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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 43

Fiji's vaccine program reduces childhood death and illness: study

The Fiji national vaccine program against pneumonia and rotavirus has reduced morbidity and mortality among children in the country. Morbidity rates for rotavirus diarrhoea fell by 87% in under-fives, while hospital admissions decreased, resulting in a 39% drop in mortality for young children.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Extraction of largely-unexplored bodily fluid could be a new source of biomarkers

Researchers developed a microneedle-based technique to extract dermal interstitial fluid, which could provide valuable information for routine clinical monitoring and diagnostic testing. The study found that ISF contains unique compounds not found in blood samples, offering potential insights into skin exposure to products and pesticides.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 25, 2020

JSA announces 10 new graduate fellows

Jefferson Science Associates has awarded ten graduate fellowships to doctoral students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The fellowships will support students' advanced studies and research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateNov 25, 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.

Air-sea coupling improves the simulation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon in the WRF4 model at a synoptic scale resolving resolution

The WRF4-LICOM model shows improved summer mean monsoon rainfall, circulations, and sea surface heat fluxes. Regional air-sea coupling enhances the simulated daily SST-rainfall relationship, offering a more accurate representation of the western North Pacific summer monsoon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 25, 2020

Solar CNO neutrinos observed for the first time

The Borexino Collaboration has directly detected CNO cycle neutrinos in the Sun for the first time, providing conclusive proof of this fusion process. The researchers estimated that CNO neutrinos account for about 1% of the energy produced by the Sun.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

Phytoplankton disturbed by nanoparticles

Research finds that nanosilver disturbs the metabolism of algae, making their membranes more permeable and reducing photosynthesis. This can have significant impacts on the aquatic food chain and oxygen production. The study uses metabolomics to detect early changes induced by nanoparticles.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 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.

For teens with migraine, sleeping in (a bit) may help

A study led by UCSF researchers found that teens with migraines who started school after 8:30 a.m. experienced an average of 4.8 headache days per month, compared to 7.7 days for those who started earlier. The difference remained significant even when adjusting for risk factors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·DateNov 25, 2020

Quantum nanodiamonds may help detect disease earlier

A new study by UCL researchers used quantum sensing abilities of nanodiamonds to improve the sensitivity of paper-based diagnostic tests, enabling earlier detection of diseases such as HIV. The tests can detect lower viral loads and may be adapted for COVID-19 and other diseases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 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.

Waste fishing gear threatens Ganges wildlife

Entanglement in waste fishing gear poses a significant threat to Ganges River wildlife, including critically endangered species like the three-striped roofed turtle and Ganges river dolphin. The study highlights the need for recycling systems and awareness-raising initiatives to mitigate plastic pollution.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 25, 2020

New insights into how the CRISPR immune system evolved

Researchers at Aarhus University have discovered that a part of the CRISPR-Cas system originated from toxin genes in bacteria and archaea, providing new insights into its evolutionary process. The study reveals an ongoing battle between microorganisms and viruses, with the discovery of anti-CRISPR proteins blocking the immune system.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2020

An ionic forcefield for nanoparticles

Researchers at Harvard have developed an ionic forcefield coating that allows nanoparticles to bypass the immune system's first line of defense. In mouse experiments, coated nanoparticles survived longer in the body and reached their target location with increased efficiency.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 25, 2020

Researchers uncover the unique way stem cells protect their chromosome ends

A new study by Crick researchers reveals that stem cells protect their chromosome ends through a unique t-loop structure, distinct from the TRF2-dependent mechanism in somatic cells. This discovery opens up new questions about the evolution of telomere protection and its implications for premature aging and cancer.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 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.

When consumers trust AI recommendations--or resist them

A new study examines the 'word-of-machine' effect, where consumer preference for AI recommenders is influenced by the importance of utilitarian versus hedonic attributes. When utilitarian features are emphasized, consumers prefer AI over human assistance, while hedonic features lead to a preference for humans.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 25, 2020

Understanding the power of our Sun

The Borexino collaboration has successfully experimentally confirmed the Bethe-Weizsäcker cycle, a crucial component of our Sun's nuclear fusion reactions. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough in understanding solar energy production and neutrino behavior.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

Survival protein may prevent collateral damage during cancer therapy

Australian researchers discovered a protein that protects kidney cells from 'bystander' damage caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The study found that inhibiting BCL-XL could safely use in laboratory models alone or with other cancer therapies to prevent kidney damage, a common side effect of cancer treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 25, 2020

Sniffing your way to the gym

A recent study by researchers at UC Riverside suggests that olfaction may play an important role in motivating mammals to engage in voluntary exercise. The study found genetic differences in the olfactory system between high-runner mice and control lines, which made them perceive smells differently.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 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.

Specific bacterium in the gut linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered a connection between Brachyspira bacteria and IBS, particularly the form causing diarrhea. The study found that Brachyspira was present in 31% of IBS patients, with symptoms often resembling an allergic reaction, sparking hopes for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGut·DateNov 25, 2020

Water-to-land transition in early tetrapods

Researchers used high-resolution fossil data to analyze the humerus bone of early tetrapods, finding that they had adaptations indicating some ability to move on land. The study suggests that terrestrial ability coincided with the origin of limbs, providing new insights into the water-to-land transition in vertebrate evolution.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020

Cooking with wood may cause lung damage

A study found that people who cook with biomass fuels like wood are at risk of suffering considerable damage to their lungs due to breathing in dangerous concentrations of pollutants and bacterial toxins. The researchers also found a smaller subset of biomass users who had very high levels of air trapping and abnormal tissue mechanics.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 25, 2020

Wheat diversity due to cross-hybridization with wild grasses

The study's results provide key insights into the genetic factors behind wheat's adaptability and diversity. The researchers found that chromosome fragments from wild grasses were cross-hybridized with wheat, leading to differences in immune receptors and enabling the crop to adapt to regional climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 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.

