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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 25 of 47

Bark beetle outbreaks benefit wild bee populations, habitat

Researchers found significant increases in floral abundance and wild bee diversity in spruce beetle-affected forests, compared to similar, undisturbed forests. This is good news for wild bee communities, which have been declining in recent years.

Novel antiviral strategy for treatment of COVID-19

Researchers at HKU have identified a novel antiviral strategy for treating COVID-19, utilizing the metal-based compound ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) to suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication. RBC targets the viral helicase Nsp13, reducing viral loads by over 1,000-folds and mitigating symptoms.

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.

Star clusters are only the tip of the iceberg

Astronomers at the University of Vienna used machine learning to trace groups of stars born together and found thousands of sibling stars surrounding well-known cores of star clusters. The discovery reveals that star clusters are enclosed in rich halos, or coronae, more than 10 times larger than previously thought.

Bisexual adults less likely to enjoy health benefits of education

A new study from Rice University finds that well-educated bisexual adults experience less health benefit from education compared to heterosexual and gay/lesbian adults. This effect is especially true for women, with social stigma and gender discrimination potentially contributing to the disparity.

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.

Engineer aids NYS solar goals, helps energy and agriculture coexist

A Cornell University professor has been awarded a grant to study the coexistence of agriculture and energy development in New York State. The project aims to determine efficient solar farm array configurations to avoid land-use conflicts and spoil precious agricultural space.

Low-metallicity globular star cluster challenges formation models

Researchers have discovered a massive globular cluster in the Andromeda Galaxy with an unusually low metallicity, challenging current theories on GC formation. The cluster's metallicity is nearly three times lower than previously known limits, suggesting that massive clusters could form from pristine gas in the early Universe.

New research could help millions who suffer from 'ringing in the ears'

Researchers from the University of Minnesota developed a bimodal neuromodulation treatment using sound and electrical stimulation to reduce tinnitus symptoms. The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, showed significant improvements in symptom severity for 86% of participants after 12 weeks of treatment.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Report finds COVID-19 rate among dentists is less than one percent

A recent report by the American Dental Association found that fewer than one percent of dentists in the US were COVID-19 positive, with 99% using enhanced infection control procedures. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,200 dentists, suggests that dentistry's risk of transmission is lower than initially thought.

NSF renews Rice-based NEWT Center for water treatment

The Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment Center (NEWT) at Rice University has been renewed for five years with a $16.5 million NSF award. The center will focus on developing multifunctional nanomaterials and low-energy desalination technologies to address global water needs.

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.

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.

Examining CBD use for conditions with proven therapies

Researchers examined whether individuals are using cannabidiol (CBD) for diagnosable conditions with evidence-based therapies. The study found that many users were seeking alternative treatments, highlighting the need for more research on CBD's efficacy and safety.

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.

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.

Lie detection -- Have the experts got it wrong?

A report by University of Portsmouth experts challenges the effectiveness of a commonly used police interview technique for detecting lies. The technique, which has been employed by both the FBI and British police, is deemed unfit for use.

Monash discoveries suggest new breast cancer treatment

Researchers discovered a new combination of treatments that may benefit patients with certain gene mutations. Inhibiting the protein AKT suppressed growth of tumour cells in animal models, while combining dexamethasone with AKT inhibition showed better results.

All-terrain microrobot flips through a live colon

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of microrobot that can navigate through the rough terrain of a human colon, enabling potential targeted drug delivery without causing side effects. The microrobots use magnetic fields to tumble and move through the colon, allowing for controlled release of medication.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Repurposing drugs for a pan-coronavirus treatment

A large international consortium of researchers has studied three coronaviruses, identifying common molecular mechanisms and potential drug targets for rapid treatment response. The study also analyzed clinical data to identify effective FDA-approved therapeutics for COVID-19 patients.

AJTMH tip sheet for October 2020

Researchers found that hypochlorous acid can chemically modify malodorous compounds and rapidly inactivate infectious particles, promoting greater latrine use. The study also shows potential for HOCl to improve latrine odor and reduce transmission of diseases such as dengue fever.

Study reveals the influence of race correction in kidney disease care

Researchers found that using the race multiplier correction factor for Black patients with chronic kidney disease can lead to delayed referrals and critical conversations about dialysis. Removing this factor could reclassify up to one-third of Black patients to a more severe stage of CKD.

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.

Fraction of money earmarked for COVID-19 recovery could boost climate efforts

A new study suggests that investing in climate-positive recovery plans for the global energy system could put the world on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Investing just a tenth of the $12 trillion pledged in stimulus packages over five years in climate-friendly policies could achieve net zero carbon energy by mid-century.

AI traffic congestion research earns Future Leaders Fellowship

Dr. Mauro Vallati will receive a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship to develop AI-driven frameworks for tackling traffic congestion and environmental issues in urban areas. The research aims to optimize traffic light settings, communicate with vehicles, and reduce pollution.

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.

Australian carp virus plan 'dead in the water'

A new study by the University of Exeter and the University of East Anglia demonstrates that Common Carp would evolve resistance to KHV, rendering it ineffective. The research highlights the need for alternative control methods to mitigate ecological damage caused by invasive carp.

Ingestible capsule that could help demystify the gut-brain axis

Researchers at the University of Maryland are developing an ingestible capsule that can monitor and model gut microbiome serotonin activity. The platform provides access to the specific site of serotonin production, allowing for real-time processing and neurological effects assessment.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Remembering novelty

Researchers have identified a new key player in long-term memory formation, the connection between mossy cells and granule cells in the hippocampus. This discovery sheds light on how new environments are processed and stored in the brain.

Predicting influenza epidemics

The study developed a unique method to forecast influenza epidemics using real episode data and consultations about symptoms, achieving accurate results for all seasons under stable conditions. The forecasts can help redistribute resources effectively during an epidemic, with potential applications in the ongoing corona pandemic as well.

Phosphate polymer forms a cornerstone of metabolic control

Researchers discovered that polyphosphate synthesis is deeply integrated with cellular metabolism, allowing organisms to adapt to nutrient deprivation. This knowledge could enable scientists to engineer the metabolism of organisms to be more resilient in a range of environments.

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.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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