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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 39

NUS researchers finds best combination of available therapies against COVID-19

Researchers from NUS utilised a ground-breaking AI platform to derive an optimal combination of available therapies against SARS-CoV-2, resulting in a treatment that was 6.5 times more effective than remdesivir alone. The top-ranked combination included the drugs remdesivir, lopinavir, and ritonavir at specific doses.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalBioengineering & Translational Medicine·DateDec 10, 2020

The psychology of causality

A recent paper by Tadeg Quillien outlines a mathematical model of causal judgment that reproduces people's intuitions better than previous models. The study highlights the role of probability and logical structure in shaping our causal intuition, with implications for problem-solving and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCognition·DateDec 10, 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.

JILA's electric 'knob' tunes chemical reaction rates in quantum gas

JILA scientists use an electric 'knob' to control molecular collisions and raise or lower chemical reaction rates in ultracold gases. The ability to manipulate these reactions enables the design of novel chemicals, new platforms for quantum computers, and precision measurement tools.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020

Study: Teacher performance measures may penalize black educators

A study by George Mason University and UNC-Chapel Hill found that Black teachers in Chicago Public Schools were unfairly penalized for teaching in low-income neighborhoods with disadvantaged students. Once controlling for school and classroom factors, the racial gap in scores disappeared, highlighting the need to adjust teacher perform...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateDec 10, 2020

Hematoxylin as a killer of CALR mutant cancer cells

Scientists discover hematoxylin compounds selectively kill mutated CALR cells, providing hope for new treatment options for primary myelofibrosis patients. The study's results show hematoxylin's ability to disrupt the interaction between mutated CALR and thrombopoietin receptor.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalBlood·DateDec 10, 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.

$6.3 million will help UC Riverside save America's avocado orchards

UC Riverside is receiving $6.3 million to combat the deadly fungus Laurel Wilt and other challenges threatening American avocado production. The university will develop next-generation technologies to manage diseases like Phytophthora root rot and soil salinity, which can severely reduce fruit yield and quality.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateDec 10, 2020

Gamers pave the way for million dollar grant for telescope 'brain' upgrade

A new $1 million Federal Government grant will enable a major upgrade to the Murchison Widefield Array, giving the giant radio telescope greater power to process signals from distant outer space. The upgrade will allow researchers to detect finer frequency and time observations, improving their ability to study the universe.

SourceCurtin University·DateDec 10, 2020

A genetic shortcut to help visualize proteins at work

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF develop large-scale genetic approach to map protein complex structures in live cells. This breakthrough enables the collection of reliable and detailed structural data reflecting how proteins work in their normal environment.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Making cheaper, biocompatible E-skin electrodes

Researchers developed a non-toxic hydrothermal treatment that enhances conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films by 250 times, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 10, 2020

Signs of healthy aging found in ergothioneine telomere study

A recent in vitro study published in Journal of Dietary Supplements found that ergothioneine helped preserve telomere length and reduce oxidative stress. The study suggests that ergothioneine as part of a healthy diet could potentially mitigate the negative effects of oxidative stress and support healthy aging by preserving telomeres.

SourceBlue California·JournalJournal of Dietary Supplements·DateDec 10, 2020

Embryonic development in a petri dish

A team of researchers has successfully grown structures similar to parts of a mouse embryo using a special gel and 3D cell culturing technique. This allows for the investigation of pharmacological agents on a scale that would not be possible in living organisms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Princeton Chem reports role of quantum vibrations in electron transfer

Researchers from Princeton University's Scholes Group discovered quantum vibrations play a crucial role in ultrafast electron transfer reactions. The study uses ultrafast laser spectroscopy to show that vibrations provide channels for the reaction to occur, and an extra vibrational wavepacket appears in the product state.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 10, 2020

Studies reveal potential weaknesses in SARS-CoV-2 infection

A recent study found that transmembrane protein 41 B (TMEM41B) is essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The researchers used CRISPR to inactivate genes in human cells infected with the virus and discovered that TMEM41B was the only molecular feature common to both flaviviruses and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCell·DateDec 10, 2020

Tasmanian devils may survive their own pandemic

Researchers have found that a transmissible cancer affecting Tasmanian devils is shifting from an emerging disease to an endemic one, slowing its spread. The disease appears to be reaching an equilibrium, allowing the population to naturally evolve and possibly resist the cancer.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Why failing hearts love hard workouts

Exercise reduces severity of heart failure, improves heart function, and increases work capacity in rats with heart disease. High-intensity training reverses dysfunctional calcium handling and improves electrical signals in the heart.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·DateDec 10, 2020

From the heart: study shows impact of social media appeals from COVID-19 frontliners

A new study suggests that personal appeals from emergency physicians on social media are more effective in changing public attitudes and behaviors than impersonal messages from federal officials. The simulated online study included over 2,000 participants and found that the personal appeal was associated with increased perceived effect...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateDec 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers create roadmap for eliminating defects in health care value

Researchers estimate sub-optimal behaviors cost the US healthcare system over $1.3 trillion annually, with a focus on eliminating 'defects' in value. The study proposes a framework to reduce costs and improve care value proposition through targeted interventions.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNEJM Catalyst·DateDec 10, 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.

