Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2020 - Page 99


Page 99 of 512

Serum creatinine-to- cystatin C ratio predicts mortality

Higher serum creatinine-to-cystatin C ratios are associated with lower mortality rates in patients initiating continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury. This simple tool may improve mortality risk assessment in critically ill patients developing AKI.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 21, 2020

Study discovers potential target for treating aggressive cancer cells

A new study by Brown University scientists has identified vimentin as a potential target for treating aggressive cancer cells known as polyploidal giant cancer cells (PGCCs). PGCCs have been found to rely on vimentin to migrate and invade surrounding tissues.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 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.

Study finds go-to hormone for cycad propagation ineffective

A new study published in HortScience found that the commonly used rooting hormone IBA has no effect on cycad propagation, contrary to previous research. The study's findings highlight the need for further research on cycads and could improve conservation efforts in countries where commercial IBA products are difficult to obtain.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2020

Vanilla cultivation under trees promotes pest regulation

Research by the University of Göttingen found that vanilla plantations with more trees have higher predator activity, which can lead to better pest control. This study contributes to understanding the ecological function of species involved in agroforestry systems and supports the UN's ecosystem restoration goals.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateOct 21, 2020

Cognitive elements of language have existed for 40 million years

Researchers found that monkeys, chimpanzees, and humans share the ability to process non-adjacent dependencies, a crucial element of language. This suggests that this cognitive skill existed in our most recent common ancestors with these species around 40 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 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.

Player behavior in the online game EVE Online may reflect real world country

A study found that EVE Online players' in-game social and economic behavior correlates with their home countries' aggressiveness and macro-economic environment. Players from more aggressive countries were less aggressive towards fellow players, while those from countries with higher unemployment rates traded more cautiously.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2020

Nonverbal doctor-patient rapport relieved pain during acupuncture treatment

A new study has found that establishing a positive clinical rapport between doctors and patients can relieve pain during acupuncture treatment. Patients who mirrored their doctor's facial expressions experienced less pain, while stronger brain alignment was associated with improved treatment outcomes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2020

Bronze Age herders were less mobile than previously thought

Research on Bronze Age pastoral societies in southern Russia reveals low levels of mobility, contradicting previous assumptions about their migration patterns. The study analyzed skeletal remains to conclude that these communities remained within their ecological areas and relied on word-of-mouth transmission of technical innovations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 21, 2020

In pursuit of alternative pesticides

Scientists are developing safer alternatives to chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide linked to human health problems and environmental damage. Researchers are testing biodegradable hydrogel beads, targeted soil treatments, and root-based applications to minimize exposure in agricultural workers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 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.

At our cores, we're all strengthened by 'dumbbells'

Researchers identify 'dumbbell-like' structures in DNA that link to genes with flexible domains, suggesting a connection between chromosome structure and gene expression. The discovery promises new avenues for research into the secrets of chromosomes.

SourceRice University·DateOct 21, 2020

Turbulent era sparked leap in human behavior, adaptability 320,000 years ago

A new drill core analysis from the Smithsonian reveals a 400,000-year-old boom-bust landscape that drove early humans to abandon old tools, develop sophisticated technology, and broaden trade networks. The findings suggest climate variability was one of several environmental factors contributing to human adaptability.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2020

Protected areas help waterbirds adapt to climate change

Protected areas facilitate wintering waterbird adaptation to climate warming, with species shifting faster inside protected areas. This suggests that protected area networks can contribute to expanding species ranges and preventing local extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalConservation Biology·DateOct 21, 2020

Seeing no longer believing: the manipulation of online images

Researchers from Queensland University of Technology found that image editing software has the power to re-imagine history, and deadline-driven journalists lack tools to detect manipulated images. The study highlights the need for better verification tools and digital literacy to combat visual mis/disinformation online.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournalism Practice·DateOct 21, 2020
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 identify compound that stimulates muscle cells in mice

Researchers at UCLA have identified a compound called AMBMP that can activate chemical signals inside muscle cells, increasing muscle mass and strength. This finding offers new hope for treating people with limb girdle muscular dystrophy, a disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 21, 2020

Evidence of broadside collision with dwarf galaxy discovered in Milky Way

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered the first shell-like formations of stars in the Milky Way, created by a 2.7 billion-year-old broadside collision with a dwarf galaxy. The findings offer new insights into the ancient event and its potential implications for other stellar phenomena.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 20, 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.

New boost for high-brightness dyes research

StabiLux Biosciences has received a $500,000 NSF grant to refine high-brightness dyes into commercial-grade products. The technology can revitalize organic dyes with tunable brightness and high photostability for biomedical applications.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateOct 20, 2020

Cutting-edge, whole-heart imaging provides new details on heart defects

A new imaging technique has been developed that allows scientists to study the tiny details of a whole animal heart in 3D. This technique may lead to new insights into congenital heart disease and improve survival rates for people born with heart defects. The study reveals structural differences between healthy and defective heart cell...

SourceeLife·DateOct 20, 2020

Artificial intelligence reveals hundreds of millions of trees in the Sahara

A team of researchers using AI technology has counted over 1.8 billion trees and shrubs in the Sahara Desert, revealing a previously unknown factor in the global carbon budget. The study highlights the importance of trees in dryland areas for biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as their potential to improve agroforestry programs.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateOct 20, 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.

