Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 39

SwRI models point to a potentially diverse metabolic menu at Enceladus

Scientists at Southwest Research Institute modeled chemical processes in Enceladus' subsurface ocean, indicating the possibility of a diverse microbial community. The study found that oxidant production and oxidation chemistry could contribute to supporting possible life on Enceladus.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Patients don't receive recommended follow-up care after weight loss surgery

A new study found that many weight loss surgery patients in the UK are not receiving annual nutritional monitoring and weight checks as recommended by clinical guidelines. This can lead to serious health consequences, including weight regain and nutrient deficiencies. The study's lead researcher calls for improved support for GPs and p...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateDec 16, 2020

SUTD and MIT scientists first to simulate a large-scale virus, M13

Researchers from SUTD and MIT developed a procedure to link large-scale assembly processes to molecular simulations, allowing them to study the movement and interactions of atoms and molecules. They successfully simulated a large-scale virus, M13, with nanoparticles for fifty nanoseconds, overcoming previous limitations.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 16, 2020

Fishing alters fish behaviour and features in exploited ecosystems

A study by the University of Barcelona reveals that fishing hardens the understanding of how species adapt to their environment, with morphotypes differing in resource use and diet within marine reserves. Marine reservoirs are crucial for understanding original behavior before human intervention.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateDec 16, 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.

Suicide risk among patients with Parkinson disease

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2020

UV exposure, risk of melanoma in skin of color

A review of 13 studies found that individuals with skin of color are at increased risk of developing melanoma due to UV exposure. The study suggests that prolonged UV light exposure is a significant risk factor for melanoma in this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateDec 16, 2020

In pandemic, people are turning to nature - especially women

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people in Vermont reported significant increases in outdoor activity, with women leading the way. Outdoor activities such as watching wildlife, gardening, and walking increased by up to 70%. People also valued nature for its mental health benefits, exercise opportunities, and sense of spirituality.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

Teaching artificial intelligence to adapt

Researchers at the Salk Institute have created a computational model of brain activity that simulates how humans adapt to new situations. The model, which incorporates the concept of 'gating' to control information flow, outperforms previous models and mimics human mistakes seen in patients with prefrontal cortex damage. This breakthro...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Modulating cells' chloride channels

Scientists have discovered how a key protein channel regulates ion transport across cell membranes, with implications for developing treatments for diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, and neurological pain. The research found that the channel's function depends on its variant and is regulated by PIP2 binding and phosphorylation.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultracold atoms reveal a new type of quantum magnetic behavior

Researchers discovered diverse behaviors in ultracold lithium atom spins influenced by magnetic forces. They used lasers to trap and arrange strings of 40 atoms each, inducing helical patterns that disappeared as individual spins approached equilibrium. The findings may help engineer spintronic devices and novel magnetic materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Rethinking health and human rights

Paul Farmer, a renowned global health expert, has been awarded the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture for his groundbreaking work on infectious diseases, social inequality, and human rights. His impactful ideas have reshaped how we think about health and disease, particularly in resource-poor communities.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateDec 16, 2020

New guideline supports behavioral, psychological treatments for insomnia

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published a new clinical practice guideline supporting cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia as the most effective treatment for chronic insomnia disorder. The guideline also recommends multi-component brief therapies and single-component therapies like stimulus control and relaxation ther...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateDec 16, 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.

Graduate student's BADASS code has astronomical benefits

A graduate student developed an open-source code called BADASS, which provides a way to fit stellar motions simultaneously with other components in astronomical spectra. The code is versatile enough to fit not just active galactic nuclei but also normal galaxies, and can be used for any kind of spectroscopy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 16, 2020

Just what the doctor ordered: Mental health and wellness apps

Kaiser Permanente has found that patients are more receptive to using mental health and wellness apps when referred by a clinician. Digital therapeutics such as mental health apps can offer significant help for patients with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateDec 16, 2020

BAT progresses COVID-19 candidate vaccine into Phase I human clinical trials

The COVID-19 vaccine candidate, KBP-COVID-19, has demonstrated potential advantages in production speed and stability at room temperature, which could reduce the time between virus identification and vaccine deployment. The Phase I study will enroll 180 healthy volunteers to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·DateDec 16, 2020
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.

New scientific study: Children falling behind on measles vaccinations

A new scientific study examines vaccine delivery in low- and middle-income nations, finding higher vaccination rates in urban areas than rural communities. The study highlights the need for policymakers to target both urban and remote locations to equitably vaccinate all children.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Giving cells an appetite for viruses

Scientists have identified a key gene necessary for cells to consume and destroy viruses through a process called autophagy. The study found that a gene called sorting nexin 5 (SNX5) plays a critical role in viral autophagy, suggesting that it could be used to develop broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Researchers expose power of enzyme on key immune cells

Two Monash University scientists found that the enzyme DOT1L plays a critical role in controlling T cell differentiation and function. Genetically eliminating DOT1L led to type 1 T cells dominating, which could lead to new treatments for asthma and allergies.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 16, 2020

Nightmares linked with anxiety and insomnia in heart patients

Heart patients experiencing frequent nightmares are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with women more likely to experience persistent bad dreams. The study found strong associations between nightmares, sleep disorders, and psychological problems in heart disease patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing·DateDec 16, 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.

Experimental vaccine can counter dangerous effects of synthetic cannabinoids

Scientists at Scripps Research have developed a vaccine that can deactivate the effects of synthetic cannabinoids in rodents, sequestering drug molecules before they interact with the central nervous system. The approach worked in models simulating smoking and vaping, a common method of use for these drugs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 16, 2020

Crowdfunding can affect consumer product choices -- especially when the products do good

A new study from the UBC Sauder School of Business finds that crowdfunding activates an interdependent mindset in consumers, making them more responsive to social good options. Researchers conducted experiments where participants were offered products with different benefits, including social good and performance benefits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateDec 16, 2020
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.

