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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 39

NASA finds what a glacier's slope reveals about Greenland Ice Sheet thinning

Scientists analyzed 141 outlet glaciers on the Greenland Ice Sheet to predict how far thinning may spread along their flow lines. Glaciers flowing over gentle slopes could have a greater impact on sea-level rise due to their ability to let thinning expand hundreds of kilometers inland.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 18, 2020

COVID-19 social distancing efforts: implications for cancer control

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected cancer treatment outcomes, with social distancing efforts potentially leading to better or worse results for patients. The study explores the implications of these measures on health behaviors and their consequences for cancer control.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 17, 2020

Antifungal drug improves key cystic fibrosis biomarkers in clinical study

A clinical study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that an antifungal drug improved key biomarkers in lung tissue cultures and nasal cells of patients with cystic fibrosis. The study suggests that the drug could benefit all patients, regardless of their mutation, offering a new approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·DateDec 17, 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.

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.

Health of fathers-to-be is linked to risk of pregnancy loss

A retrospective study of nearly a million pregnancies in the US found that men with metabolic syndrome had an increased risk of pregnancy loss, with risks increasing by 10-27% for each component. The study suggests that pre-conception counselling should not overlook the father's health as it may impact the pregnancy.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 17, 2020

New discovery opens novel pathway for high-titer production of drop-in biofuels

Engineers from Aarhus University and MIT have enabled the biological synthesis of high-yield industry-relevant production of climate-neutral drop-in fuels from biowaste using an unusual light-dependent enzyme. The discovery proves that fatty acyl-CoA is the preferred reactant for the enzyme, leading to a 89% conversion rate into alkanes.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2020

Coronavirus spread during dental procedures could be reduced with slower drill rotation

Researchers at Imperial College London and King's College London suggest that dentists avoid using drills with air and water mixtures and carefully select drill rotation speeds to reduce aerosol generation. This approach can produce 60 times fewer aerosol droplets, allowing for safer dental procedures and increased patient access

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 17, 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.

Research strongly suggests COVID-19 virus enters the brain

A study published in Nature Neuroscience found that SARS-CoV-2's spike protein can cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting the virus can enter the brain. This could explain many COVID-19 complications, including cognitive effects like brain fog and fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2020

US needs clear vaccine distribution strategy to defeat coronavirus

A national vaccine strategy is crucial to defeating COVID-19, according to Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The school recommends setting realistic expectations on vaccine effectiveness and promoting universal health coverage for vulnerable populations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Physics breakthrough of the year

Researchers at the University of Jena have developed a light-emitting silicon alloy, paving the way for silicon lasers that could revolutionize optical data processing. The alloy's unique crystal structure enhances the probability of efficient photon emission.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateDec 17, 2020

Squirrels need good neighbours

A study on North American red squirrels found that keeping the same neighbors boosts survival rates and breeding success, even for solitary species. Familiarity with neighbors reduces aggression and increases territory defense efficiency, benefiting overall fitness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2020

COVID-19-associated ocular neuropathy with panuveitis

A case of COVID-19 is reported to cause severe ocular neuropathy and panuveitis, a rare inflammatory condition affecting the uvea and retina. The condition was diagnosed in a 55-year-old male patient, who experienced sudden vision loss and pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 17, 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.

COVID-19 as leading cause of death in US

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, COVID-19 has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in the US. This finding highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 on public health in the country.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 17, 2020

Study: the pandemic's impact on lung cancer

A recent study by University of Cincinnati Cancer Center researchers shows that the pandemic had a negative impact on both preventive screening and patient outcomes for lung cancer. The team found that total monthly CT scans and new patient scans significantly decreased during the COVID-19 period, leading to increased proportion of sus...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 17, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Why do we assume pandemics result in devastation?

A new study reveals that early doctors and scholars exaggerated historical plague outbreaks, transforming them into a massive event with catastrophic consequences. This fictional narrative has distorted our expectations of pandemics today.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateDec 17, 2020

New toolkit aims to improve quality of thrombosis data in COVID-19 trials

A new toolkit aims to harmonize data collection of blood clotting events associated with COVID-19, enabling better comparison of findings across trials. The toolkit provides a customizable set of variables to collect high-quality data on thrombosis-related endpoints, standardizing definitions and measurement tools.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateDec 17, 2020

Enhancing machine-learning capabilities in oil and gas production

Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an advanced evaluation system that can interpret reservoir conditions in real-time using physics-enhanced machine-learning algorithms. This system will enable oil and gas operators to make data-driven decisions quickly, maximizing production in areas with positive responses to fracturi...

SourceTexas A&M University·DateDec 17, 2020

Cataract surgery in infancy increases glaucoma risk

Children who undergo cataract surgery as infants have a 22% risk of developing glaucoma by age 10. Lifelong monitoring is crucial to preventing vision loss due to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateDec 17, 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 brain pattern that could improve mental health disorder diagnosis

A unique brain pattern that shifts tryptophan metabolism from serotonin production to neurotoxicity has been identified in individuals with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. This finding holds promise for developing new diagnostic tests and targeted treatments for these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 17, 2020

Childhood intervention can prevent 'deaths of despair'

A new study from Duke University finds that an intensive childhood intervention program called Fast Track can help prevent deaths from suicide, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related liver disease. The program reduced rates of suicidal ideation, hazardous drinking, and opioid use in young adults.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 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.

