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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 34 of 43

Genetic disposition protects immune system from aging

Researchers found that the CRELD1 gene helps maintain immune function, and its low activity is linked to reduced T cell counts and increased risk of infections. The study aims to slow down immunological aging, potentially reducing illness risk in seniors.

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.

Novel therapy approach for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia

Researchers developed a novel photodynamic therapy to target insulin-producing lesions, showing promise in slowing tumor growth and inducing cell death. The treatment could provide a minimally invasive option for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, improving patient management.

Peering under the "hood" of SARS-CoV-2

A 3D modeling tool has been created to visualize the components of SARS-CoV-2, ranging from 10 to 100 nanometers in size. The model provides a detailed representation of the virus's structure, including its nucleocapsid proteins and RNA strand.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Improving the diagnosis of chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis

Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is underdiagnosed and characterized by multiple painful bone swellings. A new study identifies common features among CNO patients, including predominantly female sex, intermittent pain, and symmetric patterns of bone lesions. These findings can help clinicians improve diagnosis and treatment.

Scientists snap molecular building blocks of brain computing

Researchers from USTC and SIAT successfully observed individual GABAA receptors and their organization on the synaptic membrane using in situ cryo-electron tomography. The study revealed a 11-nm social distancing among receptors, forming a mesophasic assembly that regulates neurotransmitter release.

Tough, strong and heat-endure: Bioinspired material to oust plastics

Researchers at USTC develop materials with a hierarchical structure similar to nacre, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The new materials outperform conventional plastics in terms of strength and toughness, making them a promising alternative for plastic replacement.

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.

Why consumers think pretty food is healthier

A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers rate healthy foods as more natural and nutritious when they are presented in a visually appealing way, according to classical aesthetics principles. This effect can influence consumer behavior, leading to increased willingness to pay for pretty food.

When malaria parasites trick liver cells to let themselves in

Researchers have discovered that malaria parasites secrete the protein EXP2 to create pores in host cell membranes, facilitating entry. Blocking or decreasing liver infection can prevent malaria. The findings open a new pathway for prophylactic interventions and may lead to the development of treatments.

New kind of superconductivity discovered

Scientists have demonstrated a novel material that exhibits superconductivity in the form of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC), bridging a gap between two previously thought incompatible methods. This breakthrough could lead to new understanding and applications of superconduction, including potentially room-temperature devices.

Vaccine shows promise against herpes virus

A genetically edited form of a herpes simplex virus has outperformed a leading vaccine candidate in a new study, significantly increasing antibody production and reducing viral replication. The modified live virus demonstrated cross-protection against both HSV-1 and HSV-2, suggesting an HSV-2-specific edition could be even more effective.

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.

Ancient crocodiles' family tree reveals unexpected twists and turns

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have identified a previously unknown species of teleosauroid and seven close relatives, offering insights into their adaptability and behavior. The study creates an updated family tree of the group, revealing two new large groups with distinct anatomical features.

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.

Anti-hacking based on the circular polarization direction of light

Researchers from KIST and PNU developed an encryption device that detects circularly polarized light to strengthen IoT security. The device uses a phototransistor with cholesteric liquid crystal and π-conjugated polymer, exhibiting high sensitivity in detecting circular polarization.

Cancer researchers train white blood cells to attacks tumor cells

Researchers demonstrate that trained neutrophil granulocytes can inhibit tumour growth and increase the chances for treatment in certain patients. The training process involves administering beta-glucan, which alters gene activity in precursor cells, leading to long-term effects.

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.

Mystery of glacial lake floods solved

A team led by Eric Gaidos discovered the mechanism behind glacial lake floods, which are some of the largest on Earth. The researchers found that hydraulic connections between glaciers and lakes can lead to sudden and unpredictable floods.

Baby dinosaurs were 'little adults'

Researchers discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a juvenile Plateosaurus, nicknamed 'Fabian', which showed a largely fully developed morphology at an early age. The young dinosaur was estimated to be around 7.5 feet long and weigh 40-60 kilograms.

Is our visual sense manipulated?

Researchers explore how standardized visualization influences our understanding of the world, linking material culture to brain development and social power dynamics. The study spans prehistoric societies to contemporary digital technologies, examining the role of reification in shaping our vision.

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.

