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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 14 of 47

How does the immune system develop in the first days of life?

Researchers found that newborns' immune systems activate soon after birth and increase key factors of innate immunity, including the complement system. This development is critical for protecting against pathogens in infancy, where infections are prevalent.

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.

Collaboration sparks new model for ceramic conductivity

An interdisciplinary collaboration has updated the small polaron hopping model to reflect different pathways for conduction in ceramics, enabling researchers to customize metal oxide properties. The new model reveals large energetic barriers associated with switching conduction paths between cations.

Pituitary puzzle gets a new piece, revising evolutionary history

A new USC-led study provides evidence that the endoderm also forms part of the pituitary's front lobe in some vertebrates, revising the developmental and evolutionary story of the gland. The research uses cutting-edge technology to label and track embryonic cells, revealing an unexpected contribution from the innermost embryonic layer.

Do asymptomatic kids with COVID-19 carry less virus?

A study of 339 asymptomatic and 478 symptomatic children found that those without symptoms had relatively low viral loads compared to their symptomatic counterparts. The timing of infection and diagnostic testing may impact viral load levels in asymptomatic children.

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.

OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.

Scientist develops new way to test for COVID-19 antibodies

Scientists have developed a new diagnostic method that uses cell-free testing to measure neutralizing antibodies against the novel coronavirus. The test has shown promising results, with 92% of participants having antibodies and demonstrating effectiveness in blocking viral binding.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

FEFU scientists helped design a new type of ceramics for laser applications

Researchers created a new type of ceramic nanocomposite (Ho3+:Y2O3-MgO) that can be used in high-capacity lasers operating in the medium infrared range. The material has increased thermal and mechanical resistance due to its almost pore-free structure, allowing it to transmit over 75% of light in the medium IR wavelengths.

Finally, a way to see molecules 'wobble'

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a way to visualize molecules in 3D, showing their position, orientation, and wobble. This technology, called CHIDO, could shed light on biological processes involved in diseases like COVID-19.

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.

AI detects hidden earthquakes

A new AI-based method has been developed to detect small, imperceptibly tiny earthquakes that occur on the same faults as bigger earthquakes. This technology could provide insights into how earthquakes interact and spread out along the fault, allowing for a clearer view of earthquake patterns.

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.

Eliminating COVID-19: What the world can learn from NZ and Taiwan

Taiwan and New Zealand eliminated community transmission of COVID-19 through early action, robust surveillance, and strong public health infrastructure. Effective measures included mask mandates, contact tracing, and quarantine, with Taiwan's response being particularly effective due to its well-planned pandemic preparedness.

Bat-winged dinosaurs that could glide

Two small dinosaurs, Yi and Ambopteryx, had bat-like wings but struggled to fly, instead gliding between trees. Their unique wing membranes allowed them to glide, but not powered flight. The study supports that dinosaurs evolved flight in multiple ways before modern birds evolved.

Samara Polytech chemists designed portable analyzers

Researchers at Samara Polytech develop cost-effective, portable analyzers for quick analysis of objects under study. The devices require no sampling and use light to illuminate the object, detecting signals through a light-guide cable.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Multi-mucus barrier segregates colon microbiota from host tissue

A continuous colonic mucus system forms a protective barrier between gut microbiota and host tissue in mice. The barrier consists of two types of O-glycan rich mucus that form in different regions of the colon, with proximal mucus encapsulating fecal pellets and distal mucus strengthening the barrier during elimination.

Toward a new staging system for prostate cancer, and why it matters

A new staging system called STAR-CAP has been developed to predict outcomes and inform treatment decisions for men with non-metastatic prostate cancer. The system, which uses patient, tumor, and outcome data from nearly 20,000 patients, has been validated and shows strong prognostic power.

Discoveries reshape understanding of gut microbiome

Scientists at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have redefined how the gut microbiome operates and coexists with bacteria. The findings show that the microbiome controls the creation of mucus, which acts as a barrier between bacteria and immune cells in the colon.

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.

DNA in fringe-lipped bat poop reveals unexpected eating habits

Researchers found evidence that fringe-lipped bats eat other bats and hummingbirds, challenging previous assumptions about their foraging behavior. The study used DNA analysis to understand the bats' diets and behavioral experiments to confirm these findings.

Comparing canine brains using 3D-endocast modelling

Researchers used digital endocranial cast models to compare canine brain shapes, finding that the shortening of the facial skeleton affects brain regions, primarily the olfactory bulb and frontal lobe. This could have profound implications for dog behavior and cognition.

'Mini-lungs' reveal early stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Researchers have grown three-dimensional models of key lung tissue, known as 'mini-lungs,' to study how SARS-CoV-2 damages the lungs. The models revealed that viral replication occurs rapidly within six hours, triggering an immune response and leading to cell death and damage.

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.

COVID-19 study: Meaning in life and self-control protect against stress

A comprehensive study found that individuals with a strong sense of meaning in life and high levels of self-control were better equipped to cope with the psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that these traits acted as buffers against mental distress, with older participants showing higher resilience.

Nursery automation focus of new effort led by UTIA

A new effort led by UTIA aims to help nursery growers adopt automation technologies, addressing the industry's labor shortage. The LEAP Team will identify labor constraints and opportunities, as well as prioritize automated technologies for nursery production systems.

A new technique predicts how earthquakes would affect a city's hospitals

A new methodology helps disaster preparedness officials in large cities create regional contingency plans to ensure emergency responders can get patients to likeliest-to-stay-open hospital facilities after a quake. The technique estimates death and injury risks, projects hospital damage, and maps best routes for patient transportation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Industry, government, and academic researchers propose general clinical endpoints to facilitate evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. These endpoints include asymptomatic infection as a study endpoint.

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.

Future VR could employ new ultrahigh-res display

Stanford researchers developed a new ultrahigh-res OLED display technology that enables televisions, smartphones, and virtual reality devices to reach resolutions of up to 10,000 pixels per inch. The displays are also brighter and have better color accuracy than existing versions.

Time is not on their side: physicians face barriers to voting

Two new UT Southwestern studies report that only half of practicing physicians are registered to vote, with time being the most common barrier faced by resident physicians. The researchers say finding ways to increase voter participation among doctors is critical as the nation tackles healthcare issues.

Findings shed light on the ancient origins of speed control during movement

A Northwestern University research team discovered a highly ordered relationship between inhibitory neurons and motor neuron activity in zebrafish, revealing a compartmental scheme to regulate different speeds of movement. This finding provides insight into human movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy.

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.

COVID-19: Dexamethasone discovery carries treatment implications

A new study reveals that serum albumin binds with dexamethasone, a corticosteroid used to treat severe COVID-19, but low albumin levels or diabetes can interfere with this binding, reducing the drug's effectiveness. The researchers suggest doctors may need to adjust dosing for certain patient groups.

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.

Simple actions can help people survive landslides

A University of Washington study reveals certain human actions increase survival chances in devastating events. Researchers suggest simple behavioral changes, such as being aware of local hazards and moving to a higher floor, can save more lives than expensive engineering solutions.

Is spirituality a component of wisdom?

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that spirituality is a significant component of wisdom, correlated positively with age and sex. The researchers used a self-report-based measure of wisdom and spirituality, finding that both components were associated with better mental health and well-being.

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.

Enzyme biofactories to enhance cord blood transplants

Researchers developed a more efficient way to produce fucosyltransferase VI (FTVI) enzyme, which enhances the homing ability of cord blood stem cells. This breakthrough could improve the effectiveness of cord blood transplants for treating various life-threatening conditions.