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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 92


Page 92 of 512

Medicine and grief during the COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing difficulties with grieving in the US. Healthcare professionals, who are particularly vulnerable to burnout, report increased levels of grief and despair, leading to concerns about their well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020

Discovery adds new species to Rice lab's ghoulish insect menagerie

Researchers at Rice University and UNAM have discovered four new wasp species, including Allorhogas gallifolia, which may interact with other species on galls in complex ways. The discovery adds to the lab's 'ghoulish insect menagerie' and expands understanding of ecosystem interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalInsect Systematics and Diversity·DateOct 26, 2020

Personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia revealed

Research by Murdoch Children's Research Institute reveals significant personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia, including $12.75 billion in annual social and economic losses. Early identification and treatment may help improve outcomes for children with ADHD.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 26, 2020

For pregnant women with heart disease, multidisciplinary care may be essential

A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Motorists' smartphones may help highways bosses keep roads safe

A new study suggests that smartphone acceleration sensors can provide a low-cost measure of road roughness, allowing engineers to prioritize maintenance and reduce costs. This approach could also be used to assess the condition of rural roads in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Infrastructure Systems·DateOct 26, 2020

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.

SourceRice University·DateOct 26, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Wildlife flock to backyards for food from people

Researchers found that feeding animals is the strongest influence on animal activity in yards, with species like squirrels and raccoons being most common. The study confirms the urban-wildlife paradox, showing that suburban areas can have an abundance of wildlife compared to wild areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

Can scientists take the STING out of common respiratory viruses?

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that most rhinoviruses require human protein STING to infect cells and cause disease. The discovery opens a new avenue for controlling infection and could lead to targeted therapies for treating common colds and acute wheezing episodes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateOct 26, 2020

Odds are good for unique 2D compound

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a unique 2D material that enables the valleytronics phenomenon, touted as a possible platform for information processing and storage. The material has been found to be scalable and less susceptible to environmental degradation.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 26, 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.

Penn Study supports use of radiation before CAR therapy for multiple myeloma

A new Penn study found administering radiation therapy to multiple myeloma patients waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured was safe and did not interfere with cellular therapy. Patients who received radiation 34 days or fewer before infusion had similar rates of severe side effects as those who did not receive radiation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020

Common liverwort study has implications for crop manipulation

A new study on genetic pathways in the common liverwort has significant implications for crop manipulation by revealing a unique role of ACC as a biologically active molecule. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of plant hormone ethylene production and suggests potential avenues for manipulating its signaling pathways

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 26, 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.

Modern computational tools may open a new era for fossil pollen research

A team of scientists developed machine-learning models to differentiate among several existing Amherstieae legume genera and classified existing pollen accurately over 80% of the time. The results support previous hypotheses suggesting that Amherstieae originated in Africa and later dispersed to South America.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateOct 26, 2020

Divide and conquer: a new formula to minimize 'mathemaphobia'

A new study by the University of South Australia aims to break the cycle of maths anxiety by building student confidence in maths. The research shows that boosting student confidence can counteract negative emotions and lead to better maths achievement.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Education·DateOct 26, 2020

Global 'BiteMap' reveals how marine food webs may change with climate

A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Localized vaccination surveillance could help prevent measles outbreaks

A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that localized data on childhood vaccination coverage can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks. The research found that when people who are not vaccinated cluster geographically, the probability and size of an outbreak increase.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 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.

Bait consumption by marine predators

Marine predators consume more bait in mid-latitudes than near the equator, according to a new study. The researchers found that feeding intensity declines with increasing distance from the equator, and that warmer waters have little impact on bait consumption rates.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Localized vaccination surveillance could help prevent measles outbreaks

A new study suggests that localized vaccination surveillance can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks by analyzing geographic clustering of non-vaccinators. The researchers found that even at high overall vaccination coverage, clustering of non-vaccinators increases the probability and size of an outbreak.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Couples share heart disease risk factors and behaviors

A study of over 5,000 couples found that nearly all shared unhealthy habits, such as low-quality diet and inadequate exercise. The vast majority fell into the non-ideal category for cardiovascular health, with most sharing these behaviors. Improving one partner's health may positively impact their loved one.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 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.

The Darwinian diet: You are what you eat

Researchers studied attine ants and their fungal crops, finding that the ants' ability to target specific nutritional needs evolves as they develop more advanced farming practices. The findings suggest that humans can learn from nature's agricultural systems, which prioritize nutritional sustainability over industrial-scale production.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

Irregular appearances of glacial and interglacial climate states

Researchers have found that interglacials were more frequently skipped in the past than previously thought. The study used a new approach to analyze climate data, separating temperature and sea level change influences, and found repeated irregularities during the last 2.6 million years.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2020

High-thermoresistant biopolyimides become water-soluble like starch

Researchers at JAIST have developed a new method to create water-soluble polyimides with high thermoresistance, featuring high transparency and tunable mechanical strength. The biopolyimides were synthesized using bio-based resources and treated with alkaline metal hydroxide to yield water-soluble salts.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 26, 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.

