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Science News for December 4, 2020


Inouye Solar Telescope releases first image of a sunspot

The Inouye Solar Telescope has released its first image of a sunspot, revealing striking details of the sunspot's structure. The image achieves a spatial resolution about 2.5 times higher than ever previously achieved, showing magnetic fields as small as 20 kilometers on the surface of the Sun.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalSolar Physics·DateDec 4, 2020

Rochester researchers uncover key clues about the solar system's history

Researchers at the University of Rochester used magnetism to determine when carbonaceous chondrite asteroids arrived in the inner solar system. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of the solar system and the origin of Earth's habitability. The study also offers data for the discovery of new exoplanets.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateDec 4, 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.

Riding in a car in the pandemic: which windows to open?

A University of Massachusetts Amherst physicist found that opening the front window on the right side and the rear window on the left side can create an air current barrier, reducing airborne pathogen transmission in cars. This measure can help lower the pathogen load in confined car spaces.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2020

Radicals seem to be good for the brain

Researchers discover that reactive oxygen molecules control cellular processes important for brain adaptation in mice. Free radicals are necessary for healthy aging and neuroplasticity, contradicting previous harmful views.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 4, 2020

New testing system could become the IoT of photovoltaics

A new system developed by Arizona State University researchers measures solar panel performance in outdoor settings, enabling real-time measurements and detailed diagnostics. The goal is to increase efficiency and lifespans of photovoltaic systems, supporting the development of universally effective solar cells and systems.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Iron deficiency can be managed better

Iron deficiency affects two billion people, causing anaemia and serious health consequences. The new guidance outlines evidence-based approaches to diagnose and manage iron deficiency, leading to improved health outcomes.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 4, 2020

Ionic defect landscape in perovskite solar cells revealed

The study uncovered essential properties of ions in metal halide perovskites, which have a negative effect on the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. The researchers found that all ionic defects meet the Meyer-Neldel rule, revealing fundamental information about ion hopping processes in perovskites.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020

Digital breast tomosynthesis improves invasive cancer detection

A study published in Radiology found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improved cancer detection and reduced false negative rates compared to digital mammography. DBT also showed advantages in imaging women with dense breasts, leading to lower recall rates and more effective cancer screening.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateDec 4, 2020

New CRISPR-based test for COVID-19 uses a smartphone camera

A new CRISPR-based test for COVID-19 can provide accurate results in under 30 minutes using a smartphone camera, enabling faster and more accessible testing. The test measures viral load, helping healthcare professionals estimate the stage of infection and predict recovery.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Hidden structure found in essential metabolic machinery

Researchers have discovered hidden subcompartments within peroxisomes, long thought to be simple granular matrices. These subcompartments may play a crucial role in the metabolism of fatty molecules and could hold key to understanding diseases like obesity and neurodegeneration.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020

Tapping overlooked marketing data to drive business growth

Researchers review factors contributing to disconnect between created and utilized marketing data, highlighting overlooked sources for growth opportunities. The study explores the potential of biometric and social network data to support customer acquisition, relationship development, and retention.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 4, 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.

Reversible stickiness is something to smile about

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a cross-linker for dental cement that breaks down under UV light, making treatments easier to reverse. This breakthrough enables non-permanent adhesion to the tooth surface without damaging enamel.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Gasdermin offers insight into coral necrotic death

Researchers identified coral GSDME as a pyroptosis-inducing protein in reef-building corals, revealing its role in pathogen-induced coral death. Activation of coral GSDME triggers rapid cell swelling and cytoplasmic content release, leading to necrotic tissue damage.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 4, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Biological diversity evokes happiness

A recent study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) has found that living near areas with high biological diversity increases life satisfaction among Europeans. The research, which analyzed data from over 26,000 adults across 26 European countries, discovered that experiencing numerous different bird specie...

