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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 15 of 47

Technology shines the light on ovarian cancer treatments

A Purdue University scientist is working on a technique that uses LED light to determine if certain chemotherapy options will work for specific patients. The method, which was published in Scientific Reports, shows promise for improving personalized medicine and reducing side effects.

Axing the ACA means young adults with cancer lose coverage

A UCSF-CHOP study found that patients under 25 with pediatric cancer were more likely to remain on private insurance for longer durations compared to their older peers. Brief disruptions in insurance have been associated with harmful health consequences, highlighting the importance of the ACA's dependent coverage provision.

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.

COVID-19 anxiety linked to body image issues

A new study found that COVID-19-related anxiety and stress are associated with negative body image, particularly thinner ideals for women and muscularity for men. This association may contribute to eating disorders, as body dissatisfaction can trigger serious mental health issues.

Turning streetwear into solar power plants

Researchers have developed a new polymer that can be applied to textile fibers, turning them into flexible solar collectors. These solar concentrators can capture a wider spectrum of light and offer an immense benefit for portable devices.

Robots deciding their next move need help prioritizing

A team of researchers at the University of Illinois created a new take on deep reinforcement learning using the game Capture the Flag, helping robots evaluate their next move and adapt to unexpected situations. By breaking down tasks into sub-tasks, they improved adaptation and reduced complexity in updates.

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.

New study: aspirin use reduces risk of death in hospitalized patients

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients taking daily low-dose aspirin had lower risk of ICU admission, ventilation, and dying from the virus. The study found a 44% reduction in mechanical ventilator use, 43% decrease in ICU admission, and 47% decrease in hospital death compared to those not taking aspirin.

How is gender diversity achieved in working life?

The G-VERSITY project develops scientifically sound measures to promote gender diversity in working life, including workshops, guidelines, and training materials. The project also aims to improve career prospects for young researchers through a collaborative European network.

Ancient Maya built sophisticated water filters

The ancient Maya created a water filtration system nearly 2,000 years ago, using crystalline quartz and zeolite to remove harmful microbes and toxins from drinking water. This innovative system would still be effective today.

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.

Research shows aging chimps, like humans, value friendships

Recent research shows that chimpanzees, like humans, increasingly prioritize mutual and equitable friendships with others as they get older. Younger adults tend to form lopsided relationships, while older chimpanzees focus on maintaining smaller, fulfilling networks of close friends.

Common treatment for diabetic macular edema not effective in Black individuals

A new study at Boston Medical Center found that the common treatment bevacizumab for diabetic macular edema is less effective for Black patients compared to white and Hispanic individuals. This disparity underscores the importance of increasing diversity in clinical trials to develop treatments tailored to all patient groups.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Individuals may legitimize hacking when angry with system or authority

A study by University of Kent researchers found that individuals who feel a system or authority is unresponsive to their demands are more likely to support hacker activity. This support can be seen as a means to express anger and frustration towards the organization, even if it involves disruptive actions.

MRI safely performed in patients with pacemakers and ICDs

A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging demonstrates the safety of performing MRI exams in patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including those who are pacemaker-dependent or have abandoned leads. The results showed no adverse events and improved diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.

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.

Grafting with epigenetically-modified rootstock yields surprise

Researchers at Penn State discovered that grafted plants with epigenetically modified rootstock exhibit increased vigor, productivity, and resilience compared to parental plants. The technique uses gene expression manipulation rather than genetic modification, sidestepping controversy surrounding GMOs.

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.

Relieving the cost of COVID-19 by Parrondo's paradox

The study shows that a switching strategy between two losing strategies can lead to a winning outcome, alleviating suffering and preserving health and well-being. Three different switching rules are proposed, offering novel solutions to curb the spread of COVID-19 and future epidemics.

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.

African crocodiles lived in Spain six million years ago

The discovery confirms that African crocodiles of the genus Crocodylus inhabited Europe during the late Miocene, with fossils found in Italy and Spain. The remains suggest a dispersal from Africa to Europe via sea, supported by modern crocodile behavior and anatomical similarities with other extinct species.

Study helps explain declines in death rates from COVID-19

A new study shows that COVID-19 death rates have dropped in New York due to a shift towards younger, healthier patients and improved healthcare practices. The study found that patients with chronic conditions were less likely to be hospitalized, and those who were treated earlier received better care.

