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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 43

Quantity, content, and context of social media use may affect adolescents' sleep

A new study found that social media quantity, content, and context significantly impact adolescents' sleep. Excessive screen time and disturbing content before bed were associated with later bedtime and reduced sleep duration. In contrast, reading books before bed was linked to an earlier bedtime.

SourceWellesley Centers for Women·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 2, 2020

For plant and animal immune systems the similarities go beyond sensing

Researchers have discovered a family of plant immune proteins with striking resemblance to vertebrate MLKLs, triggering cell death in response to pathogens. These findings provide new insights into how plants protect themselves from microbial invaders and highlight the shared machinery involved in cell death across kingdoms.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalCell Host & Microbe·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.

Intelligent cameras enhance human perception

A research team at FAU has developed an intelligent camera that achieves high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. The camera can precisely determine material properties and depth, opening up new applications in autonomous driving, environmental protection, and agriculture.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalIEEE Transactions on Image Processing·DateNov 2, 2020

Consequences of glacier shrinkage

Researchers studied a 2014 GLOF event in Ladakh, India, to understand the cause of rapid lake level rise. They found that increased glacial melting caused thawing ice cores to drain through subsurface tunnels without spilling over.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNatural Hazards·DateNov 2, 2020

Devil in the defect detail of quantum emissions unravelled

Scientists have uncovered the chemical structure behind defects in white graphene that emit single photons, paving the way for controlled fabrication and practical applications. The study reveals a direct link between carbon incorporation and quantum emission, with potential implications for quantum sensing and computing.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 2, 2020

Tunable THz radiation from 3D topological insulator

Researchers have efficiently generated chiral terahertz waves with adjustable polarization, enabling the development of ultrafast opto-spintronics and information encryption applications. The generation process utilizes a three-dimensional topological insulator of bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) nanofilms driven by femtosecond laser pulses.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateNov 2, 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.

Starting kindergarten on the right foot

A new study by researchers at Université de Montréal found that kindergarten readiness is associated with better academic, psychological, and health outcomes in emerging adulthood. The study, published in Pediatrics, analyzed data from over 2,000 children born between 1997 and 1998 and found that kindergarten math skills and classroom ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 2, 2020

Canada should approve HIV self-testing

Integrating HIV self-testing into Canada's health system could lead to better HIV detection and management, especially for underdiagnosed populations. The authors propose four factors for successful introduction, including rapid approval of WHO-approved tests and cost-effectiveness studies.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 2, 2020

Biomarker combination predicts kidney injury in critically ill children

A unique biomarker combination predicts Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in critically ill children, enabling early identification and potential pre-emptive therapy. The study found that a combination of clinical scores and urinary markers can accurately predict severe AKI in PICU admissions.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 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.

Do octopuses' arms have a mind of their own?

Octopuses' arms may have a mind of their own due to their unique nervous system, with over two-thirds of neurons located in the arms. Researchers found that octopuses can learn to associate arm movements with rewards, suggesting some sense of self-movement from the arms.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

Outcomes of contact tracing in San Francisco

Researchers investigated case investigation and contact tracing outcomes in San Francisco during the pandemic. The study found that effective contact tracing contributed to reduced spread of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020

Just like us - Neanderthal children grew and were weaned similar to us

Research shows Neanderthal children were introduced to solid food at around 5-6 months, mirroring modern human patterns. This finding suggests similar energy demands during early infancy and a close pace of growth between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Rural areas have fewer mental health services for young people

A recent study found that very rural areas in the US have significantly fewer mental health services for young people, with only 3.9% of rural ZIP Codes having facilities that serve youth. This lack of access exacerbates the already high suicide rate among rural youth, highlighting the need for increased resources.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·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.

Neanderthal children grew and were weaned similar to us

Researchers found that Neanderthal children grew at a similar rate to modern humans, introducing solid foods around 5-6 months old, and were likely of similar weight to neonates. This suggests a possible shorter inter-birth interval and similar gestational history.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

An underwater navigation system powered by sound

The new Underwater Backscatter Localization (UBL) system uses piezoelectric materials to reflect modulated signals, providing positioning information at net-zero energy. In shallow water, the researchers employed frequency hopping and reduced bitrate to overcome reflection issues, enabling precise tracking of moving objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2020

What's for dinner? Dolphin diet study

A study of common dolphins in the Hauraki Gulf found declines in carbon values, suggesting a decrease in primary productivity or changes in prey selection. The research highlights the need for careful management of marine parks and surrounding environments to prevent overfishing and nutrient runoff.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·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.

Root bacterium to fight Alzheimer's

A novel class of compounds called rhizolutin has been discovered in a soil bacterium, Rhizolutin dissociates protein aggregates associated with Alzheimer's disease both in vivo and in vitro. The compound has been shown to reduce inflammatory processes and cell death caused by Aβ plaques in neuronal and glial cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2020

The role of the Sun in the spread of viral respiratory diseases

A theoretical model shows that solar radiation, UV light, and antigenic shift/drift frequency drive the cyclicality of epidemics. The Italian team's work accurately reproduces seasonal patterns for various viruses, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, and predicts high-intensity initial cycles followed by moderate-intensity annual cycles.

