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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 113


Page 113 of 512

Halogen impact from Mount Samalas eruption

Researchers created model simulations of the 1257 CE Mount Samalas eruption using tree-ring records and emissions data. The study found that as little as 1% of halogen released from the eruption reached the stratosphere, suggesting potential for substantial ozone depletion despite small amounts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Penn Medicine scientists engineer bacteria-killing molecules from wasp venom

Scientists at Penn Medicine have engineered bacteria-killing molecules from toxic proteins found in wasp venom, which could help combat antibiotic-resistant infections. The new antimicrobial molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes and summoning immune cells, showing promise as potential treatments for sepsis and tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

To protect nature's benefits, focus on people

A new study by Stanford University's Natural Capital Project emphasizes the importance of considering diverse human needs when conserving ecosystems. The researchers argue that a one-size-fits-all approach can exacerbate existing social and racial inequalities, and instead recommend inclusive policies that prioritize equity.

SourceStanford University - Natural Capital Project·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 12, 2020

IPK scientists discover gene that ensures slim inflorescence shape of barley

The discovery of the COM1 gene reveals its role in controlling cell growth and influencing the properties of cell walls to form spikelets. This finding provides new insights into grass inflorescence architecture and may aid in increasing barley's yield potential.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2020

Surface waves can help nanostructured devices keep their cool

Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, have demonstrated a new cooling solution for nanostructured devices using surface waves. Surface phonon-polaritons (SPhPs) enhance thermal conductivity in thin membranes, improving heat transport beyond conventional acoustic phonon limitations.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 12, 2020

Border policies and climate change exposure

Researchers assessed the impact of international border policy on migration flows and climate change exposure from 2015 to 2100. They found that most migrants move to areas experiencing less severe climate change impacts when allowed to migrate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Stacking and twisting graphene unlocks a rare form of magnetism

Researchers at Columbia University discovered a rare form of magnetism in a three-layer graphene structure, showcasing exotic electronic states and controllable magnetic behavior. The twist angle enables the manipulation of spin-free magnetism, opening new possibilities for quantum computation and energy-efficient data storage.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 12, 2020

Cardiovascular disease and sociopolitical stress

Researchers analyzed health records of nearly 3 million US adults before and after the 2016 presidential election, finding higher acute CVD hospitalization rates following the election. The study suggests that sociopolitical stress may be a contributing factor to increased risk of acute cardiovascular disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Prospective parents' mental health linked to premature births

A new study has found that both mothers and fathers with mental health problems are more likely to have a baby born prematurely. Men with persistent mental health issues were more likely to have a preterm birth, while women with anxiety and depression during pregnancy also increased the risk.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateOct 12, 2020

New bioengineering approach to fix fetal membranes

Researchers have discovered a new method to repair defective fetal membranes using small bioengineered molecules, which could help prevent preterm birth. The study found that these molecules can self-assemble to form a plug that seals holes within the fetal membranes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPrenatal Diagnosis·DateOct 12, 2020

Scientists report role for dopamine and serotonin in human perception and decision-making

Researchers recorded real-time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in patients' brains during tasks, revealing that serotonin levels increased with uncertainty and decreased with confidence. The study provides insight into how dopamine and serotonin regulate perception, decision-making, and cognition, potentially leading to improv...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuron·DateOct 12, 2020

Studies find even minimal physical activity measurably boosts health

Two studies from UC San Diego found that standing and light physical activity significantly reduce the risk of death, even for just 30 minutes a day. The research team also compared sedentary time in Americans to farmers in Malawi, finding substantially higher levels of activity among the latter group.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateOct 12, 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.

Tetrahedra may explain water 's uniqueness

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have found evidence of a critical point based on the cooperative formation of tetrahedra in supercooled water. This discovery suggests that water's anomalies, such as its maximum density and large heat capacity, originate from the two-state feature, rather than criticality.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Unraveling the network of molecules that influence COVID-19 severity

A study published in Cell Systems identified 219 molecules that strongly correlate with COVID-19 severity. The analysis revealed a unique network of molecules influencing blood coagulation, inflammation, and vessel damage. Researchers hope this discovery will lead to the development of targeted therapeutics to alleviate disease.

