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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 191


Page 191 of 512

Fresh tumor biopsies in world-first technique for cancer treatments

Researchers developed a world-first technique to improve cancer treatments by analyzing fresh patient tumour biopsies within 30 minutes of collection. The 'Drug uptake in ex Vivo tumours' technique helps pharmaceutical and technology companies design future cancer drugs.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSTAR Protocols·DateAug 24, 2020

Global forest restoration and the importance of empowering local communities

A new study emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in global forest restoration efforts, which could provide benefits to millions of people living on lands suitable for forest restoration. The research highlights opportunities for tropical countries to remove atmospheric carbon, promote biodiversity conservation, and ...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 24, 2020

First review of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection models

A comprehensive review of animal and cellular models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 highlights the importance of understanding underlying diseases in predicting mortality. The study identifies key factors, including age, male sex, social deprivation, and chronic conditions, that increase the risk of severe disease.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalMucosal Immunology·DateAug 24, 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.

Forging molecular bonds with green light

QUT researchers develop a novel molecular coupling tool using green light and pH triggers, enabling catalyst-free chemical reactions. The tool has potential applications in drug delivery and 3D cell culture platforms, with the ability to control photoreactivity using varying pH levels.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2020

Research reveals toll of pandemic on those with eating disorders

A new study from Northumbria University reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound negative impact on nine out of ten people with eating disorders. The research found that disruptions to daily life, social isolation, and reduced access to healthcare services exacerbated symptoms.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateAug 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Media's pivotal pandemic power

A new study by Flinders University researchers analyzes national Australian newspaper coverage from early 2020, noting a rise in moral evaluations and behaviors linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights the importance of balanced messaging and responsible media portrayals in public health crises.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 23, 2020

Medieval texts reveal false Royal Navy origins

Research by Flinders University PhD candidate Matt Firth challenges long-held assumptions about the Royal Navy's origins, finding evidence that a tradition of defensive naval action existed before Alfred the Great's reign. The study also sheds light on medieval burial ships and cultural contact between England and Scandinavia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe International Journal of Nautical Archaeology·DateAug 23, 2020

Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir drugs may be effective coronavirus treatment

Recent studies suggest that adding sofosbuvir and daclatasvir to standard care may reduce the duration of hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. The combination showed a lower median duration of stay and reduced mortality rates compared to standard care alone.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateAug 23, 2020

Fossil pollen record suggests vulnerability to mass extinction ahead

A new study using fossil pollen samples suggests that North America's plant biomes are experiencing low landscape resilience, similar to the end of the Pleistocene megafauna extinctions. The researchers found that forests persisted longer than grasslands and recovered more slowly if the ecosystem contains high plant biodiversity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 23, 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.

Blood pressure medication improves COVID-19 survival rates

Researchers found that Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB) reduced the risk of severe Covid-19 illness and death in patients with high blood pressure. The meta-analysis involved over 28,000 patients, indicating a protective role for these medications against Covid-19.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCurrent Atherosclerosis Reports·DateAug 23, 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.

Developing precise medicines for triple negative breast cancer

Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discover a promising approach to identify the best patients for targeted therapy in triple negative breast cancer. Using patient-derived cell lines, researchers found a correlation between levels of RB1 protein and decreased growth in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020

Electron movements in liquid measured in super-slow motion

Researchers detect electron movements in liquid water using photoemission, revealing a delay of 50-70 attoseconds compared to gaseous form. This discovery sheds light on chemical reactions and biological processes such as photosynthesis and DNA damage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 2020

The age of the Earth's inner core revised

The revised estimate of the inner core age is 1-1.3 billion years old, solving a paradox that arose from younger estimates. The researchers also found that the geodynamo was maintained by two different energy sources and mechanisms, providing new insights into the Earth's habitability.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 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.

A new molecular guardian of intestinal stem cells

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified a critical role of interferon regulatory factor-2 (IRF2) in maintaining the stemness of intestinal stem cells. IRF2-deficient mice exhibited impaired regenerative responses, highlighting its importance in preserving intestinal stem cell function.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateAug 21, 2020

Long-acting, injectable drug could strengthen efforts to prevent, treat HIV

Scientists developed an injectable HIV drug that blocks infection and provides extended viral suppression with lower doses and reduced side effects. The drug, CPT31, has great potential to help patients with drug resistance and those who would benefit from a longer-acting treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 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.

Study to ID brain neurons that control metabolism

A new study led by Dr. Christopher Morrison reveals the nervous system cells and circuits that influence our metabolism and health in response to dietary changes. FGF21, a hormone produced by the liver, plays a crucial role in signaling to the brain when protein intake is low, triggering metabolic changes that improve health.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateAug 21, 2020

Nutrients make coral bleaching worse

Researchers have discovered that nutrients exacerbate the negative impacts of climate change on corals, increasing the risk of mass coral bleaching. High levels of nutrients stress corals, making them more susceptible to heat-induced bleaching.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 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.

