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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 38 of 39

Out of many COVID-19 tests, which one to choose?

Researchers recommend using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assays as the gold standard for testing, but acknowledge limitations due to false negatives. Point-of-care testing is emphasized as an urgent objective to detect the virus rapidly and early, with nano-based sensor technologies showing promise.

Study identifies novel mechanisms that cause protein clumping in brain diseases

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that liquid-liquid phase separation facilitates tau protein aggregation, a hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders. The researchers discovered a novel regulatory mechanism involving different variants of tau protein, which may influence disease clinical outcomes.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists identify new genetic MND risk factor in junk DNA

Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered a genetic risk factor for MND in non-coding DNA that can be targeted by SynCav1, potentially halting or preventing disease progression. The study built on patient data from Project MinE and could lead to personalized medicine for MND patients.

Newest phase of massive slavery database welcomes public contribution

Enslaved.org, a searchable database cataloging the lives of enslaved Africans and their descendants, welcomes public contributions to deepen understanding and respect. The platform allows users to run analyses and create visualizations, shedding light on the complexities of personal history.

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 research reveals 'megatrends' that will affect forests in the next decade

A new study identifies five large-scale 'megatrends' impacting forests globally, including droughts, urbanization, consumer demand, digital technologies, and infrastructure development. These megatrends are likely to have both positive and negative effects on forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods.

Scientists solve big limitation of stratospheric balloon payloads

Researchers have overcome a major limitation of stratospheric balloon payloads by creating an ultralight dewar that can cool large telescopes to near absolute zero. The breakthrough enables scientists to explore the cold universe and see faint signals from distant galaxies.

SMART researchers develop customised targeting of bacteria using lysins

Researchers at Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have developed a method to produce customisable engineered lysins that can selectively kill specific bacteria while leaving others unharmed. This discovery presents a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating existing drug-resistant bacteria.

Older adults in wealthier countries drink more alcohol

A global study found that older people in wealthy countries consume more alcohol than those in middle-income countries, with average weekly consumption ranging from 0.59 to 6.85 units. The price of alcohol did not influence heavy drinking levels, which were highest in the Czech Republic and lowest in Israel.

The American Pediatric Society announces its new members for 2021

The American Pediatric Society has announced its new class of 55 distinguished members, including leaders in child health education, research, policy, and clinical practice. These individuals have made significant contributions to advancing the field of academic pediatrics.

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.

Telomere shortening protects against cancer

Researchers have found that telomere shortening protects against cancer in humans. The study used CRISPR gene-editing technology to analyze mutant cells with long telomeres and found that they were at greater risk of developing breast, colorectal, melanoma, and thyroid cancers.

Watch immune cells dig tunnels in tissues

Researchers found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) dig slow-moving channels through the extracellular matrix to facilitate fast movement of other CTLs. The study suggests modulating ECM properties could enhance immune response efficiency and lead to new therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment.

CU Anschutz researcher offers new theory on `Venus' figurines

The study suggests that the obese figurines were linked to extreme nutritional stress during Ice Age Europe. The researchers propose that these statues represented an idealized body type for young women, conveying ideals of body size for survival in difficult living conditions.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Lab results don't explain 'obesity paradox,' but bias may

A study found that lab results for adults with obesity are similar to those of their leaner counterparts, contradicting one theory behind the 'obesity paradox'. Instead, researchers suggest that unconscious bias in healthcare providers may lead to better outcomes for obese patients in critical care

Oncotarget launches special collection on breast cancer

The Oncotarget journal has launched a special collection on breast cancer, featuring newly published scientific papers on prognostic markers, risk factors, therapies, and gene studies. This free-to-read resource aims to promote a better understanding of the latest breast cancer research.

Study suggests metabolism influences parasite's resistance to drugs

The metabolic state of a disease-causing parasite influences its resistance to current drugs, according to a new study published in eLife. The research found that the sensitivity of amastigotes to azole drugs increases significantly in the presence of certain concentrations of glutamine.

Free webinar: Advancing the AMR agenda during COVID-19

The webinar, 'Evidence to Action: Advancing the Antimicrobial Resistance Agenda during a Pandemic', brings together global experts to share strategic reflections and insights on national prevention/control policies against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Key findings include the urgent need for transparent, coordinated action across co...

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.

Rock-a-bye fly: Why vibrations lead to sleepiness

Flies sleep longer and are less responsive to light pulses during vibration, suggesting they accumulate 'sleep credit.' The ability to go to sleep improves with repeated exposure, implying habituation. Vibration-induced sleep serves vital functions and may offer insights into human sleep regulation.

Shrinking massive neural networks used to model language

Researchers have discovered subnetworks within BERT that can complete the same task more efficiently, reducing computing costs and increasing accessibility to state-of-the-art natural language processing. The 'lottery ticket hypothesis' identifies these leaner subnetworks, which can be repurposed for multiple tasks.

Tunable rainbow light trapping in ultrathin resonator arrays

Researchers develop novel design and fabrication techniques for rainbow light trapping, enabling extreme light confinement and versatile application in low concentration molecular sensing, enhanced photocatalysis, and super-resolution optics. The technique uses analytical modeling to optimize groove geometry for broadband electromagnet...

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.

New device offers faster way to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria

A new device can detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria in just five hours by measuring naturally occurring electron transfers. The device, developed by Binghamton University researchers, has the potential to serve as an important point-of-care diagnostic tool in areas with limited resources.

