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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 29 of 39

Batteries mimic mammal bones for stability

Researchers create a sodium cathode material inspired by mammal bones, featuring a porous system with a dense shell of reduced graphene oxide. The design enhances stability and allows for ultrahigh rate charging and long cycle life.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scientists shed new light on how lung bacteria defend against pneumonia

A study published in eLife journal reveals that a specific strain of lung bacteria, Lactobacillus murinus, can inhibit the growth of pneumococcal pathogens and prevent colonization. The findings suggest that probiotics could be a potential treatment alternative to antibiotics for respiratory illnesses.

Coral recovery during a prolonged heatwave offers new hope

Researchers discovered that some corals can survive prolonged heatwaves and recover their food source, providing a glimmer of hope for coral reef survival. The study's findings suggest that protection from local stressors may help corals recover, offering an innovative strategy for conservationists to support coral survival.

Damage to brain cells reverberates to 'bystander' cells, study finds

A study from Oregon Health & Science University found that damage to a small number of brain cells can stop activity across a vast network of neural circuits. This effect, known as the bystander effect, may help explain temporary but severe loss of cognitive function in traumatic brain injury or disease cases.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In new step toward quantum tech, scientists synthesize 'bright' quantum bits

Researchers at Northwestern and UChicago develop a new method to create tailor-made qubits by chemically synthesizing molecules that encode quantum information into their magnetic states. This bottom-up approach could lead to extraordinary flexibility and control, paving the way for next-generation quantum technology.

Johns Hopkins develops potential antibiotic for drug-resistant pathogen

Scientists have developed a potential new antibiotic for Mycobacterium abscessus, a pathogen resistant to medications with cure rates less than 50%. The compound T405 demonstrated superior potency against the bacteria, as well as an ability to prevent resistance when combined with avibactam.

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.

Amazon donates $2 million to Carnegie Mellon's Computer Science Academy

Carnegie Mellon's Computer Science Academy will continue to provide a free online computer science curriculum for middle and high school students with the support of Amazon's $2 million donation. The program aims to bridge the equity divide in computer science education, serving over 1,200 schools and 22,000 students worldwide.

Keep taking the blood pressure medicine during the pandemic

A large-scale study from Aarhus University in Denmark shows that users of popular blood pressure medications had the same probability of a positive coronavirus test and no increased risk of hospitalisation or death. The study confirms previous smaller studies and reiterates the current recommendation to continue taking these medicines.

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.

How to use antibodies to control chemical reactions

Scientists from the University of Rome Tor Vergata created a method to use antibodies to control chemical reactions forming therapeutic agents and imaging molecules. The approach involves modifying synthetic DNA oligonucleotides with recognition elements targeting specific antibodies.

Dynamic plants

Researchers identify NAD+ capping as a key regulator of RNA stability in plants, allowing them to dynamically respond to environmental cues and stress. This process is similar to what has been found in mammalian cells, with implications for understanding plant development and response to hormone signals.

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.

Synthetic llama antibodies rescue doomed proteins inside cells

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have created a technology using synthetic llama antibodies to prevent specific proteins from being destroyed inside cells. This approach could be used to treat dozens of diseases, including cystic fibrosis, by selectively rescuing imperfect but functional proteins.

'Big data' enables first census of desert shrub

Researchers conducted the first-ever census of creosotes in a 135-square-mile conservation site in Nevada's Mojave Desert, counting over 23 million plants. The study discovered trends about how landscape features influence plant growth, including the impact of slope direction and soil age on creosote volume.

Astrocytes improve decision-making

Recent study reveals astrocytes modulate balance of inhibition/excitation in neural networks controlling decision-making. Astrocyte activation improves cognitive performance and regulates gamma oscillations involved in perception, working memory, and other cognitive functions.

The natural 'Himalayan aerosol factory' can affect climate

A new study reveals that natural emissions in the Himalayas can form large amounts of aerosol particles, which are then transported to high altitudes and injected into the upper atmosphere. These particles may affect climate by acting as nuclei for cloud condensation.

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.

Hard and fast emission cuts slow warming in the next 20 years

A new study from the University of Leeds finds that rapid and deep emissions cuts can significantly slow down global warming over the next twenty years. Reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement aims to limit temperature rises and prevent unprecedented near-term warming rates.

Study identifies links between atopic dermatitis and autoimmune diseases

Researchers found individuals with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have autoimmune skin and gastrointestinal diseases. The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, analyzed over 104,000 cases of atopic dermatitis and identified its association with various autoimmune conditions.

Red propolis could be used to treat schistosomiasis

Researchers found that red propolis extract was more effective in reducing parasite load and killing helminths than the only available drug, praziquantel. Red propolis also blocked reproduction and oviposition, making it a promising alternative treatment for schistosomiasis.

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.

Researchers say we're watching the world go blind

A growing global population is exacerbating the need for eye care services, with no significant reduction in treatable vision loss over the last decade. The study highlights cataracts and refractive errors as major causes of moderate to severe vision impairment.

A recipe for protein footprinting

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a protein footprinting method called Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Proteins (FPOP) to investigate protein structure and interactions. FPOP offers advantages such as fast labeling time, irreversible nature, high sensitivity, and broad amino acid residue coverage.

