Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 39

Survey shows firearm safety rarely discussed between patients and clinicians

A national survey of 4,000 adults found that fewer than 10% have ever discussed firearm safety with a clinician, highlighting the need for improvement in clinical settings. The study also found that when conversations occurred, the most common advice given was to lock all household firearms.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 21, 2020

Brain tissue yields clues to causes of PTSD

A post-mortem analysis of brain tissue from people with PTSD reveals distinct differences in gene expression patterns between those with and without the disorder. These changes affect two cell types - interneurons and microglia - which may contribute to impaired stress response, particularly in women.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 2020

Variety: Spice of life for bumble bees

Researchers found that bumble bees collect a wide range of pollen from different plant species to satisfy their protein needs, whereas honey bees focus on a limited number of target plants. This study highlights the importance of considering diverse foraging behavior in nature conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateDec 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Big step with small whirls

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully created a multilayer system where two different types of skyrmions coexist at room temperature. This breakthrough enables the potential use of skyrmions in ultrafast data processing, promising an extremely compact form of data storage.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 21, 2020

Archaeology: The aroma of distant worlds

A team of researchers has found evidence that people in the Levant were eating turmeric, bananas, and soy in the Bronze and Early Iron Ages, tracing back to South and East Asia. Long-distance trade in culinary goods connected distant societies since at least the Bronze Age.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020

Do I know you? Researchers evaluate how masks disrupt facial perception

A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers found that wearing masks reduces facial recognition accuracy by 15%, making it harder to identify people we know. The altered processing style, focusing on individual facial features instead of the entire face, can cause significant errors.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2020

New flower from 100 million years ago brings fresh holiday beauty to 2020

Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a new genus and species of flower from the mid-Cretaceous period, found in 100 million-year-old Burmese amber. The tiny male flower has unique details, including spiral-shaped stamens and an egg-shaped floral cup.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas·DateDec 21, 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.

Scientists develop an efficient way to produce low-cost heatsinks

Researchers at NUST MISIS create affordable heat sinks by mixing rubbers with silicon carbide, significantly reducing production costs. The new material can withstand temperatures up to 300°C and has potential applications in industry and electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalPolymers·DateDec 21, 2020

First patient enrolled in stem cell therapy trial for traumatic injury

A Phase II clinical trial is being conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MultiStem cellular therapy for treating injured patients with severe hemorrhage. The study aims to mitigate complications resulting from traumatic injuries, including secondary infections and organ failure conditions.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·DateDec 21, 2020

Antibiotics for C-sections effective after umbilical cord clamped

A large study challenges the conventional practice of administering antibiotics before C-section incisions, finding them equally effective when given after clamping. This discovery may benefit newborns' developing microbiomes, potentially affecting immune system development and future health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAntimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control·DateDec 21, 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.

How one pain suppresses the other

Researchers investigate the body's own pain control system using Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM) and find that two different stimuli can reduce pain to a similar degree. The study used electrical stimulation of the skin as a new test stimulus, allowing for objective measurement of brain activity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBMC Neuroscience·DateDec 21, 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.

Modeling rainfall drop by drop

Researchers at KAUST developed a high-frequency rainfall model using new rain gauges that measure rainfall drop by drop, providing unprecedented insight into minute-to-minute rainfall dynamics. The model captures the 'skewness' of high-frequency precipitation data and generates synthetic precipitation data for water management.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSpatial Statistics·DateDec 20, 2020

Goldilocks and the three quantum dots: Just right for peak solar panel performance

Scientists in Australia develop a process to calculate perfect quantum dot size and density for peak solar performance, enabling photochemical upconversion. The research uses lead sulfide quantum dots and shows promise for improving solar panel efficiency without compatibility issues with silicon technology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNanoscale·DateDec 20, 2020