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·DateDec 4, 2020

Hubble captures unprecedented fading of Stingray nebula

The Stingray nebula has faded precipitously over the past two decades due to a temperature drop in its central star, SAO 244567. Researchers have observed unprecedented changes in the nebula's structure and brightness, with the oxygen emission dropping by nearly 1,000 times between 1996 and 2016.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 4, 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.

Mimicking the effect of exercise with gene therapy

Researchers at NTNU have used CRISPR to strengthen muscle cells and replicate positive exercise effects in heart-diseased rats. This gene therapy approach holds promise for treating heart disease without the need for daily medication.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2020

Immunity passports: Ethical conflict and opportunity

The use of immunity passports is a topic of debate, as science is unsure about the duration of immunity and potential risks of reinfection. Experts argue that immunity passports could limit fundamental rights, such as freedom of movement, but also propose respecting the right to move freely for those who cannot spread COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·DateDec 4, 2020

LSU Health conducts first study on neighborhood deprivation and COVID in Louisiana

A new study by LSU Health found that neighborhoods with higher levels of deprivation have a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 cases. The researchers used the Area Deprivation Index to examine the relationship between neighborhood poverty, education, and housing conditions on COVID-19 transmission.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 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.

New CCNY-developed resource measures severity of work-related depression

The Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI) is a new tool measuring work-attributed depressive symptoms. Researchers found that 7.6% of participants met criteria for job-ascribed depression, highlighting the need for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research·DateDec 4, 2020

Using a video game to understand the origin of emotions

A team from UNIGE used a specially developed video game to investigate the emergence of emotions, confirming that brain components respond in parallel distributed throughout the brain. The results show transient synchronisation generating an emotional state, involving areas like the somatosensory and motor pathways.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2020

Unlocking the secrets of chemical bonding with machine learning

A new machine learning approach offers important insights into catalysis by providing a tool to design efficient catalytic processes. The Bayeschem model explains how catalysts interact with different intermediates and determines the optimal bond strengths.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020

Researchers urge priority vaccination for individuals with diabetes

Researchers found COVID-19 infected individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to have severe illness or require hospitalization compared to those without diabetes. The study urges policymakers to prioritize these individuals for COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateDec 4, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

The heavier, the better -- superior stability in isotope functionalized perovskites

Research team led by HPSTAR discovered that isotope effect can significantly suppress lattice distortion in hybrid perovskites, leading to enhanced photoluminescence and structural robustness. This breakthrough suggests a new path for designing more stable photovoltaic materials with superior performance.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 4, 2020

Kidney injury in diabetic ketoacidosis linked to brain injury

A large prospective study found a link between kidney injuries and cognitive impairment in children with diabetic ketoacidosis. The study suggests that the presence of acute kidney injury is associated with lower IQ scores and subtle cognitive impairment.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2020

Grant boosts Louisiana children's access to clinical trials

A $2.1 million federal grant will enhance clinical trial access in five areas, including care before birth and obesity, with the goal of improving health outcomes for all Louisiana children and potentially slowing or preventing chronic diseases like asthma.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateDec 4, 2020

NIH researchers link cases of ALS and FTD to a Huntington's disease-associated mutation

Researchers have discovered a genetic connection between frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with the same huntingtin mutation associated with Huntington's disease. The study opens up possibilities for gene therapy targeting this mutation, which could lead to personalized medicine.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNeuron·DateDec 4, 2020

Mailman School experts contribute to new Lancet report on health and climate change

The Lancet Global Countdown on Health and Climate Change highlights the devastating impact of climate change on human health, with key trends worsening unless urgent action is taken. Experts from institutions worldwide, including Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, contribute to the report's findings.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 4, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers discover new particle in the blood of septic patients

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have found elongated neutrophil-derived structures (ENDS) in the blood of septic patients, which break off from immune cells and change shape as they course through the body. ENDS are 100-fold more detectable in sepsis patients than healthy individuals.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 4, 2020

Characterising complex flows in 2D bubble swarms

In 2D simulations, researchers found that the pseudo-turbulence relationship changes within larger-scale flows in less viscous fluids. The team discovered an inverse energy cascade and a different mathematical relationship between flow energy and frequency.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 4, 2020

