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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 39

Coral can acquire their symbiotic algae from giant clam poop!

Researchers have discovered that corals can acquire their symbiotic algae from the fecal pellets of giant clams. This finding suggests a novel route for the transportation of Symbiodiniaceae to corals, which could have significant implications for our understanding of coral-algae interactions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

A pair of lonely planet-like objects born like stars

Researchers have discovered a binary system of brown dwarfs, orbiting each other at an unprecedented distance, with one object being similar in mass to Jupiter and the other about 8 times less massive. This rare find suggests that star formation processes can create binary systems like those found in our solar system on smaller scales.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·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 to stop infections caused by carbapenemase-producing bacteria

A preclinical study by researchers from the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville found that a combination of imipenem and meropenem may be effective in treating infections caused by carbapenemase-producing A. baumannii. The study showed promise for treating severe infections, including pneumonia and bacteremias.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateDec 16, 2020

Driving force behind cellular 'protein factories' identified

Tiny components within cells, such as lysosomes, drive the movement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a key organelle responsible for protein production. This discovery has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group may perform better in school

A new longitudinal study published in Child Development found that African American youth who receive positive messages about their racial group in school achieve better grades one to two years later. The study suggests that a positive sense of community and interdependence is key to success for these students.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateDec 16, 2020

Molecules derived from omega-3 can regenerate inflamed periodontal tissue

A recent study by Brazilian researcher Emmanuel Albuquerque de Souza shows that maresin and resolvin produced from omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate periodontal ligament stem cells even in the presence of inflammation. This finding has significant implications for regenerative therapy in treating periodontal disease.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·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.

JILA's bigger and better 'tweezer clock' is super stable

Researchers have successfully boosted the signal power of their atomic 'tweezer clock', measuring its performance for the first time. The upgraded clock platform achieved record-breaking quantum coherence, with individual atoms vibrating in unison for over 30 seconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

Carbon capture's next top model

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh analyzed over 150 studies on hollow fiber membrane contactors, a leading carbon capture technology. They found that 3D models can reveal unique information about the technology, accelerating progress towards commercial use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMembranes·DateDec 16, 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.

Can mammogram screening be more effective?

A new study by MIT scholars suggests that mammogram screening may be more effective for targeted testing, rather than age-based recommendations. Women who start getting mammograms at age 40 are found to be healthier and less likely to have cancer, making targeting higher-risk groups a potential solution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·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.

New viral detection technique uses smartphone camera to diagnose various infections

Scientists developed a novel smartphone-based technique to diagnose viral infections using a deep learning algorithm that identifies viruses in metal nanoparticle-labeled samples with 98.97% sensitivity. The system correctly identified clinically relevant concentrations of Zika, hepatitis B and C in patient samples.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

Root bacteria could help defeat fatal citrus disease

A $10 million project led by University of California - Riverside is investigating tiny underground microorganisms for a cure to fatal citrus disease. The research team will test whether soil amendments can suppress parasitic microorganisms and give trees more strength to combat diseases like HLB.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 16, 2020

Patients with COVID-19 and obesity have poor outcomes not driven by inflammation

A new study suggests that COVID-19 patients with obesity have poor outcomes, but this is not due to increased inflammation. Instead, respiratory issues and other factors may play a role. The researchers found that patients with obesity had lower inflammatory markers on hospital days, which could contribute to their poor clinical outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 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.

Neutralizing antibodies protect against severe COVID-19

Scientists at the Ragon Institute found that neutralizing antibody potency is significantly reduced in patients with severe or fatal COVID-19 compared to those with milder infections. The study suggests measuring antibody potency could predict patient outcomes and guide treatment options.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2020

Low-intensity exercise during adolescence may prevent schizophrenia

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that low-intensity exercise during adolescence can significantly reduce abnormal behaviors in a mouse model of schizophrenia. The study suggests that mild exercise habits during development could have a powerful preventative effect in individuals genetically predisposed to schizophrenia.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·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.

Cells resistant to treatment already present before diagnosis of adult leukaemia

Researchers discovered that cancer cells resistant to adult leukemia treatment are already present in tumors before diagnosis, according to a new study published by IRB Barcelona. The study analyzed genome sequencing data from 19 adult patients and found that these resistant cells were undetectable at the time of diagnosis.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 16, 2020

When dinosaurs disappeared, forests thrived

Plant communities shifted towards more terrestrial plants and trees, despite dramatic climate changes. Researchers found that rainfall patterns remained relatively minor and short-lived during the mass extinction event.

SourceMcGill University·DateDec 16, 2020

Invention may get Army quadcopters to move faster

Researchers have invented a hinge that allows large Army quadrotors to climb higher in seconds, improving agility and control authority. The innovation reduces thrust response time by 30%, enabling quadtors to reach the rooftop of a two-story building in as little as two seconds.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 16, 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.

How a very "sociable" protein can hold clues about Alzheimer's origin

Researchers found that the ECSIT protein regulates the behavior of proteins linked to energy activity in mitochondria, which are affected in Alzheimer's disease. The team also discovered a link between mitochondrial dysfunction, amyloid accumulation, and early disease symptoms.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 16, 2020

Successful pilot integrates PrEP and syringe exchange services

A new study from Drexel University demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with syringe exchange services for women who inject drugs. The pilot program resulted in high PrEP adoption rates and improved HIV prevention outcomes, highlighting the potential for co-located services to address health dis...

SourceDrexel University·DateDec 16, 2020
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.

