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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 43

Scientists develop a magnetic switch with lower energy consumption

Researchers have created a magnetic switch that requires less energy to alter its orientation, a potential breakthrough in storing data in personal electronics. The new technology uses voltage instead of current to reorient magnetic materials, resulting in significant energy savings.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2020

System can sterilize medical tools using solar heat

A team of researchers at MIT and IIT developed a solar-powered system to generate pressurized steam for autoclaving medical tools. The system uses optically transparent aerogel to trap heat and can maintain safe sterilization conditions without electricity or fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Pod e-cigarettes less harmful than regular cigarettes, new study finds

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that pod e-cigarettes are significantly safer than combustible cigarettes, with reduced levels of carcinogens and respiratory symptoms. The study suggests that e-cigarettes may be a viable harm-reduction option for smokers who struggle to quit or reduce their smoking habit.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2020

UIC launches three COVID-19 clinical trials for blood clot prevention

Researchers at UIC are conducting three national NIH studies to investigate the safety and effectiveness of various types of blood thinners for treating adults diagnosed with COVID-19. The trials aim to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular or pulmonary complications, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attacks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·DateNov 18, 2020

NYUAD researcher aids in the development of a pathway to solve cybersickness

A NYUAD researcher has developed a research and development agenda to eliminate cybersickness, allowing for wider use of virtual and augmented reality. The new agenda prioritizes creating powerful head-worn displays, reducing visual latencies, and improving countermeasures.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 18, 2020

Deep learning helps robots grasp and move objects with ease

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have created AI software that gives robots speed and skill to grasp objects, making it feasible for them to assist humans in warehouses. The technology reduces computation time from 29 seconds to under one-tenth of a second.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·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.

Printed solid-state batteries

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a new method for creating high-quality, high-performance solid-state electrolyte thin films. This 'printing and radiative heating' approach enables rapid production of dense and uniform films with superior ionic conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020

For neural research, wireless chip shines light on the brain

A new chip has been developed that can be surgically implanted to read neural signals and stimulate the brain with both light and electrical current. The chip is fully wireless and trimodal, allowing for precise control over targeted regions of the brain.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·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.

Curved origami provides new range of stiffness-to-flexibility in robots

Researchers at Arizona State University developed curved origami structures that can adjust stiffness based on function, providing a new range of flexibility in robots. This technology enables robots to perform various movements by adjusting the creases used, and has implications for designing mechanical metamaterials.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 18, 2020

Computer vision predicts congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Researchers developed a computer vision tool to analyze facial images of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), revealing strong correlations between facial features and the condition. The study's findings could lead to improved phenotyping and treatment of CAH, a life-threatening genetic disorder affecting children.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·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.

Compound for Alzheimer's combats bacterial resistance to last-resort antibiotics in mice

Researchers found that PBT2 disrupts metals in polymyxin-resistant bacteria, resensitizing them to treatment and boosting survival rates in mice with sepsis. The compound may offer a solution to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, which poses a grave danger to patients with bacterial infections.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 18, 2020

Study confirms contribution of bioenergy to climate change mitigation

A study by a cross-border team of researchers confirms that biofuels can contribute significantly to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the potential of switchgrass cultivation for cellulosic ethanol production as comparable to reforestation and grassland restoration on a per-hectare basis.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2020

Missing the radiological forest for the trees

A study by University of Utah researchers found that experienced radiologists can miss clear abnormalities when looking for one specific issue, highlighting the limits of human cognition. The experiment demonstrates that years of experience don't guarantee detection of critical findings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

A gel for dosage compensation

A team of researchers has discovered a novel gel-like state that enables male fruit flies to compensate for their single X chromosome. The mechanism, which involves the assembly of roX-MSL2 gel, allows the complex to distinguish and mark the X chromosome. This innovation sheds light on how dosage compensation is achieved in male flies.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature·DateNov 18, 2020

Ten chemistry start-ups to watch

The American Chemical Society has unveiled its annual list of 10 promising chemistry start-ups, focusing on innovative solutions for drug discovery, waste recycling, sustainable materials, and quantum computing. Companies like Aryballe and Evrnu are developing groundbreaking technologies to address pressing global challenges.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·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.

Suicidal risk during pregnancy, after childbirth on the rise

A new study found that suicidal thoughts and self-harm among childbearing women nearly tripled between 2006 and 2017, with significant increases seen among Black, low-income, and younger individuals. The prevalence of maternal suicidality increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, affecting an estimated 24,000 individuals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 18, 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.

Vitamin D supplements may reduce risk of developing advanced cancer

Researchers found an overall 17% risk reduction for metastatic or fatal cancer and a 38% reduction among those with normal BMI. The study suggests that vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing advanced cancers, particularly in individuals with normal weight.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2020

Saving your data together helps birds and bird research

The SPI-Birds initiative combines breeding population data of 1.5 million individually recognisable birds to answer ecology and evolution questions. The project aims to inspire other research communities to create their own standards, promoting FAIR data use.

SourceNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateNov 18, 2020

AI may predict response to immune checkpoint blockade in patients with metastatic melanoma

A computational method combining clinicodemographic variables and deep learning of pre-treatment histology images accurately predicts response to immune checkpoint blockade. The model, validated in an independent cohort, achieves high accuracy and can stratify patients into high versus low risk for disease progression.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·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.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual communities more at-risk for dementia, study finds

A new study from Michigan State University found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are more likely to develop cognitive impairment at older ages. The research suggests that depression may be a key underlying factor contributing to these disparities, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and acceptance to support menta...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateNov 18, 2020

'Oasis effect' in urban parks could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, ASU study finds

Researchers at Arizona State University found that urban parks experience a significant increase in evaporative losses during the night due to the oasis effect, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. This can have important implications for water conservation and greenhouse gas emission management in desert cities like Phoenix.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 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.

A DNA-based nanogel for targeted chemotherapy

Researchers designed DNA-based nanogels that break down and release chemotherapeutic contents only in cancer cells. The nanogels use biomarkers like FEN1 to differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells, reducing the impact on normal cells.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 18, 2020

OU College of medicine partners with US Department of Defense

The OU College of Medicine has partnered with the US Department of Defense to develop training materials and resources to address problematic sexual behavior in youth within the military. Effective treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and family engagement, have shown recidivism rates less than 2%.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateNov 18, 2020

Study questions blood pressure drug guidance based on age and ethnicity

A recent study challenges the UK's current guidance on treating high blood pressure with medication, suggesting that it may not be necessary to consider age and ethnicity when choosing a treatment. The researchers found similar reductions in blood pressure for three major drug types in people of all ages and ethnicities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 18, 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.

Algae breathe life into 3D engineered tissues

Researchers developed an algae-based 3D bioprinting method to incorporate vascular patterns within engineered tissues and provide a sustainable source of oxygen for human cells. The approach showed promise for applications in disease modeling, drug development, regenerative and personalized medicine.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateNov 18, 2020

Starved, stuffed and squandered: Consequences of decades of global nutrition transition

A new study warns that the current global nutrition transition will lead to an unprecedented increase in overweight and obese individuals, surpassing 4 billion by 2050. This, combined with food waste and unsustainable agricultural practices, poses significant threats to global hunger, public health, and environmental protection.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2020

Many unresolved questions remain regarding T cell immunity to SARS-CoV-2

Research highlights the importance of understanding T cell responses in COVID-19, including their role in generating durable immunity and influencing disease severity. Filling knowledge gaps is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 18, 2020

Unraveling a mystery surrounding embryonic cells

Researchers have identified the precise timing and molecular signals involved in neural crest cell formation, shedding light on human neural crest-related pathologies. The study provides a high-resolution temporal map of gene expression and epigenetic changes during neural crest development.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalStem Cell Research·DateNov 18, 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.

Gold nanoparticles turn the spotlight on drug candidates in cells

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a technique to visualize small-molecule drugs in cells using gold nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) microscopy. This approach allows for real-time observation of the dynamics of small molecules inside target cells, providing valuable insights for drug discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2020

Green chemistry: Politecnico di Milano publishes in Chem

The Politecnico di Milano team successfully synthesized a molecular crystal with a Borromean topology, demonstrating the mechanism of formation and opening new perspectives for complex chemical systems. The findings have potential applications in diamond synthesis, hydrogen storage, ultra-light composites, and drug development.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalChem·DateNov 18, 2020

Ovarian cancer cells cooperate to metastasize

A study by Harvard Medical School scientists reveals a transient, cooperative interaction between ovarian cancer cells that allows nonmetastatic tumor cells to invade distant sites. The team identified amplified ERBB2 levels in a specific cell population, which was activated by amphiregulin, a signaling protein found in advanced ovaria...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·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.

Diagnosing the cause of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms

A study of 214 children found that final diagnoses differ from referral diagnoses in 54% of cases, with asthma being the most common cause. Inhaling medication was prescribed to 91% of children with a final diagnosis of asthma, while physiotherapy was recommended for 50% of those with dysfunctional breathing.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateNov 18, 2020

A 2D perspective: stacking materials to realize a low power consuming future

Researchers at DGIST have devised a 2D-material-based stacked structure that reduces computing power consumption. The study measured the energy of excitons and trions in multistacked hBN/WS2 coupled quantum wells, revealing a gradual decrease in energy with an increase in stakes.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 18, 2020

The ultimate conditions to get the most out of high-nickel batteries

Researchers found that dry storage conditions at dew points of around -45°C significantly improve high-nickel battery performance. Exposing batteries to humidity leads to premature capacity fade and degradation. The study identifies three processes responsible for impurities, including surface carbonates and hydroxides.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateNov 18, 2020

Catapult-like hydrogel actuator designed to deliver high contraction power

Researchers designed a catapult-like hydrogel that can store and release elastic energy, achieving high contractile force and ultrahigh work density. The material overcomes mechanical weakness in traditional hydrogels, enabling controllable multistable deformation and programmable elasticity.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·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.

Can facial recognition help identify congenital adrenal hyperplasia?

A new study from Children's Hospital Los Angeles shows that machine learning can accurately identify patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) using subtle facial features. The research uses facial morphology to detect differences in CAH patients and correctly identifies them with greater than 90% accuracy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 18, 2020

Patients strongly favor banning bacon in hospitals, according to new survey

A majority of hospitalized patients support eliminating processed meats from hospital menus to reduce cancer risk. Processed meat is linked to various health issues, including colorectal, stomach, and pancreatic cancers, as well as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Management and Health Policy·DateNov 18, 2020