Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 71


Page 71 of 512

Trees set sixth-graders up for success

A University of Illinois study suggests that tree cover around schools improves standardized test scores, regardless of student demographics or school resources. The study found that even small amounts of tree cover closer to the school made a significant difference.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateNov 9, 2020

New 'robotic snake' device grips, picks up objects

Engineers at the University of New South Wales have developed a robotic gripper that behaves like an elephant's trunk to grasp, pick up, and release objects without breaking them. The versatile technology can be applied in various industries, including agriculture, food, and scientific exploration.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 9, 2020

Don't be fooled by pretty food, USC research warns

A recent USC study published in the Journal of Marketing found that people perceive pretty food as healthier and more natural, despite a lack of actual difference. The researchers suggested that advertisers' use of classical aesthetics in food presentation can skew perception and lead consumers to make unhealthy choices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 9, 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.

Irish and UK research helps to unravel secrets behind Game of Thrones

Researchers from five universities used data science and network theory to analyze the book series, revealing that character interactions are similar to real-world relationships. The study also found that deaths in the story are not random, but follow a pattern more commonly observed in reality.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

More economic worries mean less caution about COVID-19

A Washington State University study found that workers experiencing job and financial insecurity are less likely to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention. Economic concerns, particularly low unemployment benefits, were associated with a decline in compliance with these guidelines.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 9, 2020

In a warming world, Cape Town's 'Day Zero' drought won't be an anomaly

Researchers warn that extreme events like the 'Day Zero' drought could become common by the end of the century due to climate change. The study used high-resolution simulations to conclude that human-caused climate change made the drought five to six times more likely, and such events could impact regions with similar climates.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Blue whirl flame structure revealed with supercomputers

Researchers used XSEDE-allocated supercomputers to simulate the structure of the blue whirl, a new type of flame that consists of four separate flames. The simulations revealed the three types of flames that make up the bright rim of the blue whirl, which can be used to burn fuels more cleanly.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 9, 2020

Researchers identify new Rickettsia species in dogs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new Rickettsia species in dogs that is part of the spotted-fever group. This new species has been found in multiple dogs across the US and shares genetic similarities with human Rickettsia pathogens.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 9, 2020

Oil-eating worms provide valuable assistance in soil remediation

Researchers at Kazan Federal University discovered that parasitic nematodes can consume and break down oil products. The team adapted nematodes to eat Alcanivorax borkumensis bacteria, which breaks down oil into fatty acids. Enhanced digestion of oil was observed in worms, with undigested bacteria changing their gut microflora.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 9, 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.

Hollow porphyrinic nanospheres

Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science successfully synthesized a large organic cage composed of multi-porphyrin units without using templates. The P12L24 cage has a truncated cuboctahedral structure and an inner cavity diameter of 4 nm, making it suitable for encapsulating large guest molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateNov 9, 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.

Low risk of cancer spread on active surveillance for early prostate cancer

A recent study found that men undergoing active surveillance for low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer have very low rates of cancer spread and death from prostate cancer. The study analyzed 1,450 patients and identified three factors that affect the risk of metastases: Gleason grade, PSA velocity, and multiparametric MRI.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 9, 2020

Significant psychological toll from New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown

The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2020

Female mongooses start battles for chance to mate

Research reveals that female mongooses start fights to gain genetic benefits from mating with outsiders, while male group members and the entire group pay the costs. The study suggests that 'exploitative leadership' leads to frequent conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.

HSS presents innovative research at 2020 ACR Annual Meeting

Researchers from HSS presented studies on renal disorders, venous thromboembolism after total knee replacement, and pediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases. The surveys also explored perceptions of COVID-19 risk among rheumatologists and the use of clinical disease activity indexes in telemedicine.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateNov 9, 2020

Researcher aims to improve conditions for corrections workers

A UMass Lowell researcher is working with the US Department of Justice to develop a workplace training program that aims to reduce trauma and stress among corrections employees. The goal is to improve their overall health outcomes, which are often poor due to chronic stress, obesity, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateNov 9, 2020

WFIRM scientists create hybrid tissue construct for cartilage regeneration

Researchers have developed a novel method to bioprint fibrocartilage, a crucial tissue in knee joints, using a hybrid tissue construct. The study demonstrates the potential of this regenerative medicine treatment for repairing damaged cartilage and restoring knee function.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 9, 2020

Study confirms spit testing may help doctors diagnose concussions

Researchers analyzed saliva samples from over 500 participants to identify microRNA levels that could indicate a concussion. The study found that measuring these molecules in saliva can aid diagnosis with high accuracy, potentially replacing current symptom scales and neurocognitive tests.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateNov 9, 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.

Food insecurity linked to higher risk of cardiovascular death

A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2020

New study reveals disturbing surge in violent injuries during stay-at-home orders

Researchers found a significant increase in intentional penetrating injuries, especially firearm violence, during the pandemic. Young African-American men were disproportionately affected by these injuries, with the proportion of visits for gunshot wounds nearly doubling compared to previous years.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 2020

Slow-living animal species could be disease 'reservoirs'

Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 9, 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.

