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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 178


Page 178 of 512

Study highlights keys to helping dads be there for kids when they don't have custody

A new study from North Carolina State University and Virginia Commonwealth University explores the extent to which fathers who don't have custody are involved in their children's lives. The research highlights three key factors: self-efficacy, relationships with caregivers, and the father-child relationship.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateAug 31, 2020

Individual dolphin calls used to estimate population size and movement in the wild

Researchers at Stellenbosch University and the University of Plymouth have successfully used unique signature whistles of individual bottlenose dolphins off Namibia's coast to estimate population size and track movement. The method, which marks a first for acoustic monitoring, yielded promising results and has potential applications fo...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·DateAug 31, 2020

Study finds asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk for cardiac disease

A new study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine reveals that asymptomatic Chagas patients are at a high risk of developing cardiomyopathy, a progressive heart disease. The risk more than doubles among patients with acute infections, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 31, 2020

Scientists unlock crops' power to resist floods

Researchers have discovered a way to make staple foods resistant to flooding triggered by climate change. By manipulating enzymes that control plant responses to low oxygen levels, scientists hope to create flood-tolerant crops that can help mitigate the devastating impact of extreme weather events on food production.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Spacing Singapore to improve social distancing

The Singapore Spacer project uses Wi-Fi signals to identify high human traffic areas, providing insights for safe environments in universities and commercial spaces. The system aggregates data over time to inform decision-makers on the effectiveness of policies.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 31, 2020

Ethnic antagonism and antidemocratic attitudes

A majority of surveyed US-based Republicans agree that traditional American values are disappearing, driven by ethnic antagonism and concerns about discrimination against Whites. The strongest predictor of these sentiments is ethnic antagonism, which erodes commitment to democracy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Eating your vegetables is easier said than done

The EAT-Lancet Report proposes a universal healthy reference diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, but implementing this change requires unprecedented global cooperation. Policymakers must prioritize food systems as a top development agenda to realize the recommendations laid out in the report.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNature Food·DateAug 31, 2020

CU scientists create batteries that could make it easier to explore Mars

Researchers created silicon-based batteries with improved stability and capacity, allowing for faster charging times and increased efficiency. The breakthrough could enable the use of lighter batteries in spacesuits and satellites, reducing mission costs and increasing energy storage capabilities.

SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 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.

Is being generous the next beauty trend?

A recent study published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly found that individuals perceived as more attractive are more likely to exhibit generous behaviors, while givers are rated as more attractive. This research challenges the conventional notion that physical attractiveness is solely linked to personal qualities.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateAug 31, 2020

Improving FDA's COVID-19 vaccine authorization and approval process

The FDA's emergency use authorization process for COVID-19 vaccines was criticized for its speed and lack of rigor. The researchers propose four reforms to enhance accountability and transparency in drug authorizations and approvals, including improved risk assessment and post-marketing surveillance.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJAMA·DateAug 31, 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.

Nerve cells with energy saving program

Researchers discovered a metabolic adaptation in nerve cells that allows them to counteract degeneration and promote survival. This 'metabolic rewiring' involves the activation of the Krebs cycle anaplerosis pathway, which makes neurons resistant to progressive damage.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

Stationary waves and tropical cyclone variability

Researchers found significant correlations between stationary wave strength and tropical cyclone activity, with strong waves modulating TC frequency and altering atmospheric conditions. The study's hemispheric perspective on TC variability offers insights into improving future projections of TC activity in a warming climate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

UC study: Cancer, COVID-19 and blood clots

A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying how cancer treatments could impact patients who also have COVID-19 and blood clots. The study aims to understand the thrombotic risk posed by certain cancer treatments and hopes to contribute data that could prevent complications for millions of patients.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 31, 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 develop dustbuster for the moon

A team at the University of Colorado Boulder developed a possible fix for the problem of spring cleaning on the moon: using an electron beam to zap away dust. The technology has shown promise in removing fine dust particles from surfaces, with an average cleaning power of 75-85%.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalActa Astronautica·DateAug 31, 2020

Angina drug fails to improve outcomes after successful revascularisation

The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 31, 2020

Protecting against misinformation in memory

Researchers found that warnings about inaccurate information decreased susceptibility to misinformation. Warnings were effective whether delivered before or after the misinformation, and participants displayed increased brain activity related to the original event.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

People with increased risk of Alzheimer's have deficits in navigating

Researchers found that individuals with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease exhibit impaired path integration, a cognitive ability essential for spatial navigation. The study suggests that grid cell activity in the entorhinal cortex plays a crucial role in this process, and may serve as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 2020

Unique antibody profile sets gluten sensitivity apart from celiac disease

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered a distinct antibody profile in patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which differs from those with celiac disease. This finding could lead to better detection methods and potential new therapies for celiac disease treatment.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateAug 31, 2020

Temperature sensitivity and ocean oxygen decline

A study using ocean chemistry models reveals that respiration quotient increases with rising temperature, leading to accelerated declines in ocean oxygen. The findings suggest a link between global warming and reduced ocean oxygen availability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Demonstrating the dynamics of electron-light interaction originating from first principle

Researchers have developed a new tool to simulate electron-light interactions with unprecedented accuracy, enabling the study of ultra-fast processes and complex dynamics. The breakthrough, led by Professor Nahid Talebi, combines Maxwell and Schrödinger equations to describe electron-light interactions beyond adiabatic approximations.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 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.