Unique prediction of 'modified gravity' challenges dark matter

A team of international scientists detected an external field effect in over 150 galaxies, challenging the dark matter hypothesis and supporting modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). The findings suggest that MOND's gravity at low accelerations is stronger than predicted by Newtonian understanding.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateDec 16, 2020

Pandemic fears driving firearm purchases

A Rutgers study found that people intending to acquire a firearm in the next 12 months are less tolerant of uncertainty and experience more severe COVID-19 specific fears. Essential workers and those who have worked in law enforcement are more likely to consider purchasing firearms as a means of safety during uncertain times.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·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.

Training methods based on punishment compromise dog welfare

Dogs trained with aversive methods showed increased cortisol levels and stress-related behaviors compared to those trained with reward-based methods. The study suggests that aversive training techniques may have a negative impact on dog welfare, especially when used at high frequency.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

The Lancet Global Health: Pregnant women excluded from three-quarters of COVID-19 treatment trials

A review of international trial registry data reveals that pregnant women are routinely excluded from most clinical treatment trials for COVID-19, despite being at increased risk of severe illness. The authors argue that this exclusion poses a significant risk to the potential effectiveness and safety of treatments for pregnant women.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 16, 2020

Energy transition at the crossroads: New topical issue inRussian Journal of Economics

The Russian Journal of Economics' new issue explores the complexities of energy transition amid global crises, including health, economic, environmental, political, and humanitarian crises. Researchers examine emerging trends in global energy markets, renewable energy sources, and geopolitical implications of energy policy changes.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalRussian Journal of Economics·DateDec 16, 2020

The human helpers of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin discovered numerous variants of human helper proteins influencing the amount or function of viruses. The study reveals potential target structures for new drugs and helps understand risk factors for severe COVID-19 courses.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·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.

Female language style promotes visibility and influence online

A female-typical language style is associated with higher impact and more views in TED Talks, contradicting traditional gender stereotypes. The study found that female-typical language was connected to positive ratings like "beautiful" and "courageous," while male-typical language evoked ratings like "fascinating" and "informative."

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2020

Pandemic has severely disrupted sleep, increasing stress and medication use

A new study from the University of Ottawa found that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected sleep habits in half of surveyed Canadians, leading to increased stress and anxiety. The study highlights the need for accessible interventions to address sleep problems during this unprecedented time.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 16, 2020

Most-distant galaxy helps elucidate the early universe

Researchers confirm the distance of the most-distant galaxy GN-z11 to 13.4 billion light-years, improving understanding of star and galaxy formation in the early universe. The discovery also reveals an ultraviolet flash associated with a gamma-ray burst, providing insights into cosmic reionization.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateDec 16, 2020

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to justice system contact

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found a strong association between adverse childhood experiences and juvenile justice system contact. The researchers analyzed data from eleven studies and found that higher ACE scores were associated with increased risk of connection to the juvenile justice system.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateDec 16, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

New type of atomic clock keeps time even more precisely

Researchers at MIT have designed an atomic clock that measures the vibrations of entangled atoms, achieving four times faster precision than current state-of-the-art clocks. This breakthrough enables scientists to detect phenomena like dark matter and gravitational waves, while also shedding light on gravity's impact on time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020

All-cause excess mortality, COVID-19-related mortality among us adults

A study analyzing publicly available data found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in all-cause excess mortality and COVID-19-related mortality among US adults aged 25-44. The researchers estimated that approximately 1.9 million deaths occurred due to COVID-19, with the majority being among younger adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 16, 2020

RNA molecules are masters of their own destiny

RNA molecules have been found to play a key role in regulating their own production through feedback loops. This discovery provides insight into the complex process of transcription, where proteins and DNA interact to create messenger RNA molecules. The research suggests that low levels of RNA encourage droplet formation, while high le...

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·DateDec 16, 2020

Atmospheric pollution and COVID-19 spread in Italy

A study found a moderate-to-strong correlation between atmospheric pollutants and COVID-19 incidence rates in Italian territories. PM10 and PM2.5 showed higher correlations than NO2, suggesting these pollutants may contribute to pandemic diffusion.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateDec 16, 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.

Towards circular economy: European manufacturers tend not to report on their actions

A recent study by Kaunas University of Technology found that large European manufacturing companies prioritize environmental impact reports over circular economy principles. The researchers analyzed 226 companies' GRI reports and discovered a lack of disclosure on product lifecycle extension, material reuse, and recycling technologies.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateDec 16, 2020

New in theHastings Center Report, November-December 2020

The article suggests reversing the FDA's default assumption of prescription-only status for new drugs to prioritize patient autonomy. This approach could lead to over-the-counter availability of various drug products, including oral contraceptives and statins.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·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.

Researchers identify neurons that control nausea-like responses in mice

A new study has identified and characterized neurons that regulate nausea-like responses in mice, shedding light on the sensation of nausea. The findings reveal a division of labor between area postrema neurons, with different neuron types responsible for detecting and raising the alarm for various substances.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateDec 16, 2020

How much greenhouse gas emission comes from tropical deforestation and peatland loss?

Studies in Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru found that forest conversion to agriculture and degradation slows carbon and nitrogen cycles, affecting greenhouse gas flows. Methane removals decreased by up to 47% and nitrous oxide emissions dropped by 52%, but results are equivocal for peatland degradation.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalEcosphere·DateDec 16, 2020

New use for an old drug: How does ketamine combat depression?

Researchers found that ketamine works by targeting specific brain proteins involved in memory formation, specifically 4E-BPs. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating major depressive disorder, particularly for patients resistant to standard antidepressants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateDec 16, 2020