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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 186


Page 186 of 512

Thin-skinned solar panels printed with inkjet

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology developed ultrathin organic solar cells using inkjet printing, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 4.73 percent and paving the way for flexible, lightweight energy harvesting in various applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 26, 2020

Synthetic coating for the GI tract could deliver drugs or aid in digestion

Researchers create temporary synthetic coating that can be adapted to deliver drugs, aid in digestion, or prevent nutrient absorption. The coating, made from dopamine molecules, can improve lactose digestion efficiency up to 20-fold and potentially treat conditions like diabetes and obesity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 26, 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.

How effective does a COVID-19 vaccine need to be to stop the pandemic?

A new study suggests that a COVID-19 vaccine needs to be at least 80% effective to achieve a complete 'return to normal' and prevent an epidemic. Social vulnerability is also linked to increased COVID-19 infection, with specific factors varying among regions and counties.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 25, 2020

Tracing the cosmic origin of complex organic molecules with their radiofrequency footprint

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science use a special approach to detect acetonitrile in a low-density region of the Sagittarius molecular cloud. They analyze radio wave absorption patterns to infer the presence of this complex organic molecule, shedding light on its distribution and potential role in the origin of life.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 25, 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.

Effectiveness of primate conservation measures mostly unproved

A recent study found that only 80 primate studies investigated the effectiveness of conservation interventions, highlighting a severe lack of evidence for effective conservation. The authors propose several actions to improve the evidence base, including increasing resources for intervention-effectiveness testing and publication.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalBioscience Reports·DateAug 25, 2020

Less "sticky" cells become more cancerous

Research found that cancer cells losing 'stickiness' allows them to move freely, but dense environments can still hold them back. This contradicts previous understanding of cell movement in cancer development.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Coastal development, changing climate threaten sea turtle nesting habitat

Researchers found that climate change and coastal development will reduce suitable nesting grounds for loggerhead turtles by 10%, while green turtles will see a 7% decrease along the US East Coast. Leatherback turtles face minimal changes in suitable habitat availability.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalRegional Environmental Change·DateAug 25, 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.

University of Ky study leads to potential for new treatment approach to Alzheimer's

A new therapeutic approach to treating Alzheimer's disease has been discovered by researchers at the University of Kentucky, using an antibody to target inflammation and promote microglia to clear amyloid deposits in the brain. The study found that this approach leads to reduced amyloid deposition and improved cognition.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateAug 25, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases heart risk, finds global study

A global study of over 320,000 patients found that hydroxychloroquine plus azithromycin increases cardiovascular risks, including mortality, in the short and long term. The combination therapy was associated with a 65% relative increase in cardiovascular-related mortality compared to sulfasalazine.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateAug 25, 2020

Revised code could help improve efficiency of fusion experiments

A revised code upgrade has improved the calculation of forces acting on magnetically confined plasma in fusion energy experiments. The new software, SPEC, enables researchers to determine the boundary of plasma in stellarators more easily, allowing for a better design and performance.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateAug 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Health IT improves engagement in preconception health to reduce racial disparities

A new study from Boston Medical Center highlights the benefits of using health technology to engage African American and Black women earlier in preconception care. The online system Gabby increases the rate of maintaining and acting on identified preconception care risks by 16 percent, with results maintained after 12 months.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateAug 25, 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.

In sickness and in health

A study of over 86,000 Japanese couples found that wives with similar cardiovascular disease risk factors as their husbands are more likely to suffer from the same disorders. The researchers emphasize the importance of considering spouses' health in medical treatment and recommending family-based interventions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 25, 2020

Pain 'catastrophizing' may lead to little exercise, more time sedentary

A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.

SourcePenn State·JournalPain·DateAug 25, 2020

A toxic trio of parental problems strongly linked to childhood sexual abuse

A new study found that adults who experienced parental intimate partner violence, mental illness, and substance dependence were more than 10 times more likely to have been victims of childhood sexual abuse. The study suggests that these parental problems can increase the risk of childhood sexual abuse by nearly tripling or even doublin...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalSocial Work·DateAug 25, 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.

One size may not fit all: BILH psychiatrists develop mental health app assessment tool

Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center developed an online assessment tool to help patients and providers make informed decisions about choosing mental health apps. The tool, currently featuring over 200 apps, allows users to filter by safety, ease of use, and user privacy.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateAug 25, 2020

Vast stone monuments constructed in Arabia 7,000 years ago

Researchers have discovered hundreds of massive stone structures in northwest Saudi Arabia, dated to 7,000 years ago, suggesting they were used for rituals and social bonding exercises. The structures, called mustatils, consist of two large platforms connected by long walls and lack obvious openings.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalThe Holocene·DateAug 25, 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.

Treating COVID-19 could lead to increased antimicrobial resistance

A new study suggests that treating COVID-19 patients with antibiotics could lead to increased antimicrobial resistance in the wider population. The research, published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found that high levels of antibiotics in rivers and coastal waters may result in an increase in resistant bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateAug 25, 2020

Compared to placebo, vitamin D has no benefit for severe asthma attacks

A placebo-controlled clinical trial found that vitamin D supplements did not prevent severe asthma attacks in at-risk children. The study, led by Juan C. Celedón, followed nearly 200 children with moderately low vitamin D levels for three years and showed no benefit from the supplements.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateAug 25, 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.

