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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 85


Page 85 of 512

Is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting dengue virus case numbers?

Research finds significant increase in dengue infections in Thailand due to social distancing, while no change seen in Singapore and Malaysia. The study suggests that reduced human mobility and workplace exposure contribute to the rise in cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 29, 2020

Smart bottle brushes

Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateOct 29, 2020

Curbing COVID-19 hospitalizations requires attention to construction workers

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that construction workers are five times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than workers in other occupations. The researchers suggest that encouraging basic precautions, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing on work sites, can help mitigate risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 29, 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.

Positive outlook predicts less memory decline

A new study found that individuals with higher levels of positive affect had less steep memory decline over a nearly decade-long period. Positive emotions are associated with healthier aging, contradicting the notion that memories fade with age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2020

CHOP genomic study reveals role for hypothalamus in inflammatory bowel disease

Genetic correlations between IBD, stress, and depression have been uncovered through 3D genomic mapping, implicating the hypothalamus in IBD pathogenesis. The study found enrichment of IBD-associated genetic variants in hypothalamic-like neurons and colonoids.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 29, 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.

Identifying biomolecule fragments in ionising radiation

A new study reveals the precise energies at which secondary electrons produce certain biomolecule fragments when living cells are irradiated with heavy ions. The research could lead to more effective cancer therapies by understanding how biomolecules such as DNA are damaged by ionising radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 29, 2020

High rate of symptomless COVID-19 infection among grocery store workers

A study of 104 grocery store employees in Boston found that those in customer-facing roles were 5 times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than their colleagues. Additionally, three out of four infected workers had no symptoms, highlighting the potential for asymptomatic transmission among key workers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020

Study of ancient dog DNA traces canine diversity to the Ice Age

A global study of ancient dog DNA found at least five different types of dogs more than 11,000 years ago in Europe, the Near East, and Siberia. The research team sequenced DNA from 27 dogs, showing that canine diversity originated when humans were still hunters and gatherers.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 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.

Scientists discover new structures in the smallest ice cube

Researchers have identified five cubic isomers in a tiny ice cube, including two with chirality, using a novel infrared spectroscopy technique. The study provides crucial information for understanding the formation processes of cloud, aerosol, and ice.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 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.

Brain imaging of tau protein in patients with various forms of dementia

Researchers develop a new PET-based imaging technique to detect abnormal tau protein deposits in the brain, which can diagnose Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration disorders with high accuracy. The method has shown promising results in detecting tau aggregates in patients with various forms of dementia.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateOct 29, 2020

Priming the immune system to attack cancer

An international team led by George Hajishengallis showed that training the innate immune system with β-glucan can inspire neutrophils to target tumors. The study found that trained immunity can be transferred through bone marrow transplants, leading to improved tumor-fighting ability.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

Male fin whales surprise scientists by swapping songs

New research suggests fin whales sing multiple different songs, which may be picked up by migrating individuals and spread to different parts of the ocean. This complex behavior provides new insights into how fin whale populations move and change over time.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateOct 29, 2020

How people would choose who gets scarce COVID-19 treatment

A global study of over 5,000 participants found that age and probability of survival are the top characteristics considered when deciding who should receive scarce COVID-19 treatment. The study showed that people worldwide gave these two characteristics the most weight in their decisions, explaining about 50% of their choices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SMART researchers develop new gelatin microcarrier for cell production

A new gelatin-based microcarrier offers significantly higher harvest rates of cells grown with over 90% compared to traditional standards. The microcarrier facilitates expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells used to treat various ailments, including heart attacks and immune system rejection.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalBiotechnology Journal·DateOct 29, 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.

Stronger treatments could cure Chagas disease

A more intensive treatment schedule with currently available therapeutics has been shown to completely clear the infection in infected mice. Researchers used light sheet fluorescence microscopy to view intact whole organs from infected mice and found that a less frequent dosage of benznidazole could be effective.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020

Facing up to the reality of politicians' Instagram posts

A University of Georgia researcher used computer vision to analyze thousands of images from over 100 Instagram accounts of United States politicians, discovering that posts featuring politicians' faces in non-political settings attract more likes and comments. The study found that images with only the politician's face or in personal s...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe International Journal of Press/Politics·DateOct 29, 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.

Remdesivir for COVID-19: FDA approved but still unproven

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University argue that remdesivir is justified for compassionate use in severely ill patients with COVID-19 due to its potential benefits in reducing recovery time. Despite FDA approval, the current evidence base supports the use of other proven preventive strategies such as social distancing and masking.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials Communications·DateOct 29, 2020

Simple genetics control timing of chinook salmon migration

Researchers found a single small gene region influences Chinook salmon migratory timing, contradicting previous assumptions of complex genetics. This discovery may facilitate conservation efforts by clarifying the genetic basis of ecotypes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 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.

