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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 24


Page 24 of 39

Predicting British railway delays using artificial intelligence

A recent study used real British Railway data and an artificial intelligence model to improve the ability to predict delays in railway networks. The Spatial-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network model outperformed other statistical models for forecasting delays up to 60 minutes in the future.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateDec 10, 2020

AAV capsid-promoter interactions in the non-human primate brain

Researchers have discovered AAV capsid-promoter interactions in the non-human primate brain, which dictate cell-specific transgene expression. This finding has profound implications for vector design in gene therapy, challenging the traditional concept of the AAV capsid as a delivery truck.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·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.

Blocking protein restores strength, endurance in old mice, Stanford study finds

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that blocking a single protein restores mass and strength to withered muscles in old mice. The protein, 15-PGDH, is elevated in old muscle and its inhibition leads to improved prostaglandin E2 levels, resulting in muscle fiber growth and increased mitochondrial density.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2020

Quality suffers for audit offices that emphasize non-audit services, study shows

A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that audit offices that emphasize non-audit services tend to compromise on audit quality. The researchers examined financial statement restatement rates for clients of audit offices between 2005 and 2015, and discovered a significant reduction in audit quality when an office receiv...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateDec 10, 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.

Jin Kim Montclare named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Jin Kim Montclare, a professor at NYU Tandon, has been named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for her groundbreaking research on engineered proteins. Her work has led to breakthroughs in removing pesticides from crops and developing novel protein-based delivery systems for cancer treatment.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateDec 9, 2020

The ethics of human challenge trials

Researchers and ethicists debate the risks and benefits of human challenge trials, which involve deliberately exposing healthy volunteers to coronavirus to test vaccine effectiveness. Despite potential risks, the expert argues that the massive benefits outweigh the concerns, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Medicine and Philosophy A Forum for Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine·DateDec 9, 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.

Variation by states in heart transplant outcomes

A study using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database found variation in heart transplant outcomes across US states between 2011 and 2016. The results showed that some states experienced significant improvements in survival rates, while others continued to struggle with poorer outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 9, 2020

Nursing homes may misinterpret mental changes, falls as infection

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America has updated clinical recommendations on evaluating symptoms to diagnose infections in nursing home residents. The guidance emphasizes that subtle non-specific signs and symptoms should not automatically prompt a work-up for infection.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateDec 9, 2020

A balancing act: Improved water treatment technique using 'energy matching'

Researchers in Japan and China develop a novel system for treating saline water using direct solar steam generation, achieving higher evaporation rates and conversion efficiencies than existing methods. The 'energy matching' strategy balances input and required energy to optimize performance.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSolar RRL·DateDec 9, 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.

An eventful year in pharma

The pharmaceutical industry made significant strides in 2020, developing tests, therapeutics, and vaccines to combat COVID-19. Companies like Eli Lilly and Regeneron led the way in making antibody therapies, while Moderna used messenger RNA to develop a potential vaccine with promising early trial data.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateDec 9, 2020

UTSA Institute for Economic Development to host Texas Retail Academy

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development is hosting the Texas Retail Academy to educate city leaders on retail and business recruitment, real estate, and small business support. Six communities in Texas have been selected to participate in the program, which aims to boost retail and small business growth.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateDec 9, 2020

New study helps pinpoint when earth's plate subduction began

A new study from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and the University of Chicago sheds light on the hotly contested debate of when plate subduction began. The research suggests that this process started around 3.75 billion years ago, reshaping Earth's surface and setting the stage for life.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2020

Hydrogels with fine-toothed molecular combs may make enduring glucose-monitoring implants

Researchers at Texas A&M University have designed a hydrogel membrane with fine-toothed molecular combs that can prevent leakage of small molecules while allowing glucose to freely diffuse in and out. The membrane, made from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), could be used to form biosensors for monitoring sugar levels in diabetics.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateDec 9, 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.

Uniquely human gene may drive numerous cancers

Researchers discovered that a high proportion of advanced carcinomas carry a mutant form of the Siglec-XII protein, which is rarely expressed in normal humans. This finding may explain why humans are more prone to aggressive cancers compared to chimpanzees.

SourceWiley·JournalFASEB BioAdvances·DateDec 9, 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.

Nature s contributions to people found to be in decline

Declining biodiversity is putting nature's contributions to people at risk, impacting crop yields and soil productivity. The degradation of environmental conditions also increases exposure to floods and storms, affecting human well-being and prosperity.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2020

Under wraps: X-rays reveal 1,900-year-old mummy's secrets

Researchers used X-ray beams to examine a 1,900-year-old mummy, revealing details about the child's body and burial artifacts. The examination confirmed the presence of a sacred calcite amulet and provided insights into the preservation process used by ancient Egyptians.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 9, 2020

Silky sharks find hope in Atlantic, remain targets in Indo-Pacific

A new study reveals that conservation efforts are making an impact on silky sharks, with 99.8% of fins from Hong Kong and China originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and better implementation of CITES regulations to combat illegal shark fin trade.

SourceFlorida International University·JournalConservation Letters·DateDec 9, 2020

Study connects diabetes, air pollution to interstitial lung disease

Research reveals a direct relationship between insulin resistance and severe lung inflammation and scarring in people with pre-diabetes or diabetes. High ozone exposure may exacerbate pulmonary fibrosis, particularly in individuals with poorly controlled diabetes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 9, 2020

Dynamics in the root zone

A team of scientists analyzed processes in the root zone to determine nitrogen fate. They found nearly 75% of Europe's agricultural land vulnerable to nitrate leaching during critical months. This study provides more precise information for risk management and adjusting fertiliser regimes.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 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.

