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Science News for November 13, 2020


Sleep apnea may be risk factor for COVID-19

A recent study published in the Sleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal suggests that sleep apnea may be a risk factor for severe COVID-19. The research, conducted at Turku University Hospital, found that 29% of patients admitted to hospital care had already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalSleep Medicine and Disorders International Journal·DateNov 13, 2020

Two anti-inflammatory compounds shown to be capable of accelerating recovery from COVID-19

Researchers at University of São Paulo and University of Pennsylvania conducted clinical trials on monoclonal antibody eculizumab and experimental drug AMY-101, showing promising results in accelerating recovery from severe COVID-19. The studies found that inhibiting the complement system reduced inflammation and improved lung function.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical Immunology·DateNov 13, 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.

Study: Respiratory failure in COVID-19 usually not driven by cytokine storm

A new study finds that most hospitalized COVID-19 patients do not have a 'cytokine storm', which was previously thought to be the cause of respiratory failure, but rather moderate inflammation. The researchers suggest that anti-inflammatory medications may benefit only a fraction of patients with severe disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

Boosting returns on e-commerce retargeting campaigns

A new study finds that delivering e-commerce cart retargeting (ECR) ads too early can decrease purchase rates, while late ECR ads have a positive impact. The researchers recommend using price discounts or scarcity framing for early ECR and suggest deploying campaigns with a delay to minimize ad annoyance.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 13, 2020

The Popovich of floral nectar spurs

Researchers at Harvard University have identified a key gene POPOVICH responsible for floral nectar spur development, a crucial innovation in plant evolution. This discovery provides insight into the origin of this trait and its role in promoting biodiversity among flowering plants.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 survival among elderly patients could be improved by arthritis drug

A new study published in Science Advances suggests that a type of arthritis drug called baricitinib can reduce the risk of dying from COVID-19 among elderly patients. The study found that patients who received the drug had a 71% reduced risk of death compared to those who did not receive it.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateNov 13, 2020

Be mindful: Study shows mindfulness might not work as you expect

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that mindfulness may not effectively manage stress as it's happening, contrary to popular culture assertions. While mindful participants reported positive experiences afterward, their cardiovascular responses didn't demonstrate the expected benefits of mindfulness.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 13, 2020

Computer vision app allows easier monitoring of diabetes

A new computer vision app developed by University of Cambridge engineers allows easier monitoring of blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. The app uses a smartphone camera to read glucose meter data, eliminating the need for manual input or internet connectivity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateNov 13, 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.

Most type 2 diabetes patients are at high risk of a fatal heart attack or stroke

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients are at very high risk of fatal events within a decade. Lifestyle advice, including quitting smoking, healthy diet and regular exercise, is recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Diabetes drug can treat and reverse heart failure and reduce hospitalizations

Empagliflozin improves heart function, reduces dilation and hypertrophy of the left ventricle, increasing ejection fraction. The medication also enhances exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure, leading to reduced hospitalization rates.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Diet affects skin gene expression in both healthy and atopic dogs

Researchers found that dietary intervention increased skin gene expression manifold, with raw food activating the immune defense system and increasing antioxidant production. This study suggests that a raw diet may help activate the immune defense of dogs, potentially reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateNov 13, 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.

Study: Vitamin D, fish oil don't lower atrial fibrillation risk

A large-scale trial involving over 25,000 participants found no significant difference in the development of atrial fibrillation between those taking vitamin D or fish oil supplements and a placebo. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight and controlling blood pressure may lower risk of atrial fibrillation.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateNov 13, 2020

How to ensure patients manage their chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease can proactively manage their health by receiving tailored guidance on diet and lifestyle. Effective communication with doctors and strong family support are also crucial in empowering patients to take a more active role in their care. This study highlights the importance of clearer information, bett...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 13, 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.

Most Medicare beneficiaries say they don't receive cognitive assessments

A new study found that only a quarter of Medicare beneficiaries receive structured cognitive assessments during annual wellness visits. The researchers suggest that variations in wellness visits and cognitive assessments between Medicare coverage types are not well understood, and more research is needed to validate the differences.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 13, 2020

Handles and holes in abstract spaces: how a material conducts electricity better

A new theory developed by scientists at SISSA has established a relationship between the presence of 'handles' in the space of atom and molecule arrangements and a material's electrical conductivity. The research found that materials equipped with handles, previously thought to be insulators, can conduct electricity like metals.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 13, 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.

