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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 39

Detecting solar neutrinos with the Borexino experiment

The Borexino experiment has successfully detected low-energy neutrinos from the Sun's carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle, a process that produces about 1% of the Sun's energy output. This detection provides valuable insights into the CNO cycle and its role in the energy production of stars, including our own Sun.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateDec 4, 2020

Donor stem cell transplant shown to improve survival in older patients with MDS

A new clinical trial has found that donor stem cell transplantation nearly doubles the survival rate of older patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), aged 50-75. The study suggests that transplant should be considered for all eligible patients, ideally referred early to increase chances of finding a suitable donor.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gestational age linked to ADHD in children with Down syndrome

A new study by UC Davis MIND Institute finds a connection between gestational age and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children with Down syndrome. Earlier gestational age was linked to increased ADHD symptoms later in childhood.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2020

The climate changed rapidly alongside sea ice decline in the north

Scientists have shown that abrupt climate change in the past was closely linked to rapid sea ice decline. The study documents how sudden warming of the climate occurred when sea ice cover changed from year-round to seasonal ice cover in Nordic seas.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 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.

The Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of having another heart attack

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean diet improved endothelial function and reduced damage to the arteries in patients with coronary heart disease. The diet, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, was shown to reduce the risk of another heart attack by half.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 4, 2020

Baby's first breath triggers life-saving changes in the brain

A team of researchers has discovered a signaling system within the brainstem that activates almost immediately at birth to support early breathing. This finding may offer important insights into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other breathing problems.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2020

New study debunks blood type diet

A randomized control trial of 16 weeks showed that a low-fat, plant-based diet increased metabolism and reduced body weight in overweight participants regardless of their ABO blood type. The study found no association between blood type and the effects of the diet on body fat, plasma lipids, or glycemic control.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 4, 2020

Green energy transition: Early and steady wins the race

Researchers from Aarhus University modelled decarbonisation of the European energy system using high-resolution data. Solar energy emerges as a cost-optimised cornerstone for a fully decarbonised energy system by 2050.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 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.

Crystals may help reveal hidden Kilauea Volcano behavior

By analyzing crystal orientations from a 1959 Kilauea eruption, researchers inferred magma flow patterns prior to eruption, shedding light on past and potential future eruptions. The study's findings offer new insights into conduit dynamics, aiding in hazard prediction and monitoring.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2020

Pediatric ER saw steep drop in asthma visits during spring COVID-19 lockdown

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found a significant decrease in pediatric asthma-related emergency department visits during the spring 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The rate of ED visits dropped by 80% compared to previous years, indicating improved symptom control and reduced exacerbations.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateDec 4, 2020

Optimising laser-driven electron acceleration

Scientists study how tuning aspects of a powerful laser beam can affect the acceleration of electrons, finding that optimal values of laser beam waist increase maximum acceleration. They observe significant energy gains in full and half-pulse interactions, reaching up to 1 GeV.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 4, 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.

Researchers adapt cell phone camera for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Researchers developed an assay that detects SARS-CoV-2 in nasal swabs using a smartphone camera, providing quick results within 30 minutes. The test utilizes CRISPR-Cas technology, eliminating the need for amplification and enabling precise quantification of virus amounts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic responsible for decrease in hepatitis C testing

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 50% decrease in hospital-wide Hepatitis C (HCV) testing and a 60% reduction in new HCV diagnoses, according to new research. Telemedicine's impact on preventive care, including HCV screening, was a significant contributing factor.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Primary Care & Community Health·DateDec 4, 2020

Protein storytelling to address the pandemic

Researchers have developed new computational tools to speed up molecular dynamics simulations, enabling novel studies on protein behavior. The tools are being used to predict the 3D shape of unknown proteins in COVID-19 viruses, which could lead to new drug developments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 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.

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.

