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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 43

Contact lenses for diagnostic and therapeutic use

Researchers have developed a contact lens that uses tiny channels to collect tears and measure biomarkers like sodium ions and glucose molecules. The lens can detect changes in tear pH and flow rates, offering a potential solution for preventing dry eye disease and monitoring diabetic patients.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 23, 2020

Stress and perceived racism

A study found that Latinx, African American, and African international students experienced elevated stress arousal in response to perceived racism. Rumination on racism was associated with increased negative emotions across all groups.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The danger of Z-drugs for dementia patients

A new study reveals that Z-drugs are associated with adverse effects similar to benzodiazepines, particularly for people with dementia taking higher doses. The research recommends avoiding higher dose Z-drugs and instead considering non-pharmacological alternatives.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

Researchers identify genetics behind deadly oat blight

A multi-institution team identified the genetic mechanisms enabling the production of Victorin, a deadly toxin causing Victoria blight in oats. The study discovered that Victorin genes are scattered across repetitive regions in the pathogen genome, expanding the potential for small molecule discovery.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Nature is widely adapted to current climate -- making it harder to adjust to a new one

Researchers analyzed a massive dataset of seasonal events across the former Soviet Union and found that species' activities fail to keep up with their cues due to past evolution. Local adaptation patterns result in a massive imprint on nature's calendar, making geographic variation in seasonal timing more pronounced in spring and less ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tracking and fighting fires on earth and beyond

Researchers at NASA's John H. Glenn Research Center use microgravity to study fire whirls, shedding light on ways fires burn without gravity and informing protective measures for astronauts. New computational fluid dynamics models improve predictions of wildfire behavior by accounting for varying fuel moisture content.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Scientists make sound-waves from a quantum vacuum at the Black Hole laboratory

Researchers have developed a new theory for observing the quantum vacuum, which could lead to new insights into black hole behavior. By using sound particles and ultra-cold atoms, they created a two-dimensional cloud where sound waves become audible to an accelerated observer in a silent phonon vacuum.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 23, 2020

Flow physics could help forecasters predict extreme events

Scientists are studying the infrasound signatures of tornadoes to develop more accurate prediction and warning systems. Researchers have found that these vibrations can travel long distances quickly and through different media, potentially allowing for early detection of tornadoes from far away.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020

Study reveals true origin of oldest evidence of animals

Researchers find molecular fossils extracted from 635-million-year-old rocks are not the earliest evidence of animals, but rather common algae. The discovery sheds light on the origin of animal ancestors and their abundance in ancient oceans.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 23, 2020

World's smallest atom-memory unit created

Researchers at UT Austin created the smallest memory device yet, shrinking its cross-sectional area to a single square nanometer. Defects in materials unlock dense memory storage capabilities, paving the way for ultra-dense storage, neuromorphic computing systems, and more.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

What do slight arm movements reveal about our breathing and health?

Researchers at MLU discovered that special activity trackers can accurately measure respiratory rates while sleeping, offering a new diagnostic tool. The study showed that minimal arm movements can provide more precise conclusions about breathing than standard ECGs.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Gender stereotypes and underrepresentation of women in STEM

Women continue to be underrepresented in math-intensive STEM fields due to country-specific differences in gender stereotypes, with the strongest stereotypes found in wealthy countries. Economic development and gender equality rights are associated with reshaping rather than suppressing these stereotypes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Laser technology: New trick for infrared laser pulses

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method to produce short, intense infrared laser pulses using tailor-made quantum cascade lasers. The technology can be easily miniaturized, enabling compact measuring instruments for detecting specific molecules in gas samples.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

Growing interest in Moon resources could cause tension, scientists find

Scientists warn that limited resources on the moon could lead to overcrowding and conflict as site selection and extraction become reality. A framework for managing these challenges already exists, drawing from analogs on Earth like common-pool resources.

SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateNov 23, 2020

Global warming likely to increase disease risk for animals worldwide

A study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that global warming is likely to increase disease risk in animals, particularly those living in colder climates. The thermal mismatch hypothesis suggests that pathogens thrive in warmer temperatures, while cold-adapted animals struggle to cope with rising temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2020

Growing risks of STIs in over-45s

A study has found that middle-aged and older adults are at risk of contracting STIs due to negative attitudes and limited knowledge about their sexual health needs. The report's findings highlight four critical areas where interventions can address gaps in current healthcare provision: awareness, access, knowledge, and stigma.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Severe infections wreak havoc on mouse blood cell production

Researchers discovered that severe infections disrupt the processes that form blood cells in mice, causing long-term damage. However, a hormone treatment and antioxidant may reduce this damage. The study found that this treatment can increase HSC function by up to tenfold.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateNov 23, 2020

Loyal couples in the rainforest

A study by German Primate Center found that coppery titi monkeys in Peru exhibit genetic monogamy, with none of the 18 offspring examined not sired by their social father. This suggests that mate choice is successful enough to outweigh potential genetic costs of infidelity.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2020

Largest aggregation of fishes in abyssal deep sea recorded by UH researchers

A team of oceanographers from the University of Hawaii and colleagues discovered a massive aggregation of fish in the abyssal deep sea, with over 115 cutthroat eels recorded at one time. The finding provides evidence for an abyssal seamount effect, where these mountains can support much higher numbers of animals than surrounding habitats.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·DateNov 23, 2020

Making sense of a universe of corn genetics

Researchers have developed a predictive model to guide plant breeders in selecting suitable corn varieties based on genomic analysis. The study focused on predicting eight corn traits using shoot apical meristem (SAM) analysis, achieving accuracy ranging from 37% to 57% across the eight traits studied.

