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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 25


Page 25 of 43

Vaping may increase respiratory disease risk by more than 40%: BU study

Researchers from Boston University School of Public Health found that e-cigarette use is associated with a 21% increase in respiratory disease risk and a 43% increase in chronic bronchitis risk. Current e-cigarette users are also at higher risk for emphysema, COPD, and asthma.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·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.

Applying environmental genomics to coral conservation

Researchers used genetic analysis and satellite data to identify coral populations better equipped to withstand rising temperatures. The study found correlations between prolonged exposure to high heat stress and climate-adaptive traits, supporting hypotheses of connectivity and adaptation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2020

Image release: Galaxies in the Perseus Cluster

Astronomers used the VLA to study how a crowded environment affects galaxies in the Perseus Cluster. The research reveals complex filamentary structures in radio lobes and bending of jets due to motion through intergalactic material, providing new insights into galaxy clusters.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·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.

Environmentally friendly method could lower costs to recycle lithium-ion batteries

A new environmentally friendly method for restoring spent cathodes to mint condition could make it more economical to recycle lithium-ion batteries. Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a process that uses inexpensive and benign chemicals, consumes 80-90% less energy, and emits 75% less greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJoule·DateNov 12, 2020

Machine learning algorithm could provide Soldiers feedback

A new machine learning algorithm has been developed to isolate patterns in brain signals that relate to specific behaviors, enabling the decoding of these behaviors. The algorithm was tested on standard brain datasets and showed significant improvement over standard algorithms in predicting movement kinematics.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 12, 2020

Hearing test may detect autism in newborns

Researchers analyzed ABR tests of nearly 140,000 newborns in Florida and found slower brain responses to sounds in those later diagnosed with autism. The study presents a promising direction in using ABR testing as a method for precise autism detection at birth.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 12, 2020

Cysteine synthesis was a key step in the origin of life

In a new study published in Science, UCL scientists have recreated how cysteine was formed at the origins of life, delivering vital catalysts that enabled the earliest protein molecules to form. The researchers observed how once-formed cysteine catalyses the fusion of peptides in water, a fundamental step towards protein enzymes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 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.

Escape from Mars: how water fled the red planet

Researchers discovered a large amount of water in the upper atmosphere of Mars, rapidly destroyed by ions, explaining part of the planet's mysterious dryness. This process contradicts the classical picture of water escape from Mars, suggesting it is incomplete and influenced by seasonal and dust storms.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020

New molecular atlases reveal how human cells grow and develop

Researchers at UW Medicine created two cell atlases that map gene expression and chromatin accessibility in human development, providing unprecedented data for understanding cell differentiation. The atlases identify 77 main cell types and approximately 650 cell subtypes, shedding light on the regulatory 'grammar' of the cell.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020

Some U.S. states hit harder by COVID-19 food insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened food insecurity in the United States, particularly in lower-wage jobs and service industry areas. According to a report by Craig Gundersen, over 50 million Americans will be food insecure in 2020, with regional differences existing across the country.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·DateNov 12, 2020

New prediction algorithm identifies previously undetected cancer driver genes

A new prediction algorithm called DORGE has identified novel tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes by integrating comprehensive genetic and epigenetic data. The study found that the algorithm successfully predicted both known and novel cancer driver genes, including dual-functional genes involved in protein-protein interaction networks.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 12, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Special issue: Cooling in a Warming World

This special issue explores innovative cooling solutions to combat rising temperatures, including radiative cooling materials and novel textiles that help keep people cool. The article discusses advancements in data center cooling and the development of more environmentally friendly refrigerants.

