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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 250


Page 250 of 512

Tech sector job interviews assess anxiety, not software skills

Technical interviews in the software engineering sector test performance anxiety rather than coding skills, eliminating well-qualified candidates. Researchers found that half as many participants excelled in private interviews without on-the-spot explanations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateJul 14, 2020

COVID-19 may attack patients' central nervous system

Researchers found that depression, anxiety, and loss of smell were strongly associated with COVID-19. The study suggests that psychological distress could be a sign of the virus's impact on the brain, potentially due to its entry through the olfactory tract.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateJul 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.

Association of plant, animal protein with long-term mortality

A study of over 400,000 US adults found that higher long-term consumption of both plant and animal proteins was associated with increased risk of death. The researchers discovered a non-linear relationship between protein intake and mortality risk, suggesting that moderate levels of protein may be protective against mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New theranostic agents show efficacy in prostate cancer treatment in preclinical studies

Researchers developed a novel radioiodinated PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceutical that can be produced in high yields without generating volatile byproducts. The agent shows exceptional effectiveness for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in preclinical studies, targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

Pencil-and-paper-based electronics

Flexible on-skin electronics made from pencil traces on paper can record various biomedical signals such as temperature, heart rate, and glucose levels. The technology has the potential to enable transdermal drug delivery and provides a cost-effective solution for monitoring vital signs in low-resource medical settings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

When calling loudly, echolocation is costly for small bats

Bats must find a compromise between energy consumption and efficient echolocation, as louder calls increase energy expenditure. High-intensity echolocation calls are costly and require significant additional muscle activity, particularly above 130 dB.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 13, 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.

Antilupus drug prevents low heartbeat condition in newborns

A new study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers shows that the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) in newborn babies, a rare and sometimes fatal condition. CHB affects as many as one in 15,000 live births and is strongly linked to immune proteins in mothers.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 13, 2020

Delirium may cause long term cognitive decline

Researchers found that patients who experienced delirium were more than twice as likely to show significant long-term cognitive decline. The study suggests that delirium may cause cognitive decline and is associated with increased mortality, hospital costs, and care duration.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 13, 2020

Perceiving the flavor of fat: A Monell Center twins study

Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that genetic traits shape an individual's preference for fatty foods. The study used identical and fraternal twins to test the relationship between fat content and flavor perception.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalChemical Senses·DateJul 13, 2020

Study finds cancer mortality rate disparity based on hospital ratings

A new study published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum found significant disparities in cancer mortality rates between one-star and five-star hospitals. The research examined 105,823 patients who underwent complex cancer procedures at 3,146 hospitals between 2013 and 2016.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJul 13, 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.

Ancestors of domesticated cats in Europe

Researchers analyzed ancient cat remains to determine the diet and ecology of early European cats. The study found that while Near Eastern cats may have accompanied farmers to Europe, they did not yet rely on humans for food.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Cardiac scar tissue: A factor which regulates its size

Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have identified collagen V as a key factor regulating cardiac scar tissue size after a heart attack. The study found that fibroblasts without collagen V produce larger, more irregularly-structured scars, leading to reduced shrinkage and increased risk of complications.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell·DateJul 13, 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.

McLean hospital study examines the cost-effectiveness of esketamine

A McLean Hospital study found that esketamine is not currently cost-effective due to its high price, but it can be effective for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study suggests that the price of esketamine needs to fall by more than 40% to make it a viable option.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateJul 13, 2020

Aerosols and cloud lifetime

Research using satellite observations and air mass trajectory modeling reveals that aerosols can extend cloud lifetime and brightness in the stratus-to-cumulus transition zone. This can lead to reduced planetary warming by reflecting more solar radiation back into space.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Black women often ignored by social justice movements

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that Black women are often viewed as more similar to Black men than to white women, leading to their exclusion from anti-racist and feminist movements. This 'intersectional invisibility' can result in Black women facing higher rates of police abuses and domestic violence.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·DateJul 13, 2020

Plant-based diets promote healthful aging, according to new editorial

A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateJul 13, 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.

State-driven resettlement in southern Peru

A recent study using ancient DNA, archaeological artifacts, and written records confirms the existence of state-enforced resettlement in 15th century southern Peru. The research reveals that nonlocal people were forcibly relocated to support the economy and quell threats to authority, transforming the Andean sociopolitical landscape.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

KIST identified cause of external pressure-induced performance deterioration in solar cells

Researchers have identified the structural changes and metallization caused by external pressure in hybrid Perovskite solar cells. The study provides a theoretical explanation for phase transition and metallization, paving the way for high-performance solar cell materials that can withstand extreme environments.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJul 13, 2020

COVID-19: Back to the future

The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of innovative healthcare service delivery models. Healthcare providers are turning to digital platforms and remote care options to stay afloat.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 13, 2020

A micro-lab on a chip detects blood type within minutes

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a fully automated micro-lab on a chip that can quickly and reliably determine a patient's blood type. The device can dilute whole blood automatically and detect weak coagulation with the naked eye, holding potential for use in emergency medical situations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJul 13, 2020

Human lungs rejected for transplant recovered using novel technique

A multidisciplinary team has developed a new technique to recover human lungs declined for transplant through cross-circulation between the human lung and a xenogeneic host. This breakthrough increases organ availability, saving lives of those waiting on the transplant list.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