Four ERC Consolidator Grants for KU Leuven researchers

KU Leuven researchers Christine Desmedt, Tias Guns, Simon Kuhn, and Lukas Van Oudenhove have been awarded ERC Consolidator Grants. Their projects focus on breast cancer, optimisation software, reactors for sustainable chemical industry, and the impact of gut bacteria on emotions.

SourceKU Leuven·DateDec 9, 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.

Gene therapy injection in one eye surprises scientists by improving vision in both

In a groundbreaking study, gene therapy injection in one eye significantly improved vision in both eyes, with 78% of patients experiencing significant visual improvement. The treatment has shown promise in treating Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), a blinding condition affecting approximately 1 in 30,000 people.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 9, 2020

A better kind of cybersecurity strategy

A new paper suggests that traditional deterrence strategies in cybersecurity can lead to escalation and counterproductive responses. The authors propose a more judicious approach involving selective retaliation based on improved detection and information gathering.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateDec 9, 2020

The NIH Office of Research on Women's Health 30th Anniversary Virtual Meeting Series

The NIH Office of Research on Women's Health is hosting a three-day virtual meeting series to celebrate its 30th anniversary, featuring events on sex and gender in health and disease, biomedical careers, and the advancement of women in research. The series includes keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a poster session, providing o...

SourceNIH/OD/Office of Research on Women's Health·DateDec 9, 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.

Youth depression tied to higher risk of 66 diseases and premature death

Depressed children and teenagers have a significantly higher risk of premature death, self-harm, and suffering from other diseases later in life. The study found that depression was associated with 66 out of 69 examined medical conditions, including sleep disorders, type 2 diabetes, and kidney disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2020

Alzheimer Europe sets out future vision of EU dementia policy

Alzheimer Europe's new report highlights the need to prioritize dementia research and policy in the EU. The organization recommends allocating fair resources to existing programs, prioritizing dementia within chronic diseases policies, and recognizing it as a disability.

SourceAlzheimer Europe·DateDec 9, 2020

Ancient alliance

Researchers discovered that stressed oak trees have more diverse fungal communities than healthy ones, with mutually beneficial relationships providing a buffer against climate change. This symbiotic relationship maintains ecosystem balance and could help conserve tree health in California woodlands.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateDec 9, 2020

Sous vide cooking method makes beef protein more digestible

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that sous vide cooking increases beef protein digestibility compared to boiling or roasting. Sous vide cooking produced less protein oxidation and aggregation, releasing a greater quantity and variety of peptides.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 9, 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.

Nebraska anglers are creatures of habit

A new study published in Ecological Applications reveals that Nebraska anglers tend to visit the same seven popular fishing spots consistently, drawn from the same ZIP codes throughout the year. This finding provides valuable insights for natural resource managers seeking to optimize lake management and sustainable fishing experiences.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 9, 2020

Toxic pollutants can impact wildlife disease spread

Researchers found that toxic substances can affect wildlife mobility and population sizes, leading to increased risk of zoonotic spillover. In contrast, pristine habitats may act as a trap for pathogens, reducing infection prevalence in the overall population.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 9, 2020

Neurologic complications common even in moderate COVID-19 cases

A new study found that COVID-19 can lead to a range of neurologic complications, including stroke, seizures, and movement disorders, even in people with moderately severe symptoms. The study involved 74 patients with COVID-19 and found that many experienced significant disability upon hospital discharge.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 9, 2020

Health care workers' COVID infections driven mainly by community exposure

A large study of 6,510 healthcare workers found that community exposure was the main driver of COVID-19 infections. Nurses were at higher risk once community exposure was accounted for, while high-flow oxygen therapy and hemodialysis increased antibody production to SARS-CoV-2.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateDec 9, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Ultrafast dynamics of chiral spin structures observed after optical excitation

A joint research project has achieved a new milestone in ultra-fast control of magnetism by investigating femtosecond time-resolved x-ray scattering signals. The results indicate a faster recovery of chiral order compared to collinear magnetic order dynamics, suggesting that twists are more stable than straight magnetic configurations.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 2020

Caterpillars mimic leaves or offer rewards for protection by ants

Researchers found that some caterpillars have bodies covered with molecules identical to those of the plants they inhabit, making them 'invisible' to ants. Others produce a caloric reward for ants to coexist, demonstrating a form of chemical mimicry and potential adaptive advantage.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEcological Entomology·DateDec 9, 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.

Alterations to oral microbiota reduce the cardiovascular benefits of sport

A study by the University of Plymouth and UOC assessed the impact of physical exercise on oral microbiota, finding that alterations to buccal bacteria reduce cardiovascular benefits. The study highlights the importance of diet, hydration, and chewing in maintaining oral health and improving sporting performance.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalPharmaNutrition·DateDec 9, 2020

Bacterial nanopores open the future of data storage

Researchers have developed a new method for storing digital information in biological molecules using aerolysin nanopores. This technology has the potential to revolutionize data storage by offering high accuracy, low costs, and compactness.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2020

A technique to sift out the universe's first gravitational waves

A team of researchers has developed a method to tease out primordial gravitational waves from gravitational-wave data. The new approach allows for the detection of faint signals that could reveal insights into the early universe's conditions and processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 9, 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.

How you measure happiness depends on where you live

Research from 63 countries reveals different happiness tests are effective in Western and Asian cultures, with the Eastern Interdependent Happiness scale performing consistently across countries, contrary to the unreliable Western Subjective Happiness Scale. The study expands on the understanding of happiness beyond Western ideals.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2020

Hawai'i researchers kept the data flowing during crisis response on K?lauea

During the 2018 eruption of K?lauea Volcano, Hawaiian researchers leveraged pre-assembled stations with virtual machines to continue monitoring data despite instrument destruction and network failures. This enabled quick deployment and rerouting of data to scientists and decision-makers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateDec 9, 2020