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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 39


Page 39 of 43

FAST reveals mystery of fast radio bursts from the universe

A team of researchers used the FAST telescope to detect over 15 fast radio bursts, revealing a galaxy 3 billion light years away as the source. The bursts' polarization signals showed diverse swings, indicating production in compact star magnetospheres and disfavoring shock models.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2020

The gut trains the immune system to protect the brain

Researchers have discovered that gut-educated antibody-producing cells inhabit and defend regions surrounding the central nervous system, including the dura mater. The study shows that these immune cells play a crucial role in protecting the brain against meningitis and other infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2020

Lockdown lifestyle link to poor mental health in Scotland

A new study has confirmed that negative health behaviours during Scotland's COVID-19 lockdown contributed to poorer mental health. The research found a link between increased alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and poorer sleep quality with higher negative mood.

SourceUniversity of the West of Scotland·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Four major predictors of COVID-19 emerge in Texas A&M study

The study found that higher population densities, younger populations under 18, and lower incomes led to increased COVID-19 positivity rates. Neighborhoods with a higher percentage of Black population also showed increased positivity rates.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBMC Medicine·DateNov 4, 2020

Do small gifts to donors increase charity appeal ROI?

The study found that small gifts to donors, such as coins or greeting cards, can increase the response rate and effectiveness of charitable appeals. However, they do not maximize average donations or raise more total funds compared to non-monetary incentives or no incentives at all.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 4, 2020

Hydrogen bonds may be key to airborne dicamba

Washington University researchers found that hydrogen bonding functional groups on amines play a key role in controlling dicamba volatility. The team's study suggests that amines with more hydrogen bonding sites decrease dicamba's ability to become airborne, potentially leading to improved formulations and reduced crop damage.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 4, 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.

3D print experts discover how to make tomorrow's technology using ink-jet printed graphene

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have successfully used inkjet printing to create novel electronic devices with useful properties. The study shows that combining advanced manufacturing techniques with quantum wave modeling enables the creation of customized structures with promising applications for optoelectronic devices, w...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 4, 2020

Effective government saves lives in cyclones, other disasters

A study by Cornell University researchers found that effective governments are associated with fewer deaths from tropical cyclone disasters. Governments in areas with weaker public services are particularly deadly.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2020

The lasting effects of pollution from the Kabwe mine

Residents of Kabwe Town, Zambia, exhibit high blood levels of lead and cadmium, leading to clinical symptoms of toxicity. The study found significant correlations between metal exposure and health effects, particularly in adults.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalChemosphere·DateNov 4, 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.

Paper addresses fieldwork safety for minority scientists

A new paper in Nature Ecology and Evolution outlines strategies to improve fieldwork safety for researchers from diverse backgrounds. The authors recommend proactive measures such as notifying others of data collection locations and training supervisors to address these issues.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 4, 2020

Laser-powered nanomotors chart their own course

Researchers have designed novel linear nanomotors powered by laser light, enabling controlled movement and reducing complexity. The technology uses localized surface plasmon resonance to produce directional scattering, allowing for precise navigation.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 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.

Violent encounters between gorillas slow population growth rate

A new study found that violent encounters between social units hindered the growth of a high-density mountain gorilla population. The researchers analyzed five decades of data and discovered that infant mortality resulting from these interactions contributed to a dramatic slowing of the population growth rate.

SourceDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

Providing a safe environment for psychiatric patients during pandemic

The UTHealth Harris County Psychiatric Center created an isolated COVID-19 unit to manage the highly infectious virus in a freestanding psychiatric hospital. The team implemented screening for symptoms, fever, contact, and travel history, and used extreme caution when isolating suspected patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalPsychiatry Research·DateNov 4, 2020

Social media can guide public pandemic policy: QUT research

Australian public attitudes and perceptions on pandemic measures reflected through Twitter data, influencing policy decisions, shows QUT research. Effective government social media use enhances public health education and awareness concerning social distancing restrictions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalHealth Information Science and Systems·DateNov 4, 2020

Researchers identify key marker to help speed development of CMV vaccines

A Duke Health-led research team has identified a key marker that will help speed effective vaccine designs for cytomegalovirus (CMV). The finding provides an immune surrogate to test the effectiveness of vaccine candidates, which could aid in vaccine evaluation and predict potential efficacy.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 4, 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.

New multicomponent reaction frontiers

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new protocol combining multicomponent reactions with domino type processes to synthesize complex molecules. The study reveals a key principle that enables access to high structural complexity, offering a more efficient and sustainable synthetic pathway.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2020

Seabirds' response to abrupt climate change transformed sub-Antarctic island ecosystems

A new study found that seabirds' arrival in the Falkland Islands 5,000 years ago transformed the ecosystem through nutrient deposition, enriching the soil and driving changes in plant community structure. The research highlights the critical link between terrestrial-marine ecosystems and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring to ...

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 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.

Noise reduction via intermittent control by utilizing a plasma actuator

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology developed a method to reduce aerodynamic noise using a plasma actuator. By periodically switching off the power, they achieved a higher reduction in sound pressure level compared to continuous operation.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 4, 2020

New insights on a common protein could lead to novel cancer treatments

A new University of Colorado Boulder study sheds light on CDK7's role in controlling cell growth and transcription, potentially leading to new therapies for hard-to-treat cancers and rare developmental disorders. The findings suggest that CDK7 inhibitors could have distinct therapeutic advantages and result in more selective and less d...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 4, 2020

New technique extends next-generation lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that adding potassium ions to conventional lithium battery electrolytes prevents lithium microstructure proliferation, ultimately limiting the growth of dendrites that can cause short-circuiting and fires. This breakthrough enables stable lithium metal batteries with improved performance.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 4, 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.