PTSD with depression may significantly increase risk of early death in women

A large long-term study found that women with PTSD and depression have an almost fourfold greater risk of early death from various causes than women without trauma exposure or depression. The study suggests that other factors, such as stress hormones, may account for the higher risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2020

Higher frequency of financial reporting hinders corporate innovation

Firms with more frequent financial reporting experience a decrease in patent applications, citations, and patent value. This reduction in innovative output can lead to inertia and a culture of 'standing still' if organisations are unwilling to invest.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalThe Journal of Law and Economics·DateDec 3, 2020

UBC study explores link between social status and trust in decision-makers

A recent UBC study reveals that individuals with lower socioeconomic statuses are more likely to distrust powerful decision-makers, viewing coercion as a viable path to gain power. In contrast, those with higher socioeconomic statuses are more trusting and associate power with collaboration and respect.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 3, 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.

Medicine-carriers made from human cells can cure lung infections

Researchers use human white blood cell membranes to carry drugs directly to infected lungs in mice, successfully treating bacterial growth and inflammation. The nano-sized drug delivery method shows promise for treating infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateDec 3, 2020

Hiring foreign nurses does not hurt US nursing jobs, study shows

A new study from the University of Illinois found that hiring foreign-educated registered nurses does not displace U.S.-educated nurses and may even boost wages for highly educated natives. The research analyzed data from 1980-2015 and covered every commuting zone in the US, including rural areas.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalIZA Journal of Labor Policy·DateDec 3, 2020

Study proves bits of DNA in seawater correlate to the weight of netted fish

A new study reveals that floating DNA bits in seawater can reveal the relative abundance of fish species, allowing for an inexpensive and harmless way to monitor fisheries and track shifting marine life. The technique, known as eDNA, has vast applications in ocean conservation and research.

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateDec 3, 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.

Correctly delivered and integrated: How proteins find their place in the cell

Researchers from Heidelberg University Biochemistry Center have determined the 3D structure of a molecular machine responsible for correctly placing tail-anchored membrane proteins into biomembranes. This finding provides crucial insights into protein transport and insertion, shedding light on the final steps of the process.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 3, 2020

Wind farm and sleep disruption

A comprehensive review of existing literature suggests that wind turbine noise can affect sleep stages and deep sleep time. Researchers are calling for further well-controlled experimental studies to better understand the impact on sleep.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 3, 2020

JNIS™: cuts in Medicare payments jeopardize patient access to care

The final 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule will result in a 10% reimbursement cut for neurointerventional procedures, putting patients at risk of losing access to life-saving care. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery warns that this measure could further exacerbate challenges faced by the field due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateDec 3, 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.

β-AR agonist therapy puts the brakes on oral cancer progression

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have discovered that stimulating β-ARs can halt the progression of oral cancer. The study found that specific compounds, such as isoxsuprine, effectively interfered with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that enables cancer cells to spread and form secondary tumors.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer Science·DateDec 3, 2020

Study highlights strategies for boosting accuracy of personal genetic risk scores

A new study recommends strategies for generating polygenic risk scores that inspire confidence among consumers, reducing variability and improving the accuracy of these scores. By running algorithms multiple times and paying attention to variable elements, companies can improve the quality of scores delivered to customers.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalGenome Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Increased school choice linked to better mental health for students

New research suggests that US states adopting voucher and charter school choice laws witnessed declines in suicide rates among young people. Private schooling was also associated with better mental health in adulthood, even after controlling for important sociodemographic factors.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalSchool Effectiveness and School Improvement·DateDec 3, 2020

New theory of root competition reveals rules governing growth

A new study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding competitive root behavior, revealing that plants adjust their root growth strategies according to the proximity of competing plants. The research reconciles conflicting hypotheses and demonstrates that roots are likely used to preempt resource capture by competitors in nea...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 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.

