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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 39

High-brightness source of coherent light spanning from the UV to THz

An international team of scientists has developed a novel technique for a high-brightness coherent and few-cycle duration source spanning 7 optical octaves from the UV to the THz. This breakthrough enables future research on time-domain analysis of substances, opening new opportunities for multimodal measurement approaches.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 23, 2020

Perfect transmission through barrier using sound

A new study by the University of Hong Kong has experimentally proven the existence of Klein tunneling, where relativistic particles can pass through barriers with 100% transmission. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental physics and potential applications in sound manipulation and acoustic signal processing.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·DateDec 23, 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.

Covering faces around kids won't mask emotions

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison psychologists shows that children can accurately identify emotions from faces covered by masks, suggesting they will adapt to real-life situations. The researchers found that even with parts of the face obscured, kids correctly identified emotions at a rate better than chance.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 23, 2020

Tracing the many paths of vision

A new study decodes the molecular diversity of neurons in the zebrafish retina, identifying at least 32 different types of retinal ganglion cells. These cell types are linked to specific functions and behaviors, shedding light on how the brain processes visual stimuli.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateDec 23, 2020

Graz research group develops health portal of the future

A research group at Graz University of Technology is developing an interactive and adaptive health information system that uses machine learning and cognitive psychology to provide personalized content. The system aims to improve doctor-patient communication, enhance health literacy, and make decisions beneficial to users' health.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateDec 22, 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.

'Soft' nanoparticles give plasmons new potential

Scientists at Rice University developed hybrid particles combining plasmonic nanoparticles with flexible polymer coatings to harness light energy. The resulting nanoparticles deliver improved efficiency in transferring energy from the metal core to the coating.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 22, 2020

New drug inhibits the growth of cancer cells

Researchers developed a compound that inhibits the growth of cancer cells by targeting mitochondrial function, without severe side effects. The compound prevents genetic information within mitochondria from being read, starving cancer cells into dying.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2020

A blazar in the early universe

Astronomers observed a galaxy 12.8 billion light-years from Earth, revealing previously unseen details in its jet of material ejected at three-quarters the speed of light. The analysis supports theoretical models for blazar rarity in the early universe.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateDec 22, 2020

What pandemic messaging around changing holiday rituals gets wrong

A new study by Berkeley Haas researchers reveals that altering holiday rituals can lead to strong moral outrage, as people resist even minor changes due to the importance of tradition and group values. The study suggests that public officials should focus on changing rituals in ways that still allow people to celebrate these values.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 22, 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.

BioAFM viewer software for simulated atomic force microscopy of biomolecules

The BioAFMviewer software allows for the computational emulation of AFM scanning on any biomolecular structure, generating simulated graphics and movies. This facilitates the comparison of high-resolution structural data with AFM results, aiding in the analysis and interpretation of experimental outcomes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 22, 2020

Brain gene expression patterns predict behavior of individual honey bees

Researchers analyzed gene expression in the brains of thousands of individual honey bees to find consistent differences between foragers and egg-layers. The study identified 15 transcription factors that explained behavioral differences, suggesting changes in these genes can lead to strikingly different behavior.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 22, 2020

Cannabis use blunts stress reactivity in female rats

A new study by Washington State University researchers found that chronic cannabis use significantly dampens stress reactivity in female rats, but not males. The study suggests there may be significant differences in how chronic cannabis use affects males and females.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeurobiology of Stress·DateDec 22, 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.

How roundworms decide the time is right

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a protein called BLMP-1 that coordinates gene activity in response to environmental changes. The protein pauses development when nutrients are scarce and resumes it when conditions improve.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 22, 2020

Chemists synthesize 'flat' silicon compounds

The molecules generated at the University of Bonn have a trapezoidal arrangement of bonding partners around the silicon atom, which is energetically unfavorable. Despite this, they are found to be extremely stable and can be stored for weeks without degradation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 22, 2020

Droughts, viruses and road networks: Trends that will impact our forests

A new UCPH study highlights significant trends affecting the world's forests, including drought, viral outbreaks, and vast infrastructure expansions. These trends pose severe consequences on forests and humans alike, emphasizing the need for prioritized forest conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Plants·DateDec 22, 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.

RedHill's phase 2/3 COVID-19 study of opaganib passes second DSMB review

The global Phase 2/3 study with orally-administered opaganib in patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 pneumonia has received a second unanimous recommendation to continue, based on an analysis of unblinded safety data from the first 155 patients treated for 14 days. Enrollment is over 60% complete and top-line data expected in Q1/...

SourceRedHill Biopharma·DateDec 22, 2020

New imaging method views soil carbon at near-atomic scales

A new study reveals the physical and chemical interactions that sequester carbon in soil, showing layers of carbon around organic interfaces and a crucial role for nitrogen. This breakthrough technique may help develop strategies for sequestering more carbon in soil, mitigating climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2020

COVID immunity lasts up to 8 months, new data reveals

Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 retain immunity for at least 8 months through virus-specific memory B cells. This discovery alleviates concerns about vaccine efficacy and provides real hope for long-term protection against the virus.

SourceMonash University·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Japanese art technique inspires new engineering technique

Engineers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique using kirigami cuts to create complex 3D structures and nanoscale tools. The technique, inspired by traditional Japanese paper-folding practices, enables the creation of unusual shapes and functions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 22, 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.

Americans underestimate public support for key gun policies

A new study found that Americans significantly underestimated public support for key gun safety policies, including universal background checks and mandatory waiting periods. When people learned about the true levels of support, they were more likely to express stronger public support in both private and public settings.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 22, 2020

E-cigarettes, as consumer products, do not help people quit smoking, study finds

A systematic review by UC San Francisco researchers found that e-cigarette use has no appreciable effect on participants' ability to quit, regardless of frequency or motivation. However, certain e-cigarette devices treated like medicine in clinical trials showed a more significant impact on quitting smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 22, 2020

Community-based programs reduce sexual violence, study shows

Researchers at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and Promundo-US significantly reduced sexual violence among teenage boys in areas of concentrated disadvantage through community-based programs. The proportion of youth reporting the use of sexual or partner violence decreased by about 12 percentage points in both groups.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·DateDec 22, 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.

