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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 276


Page 276 of 512

New study unveils ultrathin boron nitride films for next-generation electronics

A new study successfully demonstrates the synthesis of ultrathin amorphous boron nitride films with extremely low dielectric constants, high breakdown voltages, and superior metal barrier properties. These materials have great potential as interconnect insulators in next-generation electronic circuits.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature·DateJun 25, 2020

Looking for better customer engagement value? Be more strategic on social media

A new study by University of Vaasa researchers highlights the importance of strategic social media use in creating customer engagement value. The study identifies four distinct social media marketing strategies: social commerce, content, monitoring, and CRM, which can foster collaborative conversations and enhance customer relationships.

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJun 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.

Far-UVC light safely kills airborne coronaviruses

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that far-UVC light can safely kill more than 99.9% of seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. Continuous exposure to far-UVC light could greatly reduce the level of airborne virus in indoor environments occupied by people.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2020

Study confirms "classic" symptoms of COVID-19

A major review of COVID-19 scientific literature confirms a cough and fever as the most common symptoms, with fatigue, loss of smell, and difficulty breathing also reported. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 patients across nine countries, ratifying the World Health Organisation's initial symptom list.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 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.

Antarctic penguins happier with less sea ice

Researchers found that Adélie penguins in Antarctica prefer less sea ice due to its impact on their foraging habits. With less sea ice, they can dive more easily, reducing competition for prey and increasing their krill catch.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 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.

OU researcher receives Department of Energy Early Career Award

Bayram Saparov, a University of Oklahoma assistant professor, has been awarded a five-year Department of Energy Early Career Research Award to develop more efficient solar panels and LEDs. The award aims to bolster the nation's scientific workforce and support exceptional researchers in their early career years.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJun 24, 2020

Twitter posts reveal polarization in Congress on COVID-19

A new analysis of Twitter posts by members of the US Congress reveals rapid politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic, with polarization increasing over time. The study found that Democrats sent significantly more tweets about COVID-19 than Republicans, and their tweets were more likely to discuss public health and safety.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 2020

Increased warming in latest generation of climate models likely caused by clouds

A new study suggests that challenges simulating clouds are causing some climate models to be more sensitive to carbon dioxide, potentially leading to a warmer future. The updated models have shown a greater range of responses than previous generations, with some models showing higher sensitivity and others lower.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 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.

Ion conducting polymer crucial to improving neuromorphic devices

A new study from Tohoku University and the University of Cambridge has created a polymers-based device that mimics brain neural cells. The research used a combination of PSS-Na and PEDOT:PSS polymers, resulting in a significant increase in response time.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 24, 2020

Drug used to slow kidney disease found to be ineffective

A large clinical trial, CKD-FIX, found that allopurinol does not prevent worsening of kidney disease. The study showed no difference in kidney function decline between the treatment and placebo groups.

SourceTranslational Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 24, 2020

Towards an AI diagnosis like the doctor's

AI systems can learn to recognize abnormalities, but often lack transparency and make 'lazy' diagnoses. Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center developed an approach to improve sensitivity and transparency in AI diagnosis, achieving a 11.2% increase in diabetic retinopathy detection

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalIEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging·DateJun 24, 2020

Management of patients with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, managing patients with severe mental illness requires careful consideration of infection control and medication adherence. The article provides guidance on best practices for treatment and care of these patients, highlighting strategies to minimize risks while maintaining effective management.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 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.

Meet the superusers who hold together health social media

Research identifies highly motivated, altruistic individuals as key players in online health communities, supporting the management of long-term conditions. These superusers face difficulties but demonstrate autonomy and a desire to help others, highlighting their importance in healthcare.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 24, 2020

Linking hospital and other records can predict both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses, study suggests

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that hospital visits, release from prison, and patterns of medication use can predict both fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses. The researchers used linked databases to analyze over 2.29 million records and identified groups at highest risk.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 24, 2020

Should nursing home residents nearing the end of life continue taking statins?

A recent study found that nearly all nursing home residents with life-limiting conditions were taking statins, despite unclear guidelines for this age group. The researchers concluded that continuing statin therapy in these patients may be unnecessary due to potential side effects and a lack of proven benefits.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 24, 2020

New treatment method for Alport Syndrome uses antisense oligonucleotides

Researchers at Kobe University have developed an exon-skipping therapy using antisense oligonucleotides to treat Alport Syndrome, a genetic kidney disease. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing urinary protein levels and suppressing kidney failure in model mice with severe mutations.

SourceKobe University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 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.

Humans navigate with stereo olfaction

A new study reveals that humans have a stereo sense of smell, using binaral disparity to guide navigation. Results from psychophysical testing showed a moderate binaral disparity biases perceived direction towards the higher-concentration side, reminiscent of stereo vision.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2020

School nurses key to safe school reopening

A recent editorial highlights the critical role of school nurses in reopening schools safely during the pandemic. The experts emphasize that school nurses will take on key roles in advising and planning for COVID-19 prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·DateJun 24, 2020

Beneath the surface of our galaxy's water worlds

Researchers simulate exoplanet conditions to study the boundary between water and rock, finding a new transitional phase that challenges current models of distant worlds. This discovery could inform our understanding of life evolving on these planets.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 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.