Voyager spacecraft detect new type of solar electron burst

Scientists have detected new types of solar electron bursts accelerated by shock waves from coronal mass ejections. The Voyager spacecraft, over 14 billion miles from the sun, recorded these bursts, which were linked to cosmic rays and provided valuable insights into interstellar physics.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateDec 3, 2020

Scientists predict 'optimal' stress levels

The study suggests most animals remain stressed for longer than optimal after a stress-inducing incident, likely due to physiological limits. The researchers propose that environmental predictability and baseline stress levels play key roles in shaping stress responses.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 3, 2020

Human Brain Project-supported innovation published in Science

Researchers developed high-resolution implants consisting of 1024 electrodes to generate artificial images, enabling the recognition of shapes, lines, and letters in sighted monkeys. The technology aims to restore vision in blind people with intact visual cortex, significantly improving their independence.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020

Army computer models unveil secret to quieter small drones

Researchers have created a new method to reduce noise emissions from small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) without compromising their flight range or endurance. The method uses high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics codes to obtain information about airfoil boundary layers, enabling the development of quieter air vehicles.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 3, 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.

K9 chemistry: A safer way to train detection dogs

Researchers at NIST have created a faster and safer method to train detection dogs using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) infused with vapors from explosives. This two-temperature method reduces the time needed to prepare training aids, allowing for quicker training of dogs to detect real substances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2020

COVID-19 advice may have reduced exposure to heart attack triggers

A study suggests that COVID-19 guidance in Sweden led to reduced exposure to heart attack triggers such as stress and intense physical activity. The proportion of patients attending emergency cardiac angiography units dropped by 38% on days when people stayed close to home, indicating a potential reduction in heart attack risks.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 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.

A plant immune receptor: It takes four to tango

Researchers have uncovered how plant immune receptors convert from inactive to active complexes that break down NAD+, initiating defense signaling. The study found that a tetramer composed of four receptor molecules creates a unique surface necessary for NAD+ cleavage, a critical step in plant immunity.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020

The same vision for all primates

A study found that visual processing units are identical in size across primate species, from the world's smallest mouse lemur to humans. This preservation suggests an early evolution of primate vision and highlights the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2020

Patients with kidney disease may delay AVF creation

Half of patients with advanced CKD delay AVF creation, often starting with temporary vascular access despite education. Researchers found that beliefs about the value of vascular access predict intentions to prepare for hemodialysis and access outcomes.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateDec 3, 2020

Leaf microbiomes are a neighborhood affair in northern forests

A study published in Ecological Monographs reveals that sugar maple leaf microbiomes change along the transition from coniferous to deciduous forests. The findings show that southern sugar maples have similar microbiomes, while northern trees host bacterial communities resembling those of other dominant species.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 3, 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.

New review confirms disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Hispanic populations

A systematic review published in Annals of Internal Medicine confirms health disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among Black and Hispanic populations, attributing the disparity to increased risk of exposure and transmission. The study highlights the need for targeted efforts to reduce exposure to the virus in vulnerable populations.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Scientists peer into the 3D structure of the Milky Way

A new 3D survey of the Milky Way has revealed a wide range of structures within the galaxy, from individual star-forming clumps to giant molecular clouds. The study provides unprecedented detail on the inner structure and dynamics of the galaxy, shedding light on its star formation processes.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateDec 3, 2020

Understanding bacteria's metabolism could improve biofuel production

A new study by UC Riverside and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has revealed how bacteria control metabolic intermediates, enabling more efficient biofuel production. By understanding this regulation, scientists can design cells that produce desired chemicals while preventing excessive buildup of unwanted products.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 3, 2020

Research identifies nanoscale effect of water and mineral content on bone

Researchers Marco Fielder and Arun Nair found that water and mineral content variations significantly impact collagen fibril behavior, leading to bio-composites with improved mechanical stability. Composites with 40% mineralization were twice as strong as those without minerals, regardless of water content.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalInternational Biomechanics·DateDec 3, 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.

Study finds over 64% of people reported new health issues during 'work from home'

A study by USC researchers found that working from home negatively impacts physical and mental health, increases distractions, and reduces productivity. Nearly 1,000 respondents reported experiencing one or more new physical health issues, with women and parents of toddlers and infants being disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateDec 3, 2020

Clinical trial results address concerns about pharmacogenetic testing

A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received genetic test results about statin side effects did not have worse outcomes after one year. The study's results provide reassurance that pharmacogenetic testing can be used to maximize benefits while minimizing harm.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 3, 2020