Eating less suppresses liver cancer due to fatty liver

A recent study published by Shinshu University found that eating less can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer caused by fatty liver. The research team observed a 41% decrease in liver tumors in mice with hepatitis C virus core gene, simply through dietary restriction.

SourceShinshu University·JournalLiver Cancer·DateOct 29, 2020

Chemical scissors snip 2D transition metal dichalcogenides into nanoribbon

Researchers have discovered a way to produce nanoribbons of TMDs, which are more abundant and cheaper than platinum, boosting their catalytic efficiency. The new catalyst could make hydrogen production more economical and play a key role in the transition away from fossil fuels.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 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.

Study finds 5 distinct dog types from 11,000 years ago

A team of researchers found five different types of dogs with distinct genetic ancestries dating back to before animal domestication. The study sheds light on the origins of modern-day dogs and their relationship with humans.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

NUS researchers develop novel process that turns waste into nutritional supplements

The NUS team has developed a method to convert crustacean shells and wood waste into L-DOPA, a widely used drug for Parkinson's disease, and Proline, essential for collagen and cartilage formation. The process combines chemical and biological approaches, potentially reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2020

Buzz kill: Ogre-faced spiders 'hear' airborne prey with their legs

Researchers confirmed ogre-faced spiders use metatarsal sensitivity to detect sound cues from up to 6 feet away, triggering a split-second backflip to strike airborne insects. The spiders' finely tuned sensory systems and unique hunting strategy enable them to capture prey in mid-air.

SourceCornell University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 2020

UMass Amherst research compares sensitivity of all genes to chemical exposure

The study analyzed over 591,000 chemical-gene interactions and found that almost every well-known molecular pathway is sensitive to chemicals to a certain degree. The researchers identified genes and pathways most sensitive to chemical exposures, including aging, lipid metabolism, and autoimmune disease.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalChemosphere·DateOct 29, 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.

Denisovan DNA in the genome of early East Asians

Scientists identify a 34,000-year-old Early East Asian fossil with mixed Eurasian descent, showing a quarter of its ancestry came from western Eurasians. The study found that the individual's DNA contained segments from extinct hominins, including Denisovans and Neandertals.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Seesaw of Indo-Pacific summer monsoons triggered by the tropical Atlantic Ocean

Researchers found a seesaw pattern between Indian and western North Pacific summer monsoons, influenced by the tropical Atlantic Ocean's sea surface temperature. The study reveals increasing influences from the tropical Atlantic SST may lead to changes in monsoon variability.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateOct 29, 2020

Samara Polytech chemists synthesized new compounds

Researchers at Samara Polytech synthesize new adamantane derivatives, enabling the creation of functional materials. The approach uses polyfunctional structures and bridged carboxylic acids to increase synthetic availability.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalRussian Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2020

Possible triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases

Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 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.

Rice finds path to nanodiamond from graphene

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to create nanodiamond from graphene by applying pinpoint pressure, overcoming the energetic barrier to nucleation. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of single-crystal diamond films for electronics and optical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalSmall·DateOct 29, 2020

Decadeslong effort revives ancient oak woodland

Researchers report a successful restoration of an ancient oak woodland in Illinois, with native plant biodiversity comparable to best remnant woodlands. The team's efforts focused on rooting up invasive plants, periodically burning, seeding native plants and culling deer, achieving a level of success rare in restoration ecology.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2020

Shot of alcohol can help an irregular heartbeat

A combination approach of catheter ablation and ethanol infusion significantly reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence rates, with 49% remaining free from AFib after six months. This finding supports the use of the Vein of Marshall Ethanol for Untreated Persistent Atrial Fibrillation (VENUS) trial's treatment as a first-line therapy.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2020

A mathematical model facilitates inventory management in the food supply chain

A mathematical model has been developed to facilitate decision-making in inventory management, balancing performance of inventory and transport in a supply network. The model uses system dynamics methodology and can be applied to diversified crop systems, aiming to introduce environmental and economic benefits.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSustainability·DateOct 28, 2020

A new RNA catalyst from the lab

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have developed a ribozyme that can transfer methyl groups to target RNAs, shedding light on an interesting aspect of evolution. The discovery may mimic a ribozyme that could have been lost in nature, and has potential applications for understanding RNA structure and function.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateOct 28, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Weak equivalence principle violated in gravitational waves

Research reveals that quantum particles can break a key principle of classical physics when passing through gravitational waves, opening up new possibilities for advanced materials and devices. This finding has significant implications for the development of gravitational wave detectors and potential energy harvesting technologies.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateOct 28, 2020

Leaving more big fish in the sea reduces CO2 emissions

A recent study found that leaving more big fish in the sea reduces CO2 emissions by sequestering carbon. Large fish like tuna and sharks contain significant amounts of carbon, which is released into the atmosphere when they are caught.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 28, 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.