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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 39


Page 39 of 39

Dana-Farber to present more than 40 research studies at 2020 ASH Annual Meeting

Dana-Farber researchers will present findings related to stem cell transplant, lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma treatment, including a study on the benefit of hematopoietic cell transplantation in older patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Another study explores the impact of clonal hematopoiesis in donors on recip...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·DateDec 1, 2020

New immunotherapeutic approach takes aim at cancer's enzyme shield

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a small-molecule inhibitor targeting SerpinB9 protein in cancer cells, weakening its defense mechanisms and triggering cell death. The approach shows promise for treating 'cold tumors' that evade immunotherapies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

American Vacuum Society honors Jefferson Lab accelerator scientist

Marcy Stutzman, a Jefferson Lab staff scientist, has been named a Fellow of the American Vacuum Society for her work on producing ultra-high vacuum environments. She contributes to the smooth operation of the lab's primary particle accelerator by ensuring high-quality equipment and maintaining a contamination-free environment.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateDec 1, 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.

Warning signs over effectiveness of HIV 'wonder drug' in sub-Saharan Africa

New research suggests that dolutegravir, a widely used 'wonder drug' for HIV treatment, may not be as effective in patients with resistant strains of the virus. The study found that individuals with efavirenz-resistant mutations were less likely to achieve viral suppression when treated with dolutegravir.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2020

Researchers study influence of cultural factors on gesture design

A study by Penn State researchers found that cultural factors significantly impact gesture choices, with some gestures differing between American and Chinese participants. The team identified common ground among cultures for similar purposes and actions.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateDec 1, 2020

New method sees fibers in 3D, uses it to estimate conductivity

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a method to create 3D images of fiber orientation in composite materials, enabling accurate predictions of thermal conductivity. This innovation has far-reaching implications for designing high-performance materials and heat shields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateDec 1, 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.

Global Brain Health Leader Awards to develop dementia-related projects

The Alzheimer's Association, Global Brain Health Institute, and Alzheimer's Society have partnered to fund 23 small-scale pilot projects addressing global challenges in dementia. These projects focus on innovative approaches to awareness, diagnosis, treatment, and care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

SourceAlzheimer's Association·DateDec 1, 2020

Why long-suffering hosts grow a thick skin

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) causes skin thickening due to the production of TGFβ1 by apoptotic keratinocytes stimulated by interferon-γ, according to researchers at the University of Tsukuba.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateDec 1, 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.

Repurposed mouse model sheds light on loss of smell in COVID-19

A repurposed mouse model has been shown to develop symptoms of severe COVID-19 and milder disease, including loss of the sense of smell. The study found that convalescent plasma protected the mice against lethal disease, suggesting a promising tool for understanding COVID-19 and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2020

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine investigate using UVC light to disinfect CT scanning machines, which can eliminate SARS-CoV-2 virus particles in minutes. They also explore the relationship between low Ct values in diagnostic tests and infectiousness.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 1, 2020

Stimulus relief funds increase social distancing to stop spread of COVID-19

Researchers found that counties with above median income show significant compliance increase after receiving stimulus funds, while economically disadvantaged communities remain non-compliant. The study suggests targeted economic relief may limit COVID-19 spread among vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateDec 1, 2020

Targets for avoidable sight loss 'not being met'

A new study found that public health services are failing to meet targets to reduce avoidable sight loss, with a significant increase in cases despite a decrease in prevalence. Cataract is the leading cause of blindness, accounting for 15 million people, and treatable by surgery.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateDec 1, 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.

First report card on biosimilars in oncology

Researchers report factors preventing effective launch of oncology biosimilars, including market share struggles and patent litigation lawsuits. The 'Pay-for-Delay' strategy by AMGEN and Genentech/Roche holds the market hostage.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 1, 2020

Molecule that regulates muscle adaptation to exercise is discovered

Researchers identify succinate as a key molecule released by muscle cells during exercise, triggering tissue remodeling and increased strength. The study found that succinate levels rise in muscle fibers and interstitial spaces after exercise, leading to improved metabolic efficiency and enhanced athletic performance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell·DateDec 1, 2020

Army researchers look to reduce rotorcraft noise

Researchers investigated acoustic properties of eVTOL aircraft and found that smaller rotors generate more broadband noise. Co-axial co-rotating rotors may offer better performance and lower noise than conventional rotors, with stacked rotor configurations potentially producing the lowest noise levels.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 1, 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.

Engaging family caregivers key to coordinated home health care

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jo-Ana Chase found that family caregivers often struggle with medical and nursing tasks after a hospital-to-home transition. Resources like home health care nurses or aides can serve as a central point-of-contact to improve coordinated care.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateDec 1, 2020

How automated vehicles can impede driver performance, and what to do about it

A University of Toronto study found that drivers can become over-reliant on automated vehicle displays, leading to decreased monitoring of the road. In contrast, an in-vehicle display system providing information on surrounding traffic showed promise in ensuring driving safety by keeping drivers engaged and attentive.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 1, 2020

Treating brain diseases now possible

A POSTECH research team identified the mechanism behind neurological diseases such as dementia, autism, and schizophrenia. They found that BDNF regulates AMPA receptors, which are crucial for synaptic function in nerve cells. The study provides clues to treating development or degenerative brain diseases like autism and dementia.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 1, 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.

