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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 512

Robotic exoskeleton training improves walking in adolescents with acquired brain injury

Researchers have found that gait training using robotic exoskeletons significantly improved motor function in adolescents and young adults with acquired brain injury, including increased loading, longer step length, and faster walking speed. However, further studies are needed to confirm the training effect and optimal dosing protocol.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalApplied Bionics and Biomechanics·DateDec 14, 2020

Emerging from the fog: Little understood post-stroke cognitive issues are verified

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to study brain functioning in patients with minor strokes and found diminished neural processing, indicating a disruption of network dynamics. The study suggests that post-stroke acute dysexecutive syndrome is the result of global connectivity dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 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.

Nitrogen and elevated carbon dioxide feedbacks in a grassland

Researchers discovered that elevated CO2 levels stimulate soil respiration under conditions of nitrogen limitation. Elevated CO2 has a deteriorating effect on climate change mitigation in soils deficient in nitrogen.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Behavioral strategies to promote a national COVID-19 vaccine program

Researchers propose five behavioral strategies and a national entity to promote COVID-19 vaccination, including making vaccines free and accessible, leveraging public endorsements, and transforming individual decisions into public acts. The proposed entity should bring together scientists from multiple disciplines to depoliticize pande...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJAMA·DateDec 14, 2020

An alternate savanna

After 40 years of civil war, Gorongosa National Park's animal population has rebounded, with most species returning to the park through conservation efforts. However, researchers found that large herbivores like zebra and wildebeest are rare, while baboons and waterbuck dominate the landscape.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAnimal Conservation·DateDec 14, 2020

Cooperation across boundaries and sectors could boost sustainable development

The study highlights the potential economic benefits of international cooperation in managing water resources, electricity, and food production in the Indus River Basin. By pursuing collaborative policies, countries can reduce costs and achieve sustainable development by 2050.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 14, 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 create gene expression database to gain new insights into pneumococcal infecti

Researchers have created a comprehensive gene expression database to study pneumococcal infections. The database reveals that the bacteria behaves differently depending on the site of infection and the organs respond accordingly. This could lead to new treatments, such as anti-inflammatory therapies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Study reveals networks of genes involved in congenital heart disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have discovered a complex network of genes and proteins that go awry in a subset of congenital heart diseases. The study sheds light on how genetic mutations contribute to the disease, offering new insights into potential prevention or treatment strategies.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 14, 2020

Sheets of carbon nanotubes come in a rainbow of colours

Researchers at Aalto University have created a colour atlas for 466 unique varieties of single-walled carbon nanotubes, revealing their potential applications in electronics and solar panels. The study developed a quantitative model to predict the specific colors of thin films made by combining any of the 466 varieties.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2020

Allocating resources across life span during COVID-19

The article emphasizes the importance of ensuring equity in hospital resource allocation during pandemics. Implementing protocols that account for the disproportionate impact on neonates and children is crucial. By doing so, healthcare systems can reduce disparities and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 14, 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.

Survivors of child abuse twice as likely to die young

A world-first study from the University of South Australia reveals that young people who experienced child abuse or neglect are nearly five times more likely to die from poisonings or substance-related deaths. The research also shows a nearly three-fold increased risk of suicide among these individuals.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 14, 2020

Using play to "school" children's emotions

A study by Université de Genève found that pretend play-based curriculum improved children's ability to recognize emotions and regulate their behavior. The program, introduced in classes aged five and six, enhances emotional vocabulary and promotes prosocial behavior.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2020

Global warming is faster than evolution

A recent study found that zebrafish, a tropical fish species, can develop heat tolerance but may not be able to adapt quickly enough to the rapid pace of global warming. The researchers bred over 20,000 individuals in six generations, with evolution increasing heat tolerance by only 0.04 degrees C per generation.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

Association of political party affiliation with physical distancing among young adults during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study found that individuals with Republican party affiliation were less likely to practice physical distancing, while those with Democratic affiliation were more likely. The research estimated associations between political party and physical distancing behaviors among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 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.

Ancient DNA continues to rewrite corn's 9,000-year society-shaping history

Three 2,000-year-old cobs from Honduras show that humans brought maize varieties back to Mesoamerica, sparking potential productivity increases and shaping civilization. This new study fills gaps in corn's history, revealing a more complex domestication story with parallel but differing speeds across regions.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2020

FARI publishes new research on omega-3s and heart rate recovery

A recent study from FARI and The Cooper Institute found a significant relationship between omega-3 levels and heart rate recovery, with higher levels linked to faster heart rate drop. This association was more pronounced in women than men and was associated with reduced risk of sudden cardiac death.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·DateDec 14, 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.

