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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 512

Aboriginal women share their stories on keeping the heart strong

A new study led by Katharine McBride explores the perspectives of 28 Aboriginal women from five different communities across central and southern Australia, identifying 10 attributes that either keep or put their heart at risk. These include identity as an Aboriginal woman, healthy body and life, connectedness within family and communi...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·DateDec 17, 2020

LSU health research suggests new mechanism to balance emotional behavior

A recent study led by LSU Health researchers discovered a reciprocal interaction between GABA and endocannabinoids in the brain, which accelerates the breakdown of molecules regulating brain cell communication. This imbalance is linked to neurological disorders and may be targeted for therapy.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2020

Three-dimensional view of catalysts in action

A new diagnostic tool allows for the visualization of catalysts in three dimensions, enabling researchers to study complex chemical reactions and improve materials. The technique, operando X-ray spectroscopy, provides detailed information on the structure and function of active catalysts.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 17, 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.

Scientists create a new phototoxic protein, SuperNova2

Researchers developed SuperNova2, an enhanced version of phototoxic protein SuperNova, for localized oxidative stress and molecular biology tasks. The new protein displays high speed and completeness of maturation, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateDec 17, 2020

Electron-producing microbes power sustainable wastewater treatment

WSU researchers create a microbial fuel cell system that substitutes for oxygen in wastewater treatment, removing contaminants at comparable rates. The system generates electricity while cleaning water, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBioelectrochemistry·DateDec 17, 2020

Still paying for broken smartphone display? Now, It is automatically fixed

A research team in South Korea developed a self-healing colorless polyimide material that can repair cracks and damaged functions without high-temperature heat. The material, created by mixing linseed oil-loaded microcapsules with silicone, offers advantages such as accelerated healing process and local damage repair at room temperature.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·DateDec 17, 2020

Scientists unlock promising key to preventing cancer relapse after immunotherapy

Researchers found that targeting the fas protein can prevent cancer cells from escaping immunotherapies, leading to longer-lasting positive responses and improved survival rates. By combining immunotherapies with small molecule inhibitors, bystander tumor cell killing may be potentiated to eliminate antigen-loss variants.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·DateDec 17, 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 latest magnesium studies pave the way for new biomedical materials

Researchers found that surface mechanical attrition treatment improves magnesium's corrosion resistance, making it suitable for biocompatible implants. The process reduces the rate of decomposition and increases the material's strength.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalMaterials·DateDec 17, 2020

ACE2 protein protects against severe COVID-19: Study

A recent study found that female COVID-19 patients experience less severe complications due to stronger immune responses triggered by their X chromosome-linked genes. Women's immune systems are enhanced by the presence of Toll-like receptor seven, allowing them to better tolerate virus infections.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateDec 17, 2020

What's up Skip? Kangaroos really can 'talk' to us

A study found that kangaroos gazed at humans when trying to access food in a closed box, using gazes to communicate instead of opening the box. The research also revealed that nine out of 11 kangaroos showed gaze alternations between the box and human.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 17, 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.

When genetic data meets marketing

A new study assesses the implications of genetic testing for marketing strategy and research, highlighting potential uses and misuses of genetic data. The authors raise concerns about unique features of genetic data, including individual identification and predictive power, that may threaten consumer autonomy and privacy.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 17, 2020

Neurotic people feel worse emotionally during the corona crisis

A survey of over 1,600 people found that neurotic individuals reported more negative feelings and greater emotional variability during the pandemic. The study suggests that personality traits can play a significant role in coping with crisis situations.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateDec 17, 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.

SARS-CoV-2-like particles very sensitive to temperature

A study found that moderate temperature increases break down SARS-Cov-2 virus-like particles on surfaces, while humidity has little impact. This degradation suggests a potential surge in COVID-19 infections during winter months.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·DateDec 17, 2020

Ultra-thin designer materials unlock quantum phenomena

Researchers at Aalto University have designed an ultra-thin material that creates elusive Majorana quantum states, which could be key to making topological qubits. The team successfully trapped electrons together in a two-dimensional material, overcoming the challenge of noise tolerance in quantum computing.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 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.

A little-known threat: Infectious microbes in wildfire smoke

Wildfire smoke aerosolizes bacteria and fungi from burning materials, potentially infecting people who breathe in the plumes. Researchers argue that public health sciences must expand their focus to include the impact of microbial cargo on human populations

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

How can you declutter your mind? New study offers clues

A new study published in Nature Communications used brain imaging techniques to examine how people purge thoughts from their working memory. The researchers found that 'clear' and 'replace' strategies led to faster forgetting, while 'suppress' was more effective for making room for new information.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2020

Seizure risk forecasted days in advance with brain implant data

Researchers have made breakthroughs in predicting epilepsy seizures using brain implant data, identifying weekly-to-monthly cycles of 'brain irritability' that predict higher likelihood of seizures. The study's findings could enable patients to plan their lives around high or low seizure risk, avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateDec 17, 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 nature lover? It's a COVID-19 side effect

A study by researchers at the University of Vermont found that 26% of people visiting parks during early COVID-19 months had rarely visited nature in the previous year. Park users reported increased importance for these areas and access to them, with 81% saying access was very important.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic had big impact on commercial fishing in Northeast

A Rutgers study found that two-fifths of commercial fishermen did not fish earlier this year due to market disruptions, while nearly all reported a decline in income compared to previous years. Some species, like squid and scallops, saw decreased catch, while others, such as black sea bass and haddock, maintained or increased their catch.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2020

Protein linked to progressive lung scarring in scleroderma patients

A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found a link between autoantibodies and lung fibrosis progression in systemic sclerosis patients. The researchers discovered that osteopontin, a protein previously implicated in fibrosis, may be responsible for triggering lung scarring.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateDec 17, 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.

