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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 1 of 47

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.

Skilled surgeons boost colon cancer survival by 70%

A new Northwestern Medicine study found that patients treated by highly skilled surgeons have better long-term survival after surgery for colon cancer. The study showed a 70% lower risk of dying over five years compared to patients with less skilled surgeons.

Sugars could be the key to an earlier test for breast cancer

Researchers are exploring glycans in breast cancer cells to develop an earlier test for breast cancer through liquid biopsies. By identifying unique sugar patterns, the team aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and catch cancers at their earliest stage.

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.

Dynamic photonic barcodes record energy transfer at the biointerface

Researchers developed bioresponsive dynamic barcodes using cavity-enhanced radiative energy transfer, converting biomolecular information into distinctive photonic barcodes. The system can detect molecules in a droplet with improved signal-to-noise ratio, enabling real-time intermolecular interaction and biosensing applications.

Phillips studying role-based norm violation response in human-robot teams

Researcher Elizabeth Phillips studies how humans respond to norm violations in robot teams, investigating context-sensitive tradeoffs between rule-based and role-based responses. She aims to develop models that facilitate role-based responses and promote ethical benefits in natural language generation algorithms.

Bacilli and their enzymes show prospects for several applications

The study highlights the potential of microbial enzymes in addressing global challenges such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular therapy and biofilm-related infections. Bacillary proteases have been shown to exhibit fibrinolytic and thrombolytic properties, making them promising alternatives to existing drugs.

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 cause of inflammation in people with HIV identified

A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers identified the inability to control HIV RNA production from existing HIV DNA as a potential key driver of chronic inflammation in people living with HIV. This finding highlights the need for novel treatments targeting persistent inflammation to improve outcomes.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Radical changes in ecosystems

Scientists have developed a method to detect radical changes in ecosystems, revealing increased risk of extinction and new species creation. The method tracks ecosystem shifts above a certain threshold, allowing researchers to predict and mitigate the impact of environmental changes.

Hospital floors are hotspot for bacteria, creating route of transfer to patients

A study found that hospital floors are quickly and frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria within hours of patient admission. The researchers observed a significant transfer of pathogens from the floor to patients' socks, bedding, and nearby surfaces, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.

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.

Evolution of consumption: A psychological ownership framework

The study explores how technological innovations like digitization and platform markets are eroding psychological ownership, leading to negative consequences for consumers and firms. However, it also highlights opportunities for firms to preserve and recapture psychological ownership through strategic marketing efforts.

Infection by confection: COVID-19 and the risk of trick-or-treating

Researchers analyzed viral load on Halloween candy handled by COVID-19 patients, finding SARS-CoV-2 on 60% of samples handled normally with unwashed hands. Washing hands before handling candy and washing the candy with household detergent significantly reduced the virus's presence.

VUMC study finds faster, wider spread of COVID-19 in US households

A recent study found that COVID-19 spreads rapidly within US households, infecting 51% of individuals living with someone who tested positive. The study discovered that secondary infections occurred within five days of the first household member experiencing symptoms, highlighting the importance of quarantine measures.

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.

The order of life

Researchers develop model that links movement of predators and prey to segregation of oil and vinegar, expanding theoretical framework from inanimate matter. The model reveals universal characteristics of active living matter, including bacteria, enzymes, and motor proteins.

First Australian night bees recorded foraging in darkness

Two Australian bee species have been identified as having adapted their vision for night-time conditions, allowing them to forage in darkness. The study found that these bees develop enlarged compound and simple eyes, enabling them to gather more light than their daytime counterparts.

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.

Smart tablecloth can find fruit and help with watering the plants

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart tablecloth that can detect non-metallic objects such as fruits and liquids using an 'implicit input' technique. The system achieved a 94.5% accuracy rate in testing, with notable success in distinguishing between different types of liquids and fruits.

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.

