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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 126


Page 126 of 512

Subsidized cars help low-income families economically, socially

A study published in the Journal of Planning Education and Research found that subsidized car ownership has a transformative impact on low-income families, allowing them to access better education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The research also highlighted the importance of considering the broader social benefits of car ow...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Planning Education and Research·DateOct 2, 2020

Solving global challenges using insect research

Research on insects addresses sustainability science goals such as promoting peace and improving health by providing innovative solutions to pressing problems. Insects are identified as unsung heroes in tackling multifaceted sustainability challenges.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalCurrent Opinion in Insect Science·DateOct 2, 2020

Future climate changes in nature reserves

A new study examines the effects of future climate change on over 137,000 nature reserves worldwide, revealing severe local impacts, especially in tropical countries. The research highlights the importance of informed management to mitigate climate change effects and preserve biodiversity.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateOct 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Smartphone surveys find a connection between daily spiritual experiences and well-being

Researchers found a connection between daily spiritual experiences and overall well-being, with both stable and fluctuating experiences contributing to mental well-being. Daily spiritual experiences, such as feeling God's presence or inner peace, were associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher levels of flourishing.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateOct 2, 2020

Study highlights shortcomings in telemedicine despite large increases in remote consults during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that despite increased telemedicine use, the number of primary care consultations fell by over 21% in the second quarter of 2020. This drop was accompanied by a significant decline in blood pressure and cholesterol checks, which are crucial for detecting cardiovascular disease risks.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 2, 2020

Liquid biopsies timely and effective testing method for NSCLC patients in Canada

Researchers at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre found that over 80% of advanced NSCLC patients had genomic alterations detected in cfDNA. Liquid biopsies were shown to be a timely and effective method for diagnosing and monitoring the disease, with actionable alterations detected in over 56% of treatment-naïve patients.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 2, 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.

Potential new tool for frost screening in crops

Agricultural scientists at the University of Adelaide have identified a potential new tool for screening cereal crops for frost damage using terahertz imaging technology. The non-destructive method was found to successfully screen barley plants for frost damage, with individual grain positions along the spike also detectable.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 2, 2020

Cancer immunotherapy 'uniquely suppressed' by liver tumors

Researchers discovered that liver tumors can harness the liver's powers to retrain the immune system and exert its influence on distant cancer cells. Adding a second checkpoint inhibitor in combination therapy may overcome this resistance and increase immunotherapy effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 2, 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.

Sex-specific adverse drug effects identified by Columbia University algorithm

Researchers developed an algorithm to predict sex-specific adverse drug effects, identifying 20,817 adverse drug effects posing sex-specific risks. The algorithm addresses confounding biases and provides an opportunity to minimize adverse events by tailoring drug prescription and dosage to sex.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalPatterns·DateOct 2, 2020

Awakening after a sleeping pill

A patient with akinetic mutism, a rare condition causing temporary paralysis and speech absence, experiences a remarkable recovery after taking a sleeping pill. Brain scans reveal overactive brain regions that can be suppressed by the medication, allowing for temporary speech and movement.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalCortex·DateOct 2, 2020

Biomedical sciences researchers find new way to prevent and cure rotavirus, other viral infections

Biomedical researchers at Georgia State University have identified a novel method for eradicating rotavirus and other viral infections using interleukin-18 and interleukin-22. The study shows that these cytokines can rapidly and completely eliminate viruses from intestinal epithelial cells, even in compromised immune systems.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience Immunology·DateOct 2, 2020

Cheating birds mimic host nestlings to deceive foster parents

Research reveals that a group of parasitic finch species in Africa have evolved to mimic their host's chicks with astonishing accuracy. The study found that nestlings of these 'brood-parasitic' finches mimic the appearance, sounds and movements of their grassfinch host's chicks.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEvolution·DateOct 2, 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.

New tool shows main highways of disease development

Researchers developed a comprehensive tool to explore disease development patterns, identifying main highways of disease progression. The Danish Disease Trajectory Browser analyzes 25 years of public health data to discover frequent disease trajectories.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2020

Nitric oxide a possible treatment for COVID-19

A study by Uppsala University researchers suggests that nitric oxide may be an effective treatment for COVID-19, with antiviral properties that inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The compound is produced naturally in the body and has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost blood-oxygen saturation levels.

SourceUppsala University·JournalRedox Biology·DateOct 2, 2020

Enhancing blood sugar control boosts brain health for people with type 2 diabetes

Controlling blood sugar levels boosts cognitive function, including thinking, learning, and remembering. However, more weight loss and exercise only improve executive function skills, while verbal learning and memory decline. Effective management of type 2 diabetes is crucial to offset its negative effects on brain health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 2, 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.

Hidden DNA fragment the 'trigger switch' for male development

Scientists have discovered a new piece of DNA crucial for forming male sex organs in mice, revealing the Y-chromosome gene Sry has two distinct parts. The findings suggest this discovery could be used to manipulate sex ratios in agriculture and biological pest management, but not on human embryos.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 2, 2020

New model examines how societal influences affect US political opinions

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a quantitative model to understand how politicized environments affect US political opinion formation and evolution. The model incorporates three psychological effects: attraction/repulsion, tribalism, and perceptual filtering, to simulate how populations change their opinions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 2, 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.

