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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 43

Vitamin D and Omega-3s bolster health in some active older people

The DO-HEALTH study suggests that vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation may have significant positive effects on lowering infection rates and systolic blood pressure in healthy older adults who lead an active lifestyle. However, the study found no benefits for bone health, muscle function, or memory.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJAMA·DateNov 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MTU, UMass researchers preserve viral vaccines without refrigeration

Michigan Technological University and University of Massachusetts researchers develop a way to mimic the body's environment in vaccines, keeping viruses stable through crowding. This method has potential to improve access to vaccinations against various viruses, bypassing the cold chain.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateNov 11, 2020

Sorting out viruses with machine learning

Researchers at Osaka University have created a label-free method for identifying respiratory viruses based on changes in electrical current through silicon nanopores. This new system uses machine learning to achieve highly accurate virus classification, with potential applications for COVID-19 and influenza diagnosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sensors·DateNov 11, 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.

DNA repair supports brain cognitive development

Researchers at Osaka University found that Polβ prevents DNA breaks in brain cells of the hippocampus during early postnatal development, supporting cognitive development. The study also reveals a link between DNA demethylation and increased double-stranded breaks, which can lead to altered gene expression and impaired memory formation.

SourceOsaka University·DateNov 11, 2020

From 84 days to 5 hours: Telemedicine reduces dermatology consult time

A new study finds that telemedicine can significantly reduce dermatology consult times, from 84 days to under five hours. The study suggests that this approach does not increase utilization or costs, making it a viable option for expanding telemedicine use.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateNov 11, 2020

Noise and light alter bird nesting habits and success

A new study found that noise and light pollution alter bird nesting habits and success in North America. Birds responding to increased light may track climate change better than those in darker habitats. Noise pollution affects birds differently, with forested environments being more sensitive to noise.

SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 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.

Less screen time and more sleep critical for preventing depression

A longitudinal study of almost 85,000 people found that a combination of lifestyle interventions including optimal sleep and reduced screen time can help prevent depression. Additionally, healthy dietary patterns and physical activity were also associated with lower rates of depressed mood.

SourceNICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 11, 2020

Calls to city 311 lines can predict opioid overdose hotspots

Researchers found that calls about code violations, public health issues, and street lighting were the best indicators of opioid use in Columbus communities. The study suggests that data from 311 calls can be an effective opioid overdose surveillance indicator to direct outreach and resources to where they are needed.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 11, 2020

Wrinkle-faced male bats lower face masks to copulate

Researchers observed wrinkle-faced bats displaying unique mating behavior, using a mask-like face fold during copulation. This rare lek courtship behavior was previously unknown in bat species, with only 12 instances found across mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 11, 2020

Invisible organic light-emitting diodes reach new world record

Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal have created a new fluorescent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) that is 300% more efficient than existing OLEDs in its category, reaching a quantum efficiency of 3.8%. The breakthrough could enable the use of infrared OLEDs in smartphones and other devices.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 11, 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.

UTSA research team makes breakthrough discovery on brain cortex functionality

A team of UTSA researchers discovered long-range parvalbumin-expression neurons from the cortex to the striatum in mouse brains, challenging the exclusive local organization of cortical circuit neurons. This finding could lead to new treatments for epilepsy, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other mental conditions involving GABAergic neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateNov 11, 2020

Scientists discover possible genetic target for treating endometriosis

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a potential genetic target for treating an especially painful and invasive form of endometriosis. They discovered that targeting super-enhancers, altered by a mutation in the ARID1A gene, could lead to effective treatment using epigenetic therapy.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 11, 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.

Animation reveals secrets of critical tumour protein

The new WEHI-TV animation explains how the 'tumour suppressor' protein p53 prevents cancer-causing changes in cells. More than half of human cancers involve faulty p53, and researchers are still working to develop better therapies for these cancers.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 11, 2020

COVID-delayed Arctic research cruise yields late-season data

Researchers found no ice and a surprisingly active ecosystem in the Bering and Chukchi seas, adding data to a key climate change record. The delayed cruise due to COVID-19 revealed unseasonably warm ocean temperatures delaying sea ice formation by several weeks.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·DateNov 11, 2020

Climate-adapted plant breeding

Researchers are harnessing the genetic potential of old crop varieties, known as landraces, to develop improved climate-adapted hybrid varieties. By analyzing gene variations, they have identified traits such as early plant development, wind resistance, and growth form that can be beneficial in breeding climate-resilient crops.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 11, 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.

Banking experts will assess impact of COVID-19 on UK SMEs, new study

Researchers at Nottingham University Business School investigate how COVID-19 affects small and medium-sized businesses, exploring their risk exposure and developing new methods to support them. The study aims to provide tools for policymakers and the banking sector to improve SME resilience and credit risk management.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateNov 11, 2020

Detecting Alzheimer's disease before symptoms arise

A University of Missouri researcher has developed procedures to define the preclinical stages of Alzheimer's disease, which can help drug developers identify potential beneficiaries of a future treatment. The study found that 42% of individuals with Alzheimer's-related brain pathology showed no signs of cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateNov 11, 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.

Modelling microswimmers for drug delivery

Researchers developed mathematical models to study microswimmers in clean and surfactant-covered viscous drops, revealing significant alterations in behavior due to the presence of surfactant. These models may aid in designing artificial microswimmers for targeted drug delivery, micro-surgery, and other applications.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 11, 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.

