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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 41


Page 41 of 43

Study points way to possible new treatment for ligament injuries

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a potential new treatment for ligament injuries using exosomes and macrophages. The study found that exosome-educated macrophages can promote ligament healing and reduce scarring, with increased collagen production and reduced scar formation.

SourceAlphaMed Press·JournalStem Cells·DateNov 3, 2020

Implantable device can monitor and treat heart disease

Researchers have developed an implantable device made from fully rubbery electronics that can monitor and treat heart disease. The epicardial bioelectronics patch can collect electrophysiological activity, temperature, heartbeat, and other indicators simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 3, 2020

Key populations for early COVID-19 immunization in Canada

NACI prioritizes populations at high risk of severe illness and death, essential workers, and Indigenous communities for early COVID-19 immunization. The recommendations aim to minimize serious illness and deaths while ensuring equitable access to vaccines.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 3, 2020

Researchers unravel the secrets of how natural stone glows in the dark

Scientists at the University of Turku discovered that titanium is key to hackmanite's glow and developed a material with a longer afterglow. The study reveals complex composition differences in natural minerals and their role in luminescence, offering valuable insights for synthetic materials development.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 3, 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.

Active surveillance safe for African Americans with low-risk prostate cancer

African American men with low-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo active surveillance without increased risk of disease progression, metastasis, or death. The study found that African Americans experienced higher rates of disease progression and treatment compared to white men, but comparable mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateNov 3, 2020

Crown-of-thorns eat themselves out of house and home

A recent study on the Great Barrier Reef reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish can navigate back to their shelters at dawn after feeding on corals at night. The research found that only starfish with a well-stocked larder, meaning they have an ample supply of coral prey, were able to find their way home.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateNov 3, 2020

Short-term moisture removal can eliminate downy mildew of spinach

Scientists found that even a short dry period of 30 minutes reduced spore germination to almost zero, preventing disease on spinach. The study also revealed that standing water on leaves is essential for the spores to cause disease, enabling growers to design better management strategies.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPlant Disease·DateNov 2, 2020

New simulation finds max cost for cost-effective health treatments

A new study by Penn State researcher David Vanness found a cost-effectiveness threshold of $104,000 per QALY for health treatments. Beyond this point, the treatment may not be beneficial for population health due to increased costs and decreased quality-adjusted life-years.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 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.

Covid-19 "super-spreading" events play outsized role in overall disease transmission

A new MIT study found that Covid-19 super-spreading events, where one person infects many others, are more common than expected. The researchers developed a mathematical model that shows limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people could significantly reduce the number of super-spreading events and lower overall infections.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Palm oil certification brings mixed outcomes to neighbouring communities

The study found that socio-economic impacts of palm oil and certification on people varied across regions in Indonesia, particularly between Sumatra and Kalimantan. In contrast, overall measures of well-being declined by 11% in communities relying on subsistence-based livelihoods before certification.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 2, 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.

In your gut: How bacteria survive low oxygen environments

Researchers at ITQB NOVA and Institut Pasteur have identified flavodiiron and rubrerythrin proteins as essential for C. difficile's ability to tolerate oxygen damage, a key step towards understanding its mechanisms of resistance.

SourceInstituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa ITQB NOVA·JournalmBio·DateNov 2, 2020

Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention

A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Goldfish genome lends insights into origins and domestication

Researchers report the goldfish genome sequence, identifying regions subjected to strong artificial selection for aesthetic features. The analysis sheds light on the evolutionary origin and domestication history of goldfish, providing a model for examining natural mutations and artificial selection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Malaria test as simple as a bandage

Researchers created a test device using protein biomarkers in dermal interstitial fluid, detecting malaria in 20 minutes and requiring no medical expertise or equipment. The patches could cost around $1 each and be adapted for other diseases with biomarkers in interstitial fluid.

