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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 208


Page 208 of 512

Cricket umpires fumble on T20 calls

Research by Queensland University of Technology reveals that elite-level cricket umpires make more errors when making leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions in T20 cricket, with a hit rate of 86.15% and false alarm rate of 2.04%. The study found that the format of the game affects decision-making behavior.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 11, 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.

Enzyme discovered in the gut could lead to new disease biomarker

Researchers identified an enzyme that breaks down mucus in the gut, providing a potential biomarker for intestinal diseases. The discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

Excess weight among pregnant women may interfere with child's developing brain

Research published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry suggests that obesity in pregnant women can affect the developing brain, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making and behavior. The study used fetal brain activity measurements to identify potential links between maternal BMI and changes in brain connectivity.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateAug 11, 2020

Primate voice boxes are evolving at rapid pace

The study found that primate larynges are on average 38% larger than those of carnivorans for a given body length, indicating greater flexibility in evolution. The rate of larynx evolution is also faster in primates, with more variation in larynx size relative to body size.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COMBAT study preliminary results show response of 32% in treatment of pancreatic tumors

The COMBAT trial, a phase IIa clinical trial, has shown promising results with pembrolizumab and BL-8040 combination therapy, achieving a 32% meaningful tumor shrinkage in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This response rate is double that of traditional chemotherapy, offering hope for improved treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

'Insect apocalypse' may not be happening in US

A recent US long-term ecological site study suggests that the so-called 'insect apocalypse' may be exaggerated, with many areas showing little to no overall change in insect abundance and biodiversity. However, certain species remain in decline, particularly for key ecosystem services like pollination and natural pest control.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 11, 2020

Project Raphael brings improved health to disadvantaged populations

The Raphael Project, a social incubator at Bar-Ilan University, has successfully addressed the most pressing health needs in Israel's Galilee region. Through academic-community partnerships, it has implemented various health-promoting activities, resulting in tangible improvements in health for disadvantaged populations.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 11, 2020

Nanocrystals from recycled wood waste make carbon-fiber composites tougher

A new study by Texas A&M University researchers demonstrates the use of cellulose nanocrystals to uniformly coat carbon nanotubes on carbon-fiber composites, resulting in increased strength and resistance. This innovative method enables the design of stronger, more efficient composite materials from the nanoscale.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 11, 2020

Jealous feelings can act as a tool to strengthen friendships

A recent Arizona State University study found that feelings of jealousy can act as a tool to maintain friendships. The research suggests that jealousy motivates people to be better friends, invest in neglected relationships, and even overcome threats from third-party individuals.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 11, 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.

COVID-19 clinical trials lack diversity

Majority of patients in remdesivir trials were Caucasians, raising concerns about medication efficacy in people of color. The study emphasizes the need for diverse clinical trial participants to accurately represent the US population and inform treatments.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 11, 2020

Harvard research identifies business travel as driver of economic growth

New Harvard research reveals a direct link between incoming business travel and economic growth, ranking countries by knowhow flow. The study raises concerns about the consequences of international travel restrictions on global GDP, suggesting a potential double-digit loss if business travel were to halt completely.

SourceHarvard Kennedy School·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 11, 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.

Study points to health disparities among former NFL players

A new study from Harvard Medical School found that Black former NFL players experience significant health disparities, including more pain, physical impairment, mood disorders, and cognitive problems compared to white peers. Other nonwhite athletes also face similar challenges.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Epidemiology·DateAug 11, 2020

Ultraviolet communication to transform Army networks

Researchers create analysis framework to evaluate tradeoffs and design choices in ultraviolet communication systems, offering insights into their natural low-probability-of-detection property. This understanding is crucial for optimizing system performance and predicting detection capabilities.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 11, 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.

