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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 47

Forty percent of renters can't afford essentials as a result of COVID-19

A new study found that 40% of tenant households in Australia struggled to afford essentials like bills, clothing, and food after paying rent, due to reduced incomes during the pandemic. Many renters also reported negative effects on their mental health, with around half indicating they were affected.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAHURI Final Report·DateOct 14, 2020

Seeing evolution happening before your eyes

Researchers found that DNA enhancers contain more information than previously thought, leading to changes in gene expression patterns. This discovery provides insights into how evolution takes place and challenges previous assumptions about enhancer function.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 14, 2020

Risk of heart complications after major surgery is higher than previously thought

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Acute Cardiovascular Care reveals that one in five high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery will develop one or more heart complications within a year. The study found that patients are at risk for a longer period than previously thought and that measuring troponin...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·DateOct 14, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

As New Yorkers prepare to vote, COVID-19 stays top-of-mind

A survey of New York City residents found that many are hopeful for the city's recovery from the pandemic, but concerned about a potential COVID-19 resurgence and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. The survey also revealed significant economic disparities, with food insecurity affecting nearly 40% of households.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateOct 14, 2020

Wearable circuits printed directly on human skin

Scientists successfully printed wearable circuits directly onto human skin using a room-temperature sintering method, enabling seamless integration with the body. The novel approach produced reliable and comparable signal quality to conventional commercial devices for health monitoring applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2020

Improving health care autonomy for young adults with autism

A MU researcher developed a world's first health care transition readiness assessment for adolescents with autism, identifying skills needed for transition from pediatric care to adult care. The study found that young adults with autism can benefit from better understanding medication management, insurance policies and health care fina...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 14, 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.

Nerves that sense touch may play role in autism

A new study suggests that nerves responsible for sensing touch and pain may contribute to the development of autism. The exploratory study found that people with autism have differences in their sensory perception, including reduced nerve fiber density and altered responses to heat and touch.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 14, 2020

Thinning and prescribed fire treatments reduce tree mortality

A recent study by USDA Forest Service researchers found that thinning and prescribed fire can significantly reduce tree mortality and increase tree growth. The study compared two thinning methods and found both were effective in reducing tree deaths and promoting healthy forests.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateOct 14, 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.

Will SARS-CoV-2 become endemic?

If SARS-CoV-2 becomes endemic, its pattern of transmission will depend on factors like vaccine availability and social factors. Greater monitoring of interactions with other respiratory viruses is needed to mitigate potential outbreaks.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 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.

Pharmacist-led digital intervention reduces hazardous prescribing in general practice

A new digital intervention developed by pharmacists has significantly reduced hazardous prescribing rates in general practice, with a 43% reduction reported after 12 months. The SMASH intervention uses real-time data to identify patients at risk and provides near-constant feedback to prescribers.

SourceNIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020

Modern humans took detours on their way to Europe

The study found that modern humans settled along the Mediterranean coast before expanding into the Sinai desert and eastern Jordanian Rift Valley. Favorable environmental conditions, including a freshwater lake known as Lake Lisan, enabled human settlement and spread throughout the region.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 14, 2020

Biggest CO2 drop: Real-time data show COVID-19's massive impact on global emissions

A recent study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in global carbon dioxide emissions, with a total drop of 1551 million tonnes. The pandemic resulted in a 16.9% decline in emissions in April, largely due to lockdown measures and reduced transportation sector activity.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2020

Results from COMBINE (OCT-FFR) reported at TCT Connect

The COMBINE (OCT-FFR) trial found that the presence of TCFA is a strong predictor of future MACE, despite lack of ischemia. Combining FFR and OCT can improve accuracy of high-risk lesion identification in patients with diabetes.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateOct 14, 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.

Immune failure can cause serious COVID-19

Research by University of Bergen scientists has found that patients with critical COVID-19 often have antibodies blocking interferons, a crucial part of the body's defense system. This finding may explain gender differences in severe COVID-19 cases and offer potential treatment options.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 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.

Future of farming

The four-year study aims to determine how environmental changes modify nutrient pollution in the Tar-Pamlico River Basin, examining local policies' influence on water quality. The research team will collect soil samples to measure the effect of increasing saltwater concentrations on microbial processing of nitrogen.

SourceEast Carolina University·DateOct 14, 2020

Virus-mimicking drug helps immune system target cunning cancer cells

Researchers have found that a virus-mimicking drug can make certain stealthy melanoma tumors visible to the immune system, allowing for better targeting by immunotherapy. The findings open up new possibilities for personalized therapies in hard-to-treat cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 14, 2020

Human activity has made Murray estuary more vulnerable to drought

Researchers found that human activities since 1940 have increased the risk of acidification in the Murray estuary during droughts. The study uses historical data and geological records to understand the estuary's formation and evolution. Improved management of the Murray-Darling system is crucial for water resource sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalThe Holocene·DateOct 14, 2020

Recent Atlantic ocean warming unprecedented in nearly 3,000 years

Climate scientists extend Atlantic sea-surface temperature record to 2900 years, finding the past decade as the warmest interval. The study uses ancient lake sediments to reconstruct temperatures and atmospheric pressure over time.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Therapy plus medication better than medication alone in bipolar disorder

A review of 39 randomized clinical trials found that combining therapy with medication is more effective in preventing illness recurrence in people with bipolar disorder. Psychoeducation and group therapy were particularly helpful in reducing symptoms and improving outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 14, 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.