The 1st International BioDesign Research Conference

The 1st International BioDesign Research Conference was a groundbreaking event that brought together 64 world-renowned experts to present on biosystem design and synthetic biology. The conference featured 126 abstracts and 35 satellite video presentations, showcasing the latest research in this field.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·DateDec 20, 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 community-level intervention reduces alcohol-related crashes

A community-level alcohol intervention in California resulted in a significant reduction of alcohol-involved crashes among drivers aged 15-30. The study found that the intervention, which included sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, translated into approximately 310 fewer crashes across the intervention cities.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 20, 2020

Scientists solve 'flea mystery'

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences and University of Bristol solve the 'flea mystery' by classifying fleas as a group of highly modified scorpionflies. The study suggests that fleas evolved from small, nectar-feeding scorpionflies that later developed specialized blood-sucking mouthparts.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalPalaeoentomology·DateDec 20, 2020

How cancers hurt themselves to hurt immune cells more

Researchers discovered that melanoma cells employ 'frameshifting' to starve themselves of tryptophan, a key amino acid needed for protein production. This process allows cancer cells to survive and evade T cell attacks.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateDec 20, 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.

Protecting against atherosclerosis at the molecular level

CREB3L3 protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting SREBP's expression. Absence or overexpression of CREB3L3 exacerbates high blood lipid levels and atherosclerosis. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of atherosclerosis and its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateDec 20, 2020

Study resolves the position of fleas on the tree of life

A study of over 1,400 protein-coding genes resolved the mystery of fleas' placement in the insect tree of life. Fleas are classified as scorpionflies, evolving to feed on vertebrates between 290 and 165 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeoentomology·DateDec 20, 2020

Transients and synchronization are unified in ecological networks

In ecological networks, synchronization and transients are unified through symmetry and stochasticity. Cluster synchronization emerges due to intrinsic symmetries of the network, exhibiting transient behavior with intermittent switching among distinct patterns.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 19, 2020

Study sets baseline for sleep patterns in healthy adult dogs

A new study from North Carolina State University has established a baseline for understanding sleep patterns in healthy adult dogs, shedding light on the effects of age, sex, and weight on their activity cycles. The research aims to improve detection and treatment of chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction in dogs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 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.

Satellite data identifies companies fishing in high seas

A study using satellite data linked companies to fishing activity in high seas waters, shedding light on commercial fishing practices. Researchers found approximately two-thirds of detected fishing effort was attributed to 1,120 corporations owning nearly 2,500 vessels.

SourceNew York University·JournalOne Earth·DateDec 18, 2020

Experts call for Europe-wide COVID-19 targets

A group of over 300 global scientists is urging European governments to adopt a coordinated approach to managing the pandemic by setting clear COVID-19 case number targets. The proposed strategy aims to achieve low case numbers, enhance mitigation measures, and develop long-term common vision to protect people's health, societies, and ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·DateDec 18, 2020

New drug molecules hold promise for treating rare inherited terminal childhood disease

Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new treatment approach for mitochondrial diseases, such as Leigh Syndrome, by using novel drugs that metabolically reprogram mitochondria to generate energy. The study successfully normalized or improved energy production in genetically mutated microscopic worms.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Inherited Metabolic Disease·DateDec 18, 2020

In liver, a stressed cell can be bad news for its neighbors

Researchers found that a protein called Cx43 allows stress signals from one liver cell to spread to neighboring cells, causing dysfunction. Mice with deleted Cx43 were protected from insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 18, 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.

New mechanism of force transduction in muscle cells discovered

The study reveals that metavinculin modulates mechanical force transduction on the molecular level, potentially resisting high peak forces observed in muscle tissues. Mice lacking metavinculin did not exhibit cardiomyopathy, suggesting a more complex pathophysiological role for the protein.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

Plants can be larks or night owls just like us

A study found that a single DNA base-pair change in a specific gene can influence whether a plant is a lark or night owl, affecting its flowering time and ability to withstand climate change. The research could help farmers select plants with clocks best suited to their location.

