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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 47
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.

Common liverwort study has implications for crop manipulation

A new study on genetic pathways in the common liverwort has significant implications for crop manipulation by revealing a unique role of ACC as a biologically active molecule. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of plant hormone ethylene production and suggests potential avenues for manipulating its signaling pathways

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 26, 2020

Modern computational tools may open a new era for fossil pollen research

A team of scientists developed machine-learning models to differentiate among several existing Amherstieae legume genera and classified existing pollen accurately over 80% of the time. The results support previous hypotheses suggesting that Amherstieae originated in Africa and later dispersed to South America.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateOct 26, 2020

Divide and conquer: a new formula to minimize 'mathemaphobia'

A new study by the University of South Australia aims to break the cycle of maths anxiety by building student confidence in maths. The research shows that boosting student confidence can counteract negative emotions and lead to better maths achievement.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Education·DateOct 26, 2020

Global 'BiteMap' reveals how marine food webs may change with climate

A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.

SourceSmithsonian·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.

Localized vaccination surveillance could help prevent measles outbreaks

A new study from the University of Michigan suggests that localized data on childhood vaccination coverage can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks. The research found that when people who are not vaccinated cluster geographically, the probability and size of an outbreak increase.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Bait consumption by marine predators

Marine predators consume more bait in mid-latitudes than near the equator, according to a new study. The researchers found that feeding intensity declines with increasing distance from the equator, and that warmer waters have little impact on bait consumption rates.

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

Localized vaccination surveillance could help prevent measles outbreaks

A new study suggests that localized vaccination surveillance can help predict and prevent measles outbreaks by analyzing geographic clustering of non-vaccinators. The researchers found that even at high overall vaccination coverage, clustering of non-vaccinators increases the probability and size of an outbreak.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Couples share heart disease risk factors and behaviors

A study of over 5,000 couples found that nearly all shared unhealthy habits, such as low-quality diet and inadequate exercise. The vast majority fell into the non-ideal category for cardiovascular health, with most sharing these behaviors. Improving one partner's health may positively impact their loved one.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2020

The Darwinian diet: You are what you eat

Researchers studied attine ants and their fungal crops, finding that the ants' ability to target specific nutritional needs evolves as they develop more advanced farming practices. The findings suggest that humans can learn from nature's agricultural systems, which prioritize nutritional sustainability over industrial-scale production.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020

Irregular appearances of glacial and interglacial climate states

Researchers have found that interglacials were more frequently skipped in the past than previously thought. The study used a new approach to analyze climate data, separating temperature and sea level change influences, and found repeated irregularities during the last 2.6 million years.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

High-thermoresistant biopolyimides become water-soluble like starch

Researchers at JAIST have developed a new method to create water-soluble polyimides with high thermoresistance, featuring high transparency and tunable mechanical strength. The biopolyimides were synthesized using bio-based resources and treated with alkaline metal hydroxide to yield water-soluble salts.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 26, 2020

Ancient lake contributed to past San Andreas fault ruptures

Researchers suggest that a large lake overlying the southern San Andreas fault in California could have affected rupture timing. A 1,000-year record of earthquakes and geological analysis indicate that high water levels on Lake Cahuilla increased stress on the rocks underneath, weakening faults and potentially leading to earlier ruptures.

SourceGeological Society of America·DateOct 26, 2020

Dartmouth study examines well water testing promotion in pediatric primary care

A Dartmouth study found that involving pediatric practices in promoting private well water testing can significantly influence parental compliance. The study, which tested two interventions, showed that providing both parents and clinic access to results and follow-up reminders increased testing completion rates.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateOct 26, 2020

War songs and lullabies behind origins of music

Researchers argue music's primary function is to signal attention to infants, while also forming alliances with groups. This theory challenges existing music origin theories, including social bonding and auditory cheesecake hypotheses.

SourceWashington State University·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.

Who does the electoral college favor?

Researchers found that the 2020 election has less of a tilt to Republicans than in 2016, and that a close popular vote margin could lead to either outcome. The study suggests Biden may not need as large a popular vote margin as Clinton did in 2016.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Dog training methods help JHU teach robots to learn new tricks

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used positive reinforcement to train a robot named Spot to perform several tasks in days, compared to months. The team devised a reward system that works for robots like treats do for dogs, earning numeric points for correct behaviors.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateOct 26, 2020

How to figure out what you don't know

New research from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory highlights the importance of model evaluation in neuroscience. By building and comparing several models of neural signaling, researchers found that good predictive power does not necessarily indicate a model's representation of real neural networks.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·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.

COVID-19 vaccines: McGill researchers track the global race

McGill University professors have created an online COVID-19 vaccine tracker providing real-time updates on vaccine progress and characteristics. The tracker helps manage expectations about vaccine availability and promotes transparency in the regulatory process.

SourceMcGill University·DateOct 26, 2020

The BrainHealth project could create a resilient economy

The BrainHealth Project aims to redefine brain health as a critical asset, improving emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning. By investing in employees' brain health, organizations can tap into their limitless potential, catalyze innovative thinking, and strengthen productivity.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·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.

The first ever international Wounds Week was a resounding success

The first international Wounds Week was a resounding success, bringing together experts to discuss wound infection, identification, prevention, and management of pressure. Key findings include the importance of antimicrobial stewardship and wound hygiene in preventing infections.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Wound Care·DateOct 26, 2020

Land management in forest and grasslands: How much can we intensify?