Psychological factors contributing to language learning

A study on language aptitude identified key components of language acquisition as cognitive, emotional, and personality-related characteristics. Effective language learning depends on thought process, emotional experience, motivation, and personal traits such as self-esteem and anxiety levels.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalXLinguae·DateNov 25, 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 breakthrough in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

A new drug treatment, otilimab, has shown promising results in reducing both inflammation and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. In a multicentre trial, patients who received otilimab demonstrated significant improvements in pain scores, while also experiencing reduced tender and swollen joints.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·DateNov 25, 2020

Evidence of the interconnectedness of global climate

A team of scientists found that melting ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere caused changes in the Antarctic ice sheet, which are thousands of miles away. This study sheds light on how global warming affects ice sheet stability and provides insight into future climate instability.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 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.

Mapping out the mystery of blood stem cells

Researchers used genome-wide profiling to study the epigenetic landscape of human stem cells, revealing important information about gene regulation. They found differences in chromatin structures between long-term and short-term stem cells, which could improve understanding of cancer cell behavior and stem cell therapy.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 25, 2020

Stable catalysts for new energy

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed stable catalysts for water splitting and CO2 reduction by studying atomic surface structures. The team found that specific surface angles can create microscopically small triangular holes that stabilize the material and enhance its effectiveness.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 24, 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.

Narcissists love being pandemic 'essential workers'

A study found that narcissists who feel a sense of grandiose superiority share more about their work on social media, feeling more important and admired. This exposure triggers increased narcissistic feelings, especially among communal narcissists who value being helpful.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 24, 2020

COVID-19 virus survives on surfaces within thin film

Researchers found that the COVID-19 virus can survive on surfaces for hours due to a nanometer-thick liquid film clinging to the surface. This survival time is orders of magnitude longer than typical respiratory droplet drying times, emphasizing the need for frequent disinfection and heating surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 24, 2020

Young people's anxiety levels doubled during first COVID-19 lockdown, says study

A new study found that young people's anxiety levels increased significantly during the first COVID-19 lockdown, doubling from 13% to 24%, and remained high even after restrictions were eased. The study highlights the need for mental health support and interventions to address emerging inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 24, 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.

COVID's collateral damage: Germicidal lamps may damage corneas

Several patients using germicidal lamps developed painful inflammation of the cornea after exposure, prompting warnings from ophthalmologists. Manufacturer recommendations must be closely followed to prevent injury.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalOcular Immunology and Inflammation·DateNov 24, 2020

UC Santa Cruz teams up, pools data to fight stomach cancer

The UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute is teaming up with No Stomach For Cancer to release a web portal that combines vast amounts of gene variant data with corresponding clinical data. This collaboration aims to advance science and patient survival by identifying individuals at risk of hereditary stomach cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·DateNov 24, 2020

Potential treatment against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing gonorrhea and meningitis

A Canadian team has developed an inexpensive molecule to fight antibiotic-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis, two bacteria responsible for gonorrhea and meningococcal meningitis. The molecule's specificity allows it to target pathogenic Neisseria while leaving other types unaffected.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 24, 2020

For people with diabetes, medicaid expansion helps, but can't do it all: BU study

A new study finds that Medicaid expansion increases health insurance coverage, ability to see a physician, and foot examinations among patients with diabetes. However, it does not improve follow-up examinations, care, or treatment for diabetes, highlighting the need for additional structural changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 24, 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.

Miniscule robots of metal and plastic

Scientists create miniscule robots with plastic chassis and magnetic metal wheels, powered by rotating magnetic fields, opening up applications for delivering medications and treating aneurysms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

ACS Names Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research their official journal

The Association of Cannabis Specialists (ACS) has named Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research their Official Journal, providing evidence-based education and standards for cannabis medicine. The journal aims to enhance clinical best practices, safeguard patient care, and advance cannabinoid research.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateNov 24, 2020

Ideal type-II Weyl points are observed in classical circuits

Researchers have observed ideal type-II Weyl points in classical circuits, which exhibit strongly tilted band structures and linear degenerate points. These findings provide a new platform for studying Weyl physics and topological phenomena.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 24, 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.

Less sedentary time reduces heart failure risk for older women

A study published by the American Heart Association found that older women who spend more waking hours in sedentary behaviors have an increased risk of heart failure serious enough to require hospitalization. Breaking free from prolonged sitting or lying down can help prevent this serious condition.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 24, 2020

First exhaustive review of fossils recovered from Iberian archaeological sites

An interdisciplinary team analyzed over 600 fossils from 82 archaeological sites in the Iberian Peninsula, revealing common presence at major sites and changes throughout prehistory. The study confirms the need for an interdisciplinary approach to analyze zooarchaeological records and sheds new light on fossil collection practices.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 24, 2020