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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 13 of 39

Patients don't receive recommended follow-up care after weight loss surgery

A new study found that many weight loss surgery patients in the UK are not receiving annual nutritional monitoring and weight checks as recommended by clinical guidelines. This can lead to serious health consequences, including weight regain and nutrient deficiencies. The study's lead researcher calls for improved support for GPs and p...

SUTD and MIT scientists first to simulate a large-scale virus, M13

Researchers from SUTD and MIT developed a procedure to link large-scale assembly processes to molecular simulations, allowing them to study the movement and interactions of atoms and molecules. They successfully simulated a large-scale virus, M13, with nanoparticles for fifty nanoseconds, overcoming previous limitations.

Fishing alters fish behaviour and features in exploited ecosystems

A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that fishing hardens the understanding of how species adapt to their environment, with morphotypes differing in resource use and diet within marine reserves. Marine reservoirs are crucial for understanding original behavior before human intervention.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Suicide risk among patients with Parkinson disease

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.

UV exposure, risk of melanoma in skin of color

A review of 13 studies found that individuals with skin of color are at increased risk of developing melanoma due to UV exposure. The study suggests that prolonged UV light exposure is a significant risk factor for melanoma in this population.

In pandemic, people are turning to nature - especially women

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Vermont reported significant increases in outdoor activity, with women leading the way. Outdoor activities such as watching wildlife, gardening, and walking increased by up to 70%. People also valued nature for its mental health benefits, exercise opportunities, and sense of spirituality.

Teaching artificial intelligence to adapt

Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a computational model of brain activity that simulates how humans adapt to new situations. The model, which incorporates the concept of 'gating' to control information flow, outperforms previous models and mimics human mistakes seen in patients with prefrontal cortex damage. This breakthro...

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.

Modulating cells' chloride channels

Scientists have discovered how a key protein channel regulates ion transport across cell membranes, with implications for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurological pain. The research found that the channel's function depends on its variant and is regulated by PIP2 binding and phosphorylation.

Ultracold atoms reveal a new type of quantum magnetic behavior

Researchers discovered diverse behaviors in ultracold lithium atom spins influenced by magnetic forces. They used lasers to trap and arrange strings of 40 atoms each, inducing helical patterns that disappeared as individual spins approached equilibrium. The findings may help engineer spintronic devices and novel magnetic materials.

Rethinking health and human rights

Paul Farmer, a renowned global health expert, has been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, social inequality, and human rights. His impactful ideas have reshaped how we think about health and disease, particularly in resource-poor communities.

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.

New guideline supports behavioral, psychological treatments for insomnia

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...

Graduate student's BADASS code has astronomical benefits

A graduate student developed an open-source code called BADASS, which provides a way to fit stellar motions simultaneously with other components in astronomical spectra. The code is versatile enough to fit not just active galactic nuclei but also normal galaxies, and can be used for any kind of spectroscopy.

Just what the doctor ordered: Mental health and wellness apps

Kaiser Permanente has found that patients are more receptive to using mental health and wellness apps when referred by a clinician. Digital therapeutics such as mental health apps can offer significant help for patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep.

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.

BAT progresses COVID-19 candidate vaccine into Phase I human clinical trials

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate, KBP-COVID-19, has demonstrated potential advantages in production speed and stability at room temperature, which could reduce the time between virus identification and vaccine deployment. The Phase I study will enroll 180 healthy volunteers to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

Giving cells an appetite for viruses

Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.

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.

Researchers expose power of enzyme on key immune cells

Two Monash University scientists found that the enzyme DOT1L plays a critical role in controlling T cell differentiation and function. Genetically eliminating DOT1L led to type 1 T cells dominating, which could lead to new treatments for asthma and allergies.

Nightmares linked with anxiety and insomnia in heart patients

Heart patients experiencing frequent nightmares are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with women more likely to experience persistent bad dreams. The study found strong associations between nightmares, sleep disorders, and psychological problems in heart disease patients.

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.

COVID patterns

A team of researchers has found evidence that UV radiation from sunlight significantly affects COVID-19 transmission. By analyzing daily COVID-19 cases and environmental conditions, they discovered a correlation between UV exposure and the growth rate of new cases.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Seismic Hazard Assessment: Campotosto, Italy

Researchers provide a 4D image of an active linkage zone between two major faults, offering insights into fault behavior and implications for seismic hazard assessment. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating 'silent' seismogenic sources in assessing earthquake risk.

How the spread of the internet is changing migration

A study of over 150 countries links Internet penetration with migration intentions and behaviours, suggesting that digital connectivity plays a key role in shaping migration decisions. The association between Internet use and intention to migrate is stronger among women and those with less education, particularly for economic migrants.

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.

Secret of Australia's volcanoes revealed

Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.

Information transport in antiferromagnets via pseudospin-magnons

Scientists from the Technical University of Munich and Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a way to manipulate pseudospin in antiferromagnetic insulators, enabling the transport and detection of information. This discovery opens up new perspectives for information processing with antiferromagnets.

Potential treatment approach kills lymphoma while sparing healthy cells

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have successfully modified natural killer cells to selectively target and destroy lymphoma cells, a promising breakthrough in cancer treatment. The innovative approach uses glycans, sugar-like molecules that play crucial roles in disease, to steer the cells to malignant B-cells.

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.

Aging journal fills knowledge gaps on race, mental health

A new special issue of Innovation in Aging explores the psychosocial factors influencing mental health status in racial and ethnic minority populations. The research sheds light on protective factors such as religion and social support, while highlighting risk factors like obesity and stress.

Cancer risk from obesity differs for men and women

A new study found that higher BMI is more dangerous for men than women, while a higher waist-to-hip ratio raises colorectal cancer risk in women. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of this deadly cancer.

New study links cadmium to more severe flu, pneumonia infections

A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.

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.

Researchers develop new combined process for 3D printing

Chemists at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a combined process for 3D printing that integrates liquids directly into materials. This allows for the creation of pharmaceutical products with active medical agents and monitoring systems in plastic materials.

Neuroregenerative gene therapy

A research team led by Prof. Gong Chen has developed a novel gene therapy approach to regenerate functional new neurons using local glial cells in the injured spinal cord. This method uses internal glial cells and directly converts them into neurons, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with spinal cord injury.

Do the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms?

The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.

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.

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.

Racially biased oxygen readings could be putting patients at risk

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pulse oximeter readings may be less accurate in Black patients than in White patients, leading to potential mismanagement of treatment. The findings suggest that device makers may need to make changes to ensure accurate readings for all patients.

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.

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

COVID-19 cuts into college students' drinking

A new study finds that COVID-19 campus closures led to a significant decrease in the quantity of alcohol consumed by college students, especially those living with parents. Students who moved from living with peers to parents saw a drop in drinking days per week and total drinks consumed.