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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 38 of 43

'Monster tumors' could offer new glimpse at human development

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have identified 20 cell types in teratomas, which could offer insights into human development and tissue engineering. The team also developed a method to 'molecularly sculpt' teratomas to be enriched in specific lineages.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New understanding of how proteins operate

Centenary Institute scientists discovered that two key proteins involved in blood clotting and immunity exist in multiple disulphide-bonded states. This finding has significant implications for drug development and the fight against disease, as different states of a protein may bind more or less preferentially to drugs.

Microbial space travel on a molecular scale

Researchers found that D. radiodurans produced outer membrane vesicles and initiated multifaceted protein responses to alleviate cell stress after 1 year of exposure to low Earth orbit. The bacteria also used polyamine putrescine as a reactive oxygen species scavenger during regeneration.

Turning up the heat on molten salt valves

The $2.5 million DOE grant project will investigate a newly designed molten salt valve to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs in concentrating solar power systems. The advanced valve design aims to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, reducing material stress and fatigue.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

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Recipe for a storm

Researchers at the University of Oldenburg generated turbulent flows in a wind tunnel, simulating conditions similar to those encountered in real storms. The team discovered that the wind tunnel flow combines two components into perfect, realistic storm turbulence.

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.

Monitoring open-cast mines better than before

The study uses Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) to investigate lignite regions in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It finds significant land subsidence in open-cast mining areas, with rates of up to 50 centimeters per year.

Delirium could be an early marker of COVID-19

Researchers from UOC reviewed scientific studies on COVID-19's impact on the central nervous system, finding evidence of neurocognitive alterations like headaches and delirium. The review suggests that delirium could be an early marker of COVID-19, especially in elderly patients.

New form of brain-training helps prevent relapse after alcohol treatment

A new form of computerized brain-training called Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) has been shown to reduce early relapse by 17% in individuals undergoing inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatment. The CBM smartphone app SWiPE is designed to train the subconscious brain to avoid alcohol cues and promote healthier behaviors.

Scientists develop method to detect charge traps in organic semiconductors

Researchers at Swansea University developed a new method to detect tiny signatures of 'charge traps' in organic semiconductors, which may improve the performance of solar cells, photodetectors, and OLEDs. The study found that charge traps can generate new charges rather than annihilate them completely.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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Early big-game hunters of the americas were female, researchers suggest

A 9,000-year-old female hunter burial in the Andes Mountains overturns the long-held 'man-the-hunter' hypothesis, revealing that female participation in big-game hunting was nontrivial. Statistical analysis suggests that 30-50% of hunters in these populations were female, contradicting recent societal norms.

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.

Identifying communities at risk for impacts of extreme heat

A recent analysis suggests that California's CalEnviroScreen 3.0 index may identify only 25% of at-risk communities, while other indices reveal an additional 12.6% vulnerable to heat-related health impacts. This highlights the need for a more holistic approach to quantify vulnerability to extreme heat and other climate hazards.

Vitamin D lessens symptoms of severe eczema in children

A randomized controlled trial found that vitamin D supplementation improved clinical outcomes for children with severe atopic dermatitis. The study involved 86 patients who received either oral daily vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks.

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.

Promising therapeutic approach against COPD

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found a promising therapeutic approach against COPD by blocking lung epithelial cell death and triggering tissue regeneration. The novel treatment targets the lymphotoxin beta receptor signaling pathway, leading to improved lung function and reduced comorbidities.

Plants communicate at a molecular level

Researchers at FAU identify a molecular marker in Cuscuta parasites that triggers recognition by tomato receptors, leading to immune response. The discovery may improve crop resistance to parasitic plants.

FAST helps reveal the origin of fast radio bursts

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) detected a weak correlation between fast radio bursts and soft gamma-ray repeater J1935+2154, suggesting a magnetar origin for FRBs. The study provides crucial clues to the generation of FRBs.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

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Exposure to high temperatures linked to poor pregnancy outcomes

A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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How asymmetrical alliances impact firm performance and risk

Researchers found that direct-tie asymmetry has an inverted U-shaped effect on a firm's abnormal returns, while indirect-tie asymmetry has a U-shaped effect on its risk. The study highlights the importance of assessing a potential alliance partner's ties relative to the focal firm's own ties.

