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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 49

Boosting public trust in scientists hangs on communications methods

A West Virginia University professor argues that effective communication is crucial for gaining the American public's trust in scientists. By considering four dimensions of trust and tailored communication objectives, science communicators can increase perceptions of competence, integrity, benevolence, and openness.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalScience Communication·DateSep 28, 2020

'Portfolio' of marine reserves enhances fish populations

A study by Dr. Hugo Harrison found that connecting marine reserves through a 'portfolio' approach can provide reliable quantities of fish across an ecosystem. This approach supports more fish, which then produce even greater numbers of baby fish, ultimately stabilizing fish populations.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Fungal compound inhibits important group of proteins

Researchers have identified a fungal compound, cercosporamide, that inhibits BMP receptors, which are overactive in certain diseases. This finding offers new possibilities for treating conditions like Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateSep 28, 2020

Wildlife value of tropical forest restoration

A study in Borneo found that degraded tropical forests have a high conservation value for 28 tropical mammal species. Mammals tend to avoid heavily degraded areas with open canopies and reduced vegetation density, highlighting the importance of maintaining good quality forest habitat.

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

Magnitude and impact of Ilopango volcanic eruption

Researchers pinpointed the date of the Ilopango volcano's Tierra Blanca Joven eruption, identifying its impacts on climate and society. The eruption is believed to have cooled the atmosphere by 0.5 °C for a few years, with effects largely limited to the local region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Tone of voice matters in neuronal communication

Researchers discovered neurons adjust neurotransmitter release via signal tone modulation, enabling rapid communication. This mechanism allows neurons to fine-tune their 'voice' in real-time.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2020

Sentinels of ocean acidification impacts survived Earth's last mass extinction

Research reveals that two groups of marine organisms, sea butterflies and sea angels, have survived dramatic global climate change and Earth's most recent mass extinction event. The study found that these pteropods evolved in the early Cretaceous period and likely survived previous episodes of ocean acidification.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

The pace of environmental change can doom or save coral reefs

Research reveals coral reef ecosystems collapse under rapid fishing pressures due to positive feedback between fish behavior and ecosystem sensitivity. The study highlights the importance of understanding the social component of individual fish in managing coral reefs for sustainable harvest levels.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

Tests indicate modern oral nicotine products elicit lower toxicity responses than cigs

New research by British American Tobacco indicates that modern oral nicotine products (MOPs) are less biologically active than traditional cigarettes and snus, with some products failing to elicit a biological response. The study suggests MOPs may be a reduced-risk option for users who switch completely from smoking.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalFood and Chemical Toxicology·DateSep 28, 2020

Scientists explored optimal shapes of thermal energy storages

Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University studied the correlation between TES shape and efficiency, finding that straight walls are often preferred but can vary depending on specific criteria. The study also explored the potential of integrating TES with other energy accumulators, such as adiabatic compressed air storages.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalRenewable Energy·DateSep 28, 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.

Volunteers receiving government aid while unemployed face scrutiny, bias from public

Research suggests that volunteers who also receive government aid are often judged negatively for not using their time to find paid employment. Aid recipients are scrutinized more than working individuals, with biases towards believing they should prioritize job-seeking over volunteering and personal activities.

SourceIndiana University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateSep 28, 2020

Inside mitochondria and their fascinating genome

Researchers have discovered that mitochondrial RNA's are packaged into tiny liquid droplets that can fuse together and break apart, providing insight into the dynamic nature of mitochondrial genetics. This finding is crucial for understanding how cells produce energy and has implications for diseases caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2020

Scientists kill cancer cells by 'shutting the door' to the nucleus

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a way to selectively kill aggressive cancer cells by blocking the construction of nuclear pore complexes. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for deadly tumors such as melanoma, leukemia, and colorectal cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Discovery·DateSep 28, 2020

Lipids, lysosomes, and autophagy: The keys to preventing kidney injury

A team of researchers from Osaka University has identified the crucial role of lipids, lysosomes, and autophagy in preventing kidney injury. By understanding how calcium, lipids, and lysosomal degradation interact, scientists can develop new treatments for kidney damage caused by crystal-induced injuries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2020

The key to lowering CO2 emissions is made of metal

Researchers at Osaka City University have discovered metal ions as a key component to produce malic acid, a molecule with 4 carbon atoms, through artificial photosynthesis. This innovation enables the exploration of CO2 as a raw material for producing complex materials.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateSep 28, 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.