European settlement and seabird population decline

A study reconstructs 5,800 years of seabird population dynamics on Grand Colombier Island, linking European settlement to a significant decline in the Leach's Storm petrel population. Paleoecological approaches can help determine current ecological loss and protect critical habitat.

The Lancet Public Health: Travel restrictions must be used in a targeted way to be effective at controlling local COVID-19 transmission, modelling study suggests

A modelling study published in The Lancet Public Health found that targeted travel restrictions are effective in controlling local COVID-19 transmission in countries with low numbers of cases or strong travel links to infected countries. Travel restrictions are unlikely to be effective when the virus is spreading rapidly within a country.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The world's first DNA 'tricorder' in your pocket

The iGenomics app allows iPhone users to create a mobile genetics laboratory, enabling pandemic and ecology workers to study DNA on-the-go. The device can quickly map viral pathogen sequences and identify mutations for diagnosis and treatment.

Observing the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the ultrafast motion of atoms and electrons, with implications for controlling materials through light. By observing the distortion of molecular structures and electron transfer, researchers can now distinguish between atomic motion and electronic dynamics.

Nursing researcher's experience in COVID-19 vaccine trial

A nursing researcher reflects on her experience participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, discussing the importance of informing patients about possible side effects. The article emphasizes the need for clinicians to prepare their patients for vaccination, ensuring informed consent and minimizing adverse reactions.

Landscape of ancient Tibet

Researchers analyzed fossils of 70 plant taxa from central Tibet to understand the region's ancient environment. The study found that Tibet's landscape persisted in a similar form for at least 25 million years before giving way to its present-day plateau.

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.

Trench fever in urban people who are homeless

A 48-year-old man with chest pain and body lice infestation was diagnosed with trench fever, a bacterial infection that can lead to endocarditis. Physicians should consider Bartonella quintana infection in unwell patients with a history of body lice infestation, given its association with homelessness.

Drones and AI detect soybean maturity with high accuracy

Researchers predict soybean maturity date within two days using drone images and artificial intelligence, greatly reducing the need for boots on the ground. The developed model performs well independent of data collection frequency, accounting for variables such as image quality and location.

Grant received for opioid management in older adults

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is developing a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain in older adults by reducing opioid use and promoting non-opioid alternatives. The grant aims to establish standards for pain management that prioritize non-opioid medications, treatments, and physical therapy options.

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.

A study predicts smooth interaction between humans and robots

A study by Tampere University found that making eye contact with a humanoid robot evokes strong physiological reactions, including arousal and positive emotional responses. The results suggest that interaction between humans and social robots may be surprisingly seamless, as people treat robots instinctively as if they could see them.

Mental health themes in popular rap music

Recent studies found a significant rise in mental health themes in popular rap songs over the past two decades. Lyrics from top hits analyzed for evidence of anxiety, depression, suicide, and related mental health issues are reported to be more common now than they were two decades ago.

Focused ultrasound immunotherapy in Alzheimer's model

Researchers used focused ultrasound to improve delivery of IVIg to the hippocampus, increasing antibodies and neurogenesis by four-fold in a mouse model of Alzheimer's. This technique may help boost the efficacy of immunotherapy for AD treatment.

Simple, sensitive test helps monitor bats and protect biodiversity

Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive technique to assess genetic toxicity in bats, highlighting the need for monitoring wildlife health due to declining biodiversity. The study found higher levels of micronuclei frequency in bats roosting near agricultural lands.

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 fundamental knowledge of the 'abdominal brain'

The study describes how the different neurons form during fetal development, a process that follows different principles to brain neurons. The researchers identified twelve different kinds of ENS neuron, including subgroups of sensory neurons activated by substances in the intestines and affecting the immune system.

Outside Oz, GLINDA reports on tornado acoustics

A new system called GLINDA allows researchers to capture the unique sound signature of a tornado, improving understanding of its behavior and potential impact on false alarm rates. By measuring infrasound at close range, scientists can gain valuable insights into tornado production and reduce the number of deaths caused by these deadly...

Children's Hospital Colorado study published in Science Immunology

Researchers at Children's Hospital Colorado have characterized the development of Natural Killer cells and innate lymphoid cells, crucial components in human health and disease. The findings pave the way for tailored therapies for children and adults undergoing cancer treatments.

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.

Maternal anxiety affects the fetal brain

A study by Children's National Hospital researchers found that maternal anxiety during pregnancy can alter neural connectivity in the womb. Fetuses of anxious mothers showed stronger connections between the brainstem and sensorimotor areas, while those with lower anxiety had weaker connections between executive cognitive functions.

New research questions myth of the elderly widower: of course grandpa cooks

A recent University of Copenhagen study finds that male seniors do cook and enjoy it, often making elaborate meals, while widowed women view cooking as a chore. This research adds nuance to the picture of older generations living alone, suggesting changing gender roles are not just applicable to younger generations.

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the USA confirm the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, supporting models that propose HMT as a key molecule in organic compound formation. The discovery validates theories on extraterrestrial origin of life and provides new insights into prebiotic chemistry.

One for all

A new method, nnU-Net, has been developed to configure self-learning algorithms for a large number of different imaging datasets, enabling the interpretation of three-dimensional imaging data and distinguishing between tumor and non-tumor tissue.

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.