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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 9


Page 9 of 43

Nature's toolkit for killing viruses and bacteria

Engineers have discovered how zinc oxide surfaces and natural hydrodynamic churning can kill pathogens, with applications in water disinfection and airborne virus control. The technique uses reactive oxygen species to damage bacterial cell walls, making it effective against both surface and waterborne pathogens.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Six years in 120 pages: Researchers shed light on Ricci flows

The study resolves the Hamilton-Tian conjecture, which posits that most space is perfect, while singularities can be restricted to low-dimensional spaces. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for studies of Ricci flows, thermal expansion, and contraction.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Differential Geometry·DateNov 23, 2020

Scientists regenerate skin with stem cells to see how DNA defects in kids cause cancer

Researchers used bioengineered models of patient-specific skin to study how inherited DNA defects cause skin damage and deadly squamous cell carcinoma in children with Fanconi anemia. The study identified key biological connections important to skin formation and function, leading to accelerated blistering and disease progression.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateNov 23, 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.

Unique Schwann cells: the eyes have it

Researchers have identified a new class of glial cells in the cornea, known as Schwann cells, with unique genetic properties that could help improve wound healing and nerve regeneration after surgeries and corneal transplants. The study's findings may also provide insights into conditions like dry eye and LASIK-related side effects.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateNov 23, 2020

Vibrational encounters - phonon polaritons meet molecules

Scientists have successfully demonstrated the interaction between infrared light and molecular vibrations, leading to the formation of hybrid polaritons. The study's findings could pave the way for ultrasensitive spectroscopy devices and a deeper understanding of strong vibrational coupling on the nanoscale.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 23, 2020

Understanding ion channel inhibition to open doors in drug discovery

Scientists have discovered how drug-like small molecules can regulate the activity of therapeutically relevant ion channels, providing new avenues for drug discovery. The study reveals how Pico145 binds to TRPC5 channels, preventing them from opening, and highlights the importance of individual amino acid residues in this binding site.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalCommunications Biology·DateNov 23, 2020

Identifying compound classes through machine learning

Bioinformaticians at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed a new method called CANOPUS that assigns structural properties to unidentified metabolites, increasing knowledge gained from examining molecules. The two-stage process uses machine learning methods to identify compound classes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 23, 2020

Shocks to seafood

The US seafood industry experienced a significant decline in catches, imports, and exports during the pandemic. Small-scale fisheries were more affected than large-scale production systems, highlighting the need for targeted federal support to preserve local operations and promote resilience.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateNov 23, 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.

AI helps scientists understand brain activity behind thoughts

A team of researchers developed an AI model that estimates thoughts by evaluating behavior, then tested it on a trained artificial brain. The study found neural activity associated with those estimates, providing new insights into the brain's computations involved in complex behavior.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Tarantula toxin attacks with molecular stinger

Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism by which tarantula venom traps voltage sensors on sodium channels, effectively immobilizing nerve signals. This finding may lead to the development of new pain therapeutics that target the Nav1.7 channel, a key player in pain transmission.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 23, 2020

Medicaid expansion may result in earlier diagnosis of colon cancer

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons suggests that Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act may lead to earlier diagnoses of colon cancer. Researchers found improved access to care and enhanced surgical care for patients with colon cancer in states that implemented Medicaid expansion.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateNov 23, 2020

Nutritional quality of foods, beverages in movies

A study analyzed 250 top-grossing US movies from 1994-2018, comparing the nutritional quality of food and beverage depictions to dietary guidelines. The findings indicate that movie foods often exceed recommended levels of calories, added sugars, and saturated fats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

Treating type 1 diabetes in mice

A study published in PNAS reports a breakthrough treatment for type 1 diabetes in mice, utilizing a combination of haploidentical mixed chimersim and administration of gastrin and epidermal growth factor. This approach successfully reversed autoimmunity, augmented beta cell regeneration, and normalized blood glucose levels by reactivat...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Flight tests to show B61-12 will work on Air Force's newest fighter jet

Sandia National Laboratories successfully completed the first flight test of the B61-12 nuclear bomb on the F-35A Lightning II fighter jet, demonstrating its compatibility and versatility. The test was part of a larger program to increase confidence in the bomb's reliability and effectiveness.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateNov 23, 2020

