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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 39


Page 39 of 47

DNA test identifies genetic causes of severe fetal and newborn illness

A new study by UCSF researchers uses exome sequencing to identify genetic diseases as the underlying cause in 37 cases of nonimmune hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition. The study finds that genetic diagnoses are critical for families and healthcare providers to guide prenatal management strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020

Sensory device stimulates ears and tongue to treat tinnitus in large trial

A non-invasive device has reduced tinnitus symptoms by up to 1 year, achieving high patient satisfaction. The bimodal technique uses sound and low-voltage electricity to stimulate the ears and tongue, providing a potentially effective treatment for this debilitating auditory disorder.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020

Looking for pieces of Venus? Try the moon

A new study proposes that pieces of Venus could have crashed on the moon, providing a possible solution for testing Earth-like environment theories. Ancient rocks from Venus are thought to contain valuable information about the planet's history and its interactions with asteroids and comets.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateOct 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Diamonds are a quantum scientist's best friend

Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have made a groundbreaking discovery in diamond, uncovering triplet spin superconductivity. This phenomenon has significant implications for the development of new technologies, including radiation detectors and advanced electronics.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 7, 2020

Discovery of a new key player in long-term memory

A McGill-led research team found that protein synthesis in inhibitory cells plays a crucial role in controlling long-term memory. The study identified two distinct processes taking place in excitatory and inhibitory networks, with each neuronal system capable of selective manipulation for memory control.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

Association between chain restaurant advertising, obesity in adults

A recent study examining the relationship between chain restaurant advertising and weight changes among US adults found a significant association across 370 counties. The research suggests that increased spending on chain restaurant advertising was associated with higher rates of obesity in these areas.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 7, 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.

Traveling brain waves help detect hard-to-see objects

Researchers at Salk Institute discover patterns of neural signals that facilitate perception of faint objects. The brain's ability to recognize targets is directly related to when and where traveling brain waves occur in the visual system.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

New research determines if political "air war" or "ground game" is most effective

A new study by Lingling Zhang and Doug J. Chung found that mass media advertising is more influential among independent voters, while grassroots outreach is more effective at reaching a candidate's base. The research also suggests that television advertising can persuade undecided voters to change their minds.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateOct 7, 2020

Facemask use has lesser consequences on indicators of cognitive performance than expected

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in normal work-wear in hot environments. Wearing a facemask was shown to make it more difficult to breathe during physical work in a h...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalTemperature·DateOct 7, 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.

New research explores how super flares affect planets' habitability

Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill have measured the temperature of a large sample of super flares, providing insights into life-prohibiting levels of UV radiation. The study's findings will inform the choice of planetary systems to be observed by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·DateOct 7, 2020

Study confirms genetic link in cerebral palsy

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has confirmed the genetic link in cerebral palsy, revealing that rare gene mutations can cause this devastating movement disorder. The research, which analyzed DNA from 250 cerebral palsy families, found evidence of damaging genetic variants and inherited recessive gene variations.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 7, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Factors that increase or decrease suicidal behavior risk in adolescents

Certain internal and external factors increase adolescent suicidal behavior risk, including poor coping, smartphone abuse, and mental health history in parents. Reframing with meaningful life, adequate nutrition, and positive relationships can reduce the risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing·DateOct 7, 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.

Study finds older adults using cannabis to treat common health conditions

A recent study found that 61% of patients who used cannabis began using it after age 60, primarily for medical purposes. The most common reasons for cannabis use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with patients reporting relief from these issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of cannabis use amon...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 2020

Long-term consequences difficult to predict

Research found that only 12% of ecosystem functioning variance can be explained by plant traits, highlighting the complexity of long-term ecosystem changes. Plant biomass production and pollination patterns varied greatly among years and communities.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 7, 2020

Trust and income inequality fueling the spread of COVID-19

A study by McGill University researchers found that trust in public institutions is associated with lower COVID-19 mortality rates, while social trust and belonging are linked to higher deaths. Greater economic inequality is also a significant factor, particularly in countries with large gaps between rich and poor.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 7, 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.

Past tropical forest changes drove megafauna and hominin extinctions

Researchers found that the loss of grasslands was instrumental in the extinction of many megafauna, including ancient humans like Homo erectus. Tropical forests dominated the region from present-day Myanmar to Indonesia, but began to give way to savannah environments around a million years ago.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

Study to explore if impaired metabolic pathways lead to MS progression

Researchers investigate whether changes in metabolic pathways precede neurodegeneration in MS patients, which may lead to irreversible damage to brain and nervous tissue. The study aims to develop diet, lifestyle, and drug interventions to prevent progression and improve outcomes for MS patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateOct 7, 2020

Warmer winters are keeping some lakes from freezing

A study analyzing nearly 80 years of lake ice data found ice-free years have become more than three times more frequent since 1978, with 11% of lakes experiencing at least one completely ice-free year. Warmer winter temperatures are driving this trend, and the researchers project it will continue due to climate change.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 6, 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.

Can your diet help protect the environment?