Meet hedge fund managers of avian world

Researchers found that brood parasites living in variable habitats diversify their egg-laying choices among multiple host species, increasing reproductive success. This 'bet-hedging' strategy allows them to counter environmental threats and ensure survival over time.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020

One more hit from rare Earth: Efficient coherent spin manipulation by the electric field

Scientists from Peking University have developed an efficient method for manipulating the electron spin using an electric field, overcoming the challenges of traditional magnetic resonance techniques. The breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in quantum information processing and the development of quantum computation units.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 21, 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.

Concussions can cause long-term sleep problems

A new study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma found that concussions can cause persistent and common sleep problems, affecting quality of life. The research tracked 378 patients with concussions for one year, revealing that 53% experienced sleep or daytime problems lasting three months or longer.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateAug 21, 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.

Why babies not always remember what they have learned

A study published in Child Development found that babies can't always remember what they've learned due to fluctuations in their internal state. Research suggests that changes in mood affect learning and memory in infants, particularly when recalling experiences from a different emotional state.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChild Development·DateAug 21, 2020

Psychological disease avoidance linked to preventative behavior, study finds

A study by UConn School of Nursing researchers found that strong feelings of germ aversion and pathogen disgust are significantly associated with concern about COVID-19 and increased engagement in preventative health behaviors. Individuals who indicated higher levels of psychological disease avoidance also reported greater concern for ...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 21, 2020

KDD 2020 showcases brighest minds in data science and AI

KDD 2020 features four keynote talks on meta-provenance, AI for intelligent financial services, state-space multi-taper time-frequency analysis, and computational epidemiology. The conference will also include 18 applied data science invited talks and 217 accepted research papers.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateAug 21, 2020

Skat and poker: More luck than skill?

Heidelberg economists developed a rating system to measure skill levels in skat and poker. The study found that both games have over 50% luck, but skill takes over in the long term, with a skilled player winning 75% more games against an average opponent after 100 games.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 21, 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.

Revealed: How billions in EU farming subsidies are being misspent

A unique study reveals that EU agricultural subsidies flow to intensively farmed regions causing environmental damage, while poorer regions are underfunded. The Common Agricultural Policy's €54 billion annual budget is concentrated in the hands of only 20% of farmers.

SourceLund University·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 21, 2020

NASA nighttime imagery finds Tropical Storm Laura developing

Tropical Storm Laura has become better organized than yesterday, with improved structure, but still lacks well-defined banding features. The storm is expected to move west-northwestward over the next couple of days, potentially affecting the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new analysis from Harvard Medical School and Hunter College found that 2.3 million teachers and 28.6 million adults are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to age or chronic diseases. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive clinician mental health support in the post-pandemic era.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 21, 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.

NASA's Terra satellite analyzes Caribbean's Tropical Depression 14

Tropical Depression 14 is forecast to strengthen into a tropical storm and potentially become a hurricane, according to NASA's Terra satellite data. The depression's coldest cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit, generating heavy rainfall and affecting Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 21, 2020

In times of ecological uncertainty, brood parasites hedge their bets

In unpredictable environments, brood parasites spread their reproductive risk by targeting more and diverse host species. This bet-hedging strategy allows them to adapt to changing conditions and increase their chances of offspring survival.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 21, 2020

Large tin monosulfide crystal opens pathway for next generation solar cells

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully grown large single crystals of tin monosulfide (SnS), a promising material for next-generation solar cells. The achievement marks a significant step towards developing SnS solar cells with high conversion efficiency and could accelerate their practical application.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateAug 21, 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.

UCF researchers generate attosecond light from industrial laser

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a method to generate attosecond pulses using industrial-grade lasers, making it more accessible to scientists from various disciplines. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in power generation, chemical- and biological-weapon detection, and medical diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 21, 2020

Detailed map of natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients expands understanding of innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2

A new study maps natural killer cells in COVID-19 patients, finding specific characteristics of activation correlate with disease severity and adaptive NK cells with severe disease. The study suggests future research directions, including the role of NK cell responses in lung tissue and variability over time during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateAug 21, 2020

Simple test could improve public attitudes to autism

Researchers propose a simplification in measuring public attitudes towards people with autism, using a single 'thermometer scale' survey. They found that non-autistic students rated autistic people relatively favourably, averaging 71/100, but there is still a long way to go in understanding and changing negative attitudes.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalExperimental Results·DateAug 21, 2020

Energy transition away from coal in China will yield benefits

A study by Stony Brook University proposes strategies for China's transition away from coal, emphasizing employment and social justice impacts. The authors estimate a rapid transition could reduce premature deaths by 224,000 and water consumption by 4.3 billion m3 in 2050.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 21, 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.

Smart responsive lasing signals for high-security optical encryption

Researchers propose a strategy to achieve multiple responsive lasing emission states for high-security optical encryption by modulating the competition between radiative rate of donor and the rate of energy transfer in FRET microlasers. This approach enables dynamic lasing action control, resulting in distinguishable lasing states.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 21, 2020