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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 47

Hurricanes, heavy rains are critical for Hawai'i's groundwater supply

Research led by University of Hawai'i at Mānoa scientists reveals that rain from hurricanes and Kona storms is a key source of fresh water for Hawaii's groundwater. The study analyzed rainfall and stable isotopes to determine the origin of water in aquifers, finding significant amounts of rainwater recharging groundwater.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalHydrological Processes·DateOct 12, 2020

Single gene disorders not so simple after all

A new study finds that patients with single gene disorders like Bardet-Biedl syndrome carry three times as many additional mutations, clustered around specific genes, which contribute to disease severity. This discovery challenges the traditional view of simple vs complex disorders and opens up new avenues for therapy development.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 12, 2020

MHz, multi-beams coherent XUV source by intracavity high-order harmonic generation

Researchers have created a novel ultrafast coherent light source in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength region with multi-MHz range repetition rates. The system utilizes intracavity high-order harmonic generation and achieves a repetition rate of 3 MHz, suitable for applications such as ultrafast XUV spectroscopy.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 12, 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.

Using electric current to stabilize low-permeability soils

Scientists at EPFL's LMS have developed a geoelectrochemical system that enhances biocement production and improves soil stabilization for low-permeability clay soils. The method harnesses bacterial metabolism and electric current to produce calcite crystals that durably bond soil particles together.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateOct 12, 2020

14 recommendations for the protection of freshwater biodiversity beyond 2020

The article highlights the urgent need to protect freshwater biodiversity, with international research team IGB issuing 14 recommendations for political follow-up agreements. The recommendations focus on recognizing inland waters as a separate ecological 'third realm' and improving monitoring and management of freshwater ecosystems.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalConservation Letters·DateOct 12, 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.

Rainforest at biosphere 2 offers glimpse into future of the Amazon

A new study published in Nature Plants suggests that tropical forests like the one at Biosphere 2 may be more resilient to predicted temperature increases than previously thought. The rainforest's ability to photosynthesize steadily even at high temperatures, up to 38C, challenges current climate change predictions for the Amazon.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Plants·DateOct 12, 2020

New therapy improves treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at the University of Chicago have designed a new therapy for multiple sclerosis by fusing a cytokine to a blood protein. This combination prevented destructive immune cells from infiltrating the central nervous system and decreased MS development, leading to fewer symptoms and disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 12, 2020

KIST addressing algal bloom in conventional water treatment facilities

Researchers at KIST created a novel powdered activated carbon with improved adsorption rates, effectively controlling algal blooms in conventional water treatment plants. The new technology enables faster adsorption of taste- and odor-causing substances and toxic algae byproducts.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalWater Research·DateOct 12, 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.

Reward-related brain region predicts childhood weight gain

A study using MRI found a positive association between nucleus accumbens cellular density and waist circumference in childhood. Higher cellular density predicted greater increases in waist circumference over time, linking unhealthy eating to obesity.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Mental health disorders related to COVID-19-related deaths

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in mental health disorders and substance use issues, with evidence indicating a significant increase in these conditions. Researchers have found that the pandemic's impact on daily life has contributed to this rise.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 12, 2020

The perfect angle for e-skin energy storage

Materials scientists developed a method to spray graphene ink onto flexible substrates at a specific angle and temperature, creating micro-supercapacitors with excellent performance. The new design stores up to 2 times more charge per square centimeter than previous devices, making it suitable for wearable electronic skin devices.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 12, 2020

Improved mobility in frail and elderly adults linked to common gene variant

Research finds that older, frail adults with a high-dopamine genotype are more likely to maintain a faster gait and may be more resilient to mobility disablement as they age. The study suggests that dopamine levels could influence mobility in elderly populations, with potential implications for pharmacologic supplements.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 12, 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.