Story tips: Air taxis, fungi speak, radiation game and climate collab

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are developing innovative technologies to improve transportation, biology, radiation, and climate. Air taxis could significantly reduce fuel consumption while alleviating traffic congestion. Fungi use signaling molecules to communicate with each other and regulate growth. The lab is also vis...

Increasing HPV vaccine uptake in adolescents

Researchers developed a mobile health app to improve HPV vaccine uptake among adolescents. The app targets key parental beliefs and demonstrates high intention to use among parents and adolescents. The study found that theory-based content design can be an effective approach in developing apps for behavioral interventions.

Children with dyslexia show stronger emotional responses

A new study found that children with dyslexia exhibit greater emotional reactivity than their peers, which is correlated with stronger brain connectivity in the salience network. This suggests that dyslexia may be associated with both cognitive and social strengths, but also vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Glucosamine may reduce overall death rates as effectively as regular exercise

A new epidemiological study from West Virginia University found that glucosamine supplements reduced all-cause mortality by 39% and cardiovascular-related deaths by 65%. The researchers analyzed data from 16,686 adults and suggest that people should continue exercising while considering the potential benefits of taking glucosamine pills.

Targets for avoidable sight loss 'not being met': 30-year study finds

A new 30-year study found that public health services worldwide have failed to meet targets for reducing avoidable sight loss, with cataract and uncorrected refractive error being major contributors. The number of cases of blindness and severe vision impairment is expected to rise dramatically by 2050.

Curtin collision models impact the future of energy

A new database of electron-molecule reactions has been created by Curtin University researchers, allowing for accurate modeling of plasmas containing molecular hydrogen. This development is crucial for the global push to develop fusion technology for electricity production on Earth.

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.

Deciphering the energetic code of cells for better anticancer therapies

Scientists have developed a procedure, SCENITH, that identifies the energy status of immune and cancer cells within tumors to personalize treatment. This method uses protein synthesis as an indicator of cell activity, enabling clinicians to predict patient response and improve therapy efficacy.

IU researchers publish first article dedicated to Hoosier youth's donated tumor

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine published a study using a donated tumor from Tyler Trent, a college student who died from bone cancer. The team found that a combination therapy significantly slowed tumor growth in models, leading to hopes for new treatments and improved outcomes for children with osteosarcoma.

Breaking the rules of chemistry unlocks new reaction

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have developed a new method to produce chemical molecules more efficiently through a one-step reaction in an enzyme. This breakthrough has significant implications for the production of pharmaceuticals, with potential applications in the development of new drugs.

Why people become defensive and how to address it

Research at Flinders University found that defensiveness increases when people feel stigmatised or rejected, but decreases when they feel valued and included. The study suggests that emphasizing respect and value for the person, even if you disagree with their views or actions, can reduce defensiveness.

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.

Climate change warms groundwater in Bavaria

A new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg reveals that Bavarian groundwater has warmed considerably over the past few decades. The findings show that groundwater temperatures at depths of 20 metres are almost one degree warmer on average than in the 1990s, correlating with a 1.05 degrees Celsius rise in air temperature.

Skoltech scientists run a 'speed test' to boost production of carbon nanotubes

Researchers at Skoltech have discovered a way to increase the productivity of carbon nanotube synthesis by adjusting catalyst injection rates, leading to a 9-fold increase in yield while preserving key properties. This breakthrough has the potential to pave the way for cheaper and more accessible nanotube-based technology.

How thyroid function affects stress-related heart problems

A multicentre study found a strong correlation between thyroid function and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, a condition triggered by extreme emotional stress. The research identified two distinct mechanisms: an overactive thyroid gland promoting heart disease risk and an elevated target value of thyroid regulation related to the stress event.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Post-COVID pain or weakness? Request an ultrasound or MRI

A Northwestern University study shows how advanced imaging technology can pinpoint the cause of nerve damage in COVID-19 patients. The imaging techniques include ultra-high-resolution ultrasound and MR neurography, which help localize where the problem is and assess the severity of nerve damage.

Pumping a nanoparticle to lase at low power

Researchers have demonstrated a way to control nanoparticles to lase at low power, producing sharp signals for biosensing and bio-imaging. This breakthrough reduces tissue damage and improves the accuracy of sensing indicators, holding promise for early-stage disease detection.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Electronic waste on the decline, new study finds

A new study finds that electronic waste generated by Americans has been declining since 2015, mainly due to the decrease of bulky CRT displays. This decline poses challenges for e-waste recycling regulations and the recovery of critical elements like cobalt and indium.

Cancer cases are rising in adolescents and young adults

Researchers analyzed data from nearly half a million cancer patients in the US between 15-39 years old to determine cancer cases in this age group. The results show a 30% rise in cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults, with kidney, thyroid, and gastrointestinal cancers increasing at the greatest rates.

Trees can help slow climate change, but at a cost

A new study suggests that widespread forest management and protections against deforestation can help mitigate climate change, but will come with a steep cost. The research found that planting and protecting trees could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 6 gigatons a year, but would cost $393 billion annually.

Plants on aspirin

A new study published in Cell Reports found that painkillers such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen interfere with the auxin flow in plants, leading to abnormal root growth. The drugs also suppress the movement and trafficking of substances within plant cells, impairing their ability to develop properly.

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.

Selecting best microalgae for biodiesel production

Researchers developed a methodology to analyze properties of different microalgae species for selection as an energy source, considering biological, economic, and environmental aspects. The study found nine types of microalgae, particularly diatoms, are most promising for biodiesel production.

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.