SourceEarlham Institute·DateDec 18, 2020

World's first transmission of 1 Petabit/s using a single-core multimode optical fiber

Researchers demonstrated the world's first transmission exceeding 1 petabit per second in a single-core multi-mode optical fiber, increasing the current record data rate by more than 2.5 times. This achievement showcases the potential of single-core multimode fibers for high-capacity transmission using standard manufacturing processes.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateDec 18, 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.

Researchers determine factors associated with ovary removal in patients with ovarian torsion

A retrospective study of patients with ovarian torsion found that older age, larger ovarian size, and gynecologic oncologist performance were linked to increased oophorectomy rates. The study suggests that surgeon ability to diagnose necrosis is poor, and patient race does not impact the likelihood of oophorectomy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gynecologic Surgery·DateDec 18, 2020

Will we still need Covid-19 volunteers in the new year?

Local Authorities and the Voluntary and Community Sector are best placed to support the response to the Covid-19 crisis locally. Thousands of volunteers have helped their neighbours stay fed, safe, and connected, and will continue to play a central role during the festive period and into next year.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers reveal link between cryptocurrency coding and market behavior

A new study by Dr Andrea Baronchelli and colleagues reveals a connection between cryptocurrency coding and market behavior. The researchers found that 4% of developers contribute to the code of two or more cryptocurrencies, questioning the transparency surrounding the coding process.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Humpback whale songs provide insight to population changes

Researchers analyzed acoustic data from humpback whale songs to track population changes in the North Pacific. The study found a significant decrease in acoustic energy levels between 2014-15 and 2018-19, mirroring the declining number of whales during this period.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateDec 18, 2020

Stem cell treatment for vascular diseases can be predicted through real-time observation

Researchers developed a method to predict therapeutic efficacy of stem cell treatment for vascular diseases based on initial distribution and migration of transplanted cells. The method enabled predicting superior therapeutic efficacy when treatment cells form into condensed 'round shape' during initial treatment.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 18, 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.

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Researchers found prebiotic organic molecule hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, validating theories of its role in forming organic compounds. HMT is thought to be a stable source for ammonia and formaldehyde, which can form other important biological molecules.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

Researchers propose process to detect and contain emerging diseases

A global team of researchers has proposed a four-part approach to detect and contain zoonotic diseases in Africa. The strategy involves gathering information on diseases that can jump from animals to humans, testing hospital patients with fevers, analyzing blood serum in high-risk groups, and utilizing archived samples.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateDec 18, 2020

Inverted fluorescence

Researchers have discovered a new class of fluorescent dyes that can convert visible light into ultraviolet light, overcoming one of the biggest challenges to harnessing sunlight for energy. This breakthrough could enable more efficient solar-powered water splitting and other high-energy reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 18, 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.

Novel crystalline oxide may solve the problem of overheating in composite materials

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology synthesized a novel material with negative thermal expansion properties, which may help avoid damage to composite materials. The material exhibits both phase transition and framework-type mechanisms, providing a potential solution for the overheating problem in composite materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateDec 18, 2020

New study identifies greatest risk factors of mortality from COVID-19

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are men, obese, or have complications from diabetes or hypertension have a higher risk of dying. The analysis also showed that age remains the strongest predictor of mortality from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2020

Sound waves spin droplets to concentrate, separate nanoparticles

Researchers at Duke University have created a new method to concentrate and separate nanoparticles using sound waves, working in under a minute instead of traditional centrifugation methods which take hours or days. The technique can be used for precision bioassays, cancer diagnosis, and more.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 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.

Land ecosystems are becoming less efficient at absorbing CO2

Scientists found that 86% of land ecosystems globally are becoming progressively less efficient at absorbing CO2 as atmospheric levels increase. This decline, known as the CO2 fertilization effect, is caused by limitations in water and nutrient availability, potentially weakening plants' ability to mitigate climate change.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateDec 18, 2020