Carnivores living near people feast on human food, threatening ecosystems

A study found that carnivores near people consume over half of their diets from human food sources, disrupting ecosystems. This reliance increases competition among predators, potentially leading to conflicts and detrimental ecological consequences.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Human impacts on carnivore foraging and trophic niches

A study examining the impact of human activity on carnivore niches found that more than a quarter of average carnivore diets consist of human food. Human disturbance leads to significant dietary changes, increasing trophic niche overlap and conflict among species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

2016 US presidential election associated with uptick in heart attacks and stroke

A new study found that hospitalization rates for acute cardiovascular disease events increased by 1.62 times after the 2016 presidential election, suggesting that sociopolitical stress may trigger CVD events. The findings were consistent across sex, age, and race/ethnicity groups.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 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.

Scientists develop new precise therapeutic leukemia vaccine

Researchers have developed a new type of precise therapeutic vaccine against leukemia utilizing self-healing polylactic acid microcapsules. The vaccine co-encapsulates a new epitope peptide and PD-1 antibody, demonstrating superior performance over commercialized adjuvants in various models.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 12, 2020

Machine-learning technique from Sandia Labs could improve fusion energy outputs

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a machine-learning technique to improve the control of nuclear fusion reactions, which could lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly energy production. By modifying reactor walls using computer-generated data, they aim to reduce damage from plasma interactions and i...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateOct 12, 2020

Getting the full scope

Researchers aim to understand how electrical stimulation affects glia and vasculature in the brain, with potential implications for treating neurological diseases. They'll use two-photon microscopy and optogenetics to investigate inner workings of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 12, 2020

The distance local energy goes to bring power to the people

A study by the University of California, Davis, compares three types of energy providers in California, finding that community choice aggregations (CCAs) purchased more renewable energy but went farther to source it. The study highlights the need for energy providers to prioritize local and renewable sources.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Sustainability·DateOct 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Literal rise of the internet enables new climate science

Researchers aim to improve weather and climate prediction by modeling atmospheric gravity waves using Loon LLC's internet-connected balloon data. The project will help scientists better understand the impact of these wave phenomena on jet streams, polar vortex, and extreme weather.

SourceRice University·DateOct 12, 2020

Which is more creative, the arts or the sciences?

Research shows that creativity in science and arts are similar, indicating the need for holistic teaching approaches to foster creative capabilities. This study provides valuable insight into assessing and developing students' creative skills.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThinking Skills and Creativity·DateOct 12, 2020

Improved insecticide for malaria control

A study developed a new crystal structure of deltamethrin that kills mosquitoes 12 times faster than the original form. This could lead to more effective malaria control even in areas with high insecticide resistance.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2020

Unique view into the "new Arctic": international MOSAiC expedition successfully completed

Researchers from TROPOS and Leipzig University contribute to the success of the largest Arctic expedition, collecting valuable climate data and conducting key atmospheric measurements. The team's findings suggest significant changes in the Arctic atmosphere, including increased smoke levels and signs of 'Pyrocene' effects.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateOct 12, 2020

Fuels, not fire weather, control carbon emissions in boreal forest

A large retrospective study suggests that the amount of carbon stored in soils is the biggest predictor of how much carbon will combust during a fire. The study found that soil moisture was also significant in predicting carbon release, and that vegetation patterns were complex and interacted with each other to predict combustion amounts.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 12, 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.

Clinical study aims to better understand COVID-19 immunity

The COVID PROFILE study aims to investigate the immune response to COVID-19, understanding how long protection lasts and predicting reinfection. Researchers will follow participants for 12 months with regular blood samples and nose and throat swabs.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·DateOct 11, 2020

Liquid metals come to the rescue of semiconductors

Scientists at UNSW have created a method to produce high-quality two-dimensional MoS2 semiconductors without grain boundaries. By using gallium metal in its liquid state, researchers were able to form the desired MoS2 material on an atomically smooth surface, paving the way for ultra-low energy electronics with fast switching speeds.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 11, 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.

