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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 43

Incretin hormone levels linked to arteriosclerosis

High levels of GIP are linked to an increased risk of early arteriosclerosis signs, while GLP-1 is associated with a lower risk. The study suggests a potential link between raised GIP levels and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceLund University·JournalDiabetes Care·DateNov 19, 2020

Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer properties

The article reviews antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential use in tumor therapy due to their ability to interact with negatively charged cell membranes. Recent advances and challenges in the application of these peptides are also discussed.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·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.

A novel drug target for neonatal and infant heart failure

A novel drug target has been identified for neonatal and infant heart failure, a condition with no specific treatment. The target stimulates cardiac contractility in newborns and infants with minimal side effects, offering new possibilities for pediatric heart failure treatment.

SourceShinshu University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 19, 2020

Vibrations of coronavirus proteins may play a role in infection

Researchers suggest that the mechanical properties of spike proteins can account for a strategy used by coronaviruses to trick cells into letting the viruses inside. The study found strong correlations between the rate and intensity of the spikes' vibrations and infectivity, as well as lethality rates.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateNov 19, 2020

Marine bacterium yields promising new antifungal

A marine bacterium has yielded a potent new antifungal molecule, turbinmicin, effective against Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus resistant to major classes of drugs. Turbinmicin blocks vesicle trafficking in fungi, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of multidrug-resistant fungal infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

'Domestication' increases mosquito's zika virus susceptibility

Researchers found that domesticated Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Asia, Africa, and the Americas are more susceptible to acquiring Zika virus than their African counterparts. Genetic differences on chromosome 2 are believed to be the cause of this increased susceptibility.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Delirium in older patients with COVID-19

A study examined the frequency of delirium in older adults with COVID-19 presenting to emergency departments. The researchers found that a significant proportion of patients developed delirium during their hospital stay.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 19, 2020

Cesarean-born babies at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation in childhood

A new study of over seven million births from four countries found that cesarean-born babies are at increased risk of infection-related hospitalisation during early childhood. The study recorded a small but consistent increase in the absolute risk of infection-related hospitalisation rates in children up to five years of age compared w...

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 19, 2020

Showing robots how to drive a car...in just a few easy lessons

USC researchers have developed a system that lets robots autonomously learn complicated tasks from a very small number of imperfect demonstrations. The system uses signal temporal logic to evaluate the quality of each demonstration, allowing robots to learn more intuitively and adapt to human preferences.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateNov 19, 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.

Predicting forces between oddly shaped nanoparticles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simplified method to calculate the attractive forces between nanoparticles, allowing for faster simulations and potentially leading to breakthroughs in fields like solar energy and catalysis. The new approach has been shown to be accurate within 8% of the actual results.

SourceDuke University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·DateNov 19, 2020

Chemical physicist to collaborate on NASA-funded study of Saturn's moon Titan

A team of researchers, led by Northern Arizona University and Lowell Observatory, will investigate the behavior of chemical elements in Titan's lakes and seas. They aim to understand how molecules interact and change under extreme conditions, which could inform NASA's Dragonfly mission and our understanding of early Earth.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateNov 19, 2020

A case of pediatric heart failure caused by anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery

A pediatric patient with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery developed severe heart failure at 3 months old. The authors review a case and discuss the challenges in early diagnosis, highlighting the importance of considering ALCAPA as a differential diagnosis.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateNov 19, 2020

Simple measurement could transform injury rehabilitation

Researchers from Edith Cowan University have developed a simple method to analyze the effectiveness of exercise training using vertical jumps. By measuring forces produced on the ground during jumps, they can predict detailed information about technique and muscle activation patterns.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 19, 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.

Two liquids of water exist

Scientists have observed the transformation between two liquid states of water at extremely low temperatures and pressures. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on water's unusual behavior and has significant implications for various fields, including biology and desalination.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

How rotavirus causes severe gastrointestinal disease

Rotavirus-infected cells release signaling molecules adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that bind to P2Y1 receptors on neighboring uninfected cells, triggering intercellular calcium waves and disrupting normal function. This discovery provides a new potential strategy for treating viral diarrhea.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

Social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic linked with high blood pressure

A study found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in high blood pressure among patients admitted to emergency departments. The researchers suggest that increased stress, changed behaviors, and limited personal contact may contribute to this link.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateNov 19, 2020

Scientists age quantum dots in a test tube

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have proposed a way to obtain arbitrarily sized quantum dots using chemical aging. The process involves introducing oleic acid and oleylamine into the solution, causing the sulfur and lead atoms to retreat back into the solution, gradually reducing dot size.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·DateNov 19, 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.

Changes in vaping, other substance use, another side effect of COVID-19

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found significant changes in substance use among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 70% of respondents increased alcohol consumption, while vaping decreased in 44% of people. The study suggests that loneliness, anxiety, and depression may fuel increases in substance use.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalSAGE Open·DateNov 19, 2020

Drug eases recovery for those with severe alcohol withdrawal

Researchers at Yale University found that prazosin significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms in patients with severe alcohol use disorder. The study showed that patients who received prazosin had fewer heavy drinking episodes and days of drinking compared to those who received a placebo.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 19, 2020

Researchers peer inside deadly pathogen's burglary kit

A team of researchers has unpacked the bacterium Francisella tularensis' toolbox, revealing the shapes and interactions of its infectious machinery. The insights point to a way in which the bacteria's unique infectious machinery might be blocked, potentially preventing it from infecting over 200 animal species.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 19, 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.