Fuelling the energy revolution

A German chemist is researching green hydrogen production using sunlight to meet the EU's climate targets. The goal is to replace fossil-based raw materials with sustainable green hydrogen for transportation, industry, and heating, aiming to become a global leader in this field by 2035.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·DateOct 2, 2020

Searching for the chemistry of life

A study by DESY's X-ray source PETRA III reveals that dry heating can form characteristic DNA base pairs without water or solvents. The team observed the formation of adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine pairs at temperatures between 100-200 degrees Celsius, suggesting a possible alternative route to molecular recognition patterns in DNA.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 2, 2020

Could a poo transplant one day be the secret of eternal youth?

A new study from University of East Anglia and University of Florence reveals that faecal transplants can alter gut microbiome, impacting spatial learning and memory in mice. The procedure may hold promise as a therapy to combat cognitive decline among the elderly.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMicrobiome·DateOct 2, 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.

Liquid biopsy faster than tissue biopsy, improves time to treat

A pilot study comparing liquid biopsy with tissue-based test found that liquid biopsy results were approximately 10 days faster than tissue biopsy. Liquid biopsy identified actionable genes in 14 cases, while tissue biopsy only detected them in 11 cases.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·DateOct 2, 2020

Harvesting vegetation on riparian buffers barely reduces water-quality benefits

Researchers found that allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from riparian buffers minimally impacts water quality, with only slight annual average reductions in nutrient and sediment capture. The location of the buffer was most important, as buffers between fields and streams removed more pollutants than those near streams.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 2, 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.

New COVID test doesn't use scarce reagents, catches all but the least infectious

A new COVID test has been developed that omits scarce reagents needed for previous tests, providing accurate results with high accuracy (92%) and reliability. The two-step test is ideal for screening programs in both developing and developed countries, and could extend testing capacity to groups not currently being tested.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 2, 2020

The mode of detection of high-risk breast cancers is linked to patient prognosis

Research at the European Breast Cancer Conference highlights a significant difference in survival rates between breast cancers detected during screening and those detected in the interval between screenings. Screen-detected cancers have higher eight-year distant metastasis-free interval rates, even among high-risk tumours.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateOct 2, 2020

How speech propels pathogens

Researchers discovered that speech generates conical airflow that can travel up to 2 meters in 30 seconds, emphasizing the importance of time and distance in transmission. Saliva filaments form on the lips during consonant sounds, breaking into microscopic droplets that spread pathogens.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2020

New research on cataract surgery in order to improve health care

Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes in Swedish cataract surgeries from 2007-2016, finding that high-volume surgeons had a lower proportion of severe cases and complications. The study suggests that surgeons can improve patient safety by understanding the impact of case mix on outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 2, 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.

Research shows cell perturbation system could have medical applications

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new cell perturbation system that can deliver DNA, RNA, and proteins into cells with high efficiency and low toxicity. The Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by enabling quicker and more customized treatment plans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·DateOct 2, 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.

NASA finds heavy rainfall ringing major Hurricane Maria's eye

Heavy rainfall was found to be occurring around the compact eye of Major Hurricane Marie, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimating rainfall rates ranging from 3-20mm/hour. The satellite data provides valuable insights into the storm's intensity and helps improve hurricane forecasting.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 2, 2020

Obesity selects Journal Symposium Honorees

The Obesity Society has announced four honorees for its annual symposium, which will present the latest insights into preventing and treating obesity. The honorees represent a range of topics, including the effects of obesogenic medication on weight change outcomes.

SourceThe Obesity Society·DateOct 1, 2020

Study: Sleep apnea treatment reduces heart problems in patients with prediabetes

A new study found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment can lower daytime resting heart rates in patients with prediabetes who have obstructive sleep apnea, reducing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Optimal CPAP treatment also lowers heart rates during the day, similar to regular exercise.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 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.

Pathogens in the mouth induce oral cancer

Research finds that oral cancer is promoted by periodontal pathogens and can be inhibited by a bacteriocin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. The study offers new insights into the development of oral cancer and suggests potential therapeutic applications for nisin, a commonly used food preservative.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 1, 2020

Variation among states in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Researchers analyzed data from over 3.6 million women to identify differences in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among US states. The study found significant variations in prevalence rates, suggesting regional disparities in maternal health care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 1, 2020

Mud-slurping chinless ancestors had all the moves

Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of ancient ancestors, revealing their ability to adapt to different positions within the water. The findings suggest that these jawless vertebrates were not as limited as previously thought and had diverse lifestyles.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

General data protection regulation hinders global biomedical research

The GDPR's restrictive approach to international data transfers is hindering global biomedical research, including essential COVID-19 studies. The authors propose amendments to address this issue, ensuring the balance between individual privacy and societal benefits in research contexts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Coupling antibiotics with stem cells to fight off bone infections

A new study from Kanazawa University finds that combining antibiotics with antibiotic-laden stem cells effectively treats implant-related bone infections. The researchers used mesenchymal stem cells to deliver ciprofloxacin, which showed strong antimicrobial effects and improved outcomes in animal models of osteomyelitis.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 1, 2020

MUSC researchers test brain stimulation in zero gravity

Researchers conducted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on themselves and a group of volunteers in zero gravity to assess its safety and efficacy. The study aimed to compare TMS results under Earth's gravity to those in zero gravity, with potential implications for long-term space missions.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateOct 1, 2020

NASA finds Hurricane Marie rapidly intensifying

Hurricane Marie is rapidly growing stronger and more powerful, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -80°F. The National Hurricane Center expects Marie to become a major hurricane late on Oct. 1, with rapid strengthening forecasted.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 1, 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.