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Science News for December 28, 2020


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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceOhio State University·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateDec 28, 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.

Phase 3 trial of Novavax investigational COVID-19 vaccine opens

The Phase 3 trial of Novavax's NVX-CoV2373 vaccine is being conducted in the US and Mexico, enrolling up to 30,000 adults in two cohorts. The trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine candidate, which has shown promise in animal tests.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Münster·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGeomorphology·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 28, 2020
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.

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalRestoration Ecology·DateDec 28, 2020

$3.9M project on self-deleting genes takes aim at mosquito-borne diseases

A new Texas A&M AgriLife Research project aims to enable temporary genetic changes in mosquitoes, which then remove themselves from the population. The goal is to test and fine-tune a self-deleting gene technology to control mosquito populations and prevent disease transmission.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 28, 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.

High-speed atomic force microscopy takes on intrinsically disordered proteins

The study uses high-speed atomic force microscopy to image several intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and identify parameters defining protein shapes and sizes. The technique reveals globules that appear and disappear, as well as transformations between fully unstructured and loosely folded conformations.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 28, 2020

Despite recommendations, patients with treatment-resistant hypertension rarely tested for primary al

A retrospective cohort study found that testing for primary aldosteronism in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension was rare and associated with higher rates of evidence-based treatment and better blood pressure control. An adaptive stepped exercise program improved pain and physical function in knee osteoarthritis patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 28, 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.

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateDec 28, 2020

The liverwort oil body is formed by redirection of the secretory pathway

Researchers discovered that MpSYP12B redirects the secretory pathway to form the liverwort oil body, providing strong empirical support for the organelle paralogy hypothesis. The oil body accumulates compounds with bioactivities, including antibacterial and anticancer properties.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 28, 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.

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.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCarbon·DateDec 28, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 28, 2020