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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 27 of 43

Vitamin D and Omega-3s bolster health in some active older people

The DO-HEALTH study suggests that vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation may have significant positive effects on lowering infection rates and systolic blood pressure in healthy older adults who lead an active lifestyle. However, the study found no benefits for bone health, muscle function, or memory.

MTU, UMass researchers preserve viral vaccines without refrigeration

Michigan Technological University and University of Massachusetts researchers develop a way to mimic the body's environment in vaccines, keeping viruses stable through crowding. This method has potential to improve access to vaccinations against various viruses, bypassing the cold chain.

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.

Sorting out viruses with machine learning

Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.

DNA repair supports brain cognitive development

Researchers at Osaka University found that Polβ prevents DNA breaks in brain cells of the hippocampus during early postnatal development, supporting cognitive development. The study also reveals a link between DNA demethylation and increased double-stranded breaks, which can lead to altered gene expression and impaired memory formation.

Noise and light alter bird nesting habits and success

A new study found that noise and light pollution alter bird nesting habits and success in North America. Birds responding to increased light may track climate change better than those in darker habitats. Noise pollution affects birds differently, with forested environments being more sensitive to noise.

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.

Less screen time and more sleep critical for preventing depression

A longitudinal study of almost 85,000 people found that a combination of lifestyle interventions including optimal sleep and reduced screen time can help prevent depression. Additionally, healthy dietary patterns and physical activity were also associated with lower rates of depressed mood.

Calls to city 311 lines can predict opioid overdose hotspots

Researchers found that calls about code violations, public health issues, and street lighting were the best indicators of opioid use in Columbus communities. The study suggests that data from 311 calls can be an effective opioid overdose surveillance indicator to direct outreach and resources to where they are needed.

Wrinkle-faced male bats lower face masks to copulate

Researchers observed wrinkle-faced bats displaying unique mating behavior, using a mask-like face fold during copulation. This rare lek courtship behavior was previously unknown in bat species, with only 12 instances found across mammals.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Invisible organic light-emitting diodes reach new world record

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal have created a new fluorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that is 300% more efficient than existing OLEDs in its category, reaching a quantum efficiency of 3.8%. The breakthrough could enable the use of infrared OLEDs in smartphones and other devices.

UTSA research team makes breakthrough discovery on brain cortex functionality

A team of UTSA researchers discovered long-range parvalbumin-expression neurons from the cortex to the striatum in mouse brains, challenging the exclusive local organization of cortical circuit neurons. This finding could lead to new treatments for epilepsy, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental conditions involving GABAergic neurons.

Scientists discover possible genetic target for treating endometriosis

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a potential genetic target for treating an especially painful and invasive form of endometriosis. They discovered that targeting super-enhancers, altered by a mutation in the ARID1A gene, could lead to effective treatment using epigenetic therapy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Animation reveals secrets of critical tumour protein

The new WEHI-TV animation explains how the 'tumour suppressor' protein p53 prevents cancer-causing changes in cells. More than half of human cancers involve faulty p53, and researchers are still working to develop better therapies for these cancers.

COVID-delayed Arctic research cruise yields late-season data

Researchers found no ice and a surprisingly active ecosystem in the Bering and Chukchi seas, adding data to a key climate change record. The delayed cruise due to COVID-19 revealed unseasonably warm ocean temperatures delaying sea ice formation by several weeks.

Climate-adapted plant breeding

Researchers are harnessing the genetic potential of old crop varieties, known as landraces, to develop improved climate-adapted hybrid varieties. By analyzing gene variations, they have identified traits such as early plant development, wind resistance, and growth form that can be beneficial in breeding climate-resilient crops.

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.

Banking experts will assess impact of COVID-19 on UK SMEs, new study

Researchers at Nottingham University Business School investigate how COVID-19 affects small and medium-sized businesses, exploring their risk exposure and developing new methods to support them. The study aims to provide tools for policymakers and the banking sector to improve SME resilience and credit risk management.

Detecting Alzheimer's disease before symptoms arise

A University of Missouri researcher has developed procedures to define the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease, which can help drug developers identify potential beneficiaries of a future treatment. The study found that 42% of individuals with Alzheimer's-related brain pathology showed no signs of cognitive decline.