Do spoilers harm movie box-office revenue?

Researchers found that spoiler reviews can increase box office revenue by providing potential customers with more information. The study used topic modeling to measure the effect of spoiler reviews on box office revenue, and found an inverted-U relationship between ratings and spoiler intensity.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 9, 2020

Nuclear war could take a big bite out of the world's seafood

A new study reveals that a nuclear war could lead to significant losses in wild-caught seafood, potentially rivaling the impacts of climate change on fisheries. The team estimates that a large-scale nuclear conflict could reduce seafood production by as much as 30%, with potential losses of tens of millions of tons per year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.

The use of videos in education could improve student pass rates

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that videos increase academic success and student satisfaction. Students prefer video formats featuring professors, and short, well-planned videos are most effective.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalMultimedia Tools and Applications·DateNov 9, 2020

Prescriptions of antipsychotic medications in young children is declining

A Rutgers study found antipsychotic prescribing in young children is declining, but doctors continue to prescribe for conditions lacking FDA approval and without recommended psychiatric consultations. The study highlights the need for safer first-line psychosocial treatments to minimize risks associated with antipsychotic treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 9, 2020

Severe COVID-19 infection rare in newborns

A UK-wide analysis of COVID-19 infections in newborn babies found that severe infection was rare, affecting only 0.06% of births. The study also found higher proportions of Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were affected, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateNov 9, 2020

New 'genomic' method reveals atomic arrangements of battery material

Scientists developed a new approach to decipher the atomic-level structure of materials using data from ground-up powder samples. This 'genomic' method solves complex structures by building and evaluating all plausible arrangements of atoms, revealing details of promising sodium-ion battery material NVPF.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 9, 2020

Study finds patients prefer doctors who share their same race/ethnicity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patient-provider racial concordance significantly affects patient experience. Physicians who share the same racial or ethnic background as their patients receive higher ratings for maximum patient experience scores.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 9, 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.

Mare Plasticum - The Plastic Sea

The book Mare Plasticum delves into the devastating effects of plastics and microplastics on marine environments. It aims to change society's consciousness towards more responsible behavior, highlighting urgent need for action.

SourceSpringer·DateNov 9, 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.

People with inflammatory bowel disease still die earlier despite increase in life

A study published in CMAJ found that while life expectancy for people with IBD has increased, those with the condition generally die sooner than those without it. This disparity is largely due to pain and its impact on daily functioning and overall health-adjusted life expectancy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 9, 2020

People who eat chili pepper may live longer?

A study found that consuming chili pepper was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, including a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Researchers analyzed data from over 570,000 individuals and found significant reductions in all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2020

'Diseases of despair' have soared over past decade in US

Diseases of despair, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, have soared in the US over the past decade, affecting all ages. Between 2009 and 2018, life expectancy fell year on year, and deaths among middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women rose sharply.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 9, 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.

Risk of severe COVID-19 among workers, their household members

A study using pre-pandemic data found that essential workers with jobs that can't be done from home are more likely to have severe COVID-19 cases. Household members of these high-risk workers also face a heightened risk of severe illness due to increased exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2020

Nothing but the truth in the fight against cancer

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identify TruB1 as a regulator of the microRNA let-7, which has significant implications for cancer development and suppression. The study reveals that TruB1 promotes maturation of let-7 and suppresses cell growth and division.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 9, 2020

Social distancing is increasing loneliness in older adults

A University of Stirling study found that social distancing during COVID-19 increased feelings of loneliness among Scotland's over 60s population, leading to worse wellbeing and health. A larger social network and better perceived social support were protective against loneliness and poorer health.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateNov 9, 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.

Liver scarring relatively common among middle-aged adults

A study of nearly 3,000 middle-aged Framingham Heart Study participants found that approximately nine percent had clinically significant liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness correlates with the degree of scarring, which is associated with more adverse cardiometabolic risk factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHepatology·DateNov 9, 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.

Marine fisheries will not offset farm losses after nuclear war

A study by Rutgers University suggests that pre-war fisheries management could boost ocean protein contributions during a global food emergency, but widespread overfishing would not offset land-based food losses after a nuclear war. Effective regulation could lead to significantly higher catches in the first year post-war.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

Researchers examine if online physician reviews indicate clinical outcomes

A study published in Information Systems Research found that online reviews of physicians do not reliably indicate the quality of care provided by a physician, especially for chronic-disease patients. The researchers examined 10 years of COPD patient admission-discharge data and scored online reviews on one of the ranking websites.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateNov 9, 2020

Loneliness a leading cause of depression in older adults

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that loneliness is a leading cause of depression in older adults, with nearly one in five cases potentially preventable. The research, led by UCL researchers, suggests that subjective experiences of loneliness contribute to depression up to 12 years later.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateNov 9, 2020