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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 124


Page 124 of 512

Scientist maps CO2 emissions for entire US to improve environmental policymaking

A new map provides detailed greenhouse gas emissions data across the US, enabling policymakers to identify problem areas and develop targeted policies. The Vulcan Project, developed by Northern Arizona University, offers a standardized system for quantifying and visualizing emissions down to individual power plants and neighborhoods.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateOct 5, 2020

Arrokoth: Flattening of a snowman

Researchers investigate how Arrokoth's pancake-flat shape emerged from the formation process of the Solar System. They suggest that the body may have started as a merger between a spherical and an oblate body, or that its shape developed gradually due to favorable orbital conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 5, 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.

Shattering expectations: novel seed dispersal gene found in green millet

Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have identified a novel seed dispersal gene in wild green millet, which could lead to more efficient crop production. The discovery was made through the analysis of nearly 600 genome sequences and confirmed by gene editing studies.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 5, 2020

Caring for others is a key driver in getting people to use chatbots for mental health

A new study from North Carolina State University found that users' desire to help others with mental health problems is a powerful driver for using chatbots. The researchers surveyed 1,114 U.S. adults who had used chatbots for mental health services and discovered that helping others was twice as motivating as helping oneself.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Contingencies and Crisis Management·DateOct 5, 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.

Early referral to physical therapy improves function and other symptoms of back pain with sciatica

A randomized controlled trial found that early referral to physical therapy significantly improved function and reduced symptoms of back pain with sciatica compared to usual care. Patients who received physical therapy immediately after their primary care visit reported less disability than those who took the wait-and-see approach.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

Study identifies characteristics of infused CAR T cells associated with efficacy and toxicity in in patients with large B-cell lymphoma

A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that monitoring early changes in circulating tumor DNA can predict patient outcomes. Infused CAR T cells with certain characteristics are associated with better treatment responses, while those with exhaustion signatures may experience poor outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

Dog and human brains process faces differently

A recent study published in The Journal of Neuroscience has revealed striking similarities and differences in how dog and human brains process visual information about others. Researchers used fMRI to compare brain activity patterns between twenty dogs and thirty humans, finding both analogous and divergent patterns of species- and fac...

SourceEötvös Loránd University·DateOct 5, 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.

New shortcut enables faster creation of spin pattern in magnet

Researchers have discovered a new approach to create a spin pattern in a magnet, enabling faster creation of skyrmions. This discovery offers an additional method for more efficient magnetic data storage, with potential applications in cloud data centers.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020

Penn researchers receive grant to use AI to improve heart transplant outcomes

A team of Penn researchers has received a $3.2 million grant to develop an AI-powered system that can accurately predict the likelihood of cardiac patients accepting or rejecting a new heart. The project aims to reduce rejection rates and improve patient outcomes by analyzing cardiac biopsy tissue images.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Benefits, risks seen with antibiotics-first for appendicitis

The CODA trial found that antibiotics can avoid surgery for more than 70% of patients with appendicitis. However, patients with an appendicolith may face higher complications and a greater risk of needing surgery.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

OSU assumes cyberinfrastructure responsibility for OOI

Oregon State University (OSU) will take over systems management of Ocean Observatories Initiative's cyberinfrastructure in September 2023. The team will handle data storage and delivery for the OOI, which consists of five instrumented observatories collecting over 800 instruments' data.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·DateOct 5, 2020

Impact of HPV vaccination mandates on social inequalities

A UC Riverside study found that HPV vaccination mandates did not lead to increased vaccine uptake or equal access among diverse populations. Mandates aimed at standardizing age of uptake were ineffective in improving compliance rates, highlighting the need for more targeted strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalSSM - Population Health·DateOct 5, 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.

