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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 31


Page 31 of 39

CRISPR-edited CAR T cells enhance fight against blood cancers

Researchers have found that knocking out the CD5 gene on CAR T cells using CRISPR-Cas9 technology enhances their ability to eliminate blood cancers. Mice infused with CD5-deleted CAR T cells showed higher T cell proliferation and reduced tumor size compared to non-edited cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateDec 7, 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.

Development of a new method for decoding viral genes

Researchers developed a new decoding method to understand viral infections. They identified nine novel proteins encoded by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), including the pathogenic factor piUL49, which controls the onset mechanism of herpes encephalitis. The discovery is expected to lead to new treatments for HSV encephalitis.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2020

Shining a light on the weird world of dihydrogen phosphate anions

Researchers at UNSW Sydney have found that dihydrogen phosphate anions, crucial for cellular activity, form clusters in solution due to surprisingly strong hydrogen bonds. This new understanding has implications for controlling the transport of molecules and potentially explaining biological membrane structure.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 7, 2020

uOttawa-led study shows that poor sleep can lead to depression in adolescents

A new study led by the University of Ottawa found that chronic sleep disruption during adolescence can lead to depression in both males and females. Adolescent females were particularly vulnerable to stress hormone release and activation of stress-sensitive brain cells, suggesting a higher risk of mood disorder development.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateDec 7, 2020

Potential cancer therapy may boost immune response

A new cancer therapy approach combines gemcitabine chemotherapy with celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory medication, to activate the immune system and fight cancer. The combination has shown potential in improving the percentage of patients who respond to immunotherapy drugs.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Imitation mosquito ears help identify mosquito species and sex

Researchers developed a detector that mimics a mosquito's antenna to identify species and sex based on sound patterns. The bioinspired device uses machine learning and speech recognition tools to differentiate between species and sex, offering a potential tool for disease-carrying mosquito identification and selective pesticide use.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2020

Smarter traffic signs ahead?

Researchers have created smart road signs that use built-in Doppler radar, video, and acoustic radar devices to monitor traffic and conditions. The signs display dynamically updated recommended speeds and alert drivers in real time to hazards ahead.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 7, 2020

Novel anti-craving mechanism discovered to treat cocaine relapse

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing has identified GLP-1R-expressing neural circuits in the brain that reduce cocaine-seeking behavior. The research found that activating these endogenous anti-craving circuits can significantly reduce cocaine craving-induced relapse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 7, 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.

Molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors discovered

Researchers at the University of Cologne have discovered the molecular mechanism of plant immune receptors, revealing a common structural principle to trigger intracellular immune signals and cell death. The study found that activated protein forms a tetramer, which creates a unique surface necessary for defence signal triggering.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2020

Could chatbot be a lifeline for dementia carers?

A $2.5 million project aims to develop a virtual assistant tool for dementia carers in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The tool will provide video instructions and translate into different languages, improving mental health and wellbeing for over two million carers.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateDec 7, 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.

Central Europe: dry Aprils pave the way for summer droughts

A study by Alfred Wegener Institute reveals that warm and dry Aprils in Central Europe increase the risk of summer droughts. The team found that a blocking high-pressure system over the North Sea and parts of Germany is to blame for these conditions.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·DateDec 7, 2020

Differences in ancient Peruvian diets

A study reveals distinct dietary patterns in ancient Huaca Prieta and Paredones communities in north coastal Peru, with Paredones adults consuming high amounts of maize and terrestrial meat. The findings suggest diet differences may have facilitated resource exchange and economic specialization between nearby communities.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020

The ever-elusive riddle: What's the best way to cut Christmas cookies?

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen find that computer algorithms cannot optimize packing of objects in two dimensions without overlap beyond four or five items. The study's findings have significant implications for industries such as clothing manufacturing and metal processing, where efficient material cutting is crucial.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·DateDec 7, 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.

No refuge from the heat

A recent study by UC Santa Barbara and NOAA reveals that marine protected areas have little effect on mitigating the impacts of marine heatwaves on ocean ecosystems. The research found that the heatwave had a significant impact on fish communities within and outside MPAs, with non-targeted species being more responsive to the changes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2020

Java's protective mangroves smothered by plastic waste

Researchers found 27 plastic items per square meter in mangroves, with plastics buried up to 35cm deep. Mangroves' resilience is threatened as trees suffocate when half of the forest floor is covered in plastic.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 7, 2020

Bend, don't break: new tool enables economic glass design

A new tool allows architects to design curved glass façades using an interactive, data-driven approach. The software uses deep neural networks to predict glass panel shapes and fabricability, enabling efficient optimization of designs while balancing economic, aesthetic, and engineering criteria.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateDec 7, 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.

Good news for the honey bee according to 150-year-old museum specimens

A new study on 150-year-old museum specimens of Western honey bees found higher genetic diversity than expected, contradicting the notion that loss of genetic diversity contributes to bee decline. The research suggests that unique mating systems and migration patterns may help maintain high levels of variation in modern hives.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateDec 7, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers investigate various aspects of COVID-19. A study finds hydroxychloroquine has no benefit in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection after exposure. Meanwhile, a review reveals patients with COVID-19 can develop prolonged illness, sometimes referred to as 'Long COVID'. Additionally, a Wuhan study sheds light on viral persistence and...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 7, 2020

Rap music increasingly mixes in mental health metaphors

A study found that rap songs referencing mental health more than doubled between 1998 and 2018, a trend that could shape the conversation around mental health for young listeners. Most artists referenced love and environmental issues as stressors, using metaphors like 'pushed to the edge' or 'fighting my demons',

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 7, 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.

