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Science News Archive November 2020


Page 9 of 43

Nature's toolkit for killing viruses and bacteria

Engineers have discovered how zinc oxide surfaces and natural hydrodynamic churning can kill pathogens, with applications in water disinfection and airborne virus control. The technique uses reactive oxygen species to damage bacterial cell walls, making it effective against both surface and waterborne pathogens.

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.

Six years in 120 pages: Researchers shed light on Ricci flows

The study resolves the Hamilton-Tian conjecture, which posits that most space is perfect, while singularities can be restricted to low-dimensional spaces. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for studies of Ricci flows, thermal expansion, and contraction.

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.

Unique Schwann cells: the eyes have it

Researchers have identified a new class of glial cells in the cornea, known as Schwann cells, with unique genetic properties that could help improve wound healing and nerve regeneration after surgeries and corneal transplants. The study's findings may also provide insights into conditions like dry eye and LASIK-related side effects.

Vibrational encounters - phonon polaritons meet molecules

Scientists have successfully demonstrated the interaction between infrared light and molecular vibrations, leading to the formation of hybrid polaritons. The study's findings could pave the way for ultrasensitive spectroscopy devices and a deeper understanding of strong vibrational coupling on the nanoscale.

Understanding ion channel inhibition to open doors in drug discovery

Scientists have discovered how drug-like small molecules can regulate the activity of therapeutically relevant ion channels, providing new avenues for drug discovery. The study reveals how Pico145 binds to TRPC5 channels, preventing them from opening, and highlights the importance of individual amino acid residues in this binding site.

Identifying compound classes through machine learning

Bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a new method called CANOPUS that assigns structural properties to unidentified metabolites, increasing knowledge gained from examining molecules. The two-stage process uses machine learning methods to identify compound classes.

Shocks to seafood

The US seafood industry experienced a significant decline in catches, imports, and exports during the pandemic. Small-scale fisheries were more affected than large-scale production systems, highlighting the need for targeted federal support to preserve local operations and promote resilience.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

AI helps scientists understand brain activity behind thoughts

A team of researchers developed an AI model that estimates thoughts by evaluating behavior, then tested it on a trained artificial brain. The study found neural activity associated with those estimates, providing new insights into the brain's computations involved in complex behavior.

Tarantula toxin attacks with molecular stinger

Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism by which tarantula venom traps voltage sensors on sodium channels, effectively immobilizing nerve signals. This finding may lead to the development of new pain therapeutics that target the Nav1.7 channel, a key player in pain transmission.

Medicaid expansion may result in earlier diagnosis of colon cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act may lead to earlier diagnoses of colon cancer. Researchers found improved access to care and enhanced surgical care for patients with colon cancer in states that implemented Medicaid expansion.

Nutritional quality of foods, beverages in movies

A study analyzed 250 top-grossing US movies from 1994-2018, comparing the nutritional quality of food and beverage depictions to dietary guidelines. The findings indicate that movie foods often exceed recommended levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats.

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.

Treating type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in PNAS reports a breakthrough treatment for type 1 diabetes in mice, utilizing a combination of haploidentical mixed chimersim and administration of gastrin and epidermal growth factor. This approach successfully reversed autoimmunity, augmented beta cell regeneration, and normalized blood glucose levels by reactivat...

Flight tests to show B61-12 will work on Air Force's newest fighter jet

Sandia National Laboratories successfully completed the first flight test of the B61-12 nuclear bomb on the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility. The test was part of a larger program to increase confidence in the bomb's reliability and effectiveness.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Polyimidazolium as broad-spectrum antibiotic

Polyimidazolium compounds exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inability of this pathogen to evolve resistance suggests potential as a new class of antibiotics for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A chemist from RUDN University synthesized analogs of natural toxins

A chemist from RUDN University synthesized analogs of two natural toxins, antofine and septicine, using a universal approach. The new method involves just two steps, the four-component Ugi reaction and cyclization reaction, and can produce compounds with antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Mother's touch lingers in her child's genes

Australian researchers have discovered a protein called SMCHD1 involved in the 'imprinting' process, where mother's proteins linger in her child's genes and switch off at least 10 different genes. This phenomenon could potentially have a lifelong impact on the offspring.

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.