Oregon researchers reveal why heat stress damages sperm

Researchers used roundworms to uncover a DNA damage mechanism in sperm, which can lead to male infertility caused by high temperatures. The study provides insight into how temperature affects sperm development and suggests a potential molecular basis for heat stress-induced fertility issues.

A promising discovery could lead to better treatment for Hepatitis C

A team of Canadian virologists identified a critical role played by the RTN3 protein in the progression of Hepatitis C virus infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments and potentially effective vaccines for the disease, which affects over 130 million people worldwide.

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.

Closing the plastic loop

Researchers at UCSB have developed a low-energy, one-pot catalytic method to upcycle polyethylene plastic into high-value alkylaromatic molecules. This process creates valuable molecules from waste plastic, making recycling more practical and environmentally beneficial.

Optical wiring for large quantum computers

Physicists at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a new method for delivering multiple laser beams precisely to the right locations in a stable manner, allowing for delicate quantum operations on trapped atoms. The approach enables high-fidelity logic gates and scalability for large quantum computers.

Multiple sclerosis as the flip side of immune fitness

A study led by University of Zurich researchers found that the HLA-DR15 gene variant plays a significant role in developing multiple sclerosis. People with this genetic predisposition can develop an immune response against their own brain tissue if infected with certain viruses or bacteria, leading to the disease.

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.

Cicada-inspired waterproof surfaces closer to reality, researchers report

A multidisciplinary team has demonstrated the ability to reproduce the nanostructures that help cicada wings repel water, using a simplified version of nanoimprinting lithography and commercial nail polish. The new technique produces replicas with an average of 94.4% pillar height and 106% of the original wing's pillar diameter.

Galactic archaeology

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Georgia Tech used supercomputers to model the formation of the first stars, known as Population III or Pop III stars. Their simulations showed that these ancient stars forged heavier elements, such as carbon, which seeded the next generation of stars.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

How genetic variation gives rise to differences in mathematical ability

A study published in PLOS Biology found that genetic variants of the ROBO1 gene in young children are associated with grey matter volume in the right parietal cortex, predicting mathematical test scores. The research suggests that genetic variability may shape mathematical ability by influencing early brain development.

Tracer molecule may improve imaging tests for brain injury

A new radiolabeled molecule, [18F]3F4AP, shows promising results in detecting and characterizing brain injury. The tracer binds to potassium channels exposed in demyelinated neurons, making it a potential tool for imaging multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative conditions.

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.

Increasing sleep time after trauma could ease ill effects, study says

A new study by Washington State University researchers found that improving sleep after trauma exposure can improve function and alleviate PTSD symptoms. The study used optogenetic stimulation to increase REM sleep in rats, leading to improved memory extinction and reduced freezing behavior. This suggests that manipulating sleep immedi...

Nobel Prize winner says scientific research has to be 'passion-driven'

Renowned scientist Sir Peter Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of passion-driven research in science, contrasting it with the expectation to solely focus on COVID-19. He draws from his own research on hypoxia and its role in various human diseases, highlighting the potential of this field for drug discovery and treatment.

New tricks for old antibiotics

Doxycycline, an antibiotic, confers protection against sepsis by inhibiting mitochondrial protein production, reducing cell damage and promoting tissue repair. The study opens new possibilities for therapies targeting disease tolerance mechanisms to combat infections and diseases like sepsis.

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.

Are bushmeat hunters aware of zoonotic disease? Yes, but that's not the issue

A recent study in northern Uganda found that bushmeat hunters and women who cook the meat are aware of the potential for zoonotic diseases, but their practices are often driven by financial gain rather than precaution. The survey also revealed that many hunters disguise primate meat to avoid detection, posing a risk to public health.

A wearable sensor to help ALS patients communicate

A team of MIT researchers has designed a skin-like device that can measure small facial movements in patients with ALS, allowing them to communicate through a variety of sentiments. The wearable sensor is thin, camouflaged, and easy to use, achieving an accuracy rate of about 75% in distinguishing between different movements.

Exercising one arm has twice the benefits

Researchers found that eccentric exercise on the opposing arm can prevent muscle damage and build strength in the unaffected limb. The study involved 30 participants with one arm immobilised for four weeks, showing significant improvements in strength and minimal muscle loss.

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.