Tiger vaccination as conservation strategy

Vaccination of endangered tiger population against canine distemper virus could reduce extinction probability from 15.8% to 5.7%

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

Enriching research in ecology and evolution through nine 'flavors' of history

The article argues for a revitalized view of history in ecology and evolution, proposing nine understandings of history to generalize findings and observe scientific laws. These 'flavors' include contingency, chance, chaos, capriciousness, approach, constraint, construction, turnover, and template.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateNov 23, 2020

Risk of death high among those with alcohol-related visits to ED: CMAJ study

A Canadian study found that people with frequent alcohol-related emergency department visits have a high mortality rate, especially among young adults, urban dwellers, and those from low-income neighborhoods. The risk of death doubles for those with five or more visits.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 23, 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.

Study: Early, late stages of degenerative diseases are distinct

Researchers propose a two-phase theory for neurodegenerative disorders, with distinct activities of protein signaling pathways in each phase. This understanding could lead to personalized treatment approaches for patients in different stages of the disease.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 23, 2020

Financial payments from drug industry associated with physician prescribing

A systematic review found financial payments from the drug industry to US physicians are associated with increased prescribing of the paying drug company's medication. The association was consistent across all studies, suggesting a causal link between industry gifts and physician prescribing practices.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 2020

Polyimidazolium as broad-spectrum antibiotic

Polyimidazolium compounds exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inability of this pathogen to evolve resistance suggests potential as a new class of antibiotics for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

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

A chemist from RUDN University synthesized analogs of natural toxins

A chemist from RUDN University synthesized analogs of two natural toxins, antofine and septicine, using a universal approach. The new method involves just two steps, the four-component Ugi reaction and cyclization reaction, and can produce compounds with antibacterial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceRUDN University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateNov 23, 2020

Mother's touch lingers in her child's genes

Australian researchers have discovered a protein called SMCHD1 involved in the 'imprinting' process, where mother's proteins linger in her child's genes and switch off at least 10 different genes. This phenomenon could potentially have a lifelong impact on the offspring.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateNov 23, 2020

Spontaneous hydrogen peroxide formation from water vapor

Researchers discover that micron-sized water droplets can spontaneously form hydrogen peroxide, regardless of surface type or temperature conditions. This finding has implications for environment-friendly disinfection technology and atmospheric sciences.

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

Moths strike out in evolutionary arms race with sophisticated wing design

Researchers discovered the precise construction of moths wings that enable extraordinary ultrasound-absorptive properties, creating a resonant absorber 100 times thinner than sound wavelength. This breakthrough inspires the design of ultra-thin sound absorbers for homes and offices.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

Scientists organize to tackle crisis of coral bleaching

A new common framework for increasing comparability of research findings on coral bleaching has been developed by an international consortium of scientists. The framework covers key variables such as temperature, water flow, and light, allowing researchers to anchor their studies and compare results more easily.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateNov 23, 2020

Not just lizards - alligators can regrow their tails too

A team of researchers discovered that young alligators can regrow their tails up to three-quarters of a foot, or 18% of their total body length. The new tails are complex structures composed of cartilage surrounded by connective tissue with blood vessels and nerves.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2020

PEDSnet report details how COVID-19 pandemic has affected children

The PEDSnet report analyzes over 135,000 medical records to reveal disparities in COVID-19 outcomes among children. Children from lower-income families, Black, Latinx, and Asian groups are more likely to be infected, while those with diabetes or cancer fare significantly worse than others.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 23, 2020

Antimicrobial soap additive worsens fatty liver disease in mice

Researchers found that triclosan disrupts metabolism and the gut microbiome, leading to accelerated development of fatty liver and fibrosis. The study provides new insights into risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 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.

Psychosis symptoms linked to impaired information spread in the brain

Research suggests that psychosis symptoms may be linked to impaired information spread in the brain, with altered white matter contributing to delusions and other symptoms. The study found increased consciousness thresholds in patients with psychosis, correlating with greater white matter connectivity.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 23, 2020

Imaging method reveals a 'symphony of cellular activities'

A new fluorescent imaging technique allows scientists to observe up to five different molecule types at a time, enabling them to study complex signaling networks and their relationships. By identifying two populations of neurons with distinct calcium signaling dynamics, researchers hope to understand how they encode long-term memories.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateNov 23, 2020

Did early life need long, complex molecules to make cell-like compartments?

