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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 8


Page 8 of 43

Commonly used antibiotic shows promise for combating Zika infections

Researchers found that methacycline, a widely used tetracycline-based antibiotic, is effective at preventing brain infections and reducing neurological problems associated with Zika virus infections. The study also identified other potential candidates, including anti-inflammatory medicines and failed anti-Alzheimer's disease drugs.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateNov 24, 2020

Popular weight-loss surgery in teenagers weakens bones

A recent study has found that sleeve gastrectomy in adolescents leads to a significant increase in bone marrow fat and a decrease in bone density. The procedure, which restricts food intake, causes the stomach to take on a tube-like shape, leading to weight loss of up to 75 pounds.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateNov 24, 2020

Areas where the next pandemic could emerge are revealed

A new study reveals that up to 20% of the world's most connected cities are at risk of harboring spillovers from wildlife, potentially leading to global pandemics. The research identifies areas with poor health infrastructure and high human pressure on wildlife as hotspots for potential outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalOne Health·DateNov 24, 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.

New research shows Vype ePen 3 highly preferred by vapers

The study shows Vype ePen 3 is superior to Vype ePen 2 for nicotine delivery and ranked significantly higher in user satisfaction. The device scored nearly double the likability compared to its predecessor, with improved design features such as increased power and protonated nicotine.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Exploring blended materials along compositional gradients

Scientists have created a new platform to rapidly create and characterize blends of materials, significantly accelerating material development. The platform uses electrospray deposition and x-ray scattering to explore complex compositional dependencies in a matter of days, reducing the time from months or weeks.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 24, 2020

Microbes help unlock phosphorus for plant growth

Research team discovers endophytes can break apart phosphorus complexes, making it accessible to plants. This natural approach reduces environmental harm from chemical fertilizers and promotes more sustainable food production.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateNov 24, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New paper proposes framework for eliminating defects in psychiatric care

A new paper calls for psychiatrists to adopt skills and a mindset shift to help eliminate defects in healthcare organizations. The authors propose that psychiatrists become 'systems engineers' to identify and address systemic issues contributing to suboptimal care.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateNov 24, 2020

Study aimed at improving breast cancer treatment for Black women

Researchers are exploring unique biomarkers in normal breast tissue of Black women to improve treatment options for aggressive breast cancer. DNA analysis revealed a genetic mutation called duffy, which may contribute to higher breast cancer rates and aggressiveness in Black women.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateNov 24, 2020

New material 'mines' copper from toxic wastewater

A new material called ZIOS has been designed to capture copper ions from wastewater with unprecedented precision and speed. The material selectively removes copper, a contaminant linked to disease and organ failure, without removing desirable ions or nutrients.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

Act now to meet global heart disease targets

The European Society of Cardiology report highlights alarming trends in cardiovascular disease, including rising obesity and diabetes rates, to emphasize the need for urgent action. The report also shows that middle-income countries are struggling to meet World Health Organization targets for heart disease prevention.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 24, 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.

Head in the game

Blind soccer players use larger downward head rotations when trapping a ball, outperforming sighted non-athletes. The study may lead to improved smart-assistant devices that utilize similar techniques.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Understanding the utility of plasmas for medical applications

Researchers used computer simulations to study the interaction between plasma jets and biological tissue. They found that biomaterial-like surfaces can lead to multiple reflections of the plasma jet, increasing the number of electrons and radicals, which play a role in wound healing, antimicrobial drugs, and cancer therapy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 24, 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.

Taking a shine to polymers: Fluorescent molecule betrays the breakdown of polymer materials

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to measure polymer breakdown using a fluorescent molecule, enabling the estimation of resistance to mechanical stress. This breakthrough allows for the evaluation of polymer performance and specificity, paving the way for improved material design.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 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.

Predi-COVID preliminary results

The study has achieved encouraging participation rates with 556 participants agreeing to share their data. Preliminary findings indicate that most enrolled individuals experienced mild symptoms, with common comorbidities including smoking, asthma, and obesity.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Health·DateNov 24, 2020

New therapy for flu may help in fight against COVID-19

Researchers have developed a targeted therapy approach against virus-infected cells, delivering immune-activating drugs selectively into infected cells. This technology shows promise in treating influenza, COVID-19, HIV, and other enveloped viruses.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

Attosecond interferometry in time-energy domain

Researchers developed an all-optical attosecond few slit interferometer to measure ultrafast processes in the time-energy domain. The technique uses laser-driven high order harmonics and introduces a perturbing field to alter harmonic generation, enabling wave-front controlled attosecond interferometry with precise energy resolution.

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.

NIST AI system discovers new material

Researchers developed an AI algorithm called CAMEO that discovered a new compound by operating in a closed loop, maximizing productivity and efficiency. The AI is designed to contain knowledge of key principles, including past simulations and lab experiments, to identify the best material for specific applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

Stronger memories can help us make sense of future changes

A study published in PNAS found that stronger initial memories are easier to update with new information, allowing for better comprehension and adaptation. Older adults showed poorer memory performance but more confidence in their recall, possibly due to relying on general, generic responses rather than specific situational features.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2020

COVID-19: Air quality influences the pandemic

Researchers found that high concentrations of fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size can modulate the waves of SARS-CoV-2 contamination and explain the profile of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acute exposure to these particles aggravates respiratory, pulmonary, and cardiovascular issues, promoting severe disease progression.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEarth Systems and Environment·DateNov 24, 2020

More skin-like, electronic skin that can feel

Scientists at POSTECH have created a multimodal ion-electronic skin that can measure both temperature and mechanical stimulation simultaneously. This breakthrough could lead to the development of wearable temperature sensors and artificial skin for humanlike robots, potentially restoring the sense of touch in patients with tactile sens...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience·DateNov 24, 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.

