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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 24


Page 24 of 43

Baricitinib treatment linked to reduced mortality in COVID-19 patients

A recent study published in Science Advances found that baricitinib treatment significantly reduces mortality in COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The drug, commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis, was shown to block viral entry and reduce inflammation, leading to a 71% reduction in mortality rates.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

Need for more and better testing for COVID-19

The study highlights limitations of current testing in asymptomatic phases and access issues in resource-limited communities. Better testing is crucial to prevent community transmission and improve public health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 13, 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.

Order from chaos

Researchers from Kyoto University have created a beam-scanning device using photonic crystals, eliminating the need for moving parts. The technology enables high-power, high-beam-quality two-dimensional beam scanning lasers with improved resolution and accuracy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Sussex research points to new effective breast cancer treatment

A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that LMTK3 inhibitors could be an effective treatment for breast cancer and potentially other types of cancer. The researchers successfully demonstrated the anticancer effects of LMTK3 inhibitors in cells and breast cancer models in mice.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 2020

First non-human primate study showing promise of gene therapy for stroke repair

A study published on Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology found successful neural regeneration from brain internal glial cells for stroke repair in rhesus macaque monkeys. This gene therapy approach regenerates new neurons while also protecting injured neurons from secondary damage.

SourceGuangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateNov 13, 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.

CMIP6 adds more value in simulating extreme temperatures in China

The CMIP6 models reproduce spatial distributions of temperature extremes better than CMIP5 models. However, they struggle to capture warm days and cold nights, especially over the Tibetan Plateau. Advanced CMIP6 models show no significant differences from their CMIP5 counterparts for some models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 13, 2020

Light shed on the atomic resolution structure of phage DNA tube

Researchers have shed light on the atomic resolution structure of the phage DNA tube, a crucial component of phage therapy. The 3D structure reveals a hollow tube with flexible linkers, allowing negatively charged DNA to pass through smoothly. This study marks a significant milestone in integrated structural biology.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2020

Antibody evolution may predict COVID-19 outcomes

A new study found that COVID-19 patients' early antibody evolution differs between survivors and non-survivors, with the former developing strong IgG antibodies and targeting the S2-domain on coronaviruses. This immunity may help patients generate killer antibodies faster and sooner after infection.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCell·DateNov 13, 2020

Why does COVID-19 seem to spare children?

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that children are less likely to get infected or have severe symptoms due to lower levels of an enzyme called TMPRSS2. The research suggests that blocking this enzyme could potentially treat or prevent COVID-19 in older people.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 13, 2020

Gut check: Teff grain boosts stomach microbiome health

A new study by Cornell University confirms that teff grain consumption enhances the intestinal microbiome composition and function, potentially explaining lower iron and zinc deficiency rates in Ethiopia. The study used a unique in vivo approach to test the effects of teff seed extracts on living organisms.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateNov 13, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Retreating glacier presents landslide threat, tsunami risk in Alaskan fjord

A study using NASA satellite imagery reveals a landslide-generated tsunami threat in Barry Arm, Alaska, which could affect the surrounding area within the next 20 years. The glacier's rapid retreat has caused the terrain to become unstable, leading to a potential 3,000-foot landslide into the fjord below.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2020

Chemists discover the structure of a key coronavirus protein

MIT chemists determine the molecular structure of a key coronavirus protein, E, which forms an ion channel that plays a key role in viral replication and inflammation. The study may lead to the development of alternative small molecules that target this channel with high affinity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 12, 2020

Illuminating tiny proteins in living cells using single-residue labeling tags

Researchers develop Single-residue Terminal Labeling (STELLA) to fluorescently tag microproteins without disrupting their function. The method enables visualization of elusive polypeptides from SARS-CoV2 coronavirus, opening new avenues for studying tiny proteins in living cells.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 2020

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase blood pressure in early life

A study by ISGlobal found that exposure to high levels of air pollution, particularly during pregnancy, is associated with higher blood pressure in childhood. The research team analyzed data from 4,279 children living in six European cities and found a significant link between NO2 levels and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateNov 12, 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.

TU Graz launches Christian Doppler laboratory for solid-state batteries

Researchers at TU Graz's new Christian Doppler Laboratory aim to develop solid-state batteries with reduced interface resistances, enabling safer electric vehicles and high-energy applications. The lab focuses on improving lithium transport properties, surface modifications, and material combinations to overcome current limitations.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateNov 12, 2020

Plasma Physics Meeting highlights

Researchers discussed various topics in plasma physics, including the young solar wind, fusion experiments, and alternative approaches to killing bacteria and viruses. The findings highlight potential pathways for controlled nuclear fusion and applications of plasmas in energy production and medicine.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 12, 2020

Antiferromagnetic material's giant stride towards application

Researchers at Tohoku University successfully demonstrated current-induced switching in a polycrystalline metallic antiferromagnetic heterostructure with high thermal stability. This breakthrough enables potential applications in future electronic device development.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2020

A therapeutic option for glioblastoma using pH-sensitive nanomicelles

Researchers have created a polymeric nanomicelle that effectively delivers the potent mitotic inhibitor desacetyl vinblastine hydrazide (DAVBNH) to glioblastoma, showing improved survival rates in mice. The developed nanomicelle accurately senses the pH lowering in tumor tissue and releases the contained anticancer drug.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 12, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mimicking SARS-CoV-2 nasal infection in monkeys

A new animal model of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been developed in rhesus macaques, exhibiting clinical and pathological manifestations similar to those observed in humans. The study revealed long-term viral shedding and inflammation-promoting responses, highlighting the need for treatments targeting T cell responses and cytokine changes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateNov 12, 2020

Bitcoin is COVID immune!