A new study suggests that shifting American diets to increase vegetable and nut intake while decreasing red meat and added sugar consumption could reduce environmental degradation by 28-38%. This approach would also improve health outcomes, making it a win-win for the environment and human health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnvironmental Justice·DateOct 6, 2020

Evolution: Shifts in mating preference

Researchers have identified five genes associated with the different visual mating preferences of two tropical butterfly species. These genes are linked to the processing of visual information during courtship, without affecting perceptions of other aspects of the environment. This study provides insights into the evolutionary changes ...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

Best materials for border molding in complete dentures fabrication

The study found that thermoplastic materials, such as GC Iso functional sticks and Impression compound green sticks, outperformed silicone impression materials in border molding accuracy. The measured mean negative pressure values showed close values for each patient, highlighting the importance of anatomical features of the prosthetic...

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalFolia Medica·DateOct 6, 2020

Climate-friendly cooling to help ease global warming

A new study suggests that coordinated international action on energy-efficient, climate-friendly cooling could avoid as much as 600 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions in this century. The Kigali Amendment aims to phase down HFCs, and improving energy efficiency in cooling technologies can lead to significant elec...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 6, 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.

Battling with neighbors could make animals smarter

According to a study published in Nature Communications, interactions with outsiders may drive the evolution of intelligence in animals. Big-brained animals have adapted to contend with rival outsiders, requiring considerable brain power to defend territories, find mates and compete for resources.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

UC study: More coverage of climate wanted

A new report by the University of Cincinnati suggests that large majorities of American news audiences care about climate change and want more information on the topic. The study found that fewer than 20% of Americans in these news audiences feel 'very well informed' about climate change.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateOct 6, 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.

Some employees more likely to adhere to information security policies than others

A new study from Binghamton University found that professional subcultures within an organization significantly impact employees' compliance with information security policies. Researchers discovered that different groups, such as physicians and support staff, have varying levels of adherence due to their unique work responsibilities a...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateOct 6, 2020

Promising treatment for aggressive childhood cancer

Researchers at Lund University identified and tested a drug effective against neuroblastoma, showing promising results with tumor growth prevention and prolonged survival in mice. The KSP inhibitor has been shown to be especially effective against the aggressive variant, which often has poor prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 6, 2020

Toothless dino's lost digits point to spread of parrot-like species

A newly discovered species of toothless, two-fingered dinosaur has provided evidence of digit loss in the oviraptor family, enabling them to adapt and diversify during the Late Cretaceous Period. The discovery also revealed that young dinosaurs roamed together in groups, suggesting a social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateOct 6, 2020

Plasma scientists optimize plant growth and yield

Recent experiments by Alexander Volkov have shown that plasma delivery improves seed surface properties, accelerating germination and water uptake. The study suggests that plasma could increase yields in countries with harsh winters, particularly for unusual or high-value crops.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateOct 6, 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.

Energy-harvesting plastics pass the acid test

A KAUST team engineered self-powered devices using a conducting polymer containing PEDOT:PSS chains, which exhibited improved thermoelectric behavior. The researchers discovered that polyethylenimine coating enhanced the device's lifetime and energy harvesting capabilities.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 6, 2020

'Brain fog' following COVID-19 recovery may indicate PTSD

A new report suggests that COVID-19 survivors may be experiencing 'brain fog' and other neurological symptoms due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study, published in The Clinical Neuropsychologist, explores historical data on previous coronaviruses and finds a heightened risk of PTSD among survivors. Researchers emphasize...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Clinical Neuropsychologist·DateOct 6, 2020

Interplanetary storm chasing

Researchers Jeremy Bloxham and Rakesh K. Yadav use a 3D simulation model to understand the formation of Saturn's massive hexagon storm, which has remained relatively unchanged for nearly 40 years. The study suggests that deep thermal convection plays a key role in creating the unique shape and persistence of the storm.

SourceHarvard University·DateOct 6, 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.

Supercharged ‘clones’ spark scarlet fever’s re-emergence

Researchers discovered a significant rise in scarlet fever cases globally, attributed to superantigen-toxin 'supercharged clones' of Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. The toxin genes were acquired through viral infections, enabling the bacteria to better colonize and outcompete other strains.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020

ACM announces new conference on AI in finance

The inaugural ACM International Conference on AI in Finance (ICAIF) will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the finance industry. The conference features a dynamic program of work from top researchers, including papers on machine learning methods to detect money laundering and algorithms in future capital markets.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateOct 6, 2020

NREL, UK university partner to dive deeper into how enzymes digest plastic

A collaboration between NREL and the University of Portsmouth has led to breakthroughs in understanding how enzymes like PETase and MHETase work together to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. The research reveals that combining these two synergistic enzymes significantly improves their ability to break down PET.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 6, 2020

UMD biologist awarded $ 1.5 million to develop brain mapping techniques

A University of Maryland biologist has been awarded $1.5 million to develop new tools for studying brain mapping techniques. The project aims to create a comprehensive molecular map of synapses during development, aging, and disease, which could lead to potential treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders and other cognitive functions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateOct 6, 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.

RTL1 gene a likely culprit behind temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes

Researchers identify RTL1 gene as likely culprit behind temple and Kagami-Ogata syndromes, associated with muscle symptoms in models of both conditions. The study suggests that RTL1 plays a critical role in fetal muscle development and is essential for maintaining placental fetal capillaries.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 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.