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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 19


Page 19 of 47

How initiatives empowering employees can backfire

Research from Michigan State University and Ohio State University found that empowerment initiatives can be effective when implemented by leaders who value being respected, but can lead to micromanaging and decreased motivation when led by those who prioritize control. The study suggests that candid conversations between employees and ...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 20, 2020

New evidence for geologically recent earthquakes near Portland, Oregon metro area

Paleoseismic trenching reveals three surface-rupturing earthquakes occurred approximately 8,800, 4,200, and 1,000 years ago on the Gales Creek fault. The study suggests that earthquakes occur about every 4,000 years on the fault, posing significant seismic hazard to the Portland metro area.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateOct 20, 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.

Children with chronic kidney disease have outsized health burden

Children with chronic kidney disease experience prolonged hospital stays (30% longer) and increased hospital expenses ($8,755 vs. $5,016). They also have a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, with a 50% increase compared to other chronic conditions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateOct 20, 2020

Microbial diversity below seafloor is as rich as on Earth's surface

A recent study mapped microbial diversity in marine sediment, revealing a rich ecosystem with diverse microbial communities. The research found that bacterial diversity exceeds archaeal diversity and is comparable to surface biomes.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals why some blame Asian Americans for COVID-19

A study by Ohio State University found that racial prejudice, poor coping, and partisan media viewing contribute to stigmatization of Asian Americans during the pandemic. Stereotypical beliefs about Asians and envy towards their success were most linked to stigmatization.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEthnicity and Health·DateOct 20, 2020

A CNIO team describes how a virus can cause diabetes

A team of researchers from CNIO describes how the enterovirus coxsackievirus type B4 can induce diabetes by deregulating the URI protein and silencing the Pdx1 gene. This finding has potential implications for understanding the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and diabetes.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 20, 2020
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.

New theory sheds light on how the environment influences human health

Researchers propose a new theory that suggests the existence of a biodynamic interface between humans and their environment, which mediates interaction between biological and environmental systems. This interface considers social, behavioral, and cultural dynamics, allowing scientists to assess its impact on health outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBioEssays·DateOct 20, 2020

Mandatory vaccinations required in only half of all countries

A global study led by McGill University found that 54% of UN-recognized countries have national mandatory vaccination policies, with varying penalties for non-compliance. Educational and financial penalties are the most common, ranging from small fines to jail time in some cases.

SourceMcGill University·JournalVaccine·DateOct 20, 2020

SPIE Neurophotonics event to showcase latest neuroscience research

The event will feature a diverse cohort of neuroscientists presenting and discussing their latest research on the development and application of neurophotonics tools. The mini-symposium will highlight hot-off-the-press advances in neuroscience-related optical technology and its applications in in vivo imaging and neurocomputation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·DateOct 20, 2020

What cold lizards in Miami can tell us about climate change resilience

Researchers found that all species of lizards in Miami can tolerate temperatures as low as 42°F, despite previous individual tolerances. This unexpected finding provides evidence that tropical creatures can sometimes endure conditions beyond their established limits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 20, 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.

Conversation about suicide prevention leads to safe gun storage

Researchers at Forefront Suicide Prevention at the University of Washington found that talking about suicide prevention and safe firearm storage at gun shows can lead to a significant increase in people locking up their firearms. In a community-based setting, engaging people in an empathetic conversation resulted in more people adoptin...

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 20, 2020

COVID-19 pandemic drives innovation in diabetes care

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated adoption of innovative diabetes care models, including telehealth, to improve medical outcomes and patient experience. Despite challenges such as lack of insurance coverage and workforce shortages, these models have the potential to transform diabetes care for millions worldwide.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 20, 2020

Focal epilepsy often overlooked

A new study finds that focal epilepsy, affecting one in 26 American adults, is often overlooked due to subtle symptoms. Early diagnosis can lead to fewer car accidents, with the researchers estimating 1,816 preventable accidents annually worldwide.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 20, 2020
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.

The road to uncovering a novel mechanism for disposing of misfolded proteins

Researchers discovered a novel cellular mechanism for disposing of misfolded proteins in a rare condition called alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, which can also affect neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. The study identified the human enzyme Man1b1 as key to degrading these proteins.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 20, 2020

Kitchen temperature supercurrents from stacked 2D materials

A new semiconductor superlattice device enables superconductivity at temperatures as warm as -3°C, paving the way for ultra-low-energy electronics. The study proposes a 3D exciton superfluid state in stacked atomically-thin layers of transition metal dichalcogenide materials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 20, 2020

Declines in shellfish species on rocky seashores match climate-driven changes

A study of Maine's Swan's Island reveals declines in five species of mussels, barnacles, and snails over two decades, with young mussels experiencing the sharpest decline. The researchers attribute these changes to climate-driven ocean acidification and warming, which affect shellfish ability to thicken their shells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCommunications Biology·DateOct 20, 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.

Study shows active older adults have better physical and mental health

A new study from the American Cancer Society found that active older adults have better overall physical and mental health. Higher amounts of regular moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and lower duration of sedentary time are associated with higher global mental and physical health.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer·DateOct 20, 2020

UC studies tobacco use, cancer connection

Researchers at UC have identified metabolic fingerprints that distinguish cancers from nonsmokers compared to smokers, providing important steps toward new and better therapeutic strategies for kidney cancers in both smoking and nonsmoking populations. The study reveals a separate metabolic subtype of kidney cancer with different weakn...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 20, 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.