SourceRice University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateNov 2, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Follow your gut: How farms protect from childhood asthma

A recent study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that a diverse environmental microbiome, particularly in farm children, can protect against childhood asthma. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in this protective effect, with certain bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids that may contribute to asthma protection.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020

The influence of social norms and behaviour on energy use

A study found that people who received documents highlighting their high energy consumption compared to others reduced their usage, while those with lower energy consumption didn't decrease their use after receiving similar documents. The results suggest that contrasting social norms can hinder behavioral change.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 2, 2020

Flying through wildfire smoke plumes could improve smoke forecasts

Researchers tracked and flew through wildfire plumes from the source to collect data on how chemical composition changes over time. The study found that smoke forecasts may incorrectly predict particles in staler smoke, which could impact air quality estimates.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Artificial night lighting has widespread impacts on nature

A study of over 100 studies found that artificial night-time lighting has a profound impact on animals and plants, reducing melatonin levels and altering hormone regulation. The effects were particularly strong in diurnal species, causing them to start their daily activities earlier, while nocturnal species saw reduced activity duration.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 2, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians publishes COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine. Experts from the University of Pennsylvania and NYU Grossman School of Medicine discuss the legal, ethical, and clinical ramifications of restricting patient access to EUA-approved COVID-19 drugs and vaccines.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 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.

Hot or cold, weather alone has no significant effect on COVID-19 spread

A new study by UT Austin found that temperature and humidity have no significant role in coronavirus transmission, while human behavior plays a major role. Travel habits and urban density are among the top contributing factors to COVID-19 growth.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 2, 2020

A new lead for disarming antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications have discovered that some phages can stop bacteria from sharing genes for antibiotic resistance by attaching to and disarming pili on bacterial surface. This discovery may lead to new treatments for infections, reducing the need for antibiotics or gentler alternatives.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Vitamin D levels during pregnancy linked with child IQ

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were associated with their children's IQ scores. The study also identified significantly lower levels of vitamin D among Black pregnant women, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions to address health disparities.

SourceSeattle Children's·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2020

More Republicans follow COVID guidelines when they're told it will protect themselves

A new study found that conservatives tend to focus on self-reliance and feel responsible for their own outcomes, while liberals take a community-minded view and prioritize the well-being of others. The research suggests that public health officials should tailor their messages to specific audiences, with more liberal messaging resonati...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateNov 2, 2020

Secrets behind "Game of Thrones" unveiled by data science and network theory

Researchers used data science and network theory to analyze 'A Song of Ice and Fire', finding that character interactions are similar to real-life relationships and deaths appear random but reflect common events. The study suggests good writers work within psychological limits of the reader, making complex narratives relatable.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Lack of understanding of common heart condition leads to missed treatment opportunities

A study published in the British Journal of General Practice found that poor awareness of Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) leads to missed diagnosis and treatment opportunities. The condition affects half of all heart failure cases in England, but frequently goes undiagnosed due to lack of understanding among clin...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateNov 2, 2020

Mobile phones help Americans encounter more diverse news

A study found that mobile devices expose Americans to a much greater variety of news, contrary to the conventional wisdom about segregated news bubbles. This exposure can help reduce the effects of misinformation and promote democratic discourse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Removing this hidden nasty from our food could save thousands of lives

A nationwide ban on industrial trans-fatty acids in Australia's food supply could prevent around 2,000 deaths and 10,000 heart attacks over the first ten years, and up to 42,000 deaths from heart disease over a lifetime. The estimated cost of implementing this legislative measure was A$22 million during the first ten years.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 2, 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.

Cancer treatment could be replicated for COVID-19

Researchers found beta-blocker Propranolol reduces the spread of cancer in lungs with an inflammatory profile similar to COVID-19. Clinical trials are proposed to explore its effectiveness against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateNov 2, 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.

