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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 23


Page 23 of 43

Researchers from CSIC identify the genetic program that allows us to see in 3D

A study published in Science Advances reveals a genetic program essential for 3D vision and motor coordination in mice. The discovery sheds light on the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway by Zic2, which is crucial for bilateralism and has implications for understanding pathologies such as spina bifida.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

A cost-effective program to fight COVID-19 in resource-challenged countries

A multifaceted public health strategy combining contact tracing, community-based screening with isolation and quarantine centers can substantially reduce COVID-19 cases in low-and-middle-income countries. The study found that this approach could save lives even where budgets are constrained.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateNov 13, 2020

Cytokine storms play a limited role in moderate-to-severe COVID-19

A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Washington University found that most adults with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 have a suppressed viral immune response, unlike flu patients. Steroids like dexamethasone are only effective in a small subset of patients with life-threatening hyperinflammation.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 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.

System brings deep learning to 'internet of things' devices

A new system called MCUNet enables artificial intelligence on household appliances while improving data security and energy efficiency. The technology uses compact neural networks to deliver unprecedented speed and accuracy for deep learning on IoT devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 13, 2020

A few kilograms weight loss nearly halves the risk of diabetes

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows that providing support for small lifestyle changes can almost halve the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The Norfolk Diabetes Prevention Study found that modest weight loss and increased physical activity reduced the risk by 40-47% for those with prediabetes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 13, 2020

Love waves from the ocean floor

Researchers decoded the origin of love waves, generated by ocean storms, which travel through the solid Earth. Stanford University geophysicist Lucia Gualtieri's study suggests that Love waves originate within the Earth itself, not on the seafloor.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 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.

Food allergies take a greater emotional toll on Asian families

A new study by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that food allergies negatively affect the quality of life of those who suffer from them, particularly for Asian patients and their parents. The study showed higher negative quality of life scores for Asians compared to white and Black patients.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·DateNov 13, 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.

Measuring the true cost of conservation

A new high-resolution map of US land value reveals underestimates in existing cost estimates, highlighting the need for higher funding levels for environmental goals. The tool provides policymakers with realistic expectations for conservation funding, enabling more informed decision-making.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020

Are diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions or titles published faster?

A study found that diagnostic imaging studies with positive conclusions were associated with a shorter time from study completion to publication, contributing to an overrepresentation of positive results in the test accuracy literature. Studies with positive titles showed no significant association with faster publication times.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 13, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antidepressant may prevent severe COVID-19, trial suggests

A clinical trial found that fluvoxamine prevented COVID-19 infections from worsening and kept patients out of the hospital. The antidepressant drug reduced inflammation and protected against serious breathing difficulties, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateNov 13, 2020

Shining a light on the role of the genome's 'dark matter' in cancer development

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have discovered that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in pancreatic cancer development by modifying cell growth. The study highlights the importance of investigating lncRNAs in living organisms and provides potential new targets for precision cancer therapies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalGenome Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

Chemistry: How nitrogen is transferred by a catalyst

Chemists at Goethe University Frankfurt have directly observed and characterized a metallonitrene diradical with a single metal-nitrogen bond. This discovery enables the targeted insertion of nitrogen atoms into carbon-hydrogen bonds, contributing to the development of novel 'green' syntheses.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 13, 2020

What type of forest to choose for better CO2 storage?

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that species diversity is optimal for equatorial and tropical rainforests, while abundance of trees is key to carbon storage in colder regions. The findings have substantial practical relevance for climate change mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 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.

Study reveals physical demands of two-hour marathon

Elite marathon runners require a perfect balance of VO2 max, efficiency, and lactate turn point to maintain two-hour pace. A study on athletes from Nike's Breaking2 project found that these runners must take in oxygen twice as fast as normal individuals at marathon pace.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Shutting Down COVID-19 virus' destructive proteins with aerosolized molecules

Georgetown University researchers successfully used RNA molecules to suppress SARS-CoV-2 protein production, potentially leading to an inhalable drug that mitigates viral chaos. The approach targets viral machinery within cells via siRNA, degrading messenger RNA and reducing infection spread.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalGene Therapy·DateNov 13, 2020

Is zoom increasing the demand for plastic surgery

A study published in Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine suggests that Zoom's increased usage has led to a rise in plastic surgery requests, particularly for nose and wrinkle treatments. The 'Zoom Dysmorphia' phenomenon is characterized by individuals seeking surgical interventions due to perceived flaws on video calls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·DateNov 13, 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.