SourceIowa State University·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Researchers use cutting edge technology to bioprint mini-kidneys

Researchers have successfully bioprinted miniature human kidneys in a lab using cutting-edge technology. The study validates the use of 3D bioprinted human mini-kidneys for screening drug toxicity, paving the way for new treatments and potentially lab-grown transplants.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 23, 2020

New clues shed light on importance of Earth's ice sheets

Researchers found subglacial waters in Antarctica and Greenland have higher concentrations of essential trace elements, challenging scientists' understanding of the Earth's geochemical processes. These discoveries may significantly impact the development of healthy ecosystems and the ocean waters receiving ice sheet meltwater.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Early weight gain in children linked to ability to produce the hormone leptin

An international study found a genetic variant reducing leptin production increases obesity risk in young children of African ancestry. In contrast, adults with the same variant are not at higher risk, suggesting leptin plays a critical role in early weight regulation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalDiabetes·DateNov 23, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Quantum X-ray microscope underway at Brookhaven Lab

Researchers at NSLS-II are building a quantum-enhanced x-ray microscope to image biomolecules like never before, enabling superior resolution without sacrificing dose. The facility's ultrabright light will be harnessed through ghost imaging techniques to preserve sensitive samples.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 23, 2020

Shift in atmospheric rivers could affect Antarctic sea ice, glaciers

A new study finds that atmospheric rivers in the Southern Hemisphere are shifting toward the South Pole, which could lead to increased rates of ice melt in Antarctica. The shift is driven by a combination of factors, including ozone depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural variations in sea surface temperature.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 23, 2020

Misinformation or artifact: a new way to think about machine learning

Researchers exploring the nature of AI failures reveal 'adversarial examples' may not be intentional mistakes. Instead, they might be 'artifacts' created by interactions between network and data patterns. This rethink suggests that misfires could offer useful information if interpreted correctly.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Climate change presents new challenges for the drinking water supply

The Rappbode Reservoir in Germany is facing new challenges due to climate change, with projected temperature increases that could lead to significant changes in the reservoir's physical structure. This could result in increased oxygen demand, intensified nutrient dissolution, and algae growth, posing a risk to the drinking water supply.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 23, 2020

Study: Opioid overdose deaths involving other substances more common in youth

A new study by Boston Medical Center reveals that opioid overdose deaths involving multiple substances are more prevalent among youth than opioid-only deaths. Cocaine and other stimulants were found to be the most common substances involved in these deaths, contributing to a significant increase in rates between 2010 and 2018.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Home health care improves COVID-19 outcomes

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that home health care significantly improved symptoms and functional outcomes for COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. The study involved over 1,400 patients who received skilled nursing and physical therapy at home, resulting in a 94% improvement rate.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

How to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19

Researchers have created simple and inexpensive ventilators and respiratory apparatuses to treat patients more effectively and prevent disease transmission in hospitals. The devices can be built at home, reducing the risk of infection for medical staff.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

BICRA gene provides answers to patients, doctors and scientists

Researchers have identified the BICRA gene as a new disease gene involved in neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that mutations in the BICRA gene can cause disease in humans and flies, and may provide new insights into how to develop individualized medical plans for patients with similar conditions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateNov 23, 2020

Measuring risk-taking - by watching people move computer mouses

Researchers found that people who move their mouse towards a safe option may be more risk-averse than they appear, while those who veer towards a risky option may be more open to risk. The study used mouse tracking to analyze participants' decision-making and found accurate predictions of future behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Controlling fully integrated nanodiamonds

Researchers integrate nanodiamonds into nanophotonic circuits, controlling individual photons and spin states, enabling high-sensitivity magnetic field sensors and new applications in quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 23, 2020

A hunger for social contact

A new study from MIT finds that long periods of social isolation activate the brain's substantia nigra region in a way similar to food cravings. The researchers used an innovative isolation method to induce strong feelings of loneliness, and found that the resulting craving signal was correlated with self-reported levels of loneliness.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 23, 2020
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.

Strain engineering of 2D semiconductor and graphene

Research on strain engineering of 2D materials, including graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, has shown promising results. The unique mechanical and optical properties of these materials make them suitable for optimizing device performance and enabling new photonic applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateNov 23, 2020