A new longitudinal study found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience significant cognitive gains between ages 12 and 23, with IQ increasing by an average of 7.48 points. Early language regression and greater communication problems at age 12 were associated with greater IQ increases.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 9, 2020
A clinical trial found that postmenopausal women with low-risk breast cancer can forego chemotherapy without compromising their treatment outcomes. In contrast, premenopausal women with the same disease characteristics benefit from chemotherapy, suggesting a potential age-related difference in treatment effectiveness.
Scientists from Emory University discovered the first known fossil iguana nesting burrow in the Bahamas, dating back to 115,000 years ago. The finding provides new clues to the geologic and natural history of the islands, revealing that iguanas were present on San Salvador before European colonization.
SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2020
A team of researchers from Nova Southeastern University has made a breakthrough in hurricane forecasting by identifying the impact of bio-surfactants on sea spray generation. This new phenomenon may contribute to improved intensity forecasts, which is crucial during pandemics like COVID-19.
SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 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 have produced genetically modified tomatoes enriched in L-DOPA, a natural source for the essential medicine. The development offers benefits for people who suffer from adverse effects of chemically synthesized L-DOPA.
SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateDec 9, 2020
Certain bacteria living in sorghum roots work together with the plant to reduce drought stress, leading to overall plant success. The microbiome plays a critical role in determining crop productivity, and manipulating it may hold the key to developing crops that can thrive in harsh conditions.
Telehealth can deliver robust outcomes for children with special education needs, particularly when barriers to services exist. Proactive biological cycle management principles can reduce the risk of COVID-19 in workplaces, promoting a safe return to work.
Researchers explored oxidation mechanisms in Yb-Si coatings at high temperatures under different atmospheres. The study found that the Yb to Si ratio affects oxidation behavior and that ytterbium content can suppress SiO2 growth, leading to more heat-resistant coatings.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalIntermetallics·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.
Research suggests that weathered microplastic particles are 10 times more likely to be internalized by mouse cells than pristine particles. The formation of a biomolecular crust on the surface of microplastics enhances their ability to be engulfed by cell membranes, potentially leading to inflammation and health risks.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered a hidden symmetry in quantum systems that allows entangled particles to remain linked despite noise. This finding could lead to the development of ultra-powerful quantum computers by preserving quantum effects in noisy environments.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers found that honeybees in Vietnam collect and apply spots of animal dung around hive entrances to deter deadly nest raids by Asian hornets. This finding is also the first to document the use of tools by honeybees.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers at UC San Diego found that weaker E.coli strains outcompete stronger ones in a microbial game of rock-paper-scissors, challenging the traditional notion that strength prevails. The study's findings have implications for understanding microbiome imbalances and potentially developing new life-saving treatments.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 9, 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.
A new survey found that nearly a third of young adults with asthma do not comply with COVID-19 guidelines, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to advise patients on basic measures and medication use. The study also revealed alarming misconceptions about COVID-19 risk among asthmatic individuals.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Asthma·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers at Hiroshima University created a blended solar cell by adding a compound that absorbs long wavelengths of light, increasing the device's efficiency by 1.5 times. The team discovered that distributing the material is key to further improved power generation efficiency.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalMacromolecules·DateDec 9, 2020
A Rutgers University study found that fathers' engagement in their children's lives can improve mental health and behavior, reducing behavioral problems. The researchers analyzed data from 5,000 children born between 1998 and 2000 and found a significant gap between poor families and those with higher socioeconomic status
SourceRutgers University·JournalSocial Service Review·DateDec 9, 2020
Women who receive mastectomy and reconstructive surgery are at increased risk of developing persistent use of opioids and sedative-hypnotic drugs. The study found that 13.1% of patients become new persistent opioid users after surgery, while 6.6% develop persistent sedative-hypnotic use.
SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·DateDec 9, 2020
A University of Houston team found that the new C-diff guidelines are fourfold more predictive in identifying patients likely to die during hospitalization. The revised severity assessment allows doctors to tailor treatment accordingly, improving patient outcomes.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·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.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that exercise can help minimize bone loss after weight loss surgery. Participants who attended structured exercise sessions had higher bone mineral density measurements compared to those in the control group.
SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers at MIT have found a way to overcome oxide trapping issues, allowing InGaAs transistors to compete with silicon technology. The alloy's electron transport properties enable faster calculations and improved energy efficiency.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 9, 2020
A team of researchers has found evidence that Neandertals buried their dead, with a two-year-old child discovered at the Ferrassie site in France. The discovery dates back to around 41,000 years ago and provides new insights into the burial practices of our ancient relatives.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a perovskite material that can detect gamma rays with high efficiency, meeting the requirements for simple, reliable, and cheap detectors. The material, made of methylammonium lead tribromide crystals, shows high clarity and can be grown from abundant and low-cost raw materials.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 9, 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.