Confirming simulated calculations with experiment results

Scientists have successfully detected a topological Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) phase in the rare-earth magnet TmMgGaO4 using highly sensitive nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The experiment confirms long-held theoretical predictions, marking a significant breakthrough in understanding the behavior of q...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 19, 2020

An INRS research team pushes back the boundaries of high-energy laser pulses

Researchers at INRS used the Advanced Laser Light Source facility to generate extremely short and intense laser pulses that are highly-stable in time and space. The discovery has significant technological impact, enabling compact high-power laser systems for industrial applications and advanced biomedical imaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 19, 2020

Spill-over effects show prioritising education of very poorest improves attainment of all

New research from the University of Cambridge shows that targeting the education of the world's poorest children and marginalized girls can significantly improve the attainment of all young people. The study found that interventions like CAMFED's bursaries for disadvantaged girls lead to notable academic improvements, including improve...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Development Effectiveness·DateNov 19, 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.

A gene mutation that protects against disease

Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that protects against liver disease and may offer a 'fountain of youth' for French-Canadian families. The PCSK9Q152H mutation has been found to lower bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier into their late 80s and mid-90s.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2020

Food, housing insecurities may delay breast cancer diagnosis

Research finds that women with food and housing insecurity are at risk of undiagnosed breast cancer due to lapses in follow-up appointments. The study, presented at the Radiological Society of North America meeting, found that these unmet social needs lead to longer intervals between diagnostic imaging and biopsy.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 19, 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.

Long-acting antipsychotic therapy plus cognitive training show promise for schizophrenia

Researchers found that combining long-acting antipsychotic medication with cognitive training led to significant improvements in cognitive deficits and work/school functioning in schizophrenia patients. The study, published in Psychological Medicine, suggests a potential breakthrough in treating the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateNov 19, 2020

UCLA receives $6.4 million to fund cannabis research

The grants will focus on studying the impact of Proposition 64, employment conditions, and marketing on cannabis use among various demographics. UCLA faculty members will conduct research on workplace experiences, safety conditions, and career trajectory in the cannabis industry.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·DateNov 19, 2020

Bed dust microorganisms may boost children's health

Researchers found a link between microorganisms in bed dust and children's bacteria, suggesting a potential reduction in asthma and allergy risks. The study analyzed bed dust samples from 577 infants and respiratory samples from 542 children, revealing a correlation between the two.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalMicrobiome·DateNov 19, 2020

Do meal kits tick right boxes?

A study analyzing meal kit recipes found high energy from fat and protein, while also being relatively high in sodium. However, the researchers suggest that improving vegetable and wholegrain ingredients could enhance nutritional value.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth Promotion International·DateNov 19, 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.

Study finds low risk of pregnancy complications from COVID-19

A new study from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that 95% of pregnant women who tested positive for COVID-19 had no adverse outcomes, while the virus was transmitted to the fetus in only 3% of cases. The study also found that diabetes may increase the risk of severe or critical maternal illness.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 19, 2020

New process narrows the gap between natural and synthetic materials

Researchers at EPFL create composite polymers with unique properties by encapsulating monomers in compartments and using UV radiation to polymerize them. The resulting material is exceptionally strong and can withstand heavy loads without damage.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

Building better diffusion models for active systems

New theories have enabled researchers to model unusual dynamics where particle motions are no longer influenced by previous events. The 'memory term' principle allows studying this effect in a broader range of situations, particularly for advanced materials that respond to their environment.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 19, 2020

Breaking the power and speed limit of lasers

A novel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser design has been developed, combining multiple transverse coupled cavities to enhance optical feedback. This innovation extends the temporal bandwidth of VCSELs, enabling a modulation bandwidth of up to 100 GHz, beyond the known limit of relaxation oscillation frequency.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNanophotonics·DateNov 19, 2020

Analysis of the relations between Spanish civil society organizations and science

A recent study by researchers at Universitat Pompeu Fabra reveals that many Spanish civil society organizations are not involved in science and technology, or unaware of their involvement. However, the study also highlights the potential for these organizations to contribute to research and improve relations between science and society.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·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.

Could kelp help relieve ocean acidification?

A new study published in JGR Oceans suggests that giant kelp forests may help mitigate ocean acidification by reducing acidity near the surface, but has no impact on the ocean floor where sensitive species dwell. The research found an overall less acidic environment within the kelp forest compared to outside of it.

SourceStanford University·DateNov 19, 2020

Stem cell transplantation: undesirable rejection mechanism identified

A recent study by MedUni Vienna dermatologists has discovered that skin-resident and inactive T cells survive chemotherapy and radiotherapy intact and go on to cause inflammation after a stem cell transplant. In some cases, these tissue-resident T cells even prove beneficial to the recipient by assuming their role in immune defense.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 19, 2020

Study of 'exceptional responders' yields clues to cancer and potential treatments

A study of patients with cancer who had exceptional responses to therapy has identified molecular changes in their tumors that contribute to these unexpected and long-lasting responses. The researchers used genomic characterizations to uncover genetic alterations that may help understand the mechanisms behind these rare responses.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateNov 19, 2020

Increasing diversity and community participation in environmental engineering

A new study proposes exposing students to community-based participatory methods, establishing action research groups for faculty, and broadening the definition of research impact to improve tenure promotion experiences for minority faculty. The goal is to combat systemic racism and increase diversity in environmental engineering programs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateNov 19, 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.

Researchers recommend more transparency for gene-edited crops

Researchers at North Carolina State University recommend a coalition, CLEAR-GOV, to provide basic information about gene-edited crops for greater transparency. The proposed model would include details on plant species, trait modifications, and downstream uses.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020