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

How to maximize the potential of marketing agility

Researchers identify factors that enable or inhibit marketing agility at different hierarchical levels, including technology, organization structure, and employee traits. Marketing agility can be beneficial for some firms and marketing actions, but its impact is nuanced and context-dependent.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Green Deal: Good for a climate-neutral Europe - bad for the planet

The EU's climate-neutral goal may be undermined by high imports of agricultural products from countries with lax environmental standards. The study recommends harmonizing sustainability standards and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use to achieve global sustainability.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 2020

Physics can assist with key challenges in artificial intelligence

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University demonstrate the application of physical concepts in physics to solve key challenges in artificial intelligence. By adopting power-law scaling, they show that learning each example once is equivalent to learning examples repeatedly, enabling rapid decision-making and ultrafast learning.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2020

The connectivity of multicomponent fluids in subduction zones

A team of researchers has discovered more about the grain-scale fluid connectivity beneath the earth's surface, shedding new light on fluid circulation and seismic velocity anomalies in subduction zones. The study found that fluids with minor components, such as CO2 and NaCl, can have a significant impact on the dihedral angle between ...

SourceTohoku University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 12, 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.

Student medical records at UC San Diego make epic change and a California first

UC San Diego's integration of student medical records with its electronic health record platform improved care coordination, access to vital medical information, and resources. The system enabled same-day video visits, rapid turnaround of radiology results, and accessible COVID-19 testing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateNov 12, 2020

New bird genomes give insight into evolution of genomic diversity

A massive international study of bird genomes has revealed new details on genomic diversity and evolution. The Bird 10,000 Genome Project has sequenced genomic resources for 363 bird species, including 267 new genomes, which have improved resolution on genomic evolution analyses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature·DateNov 12, 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.

Model helps predict which infants may develop NAS

A new Vanderbilt-designed prediction model can identify infants at high risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) after opioid exposure, allowing for early discharge and potentially reducing hospital costs. The tool uses several factors, including gestational age, type of opioids, and other drugs, to estimate the risk of NAS.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2020

Convenient antioxidant capacity measurement of food

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a new electrochemical system to measure antioxidant capacity in food, eliminating complex separation and extraction steps. This system allows for easy analysis of fat-soluble antioxidants in colorful or cloudy samples without extensive equipment or special treatment.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2020

Research produces intense light beams with quantum correlations

Scientists at the University of São Paulo have developed a method to generate intense beams of light with quantum correlations, which can be used for high-precision metrology and information encoding. The new technology has potential applications in fields such as gravity wave detection and secure communication.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

Years of life lost associated with school closures during COVID-19

A study estimates that potential years of life lost among US primary school-age children associated with school closures during the pandemic. The decision analytical model forecasts significant health consequences, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and support.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 12, 2020

Two engineers design and donate a technique to make N95 masks reusable

Two Stanford engineers developed a technique to disinfect personal protective equipment (PPE) with ultraviolet light, eliminating 99.9999% of pathogens in under five minutes. They designed and donated a method for healthcare providers worldwide to build PPE sterilization units, helping launch do-it-yourself efforts in over 25 countries.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalApplied Optics·DateNov 12, 2020

Racial disparities in pediatric diabetes treatment

A retrospective study of over 2,800 children with Type 1 diabetes reveals racial disparities in treatment modalities, clinical outcomes, and appointment attendance. Non-Hispanic Black children are more likely to have poor glycemic control and reduced long-term complications due to inadequate technology use.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalPediatric Diabetes·DateNov 12, 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: exercise classes reduce loneliness, social isolation in seniors

A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that older adults who joined group exercise classes experienced decreased loneliness and social isolation. The study tracked 382 participants and found a 6.9% decrease in loneliness and a 3.3% improvement in social connectedness.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateNov 12, 2020

RUDN University chemists developed cheap and eco-friendly surfactants

Researchers created a cost-efficient method to synthesize eco-friendly 'pseudo' gemini surfactants with comparable performance to existing compounds. The new surfactants have desirable properties, such as low superficial tension and biodegradability, making them suitable for various industries like skincare, medicine, and construction.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateNov 12, 2020

Charges cascading along a molecular chain

Scientists create one-dimensional array of individual molecules and precisely control its electronic structure. By manipulating individual molecules, they can create alternating charge patterns, allowing for information transfer in tiny circuits.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 12, 2020

Predicting the risk of severe side effects of cancer treatment

A new model predicts the risk of severe side effects in cancer patients during chemotherapy by analyzing genetic signatures. The study identified a network of genes linked to bone marrow toxicity and developed a classification system to predict patient risk.

