A study found that daily physical activity of children and adolescents increased during the lockdown, with an average of 36 minutes more activity per day. However, this was largely replaced by screen time, highlighting the need for alternative physical activities.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2020
A study estimated excess deaths in California between March and August due to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting disparities by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and educational level. The results showed significant mortality increases among these groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and resources.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have discovered a novel method to boost the effectiveness of mTOR inhibitors against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by targeting alternative signaling pathways. The study suggests using a combination therapy that combines an mTOR inhibitor with other drugs inhibiting CDK9, c-My...
SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
Physicists at LMU Munich identified topological phases in a biological model system, showing a strong degree of polarization in evolutionary dynamics. The study applies solid-state physics concepts to understand the emergence of such effects in biology.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2020
A recent study found that combining mandatory mask-wearing policies with extensive social distancing can prevent most COVID-19 cases on college campuses, with routine testing also showing high effectiveness. However, the cost of testing may be a barrier for some colleges and universities.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers have discovered that scorpion venom molecule VmCT1 is effective against all three stages of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Novel analogs with arginine substitutions displayed enhanced biological activity and better selectivity, offering new prospects for treatment.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalParasitology·DateDec 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that female professional basketball players in the WNBA did not return to their previous performance level for at least two years after ACL surgery. This contrasts with male athletes, who regained their elite performance in about one year.
SourceHenry Ford Health·JournalOrthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers at UTHealth have discovered a gene signaling pathway linked to schizophrenia using human-induced pluripotent stem cells. The PI3K/GSK3 pathway was found to be dysregulated in neurons from patients with schizophrenia, with SGK1 inhibitor being associated with the condition.
SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateDec 21, 2020
Cells have a quality control system that ensures the health and function of mitochondria. A new study reveals that cells also transfer mitochondria out in response to stress, leading to the development of Parkinson's disease in humans.
A recent study analyzes the abstracts of final-year projects written by students, revealing hybrid texts that combine academic and specialist discourse. The research highlights the importance of studying these textual products for teaching academic writing and promoting discourse competence.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalRLA Revista de lingüística teórica y aplicada·DateDec 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 study finds that the global food system must be transformed to prevent widespread biodiversity losses and habitat destruction. By analyzing the impact of agricultural expansion on nearly 20,000 species, researchers estimate that millions of square kilometers of natural habitats could be lost by 2050.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 21, 2020
A new Stanford University study identifies 333 Tel Aviv University researchers among the world's top 2%, with 155 in the top 1% and 74 in the top 0.5%. The university is known for its academic excellence and interdisciplinary approach, making this ranking a cause for national pride.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers found that loperamide triggers autophagic cell death in glioblastoma cells by inducing ER stress, opening new avenues for treatment strategies. The mechanism may also be applicable to other diseases where ER degradation is disrupted.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAutophagy·DateDec 21, 2020
A systematic review of smartphone fitness apps and wearable activity trackers found they increase physical activity levels in healthy adults by an average of 1850 steps per day. The interventions that were most effective included text-messaging prompts, tailored features, and goal-setting tools.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 21, 2020
A study by NTU Singapore found that young people in Singapore perceived COVID-19 as a threat to their parents and older relatives, but not themselves. They were more focused on combating misinformation than taking health precautions.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateDec 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.
The DFG is establishing seven new Research Units to investigate topics such as gender-specific differences in immune responses and the development of more resistant dental prostheses. The units will receive a total of €25 million, with five teams funded for up to two four-year periods and two others for two three-year periods.
Researchers have developed a novel synthetic aperture microscopy method using digital micromirror devices, achieving high spatial resolution and fast imaging speeds. The technique enables the observation of subcellular dynamics and nanometric structures without harming living cells.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateDec 21, 2020
A team of researchers used Stampede2 and Bridges simulations to analyze the stability of the Ebola virus's nucleocapsid, a protein shell that protects its genetic material. The study found that RNA helps stabilize the nucleocapsid through electrostatic interactions with its nucleoproteins, providing potential targets for new therapeutics.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers discovered that abatacept reduced severity of myocarditis in genetic mouse model and human patients. The study provides a potential new treatment option for patients with immune-related side effects from immunotherapies.
SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateDec 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.
A new study by ARS and UofA scientists found that genetically engineered cotton and sterile pink bollworm moths synergistically suppressed the pest. This collaboration among farmers, scientists, and industry resulted in a 90% reduction of pink bollworm population and saved US cotton farmers $192 million from 2014 to 2019.
SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has released a new report offering policy solutions to address the opioid epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report provides guidance on increasing data tracking, expanding access to substance use treatment, and supporting vulnerable populations.
SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·DateDec 21, 2020
A study found that supervised, self-administered swabs were as effective as professional-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. The researchers identified cases where antigen tests missed infections were associated with low viral loads, but correctly identified high-load samples.
SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers developed a novel multifaceted catalyst to access transient carbocation intermediates, achieving regiocontrolled elimination reactions. The new catalyst produces ring-shaped molecules highly sought after in synthetic, organic, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 21, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers have identified a new species of prehistoric crocodile, Paludirex vincenti, found in south eastern Queensland waterways millions of years ago. The species is estimated to be at least five metres long and was one of the top predators in Australia.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeerJ·DateDec 21, 2020
A new study found that consumers prefer to make a 'status pivot' by showcasing their successes in other areas, rather than trying to keep up with high-achieving peers. This strategy helps alleviate stress and boosts confidence, particularly when compared to within-domain status restoration.
SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 21, 2020
A traditional disease spread model may not accurately predict COVID-19's continuing spread, especially during lockdowns. Researchers suggest a dynamic approach using the geometric mean to better forecast short-term numbers.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 21, 2020
A potential preventative treatment for Crohn's disease has been demonstrated using a triple-punch treatment to remove T memory cells and increase T regulatory cells, preventing colitis in both mouse models and patient cells. This treatment approach may offer a new immunotherapy to prevent or ameliorate inflammatory bowel disease.
SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 21, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that volcanic eruptions directly triggered ocean acidification during the Early Cretaceous Period. The eruption of the Ontong Java Plateau large igneous province led to a minor but significant mass extinction, affecting the entire globe.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGeology·DateDec 21, 2020
A new study published in The Lancet Global Health found that cervical cancer risk is six times higher in HIV-infected women worldwide. Southern and Eastern Africa are particularly affected due to high rates of HIV and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 21, 2020
Scientists propose a new way to categorize minerals by incorporating historical data, highlighting the importance of understanding a sample's formation process. The IMA system is criticized for being time-independent, while the proposed approach uses 'historical natural kinds' to reflect changes in Earth's diversity.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers have discovered nine types of tonal ultrasonic seal vocalizations reaching up to 50 kHz in Antarctica's McMurdo Sound. The study suggests that Weddell seals may use these sounds for communication or echolocation.
SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 21, 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.
Researchers discovered that mutagens induce errors in gene transcription, vastly outnumbering DNA mutations. This discovery opens new avenues of research into age-related diseases and sheds light on the role of the 'transcriptome' in aging.
A survey by North Carolina State University researchers found that parents from diverse backgrounds prioritize park safety, green spaces, and amenities like playgrounds. The study aimed to pinpoint the most attractive park features for parents of different races and ethnicities in low-income communities.
Scientists discovered that metabolites from a wild potato relative inhibit the production of enzymes and communication in the pathogenic bacteria, leading to increased disease resistance. The findings offer insights into how to improve crop yields by studying wild relatives of food plants.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateDec 21, 2020
A study by University of Vermont researchers reveals that Colorado potato beetles develop resistance to pesticides through epigenetic changes, which can be passed on to descendants across at least two generations. These changes allow the beetles to rapidly adapt to new pesticides without requiring genetic mutations.
SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center have identified SATB1 as a potential new drug target for treating cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Decreased expression of this protein contributes to the development of CTCL, and drugs that restore its expression may be effective against the disease.
SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 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.
Researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to identify a gene responsible for regulating coral's response to heat stress. The study found that corals can die of starvation without the nutrients provided by photosynthesis, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for fragile reef ecosystems.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
Research published in Thorax journal links advanced glycation end products (AGEs) from cooked meat to increased risk of childhood wheezing and respiratory symptoms. Higher AGE scores were associated with increased odds of wheezing, sleep disruptions, and medication use.
A study analyzing Fitbit data and self-reported symptoms found that COVID-19 symptoms lasted longer and peaked later than those with the flu. The researchers also identified characteristic symptoms of COVID-19, such as shortness of breath and coughing, which were not present in individuals with the flu.
New research suggests that weathering of rocks at Earth's surface may be weaker in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere than previously estimated. The team found an additional source of sodium in river waters across the globe, not from weathered silicate rocks as assumed, but from very old clays being eroded in river catchments.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
A team of researchers has discovered a new population of blue whales in the western Indian Ocean, identified by their unique song. The population is thought to spend most of its time in the northwestern Indian Ocean, challenging previous assumptions about whale migration patterns.
SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateDec 21, 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.