Photopharmacology - A light-trigger for the proteasome

Scientists have created a light-activated chemical inhibitor that can control two fundamental cellular processes: cell division and cell death. This innovation has significant implications for studying cellular functions, understanding medical disorders, and designing new therapeutic strategies.

To survive asteroid impact, algae learned to hunt

Scientists discovered that surviving algae adapted a unique behavior called mixotrophy, allowing them to thrive in the aftermath of an asteroid impact. This adaptation enabled them to eat other organisms while still utilizing photosynthesis to produce food.

Denisovan DNA found in sediments of Baishiya Karst Cave on Tibetan Plateau

Researchers discovered Denisovan DNA in sediments from the Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau, revealing that Denisovans occupied the region for a long time and had adapted to the high-altitude environment. The findings support the idea that Denisovans had a wide geographic distribution beyond Siberia.

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.

Coronavirus mutation may have made it more contagious

A study of over 5,000 COVID-19 patients in Houston found that the virus is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which, D614G, may have made it more contagious. This mutation was prevalent in 71% of initial cases and reached 99.9% prevalence during the second wave.

Collective impact partnership models help close health care workforce gap

The research evaluated effective health sciences and training programs in Career and Technical Education (CTE) to address the healthcare workforce shortage in Virginia. Effective partnership models stimulate growth by building community partnerships, expanding training programs, and providing resources for educators and students.

Water on ancient Mars

Analysis of a Martian meteorite suggests water was present on ancient Mars around 4.4 billion years ago, raising questions about the origin of water on Earth and potential for life beyond. The finding could impact theories on planetary formation and exploration.

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 malformation illustrates the incredible plasticity of the brain

Researchers from UNIGE discovered that when the neuronal fibres connecting the hemispheres are missing, the brain reorganises itself and creates new connections. Intra-hemispheric connections increase, enabling communication between the two hemispheres to be maintained.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

In a hurry to develop drugs? Here's your cHAT

Rice University scientists have developed a novel 'green' method for producing pharmaceutical intermediates using the cooperative hydrogen atom transfer (cHAT) technique. This approach employs earth-abundant iron and sulfur as catalysts, reducing costs and environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

Parasitology - Bringing the locals onboard

A new study examines local attitudes towards Chagas disease and its transmission, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive campaigns. The findings suggest that social and cultural factors play a significant role in shaping public perception, particularly regarding preventive measures and treatment options.

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.

Trial targets deadly lung cancer

A clinical trial is underway to test the safety and feasibility of intrapleural liposomal curcumins as an alternative to chemotherapy for malignant mesothelioma. The researchers aim to reduce toxic side-effects and facilitate early diagnosis with a special lung fluid test.

Plankton turn hunters to survive dinosaur-killing asteroid impact

Researchers found that plankton species shifted from relying on sunlight to capturing food and eating it after the asteroid impact, allowing them to survive. This adaptation suggests that the lack of light played a crucial role in killing off some species, but others adapted to thrive.

Beetroot peptide as potential drug candidate for treating diseases

Researchers at MedUni Vienna's Institute of Pharmacology have isolated a beetroot peptide that inhibits prolyl oligopeptidase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of protein hormones in the body. The study suggests that this peptide could be a promising drug candidate for treating neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases.

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.

Compression garments reduce strength loss after training

Researchers found that compression garments reduce immediate and delayed strength loss after strenuous exercise, allowing athletes to resume high-intensity training sooner. The study suggests wearing a below-knee compression garment during regular workouts provides mechanical support and tissue compression, reducing the risk of musculo...

Cancer patients, clinicians find value in electronic real-time symptom

A national multi-institutional study found that cancer patients and their medical teams benefited from sharing symptoms in real time using web- or telephone-based reporting systems. The system improved patient satisfaction, quality of life, physical function, reduced emergency room visits, and lengthened survival.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Physician burnout, sleep disorders

Researchers found a significant association between sleep disorders and symptoms of burnout among faculty and staff. The study suggests that addressing sleep issues may be crucial to mitigating physician burnout.