Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 47

How long does the preschool advantage last?

Children who attend preschool enter kindergarten with greater skills than those who don't, but this advantage is short-lived. While pre-K graduates show initial gains in academic skills, their peers quickly close the gap, suggesting that preschool's long-term benefits may be limited.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateOct 5, 2020

Method used to track Ebola's trajectory being applied to COVID-19

A new study is analyzing how SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly in Asia before slowing down, with insights potentially informing secondary outbreak predictions and intervention strategies. By studying travel restrictions and quarantines, researchers are identifying factors that facilitated transmission and slowed it down.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateOct 5, 2020

Influenza vaccination may provide roadmap to prevent COVID-19 in CV disease patients

Influenza vaccination has shown promise in preventing cardiovascular complications from COVID-19, particularly in high-risk patients. Three ongoing trials are evaluating the cardioprotective effects of different influenza vaccine formulations and may inform future efforts to develop targeted interventions.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 5, 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.

Body size of the extinct Megalodon indeed off the charts in the shark world

A new study finds that Megalodon's estimated body length of up to 15 meters exceeds the general size limit for non-planktivorous sharks, which typically reach 7 meters. The research proposes live-bearing reproductive strategy and cannibalistic egg-eating behavior as possible causes for gigantism in lamniform sharks.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 5, 2020

Snakes reveal the origin of skin colours

A UNIGE team discovers that a single gene mutation affects every skin color in corn snakes, storing both pigments and crystals in lysosome-related vesicles. This study marks a significant step forward in understanding the origin of colors and patterns in vertebrates.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Seeking ancient rainforests through modern mammal diets

Researchers analyzed dietary signatures of African and South American mammals to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. They found a similar mean dietary carbon isotopic value between Amazonian and African closed-canopy rainforests, but lacked highly negative values used to infer rainforests in fossil records.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Revealing secret of lithium-rich stars by monitoring their heartbeats

A recent study from an international team led by Prof. ZHAO Gang, Prof. SHI Jianrong, and Dr. YAN Hongliang found that most lithium-rich stars are 'red clumps' rather than 'red giants'. The research provides new insights into the origin of the ancient element lithium.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A search for new species on the high seas

Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from around the world using gene similarity networks, revealing over 2,000 unique sequences that are likely to represent unknown/uncharacterized unicellular Holozoans. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of multicellularity and the origin of animals.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateOct 5, 2020

Human impact on Bahamian bird species

A fossil analysis reveals that 69% of Bahamian land bird species have changed their distributions in response to human activities and climate shifts. The study found that bird populations are at risk due to factors such as increasing hurricane severity, rising sea levels, and habitat loss.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2020

Holidays bring severe spike in nut allergies for children

A new study found that Halloween and Easter holidays are associated with a significant spike in peanut and tree-nut allergies among children. The study suggests that increased awareness and education can help reduce the risk of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 5, 2020

Fly larvae extract will replace antibiotics in fighting plant pathogens

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a method to extract active compounds from black soldier fly larvae, which possess unique antimicrobial properties. The extract, called AWME, has been shown to be more effective than antibiotics in combating phytopathogenic bacteria.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMicroorganisms·DateOct 5, 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.

210Pb dating of marine sedimentary cores

The exercise showed that participating laboratories are skilled in radiometric determinations, but struggled with dating results due to varying experience. The application of the 210Pb sediment dating method requires expert knowledge and multidisciplinary expertise.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateOct 5, 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.

Examining primary health care for patients with mental illness

A uOttawa-led research project aims to examine how primary care providers can offer better healthcare for people living with serious mental illness. The study will analyze the primary health care experience of this population group and identify ways to improve the system.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·DateOct 5, 2020

NASA imagery reveals Tropical Storm Chan-hom's skewed structure

Tropical Storm Chan-hom's visible image revealed an exposed low-level circulation center, while bands of thunderstorms wrapped into the partially exposed center. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next three days, potentially developing a more circular shape.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 5, 2020

Cyanobacteria as "green" catalysts in biotechnology

Researchers at TU Graz have successfully increased the catalytic performance of cyanobacteria by redirecting photosynthetic electron flow to desired reactions. This method reduces energy consumption and enhances biotechnological production, paving the way for large-scale industrial applications.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·DateOct 5, 2020

Vigorous exercise, spongy heart

Researchers at CNIC used cardiac magnetic resonance technology to measure exercise-related hypertrabeculation in a general population. A third of participants with high vigorous physical activity met the diagnostic criteria for noncompaction cardiomyopathy, despite being healthy.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateOct 5, 2020

Diagnosing COVID-19 in just 30 minutes

A team of researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a SENSR technology that enables fast and accurate COVID-19 diagnosis using RNA sequence detection. This technology can diagnose infections in just 30 minutes, allowing for faster treatment and reducing stress on healthcare systems.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 5, 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.