Environmental DNA detection could cut pathogens in pet trade

A new method using environmental DNA (eDNA) detection can efficiently monitor captive animals for pathogens, reducing the need for huge sample sizes and costly processes. eDNA sampling from tank water is more efficient than testing individual samples, according to Washington State University researcher Jesse Brunner.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 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.

BU study: High deductible health plans are widening racial health gaps

A new study finds that high deductible health plans are widening the racial health gap among black and white cancer survivors. Black cancer survivors on these plans face significant cost-related barriers to care, including skipping medication or delaying refills.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 24, 2020

Scientists develop new tool to design better fusion devices

Researchers have developed a new code, XGC-S, that can simulate the behavior of plasma in stellarators more accurately than before. This advancement aims to improve the design of fusion devices, which could provide a virtually inexhaustible supply of safe and clean power.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateJun 24, 2020

On the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis

Hospital staff members in the COVID-19 pandemic develop essential qualities such as compassion, empathy, and resilience. These qualities are critical for providing high-quality patient care during the crisis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 24, 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.

Turning alcohol into key ingredients for new medicines

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to transform alcohol into amino acids, the building blocks of life. This breakthrough enables the creation of new, unnatural amino acids that can be used to build complex molecules targeting various diseases.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 24, 2020

Every moment of ultrafast chemical bonding now captured on film

Scientists have visualized every moment of ultrafast chemical bonding, revealing two separate stages and molecular vibrations. The breakthrough study uses femtosecond x-ray scattering to track atomic positions in real-time, improving upon previous methods.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2020

Discovering an exoplanet the size of Neptune

Astronomers detect exoplanet AU Mic b, about the size of Neptune, using NASA's TESS and Spitzer space telescopes. The discovery provides a unique laboratory to study planetary formation and atmospheric interactions with a young star.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateJun 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.

In the wild, chimpanzees are more motivated to cooperate than bonobos

Researchers found that chimpanzees are more motivated to cooperate and warn others than bonobos, who rely less on each other. This suggests that the interdependence hypothesis may be supported, where humans' reliance on cooperation evolved from hunting large prey or conflict with other groups.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·DateJun 24, 2020

Genomes front and center of rare disease diagnosis

The UK NIHR BioResource study used whole genome sequencing to diagnose hundreds of patients with rare diseases, identifying new genetic causes and improving treatment options. The study showed that sequencing the entire genomes of patients with rare diseases can lead to quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

SourceDon Powell Associates Ltd·JournalNature·DateJun 24, 2020

Imaging magnetic instabilities using laser accelerated protons

An international team of researchers used the proton radiography technique to visualize Weibel instabilities in a laser-driven plasma. They highlighted two variants of the instability and demonstrated precision imaging techniques that surpass other methods.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 24, 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.

Nutrition a key ingredient for cognitive health of midlife and older Canadians

A new study found that consuming more vegetables and fruits, as well as nuts and pulses, is associated with higher verbal fluency scores. Adults who were immigrants for 20 years or more had better cognitive functioning, while those with stage 2 hypertension, obesity, or high body fat had lower scores.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·DateJun 24, 2020

Researchers use electric fields to herd cells like flocks of sheep

Scientists have developed a device that can manipulate and measure cells' movements in response to electric fields, enabling new possibilities for tissue engineering. The SCHEEPDOG system allows researchers to program complex cell maneuvers, such as full circles, with thousands of neighboring cells executing on command.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalCell Systems·DateJun 24, 2020

Invasive fire ants limiting spread of meat allergy -- but pose their own dangers

Researchers found that areas with high fire ant populations had lower rates of the meat allergy, which is caused by the lone star tick. The study suggests that fire ants may be competing with ticks for a resource, limiting the spread of the allergy. However, this also means that fire ant bites can cause severe allergic reactions.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJun 24, 2020

Polarized tweets reveal deep divisions in congressional COVID-19 messaging

A study analyzing congressional tweets reveals deep divisions in COVID-19 messaging along party lines, with Democrats discussing the crisis more frequently and using different word choices than Republicans. The analysis found a stark contrast between Democratic and Republican communication on Twitter during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 24, 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.

Evergreen idea turns biomass DNA into degradable materials

A Cornell-led collaboration turns organic matter DNA into biodegradable gels and plastics, reducing petrochemical consumption. The resulting materials can be used in various applications, including everyday plastic objects, adhesives and drug delivery systems.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 24, 2020

Increased caseloads may explain why reducing resident physicians’ work hours doesn’t always improve patient safety

A new study by Boston Children's Hospital found that reducing resident physicians' work hours can worsen patient safety if caseloads are too high. The study discovered that residents who cared for more patients experienced a higher rate of medical errors, highlighting the need for better staffing standards.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 24, 2020

Feed additive reduces enteric methane emissions in dairy cows

A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that a feed additive called 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) can reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows by 22-40%. The addition of 3-NOP to the diet did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield but increased milk fat concentration and yield.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 24, 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.

Growing polymers with different lengths

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a method to control the dispersity of polymer materials, allowing for the production of polymers with specific properties. This is achieved by using two catalysts with different effects, enabling chemists to adjust the dispersity precisely and produce uniform or highly dispersed polymers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalChem·DateJun 24, 2020