African families in UK are "parenting in fear"

Research reveals that Black African families in the UK are influenced by structural forces of race, power, and cultural differences. Many parents express a desire to adopt UK parenting styles but fear being misunderstood or penalized by authorities.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe British Journal of Social Work·DateDec 14, 2020

Quantum mysteries: Probing an unusual state in the superconductor-insulator transition

Researchers at Tokyo Tech discovered a 'quantum liquid state' of quantum vortices causing the anomalous metallic state, emerging from quantum criticality. This finding clarifies the nature of the superconductor-insulator transition in 2D superconductors and holds promise for designing next-generation superconducting devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 14, 2020

Evolution of thermal tolerance in zebrafish

Researchers found that zebrafish evolved higher thermal tolerance over six generations, but only at a slow rate of approximately 0.04°C per generation, which may not be enough to keep pace with rising water temperatures.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 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.

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A study estimates that accounting for recent population aging reduced non-COVID-19 excess deaths in the US by 65%. The number of COVID-19 deaths remained unchanged. These findings can guide clinical and public health interventions to prevent future unnecessary deaths.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 14, 2020

Explained: Political polarization

A University of Houston researcher has developed a mathematical model showing that economic inequality causes political polarization. Once polarization occurs, it can spread rapidly to the whole population and persist even when the conditions that produced it have reversed.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 14, 2020

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis are more likely to die than White or Hispanic children, hospital data suggests

A recent study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health found that Black children diagnosed with severe sepsis have a 20% greater odds of death compared to their White and Hispanic peers. Additionally, 'other' insurance status was associated with increased mortality, and Black and Hispanic children had longer hospital stays.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateDec 14, 2020

The video referee in the spotlight

A study by Technical University of Munich found that fans' mood worsens significantly after VAR decisions, with 76.24% of tweets related to the topic being negative. The researchers recommend more transparent communication of VAR decisions to improve audience experience.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 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.

Remdesivir likely to be highly effective antiviral against SARS-CoV-2

A study by University of Cambridge researchers suggests remdesivir is highly effective against SARS-CoV-2, particularly in patients with impaired immune systems. The drug significantly improves symptoms and virus levels in a patient with XLA, a rare genetic condition that affects antibody production.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 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.

Women, parents and early-career faculty in ecology most impacted by COVID-19

A recent study found that female faculty, single parents, and early-career researchers are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, struggling with work-life balance and experiencing increased stress. The survey of over 600 faculty members highlights the need for universities to acknowledge these challenges and implement policies to su...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 14, 2020

Plantwise honored with International IPM Achievement Award

The CABI-led Plantwise programme has helped millions of smallholder farmers increase crop-based activity and income by 12-30%. The programme supports over 44 million farmers with plant health knowledge, reducing the likelihood of a household falling below the poverty line by 5%.

SourceCABI·DateDec 14, 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.

Everything you want to know about sunscreen

Sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk by blocking solar radiation; use of sunscreen is crucial beyond just sun protection, also for premature aging prevention.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateDec 14, 2020

Frequency data for stable power supply

A research consortium has analyzed frequency fluctuations in 12 synchronous grid areas across three continents, revealing that bigger grids are more stable. The study used a new measurement technology and a portable GPS-synchronized recorder to collect high-resolution data.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 14, 2020

Grasping exponential growth

A new study from ETH Zurich found that informing the public of potential bias does little to improve perception, even for those aware of exponential growth. Participants underestimated infections after 30 days of exponential spread, but improved when asked about doubling times or time gained with mitigation measures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 14, 2020

Mapping coral from the air

Researchers developed an airborne approach to map live coral distribution in the Hawaiian Islands, revealing a negative correlation between nearshore development and live coral cover. The study suggests that this cost-effective method could provide high-resolution monitoring of coral health at a low cost.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 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.

Climate influence on tree longevity and growth

A study analyzing global tree-ring datasets reveals that trees in tropical climates grow two times faster than those in temperate regions but have significantly shorter lifespans. Warmer temperatures above 25.4?C are associated with reduced tree longevity, likely due to water stress.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 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.

Household transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found that households will continue to be a significant venue for SARS-CoV-2 transmission despite isolation efforts. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing effective public health measures to mitigate this risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 14, 2020

UMBC team reveals possibilities of new one-atom-thick materials

New computational research by UMBC's Can Ataca and Daniel Wines predicts desirable properties of new 2D materials, saving experimental researchers time and money. The study focuses on group III nitrides, identifying stable alloys with tunable electric and thermoelectric properties.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 14, 2020

Benefits of renewable energy vary from place to place

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that the environmental benefits of renewable power generation differ significantly across regions. The researchers found that one megawatt hour of renewable power produces varying emissions reductions depending on where it was generated.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 14, 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.

Rivers' role in history of Central Asia

A study challenges the notion that Mongol invasions led to the demise of medieval riverine civilizations in Central Asia. Decreasing river flow was equally important for their decline as climate change and abandonment of irrigation systems were.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 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.

'Alarmingly high' vitamin D deficiency in the United Kingdom

A large-scale population study found over 50% of Asians and a third of Black Africans in the UK have severe vitamin D deficiency, increasing risk of respiratory infections and musculoskeletal disorders. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health measures to mitigate deficiency risk in affected populations.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalClinical Nutrition·DateDec 14, 2020