SourceIstituto Nazionale di Astrofisica·JournaliScience·DateNov 2, 2020

NUS researchers invent flexible and highly reliable sensor

The National University of Singapore team developed a new sensor material called TRACE with significantly less hysteresis, enabling more accurate wearable health technology and robotic sensing. The breakthrough improves the reliability of data readouts, allowing for wider applications in healthcare and robotics.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Lizard skull fossil is new and 'perplexing' extinct species

A new species of ancient lizard, Kopidosaurus perplexus, has been discovered with a unique skull shape featuring curved teeth. The fossil's placement on the tree of life is uncertain, with three different evolutionary trees suggesting multiple possible positions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2020

Focus on COVID-19 deaths in under-65s for better insights into infection rates

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a model that analyzes age-specific COVID-19 death data from 45 countries, revealing consistent patterns across countries. The study highlights the importance of focusing on deaths in under-65s for better understanding of infection rates and developing effective government strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2020

Where you get depression care matters, study finds

Researchers found significant variation in the effectiveness of collaborative care programs for depression in primary-care clinics. Clinics with more intensive implementation support and those that had several years of practice achieved better outcomes. Patients who are more severely depressed or have fewer resources may also have wors...

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2020

Monkey see others, monkey do: How the brain allows actions based on social cues

A recent brain study by Masaki Isoda and colleagues found that a specific connection between two regions in the front of the brain allows monkeys to correctly interpret social cues. This ability requires the PMv-mPFC pathway, which enables monkeys to differentiate between accidental mistakes and rule changes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·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.

Two centuries of Monarch butterflies show evolution of wing length

A study of Monarch butterfly populations reveals a shift from larger to smaller wings in non-migrating groups, suggesting genetic influence. The findings suggest that migration favors longer wings, while non-migration leads to smaller wings.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

New insight into how brain neurons influence choices

A recent study by researchers at WashU Medicine has discovered that the activity of specific brain neurons encodes the value of options and determines final decisions. The findings have significant implications for understanding decision-making in mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and schizophrenia.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 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.

What digital revolution? Hundreds of millions of farmers still cannot get online

Researchers found that many small farmers lack internet and mobile network access due to high costs and limited coverage. The study highlights the need to expand coverage and make digital connectedness affordable for all, particularly in Africa.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalNature Sustainability·DateNov 2, 2020

New analysis method can lead to better cancer drugs

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new DNA-based analytical method called NanoDeep, which enables the analysis of entire populations of cells. This breakthrough could lead to better drugs for breast and other cancers by providing a more detailed understanding of membrane protein organisation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 2, 2020

Excessive alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased alcohol consumption in the United States due to stress and social isolation. Experts at McLean Hospital recommend educating people on managing stress without alcohol, drinking within safe limits during physical distancing, and recognizing signs of excessive use.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 2, 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.

Rise of flowering plants and decline of conifers

The study reveals increased extinction rates for conifers since the Cretaceous, attributing their decline to competition between flowering plants and conifers. The rise of angiosperms is seen as a major factor in this process, according to the authors.

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

A.I. tool provides more accurate flu forecasts

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology developed an A.I.-powered forecasting tool that incorporates location data to predict influenza outbreaks up to 15 weeks in advance with an accuracy increase of 11%. The algorithm identifies hidden patterns by encoding flu infections as interconnected regional clusters, enabling better res...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·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.

Novel technique spotlights neuronal uptake of amyloid beta in Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at the University of California - Santa Cruz identify a specific segment of amyloid beta recognized by the cellular prion protein, which mediates its uptake into neurons and toxicity. This finding suggests targeting this process may be a promising approach for Alzheimer's drug development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Bats can predict the future, JHU researchers discover

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that bats use a combination of echolocation calls and head movements to predict the future position of their prey. This discovery enhances our understanding of auditory-guided behaviors in animals and humans, including sight-impaired individuals who rely on sound to navigate.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

New cause of COVID-19 blood clots identified

A new study identifies an autoimmune antibody as a cause of COVID-19 blood clots in up to half of patients. Researchers found that blocking or removing these antibodies may improve outcomes for severely ill patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 2, 2020

Printing plastic webs to protect the cellphone screens of the future

A team of engineers at Polytechnique Montréal has created a fabric using additive manufacturing that absorbs up to 96% of impact energy without breaking. The innovative design, inspired by spider webs, can be incorporated into glass panels to prevent shattering on impact.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 2, 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.

Seven different 'disease forms' identified in mild COVID-19

Researchers have identified seven distinct groups of symptoms in mild COVID-19, including flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and loss of smell and taste. These findings suggest that the disease leaves behind significant changes in the immune system, even after recovery, and could inform the development of more effective vaccines.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalAllergy·DateNov 2, 2020

Ultrapotent COVID-19 vaccine candidate designed via computer

A new ultrapotent COVID-19 vaccine candidate, designed via computer, has been shown to produce virus-neutralizing antibodies in mice at levels ten times greater than those seen in people who have recovered from COVID-19 infections. The vaccine candidate also elicited a strong B-cell response after immunization.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCell·DateNov 2, 2020

Self-watering soil could transform farming

A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·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.

ACA's expansion of Medicaid improved maternal health

The ACA's Medicaid expansion improved preconception health indicators for low-income women, including increased health counseling and daily folic acid intake. While no changes were found in chronic condition prevalence or health behaviors, the expansion may help address risk factors for maternal and child health.

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateNov 2, 2020