COVID patterns

A team of researchers has found evidence that UV radiation from sunlight significantly affects COVID-19 transmission. By analyzing daily COVID-19 cases and environmental conditions, they discovered a correlation between UV exposure and the growth rate of new cases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Seismic Hazard Assessment: Campotosto, Italy

Researchers provide a 4D image of an active linkage zone between two major faults, offering insights into fault behavior and implications for seismic hazard assessment. The study highlights the importance of reevaluating 'silent' seismogenic sources in assessing earthquake risk.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateDec 16, 2020

Proenkephalin (penKid®) included in the ADQI consensus statements publication as functional kidney biomarker for the management of AKI patients

The ADQI consensus statement recommends using a combination of damage and functional biomarkers to manage Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Proenkephalin penKid is proposed as a marker for assessing AKI progression and kidney recovery, with CE-IVD marked assay available for point-of-care usage.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 16, 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.

How the spread of the internet is changing migration

A study of over 150 countries links Internet penetration with migration intentions and behaviours, suggesting that digital connectivity plays a key role in shaping migration decisions. The association between Internet use and intention to migrate is stronger among women and those with less education, particularly for economic migrants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·DateDec 16, 2020

Researchers identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder

Researchers analyzed Medicaid databases to identify predictors of timely enrollment in treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid recipients. Prior overdose, alcohol use disorder, and back problems were associated with non-enrollment, while frequent emergency room visits or primary care provider visits were linked to timely enrol...

SourceBrown University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateDec 16, 2020

Secret of Australia's volcanoes revealed

Scientists at University of Sydney discover volcanic activity along Australia's east coast is caused by a special volatile mix of molten rock bubbling up from the younger, thinner crust. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest there could be more volcanic activity in the future.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 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.

Information transport in antiferromagnets via pseudospin-magnons

Scientists from the Technical University of Munich and Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered a way to manipulate pseudospin in antiferromagnetic insulators, enabling the transport and detection of information. This discovery opens up new perspectives for information processing with antiferromagnets.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2020

Potential treatment approach kills lymphoma while sparing healthy cells

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have successfully modified natural killer cells to selectively target and destroy lymphoma cells, a promising breakthrough in cancer treatment. The innovative approach uses glycans, sugar-like molecules that play crucial roles in disease, to steer the cells to malignant B-cells.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 16, 2020

Aging journal fills knowledge gaps on race, mental health

A new special issue of Innovation in Aging explores the psychosocial factors influencing mental health status in racial and ethnic minority populations. The research sheds light on protective factors such as religion and social support, while highlighting risk factors like obesity and stress.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·JournalInnovation in Aging·DateDec 16, 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.

Cancer risk from obesity differs for men and women

A new study found that higher BMI is more dangerous for men than women, while a higher waist-to-hip ratio raises colorectal cancer risk in women. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of this deadly cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMC Medicine·DateDec 16, 2020

New study links cadmium to more severe flu, pneumonia infections

A new study found that high levels of cadmium are associated with higher death rates in patients with influenza or pneumonia. Long-term exposure to cadmium may undermine lung defense systems, making people more susceptible to severe flu-like symptoms and increased mortality.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 16, 2020

Researchers develop new combined process for 3D printing

Chemists at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a combined process for 3D printing that integrates liquids directly into materials. This allows for the creation of pharmaceutical products with active medical agents and monitoring systems in plastic materials.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 16, 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.

Neuroregenerative gene therapy

A research team led by Prof. Gong Chen has developed a novel gene therapy approach to regenerate functional new neurons using local glial cells in the injured spinal cord. This method uses internal glial cells and directly converts them into neurons, offering a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with spinal cord injury.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

Do the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms?

The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

An atlas of S. pneumoniae and host gene expression during colonization and disease

This atlas of S. pneumoniae and host gene expression provides a comprehensive understanding of the pathogen's adaptation to different body locations and the host's response. Certain bacterial genes are highly expressed across all anatomical sites, making them ideal targets for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Babbler bird falls into climate change trap

Researchers found that chestnut-crowned babbler birds adapt to rising temperatures by breeding earlier, but this reduces successful breeding due to cold temperatures. The study suggests these birds fall into an ecological trap, highlighting the need for further research on adaptable parenting.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 16, 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.

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

New theranostic approach reduces tumor volume and increases survival in NET study

Researchers have developed a new theranostic approach using copper radionuclides that improves survival rates and reduces tumor volume in neuroendocrine tumors. The new method produces high-quality PET images and demonstrates improved efficacy when delivered as two fractionated doses.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 16, 2020

Racially biased oxygen readings could be putting patients at risk

A new study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that pulse oximeter readings may be less accurate in Black patients than in White patients, leading to potential mismanagement of treatment. The findings suggest that device makers may need to make changes to ensure accurate readings for all patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 16, 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.

New recipe for antibiotic could prevent deafness

Researchers developed a method to reformulate gentamicin, reducing the risk of irreversible hearing loss. The new formulation, C2b, shows comparable effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2020

Quantum insulators create multilane highways for electrons

Researchers at Penn State have created multilayered quantum anomalous Hall (QAH) insulators, enabling the realization of the QAH effect over a broader range of conditions. This allows for the construction of high-speed electronic highways with minimal energy loss, which could significantly improve information transfer speed.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 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.

COVID-19 cuts into college students' drinking

A new study finds that COVID-19 campus closures led to a significant decrease in the quantity of alcohol consumed by college students, especially those living with parents. Students who moved from living with peers to parents saw a drop in drinking days per week and total drinks consumed.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateDec 16, 2020