Study sheds light on immune mechanism that triggers cytokine storm typical of COVID-19

Researchers found that inflammasomes, a type of immune cell complex, are activated in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, leading to excessive inflammation and potentially life-threatening complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's progression and suggests potential therapeutic targets.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 1, 2020

ASM journals build mechanisms to promote gender equity

Researchers analyzed nearly 80,000 manuscript submissions to ASM journals and found women are underrepresented in publications. Manuscripts with female authors were rejected at a higher rate than those with male authors.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateDec 1, 2020

Early human landscape modifications discovered in Amazonia

A team of researchers discovered ancient human landscape modifications in Amazonia, revealing a 2,000-year-old civilization that used fire to clear patches and alter the forest composition. The findings contradict previous theories on extensive savannah formations during the current Holocene period.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAntiquity·DateDec 1, 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.

'Anti-antibiotic' allows for use of antibiotics without driving resistance

Researchers at Penn State and the University of Michigan have developed an inexpensive therapy to prevent antibiotic resistance. The 'anti-antibiotic', cholestyramine, reduces fecal shedding of daptomycin-resistant bacteria by up to 80-fold, providing a potential solution to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

SourcePenn State·DateDec 1, 2020

What will the climate be like when earth's next supercontinent forms?

A new study models the climate on a future supercontinent, predicting significant changes in temperature and habitability. The Amasia scenario, with continents converging around the poles, would lead to colder temperatures and more snowfall, while the Aurica scenario, closer to the equator, would result in warmer temperatures.

SourceColumbia Climate School·DateDec 1, 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.

How are older adults coping with the mental health effects of COVID-19?

A recent analysis reveals that older adults are more resilient to the pandemic's mental health effects than expected. Key factors include internal resources like stress response, cognitive capacity, and personality traits, as well as external resources like social connections and financial stability.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateDec 1, 2020

AI predicts which drug combinations kill cancer cells

A machine learning model developed in Finland can identify best cancer drug combinations to selectively kill specific cancer cells with unique genetic or functional profiles. The AI model accurately predicts how different drug combinations inhibit particular cancer cells, paving the way for more effective cancer treatments.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2020

How the insect got its wings: Scientists (at last!) tell the tale

A team from Marine Biological Laboratory has confirmed that insect wings evolved from leg lobes on an ancestral crustacean. The study used genomic approaches and long-ago scientific papers to settle the controversy, revealing a 300-million-year-old transition to land-dwelling.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 1, 2020

Hydrogen-powered heavy duty vehicles could contribute significantly to achieving climate goals

A transition to hydrogen-powered mobility in Germany's heavy duty vehicle segment could achieve a deep reduction in emissions, with potential of -57 MtCO2eq annually. Green hydrogen offers competitive advantages over battery electric vehicles, particularly for heavy loads and longer driving ranges.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateDec 1, 2020

The shorter the delay, the more effective the neurofeedback

Researchers found that shorter delays in neurofeedback training significantly increase efficacy, enabling sustainable changes. This breakthrough opens new potential for NFB therapy in anxiety, depression, epilepsy, and other conditions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateDec 1, 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.

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.

Ultrasensitive transistor for herbicide detection in water

A new transistor detects glyphosate in drinking water at 0.26 parts per million, outperforming conventional sensors with a detection limit of 0.95 ppm. The device works by adding copper ions that bind to the herbicide molecules, causing a detectable reduction in electric current.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 1, 2020

AI reduces computational time required to study fate of molecules exposed to light

Scientists from the University of Groningen developed a machine learning-based algorithm, PySurf, which reduces electronic structure calculations significantly. The software requires several orders of magnitude less computational time than existing direct dynamics software and is available as an open-source free download.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 1, 2020

SLC25A51 regulates the transport of the coenzyme NAD into the mitochondria

Scientists discovered SLC25A51 as a key regulator of NAD transport into the mitochondria, a process linked to various physiological and pathological processes. The study opens possibilities for new metabolic therapies against ageing and cancer.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2020

Retinal transplant boost opens door to treat eyesight loss

Researchers identified two cell signals that can guide stem cells to repair eye damage, increasing their survival and function after transplantation. The study's findings offer a promising approach to restoring eyesight by modifying stem cells with enhanced chemokine receptors.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateDec 1, 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.

Tweaking carotenoid genes helps tomatoes bring their a-game

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used gene editing to introduce diversity into tomatoes, improving their nutrition and environmental sustainability. The study found that 10 out of 12 resulting tomato lines contained high levels of carotenoids, a precursor to vitamin A with antioxidant properties.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 1, 2020