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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 119


Page 119 of 512

Global food production poses an increasing climate threat

The study found that nitrous oxide has risen 20% from pre-industrial levels, with the largest contributors coming from East Asia, South Asia, Africa, and South America. This increase is incompatible with pathways to achieve the Paris Agreement's climate goals.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature·DateOct 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.

Why some friends make you feel more supported than others

A study found that participants rated themselves as receiving more support from a network of friends who were closely connected to each other. This cohesive group provided emotional support and a sense of belonging. The results suggest that having a strong social network is crucial for feeling supported, rather than just the number of ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateOct 7, 2020

The Lancet Planetary Health: Restricting supermarket promotions of high-sugar food and drinks reduces sales without reducing store profits

A randomized controlled trial found that restricting merchandising of unhealthy products in stores reduced the purchase of sugar sweetened drinks and confectionery by 2.8%, resulting in a reduction of free sugar purchased from food and drinks by 2.8%. Despite these reductions, business performance was unaffected.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 7, 2020

Taking the STING out of MND

Melbourne researchers have identified the primary immune pathway triggered by TDP-43 accumulation in MND patients, paving the way for a new treatment. By blocking the STING immune sensor, they can prevent inflammation and promote motor neuron survival, offering a vital first step towards a treatment therapy.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 7, 2020

Paleontologists identify new species of mosasaur

A team of researchers led by Catie Strong identified a new mosasaur species, Gavialimimus almaghribensis, with a distinctive long, narrow snout and interlocking teeth. The discovery sheds light on the adaptations that allowed these ancient marine reptiles to thrive in competitive ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateOct 7, 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.

Physical activity and sleep in adults with arthritis

A new study identifies four profiles of 24-hour physical activity and sleep among adults with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and knee osteoarthritis. Younger age, lack of sitting jobs, and outside walking habits are associated with balanced activity.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 7, 2020

New findings pave the way to environmentally friendly supercapacitors

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a sustainable hybrid supercapacitor made of carbon and aqueous sodium iodide electrolyte. The system achieves unexpectedly high energy storage capacity by storing all chemical energy in solid iodine particles, enabling fast charging and discharging processes.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2020

Intelligent nanomaterials for photonics

Scientists at the University of Jena have developed a novel material platform by integrating 2D materials with glass fibers, enabling novel applications in sensors and non-linear optics. The breakthrough allows for the direct growth of 2D materials on optical fibers, overcoming laborious transfer processes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 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.

Individual psychological well-being may guard heart health in Black adults

A study found that psychosocial resilience is positively associated with cardiovascular health among Black adults, independent of neighborhood context. Higher psychosocial resilience scores were linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, even in neighborhoods with high rates of heart disease and stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateOct 7, 2020

Plant-based spray could be used in n95 masks and energy devices

Researchers have developed a method to spray extremely thin wires made from a plant-based material, methylcellulose, onto 3D objects. This innovation could improve the effectiveness of N95 mask filters and be used in energy harvesting devices, with potential applications in organ creation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateOct 7, 2020

Major deficits in addressing mental health needs of asylum seekers

A German study found that only 2.6% of asylum seekers received a diagnosis for depression, while 1.4% received a diagnosis for anxiety disorder and 2.9% for PTSD symptoms. Many diagnosed individuals did not receive treatment, highlighting the need for urgent improvements in mental health care.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 7, 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.

NASA finds dry air sapping Tropical Storm Norbert's strength

Dry air is eroding Tropical Storm Norbert's strength by suppressing the development of thunderstorms that need warm, moist air to form. The storm has weakened due to entrainment of dry air, disrupting its compact system and limiting its ability to strengthen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 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.

Researchers find consistent mercury levels in arctic seals

Mercury concentrations in ringed seals from the Canadian Arctic have remained stable since 1977, with limited declines detected. Climate parameters may be influencing mercury accumulation in seals, according to a 45-year study.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateOct 7, 2020

The effects of oxytocin on social anxiety depend on location, location, location

A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2020

Mental illness, mental health care use among police officers

A survey study in Texas found that a significant portion of police officers experience mental illness and utilize mental health care services. The study highlights the need for improved mental health support within law enforcement agencies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 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.

Airdropping sensors from moths

University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 7, 2020

Scientists reveal urgent solutions for boosting Protected Areas effectiveness

A new global review finds that protected areas need better funding, climate smart measures, and equitable management to be effective. The study identifies crucial steps to take, including reducing the funding shortfall for area-based conservation measures and recognizing indigenous community groups' role in nature conservation.

SourceUNEP-WCMC·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

Beat the heat: Novel passive cooling device for surfaces and enclosed spaces

A new passive radiative device, Janus emitter, absorbs heat from the inside of an enclosure and emits it on the outside, creating a sustainable way to keep temperatures low. The technology has potential applications in stationary vehicles, building interiors, and solar cells.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

A hydrogel that could help repair damaged nerves

Researchers have created a stretchable conductive hydrogel that can help restore lost tissue in damaged nerves. The material, containing polyaniline and polyacrylamide, allows nerve cells to enter and adhere, helping to improve nerve conduction and recovery.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 7, 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.

