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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 47

UT Arlington electrical engineering professor named fellow of the Optical Society

Weidong Zhou, a UT Arlington electrical engineering professor, has been named a fellow of the Optical Society (OSA) for his significant contributions to photonic crystal membrane lasers and hybrid nanomembrane optoelectronics. His research involves developing on-chip systems for healthcare applications and efficient, scalable lasers fo...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateOct 26, 2020

Coronavirus volunteers: Greater satisfaction thanks to online platforms

A study by the University of Basel found that online platforms have a positive impact on volunteer mobilization, willingness, and satisfaction. Volunteers who were more afraid of catching the virus experienced higher satisfaction through boosts in self-confidence. The findings suggest that online platforms can channel oversupply and re...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

New insights into a potential target for autoimmune disease

A study led by George Hajishengallis found that targeting the DEL-1 molecule could be an effective way to treat inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. The researchers discovered that DEL-1 promotes the generation and immunosuppressive activity of regulatory T cells, which are crucial in maintaining health.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 26, 2020

Light on efficiency loss in organic solar cells

Organic solar cell efficiencies are limited by electron affinity and ionization energy offsets. Researchers discovered that Förster resonance energy transfer competes with electron transfer, hindering charge separation. The team plans to design new materials with enhanced charge generation and reduced energy losses.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 26, 2020

Discovery of new cell may be key to treating incurable neurological diseases

Researchers at Ohio State and the University of Michigan discovered a new type of immune cell that rescues damaged nerve cells from death and partially reverses nerve fiber damage. The unique cell subset promotes nervous system repair and has been identified in human immune cells with similar characteristics.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 26, 2020

Researchers present findings on role of google search early in COVID-19 pandemic

A study by George Washington University researchers analyzed Google Trends data to assess public perception of COVID-19 exposure and disease prevalence. The team found that specific queries related to testing and diagnosis were associated with higher SVI values in states with the highest COVID-19 cases.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Most dentists have experienced aggression from patients

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry found that half of US dentists experienced verbal or reputational aggression in the past year, while nearly a quarter endured physical aggression. The rates of patient aggression toward dentists are high and comparable with those reported in other health care settings.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 26, 2020

Inks containing lead were likely used as drier on ancient Egyptian papyri

Researchers found previously unknown lead compounds in ancient Egyptian red and black inks, suggesting they were used as a drying agent. The discovery challenges previous understanding of ancient lead-based pigments and may indicate widespread use of similar techniques earlier than thought.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Humanities·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SwRI study offers more complete view of massive asteroid Psyche

The study provides new insights into the asteroid's composition, suggesting it may be a dense, metallic object made of iron and nickel. The findings also indicate that oxidation is occurring on the surface, which could be a result of solar wind interaction.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateOct 26, 2020

DNA sleuths target ivory poachers

A new DNA test developed by Flinders University can accurately determine the legal status of seized ivory samples, even in highly degraded state. The technique has shown 100% identification accuracy and correct assignment in the legal status of 227 highly degraded ivories.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Legal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Shifts in flowering phases of plants due to reduced insect density

Researchers found that reduced insect density influences plant composition and development, with dominant plant species becoming more prevalent. This can lead to mismatches between plant and animal species, causing adverse consequences for the ecosystem.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateOct 26, 2020

Scientists establish NanDeSyn Database to support international cooperation on industrial microalgae

The NanDeSyn Database collects and integrates functional genomics data for industrial microalgae, including genome sequences, gene annotations, and transcriptomes. This will facilitate research cooperation among the global Nannochloropsis community to develop the microalgae as a chassis for photosynthetic production of oils.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Aged cell variations may control health and onset of age-related diseases

The study identifies four distinct states of cellular senescence, each characterized by changes in metabolic and epigenomic processes. These states are linked to different levels of inflammation and metabolism, offering new insights into the aging process and potential ways to promote healthy longevity.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalTrends in Cell Biology·DateOct 26, 2020

The uncertain future of the oceans

New study shows ocean acidification influences carbon content of sinking particles, affecting biological pump. The results, published in Nature Climate Change, indicate highly variable responses to CO2, with bacterial and animal plankton playing a key role.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 26, 2020

Rural health care, logging, and carbon conservation

A study in rural Borneo found that healthcare exchange programs reduced deforestation by 70%, preserving forest carbon stores. Clinic access was high but highest in districts with logging agreements, highlighting community engagement as key to success.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Hydrogen sulfide helps maintain your drive to breathe

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that hydrogen sulfide is essential for maintaining normal breathing patterns in mammals. The production of hydrogen sulfide allows brain regions responsible for controlling breathing to function normally.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Timeline of early eukaryotic evolution unveiled

Researchers reconstructed evolutionary events based on genetic changes, finding complex cellular machinery evolved before mitochondrial symbiosis. The study suggests cell complexity increased before acquiring mitochondria, challenging current understanding of eukaryogenesis.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