Researchers found that the island-based Guttural Toads had significantly reduced body size and hindlimb length compared to their South African counterparts. This rapid dwarfism raises questions about the evolutionary mechanisms driving this change in less than a hundred years.
SourceStellenbosch University·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 8, 2020
COVID-19 patients are at increased risk of pulmonary thromboembolism due to endothelial injury, activated platelets, cytokine storms, and suppressed fibrinolytic systems. Early prophylaxis, antiviral therapy, and supportive treatment can mitigate this complication.
SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateDec 8, 2020
A study published in PNAS found that global warming accelerates biodiversity loss, putting existing and proposed post-2020 biodiversity targets at risk. However, the authors suggest that dynamic responses to climate change through flexible conservation approaches can help protect biodiversity.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2020
Research reveals significant microbial changes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, associated with metabolic health. The study also found differences in microbiome profile between pre-diabetic and healthy women, shedding light on the causes of the condition.
A team of researchers from the University of Sussex created a sound projector that can deliver spatial sound at a distance by forming a beam of audible sound. The system uses a portable speaker, metamaterial lenses, and tracking hardware to track users and send sound directly to them.
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.
Researchers from the University of Exeter have developed a new theoretical approach to force light to travel through electromagnetic materials without reflection. This discovery could pave the way for more efficient communications and wireless technology.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 8, 2020
Researchers have designed a portable device that can rapidly detect plant stress, including nitrogen deficiency, drought, heat, and light stress. The device uses a Raman leaf-clip sensor to probe the chemistry of leaves, allowing for early diagnosis and real-time monitoring of plant health.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 8, 2020
A long-term study of gene therapy in monkeys reveals no adverse health effects, bolstering the scientific basis for mitochondrial replacement therapy in human clinical trials. Researchers found varying levels of carryover maternal mitochondrial DNA, but it was not enough to cause health effects.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateDec 8, 2020
A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that increased study hours do not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes. Students reported spending time on tasks without feeling engaged or retaining information. The researchers suggest qualitative surveys to better understand study engagement and quality.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociological Research Online·DateDec 8, 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.
Researchers identified a rare case where COVID-19 triggered a recurrence of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a 54-year-old man with prior episodes, highlighting the need for closer observation in patients with autoimmune disorders. The study provides new insights into treating COVID-19 patients with nerve-targeting autoimmune disorders.
SourceRutgers University·JournalPathogens·DateDec 8, 2020
A study is exploring whether interventions effective for HIV testing and treatment can be adapted to promote compliance with COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The goal is to develop a program increasing COVID-19 testing and treatment rates among marginalized, hard-to-reach populations.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 8, 2020
A new study finds that the 'pink tax' imposes direct penalties on women consumers due to gender-biased import tariffs. However, countries with higher female representation in politics have lower tax penalties, indicating a positive correlation between representation and policy change.
SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateDec 8, 2020
A pilot study has created a comprehensive behavioral dataset to investigate individual differences in language skills. The dataset includes 112 participants who completed a battery of 33 tests, measuring linguistic experience, cognitive skills, and linguistic processing abilities.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScientific Data·DateDec 8, 2020
Penn State researchers have created an automated process planning software to optimize additive manufacturing, reducing design time and material waste. The software uses algorithmic mapping of designs from CAD software to AM to minimize unnecessary steps, enabling faster production and lower costs.
SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Additive and Subtractive Materials Manufacturing·DateDec 8, 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.
A new regional model predicts uranium contamination in California's Central Valley aquifers based on calcium concentrations and soil alkalinity. The study suggests that water managers can forecast solutions by including data about soil properties when generating aquifer vulnerability maps for naturally occurring contaminants like uranium.
SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 8, 2020
DeepMAge is an epigenetic aging clock that accurately predicts human age on over 6,000 DNA methylation profiles, outperforming previous clocks. The clock reveals associations with various age-related conditions, including cancer, dementia, and obesity.
SourceDeep Longevity Ltd·JournalAging and Disease·DateDec 8, 2020
A recent study published in Cancer Cell reveals that YTHDF3 plays a significant role in the spread of cancer to the brain, with increased expression correlating with poor survival outcomes. The gene is required for multiple steps in the brain metastatic process and may provide a target for new drugs.
SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalCancer Cell·DateDec 8, 2020
Etihad Airways has joined the £65 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) at Cranfield University to collaborate on reducing aircraft emissions, enhancing passenger experience, and increasing aircraft reliability. The airline brings expertise in sustainability and operational efficiency to the project.