Feline friendly? How to build rap-paw with your cat - new psychology study

Researchers found that cats are more likely to slow blink at their owners if they have received a slow blink stimulus, and approach the experimenter after slow blinking. This technique can provide positive communication between cats and humans, enhancing the bond and potentially improving feline welfare.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2020

Data tool helps users manage water resources, protect infrastructure

Researchers developed a tool to connect streamgage and reservoir data, providing critical information for managing water systems efficiently. The tool accounts for hydrological connections over large watersheds and can be used by power plant operators, reservoir operators, and water resource managers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Data·DateOct 7, 2020

Researchers awarded $2.7M to study loneliness and Alzheimer's

A $2.7M NIH grant will fund a research program investigating the relationship between loneliness and brain structure/function in typically aging people and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The project aims to advance understanding of how social isolation impacts brain aging and progression to AD.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 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.

Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in the environment

Researchers developed an effective environmental monitoring methodology for SARS CoV-2 virus, detecting viral RNA persistence on surfaces for at least 8 days. The study found that a minimum of 1,000 viral particles per 25 cm2 are required to detect the virus effectively.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSystems·DateOct 7, 2020

High-speed photos shine a light on how metals fail

High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 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.

Faster COVID-19 testing with simple algebraic equations

A new method for processing large volumes of COVID-19 tests uses simple algebraic equations to identify positive samples and take advantage of 'pooling' technique. This allows more patients to be tested with the same number of test tubes, reducing testing time and false negatives.

SourceCardiff University·JournalHealth Systems·DateOct 7, 2020

Yes or No: Forcing a choice increased statin prescribing for heart disease patients

A clinical trial found that active choice nudges led to significant increases in optimal statin prescribing for patients with heart disease, while passive nudges had no effect. The study suggests that small design changes can improve the impact of alerts, and future research will focus on clinician and patient nudges.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateOct 7, 2020

Does general anesthesia increase dementia risk?

Researchers investigated exposure to general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia in elective surgery and found no long-term link to dementia. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study followed 7,499 individuals aged 66+ for up to 5 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 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.

Scientists unpack how the brain separates present from past dangers

A team of neuroscientists has identified processes the brain uses to distinguish real and present dangers from those linked to past experiences in mice. The findings have significant implications for our understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where patients struggle to distinguish between safety and threat cues.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

The benefits of a prostate cancer screening tool

The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 7, 2020

Seagrass restoration speeds recovery of ecosystem services

A long-term monitoring study shows seagrass restoration has substantial increases in fish and invertebrate abundance, water clarity, and carbon and nitrogen trapping. The project demonstrates a blueprint for restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems to safeguard multiple benefits.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Joel L. Lebowitz honored with 2021 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics

Joel L. Lebowitz, director of the Center for Mathematical Sciences Research at Rutgers University, has been awarded the 2021 Dannie Heineman Prize for Mathematical Physics for his significant contributions to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. His work investigates how macroscopic systems behave dynamically in a nonequilibrium state.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 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.

Oral cancer pain predicts likelihood of cancer spreading

Research at NYU College of Dentistry identifies genes highly expressed in painful, metastatic oral cancers, revealing a mechanism for cancer pain. The study's findings may lead to the development of biomarkers and objective molecular tests to diagnose risk of metastasis.

SourceNew York University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

First detailed look at how molecular Ferris wheel delivers protons to cellular factories

Researchers have figured out a key step in how molecular Ferris wheels work in yeast proton pumps, providing insight into a fundamental process that could be harnessed to thwart disease. The study uses high-resolution images and computer simulations to confirm the role of water molecules in conveying protons through the membrane.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Deep learning takes on synthetic biology

Researchers have developed machine learning algorithms to predict which RNA-based toehold switches function well, enabling the identification and optimization of these tools. The algorithms analyzed a massive dataset of over 100,000 toehold switch sequences and predicted their behavior with high accuracy.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 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.

Boosting chickens' own immune response could curb disease

Researchers developed an immunomodulatory feed additive to boost chickens' immune response against coccidiosis, a parasite-borne intestinal disease. The treatment showed promise in promoting gut health and reducing the effects of severe infection, but may not prevent disease altogether.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPoultry Science·DateOct 7, 2020

Early COVID-19 cases in Southern California linked to New York

A study at Cedars-Sinai found that most COVID-19 patients in Southern California were infected by a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus introduced from New York state via Europe, not directly from China. The genetic analysis identified unique clusters of cases linked to specific transmission routes.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 7, 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.

New study confirms advice given to the UK government about school closures

A re-analysis of data from Imperial College London's report suggests that school closures would lead to more overall covid-19 deaths, while general social distancing was effective in reducing cases. The study also found that mitigation strategies focusing on shielding elderly and vulnerable people could minimize deaths.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 7, 2020