Upcycling plastic waste toward sustainable energy storage

UC Riverside engineers develop a process to transform PET plastic into a nanomaterial useful for energy storage. The breakthrough reduces plastic pollution and could lower battery costs, enabling the widespread adoption of electric cars by 2040.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnergy Storage·DateAug 11, 2020

Citizens prefer teachers and administrators to take the hit during economic crisis

New research from Binghamton University found that citizens prioritize teacher and administrative staff over other spending cuts during economic crises. The study discovered that gender, age, income, party identification, and political ideology significantly influence public attitudes towards different forms of school budget cuts.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEducational Studies·DateAug 11, 2020

Study shows inbreeding reduces cooperation in banded mongooses

A recent study by researchers at Swansea University found that inbreeding can reduce cooperation in banded mongooses. Inbred pups that receive extensive care from adults have similar survival rates to outbred pups, but eventually become bad carers when they are older.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEcology Letters·DateAug 11, 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.

Lab-created molecule achieves positive results in the treatment of arthritis

A new molecule called TPPU has been shown to suppress the inflammatory process, reducing inflammation and joint tissue wear and tear in mice with genetically induced arthritis. Arthritic mice treated with TPPU displayed less pain and swelling and had lower clinical scores.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateAug 11, 2020

Teens' social media use does not raise risk for depression: study

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that daily social media use is not a strong or consistent risk factor for depressive symptoms among adolescents. The study analyzed survey data from over 74,000 students and found no association between social media use and increased depressive symptoms.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 11, 2020

Researchers explore pollen fertilization mechanisms

A study published in Nature Communications reveals how pollen tubes grow up to a thousand-fold to reach the ovule, creating electrical activity at the cell membrane and promoting faster growth. The findings have implications for understanding seed production, fungal growth, and neuronal development, and may lead to improved food crop v...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

Researchers find clues to SARS-CoV-2 infection, why it impacts patients differently

A team of researchers at McMaster University has discovered that the ACE2 receptor is present in very low levels in human lung tissue, suggesting alternative infection pathways. This finding challenges existing knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells and may lead to better diagnostic devices and treatment strategies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 11, 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.

Research exposes new vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at Northwestern University have uncovered a new vulnerability in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein's binding site, which enables the virus to infect host cells. A negatively charged molecule can block this site, inhibiting viral transmission.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 11, 2020

Rare glassy metal discovered during quest to improve battery performance

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and University of California San Diego discovered a rare glassy metal during studies on lithium recharging. The discovery could lead to improved battery life and new applications for glassy metals, which are difficult to produce but offer powerful material properties.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 11, 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.

New guidelines for managing mucositis now available

The new guidelines offer additional recommendations for photobiomodulation therapy and benzydamine, as well as a stronger guideline statement for cryotherapy. Researchers also found that natural honey may help prevent mucositis in head and neck cancer patients, although long-term effects are unclear.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCancer·DateAug 11, 2020

Changes in use of high-dose biotin supplements among US adults

Daily use of high-dose biotin supplements among US adults has steadily increased since the early 2000s, with most consumers using these products for hair and nail growth. The study's findings suggest a growing interest in biotin as a supplement to support overall health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 11, 2020

Evolutionary theory of economic decisions

A new study from Stanford University proposes that the brain was constructed over evolutionary history to make high-stakes decisions with a bias towards pessimism. This perspective challenges traditional economic models, which assume humans act rationally and weigh probabilities to maximize personal gain.

SourceStanford University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateAug 11, 2020

Aging memories may not be 'worse, 'just 'different'

An fMRI study found that older adults' brain activity while experiencing event boundaries is similar to younger adults', but with some differences. The study suggests that older adults may process events in different ways, focusing on broader contextual information rather than specific details.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Physicists cast doubt on neutrino theory

Researchers from University of Cincinnati and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory failed to detect sterile neutrinos in twin experiments, increasing doubts about their existence. The study's findings suggest that sterile neutrinos might not be responsible for previously observed anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