Earthquake lightning: Mysterious luminescence phenomena

Researchers investigated luminescence caused by landslides and found different rocks emit light due to unique reasons, with granite exhibiting remarkable photoemission. The study uses ultra-sensitive cameras and spectroscopes to analyze the phenomenon, which could lead to advancements in earthquake prediction and disaster prevention.

SourceShinshu University·DateSep 28, 2020

Bird brains are surprisingly complex

Researchers use innovative microscopy method to analyze bird brain structure, finding similarities with mammalian neocortex. The study reveals horizontal and vertical layers, refuting long-held assumptions about avian brain organization.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience·DateSep 28, 2020

Disparities in migraine by sexual orientation

A survey-based study examines the association between sexual orientation and migraine prevalence. The findings suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience migraines than their heterosexual counterparts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 28, 2020

Antacid monotherapy more effective in relieving epigastric pain than in combination with lidocain

A double-blind, randomized clinical trial found antacid monotherapy to be the most palatable solution and had fewer side effects compared to antacid/lidocaine combinations. Antacid monotherapy was also found to be equally efficacious in relieving epigastric pain as lidocaine/antacid combination therapy.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·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.

Early introduction of gluten may prevent coeliac disease in children

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that introducing high doses of gluten from four months of age may prevent coeliac disease in children. The Enquiring About Tolerance (EAT) Study showed no cases of coeliac disease among infants who introduced gluten early, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 28, 2020

Busy pictures hinder reading ability in children

A new study published by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that extraneous images on reading pages can draw attention away from text, reducing comprehension in beginning readers. Streamlined illustrations improved reading comprehension scores in first- and second-grade students.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateSep 28, 2020

Penn researchers uncover epigenetic drivers for Alzheimer's disease

Penn researchers found that epigenetic changes disable protective pathways and enable pro-disease pathways in older brain cells with Alzheimer's Disease. These changes can be targeted by drugs, suggesting a new approach to treating early-stage disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·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.

Diamonds in meteorites and impact shock

Researchers found micrometer-sized and nanometer-sized diamonds, along with metallic iron and graphite, in ureilite meteorites. The discovery suggests that diamond formation does not require a Mars-sized parent body, contradicting previous theories.

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

Wound-healing waves

Cells utilize long-distance traveling waves in a self-organized manner to close wounds, guided by intricate interplay of cell movement, sensing, and protein activation. This coupled system enables robust communication of direction over large distances, promoting coordinated behavior for healing and growth.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·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.

NIH-funded study sheds light on abnormal neural function in rare genetic disorder

A NIH-funded study identified neuronal abnormalities in cortical cells from individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with mental illnesses and developmental delays. The study suggests that overexpression of the DGCR8 gene and exposure to certain antipsychotic drugs can restore normal cellular functioning.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

Cancer's hidden vulnerabilities

Researchers developed a framework to study metabolic processes in cancer cells using Raman spectroscopy and microscopy. The technique identified fatty acid synthesis and mono-unsaturation as new metabolic susceptibilities in cancer cells.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2020

New extreme ultraviolet facility opens for use

The new extreme ultraviolet facility allows for investigation of time-dependent phenomena and reveals details of biological or physical samples with unprecedented clarity. It offers ultrashort pulses with high frequencies, useful for probing fast phenomena and investigating the structure and chemical properties of matter.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·DateSep 28, 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.

The ocean has become more stratified with global warming

The global ocean has become more stratified due to global warming, reducing nutrients and oxygen. This increase in stratification affects climate, ecosystems, and the ocean's ability to store carbon, exacerbating global warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 28, 2020

Cannabis use for menopause symptom management

A new study finds that over half of women with menopause symptoms in Northern California are using cannabis to manage hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. The study also shows that more than a quarter of participants express interest in trying cannabis for menopause symptom management.

SourceThe Menopause Society·DateSep 28, 2020

USC-led study traces the evolution of gill covers

A new USC-led study identified a critical genetic modification that enabled the emergence of gill covers in early vertebrates, allowing them to become top predators. The study found that changes in a gene called Pou3f3 led to the development of gill covers in some fish and their absence in others.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

Study finds older persons underrepresented in COVID-19 treatment and vaccine trials

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that older persons are highly likely to be excluded from COVID-19 clinical trials, despite accounting for 30-40% of cases and 80% of deaths globally. The exclusion poses a risk to the effectiveness and safety of treatments for older adults.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

Painting a clearer picture of COVID-19

A team of researchers at MU, including an 8th grader and an undergraduate student, identified 3 specific mutations in the COVID-19 virus that may be contributing to its high infectivity in the US. The findings suggest a clearer picture of co-evolving mutations inside the virus.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology·DateSep 28, 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.

