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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 15


Page 15 of 43

Scientists discover roles for a cellular motor in cancer

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that chromatin remodeling machines have a motor-like component that drives the machine along DNA, disrupting nucleosome beads. The team found cancer-causing mutations in an area of the hub regulating motor activity, leading to improper gene expression and cancer.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·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.

NYUAD study finds opposite-gender mentorships may be more beneficial to female researchers

A new NYUAD study found that opposite-gender mentorships increase the impact of female scientists' research, while same-gender mentorships can reduce it. The study examined thousands of mentor-protégé relationships and found a significant association between increasing female mentors and reducing their protégés' post-mentorship impact.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2020

New understanding of mobility paves way for tomorrow's transport systems

Researchers developed a groundbreaking model that defines new geographical scales from mobile tracking data, bringing geography back to understanding of mobility. The model identifies typical distances and choices corresponding to geographical boundaries, varying by individual characteristics.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 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.

Alzheimer's disease drug may help fight against antibiotic resistance

Researchers have discovered that an experimental Alzheimer's disease treatment, PBT2, is effective at disrupting and killing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study shows that combining PBT2 with the antibiotic polymyxin successfully tackles superbugs like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 18, 2020

Parental restrictions on tech use have little lasting effect into adulthood

A new University of Colorado Boulder research suggests that parental restrictions on technology use have little impact on technology use in young adulthood. Despite concerns about widespread 'tech addiction,' the study found no strong relationship between early technology use and later technology use.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateNov 18, 2020

In the lab, St. Jude scientists identify possible COVID-19 treatment

Researchers discovered a potential strategy to prevent life-threatening inflammation, lung damage, and organ failure in patients with COVID-19. They identified specific cytokines that trigger inflammatory cell death pathways, leading to tissue damage and multi-organ failure. Treatment using existing drugs targeting these cytokines show...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 18, 2020

Machine learning innovation to develop chemical library

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a machine learning model that can predict reaction outcomes and test new reactions in a blind prospective manner. The model uses statistical robust machine learning models trained on a small number of reactions to provide interpretable chemical reactivity flowcharts.

SourcePurdue University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateNov 18, 2020

3D bioprinted heart provides new tool for surgeons

A team of researchers has created the first full-size 3D bioprinted human heart model using their FRESH technique, mimicking the elasticity of cardiac tissue. The model can be manipulated like real tissue, enabling surgeons to practice and improve their skills before actual surgery.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

AERA and OECD to hold policy forum on global teaching insights video study results

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will hold an interactive policy forum on 'Measuring Teaching at a Global Scale--Policy Perspectives on the Findings from the Global Teaching InSights Video Study'. The event will explore findings on classroom manag...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·DateNov 18, 2020

Are high-protein total diet replacements the key to maintaining healthy weight?

A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high-protein total diet replacements led to higher energy expenditure, increased fat oxidation, and negative fat balance compared to a typical North American diet. This suggests that these diets may be a promising nutritional strategy for weight management.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 18, 2020

Racial attitudes in a community affect COVID-19 numbers

Researchers found a positive association between the percent of Black residents and COVID-19 cases and deaths, as well as explicit and implicit racial attitudes. The study suggests that implicit racial attitudes in communities can help explain racial disparities in COVID-19 rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2020

The timeless, complimentary taste of oysters and champagne -- explained

Researchers found that oysters and champagne complement each other through umami synergy, which is enhanced by glutamate and nucleotides. This discovery could help increase vegetable consumption by making vegetables taste more appealing with their own umami flavor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 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.

Surprises in 'active' aging

Physicists from the University of Göttingen used computer simulations to investigate aging in living glassy systems, finding that persistent particle activity drives aging. This discovery has potential consequences for biological processes such as wound-healing and cancer metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2020

Volcanic eruptions have more effect in summer

Research led by KAUST scientists Evgeniya Predybaylo and Georgiy Stenchikov found that volcanic eruptions have a stronger effect on the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in summer. The study, which analyzed over 6,000 climate simulations, shows that seasonal timing of eruptions matters for predicting climate responses.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 18, 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.

Does air pollution affect mental health later in life?

A study of women aged 80 found a significant association between air pollution exposure and increased depressive symptoms. Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide or fine particulate air pollution was linked to small but notable effects on depressive symptoms.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 18, 2020

Immunotherapy for lung and other cancers may also be beneficial for rare skin cancer

Researchers found that tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and surface protein markers PD-1 and PD-L1 can help guide immunotherapy treatment for cutaneous angiosarcomas. The study suggests that combining immunotherapies with conventional chemotherapy may be effective in treating this rare skin cancer.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Dermatopathology·DateNov 18, 2020

The role of drones in 5G network security

Researchers propose using drones to detect and prevent attacks on 5G networks, mitigating eavesdropping, interference and identity theft. The study explores the potential of UAVs to improve network security through jamming, spoofing detection and mitigation.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalIEEE Wireless Communications·DateNov 18, 2020

Vertebrate biodiversity- a glimmer of hope

A McGill University-led team found that extreme population declines among a small number of vertebrate species drive the apparent global decline. Removing these outliers reveals a more hopeful picture of global biodiversity. The study provides reason for hope in conservation efforts.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2020

Super-resolution "street view" microscopy hits the SPOT

A new microscopy technique, SPOT, allows for the simultaneous observation of multiple organelles and their complex lipid dynamics. This breakthrough enables researchers to study organelle interactions, diagnose diseases, and monitor progression with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 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.

