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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 24


Page 24 of 47

Explaining teamwork in male lions

Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Wildlife Institute of India found that large male lion coalitions consist mainly of brothers and cousins, while pairs of unrelated males also team up for better territory and mate acquisition. This study provides new insights into male cooperation among lions.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 16, 2020

Study finds room for improvement when hospital patients transition to hospice care

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that patients referred to hospice care from hospitals tend to spend less time on hospice and receive fewer pain management medications than those referred from other locations. This difference highlights the need for specialized interventions to improve patient care during tra...

SourceOregon State University·JournalMedical Care·DateOct 16, 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.

Those funky cheese smells allow microbes to 'talk' to and feed each other

Researchers at Tufts University found that bacteria in cheese can sense and respond to compounds produced by fungi, enhancing the growth of some species over others. This discovery provides a model for understanding and modifying other microbiomes, such as soil or the gastrointestinal tract.

SourceTufts University·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateOct 16, 2020

Is sitting always bad for your mind? A new study suggests maybe not

A new study from Colorado State University found that older adults who spent more time sitting performed better on vocabulary and reasoning tasks, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that sedentary time may be meaningful for cognitive health, especially when accompanied by educational activities.

SourceColorado State University·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateOct 16, 2020

Slowing light in an optical cavity with mechanical resonators and mirrors

Theoretical physicists have shown how a position-dependent mass optomechanical system can slow down light in an optical cavity. This innovation enhances optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) and has significant applications in quantum information processing, optical switches, and sensing.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 16, 2020

Zeptoseconds: new world record in short time measurement

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt measured the propagation of light in a hydrogen molecule, achieving a new world record in short time measurement. The scientists tracked the ejection of electrons from the molecule using a unique technique, allowing them to determine the timing of photon interactions within zeptoseconds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience·DateOct 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gel instrumental in 3D bioprinting biological tissues

Researchers at Penn State have developed a gel-based 3D bioprinting method that can create complex shapes and tissues with precise cell placement. The yield stress gel allows for the self-healing of the gel structure, enabling the creation of free-form, complex shapes.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 16, 2020

What San Diego's Hepatitis A outbreak can teach us during COVID-19

A study analyzing tweets from the 2017 Hepatitis A outbreak in San Diego found parallels with current misinformation about COVID-19. The researchers suggest proactive measures, such as greater dialogue between government agencies and the public, can help counter misinformation and boost vaccination rates.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 15, 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.

New study: Forests are still underrated as allies to curb rural poverty

A new global assessment report finds that forests and trees can alleviate poverty, but benefits are unevenly distributed among communities. Agroforestry systems, community forest management, ecotourism, and forest producer organizations show promise in reducing poverty, while protected areas can exacerbate local income inequalities.

SourceBurness·DateOct 15, 2020

Study: Medicaid and adults on the autism spectrum

Researchers found a substantial increase in the percentage of adults with autism receiving Medicaid services from 2008-2012. The study showed higher prevalence among younger adults (18-24) and lower among older adults (41-64).

SourceDrexel University·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateOct 15, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Preliminary results find vaccine candidate based on inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus is safe and induces an immune response in healthy volunteers

A Phase 1/2 randomised controlled trial found the vaccine candidate BBIBP-CorV is safe and induces an immune response in healthy volunteers. The study detected antibody responses in all recipients by day 42 after vaccination, and was well-tolerated with no severe adverse reactions reported.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 15, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Consistent nursing care after childbirth boosts breastfeeding rates

Researchers surveyed labor nurses from 36 hospitals in three states and found that hospitals with higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding had less missed nursing care. Exclusive breastfeeding was also associated with hospitals adhering to nurse staffing guidelines during labor and immediate postpartum care.

SourceNew York University·DateOct 15, 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.

Results from the REFLECT II Trial reported at TCT Connect

The REFLECT II trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TriGuard 3, a self-stabilizing cerebral embolic deflection filter, in patients undergoing TAVR. The device met the primary safety endpoint, but did not demonstrate superiority for reducing ischemic stroke or larger lesions.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 15, 2020

Upgraded GMRT measures the mass of hydrogen in distant galaxies

A team of astronomers has used the upgraded GMRT to measure atomic hydrogen content in galaxies as they were 8 billion years ago. The study reveals that the exhaustion of atomic hydrogen gas explains the decline in star formation activity over time.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature·DateOct 15, 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.

Researchers seek to end unexpected bills for screening colonoscopies

A study by researchers at the University of Virginia Health System found that nearly 1 in 8 commercially insured patients received surprise bills for out-of-network expenses after undergoing elective colonoscopies. The team recommends partnering with in-network anesthesia and pathology providers to prevent these unexpected costs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 15, 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.