The study found that bitcoin and ethereum exhibited strong correlations with traditional financial instruments during the pandemic, indicating their integration into the market. Cryptocurrencies behaved like reliable financial instruments, losing their safe-haven status but remaining stable.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalEntropy·DateNov 12, 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.

Early-life events linked to lung health in young adulthood

Researchers found that early-life air pollution and smoking increase risk of chronic bronchitis and irreversible airflow limitation. Early life events are key to maintaining lung health in adulthood, highlighting the importance of early prevention.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateNov 12, 2020

Toffler Charitable Trust gift to enable future-focused brain science

The Karen Toffler Charitable Trust has gifted Boston University School of Medicine a $40,000 grant to support early-stage, future-focused brain science research. The funding will enable young researchers to explore high-impact ideas that could push the future of humanity in a brighter direction.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2020

Yale team finds way to protect genetic privacy in research

Researchers at Yale University have developed a way to safeguard individual genetic information while maintaining the advantages of open data exchange. The approach enables scientists to preserve most genetic data for analysis while restricting access to identifiable information.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 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.

Sustainable tourism--or a selfie? Ecotourism's fans may be in it for the 'gram

A new study suggests that ecotourists' motivations may be shifting from environmental and social concerns to the desire for social media-worthy experiences. Researchers found that travelers prioritize taking good photos over sustainability and education, threatening the long-term sustainability of ecotourism destinations.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Sustainable Tourism·DateNov 12, 2020

Stretchable fiber optic sensors detect complex deformations simultaneously

Researchers developed a stretchable dual-core optical fiber sensor system that can distinguish and measure complex mechanical movement using only a single sensor. The system, called SLIMS, successfully detected various finger movements and presses in real-time when integrated into a stretchable glove.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020

Canadian discovery: A potential game-changer to reverse alcohol intoxication

Researchers at UHN have discovered a simple method to reverse alcohol intoxication by accelerating the elimination of ethanol from the body through hyperventilation. The device, small enough to be made anywhere in the world, uses a valve system and mask to remove excess carbon dioxide while maintaining normal blood levels.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 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.

Individualized brain stimulation therapy improves language performance in stroke survivors

A recent study found that individualized brain stimulation therapy improves language performance in stroke survivors with aphasia, targeting abnormal activity outside the damaged tissue. The therapy also shows promise for individuals with dementia, highlighting a personalized approach to treating this debilitating disorder.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2020

Re-mapping taste in the brain

A new study from Stony Brook University found that the brain's 'taste map' is not composed of clusters of specialized neurons, but rather a network of overlapping and spatially distributed populations. This challenges the long-held theory of taste coding, which proposed a topographic map in the gustatory cortex for specific tastes.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 12, 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.

Novel deep learning method enables clinic-ready automated screening for diabetes-related eye disease

Researchers developed a novel deep learning method that requires less annotated image data to screen for diabetic retinopathy, achieving the same diagnostic performance as human experts. The method enables clinics to automate screenings and reduce referrals to specialized eye care centers.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateNov 12, 2020

New study reveals a holistic way to look at neurons in the brain

Researchers used a technique called Patch-seq to capture data from over 4,200 mouse neurons, classifying them into 28 different types based on their morphology, electrical properties, and gene expression profiles. This new categorization lays the groundwork for a more complete understanding of the mammalian brain.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalCell·DateNov 12, 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.

Sunlight could turn COVID waste into clean hydrogen fuel

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a novel process called photoreforming that uses sunlight to convert hazardous medical waste into clean hydrogen fuel. The process has the potential to save millions of pounds by reducing waste disposal costs and mitigating pollution.

SourceSwansea University·DateNov 12, 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.

This tableware made from sugarcane and bamboo breaks down in 60 days

Researchers have developed biodegradable tableware made from hybrid sugarcane and bamboo fibers, which breaks down in 60 days and is cleaner than traditional bioplastics. The new material has improved mechanical strength, grease resistance, and non-toxicity, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateNov 12, 2020

Smaller than ever--exploring the unusual properties of quantum-sized materials

Researchers have developed a novel method to synthesize sub-nanoparticles (SNPs) with controlled composition and size, enabling the discovery of unique properties. The team found unusual electronic states and oxygen content in SNPs with an indium-to-tin ratio of 3:4, leading to different optical properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 12, 2020

Climate change: Ending greenhouse gas emissions may not stop global warming

Even if human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to zero, global temperatures may continue to rise for centuries due to self-sustained melting of permafrost. To prevent projected temperature and sea level rises, all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions would need to be reduced to zero between 1960 and 1970.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 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.

How will COVID-19 affect our next generation?

USC researchers warn that COVID-19 could cause developmental difficulties and accelerated aging in the century ahead due to in-utero exposure. The study suggests that prenatal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 may have long-term impacts on childhood development and adult health.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease·DateNov 12, 2020

Skoltech scientists developed a novel bone implant manufacturing method

Skoltech researchers have developed a novel method for designing and manufacturing complex-shaped ceramic bone implants with controllable porous structures. The FRep method enables the creation of variable density implants tailored to individual patient needs, enhancing tissue fusion efficiency and overall implant performance.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalApplied Sciences·DateNov 12, 2020