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Science News Archive 2020


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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

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.

New optical fiber brings significant improvements to light-based gyroscopes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.