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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 125


Page 125 of 512

Abalone and ocean acidification

Red abalone energy provisioning and larval metabolism are strongly correlated with survival under ocean acidification. Ingesting lipids differently, they grew more slowly but survived higher rates under acidic conditions.

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

Social similarity and suicide risk

A study found that social similarity reduces individual risk of suicide for those under 45 living with others who share similar characteristics, such as employment status and ethnicity. However, high ethnic homogeneity in isolated areas may increase suicide risk among specific populations.

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

Millimetre-precision drug delivery to the brain

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a non-invasive method for concentrating and releasing drugs in the brain with pinpoint accuracy using focused ultrasound. The new technique aggregates drugs at specific sites, reducing dosage requirements by 1,300 times, and preserves physiological barriers between blood and nervous tissue.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·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.

Two's a crowd: Nuclear and renewables don't mix

A new study published in Nature Energy reveals that nuclear power does not deliver sufficient carbon emission reductions and should not be considered a low-carbon energy source. Renewable energy investments are found to have stronger correlations with CO2-emission reductions, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Energy·DateOct 5, 2020

Hunger encourages risk-taking

A meta-analysis of over 100 animal species found that hunger during development increases risk-taking behavior in later life. The study suggests a correlation between poor nutrition and increased willingness to take risks, which may also apply to humans.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalBiological Reviews·DateOct 5, 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.

Looking sharp: Most detailed image yet of famous stellar nursery

The team used adaptive optics on the Gemini South telescope to reveal a wealth of detail in the nebula, including unusual structures and evidence for a jet of material ejected from a newly-formed star. The image provides the sharpest view to date of how massive young stars affect their surroundings.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 5, 2020

Preliminary results of two large immune therapy studies show promise in advanced cervical cancer

Preliminary results from two large clinical trials investigating a new PD-1-based immune therapy for metastatic cervical cancer suggest improved response rates and potential new treatment options. The trials involved over 150 patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer and tested the combination of balstilimab and zalifrelimab.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·DateOct 5, 2020

Promising breath-test for cancer

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a non-invasive breath test that accurately differentiates between head and neck cancer patients and those with benign diseases. The test uses volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath to detect the presence of cancer, showing high sensitivity and specificity rates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateOct 5, 2020

Location, location, location

A new Danish study from the University of Southern Denmark found that athletes can cycle longer by placing their glycogen close to force-producing structures in muscle cells. This discovery challenges traditional views on carbohydrate storage and its impact on endurance performance.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·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.

Study shows antibiotics may be viable treatment option for appendicitis

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that seven in ten patients who received antibiotics avoided surgery within 90 days, while four in ten with an appendicolith required surgery. Patients treated with antibiotics reported fewer workdays missed and hospital visits compared to those who underwent surgery.

SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

Natural variability of sea-ice in Arctic Ocean

Researchers analyzed sediment cores to find natural sea-ice extent variation since last ice age, contrasting with recent decline. Perennial ice in western and central areas persisted even during warm periods, while southeastern part experienced seasonal ice-free conditions.

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

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study analyzed DNA from medieval latrines in Jerusalem and Riga, Latvia, providing insights into the microbiomes of pre-industrial agricultural populations. The findings highlight the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information and may provide context for interpreting modern microbiome health.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 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.

Microscope lens inspired by lighthouse

Researchers at KAUST developed a cost-effective, ultrathin SRS lens using laser-based 3D printing, inspired by lighthouse design. The new lens rejects cross-phase modulation background signals, improving imaging efficiency for biological processes like cancer cell growth.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateOct 4, 2020

Air stable intrinsically stretchable color-conversion layers for stretchable displays

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed an air-stable color conversion layer using perovskite nanocrystals and a flexible polymer matrix, enabling the creation of stretchable displays that can be bent, stretched, and attached to the skin. The new material has shown improved stability and photoluminescence intensity unde...

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020

Novel laser-thermal mechanism realizes ultra-fast construction of PDMS devices

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a novel laser-thermal mechanism that realizes ultra-fast construction of PDMS devices. The technique, named successive laser pyrolysis (SLP), provides an alternative to conventional soft lithography and enables the direct fabrication of various PDMS structures.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 4, 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.

ASA honors Patricia A. Kapur, MD, with its Distinguished Service Award

Patricia A. Kapur, MD, has been recognized with the ASA's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, for her exceptional contributions to the specialty of anesthesiology. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kapur has made significant contributions to education, research, and clinical practice.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·DateOct 4, 2020

A tale of two cesspits: DNA reveals intestinal health in Medieval Europe and Middle East

A new study characterizes the microbial diversity of ancient gut contents from medieval latrines, providing insights into pre-industrial agricultural populations' microbiomes. The research highlights the value of ancient latrines as sources of bio-molecular information, shedding light on the health of modern microbiomes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 4, 2020

80-year-old antibiotic redesigned for new medical uses

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have transformed an old antibiotic into stronger, safer versions using a synthetic strategy. They created over 4,000 variations of gramicidin A, identifying 10 promising future antibacterial drugs with improved specificity towards bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 4, 2020

All-2D light-emitting field-effect transistors

Researchers have developed a new type of transistor that can emit strong light, overcoming previous limitations. By modulating the contacts and channel with separate three gates, the polarity and light emission can be controlled, showing great promises for multi-digit logic devices and highly integrated optoelectronic circuitry.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 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.