Detecting solar neutrinos with the Borexino experiment

The Borexino experiment has successfully detected low-energy neutrinos from the Sun's carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle, a process that produces about 1% of the Sun's energy output. This detection provides valuable insights into the CNO cycle and its role in the energy production of stars, including our own Sun.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Donor stem cell transplant shown to improve survival in older patients with MDS

A new clinical trial has found that donor stem cell transplantation nearly doubles the survival rate of older patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aged 50-75. The study suggests that transplant should be considered for all eligible patients, ideally referred early to increase chances of finding a suitable donor.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 4, 2020

Gestational age linked to ADHD in children with Down syndrome

A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute finds a connection between gestational age and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with Down syndrome. Earlier gestational age was linked to increased ADHD symptoms later in childhood.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

The climate changed rapidly alongside sea ice decline in the north

Scientists have shown that abrupt climate change in the past was closely linked to rapid sea ice decline. The study documents how sudden warming of the climate occurred when sea ice cover changed from year-round to seasonal ice cover in Nordic seas.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2020

The Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of having another heart attack

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet improved endothelial function and reduced damage to the arteries in patients with coronary heart disease. The diet, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, was shown to reduce the risk of another heart attack by half.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 4, 2020

Baby's first breath triggers life-saving changes in the brain

A team of researchers has discovered a signaling system within the brainstem that activates almost immediately at birth to support early breathing. This finding may offer important insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other breathing problems.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2020

New study debunks blood type diet

A randomized control trial of 16 weeks showed that a low-fat, plant-based diet increased metabolism and reduced body weight in overweight participants regardless of their ABO blood type. The study found no association between blood type and the effects of the diet on body fat, plasma lipids, or glycemic control.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Green energy transition: Early and steady wins the race

Researchers from Aarhus University modelled decarbonisation of the European energy system using high-resolution data. Solar energy emerges as a cost-optimised cornerstone for a fully decarbonised energy system by 2050.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2020

Crystals may help reveal hidden Kilauea Volcano behavior

By analyzing crystal orientations from a 1959 Kilauea eruption, researchers inferred magma flow patterns prior to eruption, shedding light on past and potential future eruptions. The study's findings offer new insights into conduit dynamics, aiding in hazard prediction and monitoring.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2020

Pediatric ER saw steep drop in asthma visits during spring COVID-19 lockdown

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found a significant decrease in pediatric asthma-related emergency department visits during the spring 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The rate of ED visits dropped by 80% compared to previous years, indicating improved symptom control and reduced exacerbations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 4, 2020

Optimising laser-driven electron acceleration

Scientists study how tuning aspects of a powerful laser beam can affect the acceleration of electrons, finding that optimal values of laser beam waist increase maximum acceleration. They observe significant energy gains in full and half-pulse interactions, reaching up to 1 GeV.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

Researchers adapt cell phone camera for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Researchers developed an assay that detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using a smartphone camera, providing quick results within 30 minutes. The test utilizes CRISPR-Cas technology, eliminating the need for amplification and enabling precise quantification of virus amounts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic responsible for decrease in hepatitis C testing

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 50% decrease in hospital-wide Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and a 60% reduction in new HCV diagnoses, according to new research. Telemedicine's impact on preventive care, including HCV screening, was a significant contributing factor.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateDec 4, 2020

Protein storytelling to address the pandemic

Researchers have developed new computational tools to speed up molecular dynamics simulations, enabling novel studies on protein behavior. The tools are being used to predict the 3D shape of unknown proteins in COVID-19 viruses, which could lead to new drug developments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2020
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.

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.

PTSD with depression may significantly increase risk of early death in women

A large long-term study found that women with PTSD and depression have an almost fourfold greater risk of early death from various causes than women without trauma exposure or depression. The study suggests that other factors, such as stress hormones, may account for the higher risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2020