A molecule from gut bacteria reduces effect of diabetes medication

A University of Gothenburg study shows that a molecule from gut bacteria, imidazole propionate, reduces the efficacy of metformin in lowering blood glucose. The study found high levels of imidazole propionate associated with impaired metformin action in type 2 diabetes patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalCell Metabolism·DateNov 11, 2020

Making a case for organic Rankine cycles in waste heat recovery

Research suggests that cascaded organic Rankine cycle systems can outperform single-stage systems in certain applications, but the trade-off between performance and cost is significant. The study's findings provide valuable insights into delivering environmentally-friendly power from waste heat.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEnergy·DateNov 11, 2020

Accuracy of rapid COVID test may be lower than previously suggested

A study suggests that rapid finger-prick antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 may deliver inaccurate results, with around 1 in 5 positive tests indicating a false positive. The test's accuracy varies depending on the individual's previous infection status, and laboratory confirmation is recommended for reliable results.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 11, 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.

Intelligent surfaces signal better coverage

A KAUST modeling study shows RISs can dramatically enhance wireless communication in areas with blind spots. Six RISs per kilometer can significantly improve coverage at a density of 300 blockages per square kilometer.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications·DateNov 11, 2020

Could reduced lead exposure explain the downward trend in hip fractures?

Researchers propose that declining hip fracture rates may be linked to generational differences in lifetime lead exposure, with bone mineral density and risk of fractures decreasing as lead levels decrease. The authors suggest that assessing lead levels in bones removed during hip replacements could help validate this hypothesis.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 11, 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.

Learning pathways could guide children who miss best start to improved literacy by age 11

Research finds no direct link between early language environment and literacy skills at age 11, but suggests identifying 'learning pathways' during primary school can help teachers devise personalized strategies to support children who fell behind. The study used data from over 7,000 children to map out the interdependencies between ea...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOxford Review of Education·DateNov 11, 2020

Novel population of neurons identified that control binocular eye movements in 3D space

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified a novel population of neurons, called saccade-vergence burst neurons (SVBNs), that control disjunctive saccades in 3D space. These findings could lead to new treatments for strabismus, a condition where eyes don't properly align.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2020

Job interest not a big predictor of job satisfaction

A study by Kevin Hoff and colleagues found that interest in an occupation does not strongly predict job satisfaction, but rather other factors like organization, supervisor, colleagues, and pay

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateNov 11, 2020

Governments can curb over-fertilisation

A recent study published in Nature Food found that countries have a significant impact on nitrogen pollution, often multiple times greater than their effect on crop yields. Countries can curb fertiliser use without compromising yield by adjusting institutions, economic development, population size, and farm production processes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Food·DateNov 11, 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.

Cassava may benefit from atmospheric change more than other crops

A recent study found that cassava can maintain its nutritional quality and photosynthetic efficiency even under elevated carbon dioxide levels. The crop showed significant yield increases of 22-39% in various varieties, making it a promising option for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateNov 11, 2020

Climate change causes landfalling hurricanes to stay stronger for longer

A new study shows that warmer oceans cause hurricanes to weaken more slowly after making landfall, leading to more destruction inland. Researchers found that stored moisture is the key factor behind this phenomenon, allowing hurricanes to sustain themselves for longer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 2020

Building your professional brand in a prestigious job

Research finds that working in prestigious posts triggers resource-related and identity-related tensions for professionals managing their brand. Key practices to mitigate these tensions include transporting teams, out-conforming to commercial logics, selectively neglecting local normative expectations, and materializing the professiona...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 11, 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.

Age gates on alcohol websites are ineffective, Texas A&M research shows

A Texas A&M University researcher found that age gates on alcohol websites are mostly ineffective in preventing underage users from accessing the site. The study found that most sites had no process for verifying the accuracy of user-provided birth dates, allowing users to bypass the age gate through repeated attempts.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateNov 11, 2020

Sensor for smart textiles survives washing machine, cars and hammers

Researchers develop a strain sensor that can detect small changes in muscle movement through clothing, demonstrating its high sensitivity. The sensor's resilience allows it to withstand repeated exposure to harsh conditions like being stabbed with a scalpel or run over by a car.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateNov 11, 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.

The lung microbiome may affect lung cancer pathogenesis and prognosis

A study published in Cancer Discovery found that patients with advanced-stage lung cancer had greater enrichment of oral commensals in the lung than those with early-stage disease, leading to decreased survival. The presence of specific bacteria was associated with tumor progression and activation of inflammatory pathways.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Discovery·DateNov 11, 2020

Compounds block stress-enhanced nicotine intake in rats

Researchers discover compounds that activate GABA receptors can reduce nicotine intake in stressed rats, potentially alleviating relapse. The findings suggest novel PAMs could help prevent stress-induced smoking relapse with fewer side effects.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·DateNov 11, 2020

Building soft robots to lend a helping hand (or four)

Researchers at Michigan State University are developing softer materials for robots to navigate safely and build trust with humans. The team plans to test their 'Soft Mult-Arm Robot' prototype in apple orchards and operating rooms.

SourceMichigan State University·DateNov 11, 2020

Sleep loss hijacks brain's activity during learning

A new study shows that getting only half a night's sleep hijacks the brain's activity during learning and memory consolidation, leading to increased vulnerability to conditions like anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder. The research found that even partial sleep deprivation can be worse than no sleep at all.

SourceElsevier·DateNov 11, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Genetic risk for fatal blood clots identified in IBD patients

A recent study published in Gastroenterology identified rare and common genetic variants that significantly increase the risk of developing life-threatening blood clots in IBD patients. The research suggests that genomic medicine could help lower this threat, enabling physicians to provide more precise care.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateNov 11, 2020