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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 2 of 39

College football players underestimate risk of injury and concussion

A recent study found that college football players significantly underestimated their risk of injury and concussion, with 43-91% of respondents believing they were at lower risk than the actual probability. The researchers called for greater awareness and informed consent among athletes to mitigate this concern.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In plants, channels set the rhythm

Researchers found that plants use rapid oscillations of stems and leaves due to wind to activate molecular switches, allowing them to respond to environmental changes. This discovery highlights the importance of plant sensitivity to mechanical signals, enabling them to prepare for storms.

Large transporter protein linked to schizophrenia

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences have identified a possible link between a large cholesterol transport protein and schizophrenia. Mice with disrupted ABCA13 protein showed abnormal behaviour, including impaired prepulse inhibition, suggesting a potential role in the pathophysiology of ps...

Imaging the twilight zone

Researchers used novel experimental designs to study brain activity during general anesthesia and normal sleep. They found that the effects of anesthesia and sleep on brain activity were surprisingly similar, pointing to a common central core brain network fundamental for human consciousness.

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.

One year later, how does COVID-19 affect children?

A year after COVID-19's impact on children was first assessed, researchers have found that children are less likely to get severely sick than adults, yet some still experience serious symptoms. The study provides guidance for keeping families safe as children grow and thrive.

Obesity, eating disorder disparities among sexual, gender minority children

A recent study has identified significant disparities in obesity and eating disorders among sexual and gender minority children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support services. The research found that these children are at a higher risk of developing obesity and eating disorders compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

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.

One psychedelic experience may lessen trauma of racial injustice

A study suggests that a single positive psychedelic experience can lower stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms in individuals who have experienced racism. The more intense the spiritual and insightful aspect of the experience, the greater the reduction in trauma-related symptoms.

Sharpening clinical imaging with AI

Artificial neural networks enhance signal-to-background ratio in near-infrared imaging, sharpening blurred images. The technology has potential to improve diagnostics and image-guided surgery in the clinic.

Big bumblebees learn locations of best flowers

A new study shows that big bumblebees selectively remember the location of flowers with high nectar concentrations. In contrast, smaller bumblebees invest equally in learning the locations of artificial flowers regardless of sucrose concentration.

Carotid physiology, neck restraints in law enforcement

The use of neck restraints by law enforcement has been linked to potential neurologic consequences, including brain oxygen deprivation. The American Medical Association urges caution and calls for further research into the safety and appropriateness of these devices.

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.

Warm ocean currents and ice sheet collapse

The study highlights a significant difference in ice shelf collapse between two glaciers in Greenland. Warming subsurface ocean water may be the culprit behind the rapid mass loss of the Zachariae Isstrøm glacier.

Switching DNA functions on and off by means of light

Researchers at the University of Münster developed a strategy to switch DNA functions on and off using light. This allows for better understanding and control of cellular processes, such as epigenetics. The method involves transferring photocaging groups to DNA using protein engineering.

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.

Surveys identify relationship between waves, coastal cliff erosion

A three-year study in Del Mar, California has uncovered the relationship between wave impacts and coastal cliff erosion, with waves affecting the base of cliffs and rain impacting the upper region. The findings provide a new opportunity to improve forecasts and predict cliff retreat.

New studies suggest vaping could cloud your thoughts

Two new studies from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between vaping and difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions. Adolescents who started vaping before age 14 were more likely to experience mental fog than those who started later.

Music-induced emotions can be predicted from brain scans

Study uses machine learning to map brain regions activated by music and finds distinct patterns for happy and sad music. Emotions evoked by films and music rely on different brain mechanisms, with films activating deeper emotion-regulating regions not seen in music.

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.

Expanding the global map of antibiotic resistance

The study developed statistical models using socioeconomic data to predict antimicrobial resistance prevalence. The models showed high predictive accuracy for six priority pathogens and expanded the global map to include 99% of the worldwide population in low- and middle-income countries.

New research makes strong case for restoring Hong Kong's lost oyster reefs

New research suggests that restoring Hong Kong's lost oyster reefs can provide significant environmental benefits, including natural water filtration and habitat for native species. The study found that just 7 square meters of a Hong Kong oyster reef can filter up to one Olympic swimming pool of water each day.

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.

COVID-19 news fromAnnals of Internal Medicine

A review of over 100 research articles concludes that masks worn by lay persons reduce the spread of respiratory viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. Observational studies suggest universal masking can lead to large reductions in transmission rates, even with imperfect cloth face coverings.

Common brain malformation traced to its genetic roots

Research identifies two causal genes, CHD3 and CHD8, contributing to Chiari 1 malformation. Children with unusually large heads are four times more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. The study's findings may lead to new ways to identify people at risk before serious symptoms arise.

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.

Quick look under the skin

Researchers developed self-learning algorithms to analyze bioscientific image data, enabling fast and accurate organ detection in medical imaging. The AI-powered software can process whole-body scans of mice in seconds, outperforming human analysts.

The brain network driving changes in consciousness

A brain network comprising thalamus, cingulate cortex, and angular gyri is associated with changes in connectedness during sleep and anesthesia. This region's activity corresponds to changes in conscious state, indicating its possible role in human consciousness.

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.

Faster, greener way of producing carbon spheres

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a faster, greener way to produce porous carbon spheres, which are crucial for carbon capture technology and renewable energy storage. The new method produces spheres with high carbon capture capacity and works effectively at large scales.

Gut cells sound the alarm when parasites invade

Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that gut cells lining intestines send warning signals to the immune system upon parasite invasion. The discovery sheds light on early stages of pathogen recognition and response.

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.

Model used to evaluate lockdowns was flawed

Researchers from Lund University criticized a model used to evaluate lockdowns, stating it had fundamental shortcomings and couldn't be used to draw conclusions. The Imperial College London model attributed almost all reduction in transmission during spring to lockdowns, with Sweden being an exception that offered a different explanation.

Primordial black holes and the search for dark matter from the multiverse

Researchers at Kavli IPMU propose a novel scenario for primordial black hole formation, suggesting they could account for all or part of dark matter. They also suggest that PBHs could be responsible for some gravitational wave signals and seed supermassive black holes found in the center of our Galaxy.

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.

Protein tells developing cells to stick together

Researchers at Tohoku University found that a protein called Toll-1 plays a key role in regulating cell adhesion and sorting during fruit fly development. This process helps maintain the boundaries between different cell populations and ensures proper tissue formation.

Early mammal with remarkably precise bite

Paleontologists reconstructed the chewing motion of a 150-million-year-old early mammal, revealing teeth that worked extremely precisely and efficiently. This unique dentition made it easy for the animal to cut flesh, but also may have limited its ability to adapt to changing food conditions.

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.

Discovery of aging mechanism for hematopoietic stem cells

Scientists have discovered that hematopoietic stem cell function is impaired in aged mice, even when transplanted into a young bone marrow niche. The epigenome analysis reveals that DNA methylation profiles are a better indicator of aged HSC function than gene expression patterns.

Modeling can help balance economy, health during pandemic

The study uses a dynamic model to predict COVID-19 spread, incorporating infected but asymptomatic individuals and different sub-compartments. The optimal quarantine policy minimizes disease transmission and economic damage, with the sweet spot found between total lockdown and normal movement.

Atomic-scale nanowires can now be produced at scale

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a way to mass-produce atomic-scale nanowires of transition metal chalcogenides, paving the way for industrial deployment in next-gen electronics. The scalable synthesis method enables the production of centimeter-sized wafers with highly crystalline and ordered wires.

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.