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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 47

ICE detention centers saw sustained outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, says study

A study by University of California - San Francisco researchers found that over a three-year period, more than a dozen ICE detention centers experienced large, repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, chickenpox, and mumps. The Centers reported nearly half of the infections occurred in two facilities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA·DateOct 29, 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.

Effective stroke drugs are saving the NHS millions

The use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in treating atrial fibrillation has led to a substantial reduction in stroke cases, resulting in cost savings for the NHS. Analysis shows that prescribing DOACs increased by £733m from 2011 to 2017, but reduced stroke cases by 11%.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalHeart·DateOct 29, 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.

Models show how COVID-19 cuts a neighborhood path

A new model simulates COVID-19 spread through neighborhoods, revealing varying risk levels, peak infection times, and prolonged hospital strain. Denser areas tend to reach peak infections earlier, while less dense ones may experience longer outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020

Cancer-fighting gene restrains 'jumping genes'

Scientists have discovered a new role for the cancer-fighting gene p53 in preventing retrotransposons from hopping around the human genome, potentially leading to new ways of detecting or treating cancers. The study found that cells without functional p53 had higher rates of retrotransposon movement and multiplication.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 29, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Predictive model reveals function of promising energy harvester device

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a predictive model for an energy harvesting device that can convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. The model helps optimize the device to generate more power, paving the way for its potential use in wireless sensors and actuators.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 29, 2020

Misleading mulch: Researchers find contents of mulch bags do not match claims

A study by researchers at Penn State found that mulch bags labeled as 'cypress' often contain less than claimed, with some bags containing no cypress at all. The investigation used a new method to sort and estimate species mix in the mulch, revealing significant discrepancies between advertised content and actual composition.

SourcePenn State·JournalWood and Fiber Science·DateOct 29, 2020

New Denisovan DNA expands diversity, history of species

Researchers from Arizona State University have recovered ancient Denisovan mitochondrial DNA from Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau, dating back to around 100,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that Denisovans may have interbred with modern humans in northeast central Asia, influencing genetic adaptations to high altitude.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Trust levels in AI predicted by people's relationship style, study shows

Researchers from the University of Kansas have discovered a link between people's attachment styles and their trust in artificial intelligence. Attachment anxiety is associated with reduced trust, while enhanced attachment security increases trust. The study suggests that reminding individuals of their secure relationships can boost tr...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateOct 29, 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.

Accelerating the development of new medicines

The inaugural awards promote translational opportunities and therapeutics development at Harvard and affiliated hospitals. Five research projects targeting diverse conditions, including type 1 diabetes and severe asthma, will each receive $1 million over two years to advance their efforts.

SourceHarvard Medical School·DateOct 29, 2020

Standardized measures needed to screen kinship foster placements

Researchers developed a tool to measure the quality of care in kinship settings, addressing the lack of standardized screening tools. The 36-item scale assesses five key criteria, including caregiver capacity and neighborhood support.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateOct 29, 2020

Order in the disorder:

Scientists have found nanometre-sized areas of varying local density in amorphous silicon thin films. These regions, known as densely ordered domains, contain hardly any hydrogen and can contribute to the stability of the material.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 29, 2020

HSE Faculty of Chemistry scientists discovered new anti-cancer molecule

HSE Faculty of Chemistry scientists discovered a new anti-cancer molecule, diphenylisoxazole, which is easily synthesized using available compounds. The molecule inhibits tubulin polymerization and shows effectiveness on both sea urchin embryos and human cancer cells.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateOct 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UH and CWRU announce study of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine candidate

The study aims to enroll non-pregnant adults older than 18 and will investigate the safety, immune response, and efficacy of the vaccine. UH Cleveland Medical Center is part of the NIAID-supported COVID-19 Prevention Network (CoVPN) and has extensive knowledge in vaccine research.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·DateOct 29, 2020

How Twitter takes votes away from Trump but not from Republicans

A recent study by Bocconi University and Princeton suggests that Twitter disadvantaged Donald Trump in the 2016 US presidential election by making independent voters less likely to vote for him. The study found no effect of Twitter on Republican elections, with a shift towards higher approval of Hillary Clinton among independents.

