warm global climate despite low atmospheric CO2 levels. The findings challenge existing understanding of greenhouse climates in the past and shed light on Earth's surface temperature evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

E. coli engineered to grow on CO2 and formic acid as sole carbon sources?

A team at KAIST developed an E. coli strain that can grow up to 11-fold higher cell density using CO2 and formic acid as sole carbon sources. The engineered strain shows promise for producing chemicals from these carbon sources, a crucial step forward in biorefinery production.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateSep 28, 2020

Sleep challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in children's sleep schedules. Experts from the University of Florida College of Medicine have identified key strategies for parents to help their children adjust to new routines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Climate change and chick mortality in migratory birds

As temperatures rise, tree swallow populations are shifting their egg-laying dates forward by up to 13 days. This shift is linked to increased risk of mass chick mortality due to reduced aerial insect availability during cold snaps, highlighting the complex impacts of climate change on animal life cycles.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 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.

Internal sun compass in desert locusts

The desert locust's two internal compasses rely on the sun's position and sky polarization patterns. The protocerebral bridge in the central complex encodes 360 degrees of space, enabling navigation based on combined cues from the sky.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

Missing rehab due to COVID-19 increased distress in women with breast cancer

A recent study found that COVID-19-related interruptions in rehabilitation care for women with breast cancer led to increased emotional distress and reduced physical activity. The study, published in Rehabilitation Oncology, surveyed 15 breast cancer survivors who experienced cancelled appointments due to the pandemic.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalRehabilitation Oncology·DateSep 28, 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.

Artificial intelligence can help protect orchids and other species

An automated assessment approach using machine learning algorithms identifies over 4,300 potentially threatened orchid species, highlighting conservation priority areas such as Madagascar, East Africa, and South-east Asia.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 28, 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.

Heart disease in young people may be linked to diabetes exposure in the womb

A Canadian study of over 290,000 children found that those exposed to diabetes in the womb had a 50-200% higher risk of developing heart disease before age 35. The study also discovered that these children were more likely to develop high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateSep 28, 2020

Noninvasive sleep test may help diagnose and predict dementia in older adults

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed the Brain Age Index (BAI), a model that estimates brain aging through sleep data and electrical measurements during sleep. The BAI showed promise as a marker of dementia, correlating with neuropsychiatric scores from standard cognitive assessments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 28, 2020

Researchers identify 'druggable' signaling pathway that stimulates lung tissue repair

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers has identified a cellular pathway that can be targeted with a naturally occurring drug to stimulate lung tissue regeneration. The findings could lead to better therapies for patients with lung diseases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID-19.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2020

New study finds novel functions of the pyruvate-sensing protein PdhR in E. Coli

Researchers identified novel targets and functions of PdhR, a pyruvate-sensing protein, in E. coli including regulation of bacterial movement and fatty acid degradation. The study expanded the role of PdhR beyond known pathways, providing insights into E. coli metabolism and potential applications for bioengineering.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMicrobial Genomics·DateSep 28, 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.

Burned organic matter in Chicxulub impact

Researchers found that burned organic matter in sediments ejected from the Chicxulub impact crater likely contributed to the mass extinction event. The analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) suggests a fossil source origin and rapid heating, consistent with rock material ejected during the asteroid impact.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

Effect of time-restricted eating on weight loss

A randomized clinical trial found that restricting daily eating to between 12 pm and 8 pm resulted in significant weight loss among participants. The study also showed improvements in metabolic markers, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 28, 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.

COVID-19 control rests with human behavior, at least until a vaccine arrives

Researchers found that countries with more agreeable and conscientious populations tend to be more compliant with mobility restrictions. In contrast, societies with higher openness and extraversion exhibit counter-compliant behavior, displaying increased mobility despite restrictions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 28, 2020

Fine-tuning stem cell metabolism prevents hair loss

Researchers discover that hair follicle stem cells can prolong their life by switching metabolic state in response to low oxygen concentration, preventing age-induced hair loss. The team identified Rictor signaling as crucial for this process, which involves a shift from glutamine metabolism to glycolysis.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 28, 2020

AI learns to trace neuronal pathways

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed an AI tool that can efficiently recognize neurons in microscope images, significantly improving the accuracy of automated tracing and analysis. This breakthrough aims to untangle the mysteries of brain connectivity and enable humans to think about how brains work.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 28, 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.

Analysis of wild tomatoes elucidates genetic basis underlying fruit traits

Domestication led to reduced genetic diversity and elimination of beneficial traits like robustness in drought stress and resistance to pathogens. The study identified key genes and metabolites influencing fruit quality, including health-promoting flavonoids and defensive compounds.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 28, 2020

MarrowQuant: A new digital-pathology tool

MarrowQuant, a new digital pathology software, can quantify bone marrow components in histological images without bias. The tool builds maps based on values to complement images, potentially re-examining historical sample collections and old clinical trials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateSep 28, 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.

Princeton researchers join $1M NSF effort to model nation's groundwater

Researchers from Princeton will help lead a project to simulate the nation's natural groundwater system using artificial intelligence, improving hydrologic forecasting and water management. The project combines data science, machine learning, and hydrology to predict how much groundwater is available and its impact on extreme events.