Sea-level rise will have complex consequences

A new study examines 12,000 years of sea-level rise and finds that changes in land area and human cultures happened at variable rates, out of step with the prevailing rate of sea-level rise. Researchers warn that future sea-level rise will not always be simple and that human responses will be equally localized.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020

Safety of HPV vaccines in males

New analysis shows HPV vaccines are safe for males, with similar side effects to females. The study evaluated reports of adverse events from the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between 2006 and 2018.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 4, 2020

Bronze Age travel routes revealed using pioneering research method

Researchers from the University of Sydney have reconstructed ancient seasonal migration routes of Bronze Age herders in Xinjiang using satellite imagery and archaeological evidence. This innovative methodology provides new insights into how Bronze Age people adapted to life in the region and capitalised on available resources.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 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.

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.

Needlestick, sharps injuries among resident physicians

Rates of needlestick and sharps injuries were found to be higher among resident physicians compared to other staff. The study aimed to examine the rates and characteristics of these types of injuries among residents at a large healthcare center.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateNov 4, 2020

Understanding the spread of infectious diseases

Researchers created a new model combining SIR theory with dynamical density functional theory to describe the spread of infectious diseases. The results show that social distancing significantly decreases infection rates, reproducing the 'flattening the curve' effect.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020

Tricking fake news detectors with malicious user comments

A new study from Penn State reveals how fake news detectors can be manipulated through user comments, allowing adversaries to influence the detector's assessment of a story. The researchers developed a framework called Malcom to generate and optimize malicious comments that fool leading fake news detectors over 93% of the time.

SourcePenn State·DateNov 4, 2020

Hormone differences

A University of Delaware researcher studies the impact of birth experiences on hormone development, finding that C-sections disrupt natural hormonal signals. He proposes investigating potential interventions to promote healthier outcomes, such as reintroducing missing microbes or hormones in children born via cesarean.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateNov 4, 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.

Coronavirus infection odds twice as high among Black, Latinx hospital workers

A Rutgers University study found that support staff and Black and Latinx hospital employees have higher infection rates for SARS-CoV-2 than physicians and nurses. Nearly 10% of those studied tested positive for the virus or antibody, with phlebotomists having the highest proportionate rate.

SourceRutgers University·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateNov 4, 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.

Using artificial intelligence can improve pregnant women's health

Researchers from the University of Seville found that AI can detect birth defects, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth earlier using data on environmental pollution. AI systems can also help monitor women's mental health during pregnancy, improving public health in disadvantaged areas.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalIEEE Access·DateNov 4, 2020

Pinning down how the brain predicts the consequences of choices

Researchers study brain mechanisms in mice using a custom-made puzzle task to disentangle cognitive schemes. They discover that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) creates a neural map representing various aspects of behavior, including current location and predicted consequences of actions.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·DateNov 4, 2020

Dietary supplement may help in the treatment of fatty liver

A recent study by University of Jyväskylä researchers found that a dietary supplement increased the growth of good bacteria in rats' gut, leading to reduced liver fat content and improved glucose metabolism. Preliminary results from human studies with fatty liver disease patients also seem promising.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNutrients·DateNov 4, 2020

DNA in seawater can reveal fish diversity in the deep ocean

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding for detecting deep-sea fish, revealing 11 fish families, 11 genera, and 8 species. This method provides broader coverage of fish diversity and uses significantly less logistical effort than conventional methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 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.

A material that 'bruises' like the skin?

Researchers at KIST developed a new material that changes color when damaged, improving sensitivity by 850% compared to existing materials. The innovative process allows for easy application to various materials, making it suitable for wearable sensors and artificial skin.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMacromolecules·DateNov 4, 2020

The dangers of collecting drinking water

A new international study reveals that collecting drinking water can cause serious injury, with 13% of respondents reporting an injury while fetching water. Women are twice as likely to be hurt as men, highlighting the social and gender inequities of this hidden global health challenge.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateNov 4, 2020

Near-atomic 'maps' reveal structure for maintaining pH balance in cells

Researchers have visualized a new class of molecular gates, called proton-activated chloride channels (PAC), which regulate the passage of small molecules into and out of cells. These gates are critical for maintaining pH balance within brain cells, allowing them to sense and respond to their environment.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2020

A 520-million-year-old five-eyed fossil reveals arthropod origin

The discovery of Kylinxia, a shrimp-like fossil with five eyes, has provided crucial insights into the early evolution of arthropods. The study suggests that Kylinxia represents a transitional form between Anomalocaris and true arthropods, bridging the evolutionary gap between these two groups.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 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.

Argonne collaborates on largest COVID-19 viral sequence analysis in U.S.

Researchers analyzed over 5,085 strains of the virus, finding that a specific protein mutation became dominant during the second wave, causing increased transmissibility. The study also discovered a correlation between patients with this mutation and younger demographics, lower median incomes, and less severe symptoms.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalmBio·DateNov 4, 2020

Being in treatment with statins reduces COVID-19 mortality by 22% to 25%

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that patients on statin treatment had a lower risk of dying from COVID-19, with a 22-25% mortality reduction. Researchers analyzed data from 2,159 patients and concluded that fear of the pandemic should not lead to suspension of statin treatment.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 4, 2020

Brain effects of repetitive low-level occupational blast exposure

Military personnel with extensive occupational blast exposure showed significant differences in brain imaging measures, including increased cortical thickness and neural inflammation. The study provides insight into the functional and structural neuroimaging alterations occurring in this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 3, 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.

AI helps detect brain aneurysms on CT angiography

A deep learning system has been developed to detect cerebral aneurysms with a sensitivity of 97.5%. The algorithm detected 633 of the 649 cerebral aneurysms and found eight new aneurysms overlooked by human readers.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateNov 3, 2020