Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 12


Page 12 of 43

BU rheumatologist receives Arthritis Foundation award

David T. Felson, a renowned Boston University rheumatologist, has been honored with the Lee C. Howley Prize from the Arthritis Foundation for his groundbreaking research on osteoarthritis (OA). His work has led to significant advances in understanding OA risk factors, treatments, and outcome measurement.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 20, 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.

After more than a decade, ChIP-seq may be quantitative after all

Researchers have developed a novel approach to quantify ChIP-seq results, eliminating the need for spike-ins and ensuring reproducibility. The sans-spike-in method defines a physical scale for sequencing results, allowing comparison between experiments.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020

A biochemical random number

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully created biochemical random numbers using DNA synthesis, correcting a long-standing challenge in generating truly random numbers. The team achieved this by synthesizing DNA molecules with randomly placed building blocks, resulting in vast quantities of randomness that can be stored in a small ...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2020

Coaching sales agents? Use AI and human coaches

Researchers found that a combination of AI and human coaches can effectively train bottom- and top-ranked sales agents, improving performance. The study suggests that tailored designs for targeted agents can overcome challenges faced by different types of sales agents.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: TB vaccine linked to lower risk of contracting COVID-19

A widely used tuberculosis vaccine is associated with reduced likelihood of contracting COVID-19, according to a new study by Cedars-Sinai. The BCG vaccine was found to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and the risk of coronavirus infections or severity of the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2020

Science reveals secrets of a mummy's portrait

Researchers studied a speck of purple pigment from an Egyptian portrait, revealing that it was likely made synthetically and mixed with clay and beeswax. The discovery sheds new light on the cultural significance of ancient portraits and their artistic techniques.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science·DateNov 20, 2020

Dormant threat: Abnormal proteins unleash latent toxicity in neurodegenerative diseases

Researchers have discovered a mechanism of action by which abnormal proteins cause indirect damage to neurons, leading to dendrite defects in fly models of neurodegenerative diseases. The study identifies a problematic transcription factor called NF-κB, which becomes improperly regulated due to the presence of abnormal proteins.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateNov 20, 2020

Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 are detected up to 3 months after infection

A new study found that IgM and IgA antibodies decay quickly, while IgG antibody levels are maintained for at least three months after infection. The study also showed that infected healthcare workers had higher levels of IgG1 and lower levels of IgG2 compared to asymptomatic cases.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateNov 20, 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.

Stan receives funding for coupled weather model development

Cristiana Stan, a George Mason University researcher, has received $195,313 from NOAA to develop a coupled ensemble weather prediction system. The system aims to improve medium-range and subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasts by refining stochastic parameterizations and improving model coupling.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateNov 20, 2020

Plant evolves to become less visible to humans

A plant species, Fritillaria delavayi, has evolved to become better camouflaged in areas with high human harvesting, increasing its survival chances. Human activity is found to be driving the evolution of camouflage in this species.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2020

Field geology at Mars' equator points to ancient megaflood

Researchers from Cornell University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory discovered evidence of massive floods in Gale Crater, suggesting conditions for microbial life. The flooding, likely caused by a meteoritic impact, deposited unique geological structures indicating flowing water and wind on Mars.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 20, 2020

Microplastics in the death zone

Researchers found substantial quantities of polyester, acrylic, nylon, and polypropylene fibres in snow samples from Mount Everest. The high-altitude discovery suggests microplastics could have been transported from lower altitudes by extreme winds or fragmented during expeditions.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 20, 2020
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.

University of Guam works to stop ironwood tree decline

Researchers are analyzing termites to assess their role in infecting ironwood trees with a deadly bacterium, which has killed over 20% of the island's gago trees. The team is also planting new, resistant trees and studying how termites spread the disease.

SourceUniversity of Guam·DateNov 20, 2020

Ribosome assembly - The final trimming step

Researchers have uncovered new details of human ribosome maturation, revealing a crucial step in protein synthesis. The study identifies key enzymes and proteins involved in the final trimming step, which is essential for producing functional ribosomes.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2020
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.