Team uses copper to image Alzheimer's aggregates in the brain

Scientists have developed a new imaging agent using copper isotopes that can effectively detect amyloid-beta protein deposits in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. The copper-based compounds outlast traditional diagnostic agents, making it possible for clinics with PET scanners to diagnose the condition more easily.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2020

How an infectious tumor in Tasmanian devils evolved as it spread

A team of researchers analyzed 648 DFT1 tumors collected between 2003 and 2018, revealing that early on in the spread of the tumor, five clades emerged, with two dying out while three continued to spread. The study highlights the importance of geography in influencing the movements of devils and their disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 24, 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.

Cocoa flavanols boost brain oxygenation, cognition in healthy adults

Researchers found that consuming cocoa flavanols improved brain oxygenation and cognitive performance in healthy adults, with the greatest benefits seen in complex tasks. The study's findings suggest that flavanols may have a positive impact on cognitive function, particularly during challenging cognitive tasks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Tackling metabolic complexity

Researchers applied CRISPRi technology to understand metabolic robustness in E. coli, revealing mechanisms that buffer enzyme knockdowns. The study identified specific buffering mechanisms across multiple metabolic pathways, paving the way for developing industrially useful microbes with controlled metabolism.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 24, 2020

Study shows protective role sex steroids play in COVID-19

A new study suggests that female reproductive steroids play a protective role against COVID-19 symptoms, providing anti-inflammatory functions and stimulating antibody production. The research also highlights the importance of nutrition in boosting the immune system, particularly through phytoestrogen-rich foods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTrends in Endocrinology and Metabolism·DateNov 24, 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.

Why experiences are better gifts for older children

Research by the University of Illinois Chicago found that older children derive more happiness from experiences than possessions. To enhance memories and social value, families can take pictures or videos during events.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 24, 2020

Understanding dangerous droplet dynamics

New research reveals that social distancing rules may be futile once indoors due to the dynamic behavior of droplets. The study suggests masks and air quality play a crucial role in disease transmission, with some droplets surviving longer than previously believed.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020

Optimizing complex modeling processes through machine learning technologies

The study uses data-driven techniques and machine-learning architectures to improve the accuracy and efficiency of modeling processes. The researchers found that convolutional neural networks (CNN) and physics-informed neural networks (PINN) have potential in optimizing modeling processes for specific aspects of the solution process.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateNov 23, 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.

Galaxy encounter violently disturbed Milky Way, study finds

A recent study reveals that the Milky Way galaxy is being warped and twisted by the gravitational force of the Large Magellanic Cloud, a smaller galaxy that crossed its boundary 700 million years ago. The effects are still being witnessed today and should force a revision of how our galaxy evolved.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 23, 2020

Argonne team collects Best Paper Award at SC20

The Argonne team developed a high-performance, iterative reconstruction system for noninvasive imaging at synchrotron facilities. Their novel optimizations enabled reconstruction of large 3D volumes in under 3 minutes using 24,576 GPUs.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateNov 23, 2020

Trace element mobilization from ice sheets

Research on ice sheet weathering reveals that meltwaters from the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets contain higher concentrations of key trace elements than typical rivers. This suggests long water residence times or increased weathering of minerals underlying the ice sheets, potentially affecting local marine environments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Boosting stem cell activity can enhance immunotherapy benefits

Scientists have developed a novel approach to reprogram T cells into long-lived, highly active 'super immune cells' that can fight multiple types of cancer. This breakthrough could lead to more effective and durable anti-cancer responses with existing treatments.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·DateNov 23, 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.

Perfect imperfection: Electrode defects boost resistive memory efficiency

Thicker electrodes with greater surface roughness improve resistance switching memory cell characteristics. The study found that such electrodes reduce forming and switching voltages, increase endurance to 50 million cycles, and enhance device performance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 23, 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.

Hot spots identified for colorectal cancer mortality rates among young women

Researchers have identified specific geographic areas in the US where women diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer before age 50 face higher mortality rates. The study found nearly one quarter of adults in hot spot counties reported no physical activity, and fertility may contribute to this variation.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateNov 23, 2020

Understanding frustration could lead to better drugs

A new study by Rice University scientists has developed atomic resolution protein models that show frustration is necessary for protein function and can lead to better drug specificity. The models allow for the incorporation of co-factors like drug molecules, providing insight into why ligands bind best with specific proteins.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

The drug aprotinin inhibits entry of SARS-CoV2 in host cells

Researchers at Goethe University demonstrated that the protease inhibitor aprotinin can inhibit SARS-CoV2 replication by preventing viral entry into host cells. Aprotinin also compensates for reduced endogenous protease inhibitors in virus-infected cells.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCells·DateNov 23, 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.

A rich source of nutrients under the Earth's ice sheets

Researchers found that subglacial lakes and rivers release significant amounts of trace elements, exceeding oceanic and riverine concentrations. These findings suggest that ice sheets play a key role in regional nutrient mobilization, with implications for climate change and the global carbon cycle.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

UArizona hypersonic experts contributing to $100m consortium

The University of Arizona is among lead institutions in a $100 million consortium to study flight at five times the speed of sound. Over 60 member universities will work with government agencies and industry to accelerate research and technology for hypersonic flight.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateNov 23, 2020