True holographic movie is within grasp

A team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a system to produce true holographic three-dimensional images appearing mid-air, viewable from most angles in the room. The proof of concept uses metasurface materials that can manipulate light, allowing for a genuine holographic movie.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 31, 2020

Study provides insight on how to build a better flu vaccine

Researchers at WashU Medicine developed an approach to assess vaccine activation in lymph nodes, showing that the flu vaccine can elicit antibodies protecting against a broad range of flu viruses. The findings could aid in designing an improved flu vaccine providing protection against old and new strains.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2020

How helper bacteria protect white button mushrooms

Helper bacteria, such as Mycetocola tolaasinivorans, protect white button mushrooms from the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas tolaasii by enzymatically disabling its toxin and motility. This mechanism involves a lactonase enzyme that linearizes the tolaasin toxin into a non-toxic structure.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 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.

Study: Anonymized cell phone location data can help monitor COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers analyzed anonymous county-level cell phone location data and incidence of COVID-19 in over 2,500 US counties between January and May 2020. The study found that changes in cell phone activity were associated with COVID-19 incidence, suggesting that anonymized cell phone location data can help public health officials monitor ...

SourceMount Auburn Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

Researchers develop molecule to store solar energy

Researchers at Linkæping University have developed a molecule that can absorb and store solar energy. The molecule is part of a group known as molecular photoswitches and can undergo a chemical reaction to change its energy state, enabling efficient storage of solar energy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 31, 2020

Nanomaterials based strategies for treatment of hypoxic tumor

Researchers propose using nanomaterials to elevate oxygen levels in tumor tissues, reducing resistance to therapies. Additionally, therapeutic gas-generating and radical-generating nanomaterials can control oxygen delivery and induce cell death, offering new avenues for hypoxic tumor treatment.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 31, 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.

Uncovering the hidden life of 'dead' coral reefs

Researchers from the University of Queensland have found that 'dead' coral rubble supports more animals than live coral, revealing a new understanding of these often-overlooked habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of biodiversity in these areas, which are dominated by tiny invertebrates and microorganisms.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateAug 31, 2020

Citizen scientists bring surprising insights into cowslip mating system

A citizen science study led by the Estonian Research Council analyzed data from over 1,700 observations, revealing a systematic dominance of short-styled morphs and increased deviations in smaller populations with higher human population density. The findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, highlighting another ...

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateAug 31, 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.

Disagreeable personalities and workplace power

Researchers found that individuals with disagreeable personalities exhibit high levels of dominant behavior, which enhances their power. However, this is offset by lower generosity and willingness to help others, diminishing their power.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Researchers set sights on theory of deep learning

A team of engineers and computer scientists are developing a theory of deep learning based on rigorous mathematical principles to improve reliability and predictability in AI systems. They will use three perspectives: local to global understanding, statistical analysis, and formal verification.

SourceRice University·DateAug 31, 2020

Wearable device could help EMTs, surgeons assess hemorrhage blood loss

A new wearable device could accurately assess blood loss due to hemorrhage using seismic vibrations and electrical signals from the heart. The device would provide a numerical score indicating the severity of cardiovascular system performance, helping first responders make life-saving decisions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 31, 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.

Helping SMEs adopt open innovation

Researchers study how SMEs successfully commercialize inventions, identifying key factors such as clear clients and open innovation culture. The project aims to develop interventions like training programs to increase licensing of external solutions.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateAug 31, 2020

New hydrogels for T-cell growth to be used in cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have designed new hydrogels that can mimic the environment of lymph nodes, where T-cells proliferate and multiply. The hydrogels are made from polyethylene glycol and heparin, allowing them to anchor cytokines and promote cell migration and proliferation.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalBiomaterials·DateAug 31, 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.

Antibody blockade effective in treatment of severe COVID-19

A study published in PNAS identified an overlap between cytokine release syndrome and COVID-19, finding that IL-6 signaling blockade can alleviate symptoms of both conditions. By treating severe COVID-19 patients with a human monoclonal antibody-based drug called Actemra, PAI-1 levels rapidly declined and disease symptoms were alleviated.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Asthma may not be a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19

New research challenges assumption that asthma is a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 hospitalization and intubation, finding lower prevalence rates among hospitalized patients compared to the general population.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateAug 31, 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.

How weather affects crawfish harvests

A study by Louisiana State University researchers found that heavy rainfall in August can suppress crawfish harvest yields in the spring due to low oxygen levels in ponds. Winter temperatures also impact crawfish growth, with freezing conditions slowing it down.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalClimate Research·DateAug 31, 2020

Resource sharing and life expectancy

A study of 34 countries found that intergenerational resource sharing is associated with lower mortality rates and increased life expectancy. The nature of sharing did not affect the outcome, suggesting that it may reflect social interconnectedness and benefit human health.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Sea level rise from ice sheets track worst-case climate change scenario

A new study from the University of Leeds and the Danish Meteorological Institute found that ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are melting at a rate accelerating faster than expected. If these rates continue, sea levels will rise by an additional 17cm, exposing 16 million people to coastal flooding annually.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 31, 2020