Worms reveal why melatonin promotes sleep

Researchers identified melatonin's role in promoting sleep by activating the BK channel in the brain, a process that limits neurotransmitter release. This finding has implications for understanding melatonin's effects and potential treatment of diseases related to the BK channel.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine does not help patients hospitalized with COVID-19: Study

A national study published in JAMA found that hydroxychloroquine did not improve clinical outcomes for adult patients hospitalized with respiratory illness related to COVID-19. The study, which enrolled 479 patients, showed no evidence that the drug prevented death or helped patients recover more quickly.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 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.

Benefits of high-dose blood thinners in COVID-19 patients remain unclear

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that high-dose anticoagulation may be ineffective and even harmful for patients with COVID-19. The study compared clinical outcomes between patients treated with standard low-dose blood thinners and those receiving higher doses, finding no additional benefit.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalThrombosis Research·DateNov 13, 2020

Here's why conservatives and liberals differ on COVID-19

A new study from Lehigh University's College of Business found that conservatives are more sensitive to threats with high agency, proposing free will as the primary driver of outcomes in life. To get greater buy-in on safety measures, policymakers should discuss the virus in terms that give it more agency.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2020

New saliva-based antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 highly accurate in initial study

A new saliva-based antibody test developed by Johns Hopkins researchers accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from small saliva samples. The test's high sensitivity and specificity make it suitable for various applications, including large-scale screening and monitoring changes in antibody-positivity rates over time.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateNov 13, 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.

Managing the microbiome raises new hope for autism

A study published in mSphere found that gut microbiota from healthy donors can improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through microbial transfer therapy (MTT). The research showed significant metabolic changes in plasma samples and modest alterations in fecal samples after the procedure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalmBio·DateNov 13, 2020

Researchers from CSIC identify the genetic program that allows us to see in 3D

A study published in Science Advances reveals a genetic program essential for 3D vision and motor coordination in mice. The discovery sheds light on the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway by Zic2, which is crucial for bilateralism and has implications for understanding pathologies such as spina bifida.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

A cost-effective program to fight COVID-19 in resource-challenged countries

A multifaceted public health strategy combining contact tracing, community-based screening with isolation and quarantine centers can substantially reduce COVID-19 cases in low-and-middle-income countries. The study found that this approach could save lives even where budgets are constrained.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateNov 13, 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.

Cytokine storms play a limited role in moderate-to-severe COVID-19

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Washington University found that most adults with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 have a suppressed viral immune response, unlike flu patients. Steroids like dexamethasone are only effective in a small subset of patients with life-threatening hyperinflammation.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

System brings deep learning to 'internet of things' devices

A new system called MCUNet enables artificial intelligence on household appliances while improving data security and energy efficiency. The technology uses compact neural networks to deliver unprecedented speed and accuracy for deep learning on IoT devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 13, 2020

A few kilograms weight loss nearly halves the risk of diabetes

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing support for small lifestyle changes can almost halve the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study found that modest weight loss and increased physical activity reduced the risk by 40-47% for those with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 13, 2020

Love waves from the ocean floor

Researchers decoded the origin of love waves, generated by ocean storms, which travel through the solid Earth. Stanford University geophysicist Lucia Gualtieri's study suggests that Love waves originate within the Earth itself, not on the seafloor.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 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.

Food allergies take a greater emotional toll on Asian families

A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, particularly for Asian patients and their parents. The study showed higher negative quality of life scores for Asians compared to white and Black patients.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 13, 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.

Measuring the true cost of conservation

A new high-resolution map of US land value reveals underestimates in existing cost estimates, highlighting the need for higher funding levels for environmental goals. The tool provides policymakers with realistic expectations for conservation funding, enabling more informed decision-making.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Are diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions or titles published faster?

A study found that diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions were associated with a shorter time from study completion to publication, contributing to an overrepresentation of positive results in the test accuracy literature. Studies with positive titles showed no significant association with faster publication times.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 13, 2020

Antidepressant may prevent severe COVID-19, trial suggests

A clinical trial found that fluvoxamine prevented COVID-19 infections from worsening and kept patients out of the hospital. The antidepressant drug reduced inflammation and protected against serious breathing difficulties, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateNov 13, 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.

Shining a light on the role of the genome's 'dark matter' in cancer development

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in pancreatic cancer development by modifying cell growth. The study highlights the importance of investigating lncRNAs in living organisms and provides potential new targets for precision cancer therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalGenome Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

Chemistry: How nitrogen is transferred by a catalyst

Chemists at Goethe University Frankfurt have directly observed and characterized a metallonitrene diradical with a single metal-nitrogen bond. This discovery enables the targeted insertion of nitrogen atoms into carbon-hydrogen bonds, contributing to the development of novel 'green' syntheses.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2020

What type of forest to choose for better CO2 storage?