Some planets may be better for life than Earth

A study by Washington State University scientists has identified two dozen exoplanets that could potentially support complex life. These superhabitable planets are characterized by being older, slightly warmer, and possibly wetter than Earth, with some orbiting stars that may be more suitable for life than our sun.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAstrobiology·DateOct 5, 2020

Australian first chromosome 15 disorders biobank

The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute will establish a biobank of biological samples from people with Prader-Willi Syndrome and Angelman Syndrome, two rare genetic diseases affecting 1 in 15,000 people. The biobank will help researchers better understand the causes of these disorders and develop new treatments.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·DateOct 5, 2020

Reducing the high social cost of death

A nationwide survey in Japan reveals that deeper grief correlates with lower quality of life, increased medical reliance, and higher rates of medical costs. Factors like funeral satisfaction and social support can predict who needs help in bereavement.

SourceKyoto University·DateOct 5, 2020

A small switch with a big impact

Scientists have discovered that tiny point mutations in a gene can modify T cells to be less aggressive, leading to reduced inflammation and autoimmune responses. This finding has potential implications for stem cell transplantation, where T-cell transfusion is used to prevent severe side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateOct 5, 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.

Blocking vibrations that remove heat could boost efficiency of next-gen solar cells

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee discovered a way to slow phonons, waves that transport heat, in photovoltaic materials. This discovery holds promise for improving novel hot-carrier solar cells, which convert sunlight to electricity more efficiently than conventional solar cells by harnessing...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 5, 2020

New algorithm could unleash the power of quantum computers

A new algorithm called Variational Fast Forwarding (VFF) can simulate quantum systems for longer periods than current quantum computers can handle. This allows scientists to tackle complex problems that were previously unsolvable due to decoherence, which degrades quantum coherence.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateOct 5, 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.

Pitt trauma experts aim to reduce deaths by providing blood-clotting agent

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a blood-clotting agent that can improve survival rates for severely injured trauma patients. The drug, tranexamic acid, was found to be safe and beneficial in certain subgroups of patients who received it early.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateOct 5, 2020

Gemini South's high-def version of 'A Star is Born'

Astronomers using Gemini South's adaptive optics system have captured detailed images of the Carina Nebula with a resolution comparable to the Webb Space Telescope. The high-def images reveal intricate structures within the nebula, including parallel ridges and fragments being sheared off by strong winds.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 5, 2020

Parents less aware when their kids vape than when they smoke

A UCSF study found parents are more likely to know their child is using e-cigarettes if they're older and male, but less aware of vaping compared to smoking. Parents setting strict household rules can help prevent tobacco use in children.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 5, 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.

NASA gages Tropical Storm Delta's strength in infrared

Tropical cyclones exhibit non-uniform strength, with stronger sides extending higher into the troposphere. NASA's AIRS instrument captured cloud top temperatures of -63°F, indicating a strong storm capable of heavy rain. The storm's structure has improved since Sunday, with deep convection and a more circular shape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2020

Excess folic acid during pregnancy harms brain development of mice

Researchers found that excessive folic acid intake during pregnancy can have detrimental effects on the brain development of embryos. The study suggests a 'Goldilocks effect,' where too little or too much folic acid is harmful, and more investigation is needed to determine the optimal dosage for pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateOct 5, 2020

IL-21 protein a key part of immune response to central nervous system infections

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered that IL-21 is critical for the development of effective immune responses to chronic infections in the central nervous system. Injecting IL-21 into cerebrospinal fluid reduced deficiencies in mice with impaired CD4 T-cell production and gene expression related to TRM cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 5, 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.

Health care-associated infections among critically ill children

The US has seen a significant increase in catheter-associated bloodstream and urinary tract infections among critically ill infants and children. From 2013 to 2018, the rates of these infections rose sharply, highlighting a growing public health concern.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 5, 2020

Looking for the key to predict heatwaves over the Yangtze River basin 20 days in advance

Researchers from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology evaluate subseasonal prediction skill for heatwaves in Yangtze River basin using long-term hindcast data from three operational models. They found that superior model fidelity is crucial to predicting heatwave occurrence, intensity and duration at longer lead times.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Watching your waste

A recent study led by ASU researcher Chris Wharton found that a values-based intervention can reduce household food waste by an average of 28%. The intervention used clear plastic bins to track food waste and highlighted the impact of cost, health, and environmental concerns. Participants reported that watching their waste build up pro...