How Hispanic and Asian populations influence US food culture

Researchers found that Asian and Hispanic populations contribute to local food culture, with restaurant availability linked to education levels of the white majority population. The study tested three models of assimilation and primarily found evidence for relational assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Ethnic and Migration Studies·DateOct 5, 2020

Women and men executives have differing perceptions of healthcare workplaces according to a survey report in the Journal of Healthcare Management

A survey report in the Journal of Healthcare Management finds that women executives are less likely to see employers as gender-neutral in hiring and promotion. The results show little improvement in these outcomes since 1990, highlighting a persistent gap between men's and women's perceptions of healthcare workplaces.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateOct 5, 2020

Syracuse U. professor receives NSF grant for Internet of Things research

Syracuse University assistant professor Fanxin Kong has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to develop a cross-layer framework for mission-critical IoT systems. The project aims to improve scalability, security, and intelligence in IoT infrastructures for various industries such as medical, energy, transportation, an...

SourceSyracuse University·DateOct 5, 2020

Dietary isotopes in Amazonian and African rainforests

Researchers analyzed isotopic data from Amazonian and African mammals to understand feeding habits and ecosystems. The study found no significant difference in dietary carbon isotope signatures between the two regions, but noted Amazonian mammals had more limited dietary resources.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 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.

Tracking sea turtle egg traffickers with GPS-enabled decoy eggs

A study using GPS-enabled decoy sea turtle eggs gathered evidence of the illegal trade and tracked eggs from beaches to restaurants and bars in Central America. The findings suggest that most stolen eggs remain in local areas, making it crucial to target conservation efforts towards local communities.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 5, 2020

Advancing multiprincipal alloys

Researchers have developed a way to predict the properties of multiprincipal element alloys (MPEAs), which exhibit unique combinations of strength, ductility, and damage tolerance. The team used electron microscopy and atomistic simulations to unveil the mechanistic origins of desirable properties in MPEAs.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2020

Muslim young adult mental health before, after presidential election

A recent study found that the 2016 US presidential election led to an increase in anxiety and depression among Muslim college students. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 students and discovered a significant association between the election outcome and mental health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 5, 2020

New study reveals one way police officers can reduce shooting errors

Researchers found that officers can cut their chance of making misdiagnosis shooting errors by more than half when using a low ready position. The study, published in Police Quarterly, suggests that this simple adjustment could lead to fewer perception shootings and improved safety.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalPolice Quarterly·DateOct 5, 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.

How narcissistic leaders infect their organizations' cultures

A new paper by Berkeley Haas Prof. Jennifer Chatman and colleagues shows narcissistic leaders 'infect' their organizations' cultures, leading to decreased collaboration and integrity. The researchers reveal how narcissists create lasting damage on employee morale and performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateOct 5, 2020

NIST innovation could improve detection of COVID-19 infections

Researchers developed a technique to increase sensitivity of nasal swab tests by recognizing faint signals in diagnostic data. The new method helps spot asymptomatic cases more accurately and reduce false negatives.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateOct 5, 2020

Study shows social media policies can curb HPV vaccine misinformation

A new study found that Pinterest's moderation of vaccine-related content led to a significant shift in search results, with more accurate information about the HPV vaccine and its benefits. Despite this, limiting search results may contribute to confusion or an information vacuum.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 5, 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.

Potential drug treatment for particular type of lung-cancer

A new potential drug treatment has been discovered for a type of lung-cancer. Researchers have found that combining osimertinib with linsitinib can cure or delay tumor recurrence in EGFR-mutated lung cancer, even in AXL-low expressing tumors.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2020

Lego-like assembly of zeolitic membranes improves carbon capture

A team of chemical engineers developed a simplified chemistry for zeolite membrane synthesis, eliminating lengthy crystallization and producing high-temperature hydrogen-carbon dioxide separation membranes. The scalable synthesis is expected to improve pre-combustion carbon capture energy-efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020

Dozens of mammals could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2

Researchers found 26 mammals that could be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to variations in the ACE2 protein. These include domestic cats, dogs, mink, and great apes, which could potentially act as reservoirs for the virus.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2020

Deep learning gives drug design a boost

A new computational tool, Metabolite Translator, uses deep learning to predict metabolites in the human body, providing a broader understanding of how drugs interact with enzymes. The method has been shown to perform as well as existing rule-based methods and identified novel enzymes involved in drug metabolism.