SourcePrinceton University·DateSep 28, 2020

Cell therapy designed to treat inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have designed a multifunctional cell therapy system to treat ulcerative colitis, with encouraging results obtained in animal models. The system incorporates stem cells, biomaterials, and microparticles that release interferon, aiming to improve cell persistence and biosafety.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 28, 2020

Salute the venerable ensign wasp, killing cockroaches for 25 million years

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified four new species of parasitic, cockroach-killing ensign wasps that became trapped in tree resin and fossilized into amber 25 million years ago. The discovery reveals the wasps' long history of controlling cockroach populations and sheds light on their behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateSep 28, 2020

Covert tobacco industry marketing tactics exposed by former employees

Researchers found that tobacco companies use cash payments, holidays, and events to incentivize retailers to promote their products, reaching consumers indirectly. The study calls for strengthened laws to prohibit all marketing of tobacco products, with no contributions allowed.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalGlobal Public Health·DateSep 28, 2020

FoodLAND: Food and local, agricultural and nutritional diversity

The FoodLAND project is developing innovations for local agriculture and aquaculture development in six African countries, aiming to strengthen agro-biodiversity and healthy diets. The project will create a network of 14 local Food Hubs to mobilise actors in rural and urban communities, testing and introducing technological innovations.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·DateSep 28, 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.

Evolutionary and heritable axes shape our brain

Scientists have deciphered two axes of brain organization, mainly determined by genetic factors, which reflect functional hierarchies from basic capabilities to complex skills. These findings provide insight into the evolution of brain structure and its relationship with genetic and environmental factors.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 28, 2020

Memory training for the immune system

Scientists discovered a key transcription factor regulating T cell survival and immunological memory. Overexpressing this factor in CAR-T cells improved therapy efficiency for cancer treatments. Improved therapies could benefit patients with B cell lymphoma and other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Immunology·DateSep 28, 2020

Landmark discovery could improve Army lasers, precision sensors

A landmark discovery at New York University has developed a method to create colloids that crystallize into the diamond lattice, enabling cheap and reliable fabrication of 3D photonic crystals for optical circuits. This breakthrough could lead to lightweight high-efficiency lasers, precise light control, and new materials for managing ...

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 28, 2020

Water at the end of the tunnel

Researchers discovered the mechanism of an enzyme called F420-oxidase that converts oxygen into water, allowing methanogens to thrive in oxygen-free environments. The enzyme uses a gas channel and gating system to control the reaction, preventing oxygen from being transformed into superoxide.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 28, 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.

Team develops wearable sensor to help people with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have developed a wearable device that monitors sweat for key biomarkers associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which could indicate flare-ups. The device has the potential to empower patients to be actively engaged in monitoring their disease and managing it.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateSep 28, 2020

Understanding ghost particle interactions

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop nuclear physics model to study neutrino interactions, shedding light on why neutrinos change flavors during space or matter travel. The team's findings are crucial for understanding the universe's matter-antimatter imbalance and fundamental questions about its origins.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 28, 2020

Genetic testing cost effective for newly diagnosed GIST

Genetic testing is cost-effective for newly diagnosed metastatic GIST patients, enabling clinicians to prescribe tumor-specific chemotherapy. This approach avoids ineffective treatment and reduces disease progression rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 28, 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.

Interdisciplinary team wins grant to speed oral cancer testing

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University are developing a hand-held device that can non-invasively detect oral cancer by analyzing the ratios of two key proteins. The device aims to reduce the need for painful biopsies and provide an accurate diagnostic alternative, especially in resource-poor settings.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateSep 28, 2020

Pandemic sets off future wave of worsening mental health issues

New research highlights the long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health, including increased risk of substance abuse and chronic illness. The study found that those with pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities or disorders are more susceptible to these issues.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateSep 28, 2020

Natural capital a missing piece in climate policy

A new study by UC Davis researchers incorporates natural capital into climate change cost models, revealing large implications for climate policy. The authors found that the social cost of carbon is likely too low, and rapid mitigation of climate damage to natural systems is warranted.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 28, 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 hormone therapy slows progression of atherosclerosis

A new study confirms hormone therapy reduces biomarkers of inflammation in postmenopausal women, with greatest benefits seen in those nearing menopause. The study suggests hormone therapy may slow progression of atherosclerosis by targeting inflammatory processes.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateSep 28, 2020

Strong activation of anti-bacterial T cells linked to severe COVID-19

A study by Karolinska Institutet researchers found that MAIT cell activation is strongly linked to severe COVID-19 disease. The number of MAIT cells in the blood declines sharply in patients with moderate or severe COVID-19, while pro-inflammatory MAIT cells accumulate in the airways.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 28, 2020

New approach for earlier detection of Alzheimer's

Researchers are developing a novel deep learning technique to identify relationships between brain networks and Alzheimer's disease using algorithms mimicking neural networks. The goal is to pinpoint specific areas in the brain to slow and treat disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 28, 2020

Visual learning in honeybees and humans

Researchers found that honeybees use a simple counting-based model to learn from visual scenes, unlike humans who employ complex probabilistic learning to recognize patterns. This difference may contribute to human superiority in cognitive capacities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 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.

Helium, a little atom for big physics

Researchers have developed methods to calculate the QED correction of helium to the 7th power series, which are the most accurate results to date. Precision measurements of helium atoms also have a broad impact on various important studies, including determining the radius of helium nuclei and calculating polarizability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateSep 28, 2020

About 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be tied to brain wiring genes

A recent NIH-funded study confirms that about 14% of cerebral palsy cases may be linked to rare genetic mutations, which control brain circuit development during early childhood. The results led to recommended changes in treatment for at least three patients and provide new insights into the disorder.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 28, 2020