How the brain helps us navigate social differences

Researchers found that brain activity increased in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex when participants conversed with someone of a different socioeconomic background. This increase in activity suggests that our brains have developed a system to help us deal with diversity, supporting previous research on frontal lobe systems and ...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 4, 2020

STOP THE BLEED training has saved lives from Sierra Leone to Connecticut

Two new studies demonstrate the lifesaving impact of STOP THE BLEED training in low-to-middle income countries. In Sierra Leone, nearly all patients survived life-threatening bleeding emergencies after receiving training, and participants retained knowledge for over a year. In Connecticut, course attendees showed strong proficiency in ...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 3, 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.

Surgery for benign breast disease does not impair future breastfeeding capability

A recent study published in the American College of Surgeons found that over 80% of young women can successfully breastfeed or bottle-feed after undergoing surgery for benign breast conditions. The research aimed to address concerns among breast surgeons and pediatricians about the impact of surgery on future breastfeeding capability.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 3, 2020

Black children more than twice as likely to die after surgical complications

Two studies show Black children are more than twice as likely to die after surgical complications and half as likely to receive surgery compared to white children. Researchers attribute the disparities to socioeconomic status, access to quality care, health risk factors, and implicit systemic biases in healthcare.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·DateOct 3, 2020

New artificial intelligence models show potential for predicting outcomes

Researchers developed AI models that accurately predict treatment needs and medical interventions for motor vehicle crash victims, and identified key factors that affect survival after liver transplantation. The models achieved high accuracy rates, outperforming human manual reviews in streamlining decision-making at the point of care.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 3, 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.

Program to improve outcomes for geriatric surgery patients shows promise

A beta test of the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program has revealed reduced rates of post-surgery delirium and shorter hospital stays among older veterans. The study involved 186 patients, with significant improvements in functional health and cognitive decline postoperatively.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·DateOct 3, 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.

Are brain-computer interface spellers secure?

Researchers have found that EEG-based BCI speller output can be easily manipulated by tiny adversarial noise, exposing a critical security concern. This manipulation can lead to user frustration or severe misdiagnosis in clinical applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 3, 2020

High blood pressure linked to baroreflex in rats

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that the baroreflex, a neural response to changes in tension, may be contributing to high blood pressure in some rats. The team observed that the baroreflex appeared to switch on and off for extended periods of time, which can predict hypertension in these animals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 3, 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.

COVID-19 testing of children before anesthesia saves PPE

Researchers found that universal COVID-19 testing of children undergoing anesthesia procedures saved PPE, reducing standard PPE use by 70%. The study also highlighted the importance of accurate testing to prevent exposure to healthcare workers.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·DateOct 3, 2020

Light from rare earth: new opportunities for organic light-emitting diodes

Researchers have developed a new cerium(III) complex that achieves 100% EUE in OLEDs, leading to improved device stability and efficiency. The device shows a maximum external quantum efficiency of 20.8%, smaller roll-off, higher maximum luminance, and longer operating lifetime compared to traditional iridium-based OLEDs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 3, 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.

Amphiphilic AIE-active sensor: Breaking the bottleneck of AIE bioimaging

Researchers have developed a novel amphiphilic AIE-active sensor that can overcome the traditional bioimaging bottleneck by achieving high targeting ability and selectivity. The sensor utilizes an amphiphilic characteristic to prevent aggregation in aqueous environments and ensure accurate fluorescence signal mapping.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 3, 2020

Climate change responsible for record sea temperature levels, says study

A recent report by the Journal of Operational Oceanography reveals an unprecedented rise in sea temperatures worldwide, with the Arctic Ocean experiencing the largest increase. The report highlights the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and calls for improved monitoring to ensure sustainable use of seas and oceans.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateOct 2, 2020

Babies' random choices become their preferences

Researchers found that babies as young as 10-20 months old exhibit a phenomenon where they prefer the unchosen option, indicating an unconscious bias. This bias disappears when the element of choice is removed, suggesting it may be linked to how adults make decisions.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 2, 2020

A putative mechanism that switches brain pathology from anxiety to depression discovered

Researchers discovered a novel brain mechanism that links anxiety and depression, showing unique cellular mechanisms activate as one pathology progresses into another. The 'switch' involves astrocytes and cytoskeletal mechanisms, which may be targeted for new classes of psychotropic drugs.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 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.

DECT in the ED: better diagnoses, less follow-up, more savings

Dual-energy CT enhances radiologist confidence in emergency department imaging studies, leading to reduced downstream imaging and associated costs. This technology resulted in a decrease of recommended follow-up imaging examinations totaling $52,991.53-61,598.44.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 2, 2020

New clues about the link between stress and depression

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a key protein called p11 that affects the brain's response to stress, potentially increasing the risk of depression. The study found that mice with low p11 levels react more strongly to stress and exhibit anxiety-like behavior.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2020

Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to CO2, even in patients with lung disease

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that wearing face masks has minimal impact on gas exchange in healthy individuals and those with severe lung impairment. The researchers stress the importance of wearing masks to prevent COVID-19 infection, especially for patients with lung disease.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateOct 2, 2020