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Science News for November 26, 2020


ECDC and WHO call for improved HIV testing in Europe

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are urging increased HIV testing in Europe to combat late diagnoses. More than 136,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2019, with 53% of those diagnosed at a late stage of the infection.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·DateNov 26, 2020

The neurobiology of thirst: The neural mechanisms that control hydration

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology identified key 'water neurons' in the subfornical organ that stimulate water intake when dehydrated. They also found CCK-producing excitatory neurons that activate GABAergic interneurons to suppress thirst under sodium-depleted conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 26, 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.

Time for total rethink on the management of alien species

A new study proposes a cost-benefit analysis to guide the management of non-indigenous species in the Mediterranean, highlighting their potential benefits. The research suggests policy reforms for sustainable fisheries management, while also promoting commercial over-fishing and NIS-specific licences.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateNov 26, 2020

Researchers discovered solid phosphorus from a comet

The study led from the University of Turku discovered phosphorus and fluorine in solid dust particles collected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. This finding suggests that comets may have delivered life-necessary elements to the young Earth.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

German researchers compile world's largest inventory of known plant species

The Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants (LCVP) is the largest and most comprehensive list of scientific names for all known plant species. With over 1.3 million entries, it vastly expands global knowledge of plant diversity and provides a reliable reference for researchers worldwide.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScientific Data·DateNov 26, 2020

Surrey's new hybrid X-ray detector goes toe-to-toe with state-of-the-art rivals

The University of Surrey's new hybrid X-ray detector architecture offers improved accuracy for cancer therapy, with higher sensitivity than traditional detectors. The device also boasts industry-standard low dark currents and fast response characteristics, making it a promising technology for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 26, 2020

Scientists develop new gene therapy for eye disease

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have developed a new gene therapy approach that successfully protected the visual function of mice with dysfunctional mitochondria. The treatment also improved mitochondrial performance in human cells with OPA1 gene mutations, offering hope for treating diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateNov 26, 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.

Keyhole wasps may threaten aviation safety

A study published in PLOS ONE found that keyhole wasps at Brisbane Airport were responsible for fully blocking replica pitot probes, which measure airspeed. The researchers emphasize the importance of developing risk-mitigating strategies to address this issue and highlight the potential consequences of not doing so.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2020

Irreversible hotter and drier climate over inner East Asia

Recent consecutive years of record high temperatures and droughts are unprecedented in over 250 years, according to researchers. The combination of heatwaves and soil moisture loss accelerates more heatwaves, threatening the region's ecosystem.

SourceUtah State University·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

Tree rings capture an abrupt irreversible shift in east Asia's climate

A new study using tree-ring data found that inner East Asia experienced a unique and unprecedented rise in heatwave-drought events over the last two decades. The findings suggest a positive feedback loop between declining soil moisture and increasing surface warming, potentially leading to more frequent and severe events.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

Satellite images confirm uneven impact of climate change

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have analyzed satellite imagery to study vegetation trends in arid regions, finding a clear trend of declining vegetation growth in developing countries, while wealthier nations experience increased growth. This uneven impact may lead to food shortages and climate refugees.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 26, 2020

The German press disparages dissenting voices on climate change

Research reveals German media outlets use eight frames to undermine legitimate climate change protests, reducing protesters' self-agency and marginalizing their voice. Despite this, the idea of intergenerational justice and children's rights has become established on the agenda.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·DateNov 26, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

UCLA study of threatened desert tortoises offers new conservation strategy

A UCLA study published in Science found that desert tortoises with higher genetic variation had higher survival rates after relocation. The researchers analyzed blood samples from 79 surviving and 87 deceased tortoises and found that survivors averaged 23% greater heterozygosity than those that perished.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

Big data powers design of 'smart' cell therapies for cancer

Researchers combine machine learning with cell engineering to create living medicines that selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal tissue unscathed. By analyzing massive databases of proteins, they assemble a catalog of combinations that can precisely target tumors, overcoming the limitations of current treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

It's not too late to save 102 species at risk of extinction

A new co-governance model aims to save species such as salmon and southern resident killer whales from extinction through a $381 million conservation plan. The study highlights the importance of urban biodiversity conservation and investment in strategies like habitat restoration and public land management.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateNov 26, 2020

T-ray technology reveals what's getting under your skin

Scientists have developed a new method for analyzing the structure of skin using T-rays, which can help diagnose and treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The technique measures the refractive index of skin to determine hydration levels, providing valuable information on skin thickness and properties.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Photonics Research·DateNov 26, 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.

