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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 6 of 43

Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness: study

The Fiji national vaccine program against pneumonia and rotavirus has reduced morbidity and mortality among children in the country. Morbidity rates for rotavirus diarrhoea fell by 87% in under-fives, while hospital admissions decreased, resulting in a 39% drop in mortality for young children.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Extraction of largely-unexplored bodily fluid could be a new source of biomarkers

Researchers developed a microneedle-based technique to extract dermal interstitial fluid, which could provide valuable information for routine clinical monitoring and diagnostic testing. The study found that ISF contains unique compounds not found in blood samples, offering potential insights into skin exposure to products and pesticides.

JSA announces 10 new graduate fellows

Jefferson Science Associates has awarded ten graduate fellowships to doctoral students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The fellowships will support students' advanced studies and research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

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.

Solar CNO neutrinos observed for the first time

The Borexino Collaboration has directly detected CNO cycle neutrinos in the Sun for the first time, providing conclusive proof of this fusion process. The researchers estimated that CNO neutrinos account for about 1% of the energy produced by the Sun.

Phytoplankton disturbed by nanoparticles

Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

For teens with migraine, sleeping in (a bit) may help

A study led by UCSF researchers found that teens with migraines who started school after 8:30 a.m. experienced an average of 4.8 headache days per month, compared to 7.7 days for those who started earlier. The difference remained significant even when adjusting for risk factors.

Quantum nanodiamonds may help detect disease earlier

A new study by UCL researchers used quantum sensing abilities of nanodiamonds to improve the sensitivity of paper-based diagnostic tests, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as HIV. The tests can detect lower viral loads and may be adapted for COVID-19 and other diseases.

Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife

Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.

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.

New insights into how the CRISPR immune system evolved

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.

An ionic forcefield for nanoparticles

Researchers at Harvard have developed an ionic forcefield coating that allows nanoparticles to bypass the immune system's first line of defense. In mouse experiments, coated nanoparticles survived longer in the body and reached their target location with increased efficiency.

Researchers uncover the unique way stem cells protect their chromosome ends

A new study by Crick researchers reveals that stem cells protect their chromosome ends through a unique t-loop structure, distinct from the TRF2-dependent mechanism in somatic cells. This discovery opens up new questions about the evolution of telomere protection and its implications for premature aging and cancer.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

When consumers trust AI recommendations--or resist them

A new study examines the 'word-of-machine' effect, where consumer preference for AI recommenders is influenced by the importance of utilitarian versus hedonic attributes. When utilitarian features are emphasized, consumers prefer AI over human assistance, while hedonic features lead to a preference for humans.

Understanding the power of our Sun

The Borexino collaboration has successfully experimentally confirmed the Bethe-Weizsäcker cycle, a crucial component of our Sun's nuclear fusion reactions. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough in understanding solar energy production and neutrino behavior.

Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

Australian researchers discovered a protein that protects kidney cells from 'bystander' damage caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The study found that inhibiting BCL-XL could safely use in laboratory models alone or with other cancer therapies to prevent kidney damage, a common side effect of cancer treatments.

Sniffing your way to the gym

A recent study by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that olfaction may play an important role in motivating mammals to engage in voluntary exercise. The study found genetic differences in the olfactory system between high-runner mice and control lines, which made them perceive smells differently.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Specific bacterium in the gut linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a connection between Brachyspira bacteria and IBS, particularly the form causing diarrhea. The study found that Brachyspira was present in 31% of IBS patients, with symptoms often resembling an allergic reaction, sparking hopes for new treatments.

Water-to-land transition in early tetrapods

Researchers used high-resolution fossil data to analyze the humerus bone of early tetrapods, finding that they had adaptations indicating some ability to move on land. The study suggests that terrestrial ability coincided with the origin of limbs, providing new insights into the water-to-land transition in vertebrate evolution.

Cooking with wood may cause lung damage

A study found that people who cook with biomass fuels like wood are at risk of suffering considerable damage to their lungs due to breathing in dangerous concentrations of pollutants and bacterial toxins. The researchers also found a smaller subset of biomass users who had very high levels of air trapping and abnormal tissue mechanics.

Wheat diversity due to cross-hybridization with wild grasses

The study's results provide key insights into the genetic factors behind wheat's adaptability and diversity. The researchers found that chromosome fragments from wild grasses were cross-hybridized with wheat, leading to differences in immune receptors and enabling the crop to adapt to regional climate conditions.

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.

Psychological factors contributing to language learning

A study on language aptitude identified key components of language acquisition as cognitive, emotional, and personality-related characteristics. Effective language learning depends on thought process, emotional experience, motivation, and personal traits such as self-esteem and anxiety levels.

New breakthrough in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A new drug treatment, otilimab, has shown promising results in reducing both inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a multicentre trial, patients who received otilimab demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores, while also experiencing reduced tender and swollen joints.

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.

Evidence of the interconnectedness of global climate

A team of scientists found that melting ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere caused changes in the Antarctic ice sheet, which are thousands of miles away. This study sheds light on how global warming affects ice sheet stability and provides insight into future climate instability.

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.

Mapping out the mystery of blood stem cells

Researchers used genome-wide profiling to study the epigenetic landscape of human stem cells, revealing important information about gene regulation. They found differences in chromatin structures between long-term and short-term stem cells, which could improve understanding of cancer cell behavior and stem cell therapy.

Stable catalysts for new energy

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed stable catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction by studying atomic surface structures. The team found that specific surface angles can create microscopically small triangular holes that stabilize the material and enhance its effectiveness.

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.

Narcissists love being pandemic 'essential workers'

A study found that narcissists who feel a sense of grandiose superiority share more about their work on social media, feeling more important and admired. This exposure triggers increased narcissistic feelings, especially among communal narcissists who value being helpful.

COVID-19 virus survives on surfaces within thin film

Researchers found that the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for hours due to a nanometer-thick liquid film clinging to the surface. This survival time is orders of magnitude longer than typical respiratory droplet drying times, emphasizing the need for frequent disinfection and heating surfaces.

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.

Worm-like, soil-swimming robots to explore crop underworld

A Cornell University project aims to develop worm-like, soil-swimming robots to sense and record soil properties, water, and root growth. The goal is to improve breeding efforts and soil management to increase food productivity and security.

UC Santa Cruz teams up, pools data to fight stomach cancer

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is teaming up with No Stomach For Cancer to release a web portal that combines vast amounts of gene variant data with corresponding clinical data. This collaboration aims to advance science and patient survival by identifying individuals at risk of hereditary stomach cancers.

Miniscule robots of metal and plastic

Scientists create miniscule robots with plastic chassis and magnetic metal wheels, powered by rotating magnetic fields, opening up applications for delivering medications and treating aneurysms.

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.

ACS Names Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research their official journal

The Association of Cannabis Specialists (ACS) has named Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research their Official Journal, providing evidence-based education and standards for cannabis medicine. The journal aims to enhance clinical best practices, safeguard patient care, and advance cannabinoid research.

Less sedentary time reduces heart failure risk for older women

A study published by the American Heart Association found that older women who spend more waking hours in sedentary behaviors have an increased risk of heart failure serious enough to require hospitalization. Breaking free from prolonged sitting or lying down can help prevent this serious condition.

First exhaustive review of fossils recovered from Iberian archaeological sites

An interdisciplinary team analyzed over 600 fossils from 82 archaeological sites in the Iberian Peninsula, revealing common presence at major sites and changes throughout prehistory. The study confirms the need for an interdisciplinary approach to analyze zooarchaeological records and sheds new light on fossil collection practices.

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.