SourceLinköping University·Journalnpj Systems Biology and Applications·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.

C4 rice's first wobbly steps towards reality

Researchers have successfully installed part of the C4 photosynthetic pathway in rice, paving the way for more efficient and water-use-friendly crop varieties. The breakthrough could increase photosynthesis efficiency by 50% and improve nitrogen use efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateNov 12, 2020

Advanced atomic clock makes a better dark matter detector

Researchers used a state-of-the-art atomic clock to narrow the search for elusive dark matter, setting new limits on ultralight dark matter's coupling strength. The study established constraints on the floor of normal fluctuations, providing sensitivity to cosmological models of dark matter and accepted physics theories.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

Stretchable 'skin' sensor gives robots human sensation

Researchers at Cornell University have created a stretchable 'skin' sensor that detects deformations and allows soft robotic systems to feel pressure, bending, and strain. This technology has the potential to revolutionize physical therapy and sports medicine by enabling machines to measure force interactions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·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.

UConn, DIANT Pharma licenses continuous manufacturing nanoparticle system

The University of Connecticut has licensed its groundbreaking continuous manufacturing technology for pharmaceutical nanoparticles to DIANT Pharma Inc. This technology offers several advantages over conventional batch manufacturing approaches, including highly controlled particle size, high-throughput production, and a smaller footprin...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·DateNov 12, 2020

'Rewiring' metabolism in insulin-producing cells may aid Type 2 diabetes treatment

Researchers discovered a previously unknown way that pancreatic cells decide how much insulin to secrete, pointing to an overlooked enzyme known as pyruvate kinase. Stimulating pyruvate kinase not only increases the secretion of insulin but also has other metabolically protective effects in the liver, muscle and red blood cells.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Metabolism·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.

Time for a new state of matter in high-temperature superconductors

Physicists have long wondered if crystals can form in time instead of space. Now, researchers have successfully created a time crystal in a high-temperature superconductor by applying a laser. This breakthrough establishes a new state of matter and opens up new possibilities for designing quantum materials on demand.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateNov 12, 2020

Difficult to implement national corona restrictions in Malawi

A study in Malawi reveals that financial support for households and cooperation with local authorities are crucial for successful Covid-19 restrictions. Survey respondents found that social distancing measures were more compliant due to lower individual costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalWorld Development·DateNov 12, 2020

Researchers find connection between household chemicals and gut microbiome

Researchers found a correlation between household chemicals and reduced bacterial diversity in children's guts. The study suggests that exposure to semi-volatile organic compounds may impact human health, with potential implications for probiotic interventions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 12, 2020

New study outlines steps higher education should take to prepare a new quantum workforce

A new study suggests that colleges should offer introductory, multidisciplinary courses with few prerequisites to teach fundamental concepts in quantum information science and technology. This will allow students across disciplines to learn the core concepts together, preparing them for a growing industry with applications in various f...

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateNov 12, 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.

Rats also capable of transmitting hantavirus

A German study confirms rats can transmit hantavirus to humans, with a young patient infected after contact with her pet rat. The virus, commonly found in Asia, poses severe disease risks and highlights the need for caution when keeping rats.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 12, 2020

Researchers make key advance for printing circuitry on wearable fabrics

Oregon State University researchers have made a key advance in printing circuitry on wearable fabrics using inkjet printing and perovskite materials. The breakthrough enables the direct application of circuitry onto cloth at lower processing temperatures, potentially solving the trade-off between performance and fabrication costs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 12, 2020