Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 29


Page 29 of 43

Organoids produce embryonic heart

Researchers from EPFL have successfully produced a mouse heart organoid in its early embryonic stages using mouse embryonic stem cells. The study mimics the early stages of heart development in the embryo, preserving crucial interactions necessary for embryonic organogenesis.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 10, 2020

Explaining the religious vote for Trump

Researchers found that Christian nationalist values among non-churchgoers were strongly tied to voting for Trump. In contrast, churchgoers' support for Trump was not influenced by their level of Christian nationalism. The study challenges the idea that the religious vote for Trump was driven by Christian leaders and institutions.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalSociological Forum·DateNov 10, 2020

Improving high-energy lithium-ion batteries with carbon filler

Researchers used conductive fillers like single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve battery performance. The study found that combining NCM electrodes with as little as 0.16% by weight of SWCNT produced good electrical conductivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Low fitness linked to higher depression and anxiety risk

A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that people with low aerobic and muscular fitness are nearly twice as likely to experience depression. The study also found a 60% greater chance of anxiety in individuals with low fitness levels over a seven-year follow-up.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

Induced liver regeneration enhances CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene repair

Researchers found that inducing liver regeneration with thyroid hormone boosted CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene correction, achieving 10.8% and 3.5% efficiency rates in neonatal and adult mice respectively. This discovery could lead to more efficient gene therapy for human diseases.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateNov 10, 2020

Scientists speed up artificial organoid growth and selection

Researchers from MIPT and Harvard have developed an algorithm to automate the process of growing retinal cells in vitro, reducing processing time from two hours to 34 minutes. The approach enables high-throughput tissue production for drug tests and cell transplantation experiments.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·DateNov 10, 2020

High temperatures threaten the survival of insects

A new study from Lund University found that high temperatures can limit insects' ability to reproduce and tolerate changes in temperature. Insects, being cold-blooded, rely on external sources for body temperature regulation, making them vulnerable to overheating.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 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.

UChicago scientists uncover secrets to designing brain-like devices

Researchers at the University of Chicago have made significant breakthroughs in designing brain-like devices by predicting design rules for energy-efficient transition states. The study, published in npj Computational Materials, highlights the potential of oxide materials to mimic the behavior of neurons and synapses in the human brain.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateNov 10, 2020

Racial/ethnic minorities comprise small portion of patients referred with AL amyloidosis

A recent study found that racial/ethnic minorities comprise only a small percentage of patients with AL amyloidosis, despite being theoretically at higher risk. Younger age and more severe illness were observed among minority patients, who were also less likely to undergo aggressive treatment with stem cell transplantation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBlood Cancer Journal·DateNov 10, 2020

Rapid test can ID unknown causes of infections throughout the body

A single clinical laboratory test has been developed to detect any infection from any body fluid, without special handling or processing. The test employs powerful DNA-sequencing technology and relies on specially developed analytical software to compare DNA sequences in the sample to massive genomic databases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

Researchers discover the secret of how moss spreads

The study reveals that mosses like Ceratodon purpureus have spread across the globe by hitching rides on prevailing winds. This discovery highlights their ability to thrive in various environments and challenges our understanding of how airborne organisms disperse.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateNov 10, 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.

3D-printed weather stations could enable more science for less money

A 3D-printed weather station was found to be accurate and viable for shorter campaigns, according to researchers. The low-cost sensors measured temperature, pressure, rain, UV, and relative humidity with accuracy comparable to commercial-grade stations.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateNov 10, 2020

Mount Sinai develops machine learning models to predict critical illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients

Researchers developed machine learning models predicting critical events and mortality in COVID-19 patients using electronic health records. The models identified key drivers of critical illness, including acute kidney injury and elevated lactate dehydrogenase, and predicted outcomes at various time windows.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateNov 10, 2020

Researchers discover enzyme suppressing immune response to viral infections

Researchers have discovered a key enzyme SphK2 that suppresses the immune system's response to viral infections. The study found that inhibiting this enzyme can clear persistent viral infections and treat some types of cancer by promoting activation of the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 10, 2020

Making 3D nanosuperconductors with DNA

Scientists have developed a platform using DNA self-assembly to create 3D nanoscale architectures that can conduct electricity without resistance. These structures can be used in signal amplifiers, ultrasensitive magnetic field sensors, and other quantum devices.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 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.