This red light means 'go' for medical discoveries

Scientists at UVA Health System created a simpler, more effective method to convert green fluorescent biosensors to red, improving their ability to monitor multiple targets and peer into tissues. This innovation has the potential to accelerate research in fields such as insulin secretion control and neural activity patterns.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Newly discovered gene may give 'sea pickles' their glow

A newly discovered gene in pyrosomes, an underwater colony of tiny animals, is believed to produce the organism's bioluminescence. The gene matches one used in biotechnology and has been found in other organisms that also glow.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 20, 2020

COVID-19: Distancing and masks are not enough

A new fluid dynamics model shows that tiny droplets can spread over long distances and remain airborne for a long time, making masks and distancing measures less effective. The model predicts that even with proper ventilation, it's possible to come into contact with the virus in certain environments.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Multiphase Flow·DateOct 20, 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.

Repairing the photosynthetic enzyme Rubisco

The study elucidated how Rubisco activase works, revealing that it grabs the N-terminal tail of Rubisco and releases inhibitory sugar molecules using ATP energy. This dual function enables Rca to recruit into carboxysomes, where CO2 is generated, making photosynthesis more efficient.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateOct 20, 2020

COVID-19 cough clouds in closed spaces

Researchers estimate COVID-19 cough cloud volume and droplet distribution in closed spaces with and without face masks. The study found that the cloud volume without a mask is 7 times larger than with a surgical mask and 23 times larger than with an N95 mask.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 20, 2020

The gravity of play: Quantifying what we enjoy about games

Scientists at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed a novel approach to quantify the psychological appeal of games. They found that the value of 'gravity in the mind' changed over time, reflecting cultural tendencies and historical trends.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateOct 20, 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.

Salt-based mosquito-control products are ineffective, study shows

A new study finds that salt-based mosquito-control products have no effect on killing adult mosquitoes, despite claims of its effectiveness. The researchers tested nine species of mosquito and found no evidence that ingestion of salt water kills the insects.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateOct 20, 2020

Highly selective membranes

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has discovered a feedback system between water molecules that opens up new design possibilities for highly selective membranes. These membranes, which can filter out viruses and other contaminants, could also be used to improve lithium-ion battery performance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 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.

Hidden-symmetry-enforced nexus points of nodal lines in layer-stacked dielectric photonic crystals

Scientists discovered a new kind of hidden symmetry in photonic crystals, leading to the emergence of triply degenerate nexus points that behave like magnetic monopoles. These nexus points enable unusual photonic band connectivities and novel transport phenomena, including spin-1 conical dispersion and canonical diffraction.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 20, 2020

Mortality rate higher for US rural residents

A recent study by Syracuse University professor Shannon Monnat found that mortality rates are higher for U.S. working-age residents living in rural areas compared to metro areas. The gap is widening, driven by increased mortality from metabolic and respiratory diseases, suicide, alcohol-related disorders, and mental/behavioral disorders.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·DateOct 20, 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.

NYSCF announces 2020 Class of NYSCF - Robertson Investigators

The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) has announced the 2020 class of NYSCF - Robertson Investigators, recognizing six outstanding stem cell researchers and neuroscientists. The program provides critical seed funding to support cutting-edge research with the potential to accelerate treatments and cures.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·DateOct 20, 2020

Oncotarget: cGAS-STING pathway in oncogenesis and cancer therapeutics

The cGAS-STING pathway plays a central role in immunosurveillance, coordinating immune cell recruitment to destroy transformed cells through cellular senescence or cell death programs. Chronic activation of this pathway can lead to inflammation-induced carcinogenesis, cautioning against its use as an anti-tumor immunotherapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateOct 20, 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.

Hot-button words trigger conservatives and liberals differently

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that liberals and conservatives exhibit distinct brain responses when exposed to the same political content, particularly when it involves words related to morality, emotions, and threat. The researchers discovered that neural polarization is driven by highe...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2020

New method allows more targeted measurement of thyroid hormone action in tissue

Researchers have identified phosphorus-containing compounds as markers for thyroid hormone action in tissue using non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This allows for the measurement of hormone action in different areas of the body, potentially improving care for patients with thyroid dysfunction.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 20, 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.

Tradition of petrified birds in the Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock's marble slabs depict two birds, which break the symmetry of the southern wall and have remained unchanged for over 350 years. Sufi traditions and stories about Solomon and the birds demonstrate their influence on the shrine's conception.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Near Eastern Studies·DateOct 20, 2020

Plants communicate at a molecular level

Researchers at FAU identify a protein in dodder that triggers tomato defense mechanism, allowing crops to recognize and resist parasitic attacks. The discovery may lead to increased crop resistance against parasitic plants.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2020

From pills to powder: 1 in 3 high school seniors who misused prescription opioids later used heroin

A University of Michigan study found that nearly one-third of students who reported misusing prescription opioids as high school seniors later used heroin by age 35. The research also showed a significant increase in heroin use among individuals with a history of prescription opioid misuse, contributing to the opioid epidemic.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateOct 20, 2020