Fluvial mapping of Mars

Researchers have created the largest image ever made of Mars' surface, mapping three billion-year-old sedimentary rocks and identifying 18 new fluvial ridges. The study provides unprecedented insight into ancient river systems on Mars, which could prove valuable targets for future exploration of past climates and tectonics.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateDec 22, 2020

Global disparities in vaccination persist and leave many children at risk

New research highlights the challenges of providing childhood vaccinations in hard-to-reach populations and the emergence of vaccine hesitancy among wealthy families in low- and middle-income countries. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce inequality gaps and ensure universal coverage.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 22, 2020

Nanoparticles could improve oil production

Researchers from Siberian Federal University found that nanoparticles can dramatically change rock wettability characteristics, leading to increased oil recovery. The study showed that even small amounts of nanoparticles added to the liquid improved oil production efficiency by weakening capillary forces and reducing interfacial tension.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 22, 2020

Bait and switch

A study by Arizona State University found that approximately 3.4% to 4.3% of consumed seafood is mislabeled, with substituted species coming from fisheries performing worse in terms of population impacts 86% of the time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 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.

Masks not enough to stop COVID-19's spread without distancing

Researchers tested mask materials' effectiveness in blocking droplets carrying coronavirus. While masks blocked most droplets, distances under 6 feet still allowed many to escape, posing a risk of illness. Masks can offer protection but not complete protection when combined with distancing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 22, 2020

Global study on bird song frequency

A global analysis of bird songs reveals that size, not habitat type, is the primary driver of song frequency. The study also suggests that males with larger bodies produce lower-frequency songs due to competition for mates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 22, 2020

Astigmatism measures and corneal power obtained with different devices

Researchers found significant differences in astigmatism measures obtained by Pentacam, Cassini, and IOL-master systems, affecting cataract surgery outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for further investigation into refractive predictability studies to determine the best optometric device.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Ophthalmology Journal·DateDec 22, 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.

Researcher uses machine learning to demonstrate that DNA impacts cancer risk

Researchers have identified seven DNA fingerprints that define cancer risk, including a protective germline pattern and six that present a higher risk. The discovery refines the long-held view that lifestyle factors contribute to cancer risk and sheds light on the role of genetics in cancer development.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 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.

In shaky times, focus on past successes, if overly anxious, depressed

A new UC Berkeley study suggests that individuals with clinical anxiety and/or depression have difficulty making sound judgments when faced with changing circumstances. Emotionally resilient people, on the other hand, are better equipped to adapt to these changes by focusing on their past successes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateDec 22, 2020

Even after long-term exposure, bionic touch does not remap the brain

A new study on people with amputations using bionic hands for over a year found that the brain never shifted its perception of touch sensations to match the prosthetic thumb. The participants' brains persisted in perceiving the sensation in other locations, such as their middle finger or palm.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 22, 2020

The brain's protein factories at work

Researchers at Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin have visualized the structure of ribosomes in nerve cells at near-atomic resolution, revealing a new key factor Ebp1 controlling brain development and protein synthesis. This study provides insights into the regulatory processes involved in maintaining neuronal proteostasis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 22, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 5 Issue 2

This issue of CVIA features papers on current management strategies for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, as well as a systematic review on epicardial adipose tissue in obstructive sleep apnea. The journal also presents research on detecting myocardial infarction using late gadolinium enhancement MRI.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateDec 22, 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.

The college student in a pandemic

A longitudinal study of first-year university students found that those enrolled in the University of Vermont's Wellness Environment program had improved mood levels and fewer attention problems compared to non-participants. The study suggests that colleges and universities should track students' emotional health and develop specific p...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 22, 2020

Enzyme discovery can help rein in blood vessels that fuel cancer

A study from Scripps Research Institute has identified an enzyme that limits blood vessel growth, providing insights into potential medicines to kill tumors and stop cancer from spreading. The findings also may enable new interventions for healthy blood-vessel development in people with heart disease and other conditions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 22, 2020

The first endovascular technology that can explore capillaries

Researchers at EPFL have developed a miniaturized endovascular device that can explore capillaries without causing tissue damage. The technology harnesses hydrokinetic energy and uses magnetic steering to navigate the vascular system.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2020

Secondary bloodstream infections associated with severe COVID-19

Patients with severe COVID-19 who developed secondary bloodstream infections were more likely to be severely ill upon admission, have longer hospital stays and poorer health outcomes. The study found that these patients were also more likely to require intensive care and had higher odds of mortality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 22, 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.

Slow start of plate tectonics despite a hot early Earth

Researchers discovered that mantle convection on early Earth was surprisingly slow and spatially restricted until around 3 billion years ago. This finding suggests that the onset of modern plate tectonics triggered the emergence of large continental masses and an oxygen-rich atmosphere, setting the stage for complex life.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2020

Regulatory RNAs promote breast cancer metastasis

Researchers at CSHL have discovered a gene-regulating RNA that contributes to breast cancer metastasis. By targeting this RNA, they found a molecule that can reduce tumor growth and metastases in animal experiments.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2020

Mouse-controlled mouse helps researchers understand intentional control

Researchers used a brain machine interface to enable mice to guide a cursor using only their brain activity. The study found that visual cortical areas in the mouse brain were involved during the task, including the parietal cortex, which may act as a way station between sensory and motor areas.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNeuron·DateDec 22, 2020