Ultrafast laser experiments pave way to better industrial catalysts

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new method for creating ultrafast laser experiments on uncharged iron oxide clusters, which could lead to the creation of more efficient industrial catalysts. The study reveals how changes in atomic composition affect stability and reactivity of these fragments.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateNov 10, 2020

Swedish, Finnish and Russian wolves closely related

New research at Uppsala University reveals Swedish, Finnish and Russian wolves share a common genetic constitution, indicating a virtually pure origin from Finland and Russia. Genetic analysis of over 200 wolf samples found no evidence of hybridization with dogs in the Fennoscandian wolf population.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 10, 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.

Studies outline key ethical questions surrounding brain-computer interface tech

Two new papers address outstanding ethical issues in BCI technology, including physical and psychological effects, and offer guidance for addressing those issues. The studies also explore the potential of BCI technologies for cognitive enhancement and highlight the need for more public engagement with the field.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNeuroethics·DateNov 10, 2020

Predicting colorectal cancer risk among average risk persons

A new predictive model estimates personal risk for advanced polyps and colon cancer in average risk individuals, helping physicians determine screening options. The study identifies lower and higher risk groups among average risk individuals, with approximately 10% deemed high risk for a colonoscopy.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalGut·DateNov 10, 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.

Microbe 'rewiring' technique promises a boom in biomanufacturing

Researchers have developed a method to modify microbes for efficient production of compounds using computational models and CRISPR-based gene editing. This approach speeds up the research and development phase, enabling faster commercialization of sustainable bio-based products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 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.

Trace amine-associated receptor 5 (TAAR5) to rewire your brain naturally

St Petersburg University researchers found that lack of TAAR5 leads to higher dopamine neurons and increased adult neurogenesis, potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease. TAAR5 is present in neurogenic areas and regulates adult neurogenesis.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateNov 10, 2020

Disease ecologist awarded $3 million DTRA grant to combat brucellosis

Northern Arizona University researcher Jeff Foster leads an international effort to study and track the spread of brucellosis, infecting an estimated 500,000 people annually. The team aims to understand how infected livestock transmit the disease to humans and develop effective control strategies.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateNov 10, 2020

3D printed stents that treat inflammation

Researchers developed biodegradable esophageal stents using 3D printing to treat radiation esophagitis, promoting tissue regeneration and mitigating inflammatory reactions. This breakthrough could improve patient outcomes and quality of life for those suffering from this condition.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 10, 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.

Solar perovskite production on a roll

Scientists at KAUST create a perovskite ink suitable for mass production using slot-die coating, improving solar cell efficiency to up to 21.8%. The ink can also be coated onto silicon to produce tandem solar cells capturing even more of the Sun's energy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateNov 10, 2020

Study: loneliness highest in the 20s and lowest in the 60s

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that loneliness is highest in the 20s due to lower empathy, compassion, and self-efficacy. Levels of loneliness decrease in the 60s, with smaller social networks and sleep disturbances being consistent predictors across all age groups.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 10, 2020

Stanford researchers develop DNA approach to forecast ecosystem changes

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a DNA-based approach to forecast ecosystem changes, identifying complex networks of species interactions in terrestrial systems. The technique analyzes DNA left behind in animal feces, allowing scientists to quantify indirect links among species and predict impacts on biodiversity.

SourceStanford University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 10, 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.

Plasma treatments quickly kill coronavirus on surfaces

Researchers found that cold atmospheric plasma can kill the novel coronavirus on surfaces such as plastic, metal, and leather within 30 seconds. The treatment uses argon-fed plasma and has been shown to be effective against other viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 10, 2020

Efforts needed to better integrate family caregivers into health care teams

A RAND Corporation study highlights the need for policies and approaches to overcome barriers in integrating family caregivers into healthcare teams. The report suggests investing in programs that provide supportive services for family caregivers and expanding access to care coordinators to facilitate effective communication and inform...