Study shows heating in vaping device as cause for lung injury

Researchers found significant lung injury from e-cigarette devices with nickel-chromium alloy heating elements, even without nicotine or other additives. The switch in devices occurred when the team's original eC device went off market, revealing severe respiratory distress and lung lesions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 28, 2020

Building walls that will make summer heat waves more bearable

A research team from KIST has developed a new material that can reduce heat penetration through building walls. By applying phase change materials with bubble injections, the indoor temperature can be suppressed and the cooling load of the building can be lowered.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateSep 28, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Recording thousands of nerve cell impulses at high resolution

Researchers developed a new generation of microelectrode-array chips that can record electrical activity from up to 20,000 nerve cells simultaneously. The new chip enables comprehensive measurements of more than 1,000 cells at once, suitable for testing the effects of drugs and reducing animal experiments.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2020

The cost of drought in Italy

A new study estimates that droughts in Italy cause losses between 0.55 and 1.75 billion euros, mainly due to agricultural productivity decline. The economic impacts of droughts extend beyond agriculture, affecting the food industry and wholesale services.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalLand Use Policy·DateSep 28, 2020

In-hospital cardiac arrest in COVID-19

A case series examines outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest among COVID-19 patients, highlighting the severity of the condition. The study reveals that in-hospital cardiac arrest is a rare but life-threatening complication of COVID-19, requiring prompt medical attention.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 28, 2020

Stabilizing marine reserves in Great Barrier Reef

Researchers found that a network of marine reserves replenishes exploited fish stocks while minimizing risk to ocean ecosystems. This approach stabilizes reserve performance, providing a reliable source of larval offspring.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New study shows converting to electric vehicles alone won't meet climate targets

A new study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that meeting UN climate targets would require up to 90% of US passenger vehicles to be electric by 2050. The researchers found that a fleet of 350 million EVs would increase electricity demand by 41%, posing significant technological and infrastructure challenges.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 28, 2020

Research on emerging COVID-19 (target, mechanism, and therapeutics)

Researchers have identified potential therapeutic effects of dipyridamole in treating severely ill patients with COVID-19. The study also revealed unique drug targeting sites on the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, which can help guide the design of novel antiviral agents.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateSep 28, 2020

Quantum vortex study recognized as finalists for prestigious Eureka Prize

The Australian Quantum Vortex team has been named a finalist in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes for their groundbreaking study on turbulence. The team's use of laser technologies to observe quantum origins of turbulence has provided new insights into the behavior of vortices, which influence global weather and flight patterns.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·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.

Sediment motion on burned hillslopes

A probabilistic model reveals three distinct regimes of particle motion on burned hillslopes, driven by changes in slope, particle size and surface roughness. Burned slopes are measurably smoother than vegetated slopes, affecting steepland erosion following wildfires.

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

Oligomeric materials to enhance water splitting

Researchers from ICIQ's Llobet team developed a new oligomeric material as a catalyst for water oxidation, achieving unprecedented current densities. The hybrid material behaves as a rugged and powerful electro-anode, stable at neutral pH and outperforming existing materials.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 28, 2020

Looking at evolution's genealogy from home

Münster University researchers develop new software '2-n-way' to compare any genomes, identifying relationships among species or individuals. The tool can analyze genome evolutions, genetic diseases, and sequence any number of genomes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalGenome Research·DateSep 28, 2020

Neurons in spinal-cord injuries are reconnected in vivo via carbon nanotube sponges

Scientists have successfully reconnected damaged neuronal networks in spinal cord injuries using carbon nanotube sponges. The breakthrough enables functional results, with animals regaining mobility in affected limbs. Further research is needed to explore the material's properties and conditions for implantation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·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.

Researchers discover a new method to regulate cell plasticity

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have developed a new method to regulate cell plasticity by inhibiting the protein CDK8, strengthening gene expression for specific cell identities while reducing alternative identities. This approach holds promise for improving chemotherapy reactions and studying embryonic stem cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 28, 2020