Study reveals role of sleep deprivation in unwanted thoughts

A new study reveals that sleep deprivation significantly impairs the ability to suppress unwanted and unpleasant thoughts. Participants who were sleep-deprived showed a nearly 50% increase in unwanted thoughts compared to those who had a good night's sleep.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateOct 20, 2020

Efficacy, politics influence public trust in COVID-19 vaccine

A new study by Cornell researchers found that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy is a key factor in Americans' willingness to adopt the vaccine, with increased effectiveness leading to higher acceptance rates. The study also highlighted the impact of political endorsements and geopolitical factors on vaccine uptake.

SourceCornell University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 2020

Computational study reveals how Ebola nucleocapsid stabilizes

A computational study of Ebola's nucleocapsid reveals how ssRNA encapsulation stabilizes the virus, maintaining its structural integrity. The model includes all atoms and ions essential for the helical assembly, providing insights into the virus's ability to infect and replicate.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 20, 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.

Citizens themselves contribute to political mistrust

A recent study by Aarhus University researchers reveals that citizens contribute significantly to the spread of negative information about politicians, leading to increased mistrust. This phenomenon is rooted in humans' innate psychological tendency to prioritize self-interest over political substance.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateOct 20, 2020

Aggressive melanoma cells at edge of tumours are key to cancer spread

Researchers have discovered a subset of melanoma cells located at the edge of tumours that are highly invasive and successful at forming new tumours. These 'rounded-amoeboid' cells use a powerful signalling cascade to initiate tumour growth, offering new insights into cancer spread and treatment options.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2020

Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces insomnia symptoms among young drinkers

A pilot study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduced insomnia severity among young adult binge drinkers, leading to improved sleep efficiency and decreased alcohol use outcomes. CBT participants showed greater improvements in insomnia symptoms compared to those who received a single session on sleep hygiene.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSLEEP·DateOct 20, 2020

Rethinking the link between cannabinoids and learning

A study by Megan Carey and Catarina Albergaria found that altered cannabinoid signalling impairs learning in mice. However, this was not due to direct effects on neural plasticity, but rather the reduced activity levels of the mutant mice. Restoring behavioral state through exercise fully restored learning abilities.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateOct 20, 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.

Targeting the shell of the Ebola virus

The study reveals structural features of the Ebola nucleocapsid, a promising therapeutic target for destabilizing the virus and knocking it out with antivirals. The researchers used supercomputers to simulate the inner workings of Ebola, observing the way molecules move to carry out their functions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 20, 2020
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Light pollution may increase biting behavior at night in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

Research from the University of Notre Dame found that artificial light abnormally increases mosquito biting behavior at night in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The study suggests that increasing levels of light pollution could impact the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 20, 2020

Cannabis reduces OCD symptoms by half in the short-term

A Washington State University study found that cannabis use reduced OCD symptoms by 49% and anxiety by 52% within four hours. The study also linked higher CBD concentrations to larger reductions in compulsions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateOct 20, 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.

Study finds lowering nicotine decreases addictiveness of smoking in vulnerable populations

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that reducing nicotine levels in cigarettes decreases addictiveness, particularly among those with mental illness and socioeconomic disadvantage. The research suggests that lower nicotine content could lead to policy changes benefiting all smokers, especially the most vulnerable.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 20, 2020

New approach to fighting cancer could reduce costs and side effects

Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a novel microfluidic approach to purify CAR-T cells, reducing dead cells by over 70% and increasing cell viability by 20%. This method could significantly benefit patients by lowering manufacturing costs and side effects associated with CAR T cell therapy.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateOct 20, 2020

Predicting tornadoes on UK cold fronts for the first time

Researchers at the University of Leeds and the Met Office have developed a predictive tool to identify regions at increased risk of tornadoes on UK cold fronts. The tool uses wind fields ahead and behind the cold front to compute a percentage probability that tornadoes will occur.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateOct 20, 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.

Most psoriasis patients taking drugs that affect the immune system survive COVID-19

A global registry of psoriasis and COVID-19 patients found that over 90% of patients taking immune system drugs survived the pandemic. The risk factors for severe outcomes were similar to those in the general population, with older, male patients and those with certain health conditions being more likely to require hospital admission.

SourceNational Institute for Health Research·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 20, 2020

Slinging ink, raising temperatures

Researchers found that tattooed skin has reduced sweat rates, which can lead to increased risk of overheating. The study suggests that the tattooing process damages eccrine sweat glands, potentially causing long-term complications.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateOct 20, 2020

Safety considerations for visiting primary care doctors

Primary care doctors are taking safety measures to protect patients, including appointment-only offices, clear protocols posted online or over the phone, and staggered in-person visits. Patients can also take precautions such as calling labs before scheduling appointments and wearing masks during visits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice·DateOct 20, 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.

Removal of synthetic estrogen from water

Researchers found that a modified bentonite complex can remove 17α-ethinylestradiol and other pharmaceutical organic micropollutants from wastewater environments. The study demonstrates an effective and cost-efficient method for removing synthetic estrogen from bodies of water.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateOct 20, 2020

Food waste: cities can make the difference

Cities are crucial actors in tackling food waste, launching effective policies and initiatives to address it. A new framework for assessing urban food waste policies and initiatives has been presented, highlighting the importance of integrated management and multi-actorial collaboration.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalResources·DateOct 19, 2020
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.