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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 179


Page 179 of 512

College students access eating disorders therapy via phone app

A new phone app has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of eating disorders in college women, including binge eating and depression. The app-based cognitive behavioral therapy provided a convenient and accessible means of intervention, with 83% of participants completing at least some of the program.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 31, 2020

Estrogen synthesis, obesity, and self-control

A PET imaging study found that low aromatase enzyme activity in the brain's amygdala is associated with higher BMI and lower self-control. Estrogen production in the amygdala may regulate feeding behavior, influencing BMI.

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.

Astrophysics: A direct view of star/disk interactions

A team of astrophysicists observes newborn stars' magnetospheric accretion region for the first time, providing insight into star formation mechanisms. The study uses the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and GRAVITY instrument to measure angular size and prove magnetospheric accretion taking place close to stellar surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·DateAug 31, 2020

Ancestry of New Guinea singing dogs

A study reveals genetic similarities between New Guinea highland wild dogs and captive NGSDs, suggesting a shared ancestry. The discovery could help bolster NGSD populations through conservation efforts.

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

Using AI to better assess structural health of bridges

A UTA researcher is developing an AI-based system to refine traditional measurements of bridge structural health by accounting for variables like truck types and traffic conditions. The goal is to provide more accurate load parameters and improve the overall integrity of bridges.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 31, 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.

NSF backs first community platform for smarter wireless

Rice University researchers are developing an open-source platform to turbo-charge the research process of inventing novel machine-learning based techniques for intelligent wireless network management and optimization. The 3DML platform will provide agile and flexible tools to manage and protect complex wireless networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 31, 2020

New theory hints at more efficient way to develop quantum algorithms

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new theory that may lead to systematic design of quantum algorithms, outperforming classical computers. The theory identifies large groups of quantum states with polynomial complexity, allowing for efficient coefficient sampling procedures to determine their suitability.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Quantum Technologies·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.

Researchers receive $3 million NSF grant to 'understand the rules of life'

A research team led by the University of Oklahoma aims to identify general ecological rules governing microbiome dynamics using anaerobic digesters as model systems. The study will provide fundamental knowledge critical to predicting microbiome behaviors and enable science-informed policies for ecosystem management.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateAug 31, 2020

How brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants exhibit increased brain activity and neural flexibility from birth, indicating early development of higher-level brain functions. This emerging flexibility is positively associated with reading ability, academic success, and creativity.

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

People love winning streaks by individuals -- teams, not so much

Individual winning streaks are more inspiring and awe-inspiring than team successes, according to a new study. People tend to attribute individual achievements to the person themselves, rather than situational factors, which can inspire feelings of admiration and desire for continued success.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·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.

SGLT2 inhibitors can slow progression of chronic kidney disease

Two randomized controlled studies demonstrate that SGLT2 inhibitors can slow CKD progression across all patient groups, not just those with diabetes. The DAPA-CKD trial found a significant reduction in kidney function decline and end-stage disease with dapagliflozin treatment.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

Serengeti leopard population densities healthy but vary seasonally, study finds

A study of Serengeti National Park camera-trap data found that leopard population densities are similar to other protected areas but fluctuate between wet and dry seasons. The fluctuations appear to be driven by the abundance of prey and interactions with other large carnivores like lions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·DateAug 31, 2020

Gout drug repurposed to fight heart disease

The LoDoCo2 trial found that low-dose colchicine significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by almost one-third in patients with chronic coronary disease. The study also showed that colchicine was well-tolerated over the long-term, with no significant adverse effects.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·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.

Genomic analysis predicts survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy following radiotherapy over radiotherapy alone in low-grade gliomas in NRG Oncology clinical trial

A clinical trial found that patients with IDH-mutant high-risk LGG, regardless of codeletion status, receive a survival benefit from adding postradiation chemotherapy. The study supports the use of WHO-defined molecular subgroups in predicting response to treatment.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 31, 2020

Scientists show how brain flexibility emerges in infants

Infants as young as two years old exhibit increased brain flexibility, a key factor in cognitive development, according to UNC-Chapel Hill researchers. This emerging neural ability enables early learning of new motor skills and supports the maturation of higher-level cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Brainstem protein mediates exercise-based stress relief

Exercise-based stress relief is linked to increased galanin levels in the brainstem, which improves stress resilience. This study found that mice with access to an exercise wheel displayed reduced anxious behaviors and elevated galanin levels in response to a stressful event.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·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.

New EU-funded research project 'HCA|Organoid'

The HCA|Organoid project will establish an open access Organoid Cell Atlas, enabling future discovery-driven and translational research on rare genetic diseases, complex multifactorial diseases, and cancer. The project will derive and comprehensively characterize human brain and colon organoids from 100 individuals each.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.