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.
The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic disease, with a 70% protection rate based on pooled analysis of phase 3 trials. The vaccine also showed efficacy against asymptomatic infection, and its safety profile was monitored for a median of 3.4 months in all participants.
A nationwide study investigates child nutrition administrative agencies' responses to meal service provision during school closures. Most jurisdictions provided easily interpretable information, but few offered comprehensive implementation guidance or communication with families.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateDec 8, 2020
A new study published in EPJ B reveals how complex dynamics in branching networks of neurons can be predicted to trigger episodes of epilepsy. The team's findings could lead to the development of better early warning systems for patients.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 8, 2020
Physicians from the University of Geneva followed nearly 700 people with SARS-CoV2, finding that 33% still reported symptoms like fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath six weeks after diagnosis. A specific consultation for long COVID patients has been set up to improve care.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 8, 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.
A new therapeutic method protects neurons and minimizes cognitive dysfunction by delivering targeted drugs to the brain after minor head injuries in individuals with extensive previous sleep deprivation. The treatment involves titanium dioxide capsules with cerebrolysin, promoting the production of essential hormones and proteins to co...
Terry Papoutsakis, University of Delaware professor and Unidel Eugene Du Pont Chair, was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. He holds over 16 patents and contributes to sustainable manufacturing and human health through his work on microbial engineering tools.
Cornell researchers received an NSF grant to design a new class of radio devices that can operate across a large portion of the electromagnetic spectrum while suppressing interferences. The team's approach uses adaptive filtering to reject any interference, allowing for efficient use of wireless frequencies.
Research finds that infant health inequality has increased in the US since 2010, with disparities growing between mothers' educational attainment and socioeconomic status. This trend is concerning as it may lead to long-term health complications and affect mental, physical, and economic well-being.
SourceBrown University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 8, 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.
Researchers found that customers who were shown product images on a display before shopping walked significantly more miles in the store and made double the number of unplanned purchases. A simple tip is to avoid wandering glances with the support of a shopping list.
SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 8, 2020
A new study has found that short telomeres may contribute to the cause of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating lung disease affecting thousands in the UK. The research also suggests that reducing stress and increasing exercise may help prevent or treat IPF.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateDec 8, 2020
Researchers estimate 76% attack rate in Manaus, Brazil, and 29% in São Paulo, suggesting NPIs and growing immunity played a role in containing the epidemic. The study aims to understand the longevity of population immunity and potential need for booster vaccinations.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2020
According to TIMSS results, East Asian countries continue to outperform all participating countries in mathematics by a significant margin at both the fourth and eighth grades. The gap between top performers and next highest achievers is substantial, highlighting the need for targeted educational strategies.
Researchers at Fukuoka University found that face shields alone are not effective against COVID-19 sneezes. Vortex rings generated by sneezes can capture microscopic particles and transport them inside the shield through its top and bottom edges.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 8, 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.
Researchers from Stony Brook University and UMass Lowell will investigate ways to make energy generation, storage, and system operation more efficient and reliable, particularly in microgrid settings. The research program aims to address challenges in energy resiliency and advance the next generation of energy systems.
Research found COVID-19 cases and outbreaks were extremely low in schools and nurseries in England during the summer of 2020. Outbreaks correlated strongly with local infection rates, highlighting the importance of controlling community transmission to protect educational settings.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 8, 2020
Marine scientists have mapped previously unknown foraging grounds and migratory routes of Western Australia's green turtles to support conservation. The study tracked 20 female turtles with satellites, combining their data with previous studies to identify key areas.
SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateDec 8, 2020
A new study found that the tension between awareness of Covid-19's severity and fatigue from pandemic precautions can lead to unusual epidemic patterns. The research team analyzed data and found evidence that individuals tend to increase their activity before the virus wanes, worsening the epidemic severity.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 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.
A study found a significant rise in depressive symptoms among children aged 7-12 in England during the UK-wide lockdown. The effect size was medium to large, indicating a substantial impact on mental health.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateDec 8, 2020
Dr. Owen Gilbert introduces a novel concept in evolutionary theory, suggesting that natural reward acts synergistically with natural selection to drive the innovativeness of life over time. This framework offers new perspectives on long-standing biological mysteries and has been justified by existing data.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalRethinking Ecology·DateDec 8, 2020
A new iGIST method detects pertussis toxin levels, reducing animal testing. The method is more effective and enables detection of lower toxin levels than current methods.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalACS Sensors·DateDec 8, 2020
A new cost-effective technique, PNA clamps, has been developed to study non-bacterial plant microbiomes. This method allows researchers to detect thousands of sequences from rare microorganisms that were previously undetectable.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateDec 8, 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.