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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 43

Climatic dipole affects forest recovery after fires

A north-south drought dipole influences ponderosa pine recovery post-fires, with juvenile conifers less likely to thrive in dry northern regions. The study's findings suggest taking climate variability into account can improve long-term predictions of forest resilience.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.

Trees set sixth-graders up for success

A University of Illinois study suggests that tree cover around schools improves standardized test scores, regardless of student demographics or school resources. The study found that even small amounts of tree cover closer to the school made a significant difference.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateNov 9, 2020

New 'robotic snake' device grips, picks up objects

Engineers at the University of New South Wales have developed a robotic gripper that behaves like an elephant's trunk to grasp, pick up, and release objects without breaking them. The versatile technology can be applied in various industries, including agriculture, food, and scientific exploration.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 9, 2020

Don't be fooled by pretty food, USC research warns

A recent USC study published in the Journal of Marketing found that people perceive pretty food as healthier and more natural, despite a lack of actual difference. The researchers suggested that advertisers' use of classical aesthetics in food presentation can skew perception and lead consumers to make unhealthy choices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Irish and UK research helps to unravel secrets behind Game of Thrones

Researchers from five universities used data science and network theory to analyze the book series, revealing that character interactions are similar to real-world relationships. The study also found that deaths in the story are not random, but follow a pattern more commonly observed in reality.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

More economic worries mean less caution about COVID-19

A Washington State University study found that workers experiencing job and financial insecurity are less likely to follow CDC guidelines for COVID-19 prevention. Economic concerns, particularly low unemployment benefits, were associated with a decline in compliance with these guidelines.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 9, 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.

In a warming world, Cape Town's 'Day Zero' drought won't be an anomaly

Researchers warn that extreme events like the 'Day Zero' drought could become common by the end of the century due to climate change. The study used high-resolution simulations to conclude that human-caused climate change made the drought five to six times more likely, and such events could impact regions with similar climates.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020

Blue whirl flame structure revealed with supercomputers

Researchers used XSEDE-allocated supercomputers to simulate the structure of the blue whirl, a new type of flame that consists of four separate flames. The simulations revealed the three types of flames that make up the bright rim of the blue whirl, which can be used to burn fuels more cleanly.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 9, 2020

Researchers identify new Rickettsia species in dogs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered a new Rickettsia species in dogs that is part of the spotted-fever group. This new species has been found in multiple dogs across the US and shares genetic similarities with human Rickettsia pathogens.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateNov 9, 2020

Oil-eating worms provide valuable assistance in soil remediation

Researchers at Kazan Federal University discovered that parasitic nematodes can consume and break down oil products. The team adapted nematodes to eat Alcanivorax borkumensis bacteria, which breaks down oil into fatty acids. Enhanced digestion of oil was observed in worms, with undigested bacteria changing their gut microflora.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 9, 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.

Hollow porphyrinic nanospheres

Scientists at the Institute for Basic Science successfully synthesized a large organic cage composed of multi-porphyrin units without using templates. The P12L24 cage has a truncated cuboctahedral structure and an inner cavity diameter of 4 nm, making it suitable for encapsulating large guest molecules.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateNov 9, 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.

Low risk of cancer spread on active surveillance for early prostate cancer

A recent study found that men undergoing active surveillance for low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer have very low rates of cancer spread and death from prostate cancer. The study analyzed 1,450 patients and identified three factors that affect the risk of metastases: Gleason grade, PSA velocity, and multiparametric MRI.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateNov 9, 2020

Significant psychological toll from New Zealand COVID-19 lockdown

The study found almost a third of participants experienced mental distress during the lockdown, but many also reported positive outcomes. Notably, younger adults were more likely to experience significant psychological distress, while older people may have felt safer in New Zealand.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2020

Female mongooses start battles for chance to mate

Research reveals that female mongooses start fights to gain genetic benefits from mating with outsiders, while male group members and the entire group pay the costs. The study suggests that 'exploitative leadership' leads to frequent conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.

HSS presents innovative research at 2020 ACR Annual Meeting

Researchers from HSS presented studies on renal disorders, venous thromboembolism after total knee replacement, and pediatric patients with rheumatologic diseases. The surveys also explored perceptions of COVID-19 risk among rheumatologists and the use of clinical disease activity indexes in telemedicine.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateNov 9, 2020

Researcher aims to improve conditions for corrections workers

A UMass Lowell researcher is working with the US Department of Justice to develop a workplace training program that aims to reduce trauma and stress among corrections employees. The goal is to improve their overall health outcomes, which are often poor due to chronic stress, obesity, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateNov 9, 2020

WFIRM scientists create hybrid tissue construct for cartilage regeneration

Researchers have developed a novel method to bioprint fibrocartilage, a crucial tissue in knee joints, using a hybrid tissue construct. The study demonstrates the potential of this regenerative medicine treatment for repairing damaged cartilage and restoring knee function.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 9, 2020

Study confirms spit testing may help doctors diagnose concussions

Researchers analyzed saliva samples from over 500 participants to identify microRNA levels that could indicate a concussion. The study found that measuring these molecules in saliva can aid diagnosis with high accuracy, potentially replacing current symptom scales and neurocognitive tests.

