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Science News Archive December 2020


Page 39 of 39

Dana-Farber to present more than 40 research studies at 2020 ASH Annual Meeting

Dana-Farber researchers will present findings related to stem cell transplant, lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma treatment, including a study on the benefit of hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Another study explores the impact of clonal hematopoiesis in donors on recip...

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.

American Vacuum Society honors Jefferson Lab accelerator scientist

Marcy Stutzman, a Jefferson Lab staff scientist, has been named a Fellow of the American Vacuum Society for her work on producing ultra-high vacuum environments. She contributes to the smooth operation of the lab's primary particle accelerator by ensuring high-quality equipment and maintaining a contamination-free environment.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New method sees fibers in 3D, uses it to estimate conductivity

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a method to create 3D images of fiber orientation in composite materials, enabling accurate predictions of thermal conductivity. This innovation has far-reaching implications for designing high-performance materials and heat shields.

Global Brain Health Leader Awards to develop dementia-related projects

The Alzheimer's Association, Global Brain Health Institute, and Alzheimer's Society have partnered to fund 23 small-scale pilot projects addressing global challenges in dementia. These projects focus on innovative approaches to awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

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.

Why long-suffering hosts grow a thick skin

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) causes skin thickening due to the production of TGFβ1 by apoptotic keratinocytes stimulated by interferon-γ, according to researchers at the University of Tsukuba.

How to spot winning sperm: examine their racing stripes

Researchers discovered a critical subunit, CatSper1, in winning sperm's racing stripes that helps control mobility and navigation. Sperm with intact channels advance further in the reproductive tract, while those without are eliminated.

Repurposed mouse model sheds light on loss of smell in COVID-19

A repurposed mouse model has been shown to develop symptoms of severe COVID-19 and milder disease, including loss of the sense of smell. The study found that convalescent plasma protected the mice against lethal disease, suggesting a promising tool for understanding COVID-19 and developing new treatments.

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine investigate using UVC light to disinfect CT scanning machines, which can eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in minutes. They also explore the relationship between low Ct values in diagnostic tests and infectiousness.

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.

Targets for avoidable sight loss 'not being met'

A new study found that public health services are failing to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss, with a significant increase in cases despite a decrease in prevalence. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 15 million people, and treatable by surgery.

First report card on biosimilars in oncology

Researchers report factors preventing effective launch of oncology biosimilars, including market share struggles and patent litigation lawsuits. The 'Pay-for-Delay' strategy by AMGEN and Genentech/Roche holds the market hostage.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Molecule that regulates muscle adaptation to exercise is discovered

Researchers identify succinate as a key molecule released by muscle cells during exercise, triggering tissue remodeling and increased strength. The study found that succinate levels rise in muscle fibers and interstitial spaces after exercise, leading to improved metabolic efficiency and enhanced athletic performance.

Army researchers look to reduce rotorcraft noise

Researchers investigated acoustic properties of eVTOL aircraft and found that smaller rotors generate more broadband noise. Co-axial co-rotating rotors may offer better performance and lower noise than conventional rotors, with stacked rotor configurations potentially producing the lowest noise levels.

Engaging family caregivers key to coordinated home health care

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jo-Ana Chase found that family caregivers often struggle with medical and nursing tasks after a hospital-to-home transition. Resources like home health care nurses or aides can serve as a central point-of-contact to improve coordinated care.

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.

How automated vehicles can impede driver performance, and what to do about it

A University of Toronto study found that drivers can become over-reliant on automated vehicle displays, leading to decreased monitoring of the road. In contrast, an in-vehicle display system providing information on surrounding traffic showed promise in ensuring driving safety by keeping drivers engaged and attentive.

Treating brain diseases now possible

A POSTECH research team identified the mechanism behind neurological diseases such as dementia, autism, and schizophrenia. They found that BDNF regulates AMPA receptors, which are crucial for synaptic function in nerve cells. The study provides clues to treating development or degenerative brain diseases like autism and dementia.

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.

Early human landscape modifications discovered in Amazonia

A team of researchers discovered ancient human landscape modifications in Amazonia, revealing a 2,000-year-old civilization that used fire to clear patches and alter the forest composition. The findings contradict previous theories on extensive savannah formations during the current Holocene period.

'Anti-antibiotic' allows for use of antibiotics without driving resistance

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Michigan have developed an inexpensive therapy to prevent antibiotic resistance. The 'anti-antibiotic', cholestyramine, reduces fecal shedding of daptomycin-resistant bacteria by up to 80-fold, providing a potential solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

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.

What will the climate be like when earth's next supercontinent forms?

A new study models the climate on a future supercontinent, predicting significant changes in temperature and habitability. The Amasia scenario, with continents converging around the poles, would lead to colder temperatures and more snowfall, while the Aurica scenario, closer to the equator, would result in warmer temperatures.

How are older adults coping with the mental health effects of COVID-19?

A recent analysis reveals that older adults are more resilient to the pandemic's mental health effects than expected. Key factors include internal resources like stress response, cognitive capacity, and personality traits, as well as external resources like social connections and financial stability.

AI predicts which drug combinations kill cancer cells

A machine learning model developed in Finland can identify best cancer drug combinations to selectively kill specific cancer cells with unique genetic or functional profiles. The AI model accurately predicts how different drug combinations inhibit particular cancer cells, paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.

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.

How the insect got its wings: Scientists (at last!) tell the tale

A team from Marine Biological Laboratory has confirmed that insect wings evolved from leg lobes on an ancestral crustacean. The study used genomic approaches and long-ago scientific papers to settle the controversy, revealing a 300-million-year-old transition to land-dwelling.

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.

Ultrasensitive transistor for herbicide detection in water

A new transistor detects glyphosate in drinking water at 0.26 parts per million, outperforming conventional sensors with a detection limit of 0.95 ppm. The device works by adding copper ions that bind to the herbicide molecules, causing a detectable reduction in electric current.

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.

Retinal transplant boost opens door to treat eyesight loss

Researchers identified two cell signals that can guide stem cells to repair eye damage, increasing their survival and function after transplantation. The study's findings offer a promising approach to restoring eyesight by modifying stem cells with enhanced chemokine receptors.

Tweaking carotenoid genes helps tomatoes bring their a-game

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used gene editing to introduce diversity into tomatoes, improving their nutrition and environmental sustainability. The study found that 10 out of 12 resulting tomato lines contained high levels of carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant properties.

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.