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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 24 of 39

Predicting British railway delays using artificial intelligence

A recent study used real British Railway data and an artificial intelligence model to improve the ability to predict delays in railway networks. The Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network model outperformed other statistical models for forecasting delays up to 60 minutes in the future.

AAV capsid-promoter interactions in the non-human primate brain

Researchers have discovered AAV capsid-promoter interactions in the non-human primate brain, which dictate cell-specific transgene expression. This finding has profound implications for vector design in gene therapy, challenging the traditional concept of the AAV capsid as a delivery truck.

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.

Blocking protein restores strength, endurance in old mice, Stanford study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that blocking a single protein restores mass and strength to withered muscles in old mice. The protein, 15-PGDH, is elevated in old muscle and its inhibition leads to improved prostaglandin E2 levels, resulting in muscle fiber growth and increased mitochondrial density.

Quality suffers for audit offices that emphasize non-audit services, study shows

A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that audit offices that emphasize non-audit services tend to compromise on audit quality. The researchers examined financial statement restatement rates for clients of audit offices between 2005 and 2015, and discovered a significant reduction in audit quality when an office receiv...

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.

Jin Kim Montclare named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Jin Kim Montclare, a professor at NYU Tandon, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for her groundbreaking research on engineered proteins. Her work has led to breakthroughs in removing pesticides from crops and developing novel protein-based delivery systems for cancer treatment.

The ethics of human challenge trials

Researchers and ethicists debate the risks and benefits of human challenge trials, which involve deliberately exposing healthy volunteers to coronavirus to test vaccine effectiveness. Despite potential risks, the expert argues that the massive benefits outweigh the concerns, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Variation by states in heart transplant outcomes

A study using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database found variation in heart transplant outcomes across US states between 2011 and 2016. The results showed that some states experienced significant improvements in survival rates, while others continued to struggle with poorer outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Nursing homes may misinterpret mental changes, falls as infection

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated clinical recommendations on evaluating symptoms to diagnose infections in nursing home residents. The guidance emphasizes that subtle non-specific signs and symptoms should not automatically prompt a work-up for infection.

An eventful year in pharma

The pharmaceutical industry made significant strides in 2020, developing tests, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat COVID-19. Companies like Eli Lilly and Regeneron led the way in making antibody therapies, while Moderna used messenger RNA to develop a potential vaccine with promising early trial data.

UTSA Institute for Economic Development to host Texas Retail Academy

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development is hosting the Texas Retail Academy to educate city leaders on retail and business recruitment, real estate, and small business support. Six communities in Texas have been selected to participate in the program, which aims to boost retail and small business growth.

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.

New study helps pinpoint when earth's plate subduction began

A new study from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and the University of Chicago sheds light on the hotly contested debate of when plate subduction began. The research suggests that this process started around 3.75 billion years ago, reshaping Earth's surface and setting the stage for life.

Uniquely human gene may drive numerous cancers

Researchers discovered that a high proportion of advanced carcinomas carry a mutant form of the Siglec-XII protein, which is rarely expressed in normal humans. This finding may explain why humans are more prone to aggressive cancers compared to chimpanzees.

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.

Nature s contributions to people found to be in decline

Declining biodiversity is putting nature's contributions to people at risk, impacting crop yields and soil productivity. The degradation of environmental conditions also increases exposure to floods and storms, affecting human well-being and prosperity.

Under wraps: X-rays reveal 1,900-year-old mummy's secrets

Researchers used X-ray beams to examine a 1,900-year-old mummy, revealing details about the child's body and burial artifacts. The examination confirmed the presence of a sacred calcite amulet and provided insights into the preservation process used by ancient Egyptians.

Silky sharks find hope in Atlantic, remain targets in Indo-Pacific

A new study reveals that conservation efforts are making an impact on silky sharks, with 99.8% of fins from Hong Kong and China originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and better implementation of CITES regulations to combat illegal shark fin trade.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Dynamics in the root zone

A team of scientists analyzed processes in the root zone to determine nitrogen fate. They found nearly 75% of Europe's agricultural land vulnerable to nitrate leaching during critical months. This study provides more precise information for risk management and adjusting fertiliser regimes.

Four ERC Consolidator Grants for KU Leuven researchers

KU Leuven researchers Christine Desmedt, Tias Guns, Simon Kuhn, and Lukas Van Oudenhove have been awarded ERC Consolidator Grants. Their projects focus on breast cancer, optimisation software, reactors for sustainable chemical industry, and the impact of gut bacteria on emotions.

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.

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.

A better kind of cybersecurity strategy

A new paper suggests that traditional deterrence strategies in cybersecurity can lead to escalation and counterproductive responses. The authors propose a more judicious approach involving selective retaliation based on improved detection and information gathering.

Youth depression tied to higher risk of 66 diseases and premature death

Depressed children and teenagers have a significantly higher risk of premature death, self-harm, and suffering from other diseases later in life. The study found that depression was associated with 66 out of 69 examined medical conditions, including sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease.

Alzheimer Europe sets out future vision of EU dementia policy

Alzheimer Europe's new report highlights the need to prioritize dementia research and policy in the EU. The organization recommends allocating fair resources to existing programs, prioritizing dementia within chronic diseases policies, and recognizing it as a disability.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ancient alliance

Researchers discovered that stressed oak trees have more diverse fungal communities than healthy ones, with mutually beneficial relationships providing a buffer against climate change. This symbiotic relationship maintains ecosystem balance and could help conserve tree health in California woodlands.

Sous vide cooking method makes beef protein more digestible

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sous vide cooking increases beef protein digestibility compared to boiling or roasting. Sous vide cooking produced less protein oxidation and aggregation, releasing a greater quantity and variety of peptides.

Nebraska anglers are creatures of habit

A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.

Toxic pollutants can impact wildlife disease spread

Researchers found that toxic substances can affect wildlife mobility and population sizes, leading to increased risk of zoonotic spillover. In contrast, pristine habitats may act as a trap for pathogens, reducing infection prevalence in the overall population.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Neurologic complications common even in moderate COVID-19 cases

A new study found that COVID-19 can lead to a range of neurologic complications, including stroke, seizures, and movement disorders, even in people with moderately severe symptoms. The study involved 74 patients with COVID-19 and found that many experienced significant disability upon hospital discharge.

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.

Ultrafast dynamics of chiral spin structures observed after optical excitation

A joint research project has achieved a new milestone in ultra-fast control of magnetism by investigating femtosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering signals. The results indicate a faster recovery of chiral order compared to collinear magnetic order dynamics, suggesting that twists are more stable than straight magnetic configurations.

Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants

Researchers found that some caterpillars have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit, making them 'invisible' to ants. Others produce a caloric reward for ants to coexist, demonstrating a form of chemical mimicry and potential adaptive advantage.

Alterations to oral microbiota reduce the cardiovascular benefits of sport

A study by the University of Plymouth and UOC assessed the impact of physical exercise on oral microbiota, finding that alterations to buccal bacteria reduce cardiovascular benefits. The study highlights the importance of diet, hydration, and chewing in maintaining oral health and improving sporting performance.

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.

Bacterial nanopores open the future of data storage

Researchers have developed a new method for storing digital information in biological molecules using aerolysin nanopores. This technology has the potential to revolutionize data storage by offering high accuracy, low costs, and compactness.

How you measure happiness depends on where you live

Research from 63 countries reveals different happiness tests are effective in Western and Asian cultures, with the Eastern Interdependent Happiness scale performing consistently across countries, contrary to the unreliable Western Subjective Happiness Scale. The study expands on the understanding of happiness beyond Western ideals.

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.