SourcePenn State·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·DateNov 9, 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.

Food insecurity linked to higher risk of cardiovascular death

A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that food insecurity is independently associated with an increase in cardiovascular death rates among US adults aged 20-64. The study analyzed county-level data from 2011 to 2017 and found that counties with higher levels of food insecurity had significantly higher cardiovascular mo...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2020

New study reveals disturbing surge in violent injuries during stay-at-home orders

Researchers found a significant increase in intentional penetrating injuries, especially firearm violence, during the pandemic. Young African-American men were disproportionately affected by these injuries, with the proportion of visits for gunshot wounds nearly doubling compared to previous years.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 9, 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.

Slow-living animal species could be disease 'reservoirs'

Research suggests slow-living animal species are more likely to act as disease reservoirs due to higher demographic competence for persistent infections. The study highlights the importance of using ecological characteristics like lifespan and reproductive capacity to identify potential wildlife reservoirs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 9, 2020

Do spoilers harm movie box-office revenue?

Researchers found that spoiler reviews can increase box office revenue by providing potential customers with more information. The study used topic modeling to measure the effect of spoiler reviews on box office revenue, and found an inverted-U relationship between ratings and spoiler intensity.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 9, 2020

Nuclear war could take a big bite out of the world's seafood

A new study reveals that a nuclear war could lead to significant losses in wild-caught seafood, potentially rivaling the impacts of climate change on fisheries. The team estimates that a large-scale nuclear conflict could reduce seafood production by as much as 30%, with potential losses of tens of millions of tons per year.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 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.

The use of videos in education could improve student pass rates

A study by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that videos increase academic success and student satisfaction. Students prefer video formats featuring professors, and short, well-planned videos are most effective.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalMultimedia Tools and Applications·DateNov 9, 2020

Prescriptions of antipsychotic medications in young children is declining

A Rutgers study found antipsychotic prescribing in young children is declining, but doctors continue to prescribe for conditions lacking FDA approval and without recommended psychiatric consultations. The study highlights the need for safer first-line psychosocial treatments to minimize risks associated with antipsychotic treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateNov 9, 2020

Severe COVID-19 infection rare in newborns

A UK-wide analysis of COVID-19 infections in newborn babies found that severe infection was rare, affecting only 0.06% of births. The study also found higher proportions of Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups were affected, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateNov 9, 2020

New 'genomic' method reveals atomic arrangements of battery material

Scientists developed a new approach to decipher the atomic-level structure of materials using data from ground-up powder samples. This 'genomic' method solves complex structures by building and evaluating all plausible arrangements of atoms, revealing details of promising sodium-ion battery material NVPF.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 9, 2020

Study finds patients prefer doctors who share their same race/ethnicity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that patient-provider racial concordance significantly affects patient experience. Physicians who share the same racial or ethnic background as their patients receive higher ratings for maximum patient experience scores.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 9, 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.

Mare Plasticum - The Plastic Sea

The book Mare Plasticum delves into the devastating effects of plastics and microplastics on marine environments. It aims to change society's consciousness towards more responsible behavior, highlighting urgent need for action.

SourceSpringer·DateNov 9, 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.

People with inflammatory bowel disease still die earlier despite increase in life

A study published in CMAJ found that while life expectancy for people with IBD has increased, those with the condition generally die sooner than those without it. This disparity is largely due to pain and its impact on daily functioning and overall health-adjusted life expectancy.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 9, 2020

People who eat chili pepper may live longer?

A study found that consuming chili pepper was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, including a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Researchers analyzed data from over 570,000 individuals and found significant reductions in all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality rates.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 9, 2020

'Diseases of despair' have soared over past decade in US

Diseases of despair, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, have soared in the US over the past decade, affecting all ages. Between 2009 and 2018, life expectancy fell year on year, and deaths among middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women rose sharply.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateNov 9, 2020

Risk of severe COVID-19 among workers, their household members

A study using pre-pandemic data found that essential workers with jobs that can't be done from home are more likely to have severe COVID-19 cases. Household members of these high-risk workers also face a heightened risk of severe illness due to increased exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 9, 2020

Nothing but the truth in the fight against cancer

Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University identify TruB1 as a regulator of the microRNA let-7, which has significant implications for cancer development and suppression. The study reveals that TruB1 promotes maturation of let-7 and suppresses cell growth and division.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 9, 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.

Social distancing is increasing loneliness in older adults

A University of Stirling study found that social distancing during COVID-19 increased feelings of loneliness among Scotland's over 60s population, leading to worse wellbeing and health. A larger social network and better perceived social support were protective against loneliness and poorer health.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateNov 9, 2020

Liver scarring relatively common among middle-aged adults

A study of nearly 3,000 middle-aged Framingham Heart Study participants found that approximately nine percent had clinically significant liver fibrosis. Liver stiffness correlates with the degree of scarring, which is associated with more adverse cardiometabolic risk factors.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalHepatology·DateNov 9, 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.