How air pollution affects homeless populations

A new study from the University of Utah finds that people experiencing homelessness are exposed to high levels of air pollution, particularly those sleeping outdoors at night. The researchers also discovered that sheltered and unsheltered individuals experience similar negative health outcomes associated with air pollution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 13, 2020

Drawing the line to answer art's big questions

Researchers employed a computer algorithm to analyze nearly 15,000 landscape paintings, finding that compositional structures evolved systematically over time. The study suggests a potential bias in art curators' and historians' selections, contradicting the prevailing view of diverse artistic expression.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Risk of AAV mobilization in gene therapy

Recent studies report increased risk of rAAV mobilization in gene therapy, raising concerns for treated individuals and unintended populations. The research highlights the potential for rAAV vector production to replicate under certain conditions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateNov 13, 2020

Enhancing food security, sustainability in Cambodia

The UTIA Smith Center will partner with the Royal University of Agriculture to improve food and nutritional security in Cambodia through research, education, and training. The program aims to increase agricultural production, enhance soil and water quality, and support small-scale farmers.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateNov 13, 2020

The future's uncertain - but noradrenaline can help us adapt

A new study found that noradrenaline helps us adapt to uncertain situations by allowing rapid learning and adjusting our behavior. In contrast, Propranolol blocks the action of noradrenaline, making people more reliant on past experiences in the face of uncertainty.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 13, 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.

Plastic pollution is everywhere. Study reveals how it travels

A Princeton University study has revealed the mechanism by which microplastic particles, like Styrofoam, move through porous media, allowing them to accumulate in food and water sources. The research found that microplastics get stuck when traveling through soil but later break free and continue moving substantially further.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

What does the fox say to a puma?

Pumas and culpeo foxes can successfully coexist due to distinct diets, with pumas primarily feeding on introduced hare species and foxes on smaller mammals. This study sheds light on predator interactions and ecosystem balances in the Andes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDiversity·DateNov 13, 2020

Hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection

A rare nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers is discussed in the article. Minimizing these incidents can be achieved through proper precautions such as wearing surgical masks, maintaining good ventilation, practicing physical distancing, using eye protection, and conducting regular testing and sick leave policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 2020

Dynamic risk management in cell populations

Scientists at AMOLF and Yale University have discovered a mechanism that enables cell populations to tune their diversity much faster, by combining physical and chemical interactions between existing proteins. This allows cells to quickly adapt to new environmental signals, rather than relying on time-consuming gene expression changes.

SourceAMOLF·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

Dissecting the immune characteristics of severe COVID-19 responses

A study published in Clinical and Translational Immunology found that individuals with severe COVID-19 responses exhibit increased levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10), a suppressor of cell inflammation. This discovery could provide a warning light for disease progression, but larger-scale studies are needed to confirm the findings.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalClinical & Translational Immunology·DateNov 13, 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.

New supercomputer installed at Stony Brook

Stony Brook University has installed a new supercomputer, Ookami, powered by the HPE Apollo 80 system and Fujitsu A64FX processor, offering a balance of high performance and power efficiency. The system is supported by Bright Cluster Manager software and will be available for researchers nationwide to test new computing technologies.

SourceStony Brook University·DateNov 13, 2020

Pharmacology - An unconventional ion channel

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München identified a mechanosensitive ion channel in an endolysosomal system of macrophages. This channel is activated by mechanical stimuli and alterations in osmolarity, regulating the secretion of signaling molecules that control the immune system.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

How religion can hamper economic progress

A recent study from Bocconi University found that Catholic schools in France during the Second Industrial Revolution hindered the introduction of technical education, leading to lower industrial employment. The research suggests that religion can have a negative impact on economic development when it hinders the adoption of economicall...

SourceBocconi University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateNov 13, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Preparing for a human mission to Mars

The AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission in Oman evaluated operational concepts and optimized strategies for future human missions. A benchmarking tool was developed to improve scientific output, mission safety, and efficiency.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAstrobiology·DateNov 13, 2020

Anions matter

Researchers found that sulfate anions significantly improve the performance of zinc-ion hybrid capacitors, enabling them to operate for over nine months and showing excellent flexibility. The study highlights the importance of electrolyte anions in enhancing the power and energy density of capacitors.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 13, 2020

Researchers develop virus live stream to study virus infection

Researchers have developed a new technique called VIRIM that allows for real-time imaging of virus infections, enabling the tracking of viral replication and protein production. This breakthrough could lead to more targeted treatments for viral infections, such as SARS-CoV-2.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 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.

Promising MS drug may worsen disease, research suggests

A promising MS drug called TEPP-46 has shown worsening effects on the disease in mouse models, causing inflammation redirection and T cell changes. The research suggests caution before moving the drug to human trials.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 13, 2020

New green materials could power smart devices using ambient light

Researchers from Imperial College London and their colleagues have discovered new green materials that can convert indoor light into energy, potentially powering smart devices without toxic chemicals. The materials, inspired by perovskites, show promise for commercial applications and could enable battery-free wearables and IoT devices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 13, 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.

Ultracompact metalens microscopy breaks FOV constraints

Researchers have developed an ultracompact metalens array that enables wide-field microscope imaging with large field of view and high resolution. The metalens-integrated imaging device (MIID) achieves compact architecture and working imaging distance in the hundreds of micrometers, paving the way for real-world applications.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 13, 2020