SourceRice University·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 5, 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.

On the trail of causes of radiation events during space flight

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the sources of relativistic Electron Precipitation (REP) events, which may pose challenges to human spaceflight. The study reveals that at least three separate processes contribute to REP events: EMIC waves, Whistler mode chorus waves, and electrostatic whistler waves.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·DateOct 5, 2020

Tohoku University teaches old spectroscopy new tricks

Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method, 'omnidirectional photoluminescence (ODPL) spectroscopy,' to test materials for electric cars and solar cells. The technique can detect defects and impurities at low temperatures.

SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateOct 5, 2020

NIH scientists reveal how the brain may fuel intense neural communication

Researchers found that a series of chemical reactions control a feedback loop that senses energy need and replenishes it by recruiting cellular powerplants to synapses. This mechanism sustains synaptic efficacy in neurons controlling thoughts, feelings, and movements.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Metabolism·DateOct 5, 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.

Telemedicine saves chronic pain patients time and money

A study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists found that patients who used telemedicine for chronic pain management saved an average of 69 minutes per visit and $22 on gas and parking costs. This reduced travel time and expenses, leading to improved patient satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·DateOct 5, 2020

Exposure to vitamin D in the womb might minimize risk of high blood pressure for children born to mothers with preeclampsia

A study found that higher vitamin D levels in pregnancy may protect against childhood high blood pressure, particularly for children born to mothers with preeclampsia. The analysis of data on 754 mother-child pairs revealed a dose-related association between cord-blood vitamin D levels and reduced offspring blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 5, 2020

Scientist maps CO2 emissions for entire US to improve environmental policymaking

A new map provides detailed greenhouse gas emissions data across the US, enabling policymakers to identify problem areas and develop targeted policies. The Vulcan Project, developed by Northern Arizona University, offers a standardized system for quantifying and visualizing emissions down to individual power plants and neighborhoods.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateOct 5, 2020

Arrokoth: Flattening of a snowman

Researchers investigate how Arrokoth's pancake-flat shape emerged from the formation process of the Solar System. They suggest that the body may have started as a merger between a spherical and an oblate body, or that its shape developed gradually due to favorable orbital conditions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·DateOct 5, 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.

Shattering expectations: novel seed dispersal gene found in green millet

Researchers at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center have identified a novel seed dispersal gene in wild green millet, which could lead to more efficient crop production. The discovery was made through the analysis of nearly 600 genome sequences and confirmed by gene editing studies.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 5, 2020

Caring for others is a key driver in getting people to use chatbots for mental health

A new study from North Carolina State University found that users' desire to help others with mental health problems is a powerful driver for using chatbots. The researchers surveyed 1,114 U.S. adults who had used chatbots for mental health services and discovered that helping others was twice as motivating as helping oneself.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Contingencies and Crisis Management·DateOct 5, 2020

Early referral to physical therapy improves function and other symptoms of back pain with sciatica

A randomized controlled trial found that early referral to physical therapy significantly improved function and reduced symptoms of back pain with sciatica compared to usual care. Patients who received physical therapy immediately after their primary care visit reported less disability than those who took the wait-and-see approach.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateOct 5, 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.

Study identifies characteristics of infused CAR T cells associated with efficacy and toxicity in in patients with large B-cell lymphoma

A study at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that monitoring early changes in circulating tumor DNA can predict patient outcomes. Infused CAR T cells with certain characteristics are associated with better treatment responses, while those with exhaustion signatures may experience poor outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 5, 2020

Dog and human brains process faces differently

A recent study published in The Journal of Neuroscience has revealed striking similarities and differences in how dog and human brains process visual information about others. Researchers used fMRI to compare brain activity patterns between twenty dogs and thirty humans, finding both analogous and divergent patterns of species- and fac...

SourceEötvös Loránd University·DateOct 5, 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.

New shortcut enables faster creation of spin pattern in magnet

Researchers have discovered a new approach to create a spin pattern in a magnet, enabling faster creation of skyrmions. This discovery offers an additional method for more efficient magnetic data storage, with potential applications in cloud data centers.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 5, 2020