Researchers at Penn State created functional membraneless 'protocells' from short polymers that can sequester RNA and maintain distinct internal microenvironments. The protocells were stable in various salt concentrations and performed certain functions of a protocell, suggesting they could be relevant models for early life on Earth.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

Past climate change and East Antarctic Ice Sheet

Researchers reconstructed atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, global sea level, and ice volume for a period around 2.75 to 2.4 million years ago. The study highlights the EAIS's vulnerability to melting due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change.

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

Carbon nanocomposites are now one step closer to practical industrial

The study introduces a new generation of multifunctional materials created by adding carbon nanoparticles to polymer matrices, allowing for self-sensing properties. This technology has the potential to replace sensors in weight-critical systems and manufacture electrically conductive materials for various applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposite Structures·DateNov 23, 2020

NASA's Hubble sees unexplained brightness from colossal explosion

Astronomers detected near-infrared emission 10 times brighter than predicted, challenging conventional theories of short gamma-ray bursts. The observations suggest the possibility of a massive magnetar being formed after the merger of two neutron stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 23, 2020

Ancient people relied on coastal environments to survive the Last Glacial Maximum

Researchers uncovered evidence of human occupations along South Africa's eastern seaboard from 35,000 years ago to 10,000 years ago, providing insights into coastal foraging during glacial periods. The study reveals that people had access to the sea and could live near coastlines even during the Last Glacial Maximum.

SourceArizona State University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateNov 23, 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.

Using strain to control oxynitride properties

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered a method to introduce defects into perovskite oxynitrides using strain, altering their physical properties. The approach could aid in developing photocatalysts.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Recent studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine investigate the association between ABO blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, as well as vaccine development timelines. Additionally, research highlights the potential benefits of home health care for COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 23, 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.

US seafood industry flounders due to COVID-19

The US seafood industry is experiencing a significant downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with monthly fresh seafood exports declining by up to 43% and catches dropping by 40% in some months. The study suggests that American fishmongers may struggle without government aid.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateNov 23, 2020

Stable scaffold for perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed a stable oxide scaffold for perovskite solar cells, allowing for easy removal and replacement of the material while maintaining performance. The new design achieved around 11.08% power conversion efficiency upon perovskite replacement.

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

Triclosan, high fat diet, and liver disease

Researchers found triclosan suppressed FGF21 expression and altered genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Triclosan also accelerated liver disease development in mice with type I diabetes and changed gut microbiota similar to NASH patients.

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

Tracing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid

Researchers have discovered that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can swell immediately after an injury or stroke, leading to a more efficient clearance of toxic proteins from the brain. This breakthrough could lead to new insights into health and disease, as well as novel treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 23, 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.

Replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in 3D

Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg used 3D imaging techniques to visualize the replication cycle of SARS-CoV-2 in infected cells. The study reveals massive changes in cellular architecture, including the creation of mini replication compartments where viral genomes are amplified.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateNov 23, 2020

Social bacteria build shelters using the physics of fingerprints

Researchers at Princeton University discovered how forest-dwelling bacteria cooperate to build fruiting bodies when food is scarce, using the physics behind fingerprint patterns and topological defects. The study reveals new insights into the physics-biology intersection and highlights the value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 23, 2020

Therapeutic PD-1 cancer vaccine shown to be safe and effective in animal study

A new therapeutic PD-1 cancer vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in an animal study, activating both B- and T-cell functions to promote tumor clearance. The vaccine is targeted to block signaling pathways crucial for tumor growth and maintenance, offering a promising approach to immunotherapy.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalOncoImmunology·DateNov 23, 2020

A new beat in quantum matter

Researchers demonstrate the existence of exotic Bloch oscillations in crystals with intrinsic non-Abelian fields, characterized by a multiplication of the oscillation period. These phenomena are perfectly synchronized with internal states of the crystal and shed new light on topological quantum matter.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 23, 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.

UCF researcher zeroes in on critical point for improving superconductors

Researchers have found a closer look at the behavior of electrons in strange metals, which could allow them to understand a mechanism for superconductivity at higher temperatures. This work is crucial for designing high-temperature superconductors that can power cities and levitate cars.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCommunications Physics·DateNov 23, 2020