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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 228


Page 228 of 512

Seafood products made from cells should be labeled cell-based

A Rutgers study suggests that companies commercializing cell-based seafood products should use the term 'cell-based' on product labels to meet FDA regulations. The study found that consumers view this name as equally nutritious and desirable as conventional seafood products, signaling a healthy, sustainable alternative.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateJul 28, 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.

How Salt Lake's buildings affect its climate future

University of Utah researchers found that Salt Lake City's buildings will require less natural gas for heating and more electricity for cooling as temperatures rise. The study suggests that local building policy can impact energy use in the future, with multi-family apartment buildings expected to grow in number.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalWorld·DateJul 28, 2020

Medicaid-covered mothers have less say in birthing experience: BU study

A new study finds that Medicaid-covered mothers are three times less likely to feel they had a choice about their birth experience, compared to those with private insurance. Women on Medi-Cal were also half as likely to have a choice of prenatal provider or be encouraged to make decisions about labor and birth.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2020

New studies reveal inside of central energy release region in solar eruption

A recent study published in Nature Astronomy reveals the location of energy release in solar eruptions, finding that relativistic electrons are accelerated in a specific region known as the magnetic bottle. This breakthrough confirms a theoretical model and provides new insights into the complex process of solar flares.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJul 28, 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.

UMass Amherst biologists zero in on cells' environmental sensing mechanism

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a key protein component of the Hedgehog signaling pathway as an important player in phenotypic plasticity, allowing cells to sense and respond to environmental inputs. This finding provides insights into how genes and environment interact to shape anatomical traits.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2020

CHOP spine surgeons outline how to prioritize procedures amid pandemic

Surgeons from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia propose categorizing surgeries into four classes based on urgency and risk. Class-1 emergency surgeries must happen right away, while Class-4 elective surgeries should occur once the pandemic has reached its low point.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJul 28, 2020

New scenario for the India-Asia collision dynamics

The study reports a two-stage collision between India and Asia, with the Tethyan Himalaya terrane drifting northward and colliding with Asia at ~61 Ma. The findings match history of India-Asia convergence rates and provide constraints for climate models linking Himalayan orogenesis with global climate change.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 28, 2020

Your brain on birth control

A study published in Hormones and Behavior found that oral contraceptive use affects brain structure and function, particularly in women who start taking them during puberty or adolescence. This can lead to altered stress response and changes in working memory processing.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateJul 28, 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 Cincinnati ergonomics expert says work smarter at home

A University of Cincinnati ergonomics expert warns that workers' discomfort levels are increasing after months of remote work. To combat this, he recommends using a laptop stand, placing a cushion on the chair, and taking regular breaks to stretch and move around.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateJul 28, 2020

How will the population accept COVID-19 tracing apps?

A study by the University of Göttingen found that COVID-19 tracing apps must balance individual benefits with societal benefits to gain widespread acceptance. The research team identified convenience as a key factor in persuading undecided users, while privacy is crucial for critics.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEuropean Journal of Information Systems·DateJul 28, 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.

Prescribed CBD could help people quit cannabis

A randomized clinical trial found that prescribed doses of non-intoxicating CBD reduced cannabis use and increased abstinence days. Participants treated with 400mg or 800mg CBD showed lower levels of cannabis in their urine and more days abstinent compared to placebo.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Artificial intelligence could speed up and improve Alzheimer's diagnosis

A new study from the University of Sheffield reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) can detect neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's before progressive symptoms worsen. AI-powered technologies can help predict disease progression and suggest the best treatments for individual patients.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Reviews Neuroscience·DateJul 28, 2020

Research could save years of breeding for new Miscanthus hybrids

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to speed up breeding for Miscanthus hybrids, which could improve renewable energy crops. The study uses genomic selection to predict phenotypic outcomes and optimize winter hardiness, biomass, disease tolerance, and flowering time in Miscanthus.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 28, 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.

Therapy helps children with food allergies manage severe anxiety

The Food Allergy Bravery Clinic at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help children with a phobia of anaphylaxis manage their anxiety. By gradually introducing children to safe, structured practices, the clinic aims to equip families with practical skills and confidence.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJul 28, 2020

New technique enables mineral ID of precious Antarctic micrometeorites

A new technique using a Gandolfi x-ray diffraction camera allows for faster and cheaper identification of Antarctic micrometeorites while conserving more sample material. The method was tested on small rock samples containing olivine and pyroxene, showing promising results.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJul 28, 2020

New machine learning method allows hospitals to share patient data -- privately

A new machine learning approach, federated learning, enables hospitals to share patient data securely, improving the accuracy of brain tumor diagnoses. This technique has been successfully tested in a Penn Medicine study, which showed that it can outperform centralized models in identifying brain tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 28, 2020

Madagascar: New mouse lemur species discovered

A new mouse lemur species, Microcebus jonahi, has been identified in northeastern Madagascar with a divergent lineage and smallest primate size. The discovery emphasizes the urgent need to address deforestation and habitat loss threatening Madagascar's unique biodiversity.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJul 28, 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.

