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Science News Archive October 2020 - Page 47


Page 47 of 47
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.

RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection preserves Hebrew wood type

The RIT Cary Graphic Arts Collection is preserving a rare collection of Hebrew wood types used by the Jewish-American press at the turn of the 20th century. The collection includes sets from one of the longest-running Yiddish daily newspapers still in publication, The Forward.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateOct 1, 2020

Sensor with 100,000 times higher sensitivity could bolster thermal imaging

Researchers developed a new microwave radiation sensor with 100,000 times higher sensitivity than currently available sensors, enabling improved thermal imaging and detection of electromagnetic signals. The technology has potential applications in quantum sensing, radar, and the search for dark matter.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2020

Why writing by hand makes kids smarter

Researchers at NTNU found that handwriting creates more activity in the brain's sensorimotor parts, leading to better learning and memory. The study suggests that children should receive minimum handwriting training to develop their cognitive skills.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 1, 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.

Alien species to increase by 36% worldwide by 2050

A new study predicts that alien species will continue to spread globally at an alarming rate, increasing by 36% worldwide by 2050. In Europe, the number of alien species is expected to rise by 64%, with over 2,500 new arrivals predicted.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 1, 2020

New research explores how multinational firms can manage corruption

A new study from Lehigh University College of Business professor Charles E. Stevens found that firms taking a third approach to managing corruption in developing countries, known as an 'engagement strategy', are successful due to deeper long-term commitments and partnerships.

SourceLehigh University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateOct 1, 2020

How cells build organisms

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a key control mechanism that allows cells to self-organize in early embryonic development. By studying the expression of unique combinations of adhesion molecules, the team found that these 'adhesion codes' determine which cells prefer to stay connected and how strongly they do so.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

DNA changes in healthy bladder provide clues on how cancer arises

Researchers found high variability in DNA changes between individuals, suggesting a wide range of factors influence bladder cancer development. A new mutational signature linked to smoking was also identified, shedding light on why tobacco is the single greatest risk factor for bladder cancer.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 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.

Climate: Iodic acid influences cloud formation at the North Pole

Researchers found that iodic acid triggers new aerosol particle formation events, leading to cloud condensation nuclei and potentially altering clouds' radiative properties. The team's findings provide greater insight into biogeochemical processes for cloud formation over the Arctic pack ice.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2020

Carbon-carbon covalent bonds far more flexible than presumed

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that carbon-carbon covalent bonds can expand and contract flexibly, a new phenomenon that could confer unique properties on organic compounds. The study found that these flexible bonds exhibit reversible expansion and contraction in response to external stimuli.

SourceHokkaido University·DateOct 1, 2020

Long-term care after Medicaid expansion

A recent study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly reduced long-term home health care and nursing home use among newly eligible low-income adults and older adults. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better management of chronic conditions, resulting in lower rates of institutional care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 1, 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.

Tool helps clear biases from computer vision

Researchers at Princeton University developed a tool to uncover potential biases in visual data sets, such as stereotypical images and underrepresentation. The tool, REVISE, uses statistical methods to inspect data sets for object-based, gender-based, and geography-based biases.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateOct 1, 2020

Sticking together

Researchers find that cell adhesion proteins and a gradient of signaling molecule Sonic Hedgehog work together to create precise sorting of cells into domains. By combining experiments from biophysics, genetics, and developmental biology, the team successfully solves the puzzle of how patterns are created in developing organisms.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2020

Zika infections drastically underreported during 2015 epidemic

A study by University of Notre Dame researchers found over 100 million Zika virus infections went undetected between 2015 and 2018. The team's findings highlight the need for improved surveillance systems to track transmission, especially in regions with high asymptomatic infection rates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateOct 1, 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.

Internet gaming youth not more prone to psychiatric disorders

A recent study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry has found no connection between Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) and psychiatric problems in children. In contrast, children with IGD symptoms showed lower anxiety levels two years later, potentially due to social interactions or gaming as a distraction.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2020

800 million children still exposed to lead

A UNICEF study reports that 800 million children have high lead values in their blood, posing permanent brain damage risks. The study highlights the need for international measures to address lead exposure, particularly among marginalized groups.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateOct 1, 2020

Understanding beta cell growth may help treat diabetes

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center will investigate how the SGK1 enzyme regulates beta-cell mass when more insulin is needed. The study aims to understand how beta-cell growth mechanisms influence insulin release, potentially leading to new medications for diagnosing and treating metabolic diseases.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·DateOct 1, 2020

Influence of bots on spreading vaccine information not as big as you think

A University of Sydney-led study found that human-operated Twitter accounts dominate vaccine-related discussions, with most users unlikely to see or engage with bot-generated content. The researchers suggest that resources could be better spent on education interventions and media literacy training.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 1, 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.

High risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in patients with COVID-19

A systematic review found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients have a high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), with ICU patients at the highest risk. The study estimated that up to 28% of critically ill patients may develop deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalResearch and Practice in Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateOct 1, 2020

TGen and HonorHealth study suggests alternative method of diagnosing lung infection

Researchers propose endotracheal aspirates as an attractive alternative to invasive bronchoalveolar lavage for diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The study revealed that ETA is functionally diverse and highly enriched in proteins involved in immunity, suggesting its potential to detect lung infection earlier and more accurately.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateOct 1, 2020

Einstein's description of gravity just got much harder to beat

Researchers used black hole images to test Einstein's general relativity, identifying modifications that cannot be significantly different from the theory. The new analysis provides a tighter gauge for testing gravity theories, constraining deviations from general relativity even further.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 1, 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.

Study finds yoga and meditation reduce chronic pain

A study found that participants in an eight-week MBSR course reported significant improvements in pain, depression, and disability. The program helped patients cope with their pain and improve their mental and physical health.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 1, 2020

Scientists map genes controlling immune system 'brakes'

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have mapped the genetic networks that control regulatory T cells, which act as a brake to suppress immune reactions. The findings could lead to therapies that strengthen or weaken the function of these cells to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 1, 2020

Ecological power storage battery made of vanillin

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have created a redox-active electrolyte material using vanillin, replacing ecologically harmful heavy metals or rare earths in liquid batteries. The technology is an important step towards sustainable energy storage and has potential applications in renewable energy expansion and grid relief.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateOct 1, 2020

Researchers reveal which benign breast disease is most likely to develop into cancer

A study by Spanish researchers found that women with incident, proliferative benign breast disease are at a nearly four-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with no BBD. The study analyzed data from over 629,000 women and recommends personalized screening strategies based on individual risk factors.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·DateOct 1, 2020

Clinician survey reveals significant variation in ultrasound-guided PIV insertion

A new survey among vascular access and emergency department clinicians reveals clinically meaningful differences in ultrasound-guided peripheral IV (UGPIV) procedures and supplies. The study highlights the urgent need for standardized and consistent UGPIV practices to minimize contamination and promote patient safety.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of the Association for Vascular Access·DateOct 1, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

15-year trend persists in disparate insulin pump use in children

A 15-year study found that non-Hispanic white children are more likely to use insulin pumps than non-Hispanic Black children, exacerbating racial disparities in type 1 diabetes outcomes. Researchers emphasize the need for interventions to address these disparities and promote equitable care.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Pediatric Nursing·DateOct 1, 2020

Pattern in whale songs predicts migration

Researchers at Stanford University have identified patterns in blue whale songs that indicate migration from feeding grounds to breeding grounds. The study uses advanced recording technologies to analyze whale song wavelengths, revealing a distinct change over several months.

SourceStanford University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 1, 2020

'Social cells' related to social behavior identified in the brain

A research team at Kobe University has identified 'social cells' in the brain related to social behavior, including Social-ON cells that activate during social interactions. The study found that these cells were active when a stranger mouse was present, regardless of location.

SourceKobe University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 1, 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.

Research may curb economic losses to power plants after earthquakes

Researchers found that reinforcing bushing systems with steel stiffeners reduces damage by up to 33-55%, resulting in lower costs for repairs and recovery. The study provides new insights into mitigating the impact of earthquake damage on power networks.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalStructure and Infrastructure Engineering·DateOct 1, 2020

Tumor progression depends on the tumor microenvironment

Researchers discover that the proteins transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) promote the development of cancer-associated fibroblasts, contributing to tumor progression. TGF-β induces endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), a process involving the conversion of endothelial cells to CAFs.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalCancer Science·DateOct 1, 2020

Researchers advance COVID-19 antibody knowledge with paper in journal

Scientists found that some COVID-19 antibodies provide stronger protection than others against reinfection, but not all individuals who have had the disease generate neutralizing antibodies. The study aims to answer how much neutralizing antibody is needed to prevent infection or reinfection.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center·JournalJCI Insight·DateOct 1, 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.

Expert opinion: COVID-19 vaccine rollout unlikely before fall 2021

A survey of 28 experts in vaccinology predicts that a publicly available COVID-19 vaccine may not be available before the fall of 2021. The majority of experts believe that the best-case scenario is a vaccine becoming available next summer, with some predicting it may take until 2022.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 1, 2020

Ice Age manatees may have called Texas home

Researchers found fossil evidence of ice age manatees in Texas, dating back to 11,000 to 240,000 years ago. The discovery suggests that manatees may have had a stable presence on the Texas coast during this time period.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateOct 1, 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.

Dementia caregivers' stress leads to sleep deprivation

A recent study by Edith Cowan University found that 94% of Australian dementia caregivers are sleep-deprived, which can lead to negative physical and psychological outcomes. Chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, as well as high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, were common among participants.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·DateOct 1, 2020