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Science News Archive October 2020


Page 45 of 47

Awakening after a sleeping pill

A patient with akinetic mutism, a rare condition causing temporary paralysis and speech absence, experiences a remarkable recovery after taking a sleeping pill. Brain scans reveal overactive brain regions that can be suppressed by the medication, allowing for temporary speech and movement.

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.

Cheating birds mimic host nestlings to deceive foster parents

Research reveals that a group of parasitic finch species in Africa have evolved to mimic their host's chicks with astonishing accuracy. The study found that nestlings of these 'brood-parasitic' finches mimic the appearance, sounds and movements of their grassfinch host's chicks.

New tool shows main highways of disease development

Researchers developed a comprehensive tool to explore disease development patterns, identifying main highways of disease progression. The Danish Disease Trajectory Browser analyzes 25 years of public health data to discover frequent disease trajectories.

Nitric oxide a possible treatment for COVID-19

A study by Uppsala University researchers suggests that nitric oxide may be an effective treatment for COVID-19, with antiviral properties that inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The compound is produced naturally in the body and has been shown to reduce inflammation and boost blood-oxygen saturation levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Hidden DNA fragment the 'trigger switch' for male development

Scientists have discovered a new piece of DNA crucial for forming male sex organs in mice, revealing the Y-chromosome gene Sry has two distinct parts. The findings suggest this discovery could be used to manipulate sex ratios in agriculture and biological pest management, but not on human embryos.

New model examines how societal influences affect US political opinions

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a quantitative model to understand how politicized environments affect US political opinion formation and evolution. The model incorporates three psychological effects: attraction/repulsion, tribalism, and perceptual filtering, to simulate how populations change their opinions.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Fuelling the energy revolution

A German chemist is researching green hydrogen production using sunlight to meet the EU's climate targets. The goal is to replace fossil-based raw materials with sustainable green hydrogen for transportation, industry, and heating, aiming to become a global leader in this field by 2035.

Searching for the chemistry of life

A study by DESY's X-ray source PETRA III reveals that dry heating can form characteristic DNA base pairs without water or solvents. The team observed the formation of adenine-thymine and guanine-cytosine pairs at temperatures between 100-200 degrees Celsius, suggesting a possible alternative route to molecular recognition patterns in DNA.

Could a poo transplant one day be the secret of eternal youth?

A new study from University of East Anglia and University of Florence reveals that faecal transplants can alter gut microbiome, impacting spatial learning and memory in mice. The procedure may hold promise as a therapy to combat cognitive decline among the elderly.

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.

Harvesting vegetation on riparian buffers barely reduces water-quality benefits

Researchers found that allowing farmers to harvest vegetation from riparian buffers minimally impacts water quality, with only slight annual average reductions in nutrient and sediment capture. The location of the buffer was most important, as buffers between fields and streams removed more pollutants than those near streams.

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.

How speech propels pathogens

Researchers discovered that speech generates conical airflow that can travel up to 2 meters in 30 seconds, emphasizing the importance of time and distance in transmission. Saliva filaments form on the lips during consonant sounds, breaking into microscopic droplets that spread pathogens.

New research on cataract surgery in order to improve health care

Researchers analyzed surgical outcomes in Swedish cataract surgeries from 2007-2016, finding that high-volume surgeons had a lower proportion of severe cases and complications. The study suggests that surgeons can improve patient safety by understanding the impact of case mix on outcomes.

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.

Research shows cell perturbation system could have medical applications

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new cell perturbation system that can deliver DNA, RNA, and proteins into cells with high efficiency and low toxicity. The Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system has the potential to revolutionize medical treatments by enabling quicker and more customized treatment plans.

NASA finds heavy rainfall ringing major Hurricane Maria's eye

Heavy rainfall was found to be occurring around the compact eye of Major Hurricane Marie, with NASA's Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) estimating rainfall rates ranging from 3-20mm/hour. The satellite data provides valuable insights into the storm's intensity and helps improve hurricane forecasting.

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.

Obesity selects Journal Symposium Honorees

The Obesity Society has announced four honorees for its annual symposium, which will present the latest insights into preventing and treating obesity. The honorees represent a range of topics, including the effects of obesogenic medication on weight change outcomes.