Study projects more rainfall in Florida during flooding season

A new study by the University of Miami finds that warmer Atlantic Ocean temperatures are linked to increased rainfall in Florida during late summer. The research highlights human influences on climate change as a key factor in this link, and suggests an increase in late summer rainfall is expected in the future.

New findings for viral research on bicycle crashes at railroad crossings

A new study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that a jughandle design can virtually eliminate single bicycle crashes at railway crossings. The design realigns the approach angle to about 60 degrees, reducing the risk of tire being caught in the gap between the rail and pavement.

Anti-depressant repurposed to treat childhood cancer

Researchers found that a commonly prescribed anti-depressant can halt the growth of childhood sarcoma by targeting a specific receptor, offering hope for novel treatment strategies. The study provides a new paradigm for controlling tumour-driving receptors and could lead to the development of specific therapeutics.

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.

More plant diversity, less pesticides

Research found that species-rich plant communities reduce herbivore impacts, supporting natural predators and providing less nutritious food for herbivores. This leads to increased plant biomass per square meter and lower damage from arthropod herbivores.

Final dance of unequal black hole partners

Researchers use advanced simulation to model large mass ratio black hole merger, predicting characteristics of ultimate merged black hole and its speed. The simulation's success could help plan future gravitational wave detectors and answer mysteries about black holes.

Staying in touch!

Researchers identified key enzyme PPM1F that regulates integrins' detachment from ECM, allowing cells to move in protein meshwork. The discovery sheds light on how cells balance attachment to versus detachment from extracellular matrix.

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.

Coming out as bisexual associated with increased risk of smoking: BU study

A new BU study finds that bisexual youth are twice as likely to start smoking compared to their straight peers. Coming out as lesbian or gay did not increase the risk of smoking. The research highlights the need for targeted public health interventions to address the unique challenges faced by bisexual young people.

Reducing dementia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

A new study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis taking biologic DMARDs have a 17% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those on conventional synthetic DMARDs. The treatment reduces inflammation, which may explain the decreased risk.

A new candidate material for quantum spin liquids

Scientists have successfully produced and studied a quantum spin liquid (QSL) in a new material called EDT-BCO. The QSL emerges due to the unique structure of the material, which includes triangularly organized dimers and sublattice of carboxylate anions.

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.

American College of Rheumatology announces 2020 award recipients

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) honored 37 distinguished members with the 2020 Master of the ACR designation for their contributions to rheumatology research and patient care. The ACR also recognized leading researchers and clinicians with its Awards of Distinction, including the Presidential Gold Medal and the Paulding Phel...

New insights into 3D printing of spacers and membranes

Researchers from NTU and SUTD review recent efforts on 3D printing of spacers and membranes, highlighting its potential to reduce dead zones and mitigate membrane fouling. They also introduce 'hybrid additive manufacturing' as a process combining 3D printing with other methods for fabricating membranes.

Optimizing the design of new materials

Researchers developed a new method to optimize materials exhibiting metal-insulator transitions (MIT) using Bayesian optimization and latent-variable Gaussian processes. The approach identified 12 previously unidentified MIT materials with optimal functionality and synthesizability.

An Amazonian tea stimulates the formation of new neurons

Research by Universidad Complutense de Madrid found that ayahuasca's DMT promotes neurogenesis, forming new neurons and other cells like astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This capacity suggests great therapeutic potential for various neurological diseases.

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.

On the hunt for wild bananas in Papua New Guinea

Researchers are racing to collect and conserve wild banana species critical to helping bananas adapt to climate change, pests, and diseases. In a recent expedition, scientists gathered over 31 bunches of eight different species, highlighting the importance of conserving genetic diversity.

Seeing dark matter in a new light

Astronomers have developed a new method to detect dark matter haloes surrounding galaxies, allowing for more precise measurements of the invisible mass. By analyzing the gravitational lensing effect on galaxy rotation, researchers can infer the amount of dark matter required to explain observed distortions.

Germanium telluride's hidden properties at the nanoscale revealed

Researchers studied Germanium telluride crystals at the nanoscale to understand its ferroelectric properties and their potential applications in non-volatile spintronic devices. The study found two distinct types of boundaries surrounding ferroelectric nanodomains with sizes between 10 to 100 nanometres.

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.

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.

Lead-free magnetic perovskites

Scientists at Linköping University develop a lead-free magnetic double perovskite with interesting optoelectronic properties, opening the possibility of coupling spintronics with optoelectronics. The new material exhibits a magnetic response at temperatures below 30 K.