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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 13 of 43

Incretin hormone levels linked to arteriosclerosis

High levels of GIP are linked to an increased risk of early arteriosclerosis signs, while GLP-1 is associated with a lower risk. The study suggests a potential link between raised GIP levels and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients, highlighting the need for further investigation.

Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer properties

The article reviews antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential use in tumor therapy due to their ability to interact with negatively charged cell membranes. Recent advances and challenges in the application of these peptides are also discussed.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A novel drug target for neonatal and infant heart failure

A novel drug target has been identified for neonatal and infant heart failure, a condition with no specific treatment. The target stimulates cardiac contractility in newborns and infants with minimal side effects, offering new possibilities for pediatric heart failure treatment.

Vibrations of coronavirus proteins may play a role in infection

Researchers suggest that the mechanical properties of spike proteins can account for a strategy used by coronaviruses to trick cells into letting the viruses inside. The study found strong correlations between the rate and intensity of the spikes' vibrations and infectivity, as well as lethality rates.

Marine bacterium yields promising new antifungal

A marine bacterium has yielded a potent new antifungal molecule, turbinmicin, effective against Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to major classes of drugs. Turbinmicin blocks vesicle trafficking in fungi, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of multidrug-resistant fungal infections.

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.

'Domestication' increases mosquito's zika virus susceptibility

Researchers found that domesticated Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are more susceptible to acquiring Zika virus than their African counterparts. Genetic differences on chromosome 2 are believed to be the cause of this increased susceptibility.

Delirium in older patients with COVID-19

A study examined the frequency of delirium in older adults with COVID-19 presenting to emergency departments. The researchers found that a significant proportion of patients developed delirium during their hospital stay.

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.

Showing robots how to drive a car...in just a few easy lessons

USC researchers have developed a system that lets robots autonomously learn complicated tasks from a very small number of imperfect demonstrations. The system uses signal temporal logic to evaluate the quality of each demonstration, allowing robots to learn more intuitively and adapt to human preferences.

Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simplified method to calculate the attractive forces between nanoparticles, allowing for faster simulations and potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like solar energy and catalysis. The new approach has been shown to be accurate within 8% of the actual results.

Chemical physicist to collaborate on NASA-funded study of Saturn's moon Titan

A team of researchers, led by Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory, will investigate the behavior of chemical elements in Titan's lakes and seas. They aim to understand how molecules interact and change under extreme conditions, which could inform NASA's Dragonfly mission and our understanding of early Earth.

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.

Simple measurement could transform injury rehabilitation

Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a simple method to analyze the effectiveness of exercise training using vertical jumps. By measuring forces produced on the ground during jumps, they can predict detailed information about technique and muscle activation patterns.

Two liquids of water exist

Scientists have observed the transformation between two liquid states of water at extremely low temperatures and pressures. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on water's unusual behavior and has significant implications for various fields, including biology and desalination.

How rotavirus causes severe gastrointestinal disease

Rotavirus-infected cells release signaling molecules adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that bind to P2Y1 receptors on neighboring uninfected cells, triggering intercellular calcium waves and disrupting normal function. This discovery provides a new potential strategy for treating viral diarrhea.

Social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic linked with high blood pressure

A study found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in high blood pressure among patients admitted to emergency departments. The researchers suggest that increased stress, changed behaviors, and limited personal contact may contribute to this link.

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 age quantum dots in a test tube

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have proposed a way to obtain arbitrarily sized quantum dots using chemical aging. The process involves introducing oleic acid and oleylamine into the solution, causing the sulfur and lead atoms to retreat back into the solution, gradually reducing dot size.

Changes in vaping, other substance use, another side effect of COVID-19

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found significant changes in substance use among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 70% of respondents increased alcohol consumption, while vaping decreased in 44% of people. The study suggests that loneliness, anxiety, and depression may fuel increases in substance use.

Drug eases recovery for those with severe alcohol withdrawal

Researchers at Yale University found that prazosin significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms in patients with severe alcohol use disorder. The study showed that patients who received prazosin had fewer heavy drinking episodes and days of drinking compared to those who received a placebo.

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.

Researchers peer inside deadly pathogen's burglary kit

A team of researchers has unpacked the bacterium Francisella tularensis' toolbox, revealing the shapes and interactions of its infectious machinery. The insights point to a way in which the bacteria's unique infectious machinery might be blocked, potentially preventing it from infecting over 200 animal species.

Confirming simulated calculations with experiment results

Scientists have successfully detected a topological Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) phase in the rare-earth magnet TmMgGaO4 using highly sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The experiment confirms long-held theoretical predictions, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the behavior of q...