Ancient lake contributed to past San Andreas fault ruptures

Researchers suggest that a large lake overlying the southern San Andreas fault in California could have affected rupture timing. A 1,000-year record of earthquakes and geological analysis indicate that high water levels on Lake Cahuilla increased stress on the rocks underneath, weakening faults and potentially leading to earlier ruptures.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 26, 2020

Dartmouth study examines well water testing promotion in pediatric primary care

A Dartmouth study found that involving pediatric practices in promoting private well water testing can significantly influence parental compliance. The study, which tested two interventions, showed that providing both parents and clinic access to results and follow-up reminders increased testing completion rates.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 26, 2020

War songs and lullabies behind origins of music

Researchers argue music's primary function is to signal attention to infants, while also forming alliances with groups. This theory challenges existing music origin theories, including social bonding and auditory cheesecake hypotheses.

SourceWashington State University·DateOct 26, 2020

Who does the electoral college favor?

Researchers found that the 2020 election has less of a tilt to Republicans than in 2016, and that a close popular vote margin could lead to either outcome. The study suggests Biden may not need as large a popular vote margin as Clinton did in 2016.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 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.

Dog training methods help JHU teach robots to learn new tricks

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used positive reinforcement to train a robot named Spot to perform several tasks in days, compared to months. The team devised a reward system that works for robots like treats do for dogs, earning numeric points for correct behaviors.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateOct 26, 2020

How to figure out what you don't know

New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory highlights the importance of model evaluation in neuroscience. By building and comparing several models of neural signaling, researchers found that good predictive power does not necessarily indicate a model's representation of real neural networks.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 26, 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.

COVID-19 vaccines: McGill researchers track the global race

McGill University professors have created an online COVID-19 vaccine tracker providing real-time updates on vaccine progress and characteristics. The tracker helps manage expectations about vaccine availability and promotes transparency in the regulatory process.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 26, 2020

The BrainHealth project could create a resilient economy

The BrainHealth Project aims to redefine brain health as a critical asset, improving emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. By investing in employees' brain health, organizations can tap into their limitless potential, catalyze innovative thinking, and strengthen productivity.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateOct 26, 2020

The first ever international Wounds Week was a resounding success

The first international Wounds Week was a resounding success, bringing together experts to discuss wound infection, identification, prevention, and management of pressure. Key findings include the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and wound hygiene in preventing infections.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Wound Care·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Land management in forest and grasslands: How much can we intensify?

Researchers analyzed data from 300 German grasslands and forests to investigate the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. The study found that low-intensity farming and forestry can preserve biodiversity while providing material benefits.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Illinois study tracks evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations

A University of Illinois study tracks the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations, finding stabilization in key proteins that could improve COVID-19 treatments. The research suggests these stabilizations may help increase viral infectivity and shed light on vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEvolutionary Bioinformatics·DateOct 26, 2020

Duke-NUS study uncovers why bats excel as viral reservoirs without getting sick

Bats use unique strategies to tolerate zoonotic viruses, preventing overactive immune responses that protect them from diseases. The team identified mechanisms that balance key proteins involved in immunity and inflammation, enabling bats to harbour pathogens without getting sick.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

3D printing the first ever biomimetic tongue surface

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a biomimetic tongue surface using 3D printing, replicating the complex texture and mechanical properties of a human tongue. The new technology enables testing of oral processing properties of food, nutritional technologies, and pharmaceuticals without relying on human trials.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 26, 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.

Taking the itch out of cancer immunotherapy

A study published in Communications Biology found that inflammation from high IL-6 levels leads to psoriasis-like dermatitis. Researchers propose targeting IL-6 as a potential approach to preventing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 26, 2020

State gun laws may help curb violence across state lines: study

A study by Columbia University researchers found that strong state gun laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicides within the state and across state lines. Weaker laws in one state contribute to higher homicide rates in neighboring states, particularly when guns can flow undetected into areas with already weak laws.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiology·DateOct 26, 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.

Summer road trip finds small streams have big impacts on Great Lakes

Researchers found that small tributaries to Lake Michigan play a big role in feeding algae blooms and impacting coastal waters. Small streams often had high nutrient loads and contained higher percentages of soluble reactive phosphorus, making them significant contributors to water quality concerns.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Nutrient contributions of tributaries to Lake Michigan

Monitoring of 235 Lake Michigan tributaries reveals that small and abundant tributaries have high nutrient loads, often in dissolved inorganic forms. These plumes can overlap and amplify the impact on water quality, suggesting that small tributaries could be a critical target for eutrophication mitigation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Destroying cancer cells with non-surgical ultrasound treatment

Researchers at KIST demonstrated the mechanism behind secondary cavitation clouds generated during HIFU treatment, allowing for precise removal of target tissue. The study laid the groundwork for ultra-precision focused ultrasound technology, enabling safe and effective destruction of tumor cells without surgery.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateOct 26, 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.

Scientists to improve food plant worker safety, product supply

A Cornell University-led project aims to reduce COVID-19 cases and transmission among food processing facility workers while maintaining production capacity. The researchers will collaborate with industry partners to explore optimal strategies using computer modeling and outreach.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 26, 2020

Earth's niobium and core formation

Researchers report that niobium readily dissolves in iron under high temperatures and pressures consistent with the Earth's core formation. This finding supports core formation models suggesting that the core did not form under highly reducing or oxidizing conditions, but rather was constrained by the sequestration of niobium.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020