NASA missions explore a 'TIE Fighter' active galaxy

Astronomers studied the galaxy's radio structure using VLBA, revealing a striking TIE fighter shape at 6.6 GHz. The team observed two periods of activity in TXS 0128+554, suggesting a lull in activity created a gap in the radio emission.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 25, 2020

Using light's properties to indirectly see inside a cell membrane

Researchers have developed a new imaging technique called single-molecule orientation localization microscopy (SMOLM) that allows them to distinguish between different phases of lipid molecules in cell membranes. This technique uses fluorescent probes to directly 'see' the probe's orientation and determine its chemical composition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 25, 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.

Trust the power of markets

Research by UC Riverside found that information markets are more accurate than ad hoc groups in making decisions, despite initial skepticism. As people become accustomed to using markets, they gain trust in their reliability and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalOrganization Science·DateAug 25, 2020

Study reveals two major microbial groups can't breathe

Two major microbial groups, Patescibacteria and DPANN, lack the ability to breathe, instead relying on fermentation to synthesize ATP. These microbes, found in Earth's subsurface, may be remnants of ancient forms of life that predate the evolution of respiration.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 25, 2020

Changing ties that naturally bind

A collaborative research group from Kyoto University investigates how animals balance information sharing with disease risk to form social networks. They propose an integrative framework that incorporates deleterious forms of social transmission, like infectious diseases.

SourceKyoto University·DateAug 25, 2020

Most adults with lupus or common types of arthritis have similar risks of getting admitted to hospital as other COVID-19 patients

Most adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and common forms of arthritis are not at increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19, despite taking immunosuppressive medications. Hospitalization rates for these groups are similar to those for the general population.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateAug 25, 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.

Changing landscapes, changing diets

Researchers analyzed fossilized teeth of ancient herbivores to reveal dietary shifts from woody vegetation to grasses and sedges, around 2.7-2 million years ago. The findings suggest that behavioral dietary changes can precede apparent morphological adaptations in hominins.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020

Scientists create protein models to explore toxic methylmercury formation

A team of scientists created a computational model of proteins responsible for transforming mercury to toxic methylmercury, shedding light on how this reaction occurs and its environmental impact. The models suggest that conserved cysteine amino acids in HgcB are involved in shuttling mercury to HgcA during the reaction.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Study: Student debt may hurt chances at full-time employment

A recent study suggests that student loan debt can have a negative impact on students' likelihood of securing full-time employment upon graduation. The researchers found that having student loan debt leads to additional stress during the job search, which can harm chances of securing a full-time job.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 25, 2020

The secret life of melons revealed: "Jumping sequences" may alter gene expression

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba found that retrotransposons may change how genes are expressed in melons. In a study published in Communications Biology, researchers discovered that retrotransposons had a role in altering gene expression when melon genomes were diversifying and affecting fruit ripening.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 25, 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.

A colorful detector

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a new crystalline material that reversibly changes color from yellow to red when absorbing water, indicating the presence of water. This work could lead to the creation of highly sensitive vapochromic sensors that can detect gases or water vapor without external power.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateAug 25, 2020

Global magnetic field of the solar corona measured for the first time

An international team has successfully mapped the global distribution of the coronal magnetic field for the first time. Using observations from the Coronal Multi-channel Polarimeter, they applied a technique called magnetoseismology to infer the average magnitudes of the magnetic field in the corona.

SourcePeking University·JournalScience·DateAug 25, 2020

UC Riverside researcher awarded NIH grants to study mental health and opioid use

Andrew Subica, a UC Riverside researcher, has been awarded two NIH grants to develop culturally tailored interventions for Pacific Islanders' mental health treatment and engagement in opioid use disorder treatment. The studies aim to address the significant research gap on opioid use disorders in Pacific Islander populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 25, 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.

Sedentary behaviour on the rise across Europe

A study published in BMC Public Health found a significant increase in sedentary behaviour across Europe, with 54.3% of adults spending more than four-and-a-half hours sitting per day in 2017. The research also showed that young and older adults were equally affected, but the age group with the largest increase was those aged 35-44.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2020

Building mechanical memory boards using origami

Scientists have developed a paper-based mechanical memory board by folding paper using the Kresling pattern, generating a switch that can be controlled using vibrations. By placing multiple switches on a single platform, researchers created a functioning mechanical memory board with wide applicability for future device development.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 25, 2020

Battery life for wearable electronic devices could be improved

Asymmetric stresses within electrodes used in wearable electronic devices can lead to improved durability and lifespan of batteries. Researchers from the University of Warwick have found that varying coating properties on each side of double-sided coated electrodes can help mitigate high bending stress and improve mechanical resilience.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateAug 25, 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.

Beating noise via superposition of order

Researchers at UQ and Griffith University use quantum superposition of order to successfully transmit information through two noisy channels. The technique, which can nullify the effect of one noisy medium on another, has potential applications in satellite communication and secret sharing.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateAug 25, 2020

COVID-19 human milk studies should continue without stopping breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and human milk are critical to maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. Current COVID-19 recommendations contradict WHO guidance, disproportionately harming Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Studies must be conducted with a racial equity lens to provide evidence-based guidance.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateAug 25, 2020

Study shows socioeconomic status linked to heart failure mortality in United States

A new US study found that socioeconomic factors are linked to heart failure mortality rates in the United States. The study analyzed over 1.2 million deaths from heart failure across 3,048 counties between 1999 and 2018, revealing significant disparities in mortality rates based on measures of wealth and social deprivation.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·DateAug 25, 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.