Accessible healthcare could be key to solving climate crisis

A new study by Stanford researchers finds that deforestation in an Indonesian national park declined 70% after an affordable health clinic opened, preserving carbon sinks and reversing poverty. The clinic's success demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing human health and environmental conservation.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 26, 2020

How bats excel as viral reservoirs

Researchers found that bats lack AIM-2 receptors, which could reduce inflammation and allow viral reservoirs. In vitro experiments showed partial restoration of inflammasome signaling when human AIM-2 genes were introduced into bat cells.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Concrete structure's lifespan extended by a carbon textile

A new method using noncombustible carbon textile grid and cement mortar doubles load-bearing capacities of structurally deficient concrete structures, increasing their usable lifespan threefold. Construction costs are reduced by 40% compared to existing methods.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMaterials·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Healthcare as a climate solution

A new analysis reveals that improving healthcare in rural Indonesia reduced incentives for illegal logging, resulting in a 70% decline in deforestation and over $65 million worth of avoided carbon emissions. The innovative clinic model provides a blueprint for preserving biodiversity while reducing poverty and illness.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Haunted house researchers investigate the mystery of playing with fear

A study published in Psychological Science reveals that enjoying a fearful experience, like a haunted house, requires finding the perfect balance of fear and enjoyment. The researchers found an inverted U-shape trend showing that too little or too much fear can decrease enjoyment, while just-right fear levels maximize it.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

High fat or 'ketogenic' diets could prevent, reverse heart failure

A study published in Nature Metabolism found that high fat and low carbohydrate diets can completely prevent or even reverse heart failure caused by a metabolic process. The research team discovered that providing a high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve cardiac fat metabolism and prevent or reverse cardiac dysfunction.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateOct 26, 2020

Solar hydrogen: let's consider the stability of photoelectrodes

Researchers have conducted the first operando stability study of high-purity BiVO4 photoanodes during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using in-situ plasma mass spectrometry, they determined a useful parameter called the stability number (S), which can be used to compare and assess the stability of photoelectrodes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Medicine and grief during the COVID-19 era

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing difficulties with grieving in the US. Healthcare professionals, who are particularly vulnerable to burnout, report increased levels of grief and despair, leading to concerns about their well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020

Discovery adds new species to Rice lab's ghoulish insect menagerie

Researchers at Rice University and UNAM have discovered four new wasp species, including Allorhogas gallifolia, which may interact with other species on galls in complex ways. The discovery adds to the lab's 'ghoulish insect menagerie' and expands understanding of ecosystem interactions.

SourceRice University·JournalInsect Systematics and Diversity·DateOct 26, 2020

Personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia revealed

Research by Murdoch Children's Research Institute reveals significant personal and financial costs of ADHD in Australia, including $12.75 billion in annual social and economic losses. Early identification and treatment may help improve outcomes for children with ADHD.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 26, 2020

For pregnant women with heart disease, multidisciplinary care may be essential

A recent study conducted at Columbia University Irving Medical Center suggests that multidisciplinary cardio-obstetrics teams can improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce hospital readmission rates among pregnant women with cardiovascular disease. The study found low rates of maternal and fetal complications, as well as a lower rate of ho...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Motorists' smartphones may help highways bosses keep roads safe

A new study suggests that smartphone acceleration sensors can provide a low-cost measure of road roughness, allowing engineers to prioritize maintenance and reduce costs. This approach could also be used to assess the condition of rural roads in developing countries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Infrastructure Systems·DateOct 26, 2020

Rice rolls out next-gen nanocars

Researchers at Rice University have designed new nanocars with permanent dipole moments to increase their speed and drivability on a gold surface. The cars, weighing 114 atoms, will be driven via the internet by teams worldwide, competing in the 2022 international Nanocar Race.

SourceRice University·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Wildlife flock to backyards for food from people

Researchers found that feeding animals is the strongest influence on animal activity in yards, with species like squirrels and raccoons being most common. The study confirms the urban-wildlife paradox, showing that suburban areas can have an abundance of wildlife compared to wild areas.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

Can scientists take the STING out of common respiratory viruses?

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine found that most rhinoviruses require human protein STING to infect cells and cause disease. The discovery opens a new avenue for controlling infection and could lead to targeted therapies for treating common colds and acute wheezing episodes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateOct 26, 2020

Odds are good for unique 2D compound

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a unique 2D material that enables the valleytronics phenomenon, touted as a possible platform for information processing and storage. The material has been found to be scalable and less susceptible to environmental degradation.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 26, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Penn Study supports use of radiation before CAR therapy for multiple myeloma

A new Penn study found administering radiation therapy to multiple myeloma patients waiting for CAR T cells to be manufactured was safe and did not interfere with cellular therapy. Patients who received radiation 34 days or fewer before infusion had similar rates of severe side effects as those who did not receive radiation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2020