HSE researchers use neural networks to study DNA

Researchers have proposed a new approach using neural networks and omics data to predict Z-DNA regions in the human genome. DeepZ, a recurrent neural network, achieved higher accuracy than existing algorithms, allowing for the mapping of potential Z-DNA sites across the entire genome.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2020

UBCO research takes the chill off icy build-up on planes and wind turbines

A UBCO research team has developed advanced ice sensors that can detect frost and ice build-up in real-time, enabling improved safety and efficiency in aviation and renewable energy applications. The patented sensor is being tested by the aviation industry for approval and also being adapted for use in wind farms.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 17, 2020

A shock to the PPE system

A team of researchers at the University of Tokyo has developed a method to recharge sterilized N95 masks by exposing them to high-voltage electricity, regaining their static charge and filtering ability. This innovative technique could help meet the huge demand for protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalSoft Matter·DateDec 17, 2020

Seeking to avoid 'full lockdown,' cells monitor ribosome collisions

Cells use ribosomes as sensors to alert them about changes in their environment, triggering quality control responses to resolve collisions. When many ribosomes collide, cells shut down the entire translation system to prevent premature activation of the integrated stress response.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 17, 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.

Tiny quantum computer solves real optimisation problem

Researchers at Chalmers University successfully execute QAOA algorithm on 2-qubit quantum computer to solve aircraft route assignment problem, demonstrating potential for practical applications. The algorithm's scalability suggests it could handle larger problems, paving the way for a useful quantum computer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateDec 17, 2020

Machine learning boosts the search for 'superhard' materials

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that predicts the hardness of new materials based on their chemical composition, finding over 10 promising borocarbide phases. The model's accuracy surpasses classical methods, enabling scientists to more efficiently discover suitable compounds for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 2020

New Canada research chairs foster outstanding research at uOttawa

The University of Ottawa has earned 10 Canada Research Chairs covering various subjects, including stress impacts on brain functions, Indigenous traditional cultural memories, and emerging computing technologies. The chairs will support innovative research approaches to advance knowledge and solve global challenges.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

Satellite tracking supports whale survival

A study by Flinders University has tracked the movements of 13 pygmy blue whales along Southern Australia's foraging grounds and migratory routes. The research provided new insights into the ecological data, highlighting the importance of upwelling centers in mitigating human activities' impacts on the species.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 17, 2020

Weddell sea: Whale song reveals behavioral patterns

Research from the Alfred Wegener Institute reveals that Antarctic minke whales prefer to live in regions covered with sea ice, while humpback whales avoid them. The findings provide essential information for successful marine protection in the Antarctic and highlight the importance of long-term acoustic observations.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 17, 2020

Researcher boosts vegetable oil production in plant leaves

A University of Missouri researcher has found a way to increase triacylglycerol production in plant leaves using CRISPR gene editing, which could lead to greater and cheaper vegetable oil production. This breakthrough technique enables the harvesting of oil from large, leafy plants with multiple uses, such as sorghum.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 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.

Taking greenhouse gas analysis on the road, er, rails

A new study uses mobile air quality sensors on light rail trains to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley. The system provides a highly cost-effective way to cover larger areas and fill gaps in emissions estimates, with results comparable to stationary sensors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 17, 2020

Crops near Chernobyl still contaminated

A new study finds that crops grown near Chernobyl's exclusion zone continue to be contaminated with radioactive isotopes, including strontium 90 and caesium 137. The contamination poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 17, 2020

Public cameras provide valuable insights on pandemic, consumers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a system to analyze real-time visual data from millions of network cameras, providing insights into consumer behavior, economic impacts and misinformation in news media. The technology may help reduce false information and validate facts, enabling safer journalism.

SourcePurdue University·DateDec 17, 2020

Drinking water significant source of microplastics in human diet

Research studies have detected microplastics in drinking water globally, particularly in California and New York. These findings highlight the urgent need for standardization of methods to analyze microplastics and implementation of regulations to mitigate their impact on human health.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·DateDec 17, 2020
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.

New production technology for heavy goods vehicles

Researchers at KIT have developed new production technology to manufacture fuel cells for heavy goods vehicles, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% by 2030. The technology aims to accelerate production and reduce costs, making fuel cell energy a viable option for commercial vehicles.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateDec 17, 2020

Greenland 'knickpoints' could stall spread of glacial thinning

Research reveals Greenland outlet glaciers are halted by knickpoints, stabilizing areas that prevent coastal thinning from reaching inland. However, vulnerable northwest Greenland glaciers could contribute to sea level rise in the next 100 years due to flat bedrock.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 17, 2020

Can white dwarfs help solve the cosmological lithium problem?

Researchers have identified and measured lithium in white dwarfs for the first time, providing clues to tracking the element's galactic evolution. The discovery sheds light on the cosmological lithium problem, a discrepancy between predicted and actual lithium levels in sun-like stars.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

Errant DNA boosts immunotherapy effectiveness

Studies found that DNA leakage from cell nuclei triggers an immune response in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to immunotherapy. Delivering radiation before immunotherapy may be an effective way to fight challenging-to-treat cancers.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 17, 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.