Discovery illuminates how cell growth pathway responds to signals

A fundamental way cells interpret signals from their environment has been revealed by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The Hippo pathway, which constrains cell division and regulates organ size, can be activated by multiple signaling inputs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guideline encourages shared decision-making

The updated HCM guideline emphasizes shared decision-making in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It provides recommendations on evaluation and management, medical therapies, septal reduction therapies, and SCD risk assessment/prevention. The guideline aims to personalize treatment options based on patient goals and concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 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.

Biofriendly protocells pump up blood vessels

A team of researchers has developed biocompatible protocells that can generate nitric oxide gas, leading to blood vessel expansion. The synthetic cells are coated in red blood cell fragments and contain an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted into nitric oxide.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020

Near-infrared probe decodes telomere dynamics

A synthetic probe offers a safe approach for visualizing chromosome tips in living cells. The probe can precisely deliver a fluorescent compound to telomeres on the tips of chromosomes, enabling researchers to understand their relevance to disease and aging. This breakthrough advances research into aging and diseases like cancer.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 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.

States unfairly burdening incarcerated people with 'pay-to-stay' fees

A Rutgers University study finds states use unfair 'pay-to-stay' fees to recoup incarceration costs, often through civil lawsuits and wage garnishment. The practice disproportionately affects low-income individuals and can lead to significant financial burdens upon release.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Contemporary Criminal Justice·DateNov 20, 2020

Turning waste plastic into carbon nanotubes to transmit electricity

Scientists at Swansea University have developed a way to extract carbon atoms from waste plastics and turn them into carbon nanotube format for transmitting electricity. The project aims to create long-range electricity transmission materials from waste plastics, advancing global energy sustainability.

SourceSwansea University·DateNov 20, 2020

Indonesian wildfires a 'fixable problem'

Indonesian wildfires are a major issue due to their impact on the environment and human health. The project aims to investigate the causes and possible solutions to these fires. Experts believe that the drivers behind the peatland fires are a combination of climatic processes, land use, and ignition by humans.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·DateNov 20, 2020

Memories create 'fingerprints' that reveal how the brain is organized

A study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that people's brain activity and organization differ when reimagining common scenarios, leading to distinct neurological signatures. These signatures can help understand and study disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2020
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.

The microbiome of Da Vinci's drawings

Researchers analyzed seven Da Vinci drawings using Nanopore sequencing, finding a dominance of bacteria over fungi, with many exhibiting human or insect microbiomes. The study also identified human DNA, likely introduced by restoration workers, and correlations with geographical location.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateNov 20, 2020

Frequent, rapid testing could cripple COVID within weeks, study shows

A new study published in Science Advances found that frequent and rapid testing can be more effective than sensitive tests in curbing the spread of COVID-19. By targeting contagious individuals with stay-at-home orders, the virus could be driven towards elimination within weeks.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2020

COVID-19 News from Annals of Internal Medicine

A commentary discusses the need to weigh scientific validity against social value in COVID-19 vaccine development, highlighting concerns about long-term efficacy and safety. Vaccination efforts could intensify debates around early deployment, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 20, 2020

New grant seeks to fill knowledge gaps regarding spina bifida

Researchers aim to fill knowledge gaps on spina bifida by setting up an international registry of patients and investigating the role of folic acid in disease risk. The grant will also fund whole genome sequencing to identify potential causes and underlying mechanisms of the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateNov 20, 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.

Emergency imaging trends in pediatric vs. adult patients for abdominal pain

A study found that pediatric CT use for abdominal pain decreased from 1.2% to 0.6% between 1997 and 2016, while adult CT use increased from 3.9% to 37.8% during the same period., Children evaluated in pediatric EDs were at lower odds of receiving CT than those in general EDs for abdominal pain with appendicitis diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 20, 2020

Food health star ratings can improve diets, study finds

A study found that food labelling can encourage manufacturers to improve product nutrition. HSR labelling causes some products to become healthier, with positive reformulation examples including reduced fat and sodium content in instant soups and flavoured crackers.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 20, 2020

New findings speed progress towards affordable gene therapy

Researchers have developed a new method for deploying CRISPR/Cas9 directly into target cells using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) coated with green tea phytochemicals. This approach has the potential to reduce costs and increase safety compared to existing viral methods, which are currently the only approved methods in trial globally.