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.

Modelling microswimmers for drug delivery

Researchers developed mathematical models to study microswimmers in clean and surfactant-covered viscous drops, revealing significant alterations in behavior due to the presence of surfactant. These models may aid in designing artificial microswimmers for targeted drug delivery, micro-surgery, and other applications.

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.

A molecule from gut bacteria reduces effect of diabetes medication

A University of Gothenburg study shows that a molecule from gut bacteria, imidazole propionate, reduces the efficacy of metformin in lowering blood glucose. The study found high levels of imidazole propionate associated with impaired metformin action in type 2 diabetes patients.

Making a case for organic Rankine cycles in waste heat recovery

Research suggests that cascaded organic Rankine cycle systems can outperform single-stage systems in certain applications, but the trade-off between performance and cost is significant. The study's findings provide valuable insights into delivering environmentally-friendly power from waste heat.

Accuracy of rapid COVID test may be lower than previously suggested

A study suggests that rapid finger-prick antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 may deliver inaccurate results, with around 1 in 5 positive tests indicating a false positive. The test's accuracy varies depending on the individual's previous infection status, and laboratory confirmation is recommended for reliable results.

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.

Intelligent surfaces signal better coverage

A KAUST modeling study shows RISs can dramatically enhance wireless communication in areas with blind spots. Six RISs per kilometer can significantly improve coverage at a density of 300 blockages per square kilometer.

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.

Could reduced lead exposure explain the downward trend in hip fractures?

Researchers propose that declining hip fracture rates may be linked to generational differences in lifetime lead exposure, with bone mineral density and risk of fractures decreasing as lead levels decrease. The authors suggest that assessing lead levels in bones removed during hip replacements could help validate this hypothesis.

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.

Governments can curb over-fertilisation

A recent study published in Nature Food found that countries have a significant impact on nitrogen pollution, often multiple times greater than their effect on crop yields. Countries can curb fertiliser use without compromising yield by adjusting institutions, economic development, population size, and farm production processes.

Cassava may benefit from atmospheric change more than other crops

A recent study found that cassava can maintain its nutritional quality and photosynthetic efficiency even under elevated carbon dioxide levels. The crop showed significant yield increases of 22-39% in various varieties, making it a promising option for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Building your professional brand in a prestigious job

Research finds that working in prestigious posts triggers resource-related and identity-related tensions for professionals managing their brand. Key practices to mitigate these tensions include transporting teams, out-conforming to commercial logics, selectively neglecting local normative expectations, and materializing the professiona...

Age gates on alcohol websites are ineffective, Texas A&M research shows

A Texas A&M University researcher found that age gates on alcohol websites are mostly ineffective in preventing underage users from accessing the site. The study found that most sites had no process for verifying the accuracy of user-provided birth dates, allowing users to bypass the age gate through repeated attempts.

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.

Sensor for smart textiles survives washing machine, cars and hammers

Researchers develop a strain sensor that can detect small changes in muscle movement through clothing, demonstrating its high sensitivity. The sensor's resilience allows it to withstand repeated exposure to harsh conditions like being stabbed with a scalpel or run over by a car.

The lung microbiome may affect lung cancer pathogenesis and prognosis

A study published in Cancer Discovery found that patients with advanced-stage lung cancer had greater enrichment of oral commensals in the lung than those with early-stage disease, leading to decreased survival. The presence of specific bacteria was associated with tumor progression and activation of inflammatory pathways.

Compounds block stress-enhanced nicotine intake in rats

Researchers discover compounds that activate GABA receptors can reduce nicotine intake in stressed rats, potentially alleviating relapse. The findings suggest novel PAMs could help prevent stress-induced smoking relapse with fewer side effects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Building soft robots to lend a helping hand (or four)

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.

Sleep loss hijacks brain's activity during learning

A new study shows that getting only half a night's sleep hijacks the brain's activity during learning and memory consolidation, leading to increased vulnerability to conditions like anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. The research found that even partial sleep deprivation can be worse than no sleep at all.

Genetic risk for fatal blood clots identified in IBD patients

A recent study published in Gastroenterology identified rare and common genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots in IBD patients. The research suggests that genomic medicine could help lower this threat, enabling physicians to provide more precise care.