AI-powered microscope could check cancer margins in minutes

A new AI-powered microscope can rapidly image large tissue sections with cellular resolution, potentially during surgery, to find the answer. The DeepDOF microscope uses deep learning to train a computer algorithm to optimize image collection and post-processing.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2020

Study reports drop in lung cancer screening, rise in malignancy during COVID-19 surge

A recent study reported a significant drop in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite resuming full operations, new patient monthly LDCT rates remained low, and patients were more likely to miss appointments, increasing the no-show rate from 15% to 40%. This led to a rise in m...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 17, 2020

Reliable COVID-19 test could reduce virus spread

A reliable COVID-19 test developed by Anglia Ruskin University professor Stephen Bustin could reduce virus spread by cutting false negatives and delivering faster results. The Cov2-ID test targets three viral genes, achieving 100% accurate results from nearly 30 patient samples.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2020

Study tracks elephant tusks from 16th century shipwreck

Researchers use DNA analysis to determine that all 44 tusks came from forest elephants residing in West Africa, revealing the geographic origins and habitats of these endangered species. The study provides a framework for examining vast collections of historic ivory, offering insights into modern wildlife conservation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 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.

How climate change is disrupting ecosystems

A study found that herbivorous insects from lower elevations can alter alpine plant communities when introduced to higher elevations, leading to changes in biomass structure and composition. This disruption can favor the growth of small-stature plant species.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

Upcycling: new catalytic process turns plastic bags into adhesives

Researchers at UC Berkeley develop a new catalytic process converting polyethylene plastic into high-value adhesives, enhancing its stickiness without compromising other traits. This breakthrough could change the economics of turning waste into valuable products.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalChem·DateDec 17, 2020

$9.6M boost for international mother-baby iron supplements study

A major new study will investigate the impact of intravenous iron treatment on maternal and newborn health in low-income countries, addressing anaemia prevention, growth development and breastfeeding rates. The two-year trial aims to compare single-dose intravenous iron treatments with oral iron supplements.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateDec 17, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

West coast wildfires create rare opportunity to track black carbon

Researchers are tracking black carbon from West Coast wildfires to study its impact on the global carbon cycle and global warming. The first flush of carbon and nutrients from burned land has been captured for the first time, revealing a previously unknown pathway in the chain that connects fire-derived black carbon to the deep ocean.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateDec 17, 2020

Nurse practitioners bring big savings to long-term care facilities in Quebec

A study published in Nursing Outlook found that nurse practitioners significantly reduced costs and improved patient safety in six long-term care facilities in Quebec, with cost savings ranging from $1.9 to $3.2 million. The introduction of nurse practitioners also led to a reduction in nursing administration time for medications.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNursing Outlook·DateDec 17, 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.

Oceans without oxygen

Researchers have discovered that ocean anoxic zones, which lack dissolved oxygen, are teeming with life and play a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle. The study found that microbes can still eat organic carbon but respiring sulfate, known as cryptic sulfur cycling, leading to more organic carbon deposits in sediments.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

UBC study highlights need for more effective staffing in care homes

A UBC study found that a combination of good planning, strong leadership, and a focus on safety contributed to a long-term care facility's success in preventing COVID-19 outbreaks. However, the study also highlighted growing levels of staff stress and dissatisfaction with staffing levels.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHealthcare Quarterly·DateDec 17, 2020

Big data will analyze the mystery of Beethoven's metronome

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and UNED used big data and physics research to analyze Beethoven's metronomic marks. The study found that conductors tend to play slower than indicated, with a systematic deviation, which could be explained by the composer reading the metronome incorrectly.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 17, 2020

Study in mice shows genes may be altered through drug repurposing

A study published in Science Translational Medicine shows that MEK inhibitors can stimulate PAX6 expression in the eye of mice with aniridia, partially normalizing their eye development. Researchers also found that topical administration of the drug enhanced PAX6 and cleared corneas, allowing mice to see better.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 17, 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.

Longest intergalactic gas filament discovered

A team from University of Bonn observed a 50 million light year long gas filament, confirming the structure predicted by computer simulations. The findings suggest that more than half of matter in the universe is hidden in filaments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateDec 17, 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.

Scientists set a path for field trials of gene drive organisms

A multidisciplinary coalition proposes a framework for field trials of gene drive organisms to ensure safe, transparent, and publicly accountable implementation. The core commitments address fair partnership and transparency, product efficacy and safety, regulatory evaluation and risk/benefit assessment, and monitoring and mitigation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

UCI engineers reveal molecular secrets of cephalopod powers

Researchers at UCI have discovered a way to control the hierarchical assembly and optical properties of reflectin, a protein that gives squids and octopuses their color-changing abilities. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in optics, electronics, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2020

Shark fishing bans partially effective

A blanket ban on landing thresher sharks has stopped targeted fishing, but persistent 'bycatch' continues to be a problem. The study found that bycatch is widely unrecorded due to mistrust and confusion among fishers, making it hard for authorities to enforce the ban.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateDec 17, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.