Black phosphorus future in 3D analysis, molecular fingerprinting

Black phosphorus has potential for emerging devices, including medical imaging and environment monitoring, thanks to its versatility and manipulation as a 2D material. The material's ability to tune electron energy levels makes it suitable for electro-optic modulation, which is essential for faster computing and data communication.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJul 28, 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.

Text messaging: The next gen of therapy in mental health

A new study found that texting intervention as an add-on to mental health treatment programs improved symptoms and increased participant engagement. The research team developed a text-messaging-based psychotherapy tool that was clinically promising, safe, and feasible for people with serious mental illness.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateJul 28, 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.

The amazing travels of small RNAs

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that short double-stranded small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the primary messengers responsible for RNA interference in plants. These siRNAs can travel vast distances, enabling plants to modulate gene expression at a distance and adapt to their environment through phenotypic plasticity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 28, 2020

Solving materials problems with a quantum computer

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago developed a quantum embedding theory to simulate complex materials, exceeding current methods' accuracy. The method was tested on classical and quantum computers, showing high accuracy and effectiveness.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 28, 2020

Experimental drug for Alzheimer's may help children with autism

Researchers discovered deposits of the tau protein typically found in Alzheimer's patients in the brain of an autistic child with ADNP syndrome. An experimental drug called NAP successfully restored normal function to damaged nerve cells in models of ADNP syndrome, offering new hope for treating this genetic disorder.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2020

Real and imagined barriers and cheating

Four experiments with 350 children aged 5-6 found that visible answer keys were less cheated at when a barrier was present, suggesting environment influences honesty. The results support the idea that real or imagined barriers can deter cheating behavior in young children.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Lead white pigments on Andean drinking vessels provide new historical context

Researchers analyzed lead white pigments on qeros, finding only three isotope signatures, two matching European lead paints, and one suggesting local manufacture in the Andes. This study provides new historical context for understanding the timeline and production of culturally significant items during the colonial period.

SourceDickinson College·JournalHeritage Science·DateJul 27, 2020

Make your own greenhouse gas logger

Researchers at Linköping University developed a simple and cost-efficient logger for measuring greenhouse gases, including methane. The open-source Arduino-based system provides data on methane levels, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, making it easier to monitor emissions locally and globally.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBiogeosciences·DateJul 27, 2020

New genome mapper is like "upgrading from dial-up to fibre-optic"

Researchers have developed a new technology called OligoFISSEQ that can visualize hundreds to thousands of genomes simultaneously under the microscope. This breakthrough enables researchers to study genome function and organization in unprecedented detail.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 27, 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.

Invisible barriers cut down on cheating

A new study published in PNAS found that simple environmental cues, such as a see-through partition or an imaginary barrier, can significantly reduce cheating in children. The researchers used four experiments with over 350 children aged 5-6 years old and demonstrated that just the idea of a barrier discouraged cheating.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2020

New depth map of the Arctic Ocean

The IBCAO 4.0 bathymetric chart provides a detailed map of the Arctic Ocean with higher and better resolution data than previous versions. The new chart reveals a great variety of glacial origins and helps to reconstruct geological processes in arctic latitudes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Data·DateJul 27, 2020

Same-day IUD placements hard to come by in Ohio, study finds

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that most providers in Ohio do not offer same-day IUD placements, with 92% requiring multiple appointments. Insurance coverage was the primary barrier to access, with office staff often citing verification needs as a reason for the delay.

SourceOhio State University·JournalContraception·DateJul 27, 2020

Visibility of climate change news

A study analyzing climate change press releases found that opposing views received twice the citations as pro-action views. Press releases from scientific organizations were less likely to be covered.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Alternative amplification technique could speed up SARS-CoV-2 testing

A faster and less complicated SARS-CoV-2 testing method could aid in rapid isolation of infected people and prevent new outbreaks. Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a promising alternative to current standard methods, though with lower sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 27, 2020

Grape pips reveal collapse of ancient economy in the grip of plague and climate change

A study published in PNAS reveals a significant economic downturn in the Byzantine Empire's arid Negev desert during a pandemic in the mid-6th century CE. The research analyzed seeds found in ancient trash mounds, including grape pips, which show a high frequency, suggesting an increase in viticulture and wine export.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 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.

Rethinking women's mental health following partner abuse

A recent study reveals that nearly three-quarters of women experience good psychological well-being prior to partner abuse, yet more than half are diagnosed with a mental illness after. Professor Nicole Moulding calls for a new approach focusing on societal issues and support beyond medication and counseling.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJul 27, 2020

Nationwide trends show fewer cancer patients seeking care since start of pandemic

Research from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center found significant decreases nationwide in cancer-related care, including a -56.9% decline in any neoplasm encounters and a 74% drop in new incidence neoplasms. Mammograms declined by 89.2% and colorectal cancer screenings fell by 84.5% during the pandemic.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJCO Clinical Cancer Informatics·DateJul 27, 2020

Heat smarter, not harder -- How microwaves make catalytic reactions more efficient

Scientists at Tokyo Tech develop a novel method to measure local temperature of platinum nanoparticles in catalysts using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. This approach demonstrates that microwave heating selectively heats the metal nanoparticles, increasing reaction rates and reducing temperatures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 27, 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.