Spontaneous hydrogen peroxide formation from water vapor

Researchers discover that micron-sized water droplets can spontaneously form hydrogen peroxide, regardless of surface type or temperature conditions. This finding has implications for environment-friendly disinfection technology and atmospheric sciences.

Scientists organize to tackle crisis of coral bleaching

A new common framework for increasing comparability of research findings on coral bleaching has been developed by an international consortium of scientists. The framework covers key variables such as temperature, water flow, and light, allowing researchers to anchor their studies and compare results more easily.

Not just lizards - alligators can regrow their tails too

A team of researchers discovered that young alligators can regrow their tails up to three-quarters of a foot, or 18% of their total body length. The new tails are complex structures composed of cartilage surrounded by connective tissue with blood vessels and nerves.

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.

PEDSnet report details how COVID-19 pandemic has affected children

The PEDSnet report analyzes over 135,000 medical records to reveal disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among children. Children from lower-income families, Black, Latinx, and Asian groups are more likely to be infected, while those with diabetes or cancer fare significantly worse than others.

Psychosis symptoms linked to impaired information spread in the brain

Research suggests that psychosis symptoms may be linked to impaired information spread in the brain, with altered white matter contributing to delusions and other symptoms. The study found increased consciousness thresholds in patients with psychosis, correlating with greater white matter connectivity.

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.

Imaging method reveals a 'symphony of cellular activities'

A new fluorescent imaging technique allows scientists to observe up to five different molecule types at a time, enabling them to study complex signaling networks and their relationships. By identifying two populations of neurons with distinct calcium signaling dynamics, researchers hope to understand how they encode long-term memories.

Did early life need long, complex molecules to make cell-like compartments?

Researchers at Penn State created functional membraneless 'protocells' from short polymers that can sequester RNA and maintain distinct internal microenvironments. The protocells were stable in various salt concentrations and performed certain functions of a protocell, suggesting they could be relevant models for early life on Earth.

Past climate change and East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Researchers reconstructed atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, global sea level, and ice volume for a period around 2.75 to 2.4 million years ago. The study highlights the EAIS's vulnerability to melting due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change.

Carbon nanocomposites are now one step closer to practical industrial

The study introduces a new generation of multifunctional materials created by adding carbon nanoparticles to polymer matrices, allowing for self-sensing properties. This technology has the potential to replace sensors in weight-critical systems and manufacture electrically conductive materials for various applications.

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.

Using strain to control oxynitride properties

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a method to introduce defects into perovskite oxynitrides using strain, altering their physical properties. The approach could aid in developing photocatalysts.

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Recent studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine investigate the association between ABO blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, as well as vaccine development timelines. Additionally, research highlights the potential benefits of home health care for COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge.

US seafood industry flounders due to COVID-19

The US seafood industry is experiencing a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly fresh seafood exports declining by up to 43% and catches dropping by 40% in some months. The study suggests that American fishmongers may struggle without government aid.

Stable scaffold for perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a stable oxide scaffold for perovskite solar cells, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the material while maintaining performance. The new design achieved around 11.08% power conversion efficiency upon perovskite replacement.

Triclosan, high fat diet, and liver disease

Researchers found triclosan suppressed FGF21 expression and altered genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Triclosan also accelerated liver disease development in mice with type I diabetes and changed gut microbiota similar to NASH patients.

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.

Tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

Researchers have discovered that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can swell immediately after an injury or stroke, leading to a more efficient clearance of toxic proteins from the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into health and disease, as well as novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

Replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in 3D

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg used 3D imaging techniques to visualize the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells. The study reveals massive changes in cellular architecture, including the creation of mini replication compartments where viral genomes are amplified.

Social bacteria build shelters using the physics of fingerprints

Researchers at Princeton University discovered how forest-dwelling bacteria cooperate to build fruiting bodies when food is scarce, using the physics behind fingerprint patterns and topological defects. The study reveals new insights into the physics-biology intersection and highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A new beat in quantum matter

Researchers demonstrate the existence of exotic Bloch oscillations in crystals with intrinsic non-Abelian fields, characterized by a multiplication of the oscillation period. These phenomena are perfectly synchronized with internal states of the crystal and shed new light on topological quantum matter.