Researchers analyzed data from 300 German grasslands and forests to investigate the relationships between biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services. The study found that low-intensity farming and forestry can preserve biodiversity while providing material benefits.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Illinois study tracks evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations

A University of Illinois study tracks the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 virus mutations, finding stabilization in key proteins that could improve COVID-19 treatments. The research suggests these stabilizations may help increase viral infectivity and shed light on vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEvolutionary Bioinformatics·DateOct 26, 2020

Duke-NUS study uncovers why bats excel as viral reservoirs without getting sick

Bats use unique strategies to tolerate zoonotic viruses, preventing overactive immune responses that protect them from diseases. The team identified mechanisms that balance key proteins involved in immunity and inflammation, enabling bats to harbour pathogens without getting sick.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

3D printing the first ever biomimetic tongue surface

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a biomimetic tongue surface using 3D printing, replicating the complex texture and mechanical properties of a human tongue. The new technology enables testing of oral processing properties of food, nutritional technologies, and pharmaceuticals without relying on human trials.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 26, 2020

Taking the itch out of cancer immunotherapy

A study published in Communications Biology found that inflammation from high IL-6 levels leads to psoriasis-like dermatitis. Researchers propose targeting IL-6 as a potential approach to preventing the condition.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Biology·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.

State gun laws may help curb violence across state lines: study

A study by Columbia University researchers found that strong state gun laws are associated with lower rates of firearm homicides within the state and across state lines. Weaker laws in one state contribute to higher homicide rates in neighboring states, particularly when guns can flow undetected into areas with already weak laws.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEpidemiology·DateOct 26, 2020

Summer road trip finds small streams have big impacts on Great Lakes

Researchers found that small tributaries to Lake Michigan play a big role in feeding algae blooms and impacting coastal waters. Small streams often had high nutrient loads and contained higher percentages of soluble reactive phosphorus, making them significant contributors to water quality concerns.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 26, 2020

Nutrient contributions of tributaries to Lake Michigan

Monitoring of 235 Lake Michigan tributaries reveals that small and abundant tributaries have high nutrient loads, often in dissolved inorganic forms. These plumes can overlap and amplify the impact on water quality, suggesting that small tributaries could be a critical target for eutrophication mitigation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Destroying cancer cells with non-surgical ultrasound treatment

Researchers at KIST demonstrated the mechanism behind secondary cavitation clouds generated during HIFU treatment, allowing for precise removal of target tissue. The study laid the groundwork for ultra-precision focused ultrasound technology, enabling safe and effective destruction of tumor cells without surgery.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalUltrasonics Sonochemistry·DateOct 26, 2020

Scientists to improve food plant worker safety, product supply

A Cornell University-led project aims to reduce COVID-19 cases and transmission among food processing facility workers while maintaining production capacity. The researchers will collaborate with industry partners to explore optimal strategies using computer modeling and outreach.

SourceCornell University·DateOct 26, 2020

Earth's niobium and core formation

Researchers report that niobium readily dissolves in iron under high temperatures and pressures consistent with the Earth's core formation. This finding supports core formation models suggesting that the core did not form under highly reducing or oxidizing conditions, but rather was constrained by the sequestration of niobium.

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

On-surface synthesis of graphene nanoribbons could advance quantum devices

Researchers have developed an on-surface synthesis method to create graphene nanoribbons with precise electronic properties, advancing quantum devices. The approach uses a titanium dioxide surface and achieves atomic-scale precision, decoupling the material from the substrate and enabling unique quantum properties.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience·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.

Hard physical work significantly increases the risk of dementia

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 26, 2020

Soft epidermal devices for sweat biomarker measurements

Researchers developed a wearable device to monitor stress levels using sweat biomarkers, measuring cortisol, glucose, and vitamin C. The device tracks circadian rhythms and can be controlled via a smartphone, offering noninvasive monitoring of stress levels.

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

Tracking plague across Eurasia

A study analyzing genomic sequences from historical plague victims suggests that a wildlife reservoir in Eurasia, near Europe's edge, may have seeded epidemics. The research also reveals a common strain responsible for the 1722 Great Plague of Marseille and separate introductions to Scandinavia and the Caucasus region.

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

Cell-Free DNA provides a dynamic window into health

Researchers used cell-free DNA to monitor infectious and immune-related diseases, including COVID-19 infection, and identified tissue-of-origin through methylation markers. This technology has potential clinical applications in screening for tissue damage, detecting cancer early, and patient care.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 26, 2020
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.

Insights into the genetic architecture of penicillin allergy

A genome-wide association study identified a significant signal from the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region on chromosome 6, specifically the HLA-B *55:01 allele, associated with a 33% higher relative odds of penicillin allergy. This finding is based on self-reported data and electronic health records of over 1 million individuals.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateOct 26, 2020

Wrinkled 'super pea' could be added to foods to reduce diabetes risk

A new study suggests that incorporating wrinkled 'super peas' into foods, such as whole pea seeds or flour, could help tackle the global type 2 diabetes epidemic by preventing 'sugar spikes'. The research found that consuming these peas resulted in a more stable increase in blood sugar levels compared to regular peas.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Food·DateOct 26, 2020

Infrared radiation in tropical cyclone development

A study found that infrared radiation trapped by deep clouds strengthens the storm's circulation, promoting moisture saturation and rotation. The phenomenon could help improve forecasting of destructive storms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·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.

Time-keeping brain protein influences memory

A brain protein that regulates time-keeping also plays a crucial role in normal memory formation, according to new research in fruit flies. Memory regulation by this protein, PDF, likely occurs without direct signaling to the main memory structure.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 26, 2020

Artificially sweetened drinks may not be heart healthier than sugary drinks

Research from the American College of Cardiology found that high consumption of both sugary and artificially sweetened drinks is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. The study analyzed data from over 104,000 participants and found that consuming either type of beverage increased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 26, 2020