Tiny bubbles on electrodes key to speeding up chemical processes

Researchers have discovered that tiny bubbles on electrodes can facilitate electrochemical reactions, leading to faster pollutant removal and chlorine production. The formation of hydroxide anions in the bubble's corona accelerates these processes, making them more efficient than usual.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2020

Restorative justice preferred among the Enga in Papua New Guinea

In a study of Enga society in Papua New Guinea, restorative justice was found to be the dominant approach, with community members playing a key role in resolving disputes. The village courts prioritize repairing harm and reintegrating wrongdoers into society.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 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.

Survey to characterize marijuana use among cancer patients

A survey is being conducted to characterize marijuana use among cancer patients receiving care at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. The study aims to explore how often patients are using marijuana, why they're using it, and their perceptions of its efficacy in managing symptoms. The findings will provide insight into the prevalence and spec...

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateDec 10, 2020

Computational method provides faster high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging

Researchers at the Beckman Institute created a subspace mass spectrometry imaging approach to accelerate data acquisition without sacrificing quality. This technique can detect biomolecules across a wide range of sizes and has implications for analytical chemistry, clinical studies, and neurochemical research.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry·DateDec 10, 2020

Single-crystal technology holds promise for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have developed a process to grow high-performance single-crystal nickel-rich cathodes, overcoming challenges of polycrystalline materials. The new technology identifies the cause of 'crystal gliding' in batteries, which can lead to microcracks and reduced battery lifespan.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 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.

Beta-blockers display anti-inflammatory effects in advanced liver disease

A recent study published in Gut journal reveals that beta-blocker treatment can reduce systemic inflammation in patients with advanced liver disease, resulting in fewer complications and lower mortality rates. By targeting portal hypertension, beta-blockers may provide a new therapeutic option for patients with cirrhosis.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalGut·DateDec 10, 2020

Kids gain weight when new convenience stores open nearby

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that exposure to small grocery stores with healthier inventories is associated with significant improvements in childhood obesity. In contrast, increased availability of convenience stores selling predominantly unhealthy foods was linked to a higher li...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 10, 2020

How much does the way you speak reveal about you?

Researchers found that listeners can accurately identify regional dialects and racial backgrounds from audio clips of English speakers. The study used 144 unique audio clips to categorize speakers into Midland, New York City, Southern U.S., Asian American, Black/African American, or white groups.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 10, 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.

How seaweed-munching crabs could help save coral reefs

Researchers found that introducing native herbivorous crabs to coral reefs in the Florida Keys led to rapid declines in seaweed cover and returned small corals and fishes. The crabs improve habitat conditions for corals and fishes, providing a new tool for reef restoration.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 10, 2020

The immunomodulatory activity of a drug would improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in breast cancer

A new study suggests that targeting the RANK signaling pathway can enhance antitumor immune responses, making breast cancer more responsive to immunotherapy. The findings come from a clinical trial and preclinical research, demonstrating the potential of this approach to convert 'cold' tumors into 'warm' ones.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 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.

Bio-inspired lanthanide-transition metal cluster for efficient overall water splitting

Researchers from Xiamen University demonstrated a bio-inspired heterometallic cluster that mimics the CaMn4O5 structure of PSII, showing efficient overall water splitting activity without sacrificial reagents. The cluster anchors on phosphorus-doped graphitic carbon nitrides and exhibits high H2 production rates and O2 evolution rates.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 10, 2020

Dartmouth researchers work to reduce child-directed food marketing on educational websites

A new study by Dartmouth researchers calls for stricter regulations on commercial educational websites that expose children to unhealthy food marketing. The team visited popular sites and found ads for sugary cereals and packaged kids' meals, prompting companies like McDonald's and Kellogg to pledge to stop marketing on these platforms.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 10, 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.

Patient death rates higher on surgeons' birthdays

A US study found that patients who undergo surgery on their surgeon's birthday experience higher mortality compared to other days. The researchers suggest that surgeons may be distracted by life events unrelated to work, leading to potential medical errors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 10, 2020

Calibrating kidney function for cancer patients

Researchers developed a new model to predict kidney function in cancer patients, enabling more accurate chemotherapy dosing and minimizing harm. The model takes into account various factors like age, gender, and body mass index, providing clinicians with a valuable tool for guiding treatment decisions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 10, 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.

1300 species, 2400 genes, 21 museums, and 40 years

An international team of scientists has produced the first complete, species-level phylogeny of a major group of tropical birds known as suboscine passerines. The study used genetic markers scattered across the entire genome to describe the evolutionary history and create a framework for further questions about mechanisms that drive sp...

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020

Impacts of COVID-19 emissions reductions remain murky in the oceans

Researchers found no slowing of ocean acidification due to COVID-19 emissions reductions, despite a 9% drop in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the study yields important insights on how to track changes in ocean carbon and puts emissions reductions into perspective as short-term gains.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateDec 10, 2020