Pathogens in the mouth induce oral cancer

Research finds that oral cancer is promoted by periodontal pathogens and can be inhibited by a bacteriocin, a naturally occurring antimicrobial peptide. The study offers new insights into the development of oral cancer and suggests potential therapeutic applications for nisin, a commonly used food preservative.

Mud-slurping chinless ancestors had all the moves

Researchers used computer simulations to study the behavior of ancient ancestors, revealing their ability to adapt to different positions within the water. The findings suggest that these jawless vertebrates were not as limited as previously thought and had diverse lifestyles.

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.

General data protection regulation hinders global biomedical research

The GDPR's restrictive approach to international data transfers is hindering global biomedical research, including essential COVID-19 studies. The authors propose amendments to address this issue, ensuring the balance between individual privacy and societal benefits in research contexts.

Coupling antibiotics with stem cells to fight off bone infections

A new study from Kanazawa University finds that combining antibiotics with antibiotic-laden stem cells effectively treats implant-related bone infections. The researchers used mesenchymal stem cells to deliver ciprofloxacin, which showed strong antimicrobial effects and improved outcomes in animal models of osteomyelitis.

MUSC researchers test brain stimulation in zero gravity

Researchers conducted transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on themselves and a group of volunteers in zero gravity to assess its safety and efficacy. The study aimed to compare TMS results under Earth's gravity to those in zero gravity, with potential implications for long-term space missions.

NASA finds Hurricane Marie rapidly intensifying

Hurricane Marie is rapidly growing stronger and more powerful, with cloud top temperatures reaching as low as -80°F. The National Hurricane Center expects Marie to become a major hurricane late on Oct. 1, with rapid strengthening forecasted.

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.

PATH receives grant to combat soil-transmitted helminth infections

PATH will lead an international collaboration to optimize Cry5B protein as an inexpensive, broad-spectrum antiparasitic treatment suitable for adults, children, and pregnant women. The goal is to expand anthelmintic MDA campaigns and reduce the global burden of STH infections.

Two molecular handshakes for hearing

Researchers create detailed models of tip links, crucial components of the inner ear, to shed light on how hearing works. The study reveals key dynamics and interactions between proteins that form tip links, providing new insights into hearing loss and balance disorders.

Caltech researcher unveils sensor that rapidly detects COVID-19 infection

A new sensor developed by Caltech researchers can rapidly detect COVID-19 infection in under 10 minutes, offering a potential solution for early diagnosis and monitoring. The sensor uses graphene and antibodies to detect specific proteins and chemical markers of inflammation, providing a full picture of the infection.

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.

The most sensitive optical receivers yet for space communications

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a novel concept for laser-based communications using an almost noiseless optical preamplifier in the receiver. This results in an unprecedented receiver sensitivity of one photon-per-information bit at a data rate of 10 gigabits per second.

Bright light bars big-eyed birds from human-altered landscapes

Birds with larger eyes are better adapted to dark environments, while those in agricultural settings often have smaller eyes. The study found that eye size is linked to habitat and foraging technique, suggesting it could help inform research on birds' sensitivity to bright environments.

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.

Cause of 1990s Argentina cholera epidemic uncovered

Researchers mapped genomic evolution of Vibrio cholerae bacteria in Argentina during the 1991-1998 cholera outbreak. The study distinguished between pandemic and non-pandemic lineages, influencing health policy and national alert surveillance system.

Flexible and biodegradable electronic blood vessels

Researchers in China and Switzerland created biodegradable electronic blood vessels that can be actively tuned to address body changes after implantation. These flexible vessels mimic natural blood vessels and demonstrate promise as surrogate arteries in rabbits.

Record-breaking, floating laser resonator

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have developed a floating laser resonator that breaks records in resonance enhancement. The device amplifies light power by an astonishing 10 million watts, equivalent to a large neighborhood's electricity consumption.

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.

Why do people respond differently to the same drug?

A comprehensive study of RGS proteins reveals how they modulate cell signaling and explains why people's responses to the same drugs can vary widely. The researchers created a roadmap for how GPCR signals are routed in cells, highlighting the potential for new treatment approaches for various conditions.

UB awarded grant to help pharmacies build community health worker programs

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have received a grant to help pharmacies implement community health worker programs. These programs aim to improve patient access to critical services while lowering healthcare costs. By providing outreach, education, and support, community health workers can address complex patients with multip...