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that species diversity is optimal for equatorial and tropical rainforests, while abundance of trees is key to carbon storage in colder regions. The findings have substantial practical relevance for climate change mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Study reveals physical demands of two-hour marathon

Elite marathon runners require a perfect balance of VO2 max, efficiency, and lactate turn point to maintain two-hour pace. A study on athletes from Nike's Breaking2 project found that these runners must take in oxygen twice as fast as normal individuals at marathon pace.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 13, 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.

Shutting Down COVID-19 virus' destructive proteins with aerosolized molecules

Georgetown University researchers successfully used RNA molecules to suppress SARS-CoV-2 protein production, potentially leading to an inhalable drug that mitigates viral chaos. The approach targets viral machinery within cells via siRNA, degrading messenger RNA and reducing infection spread.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalGene Therapy·DateNov 13, 2020

Is zoom increasing the demand for plastic surgery

A study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine suggests that Zoom's increased usage has led to a rise in plastic surgery requests, particularly for nose and wrinkle treatments. The 'Zoom Dysmorphia' phenomenon is characterized by individuals seeking surgical interventions due to perceived flaws on video calls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

How air pollution affects homeless populations

A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 13, 2020

Drawing the line to answer art's big questions

Researchers employed a computer algorithm to analyze nearly 15,000 landscape paintings, finding that compositional structures evolved systematically over time. The study suggests a potential bias in art curators' and historians' selections, contradicting the prevailing view of diverse artistic expression.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Risk of AAV mobilization in gene therapy

Recent studies report increased risk of rAAV mobilization in gene therapy, raising concerns for treated individuals and unintended populations. The research highlights the potential for rAAV vector production to replicate under certain conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateNov 13, 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.

Enhancing food security, sustainability in Cambodia

The UTIA Smith Center will partner with the Royal University of Agriculture to improve food and nutritional security in Cambodia through research, education, and training. The program aims to increase agricultural production, enhance soil and water quality, and support small-scale farmers.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateNov 13, 2020

The future's uncertain - but noradrenaline can help us adapt

A new study found that noradrenaline helps us adapt to uncertain situations by allowing rapid learning and adjusting our behavior. In contrast, Propranolol blocks the action of noradrenaline, making people more reliant on past experiences in the face of uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 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.

Plastic pollution is everywhere. Study reveals how it travels

A Princeton University study has revealed the mechanism by which microplastic particles, like Styrofoam, move through porous media, allowing them to accumulate in food and water sources. The research found that microplastics get stuck when traveling through soil but later break free and continue moving substantially further.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

What does the fox say to a puma?

Pumas and culpeo foxes can successfully coexist due to distinct diets, with pumas primarily feeding on introduced hare species and foxes on smaller mammals. This study sheds light on predator interactions and ecosystem balances in the Andes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDiversity·DateNov 13, 2020

Hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection

A rare nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers is discussed in the article. Minimizing these incidents can be achieved through proper precautions such as wearing surgical masks, maintaining good ventilation, practicing physical distancing, using eye protection, and conducting regular testing and sick leave policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 2020

Dynamic risk management in cell populations

Scientists at AMOLF and Yale University have discovered a mechanism that enables cell populations to tune their diversity much faster, by combining physical and chemical interactions between existing proteins. This allows cells to quickly adapt to new environmental signals, rather than relying on time-consuming gene expression changes.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

Dissecting the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19 responses

A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateNov 13, 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.

New supercomputer installed at Stony Brook

Stony Brook University has installed a new supercomputer, Ookami, powered by the HPE Apollo 80 system and Fujitsu A64FX processor, offering a balance of high performance and power efficiency. The system is supported by Bright Cluster Manager software and will be available for researchers nationwide to test new computing technologies.

SourceStony Brook University·DateNov 13, 2020

Pharmacology - An unconventional ion channel

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a mechanosensitive ion channel in an endolysosomal system of macrophages. This channel is activated by mechanical stimuli and alterations in osmolarity, regulating the secretion of signaling molecules that control the immune system.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

How religion can hamper economic progress

A recent study from Bocconi University found that Catholic schools in France during the Second Industrial Revolution hindered the introduction of technical education, leading to lower industrial employment. The research suggests that religion can have a negative impact on economic development when it hinders the adoption of economicall...

SourceBocconi University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 13, 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.