New study reveals poisoning exposures in Australian schools

A new study found poisoning exposures in children and adolescents while at school are relatively common and increasing, requiring improved safety strategies to prevent preventable poisonings. The study highlights the need for school-based initiatives and programs to make the school environment safer for students.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateNov 2, 2020

To predict how crops cope with changing climate, 30 years of experiments simulate future

A 30-year review of climate experiments found that C3 crops' yields may increase by 18% with adequate nutrients and water, but quality losses and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases are also expected. Genetic solutions and bioengineering can help mitigate negative effects, but developing new crop cultivars is time-consuming.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 2, 2020

Hungry plants rely on their associated bacteria to mobilize unavailable iron

Researchers found that plant-secreted coumarins elicit nutritional assistance from bacterial commensals under iron limitation. Adding synthetic communities of root-associated bacteria improves plant performance on unavailable iron, but not with readily available iron.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 2, 2020

Decennial 2020 research sets the agenda for advancing safe healthcare

The Decennial 2020 research showcases worldwide progress in preventing healthcare-associated infections and addressing antibiotic resistance. Key findings highlight the need for innovation, data-driven strategies, and global collaboration to combat antimicrobial resistance.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateNov 2, 2020

Scientist studies the role of a muscle protein in skeletal muscle disorders

The University of Cincinnati researcher is studying the role of a muscle protein in the development of distal arthrogryposis, a rare skeletal muscle disorder. The protein in question, myosin binding protein-C, has been found to be essential for muscle formation, function, and regulation in both heart and skeletal muscles.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 2, 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.

A new curriculum helps surgical trainees comprehensively treat victims of firearm violence

A new curriculum at Washington University School of Medicine equips surgical residents with technical and non-technical skills to treat victims of firearm violence. The Anatomy of Gun Violence (AGV) curriculum includes training sessions, simulations, and discussions on the social context of firearm violence.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 2, 2020

A 40-year-old catalyst unveils its secrets

Researchers unveil titanium pair as catalytically active centre, contradicting long-held assumption of isolated titanium atoms. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving existing catalysts and developing new homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 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.

Silk road contains genomic resources for improving apples

Researchers assembled full genomes for domesticated apple and two wild progenitors, giving breeders detailed information to improve crop traits. The study provides a detailed genomic roadmap for building better apples with improved flavor, texture and disease resistance.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 2, 2020

How the immune system remembers viruses

Researchers at Technical University of Munich found that memory T cells form earlier in the immune response than previously believed, contrary to current scientific opinion. This discovery has significant implications for vaccine development and could lead to improved vaccines with increased long-term effectiveness.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 2, 2020

Black Sea climate impacts from Greenland warming

Researchers discovered a 190-year lag between Greenland's relative warmth and mild winters at the Black Sea, suggesting thermal adjustment of the ocean interior. Enhanced precipitation and warm lake temperatures followed.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Community immersion as distance learning

Researchers at Penn Nursing transitioned a community health education course to distance learning, maintaining student engagement and community partnerships. The remote experience modeled adapting to population needs in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalPedagogy in Health Promotion·DateNov 2, 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.

New study finds earliest evidence for mammal social behavior

A new study reveals that mammals were socially interacting during the Age of Dinosaurs, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery of a new genus, Filikomys primaevus, indicates that these early mammals engaged in multi-generational, group-nesting and burrowing behavior.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 2, 2020

Researchers develop a high-power, portable terahertz laser

Researchers at MIT and University of Waterloo developed a high-power, portable terahertz quantum cascade laser that can generate powerful sensing and imaging capabilities. The device can be used for pinpointing skin cancer, detecting hidden explosives, and analyzing gases, drugs, and products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2020

TOS announces Presidential Medal of Distinction awardees

The Obesity Society recognizes Roxane Gay for her powerful writing on obesity challenges, Ted Kyle for his influential newsletter ConscienHealth, and Rudolph Leibel for his groundbreaking discoveries on leptin and body weight regulation. These awardees have significantly contributed to understanding obesity.

SourceThe Obesity Society·DateNov 2, 2020

New research partnership

The launch of Neurotrauma Reports Null Hypothesis journal aims to promote balance in academic publications by publishing well-performed replication and negative studies. The initiative encourages researchers, funders, and publishers to report on important negative results with the same priority as positive results.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNeurotrauma Reports·DateNov 2, 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.

Avoiding inflammatory foods can lower heart disease, stroke risk

Diets high in proinflammatory foods increase heart disease and stroke risk, while anti-inflammatory diets like the Mediterranean diet lower inflammation levels. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods and limiting processed meats can help combat inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 2, 2020