SourceRAND Corporation·DateNov 10, 2020

Strenuous work during pregnancy increases likelihood of high birth weight

Researchers found a 17% increase in the likelihood of having a baby with fetal macrosomia among women in relatively strenuous jobs. The study highlights potential inadequacies in workplace accommodation laws and urges lawmakers to consider the impact on maternal and fetal health.

SourceLehigh University·JournalReview of Economics of the Household·DateNov 10, 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.

Penn researchers present findings on cardiac risks for cancer patients

Recent studies have revealed that cardiovascular adverse events, such as heart failures and arrhythmias, are common in cancer patients treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors. These agents have significantly improved survival rates for breast cancer patients but come with a risk of cardiac damage.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

Adranos secures $2.1 million contract to extend firing range

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Adranos a $2.1 million contract to further develop its high-performance solid rocket fuel ALITEC for long-range missile systems. This funding will support the expansion of ALITEC's utilization in prototype and operational systems, enhancing the military's range, performance, and lethality.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 10, 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.

Russian scientists created a chemical space mapping method and cracked the mystery of Mendeleev number

Researchers from Skoltech have created a universal approach for predicting material properties based on their chemical composition. By assigning a Mendeleev number (MN) to each element, they have shown that this system is more effective than empirical solutions in identifying promising compounds with unique properties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 10, 2020

New primate species discovered in Myanmar

A new primate species, the Popa langur, has been discovered in central Myanmar, with only 200-250 individuals remaining due to habitat loss and hunting. Genetic analysis reveals it separated from known species around 1 million years ago.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalZoological Research·DateNov 10, 2020

Diseases of despair diagnoses increase in Pennsylvania

Research from Penn State Clinical and Translational Science Institute finds significant increases in diseases of despair diagnoses, including alcohol-, substance-, and suicide-related disorders. The rates increased by 37%, 94%, and 170% between 2007 and 2018, with the most substantial percentage increase among men ages 35 to 74.

SourcePenn State·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 10, 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.

Life on ancient Earth and alien planets

Two University of Arizona research teams will explore the origins and evolution of life in the universe using $12 million NASA grants. Led by Betül Kaçar and Dániel Apai, the teams will investigate essential attributes of life and its relationship with metal elements on ancient Earth and potential habitability on alien planets.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateNov 10, 2020

Mining rocks in orbit could aid deep space exploration

A recent study suggests that bacteria can extract useful materials from rocks on Mars and the Moon, paving the way for new technologies to support human exploration and settlement. The findings also highlight the potential of microorganisms to enhance the removal of rare earth elements from lunar and Martian landscapes.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2020

Animal groups consider multiple factors before fighting

Researchers at the University of Exeter and Plymouth found that animal groups consider various factors, such as group cohesion, individual strength, and prize importance, before deciding to fight. This study highlights complexity in group conflicts and provides insights into conflict resolution in humans.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 10, 2020

Researchers model source of eruption on Jupiter's moon Europa

Researchers at Stanford University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory propose a new explanation for the source of powerful eruptions on Europa's icy surface. The model suggests that water pockets embedded in the ice shell itself could be the origin of these eruptions, rather than the subsurface ocean.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 10, 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.

Burnout can exacerbate work stress, further promoting a vicious circle

A new study finds that burnout has a greater impact on work stress than vice versa, leading to a downward spiral of exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance. Providing adequate support and promoting employee control are key to preventing this cycle.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateNov 10, 2020

Getting single-crystal diamond ready for electronics

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully polished a single-crystal diamond wafer to near-atomic smoothness using plasma-assisted polishing, which could enable the material's use in high-performance power devices and heat sinks. The technique avoids damaging the crystal structure and preserves its chemical properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2020

Restoring brain damage in MS

A new gene therapy project at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience seeks to repair brain damage caused by MS by identifying molecules that stimulate myelin and axon repair. The goal is to develop a drug promoting functional recovery of the nervous system, potentially revolutionizing treatment for advanced MS.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·DateNov 10, 2020

Tomosynthesis with synthetic mammography improves breast cancer detection

A study published in Radiology found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) with synthetic mammography improved cancer detection rates compared to traditional digital mammography. The technique reduced radiation exposure and detected a higher proportion of early-stage cancers, particularly among women with dense breasts.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 10, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.