Microswimmers move like moths to the light

Researchers have discovered that synthetic microswimmers can change direction and swim back towards the source of light after being exposed, mimicking biological organisms. The behavior is triggered by Brownian motion, which sets in when the particles are no longer illuminated.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalSoft Matter·DateNov 26, 2020

Sun model completely confirmed for the first time

The Borexino experiment has successfully measured neutrinos from the sun's second fusion process, the Carbon Nitrogen Oxygen cycle (CNO cycle), confirming theoretical predictions. The findings provide evidence on the metallicity of the sun and have implications for understanding the properties of stars.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2020

Safe ultraviolet light could be used to sterilise high-risk COVID-19 environments

Researchers at Cranfield University have developed a new method to disinfect air in hospitals and long-term care facilities using far-ultraviolet C lighting, increasing disinfection rates by 50-85%. The technology is safer than traditional UVC lighting and could provide an alternative solution to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

SourceCranfield University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2020

Alpha animals must bow to the majority when they abuse their power

A study on vulturine guineafowl found that democratic decision-making allows subordinate birds to lead the group away from dominant-controlled food patches, forcing dominants to abandon their rich resources. This mechanism helps maintain a balance of power in the group, ensuring all members can access essential resources.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 26, 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.

Light confinement in a 3D space

Researchers at SUTD demonstrate high-resolution 3D waveguides guiding light in a spiral and air-bridge configuration, achieving low loss and high bandwidth. The 3D fabrication enables error-free optical transmission at high speeds and showcases the devices' suitability as low-loss waveguides.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateNov 26, 2020

A route for avoiding defects during additive manufacturing

Researchers discovered that tiny bubbles or pores form during the printing process due to fluctuations in the keyhole's depth. By controlling the machines' speed and power, companies can avoid this problem and improve printing processes.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

Deadly snake bites: Potential antivenom discovered

A new antivenom strategy has been developed to combat deadly snake bites, which are a major public health issue in low-income countries. The potential treatment is a peptide that can neutralize venom from 75% of all venomous snakes and is cheaper and more portable than traditional antibody-based treatment.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateNov 26, 2020

Which factors trigger leaf die-off in autumn?

Researchers at ETH Zurich identified a self-regulating mechanism that limits the productive period of trees, leading to earlier leaf fall. Global warming previously expected to delay senescence, but photosynthesis in spring and summer actually accelerates it.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateNov 26, 2020

Rapid-forming giants could disrupt spiral protoplanetary discs

Researchers found that massive planets can wipe out spiral structures in young protoplanetary discs. This suggests that planets may form rapidly and early in the disc's lifecycle, requiring scientists to reassess formation times.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 26, 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.

Doctors confirm the existence of multiple chronotypes

Researchers identified six chronotypes: highly active, daytime sleepy, daytime active, moderately active, morning, and evening. A large-scale study tested 2,000 participants, showing that 95% identified with one of the types.

SourceRUDN University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 26, 2020

Insulators in Alberta at higher risk of chest infections, COPD: study

Researchers found that nearly all insulation materials, except aerogels, were associated with chest infections. Insulators are also at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from exposure to asbestos.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 26, 2020

A cold-health watch and warning system for cold waves in Quebec

Researchers in Quebec have developed a first-of-its-kind cold-health watch and warning system to predict health risks associated with cold waves. The system considers temperature thresholds that trigger alerts for healthcare professionals, taking into account delays between exposure and observed health impacts.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 26, 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.