New electronic chip delivers smarter, light-powered AI

Researchers developed a new electronic chip that brings together imaging, processing, machine learning, and memory in one device powered by light. The prototype achieves brain-like functionality and can be used to enable smarter and smaller autonomous technologies like drones and robotics.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 18, 2020

Tackling food allergies at the source

A new soybean line has been developed with reduced allergic sensitivity, which can be tested on pigs to ensure safety for consumers and animals. Eliot Herman's research focuses on eliminating the allergenic protein in soybeans, aiming to improve lives and reduce medical expenditure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateNov 18, 2020

Single-cell technique could provide 'egg health' indicators

Researchers have developed a single-cell technique to assess the effects of age on egg cells in mice, identifying genomic and epigenetic factors that affect reproductive competence. The study provides new insights into mechanisms underlying egg quality and could lead to techniques to assess human egg cell quality.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateNov 18, 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.

UT researchers establish proof of principle in superconductor study

Researchers at UT have successfully created a novel superconductor using tin on a silicon semiconductor platform, marking the first intentional creation of an atomically thin superconductor. This breakthrough may lead to unforeseen advancements in technology and opens up new possibilities for electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2020

Mattress flammability standard is a lifesaver, NIST report finds

A new mattress flammability standard has been shown to prevent 65 deaths annually from bed fires. The standard, established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), requires mattresses to maintain a heat release rate under 200 kW after being ignited.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire and Materials·DateNov 18, 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.

Small finlets on owl feathers point the way to less aircraft noise

A recent study by City, University of London researchers reveals how micro-structured finlets on owl feathers enable silent flight and may hold the key to reducing aircraft noise. The team's findings show that these structures work as arrays of finlets, turning the flow direction near the aerodynamic wall and keeping it stable.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateNov 18, 2020

Accounting for 'research fatigue' in human studies

Research fatigue in marginalized communities is a systemic issue that requires systematic responses, as noted by Florence Ashley. The article emphasizes the need for researchers to ensure studies are responsive to the community's needs and tailored to minimize fatigue.

SourceWiley·JournalBioethics·DateNov 18, 2020

Dual brake on transport protein prevents cells from exploding

Scientists at the University of Groningen elucidated the structure of OpuA, a transport protein that imports glycine betaine to counteract dehydration. The protein's unique structure and mechanism allow it to regulate cell pressure and prevent cells from exploding under osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 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.

Can memory manipulation help treat alcohol addiction?

Researchers at Boston University used optogenetics to study the effects of alcohol on brain function and behavior. They found that artificially dampening fear responses in mice could mitigate addiction-related behaviors. This suggests that memory manipulation may be a promising approach to treating alcohol addiction.

SourceBoston University·JournalHippocampus·DateNov 18, 2020

UTHSC researchers identify three drugs as possible therapeutics for COVID-19

Researchers at UTHSC identified three drugs with antiviral properties that may improve efficacy when combined with remdesivir. The study proposes zuclopenthixol, nebivolol, and amodiaquine as potential candidates for clinical trials to combat COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateNov 18, 2020

The bull Y chromosome has evolved to bully its way into gametes

Researchers at Whitehead Institute have sequenced the male-determining chromosome of cattle, revealing evidence of a 'selfish' competition between sex chromosomes. The study found that bulls' Y chromosomes have evolved dozens of copies of genes to make more males, a move countered by females' X chromosomes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 18, 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.

Prehistoric shark hid its largest teeth

Researchers used CT scanning and 3D printing to study a 370-million-year-old chondrichthyan from Morocco. They discovered that the ancient shark's lower jaw was not fused in the middle, allowing it to rotate outwards when opening its mouth, bringing larger teeth into an upright position.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 18, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Media registration open for ENDO 2021

The Endocrine Society's virtual annual meeting, ENDO 2021, offers journalists the opportunity to discuss groundbreaking research with world-renowned experts in diverse fields. The event features over 70 live sessions, 20 oral sessions, and six plenaries, covering topics such as diabetes, obesity, reproductive health, and more.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateNov 18, 2020

New technique seamlessly converts ammonia to green hydrogen

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a highly effective method for converting ammonia into hydrogen using renewable electricity. The new technique generates pure hydrogen that can be directly pressurized for storage, making it an ideal solution for the transportation sector.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJoule·DateNov 18, 2020

Coinfection: more than the sum of its parts

Researchers have discovered that coinfection with cytomegalovirus and Aspergillus fumigatus triggers synergistic interactions between the two pathogens and human cells, leading to increased risk of complications.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 18, 2020

UTSA researcher examines drug overdose mortality in the Hispanic community

A UTSA researcher studied drug overdose mortality among US Hispanics from 2000-2017, finding lower rates overall but higher rates for people of Puerto Rican heritage born in Puerto Rico. The study emphasizes the need for culturally-tailored services in Spanish to address these groups' needs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·DateNov 18, 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.

Technology lets clinicians objectively detect tinnitus for first time

A new study published in PLOS ONE describes the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to objectively detect tinnitus. The technology revealed differences in brain connectivity between people with and without tinnitus, and accurately differentiated patients with mild from moderate/severe cases using machine learning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2020

Early details of brain damage in COVID-19 patients

A study using spectroscopic imaging found COVID-19 patients with neurological symptoms exhibit similar metabolic disturbances in the brain as those with hypoxia from other causes. However, there are also distinct differences, including elevated metabolites such as lactate and myo-inositol.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateNov 18, 2020

Diabetes increases neuritic damage around amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Research from the University of Eastern Finland explores the role of diabetes in cellular and molecular changes underlying Alzheimer's disease. Diabetes was found to weaken the accumulation of microglial cells around amyloid plaques and increase the formation of neuritic plaques with prominent tau pathology.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMolecular Neurodegeneration·DateNov 18, 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.

New semiconductor coating may pave way for future green fuels

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a new coating material for semiconductors that can produce fuels more sustainably using sunlight and electricity. The study shows that the coating reduces the voltage needed in the process, making it more energy-efficient.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2020