SourceArizona State University·JournalResources·DateOct 5, 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.

Invasional meltdown in multi-species plant communities

A new experiment reveals that fungal endophytes, which live inside plants, play a key role in invasion success and invasional meltdown in multi-species communities. The study found that alien species share fewer soil microbes with each other than with native species, making them less negatively affected by each other.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 5, 2020

For red abalone, resisting ocean acidification starts with mom

Researchers found that wild red abalone mothers provide their offspring with an energy boost from yolk lipids, making them more tolerant of ocean acidification. However, fast-growing farmed abalone are more susceptible to dying under the same conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

South American mammal extinction and biotic exchange

A study on fossils reveals that native South American mammals were disproportionately extinct, leading to a higher number of North American ancestors in the region. This biotic exchange event resulted from the formation of the Isthmus of Panama.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

How malaria parasites withstand a fever's heat

A Duke University-led team has discovered how malaria parasites can survive fevers by producing a special lipid molecule and binding to heat shock proteins. This could lead to new ways to fight resistant strains of the disease. The findings also suggest caution when using fever reducers with artemisinin-based compounds.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 5, 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.

UTA research to provide real-time data on gas leaks

Kathleen Smits' innovative approach links environmental data with gas concentration readings to understand leak severity and migration. The research aims to examine reoccurrence of leaks, urbanization effects, and repaired leaks that continue to vent, providing critical insights for industry and regulators.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 5, 2020

Green pavement markings could make Texas streets safer for cyclists

A new research project funded by TxDOT aims to examine the effectiveness of green pavement markings on Texas streets. The study will investigate the use, safety, longevity, and performance of these markings, which are painted green to increase visibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 5, 2020

Memory of the Venus flytrap

Research team successfully visualized intracellular calcium concentrations in the Venus flytrap, revealing that its short-term memory can be explained by changes in calcium concentration. The study demonstrates how a single contact event triggers a burst of calcium ions, which then trigger a second stimulus to close the trap.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 5, 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.

Lighting the path to recycling carbon dioxide

Researchers at KAUST developed semiconductive photocatalysts that efficiently absorb solar energy, reducing the energy required for a bioelectrochemical process to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals. The technology has the potential to reduce carbon emissions while generating useful products.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Energy·DateOct 5, 2020

Back pain with sciatica more likely to improve after early physical therapy

A new study found that patients with sciatica who received four weeks of physical therapy experienced less disability in the year following their initial doctor's visit compared to those who followed a wait-and-see approach. Physical therapy significantly improved patient outcomes, including reduced pain and increased activity levels.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

Corn farmers can apply a fungicide just once to protect against foliar diseases

A single fungicide application at the silking stage provides the best foliar disease control in Kentucky corn crops, according to research by Carl Bradley and colleagues. This approach is more cost-effective than sequential applications, allowing farmers to improve their return on investment.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Health Progress·DateOct 5, 2020

As pandemic affects children's health, programs that work are still underused

A new report in Health Affairs highlights the need for policymakers and local governments to implement evidence-based programs that address poverty, family supports, and universal healthcare. These interventions could substantially reduce the risks faced by children from poverty and early adversity.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 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.

Turning diamond into metal

By straining diamond to change its electronic properties, researchers can dial it from insulating to highly conductive, or metallic. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new optical devices, quantum sensors, and high-efficiency solar cells.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Sustainability of irrigated agriculture in US High Plains

A new study models groundwater use and crop production as a predator-prey interaction, predicting declining irrigated food production in the US High Plains. By 2050, Nebraska is expected to have nearly 10 times the groundwater-based food production of Texas due to higher recharge rates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020