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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 512

Hardly any sports -- but more physical activity during lockdown

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

Excess mortality in California during COVID-19 pandemic

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.

Novel combination therapy may help overcome mTOR drug resistance in AML

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

Ecosystem dynamics: Topological phases in biological systems

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

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

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

Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease

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.

Gene pathway linked to schizophrenia identified through stem cell engineering

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

Research analyzes academic abstracts written by students

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.

Current food production systems could mean far-reaching habitat loss

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

Anti-diarrhoea drug drives cancer cells to cell death

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

DFG to fund 7 new Research Units

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.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateDec 21, 2020

New phase for synthetic aperture microscopy

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

Targeting the deadly coils of Ebola

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
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.

Synergy between biotech and classical control tactics rid US of invasive pest

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

Recommendations for the overdose epidemic in the COVID-19 pandemic

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

Antigen tests -- are self-collected nasal swabs a reliable option?

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

New catalytic approach to accessing key intermediate carbocation

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.

Traditional model for disease spread may not work in COVID-19

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

Potential preventative treatment demonstrated for Crohn's disease

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.

Sixfold increase in risk

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 and philosopher team up, propose a new way to categorize minerals

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
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 identifies amenities parents want in public parks

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateDec 21, 2020

Discovery: How Colorado potato beetles beat pesticides

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
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.

CRISPR helps researchers uncover how corals adjust to warming oceans

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

Using wearable activity trackers to distinguish COVID-19 from flu

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.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·DateDec 21, 2020

Muddying the waters: weathering might remove less atmospheric CO2 than thought

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

New population of blue whales discovered in the western Indian ocean

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.

Sex-specific Alzheimer's treatment could benefit males over females

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

Waste to treasure: Crayfish shells to store energy

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

Concerns over infecting others matter more for vaccination in sparsely populated areas

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

High-five or thumbs-up? New device detects which hand gesture you want to make

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.

Optoelectronic devices that emit warm and cool white light

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
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.

The mechanics of the immune system

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

Scientists complete yearlong pulsar timing study after reviving dormant radio telescopes

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

Looking for dark matter near neutron stars with radio telescopes

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

Coastal ecosystems 'bright spots'

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.

The upside of volatile space weather

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

January issue ofSLAS Discovery"Cryo-EM: The Resolution Revolution and Drug Discovery"

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

Corona: How the virus interacts with cells

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
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.

Drinking milk while breastfeeding may reduce the child's food allergy risk

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