SourceBocconi University·JournalSSRN Electronic Journal·DateOct 29, 2020

Probing water for an electrifying cause

A team of KAUST engineers has untangled the roles of water, hydrophobicity, and environmental factors in water electrification. They found that hydrophobic surfaces carry a negative surface charge, which attracts positive ions and repels negative ions from water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 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.

Towards next-generation molecule-based magnets

Researchers have developed a lightweight molecule-based magnet with unprecedented magnetic properties, exhibiting a 'memory effect' at elevated temperatures. The compound contains abundant metal chromium and inexpensive organic molecules, making it a promising alternative to current inorganic commercial magnets.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2020

Drones as stinger spotters

Researchers used lower-cost domestic drones to detect Chironex fleckeri jellyfish in waters off northern Australia. The drones achieved significantly high detection rates, even under varying weather conditions. This innovative approach aims to improve beach safety and reduce the risk of jellyfish stings.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 29, 2020

With Vilnius off, IPhO 2020 reemerges as distributed olympiad

The 2020 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) has been shifted to a distributed format due to the cancellation of the original event in Vilnius. The competition will take place from Dec. 7-15 and is open to teams of five school students or university undergraduates representing various countries.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·DateOct 29, 2020

Knee OA guidance for clinicians simplified and streamlined

The updated guidelines recommend a combination of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions to manage knee osteoarthritis. Education, structured exercise, and weight loss are emphasized as core treatments, while topical NSAIDs are advised as first-line treatments for persistent pain.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Reviews Rheumatology·DateOct 29, 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.

'Time machine' offers new pancreatic cancer drug testing approach

Purdue University engineers have developed a microfluidic device that allows scientists to test drugs on multiple tumor cell subtypes, revealing new insights into drug resistance. The technology mimics the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells within a tumor, enabling researchers to identify effective treatment strategies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 29, 2020

Boo! How do mexican cavefish escape predators?

Researchers found that cavefish exhibit reduced response probability, slower latency, and altered kinematics compared to surface fish. The study provides insight into the evolution of escape behaviors in Mexican cavefish and highlights the importance of ecological differences in shaping neural circuits.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateOct 29, 2020

Losing ground in biodiversity hotspots worldwide

Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that even protected biodiversity hotspots are losing significant areas to agriculture and urban sprawl. Over a quarter century, the world's most biologically diverse places lost an area three times the size of Sweden.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 29, 2020

Corporations directing our attention online more than we realize

A new study by University of Illinois researchers Harsh Taneja and Angela Xiao Wu found that corporations use 'nudging' techniques to influence online attention, often in hidden ways. The researchers analyzed clickstream data from a million people and identified common clusters of websites that reflect corporate ownership, partnerships...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNew Media & Society·DateOct 29, 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.

Face mask aims to deactivate virus to protect others

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new face mask concept that aims to deactivate viruses in respiratory droplets, making the wearer less infectious. The masks feature anti-viral chemicals like phosphoric acid and copper salt that alter escaped droplets, reducing viral spread.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMatter·DateOct 29, 2020

Researcher making drones smarter, situationally aware and team-oriented

A researcher at Northern Arizona University is developing AI-powered drones that can monitor themselves and each other in different scenarios. The project aims to enable autonomous drones to respond to environmental and behavioral factors, improving their performance in various applications such as traffic control and surveillance.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateOct 29, 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.