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 12, 2020

Engineers print wearable sensors directly on skin without heat

Researchers developed a novel technique to produce high-performing biometric sensors by printing them directly on human skin at room temperature. The sensors can capture precise temperature, humidity, blood oxygen levels, and heart performance signals, and are environmentally friendly, making them suitable for people with sensitive skin.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 12, 2020

Revealing the reason behind jet formation at the tip of laser optical fiber

A research team from Russia and Japan explored jet formation in an optical fiber immersed in liquid, revealing the reasons behind this phenomenon. The study found that the jet velocity depends on the relationship between the vapor bubble size and fiber radius, with potential applications for laser surgical techniques.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateOct 12, 2020

Mosquitoes' taste for blood traced to four types of neurons

Researchers have discovered that female mosquitoes use four distinct types of neurons to detect the unique flavor of human blood, which may lead to new methods for preventing mosquito-borne illnesses. By studying these taste neurons, scientists hope to develop a drug or treatment that could deter mosquitoes from biting humans.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNeuron·DateOct 12, 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.

Computational approach to optimise culture conditions required for cell therapy

Researchers have developed a computational approach called EpiMogrify that can predict the molecules needed to keep cells healthy in laboratory cultures. The model successfully identified molecules to maintain healthy nerve cells and heart cells, and predicted molecules that trigger stem cells to turn into specific cell types.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 12, 2020

Tooth structure of early mammaliaform

Researchers analyzed Kalaallitkigun jenkinsi, a late Triassic species from Greenland, to study the origin of double-row cusped molar-like teeth. The findings suggest that these features may have evolved together with biomechanically optimized dual roots.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Multi-state data storage leaving binary behind

Researchers review 'multi-state memory' data storage technology that stores more than just 0s and 1s, enabling high-density storage and fast access. The technology has the potential to enhance storage density without scaling down device dimensions.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 12, 2020

Navigating through health care data disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted health care data collection, leading to challenges in managing and analyzing patient information. Researchers emphasize the need for healthcare systems to develop new strategies to address these disruptions and ensure accurate data reporting.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 12, 2020

Stopping lethal lung damage from the flu with a natural human protein

Researchers discovered that MG53 blocks inflammation and protects lungs from flu-induced death in mouse studies, offering a potential new therapy for the top-10 cause of global deaths. The treatment prevents excessive inflammation without affecting the virus itself.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 12, 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.

New virtual reality software allows scientists to 'walk' inside cells

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed vLUME, a virtual reality software that allows for the visualization and analysis of complex biological data. This enables faster testing and analysis, leading to new discoveries and insights into fundamental problems in biology.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 12, 2020

Damaged muscles don't just die, they regenerate themselves

Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that damaged muscle fibers leak components that activate dormant satellite cells. These cells then proliferate and regenerate muscle fibers, a highly rational mechanism for tissue repair. The study identifies metabolic enzymes like GAPDH as key activators of satellite cells.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateOct 12, 2020

Outcomes of babies born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection

The study examines the risk of mother-to-newborn transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection and finds that it occurs in approximately 0.3% of cases. Newborns born to mothers with active SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk for respiratory complications, including pneumonia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 12, 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.

Researcher leads $3.8 million project to map developing mice brains

A Penn State College of Medicine researcher is leading a three-year project to create an atlas of developing mice brains using computational tools and high-resolution imaging. The goal is to better understand brain development and identify key cells that may contribute to disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 12, 2020

People can do more than use less plastic to help save the GBR: QUT research

A survey of 4,285 Australians found that only a few percent mentioned climate-related actions to help protect the reef. Instead, respondents emphasized the importance of reducing plastic consumption and suggested public-sphere actions such as banning sunscreens or stopping commercial fishing.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 12, 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.

Pandemic-related stress leads to less employee engagement

A new study suggests that pandemic-related stress leads to lower employee engagement, but a supportive boss can make a positive difference. Servant leaders who prioritize employees' emotional needs and well-being help reduce stress and increase pro-social behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 12, 2020

Earphone tracks facial expressions, even with a face mask

A new earphone device called C-Face can track full facial expressions by observing the contour of the cheeks, translating them into emojis or silent speech commands. This technology has potential applications in remote work, virtual reality collaborations, and directing devices using facial cues.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 12, 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.