SourceRMIT University·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 20, 2020

Study: Countering hate on social media

A new paper offers a framework for studying online hate and counter speech, analyzing millions of Twitter interactions. Researchers found that organized movements are more effective than individuals in countering hate speech.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·DateNov 20, 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.

Zebra finches amazing at unmasking the bird behind the song

Researchers found that zebra finches can distinguish between 16-56 different birds based on their unique sounds, a feat previously thought possible only for humans. The birds' ability to recognize each other's vocalizations suggests sophisticated social communication and complex mapping skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 20, 2020

Gut immune cells may help send MS into remission

Researchers have found that gut immune cells express an antibody called IgA, which helps protect against harmful bacteria and may help bring flare-ups under control. This discovery opens up new lines of research for therapeutics and suggests a potential new player in managing MS symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 20, 2020

MMR vaccine could protect against COVID-19

Researchers found an inverse correlation between mumps IgG titers and COVID-19 severity in vaccinated individuals. Those with higher mumps antibody levels had lower disease severity, suggesting the MMR vaccine may be protective against COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmBio·DateNov 20, 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.

Glyphosate may affect human gut microbiota

Researchers from University of Turku developed a new bioinformatics tool to predict microbial sensitivity to glyphosate. The tool classifies 80-90% of microbial species as sensitive or resistant, with 54% of human core gut bacterial species potentially affected.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateNov 20, 2020

Potential cellular target for eliminating bone breakdown in osteoporosis found

A recent study has discovered a cell type that governs bone formation and maintenance, shedding light on the mechanisms behind osteoporosis. Researchers found that bone marrow adipogenic lineage precursors (MALPs) play a distinct role in regulating bone remodeling, and targeting these cells could lead to more effective therapies.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 20, 2020

Antibody cocktails at low doses could be more effective at treating COVID-19

Researchers found that pairs of antibodies targeting different parts of the viral spike protein can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection at lower doses than single antibodies. This approach may help reduce the chance of the virus mutating and becoming resistant to antibody treatments.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

Three reasons why COVID-19 can cause silent hypoxia

Researchers used computer modeling to investigate the mechanisms behind silent hypoxia in COVID-19 patients. They found that a combination of biological factors, including damaged lung tissue, blood clotting, and air-to-blood flow mismatch, contribute to low oxygen levels. This understanding can inform treatment decisions for clinicians.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2020

The very hungry, angry caterpillars

Researchers observed that monarch caterpillars become more aggressive in the absence of milkweed, their primary food source. The study revealed that limited food availability triggers an attack response among caterpillars, highlighting a previously unexplored aspect of insect behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateNov 19, 2020

New tool to combat terrorism

Forensic experts at Flinders University developed a system to trace dust DNA for terrorist investigations, matching soil profiles from specific regions or countries. This technique complements existing forensic intelligence tools and provides evidence of travel history.

SourceFlinders University·JournalForensic Science International·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

A filter for environmental remediation

Researchers developed a nanopowder made of sodium titanate nanofibers that can efficiently capture Co2+ ions, increasing surface area for improved removal efficiency. The seaweed-like morphology enhances the filter's ability to remove hazardous heavy metals and radionuclides from water.

SourceOsaka University·JournalRSC Advances·DateNov 19, 2020

The Lancet: Phase 2 trial of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in healthy older adults finds it is safe and provokes immune response

A phase 2 trial of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine found it to be safe and provokes an immune response in healthy older adults, who are at a disproportionate risk of severe COVID-19 disease. The vaccine induces both T cell and antibody responses in older and younger adults, suggesting potential protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 19, 2020