Feeling out fine differences in touch sensitivity

Researchers found that the USH2A protein, produced by the Meissner corpuscle, is essential for maintaining normal touch perception. The protein helps transmit touch vibrations from the outside of the fingertip to the nerve ending inside the corpuscle.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 2020

Aluminium alloy research could benefit manned space missions

Researchers at the University of Huddersfield and Montanuniversitaet Leoben in Austria have developed a new aluminium alloy that resists radiation damage, making it suitable for use in spacecraft. The alloy's T-phase has a complex crystal structure that prevents hardening precipitates from dissolving under high radiation doses.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 7, 2020

Increase in head start funding 'a national priority'

Research finds that higher Head Start enrollment mitigated poverty growth among families with young children during the Great Recession. States with higher levels of enrollment experienced less poverty growth and a faster, more stable economic recovery.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFamily Relations·DateDec 7, 2020

How horse manure helps giant pandas tolerate cold

Giant pandas roll in horse manure to acclimatize to cold temperatures, with beta-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide playing a crucial role. The compounds inhibit the pandas' thermosensitive receptor pathway, leading to increased cold tolerance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2020
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Synthetic biology and machine learning speed the creation of lab-grown livers

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a method to create lab-grown liver organoids with blood- and bile-handling systems using synthetic biology and machine learning. The resulting organs can mature faster than natural organs, extending the life of mice with failing livers.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 7, 2020

New study findings: militarizing local police does not reduce crime

A new study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that the militarization of local law enforcement through military equipment does not reduce crime rates. Researchers discovered significant discrepancies in the federal government's tracking of surplus military equipment and incomplete records, making it difficult to draw firm concl...

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 7, 2020

Researchers create framework to help determine timing of cancer mutations

A new framework helps determine the exact timing of DNA mutations in cancer genomes, enabling more targeted and personalized treatments. By analyzing 22 different algorithms on nearly 300 prostate cancer samples, UCLA researchers identified biases and variability to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 7, 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.

SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater solids could help monitor COVID-19 spread

Scientists analyzed compounds in wastewater to gauge public health aspects, including SARS-CoV-2 detection. They found that measuring virus particles in settled solids from sewage treatment plants could be a more sensitive approach than current methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 7, 2020

Image-based navigation could help spacecraft safely land on the moon

A team of engineers demonstrated how a series of lunar images can provide key navigational data, allowing spacecraft to target specific locations with precision. The technique enables map-free visual odometry, gathering navigation information even when a complete map isn't available.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalAIAA Journal·DateDec 7, 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.

How the brain remembers right place, right time

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a unique population of cells that record both time and place in the brain, allowing for enhanced memory recall. These findings could provide the basis for new treatments to combat memory loss from conditions such as traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2020

Peatland preservation vital to climate

Researchers warn that peatlands, a significant carbon sink, are expected to shift from absorbing to emitting carbon due to human impacts. The study predicts total carbon loss from 2020-2100 at 104 billion tons, emphasizing the need for urgent inclusion in climate models and better preservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateDec 7, 2020

Can gender inequality kill? Paper looks at impact among older Indian women

A recent study from Rice University reveals that Indian women beyond childbearing age are dying at a higher rate than those in other countries due to poverty and limited access to essential resources such as food and healthcare. The research highlights the critical consequences of gender inequality on women's bargaining power within th...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateDec 7, 2020

Grasping an object - model describes complete movement planning in the brain

Researchers developed an artificial neural network model that can simulate brain processes involved in grasping movements. The model was trained with data from rhesus monkeys and accurately reproduced their grasping movements, providing insights into neuronal dynamics.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 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.

Study finds large-scale expansion of stem rust resistance gene in barley and oat lineages

A new study finds the Sr22 gene is conserved among grasses in the Triticeae and Poeae lineages, with significant expansion in barley and oat lineages. The research provides valuable insights into plant disease resistance gene function and evolution, potentially improving crop resilience to agriculturally important diseases.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateDec 7, 2020

Drug for rare disorder shows promise for treating herpes viruses

A new study published in Science Advances found that a drug called phenylbutyrate can help cells clear herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses. When used in combination with acyclovir, the drug combo is more effective and reduces side effects associated with long-term use of acyclovir.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 7, 2020
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Are people healthy enough to retire later?

A new study analyzed the relationship between working life expectancy and health expectancies, revealing potential to increase expected economically active years for both men and women. However, education-specific analysis showed large differences in size of this potential among socioeconomic subgroups.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEuropean Journal of Ageing·DateDec 7, 2020

Don't let them go quietly into the night

Kyoto University researchers highlight the need for targeted conservation efforts due to 90% extinction risk for Japanese bat species. The study reveals poor alignment between conservation needs and research resource allocation, with many threats understudied.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMammal Review·DateDec 7, 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.

Leicester researchers train favela residents with digital storytelling skills

Researchers at the University of Leicester are helping community groups in Rio de Janeiro's favelas develop digital storytelling skills through a virtual tourism platform called Lockdown Stories. The project aims to empower individuals and communities within the favelas, reducing their isolation and increasing access to global audiences.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·DateDec 7, 2020