VAV1 gene mutations trigger T-cell tumors in mice

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered how VAV1 gene mutations can promote the development of T-cell tumors in laboratory mice. The study found that mice with both VAV1 mutations and lack of p53 developed mature tumors resembling human peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBlood·DateOct 11, 2020

New research on SARS-CoV-2 virus 'survivability'

New research reveals SARS-CoV-2 can survive on surfaces for up to 28 days, with longer survival times found on smooth surfaces like glass and stainless steel. The study suggests establishing surface survivability is critical for developing risk mitigation strategies in high contact areas.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalVirology Journal·DateOct 11, 2020

In the eye of a stellar cyclone

Apep, the newest star to join an elite club of elegant binary pairs, has been found to break all rules. Its dust spiral is expanding four times slower than the measured stellar winds, a phenomenon unheard of in other systems. This discovery makes Apep a strong contender for producing a gamma-ray burst when it does finally explode.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 11, 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.

Osteoarthritis biomarker could help 300 million people worldwide

Researchers at UniSA have identified a new biomarker for osteoarthritis using mass spectrometry imaging, which may improve early diagnosis and treatment. The study found specific sugars associated with damaged tissue compared to healthy tissue, potentially helping slow the progression of the disease.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateOct 11, 2020

A new strategy for the synthesis of crystalline graphitic nanoribbons

A new synthesis method for crystalline graphitic nanoribbons has been developed, utilizing pressure-induced polymerization of 1,4-diphenylbutadiyne. The resulting product is a graphene nanoribbon with an armchair edge and controlled width.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 10, 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.

Sapphires show their true colors: Not water-loving

Researchers found that sapphire crystal faces exhibit contact angles far greater than 10°, with the (1-102) face being hydrophobic. This discovery provides insights into intrinsic wettability and its potential applications in materials science and technology.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 10, 2020

NASA finds hurricane delta packing heavy rainfall

Hurricane Delta is expected to produce significant flash, urban, and small stream flooding in Louisiana, with isolated maximum totals of 15 inches. NASA's satellite rainfall product estimated rainfall rates around the center of circulation as high as 50 mm per hour.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 9, 2020

HSE University researcher develops global HIV prevention index for drug users

A new index assesses HIV/AIDS prevention policies among people who inject drugs globally, with top performers including Spain and Switzerland. Russia ranks 59th, highlighting the need for improved policies to combat the spread of HIV among drug users.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateOct 9, 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.

Four in 10 extra deaths in Lombardy not linked to COVID-19

A new study found that about 24,000 more people died in Lombardy than expected between January and April, with only 14,000 confirmed as COVID-19-related. The researchers estimated that up to 43% of excess deaths may be due to delayed or reduced access to healthcare for other health issues.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 9, 2020

Meltwater lakes are accelerating glacier ice loss

A new study reveals that meltwater lakes at glacier margins cause ice to recede much further and faster than glaciers terminating on land. This finding has significant implications for estimates of recession rates and ice mass loss, potentially leading to under-estimates in the coming decades.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 9, 2020

'Universal law of touch' will enable new advances in virtual reality

Scientists at the University of Birmingham have discovered a universal scaling law for touch sensitivity using seismic waves. The law enables better understanding of touch experiences across species, predicting similar sensations despite differences in force and receptor depth.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 9, 2020

Immune cell activation in severe COVID-19 resembles lupus

Researchers observed an overactive B cell response in severely ill COVID-19 patients, reminiscent of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may inform treatment decisions. The findings could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with severe immune dysregulation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 9, 2020

Nerve cell activity shows how confident we are

Researchers identified nerve cells in the brain whose activity indicates decision-making confidence. The frequency of electrical pulses in these neurons increased with increasing decision confidence.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 9, 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.

Metoprolol: an old drug with unique cardioprotective properties

A study by CNIC scientists reveals metoprolol's ability to protect the heart during a heart attack is not shared by other beta-blockers. This unique property limits inflammatory damage and hyperactivation of neutrophils, which can cause significant additional injury to the heart.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 9, 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.