An INRS research team pushes back the boundaries of high-energy laser pulses

Researchers at INRS used the Advanced Laser Light Source facility to generate extremely short and intense laser pulses that are highly-stable in time and space. The discovery has significant technological impact, enabling compact high-power laser systems for industrial applications and advanced biomedical imaging.

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.

A gene mutation that protects against disease

Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that protects against liver disease and may offer a 'fountain of youth' for French-Canadian families. The PCSK9Q152H mutation has been found to lower bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier into their late 80s and mid-90s.

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.

Food, housing insecurities may delay breast cancer diagnosis

Research finds that women with food and housing insecurity are at risk of undiagnosed breast cancer due to lapses in follow-up appointments. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting, found that these unmet social needs lead to longer intervals between diagnostic imaging and biopsy.

UCLA receives $6.4 million to fund cannabis research

The grants will focus on studying the impact of Proposition 64, employment conditions, and marketing on cannabis use among various demographics. UCLA faculty members will conduct research on workplace experiences, safety conditions, and career trajectory in the cannabis industry.

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.

Bed dust microorganisms may boost children's health

Researchers found a link between microorganisms in bed dust and children's bacteria, suggesting a potential reduction in asthma and allergy risks. The study analyzed bed dust samples from 577 infants and respiratory samples from 542 children, revealing a correlation between the two.

Do meal kits tick right boxes?

A study analyzing meal kit recipes found high energy from fat and protein, while also being relatively high in sodium. However, the researchers suggest that improving vegetable and wholegrain ingredients could enhance nutritional value.

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.

Study finds low risk of pregnancy complications from COVID-19

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that 95% of pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 had no adverse outcomes, while the virus was transmitted to the fetus in only 3% of cases. The study also found that diabetes may increase the risk of severe or critical maternal illness.

Building better diffusion models for active systems

New theories have enabled researchers to model unusual dynamics where particle motions are no longer influenced by previous events. The 'memory term' principle allows studying this effect in a broader range of situations, particularly for advanced materials that respond to their environment.

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers

A novel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser design has been developed, combining multiple transverse coupled cavities to enhance optical feedback. This innovation extends the temporal bandwidth of VCSELs, enabling a modulation bandwidth of up to 100 GHz, beyond the known limit of relaxation oscillation frequency.

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.

Analysis of the relations between Spanish civil society organizations and science

A recent study by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra reveals that many Spanish civil society organizations are not involved in science and technology, or unaware of their involvement. However, the study also highlights the potential for these organizations to contribute to research and improve relations between science and society.

AGU Fall Meeting: Press event schedule and online media center now live

The AGU Fall Meeting 2020 is a virtual conference where scientists will present new research and discuss pressing topics in Earth and space sciences. The press event schedule includes conferences, briefings, and roundtables on various topics, including climate change, planetary science, and more.

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.

Could kelp help relieve ocean acidification?

A new study published in JGR Oceans suggests that giant kelp forests may help mitigate ocean acidification by reducing acidity near the surface, but has no impact on the ocean floor where sensitive species dwell. The research found an overall less acidic environment within the kelp forest compared to outside of it.

Stem cell transplantation: undesirable rejection mechanism identified

A recent study by MedUni Vienna dermatologists has discovered that skin-resident and inactive T cells survive chemotherapy and radiotherapy intact and go on to cause inflammation after a stem cell transplant. In some cases, these tissue-resident T cells even prove beneficial to the recipient by assuming their role in immune defense.

Study of 'exceptional responders' yields clues to cancer and potential treatments

A study of patients with cancer who had exceptional responses to therapy has identified molecular changes in their tumors that contribute to these unexpected and long-lasting responses. The researchers used genomic characterizations to uncover genetic alterations that may help understand the mechanisms behind these rare responses.

Increasing diversity and community participation in environmental engineering

A new study proposes exposing students to community-based participatory methods, establishing action research groups for faculty, and broadening the definition of research impact to improve tenure promotion experiences for minority faculty. The goal is to combat systemic racism and increase diversity in environmental engineering programs.

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.

Researchers recommend more transparency for gene-edited crops

Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.

University of Göttingen receives another Alexander von Humboldt professorship

Dr. Jan Huisken, a renowned physicist and expert in multiscale imaging, joins the University of Göttingen's Cluster of Excellence MBExC with a five-year Alexander von Humboldt Professorship. He will contribute to research on electrically active heart and nerve cells, strengthening the cluster's interdisciplinary approach.