Empathy exacerbates discussions about immigration

A study found that people who support immigration are ready to adopt empathy and perspective taking, while those opposed feel more competition. The research suggests that explicit instructions for empathy may not work on people of different political opinions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateOct 14, 2020

The rise of 'zoom towns' in the rural west

Rapid population growth in rural gateway communities poses significant planning challenges due to increased housing costs, traffic congestion, and environmental degradation. The GNAR Initiative aims to help local officials prepare for these pressures through a webinar series on amenity migration.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateOct 14, 2020

Glitter litter could be damaging rivers - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that both traditional and biodegradable glitters can harm freshwater habitats. The presence of glitter reduced root length and chlorophyll levels in water, indicating a negative impact on phytoplankton and aquatic ecosystems.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateOct 14, 2020

Aerosols vs droplets

UC Santa Barbara researchers modeled the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in different temperatures and relative humidities. They found that respiratory droplets can travel longer distances than recommended social distancing guidelines, especially in cooler environments. The study suggests aerosol transmission may be more significant in summer, re...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 14, 2020

Concerns about violence increase in California amid COVID-19 pandemic

A new study by the University of California - Davis Health found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to an estimated 110,000 firearm purchases in California and increased individuals' worries about violence. Respondents who bought firearms mainly did so for self-protection, citing concerns over lawlessness and government actions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·DateOct 14, 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.

Hittite cuneiform scripts will go online

The Hittite cuneiform scripts will be made available online, providing access to 30,000 clay tablets and fragments written in the Hittite language. This digital platform aims to boost Hittitology research worldwide.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateOct 14, 2020

Could loss of interest be sign of dementia risk?

A study found that people with severe apathy are 80% more likely to develop dementia than those with low apathy. Greater apathy was also associated with worse cognitive scores, highlighting its potential as an early sign of the disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 14, 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.

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.

Fossil footprints tell story of prehistoric parent's journey

A nearly 1.5-kilometer-long trackway of early-human footprints has been discovered at White Sands National Park, showing a woman or adolescent male carrying a toddler in their arms. The tracks, dating back over 11,500 years, suggest a perilous journey through mud and animal habitats.

SourceCornell University·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateOct 14, 2020

Assessing state of the art in AI for brain disease treatment

Researchers found that AI techniques are being used to process information about brain structure and connectivity, assess surgical candidacy, and predict disease trajectory. However, they emphasize the need for explainable algorithms to ensure trust in algorithmic prescriptions or diagnoses.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateOct 14, 2020

Mount Sinai researchers find that where people live can impact their risk for common chronic conditions including high blood pressure and depression

A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that a person's risk of uncontrolled chronic disease increases after moving to a place where the condition is more common. The study analyzed millions of adults who moved to new neighborhoods, counties, and states, tracing how their health changed after the move.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateOct 14, 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.

Now you see it, now you don't: Hidden colors discovered by coincidence

Researchers have discovered a new way to observe color through the scattering process, which combines with optical interference to create bright colors. The findings, published in Advanced Optical Materials, could have practical applications in sensing technology and security devices.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateOct 14, 2020

Swine coronavirus replicates in human cells

A new study from UNC-Chapel Hill reveals that the swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) strain has the potential to spread to humans. The virus efficiently replicates in human airway and intestinal cells, raising concerns about its threat to public health.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2020

Divisive dialogue: Why do we engage in virtual political talk?

A study by UNLV social media expert Natalie Pennington and Iowa State professor Kelly Winfrey examines what motivates people to engage in politics online. The research suggests that interpersonal relationships outweigh political motivations for some individuals, but high-influence goals drive others to share their views.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCommunication Studies·DateOct 14, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Thawing permafrost releases organic compounds into the air

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that thawing permafrost releases volatile organic compounds, including monoterpenes and diterpenes, which can be highly reactive and contribute to cloud formation. The study's findings introduce new uncertainties to climate change modeling.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 14, 2020

Machine learning model helps characterize compounds for drug discovery

A new machine learning model has been developed to help characterize compounds in the development of new drugs. The model uses tandem mass spectrometry and is based on a small amount of positive and negative training data, making it useful for automating characterization of compounds by chemists.

SourcePurdue University·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 14, 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.

Process to recover metals from batteries licensed by Momentum Technologies

The Membrane Solvent Extraction (MSX) process developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory allows for the recovery of highly pure cobalt, nickel, lithium, and manganese from spent lithium-ion batteries. This technology contributes to a circular economy by recycling end-of-life products without generating hazardous waste.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateOct 14, 2020