Researchers have found a specific Alzheimer's treatment effective in male mice but not female mice, highlighting the need for sex-specific design in clinical trials. The study suggests that drugs may work differently in males and females, leading to potentially ineffective treatments for women.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience Signaling·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers found that climate warming causes trees to advance their leaf unfolding and flowering times, but at different rates. This unequal timing may disrupt interactions with pollinators and impact ecosystem structure and function.
SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers have developed a method to utilize crayfish shells as a biological template for high-performance supercapacitors. The resulting material exhibits ultrahigh specific surface area, large total pore volume, and reasonable oxygen content, leading to improved energy density and capacitance.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalCarbon·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers found that prosocial concerns drive higher vaccination rates in rural areas than urban ones. The study suggests emphasizing prosocial aspects of vaccination can reduce the rural-urban disparity in vaccination. Vaccination protects not only individuals but also communities, highlighting its social nature.
SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020
A new device developed by UC Berkeley engineers can recognize 21 individual hand gestures, including a thumbs-up, for controlling prosthetics or interacting with electronic devices. The system uses advanced AI and wearable biosensors to maintain user privacy and improve human-computer interaction.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 21, 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.
A new system provides a practical method for measuring how breath travels when people talk or sing, which could inform the effectiveness of face masks and distancing requirements. The technique uses electronic speckle pattern interferometry to visualize temperature differences between exhaled breath and surrounding air.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that hand-eye coordination is impaired by more than 20% at BAC levels as low as 0.015%, even below the legal limit for driving.
SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateDec 21, 2020
A KAUST team has created a way to produce warm and cool white light LEDs by combining devices of different materials, eliminating the need for phosphors. The new device uses material defects to enhance current injection, emitting light across the entire visible spectrum.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers developed a new type of hollow core optical fiber, known as nodeless antiresonant fiber (NANF), to overcome performance limitations in resonator fiber optic gyroscopes. The new gyroscope achieves significant improvements in stability, enabling precise navigation systems for various applications.
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.
Researchers at TU Wien have discovered that tiny traction forces on the molecular level are essential for the recognition of antigens by T-cells. This new understanding could lead to a deeper understanding of immune system function and potentially new treatment strategies.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 21, 2020
A team of scientists from Rochester Institute of Technology and Instituto Argentino de Radioastronomiá completed a yearlong pulsar timing study using two upgraded radio telescopes in Argentina. The observations provided accurate bounds to gravitational waves, increasing the sensitivity of existing pulsar timing arrays.
SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers have identified a rare genetic bone disorder by using precision medicine strategies, uncovering mutations in the LAMA5 gene that cause extreme bone fragility and skeletal deformity. The study also revealed a new signaling pathway governing skeleton formation, which could be used for common bone conditions.
SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers use radio telescopes to search for dark matter near neutron stars, with the goal of detecting the elusive axion particle. The study imposes strong limits on axion particles with masses between 5-11 micro electron-volt, a crucial step towards confirming the theory.
SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 21, 2020
Researchers identified successful coastal 'bright spots' for marine ecosystem restoration, which have delivered positive impacts for decades. These examples from around the world showcase effective techniques for restoring saltmarshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, highlighting potential solutions to save struggling marine areas.
SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 21, 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.
A Northwestern University study discovered that stellar flares could play an important role in a planet's atmospheric evolution and habitability. Flares may drive a new chemical equilibrium in a planet's atmosphere, potentially making it easier to detect signs of life.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 21, 2020
The January issue of SLAS Discovery features the cover article 'Cryo-EM: The Resolution Revolution and Drug Discovery', which explores how Cryo-EM is influencing drug discovery projects. The journal also includes 13 articles on original research topics, such as high-throughput screening methods and protein-ligand interactions.
SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·DateDec 21, 2020
Scientists have created a global atlas of direct interactions between SARS-CoV-2 RNA and the human proteome, revealing 18 key host proteins involved in viral replication. The study also identified two crucial regulators, CNBP and LARP1, which can inhibit viral replication, offering new avenues for treatment.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 21, 2020
A new study published in The American Journal of Pathology reports that neutralizing tumor necrosis factor (TNF) can prevent rejection and tissue injury after cell transplantation, improving graft survival and regenerative medicine outcomes. TNF is identified as a master switch for orchestrating cytokines and inflammatory signals.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateDec 21, 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.
A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that mothers who consume more cow's milk during breastfeeding have children with lower rates of food allergies. The researchers found a clear connection between the mother's intake of milk and dairy products and the smaller incidence of food allergy in their children.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNutrients·DateDec 21, 2020