Preparing for a human mission to Mars

The AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission in Oman evaluated operational concepts and optimized strategies for future human missions. A benchmarking tool was developed to improve scientific output, mission safety, and efficiency.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Anions matter

Researchers found that sulfate anions significantly improve the performance of zinc-ion hybrid capacitors, enabling them to operate for over nine months and showing excellent flexibility. The study highlights the importance of electrolyte anions in enhancing the power and energy density of capacitors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 13, 2020

Researchers develop virus live stream to study virus infection

Researchers have developed a new technique called VIRIM that allows for real-time imaging of virus infections, enabling the tracking of viral replication and protein production. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted treatments for viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2020

Promising MS drug may worsen disease, research suggests

A promising MS drug called TEPP-46 has shown worsening effects on the disease in mouse models, causing inflammation redirection and T cell changes. The research suggests caution before moving the drug to human trials.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 13, 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.

New green materials could power smart devices using ambient light

Researchers from Imperial College London and their colleagues have discovered new green materials that can convert indoor light into energy, potentially powering smart devices without toxic chemicals. The materials, inspired by perovskites, show promise for commercial applications and could enable battery-free wearables and IoT devices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 13, 2020

Ultracompact metalens microscopy breaks FOV constraints

Researchers have developed an ultracompact metalens array that enables wide-field microscope imaging with large field of view and high resolution. The metalens-integrated imaging device (MIID) achieves compact architecture and working imaging distance in the hundreds of micrometers, paving the way for real-world applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 13, 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.

Baricitinib treatment linked to reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients

A recent study published in Science Advances found that baricitinib treatment significantly reduces mortality in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The drug, commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, was shown to block viral entry and reduce inflammation, leading to a 71% reduction in mortality rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

Need for more and better testing for COVID-19

The study highlights limitations of current testing in asymptomatic phases and access issues in resource-limited communities. Better testing is crucial to prevent community transmission and improve public health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 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.

Order from chaos

Researchers from Kyoto University have created a beam-scanning device using photonic crystals, eliminating the need for moving parts. The technology enables high-power, high-beam-quality two-dimensional beam scanning lasers with improved resolution and accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Sussex research points to new effective breast cancer treatment

A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that LMTK3 inhibitors could be an effective treatment for breast cancer and potentially other types of cancer. The researchers successfully demonstrated the anticancer effects of LMTK3 inhibitors in cells and breast cancer models in mice.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

First non-human primate study showing promise of gene therapy for stroke repair

A study published on Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology found successful neural regeneration from brain internal glial cells for stroke repair in rhesus macaque monkeys. This gene therapy approach regenerates new neurons while also protecting injured neurons from secondary damage.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateNov 13, 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.

CMIP6 adds more value in simulating extreme temperatures in China

The CMIP6 models reproduce spatial distributions of temperature extremes better than CMIP5 models. However, they struggle to capture warm days and cold nights, especially over the Tibetan Plateau. Advanced CMIP6 models show no significant differences from their CMIP5 counterparts for some models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 13, 2020

Light shed on the atomic resolution structure of phage DNA tube

Researchers have shed light on the atomic resolution structure of the phage DNA tube, a crucial component of phage therapy. The 3D structure reveals a hollow tube with flexible linkers, allowing negatively charged DNA to pass through smoothly. This study marks a significant milestone in integrated structural biology.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Antibody evolution may predict COVID-19 outcomes

A new study found that COVID-19 patients' early antibody evolution differs between survivors and non-survivors, with the former developing strong IgG antibodies and targeting the S2-domain on coronaviruses. This immunity may help patients generate killer antibodies faster and sooner after infection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2020

Why does COVID-19 seem to spare children?

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that children are less likely to get infected or have severe symptoms due to lower levels of an enzyme called TMPRSS2. The research suggests that blocking this enzyme could potentially treat or prevent COVID-19 in older people.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 13, 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.

Gut check: Teff grain boosts stomach microbiome health

A new study by Cornell University confirms that teff grain consumption enhances the intestinal microbiome composition and function, potentially explaining lower iron and zinc deficiency rates in Ethiopia. The study used a unique in vivo approach to test the effects of teff seed extracts on living organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateNov 13, 2020

Retreating glacier presents landslide threat, tsunami risk in Alaskan fjord

A study using NASA satellite imagery reveals a landslide-generated tsunami threat in Barry Arm, Alaska, which could affect the surrounding area within the next 20 years. The glacier's rapid retreat has caused the terrain to become unstable, leading to a potential 3,000-foot landslide into the fjord below.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2020