Personality traits affect shelter at home compliance

A worldwide survey found that people with low openness and neuroticism were less likely to shelter at home when government policies were lenient. However, higher scores on other personality traits like conscientiousness and agreeableness were associated with greater likelihood of sheltering in place.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateOct 15, 2020

Rare congenital heart defect rescued by protease inhibition

A research team at Greenwood Genetic Center successfully restored normal heart and valve development in an animal model for Mucolipidosis II using small molecules. The study used cathepsin protease inhibitors to normalize cardiac development in a zebrafish model with genetic mutations that disrupted growth factor signaling.

SourceGreenwood Genetic Center·DateOct 15, 2020

Pancreatic cancer: Subtypes with different aggressiveness discovered

Researchers define two molecular subtypes of pancreatic carcinoma with distinct aggressiveness, differing in the origin and development. The study reveals a novel mechanism called viral mimicry that promotes cancer growth and metastasis.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalCancer Discovery·DateOct 15, 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.

NASA finds wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Nangka post-landfall

NASA's Aqua satellite revealed strong winds and wind shear affecting Tropical Storm Nangka as it pushed inland, leading to weakening of the storm's circulation. The storm was forecast to move further inland and dissipate over mountainous terrain in northwest Vietnam and northern Laos.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 15, 2020

UT Southwestern leads national efforts around childhood blood disorders

New research led by UT Southwestern shows the effectiveness of a treatment for aplastic anemia and reveals the range of diagnosis and treatment options used by hospitals around the country. The studies highlight how collaborative research can improve outcomes for children with rare blood disorders, including myelodysplastic syndrome.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalPediatric Blood & Cancer·DateOct 15, 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.

Research could change how blood pressure is managed in spinal cord injury patients

Researchers found that targeting the heart to increase blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the injured spinal cord, potentially reducing damage and improving function. This new approach could lead to a change in how newly injured patients are managed, with improved chances of retaining motor function.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 15, 2020

Rice's Haotian Wang wins Packard fellowship

Haotian Wang, a researcher at Rice University, has received a $875,000 five-year grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation to pursue his work on converting carbon dioxide into fuels. The award supports his technology that uses renewable electricity to convert greenhouse gases into valuable chemical fuels.

SourceRice University·DateOct 15, 2020

Quantum engines with entanglement as fuel?

Researchers aim to demonstrate ideal energy transfer in quantum systems, potentially leading to more efficient engines and quantum computers. The project uses superconducting circuits to design experiments that can be carried out within realistic quantum systems.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateOct 15, 2020

New test can target and capture most lethal cells in fatal brain cancer

A new test developed by Johns Hopkins University can accurately pinpoint and capture the deadliest cells in glioblastoma, a type of fatal brain cancer. The method's accuracy in predicting patient outcomes varies from 86% to 100%, suggesting its potential for developing targeted therapeutics.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 15, 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.

New tool enables easy, effective disease tracking

The IDseq tool uses metagenomic analysis to identify emerging pathogens from a single sample, providing actionable reports on infectious diseases worldwide. By leveraging open-source software, researchers can rapidly detect and track disease outbreaks, aiding in pandemic prevention and global health initiatives.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·DateOct 15, 2020

Researchers deconstruct the "biological clock" that regulates birdsong

A team of researchers from Penn State and NYU has deconstructed the 'biological clock' that regulates birdsong, revealing delays within neuronal circuits play a critical role in timing. The study found a wide distribution of delays in the circuit, allowing for higher resolution and more precise control over complex behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell·DateOct 15, 2020

Golden meat: Engineering cow cells to produce beta carotene

Scientists at Tufts University genetically engineered cow muscle cells to produce beta carotene, a provitamin that may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The study demonstrates the potential of cell-cultured meat products to surpass the nutritional profile of conventionally produced meat.

SourceNew Harvest·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateOct 15, 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.

Automatic decision-making prevents us harming others - new study

A new study found that our brains use different approaches to avoid harm to ourselves versus others. When learning to avoid harm to others, decisions are automatic and efficient, but when avoiding harm to oneself, choices become more deliberative and future-focused.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 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.

Inexpensive and rapid testing of drugs for resistant infections possible

A rapid and simple method for testing the efficacy of antibacterial drugs has been developed by Penn State researchers. The technique uses dynamic laser speckle imaging coupled with machine learning to predict whether bacteria are alive or dead, allowing for accurate determination of minimum inhibitory concentration values. This could ...

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 15, 2020

Supergene discovery leads to new knowledge of fire ants

Researchers discovered a distinctive supergene in fire ant colonies determining young queen behavior, leading to new pest control methods. The study also found aggressive behavior towards queens without the supergene.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateOct 15, 2020

Facebook users spread Russian propaganda less often when they know source

A new RAND Corporation report reveals that Facebook users are less apt to press the 'like' button on content when they learn it's part of a foreign propaganda campaign. Researchers found that most users in hyper-partisan news consumer groups reconsider their initial response after source is revealed, with media literacy interventions s...

SourceRAND Corporation·DateOct 15, 2020
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.