"Helper" ambrosia beetles share reproduction with their mother

The study reveals that fertile female helper beetles reproduce alongside their mother, the colony foundress, while non-fertile females focus on caring for the brood and fungus. A specialized fungus in the genus Raffaelea is the primary food source for larvae.

Detection of a short, intense radio burst in Milky Way

A team of Canadian astronomers detected an intense radio burst from a nearby magnetar, lending weight to the theory that magnetars are behind at least some fast radio bursts. The findings suggest that magnetars could be responsible for some FRBs, but further research is needed to confirm this.

Building a quantum network one node at a time

Scientists at University of Rochester and Cornell University have developed a nanoscale node made of magnetic and semiconducting materials that can interact with other nodes using laser light. The device uses entanglement, a phenomenon in quantum mechanics, to connect quantum nodes across a remote network.

Why protecting the brain against infection takes guts

A study in mice confirmed in human samples shows that the brain is protected against infection by immune cells from the gut. The meninges form an impermeable barrier preventing immune cells from entering the brain, but plasma cells secrete antibodies to defend the perimeter of the brain.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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Brain region tracking food preferences could steer our food choices

Researchers discovered a specific brain region monitors food preferences as they change across thirsty and quenched states. By artificially manipulating neurons in the ventral pallidum, researchers were able to shift food choice preferences from a desired treat to a plain staple.

New research traces the origins of trench fever

A new study has uncovered DNA evidence of Bartonella quintana, the bacteria responsible for trench fever, in civilian remains dating back thousands of years. The discovery sheds light on the complex history of trench fever and provides insight into the lives of Christian citizens in Roman Syracuse.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Plot twist

A study on the eradication of black rats from Palmyra Atoll found a 14-fold increase in seedling biomass, mostly composed of juvenile coconut palms. The removal of rats allowed native species to thrive, but also led to an invasion of coconut palms, which can alter island ecology and deprive native birds of nutrients.

Lighting the way to selective membrane imaging

Researchers at Kanazawa University demonstrate the ability to reversibly control the emission of blue-green light from water-soluble tetraphenylethene molecules on artificial cell membrane surfaces. This controlled emission has potential applications in new biological sensors and smart drug delivery platforms.

Luminescent wood could light up homes of the future

Researchers have created a bio-based, water-resistant wood film that can emit and scatter light, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional lighting materials. The luminescent panel demonstrates excellent mechanical properties and can be used as cover panels for lamps, displays, and laser devices.

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 campus COVID-19 success story

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign implemented a campus-wide COVID-19 screening program called Shield, which processes over 10,000 saliva tests each day. The program's success led to the creation of a statewide Shield-Illinois and has inspired governments to establish similar programs.

Coral larvae movement is paused in reaction to darkness

Researchers found that coral larvae temporarily stop swimming due to reduced light intensity and then resume swimming at their initial speed. This behavior may play a role in determining where corals settle, with the larvae gathering in bright spaces.

Climate change will give rise to more cancers

A new report from UCSF links climate change to a significant increase in global cancer rates, particularly lung, skin, and gastrointestinal cancers. The study highlights the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution to prevent cancer cases and deaths.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Revealing the identity of the last unknown protein of autophagy

The study reveals that Atg9 has phospholipid-translocation activity, which brings about autophagosome membrane expansion. This discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of autophagosome formation and holds promise for accelerating research into treating various diseases through artificial control of autophagy.

Beetles cooperate in brood care

Researchers have discovered a highly developed social system in the sugarcane shot-hole borer beetle, where females can reproduce and help with caring for fungal cultures. The beetles' cooperative brood care is rare in nature and may provide insights into the evolution of sociality.

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.

Fighting Zika? Call in the T cells

A new study suggests that combining T cell activation with antibody production could lead to longer-term protection against Zika virus. Researchers found that inducing CD8+ T cells was key in preventing Zika infection in mice, offering a promising approach for developing effective vaccines.

First global soil biodiversity assessment

The report assesses soil biodiversity across the globe, highlighting its decline and impact on ecosystem services such as water cycle regulation and carbon sequestration. The study provides a comprehensive framework for managing soil health, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change.

New opportunities for detecting osteoporosis

A large-scale study found that LDCT scans can identify a significant number of adults with low bone mineral density, equating to 49 million and 22.8 million Chinese citizens, respectively. The study revealed an unexpectedly high prevalence of osteoporosis in men, which may impact management strategies.

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.