COVID-19: Herd immunity in Sweden fails to materialize

Sweden's policy of controlled spread of COVID-19 has failed to deliver herd immunity, with actual antibody prevalence lower than predicted. Clinical findings suggest that mildly ill or asymptomatic patients are less likely to acquire antibodies.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Giant photothermoelectric effect in silicon nanoribbon photodetectors

Researchers have observed a significant increase in the photothermoelectric effect in silicon nanoribbons, benefiting from optimization processes and multiphysics modeling. This breakthrough has potential applications for improving photoelectric conversion efficiency by harnessing hot carrier energy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 11, 2020

Malaria discovery could expedite antiviral treatment for COVID-19

A new study suggests that repurposing cancer drugs to target human enzymes could lead to effective treatments for COVID-19, while reducing the risk of drug resistance. This approach has the potential to save years of research and millions of dollars in development costs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 11, 2020

SUTD researchers create heart cells from stem cells using 3D printing

Researchers successfully regulated parameters to enhance cardiomyocyte production, overcoming limitations of embryoid body differentiation. The use of 3D printing enables precise control over stem cell differentiation, paving the way for bio-inspired approaches in regenerative medicine.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBioprinting·DateAug 11, 2020

Improving ladder safety, one rung at a time

Kurt Beschorner's $1.8M NIOSH grant focuses on measuring friction as a pathway for slip and fall risk in ladder accidents. The research will establish safety guidelines to reduce severe injuries and fatalities in the workplace and at home.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateAug 11, 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.

Right under your nose: A more convenient way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease

Scientists at DGIST discovered that specific proteins in nasal discharge can indicate the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, providing a novel approach for early detection. The levels of two particular Aβ oligomers were consistently higher in patients with AD, allowing for non-invasive screenings to assess AD progression.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 11, 2020

Masks, PPE materials should be hydrophilic

Researchers found that making masks and PPE with hydrophilic surfaces can reduce the drying time of droplets, cutting COVID-19 infection risk in half. A superhydrophobic surface requires more extreme modification to achieve optimal results.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 11, 2020

New approach for calculating radiation dosimetry allows for individualized therapy

Researchers developed a simplified process to estimate radiation dose using a single post-treatment SPECT/CT scan, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes by tailoring treatments to individual patients' physiology. The method was applied to 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for metastatic prostate cancer.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateAug 11, 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.

Self-interest and solar energy adoption

A study of 684,000 people found that self-interest campaigns led to higher solar energy adoption rates than prosocial campaigns focusing on community benefits. Exposure to prosocial campaigns increased peer recommendations and satisfaction with installations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

McKee CTE staging scheme accurate in diagnosing severity, location of disease

A new study proves that the McKee CTE staging scheme accurately represents the progression of tau pathology in CTE, correlating with clinical dementia and age at death. Researchers found five brain regions with increasing p-tau pathology that conform to CTE stage, age, and years of football play.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateAug 10, 2020

Detailed molecular workings of a key system in learning and memory formation

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a new regulatory role for CaMKII, a protein involved in calcium signaling, in the brain's memory center. They found that the hub domain of CaMKII plays a crucial role in tuning its sensitivity to calcium, opening up new avenues for investigation and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Signaling·DateAug 10, 2020

Individual differences in the brain

Scientists selectively bred zebrafish to exhibit distinct personality traits, finding that brain activities soon changed and new brain regions were activated. The study suggests a rapid pace of personality trait changes and potential implications for human behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 10, 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.

Algal blue light switch control of electrical excitation in plants

Scientists have successfully applied optogenetics to higher plants, using blue light to trigger electrical excitation and simulate plant stress responses. This allows for the non-invasive investigation of cellular communication pathways and the analysis of membrane potential waves.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2020

Nepal lockdown halved health facility births and increased stillbirths and newborn deaths

A new study reveals that the COVID-19 lockdown in Nepal resulted in a 49.9% decrease in health facility births, leading to increased stillbirth rates by 50% and neonatal mortality by over 3-fold. The lockdown had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare duri...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 10, 2020