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

Vaccine narrows racial disparities in pneumococcal disease

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine PCV13 has significantly reduced socioeconomic disparities and Black-white-based racial disparities for invasive pneumococcal disease. The study found a large decrease in the overall incidence of pneumococcal disease and markedly reduced race-based disparities.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 31, 2020

Secret weapon to stop invasive honeysuckle: Satellites

Researchers used satellite imagery to detect non-native Amur honeysuckle in urban parks and cemeteries, achieving 82% accuracy. The method provides a cost-effective solution for ecological restoration, allowing for targeted removal of invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEcological Restoration·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.

Can black hole fire up cold heart of the phoenix?

The discovery of radio jets in the Phoenix Galaxy Cluster suggests that a supermassive black hole is actively heating intra-cluster gas, preventing star formation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy evolution and coevolution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·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.

Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods doubles post-op delirium risk for older adults

A recent study by researchers from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research found that older adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are two times more likely to experience delirium after surgery. Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute decline in cognition, which can present as inattention, disorien...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 31, 2020

Cell phone location used to estimate COVID-19 growth rates

Researchers used publicly available cell phone location data to analyze activity across up to 2,740 counties in the US. They found that counties with a greater decline in workplace cell phone activity showed lower COVID-19 infection rates, suggesting this data can be used to estimate growth rates and inform decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 31, 2020

PCOS is linked to increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring

Children born to mothers with PCOS are at a higher risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, including emotional problems, autism, ADHD, and delayed development. The study found a significant link between PCOS and increased risk of neuropsychiatric disorders in offspring, independent of maternal obesity.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateAug 31, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A soft-hearted approach to healing

Cardiac fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed to form beating heart muscle cells on soft surfaces that match the elasticity of native myocardium. This approach shows increased functional maturation and spontaneously beating iCMs, with implications for treating heart failure and myocardial infarction.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 30, 2020

Mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic: A call for action

The COVID-19 outbreak has caused immense problems at a macro socioeconomic level and has taken a toll on the physical and mental well-being of individuals worldwide. Caregivers, physicians, and others directly dealing with patients are likely experiencing trauma consequences and burnout syndrome.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateAug 30, 2020

Study provides hope for young women after heart attack

A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2020

Scientists develop low-temperature resisting aqueous zinc-based batteries

Scientists have developed a low-temperature resisting hybrid electrolyte for aqueous zinc-based batteries (ZBBs), exhibiting high zinc-ion conductivity at low temperature. The new electrolyte improved the performance of ZBBs, enabling high energy densities, power densities and long-cycle life at -20°C.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·DateAug 30, 2020

Red, green and blue single-mode lasing in heterogeneously coupled system

Researchers have developed a new method for creating multicolor single-mode microlasers capable of emitting over the full visible spectrum. The lasers are achieved through heterogeneously coupled cavities constructed with three spherical microcavities and distinct gain media.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 30, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scoring system for the diagnosis of COVID-19

A new scoring system is proposed to diagnose COVID-19, taking into account epidemiological evidence, clinical symptoms, and investigations. This simple system can be calculated in minutes and helps classify suspected patients for further evaluation or isolation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Public Health Journal·DateAug 30, 2020

How to treat the most common heart attacks

The ESC guidelines recommend imaging to identify underlying causes of heart attacks, including blood vessel tears. Treatment involves restoring blood flow with stents and blood thinners, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 29, 2020

Heart rhythm disorders are best managed when patients are listened to

The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 29, 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.

What happens when babies with heart defects become adults?

Adults with congenital heart disease require lifelong management, including regular appointments, pregnancy planning, and exercise recommendations. The ESC guidelines provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and support to help these individuals lead normal lives.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 29, 2020

Can people with heart disease exercise safely?

The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateAug 29, 2020

Study shows efforts in mangrove conservation and restoration paying off

New research led by the Singapore-ETH Centre reveals that mangrove conservation and restoration efforts have slowed down deforestation and preserved carbon stocks globally. The study found a 1.8% net loss of mangrove carbon stocks between 1996 and 2016, significantly lower than previous estimates.

SourceSingapore-ETH Centre·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 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.

COVID-19 exposes broadband gaps

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) shortcomings, with over 1 million households lacking internet access at home. The Flinders University researchers found that the NBN rollout prioritized politics and commerce over equity considerations, leading to unequal access to high-speed broadband services.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateAug 28, 2020

How bacteria adhere to fiber in the gut

Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 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.

Physiological test for autism proves effective independent of co-occurring conditions

A new physiological test for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown promise, accurately identifying 124 of 131 children with ASD regardless of co-occurring medical conditions. The test measures metabolites in a blood sample and predicts diagnosis with minimal impact from other health issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateAug 28, 2020