We need to talk: Communication prevents inaction by leveraging goodwill

A large-scale study found that communication increases the likelihood of reaching a target by almost two-fold, confirming its role in promoting cooperativeness. Players who communicate are more persistent and refuse to give up, while genuine free riders pay little attention to communication.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Fine roots in warming peatlands

Fine roots in peatlands respond rapidly to warming, increasing plant nutrient and water uptake. Soils drying likely drive this increase in fine-root growth, potentially accelerating ecosystem carbon cycling.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Dream on

Daydreaming can have significant upsides for creativity, particularly in professions where workers deeply care about their work. However, when professional identification is lacking, daydreaming compromises performance. The study's findings suggest that most businesses could benefit from removing the stigma around daydreaming at work.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 13, 2020

Uncovering the architecture of natural photosynthetic machinery

Thylakoid membranes from a model cyanobacterium have been studied in unprecedented detail using atomic force microscopy. The results show how these membranes modulate protein abundance and form structurally variable complexes to adapt to changing environments.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 13, 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.

Rats' brain activity reveals their alcohol preference

Rats' brain activity shows that individual preferences for alcohol vary based on how the brain interprets it as a reward. The orbitofrontal cortex stores reward value and regulates reward seeking, with malfunctioning linked to drug use disorders.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateJul 13, 2020

Antibiotic resistance and the need for personalized treatments

A team of researchers identified that the intestinal flora (microbiota) of each host determines the maintenance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut. The study found that resistance has different interactions depending on the individual's microbiota, with some individuals showing a high ability to survive without antibiotics.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 13, 2020

COVID-19: Considering meditation and yoga as adjunctive treatment

Researchers found potential benefits of meditation and yoga in reducing stress and inflammation, which can aid in immune system enhancement. These practices may provide additional counteracting effects against certain infectious challenges associated with COVID-19.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJul 13, 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.

Breakthrough in deciphering birth of supermassive black holes

Astronomers have discovered one of the lowest-mass supermassive black holes (SMBHs) ever observed, weighing less than a million times the mass of our Sun. The finding provides a major step in understanding how SMBHs are formed and challenges the long-held assumption that they were born with extremely large masses.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 13, 2020

The new tattoo: Drawing electronics on skin

Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that pencils can conduct energy when drawing on paper, allowing for the creation of bioelectronic devices. The devices can be used for personal health monitoring, education, and remote research, offering a low-cost and simple alternative to existing commercial devices.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Well-off countries need trade to cut environmental woes

A new study in Nature Sustainability shows that international trade improved the sustainable development goals of 70% of developed countries but reduced them by over 60% for developing countries. The research found that trading with distant countries had more environmental benefits, as close neighbors often share similar constraints.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 13, 2020

New therapy extends breast cancer survival rate, prevents reoccurrence

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new immunotherapy that extends the survival time of mice with triple-negative breast cancer by 150% and prevents tumor reoccurrence. The therapy, which uses spherical nucleic acids, stimulates an immune response to combat cancer cells.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Advanced Acheulean tool technology

A 1.4-million-year-old bone handaxe from Konso, Ethiopia, showcases deliberate shaping and cutting activities of early Homo species. The discovery expands the known technological repertoire of Acheulean tool production, highlighting advanced flaking techniques used on bone.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 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.

Racial disparities in COVID-19 are clear; better data, more targeted action needed

Racial disparities in COVID-19 cases and deaths are clear, with African Americans disproportionately impacted by infection rates and death. The investigation calls for more complete surveillance data and targeted strategies to engage trusted community leaders and improve safer working and living conditions.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 13, 2020

International recommendations for nontuberculous mycobacteria

A new, evidence-based guideline has been created to treat patients with NTM lung disease. The guidelines, developed by experts from leading international societies, provide thirty-one recommendations for the treatment of patients suffering from NTM pathogens.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 13, 2020

1 in 3 young adults may face severe COVID-19, UCSF study shows

A new UCSF study reveals that young adults with smoking habits are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19. The study found that medical vulnerability was 33% for males and 30% for females, with smoking surpassing other less common risks.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJul 13, 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.

Artificial intelligence predicts which planetary systems will survive

A Princeton astrophysicist has developed an AI model, SPOCK, to predict the stability of planetary systems. By combining simplified models with machine learning methods, researchers can quickly eliminate unstable configurations, reducing computational time by factors of 100,000.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Russian scientists have discovered a new physical paradox

Researchers at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University discovered a new physical effect where mechanical oscillations can be excited only due to internal thermal resources. This phenomenon, called ballistic resonance, grows in amplitude over time and can resolve the Fermi-Pasta-Ulam-Tsingou paradox.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 13, 2020

New bioink for cell bioprinting in 3D

A research group at Linköping University has developed a dynamic bioink that allows cells to survive and thrive during 3D printing. The bioink's properties can be modified as required, enabling the creation of tissue-mimicking materials with tailored functionalities.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBiofabrication·DateJul 13, 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.

How crabs reshape salt marshes

A species of crab, Sesarma reticulatum, is reshaping the landscape of marshlands in the southeastern US. The crab's burrowing and grazing activities lead to erosion of creek heads, accelerating marsh drainage and altering ecosystem dynamics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

For next-generation semiconductors, 2D tops 3D

A team of researchers at POSTECH has developed a new type of semiconductor memory that uses a two-dimensional layered structure material, which can operate stably at low power consumption. The material, CsPb2Br5, showed improved stability and performance compared to traditional materials, with memory characteristics maintained over 140°C.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 13, 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.