New research shows SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins disrupt the blood-brain barrier

SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins can cause inflammation on endothelial cells forming the blood-brain barrier, making it 'leaky' and disrupting neural networks. This could lead to neuroinvasion and neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateOct 29, 2020

An Earth-sized rogue planet discovered in the Milky Way

Astronomers detect tiny free-floating planet with timescale of just 42 minutes, shedding light on turbulent past of young planetary systems. The discovery demonstrates that low-mass free-floating planets can be detected and characterized using ground-based telescopes.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateOct 29, 2020

Study shows myocarditis linked to COVID-19 not as common as believed

Researchers found that the rate of myocarditis caused by COVID-19 is between 1.4% and 7.2%, significantly lower than previously reported rates. This finding should inform clinical colleagues about interpreting blood tests and heart radiology studies.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalCardiovascular Pathology·DateOct 29, 2020

These spiders can hear

Researchers discovered that ogre-faced spiders can detect both low- and high-frequency sounds using hairs and joint receptors on their legs. The spiders use these sensory systems to hunt flying insects by performing a choreographed backwards strike, which may be aided by directional hearing.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 29, 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.

International team tracks record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires

A global team of researchers found a record-setting smoke cloud from Australian wildfires that measured 1,000 kilometers across and remained intact for three months. The team's findings provide critical information on the impact of wildfires on the Earth's atmosphere, which is expected to increase due to climate change.

SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateOct 29, 2020

Unravelling the origins of autoimmune psychosis

A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 29, 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.

Study identifies pitfall for correcting mutations in human embryos with CRISPR

A recent study published in Cell reveals that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing can lead to undesirable outcomes, including the elimination of entire chromosomes or large sections in human embryos. The research warns against premature clinical application of this technology until further development and testing are conducted.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

Is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting dengue virus case numbers?

Research finds significant increase in dengue infections in Thailand due to social distancing, while no change seen in Singapore and Malaysia. The study suggests that reduced human mobility and workplace exposure contribute to the rise in cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 29, 2020

Smart bottle brushes

Researchers from TUM have visualized the changes in bottle-brush polymers using neutron radiation, enabling a deeper understanding of their behavior at different temperatures. This knowledge can be used to optimize their chemical structure for practical applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateOct 29, 2020

Curbing COVID-19 hospitalizations requires attention to construction workers

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that construction workers are five times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than workers in other occupations. The researchers suggest that encouraging basic precautions, such as mask-wearing and physical distancing on work sites, can help mitigate risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 29, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Positive outlook predicts less memory decline

A new study found that individuals with higher levels of positive affect had less steep memory decline over a nearly decade-long period. Positive emotions are associated with healthier aging, contradicting the notion that memories fade with age.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 29, 2020

CHOP genomic study reveals role for hypothalamus in inflammatory bowel disease

Genetic correlations between IBD, stress, and depression have been uncovered through 3D genomic mapping, implicating the hypothalamus in IBD pathogenesis. The study found enrichment of IBD-associated genetic variants in hypothalamic-like neurons and colonoids.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 29, 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.

Identifying biomolecule fragments in ionising radiation

A new study reveals the precise energies at which secondary electrons produce certain biomolecule fragments when living cells are irradiated with heavy ions. The research could lead to more effective cancer therapies by understanding how biomolecules such as DNA are damaged by ionising radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 29, 2020

High rate of symptomless COVID-19 infection among grocery store workers

A study of 104 grocery store employees in Boston found that those in customer-facing roles were 5 times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than their colleagues. Additionally, three out of four infected workers had no symptoms, highlighting the potential for asymptomatic transmission among key workers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateOct 29, 2020

Study of ancient dog DNA traces canine diversity to the Ice Age

A global study of ancient dog DNA found at least five different types of dogs more than 11,000 years ago in Europe, the Near East, and Siberia. The research team sequenced DNA from 27 dogs, showing that canine diversity originated when humans were still hunters and gatherers.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 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.

Affinity vs. cooperativity

UC Santa Barbara researchers develop a method to increase both affinity and cooperativity in aptamer-based biosensors, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of receptor properties. This approach enables precision biosensing applications, such as detecting low concentrations of target molecules like chemotherapy drugs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2020