Serology study provides critical insight into COVID-19 immune response

Researchers found that higher antibody levels in sicker patients correlate with disease severity, but surprisingly, many elderly patients produced as strong an antibody response as younger adults. The study suggests that a vaccine may not need to achieve the highest possible RBD-S antibody levels.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateOct 12, 2020

Dueling proteins give shape to plants

In a new study, researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind two key proteins that influence plant form and timing of developmental transitions. The study reveals an antagonistic relationship between Terminal Flower 1 (TLF1) and Flowering Locus T (FT) proteins, which promote branch formation and flowering, respectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 12, 2020

Making disorder for an ideal battery

Researchers at Université de Genève develop non-flammable solid electrolyte that operates at room temperature, transporting sodium instead of lithium. The new battery technology has potential to store more energy and is being used to create a new generation of stable and powerful batteries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 12, 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.

Swine coronavirus replication in human cells

Researchers successfully replicated Swine Acute Diarrhea Syndrome Coronavirus (SADS-CoV) in various human cell lines, including liver, intestinal, and airway cells. This finding suggests that SADS-CoV has a broad host range and may pose a risk to human health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Casting call: why immobilizing helps in healing

Researchers discovered that immobilizing extremities alters the way stem cells interact with their extracellular environment, switching their fate from becoming debilitating bone to benign fat. This finding could help doctors optimize healing in patients with extremity injuries.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 12, 2020

Biogenic carbon emissions in Los Angeles metropolitan area

Researchers found a seasonally variable biogenic CO2 cycle in Los Angeles, driven by irrigation and turf/plant growth, accounting for 33% of total emissions. The study highlights the need to separate fossil and biogenic sources of carbon in urban areas.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Using robotic assistance to make colonoscopy kinder and easier

A breakthrough in semi-autonomous colonoscopy uses a robot to guide a medical device into the body, reducing the demanding task of manipulation for doctors or nurses. The system enables precise locations for biopsies or tissue examination with minimal pain and increased patient access.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 12, 2020

Proactive steps linked to reduced medical costs, hospital visits for children with asthma

A new study from North Carolina State University found that several widely available interventions are associated with reduced medical costs and a lower likelihood of emergency room visits or hospitalizations for children with asthma. The interventions include asthma self-management education, flu vaccine, spacer use, and nebulizer use.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateOct 12, 2020

How consumers responded to COVID-19

The study identifies four threats that affect consumer behavior, including health, economic, social, and misinformation threats. Consumers have shown adaptive responses to these challenges, such as switching to online streaming services or making their own hand sanitizer.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 12, 2020

NFL teams with critical mass of women executives have fewer football player arrests

Research from Syracuse University's Falk College reveals a significant correlation between the number of female executives and reduced player arrests. The study found that NFL teams with a critical mass of women executives had 21% fewer player arrests, suggesting a potential pathway to reduce off-the-job misconduct.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateOct 12, 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.

Applying information theory to landscape art

A statistical approach analyzing 14,912 Western paintings reveals spatial composition patterns that can distinguish between artists and style periods. The study found that compositional features shifted over time, with dominant horizons changing in location during the Rococo, Romantic, Realism, Impressionism, and 20th century periods.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Customers prefer partitions over mannequins in socially-distanced dining rooms

A study by the University of Houston found that consumers prefer dining rooms with partitions between tables due to their perceived cleanliness, visual attractiveness, and comfort. Surprisingly, older respondents (over 40) were more willing to visit establishments with partitions, rating both options equally comfortable and welcoming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateOct 12, 2020

Update on excess deaths from COVID-19, other causes

The study revises previous estimates of excess deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring cause-specific mortality rates. It highlights relationships between lifting restrictions and excess deaths from various causes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 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.

Atmospheric dust levels are rising in the Great Plains

Researchers found atmospheric dust levels increasing by up to 5% per year across the Great Plains, correlated with farming practices and seasonal crop cycles. The trend suggests a repeat of the devastating Dust Bowl that devastated the Midwest in the 1930s.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 12, 2020