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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 1 of 49

Advancing carbon dioxide catalysis

Feng Jiao, a renowned chemical engineering expert, is leading research on transforming carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals using catalysis. His projects aim to produce formic acid and ethylene from CO2 without purification, with the goal of commercializing this technology.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 30, 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.

Researchers use satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's central valley

Researchers used satellite imaging to map groundwater use in California's San Joaquin Valley, finding that field crops and pasture crops have higher rates of subsidence than fruit and nut crops. This study provides new insights for irrigation policymaking and sustainable groundwater management in agricultural regions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2020

Metal-ion breakthrough leads to new biomaterials

Cornell engineers developed a modular process for designing elastomers with metals like iron and calcium, creating a wide range of mechanical properties. The framework allows for the creation of biodegradable and elastic materials for soft tissue reconstruction and regeneration.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2020

The proof is in the pudding

Researchers at the University of South Australia found that increasing meal sizes can improve nutrition intake among aged care residents. The study showed a correlation between portion size and food consumption, with each kilojoule increase in served energy resulting in a 0.73 kilojoule increase in consumed energy.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralasian Marketing Journal·DateSep 30, 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.

What is your attitude towards a humanoid robot? Your brain activity can tell us!

Scientists have found a correlation between brain activity and attitudes towards humanoid robots, with distinct neural patterns predicting people's bias in attributing intentionality. This study contributes to understanding engagement with robots and can inform the future acceptance of robots in healthcare applications.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 30, 2020

How the Humboldt squid's genetic past and present can secure its future

Marine biologists warn of Humboldt squid's vulnerability to overfishing by fleets on its migration path, as its genetic stocks are found to be homogeneously co-distributed across the northern and southern hemispheres. The study emphasizes the need for an international marine policy to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalReviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries·DateSep 30, 2020

Drink coffee after breakfast, not before, for better metabolic control

A new study from the University of Bath found that drinking coffee after breakfast, but not before, can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Researchers discovered that strong black coffee consumed before breakfast substantially increased blood glucose response by around 50%.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·DateSep 30, 2020

Teen social networks linked to adult depression

A new study by Michigan State University found that teens with fewer friends are more likely to experience depression as adults. However, for women, being popular in adolescence can lead to lower depressive symptoms in adulthood. The study suggests that gender roles and expectations may contribute to this difference.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 30, 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.

Revealing the impacts of COVID-19 on unborn children

A new study of 388 pregnancies in 22 countries found that COVID-19 infection during early pregnancy significantly increases risk of adverse fetal outcomes. Only one baby tested positive for the disease and was asymptomatic, suggesting rare transmission from mother to child.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalJournal of Perinatal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2020

Molecules responsible for radio-resistant glioblastoma identified

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive brain cancer with low five-year survival rate due to rapid development of radioresistance. Researchers from Hokkaido University and Stanford University identified Rab27b and epiregulin as key molecules contributing to radioresistance.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNeuro-Oncology Advances·DateSep 30, 2020

Bacteria virus combo may be cause of neonatal brain infections in Uganda

Researchers identified a previously unknown strain of Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus bacteria as the primary cause of post-infectious hydrocephalus in Ugandan infants. The bacteria is linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, which causes neurological damage and can lead to severe cognitive and physical disabilities.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 30, 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.

Drugs aren't typically tested on women. AI could correct that bias

Researchers developed AwareDX, a machine learning algorithm that groups data into sex-balanced subsets to identify potential sex-specific drug effects. The algorithm has successfully predicted effects for several drugs, including simvastatin and risperidone, based on genetic differences between men and women.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·DateSep 30, 2020

New study reveals how reptiles divided up the spoils in ancient seas

Researchers modelled the changing ecologies of fossil reptiles in Mesozoic oceans, discovering six ecological categories that linked movement, habitat, and feeding styles. The study shows that these marine reptiles avoided competition with each other, with some groups conserving their ecological roles over time.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPalaeontology·DateSep 30, 2020

Hackers targeting companies that fake corporate responsibility

A new study suggests hackers are motivated by a company's attempts to fake social responsibility, targeting firms that engage in 'greenwashing' efforts. Companies with peripheral CSR actions are more likely to face data breaches and hacker attacks.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateSep 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

"There's no place like home" for rehab after stroke

A study published in Neurology suggests that outpatients who receive professional rehabilitation training at home through live video consultations may recover their motor skills better than those who do their rehab in person. The study found greater increases in physical mobility and functional brain activity among the remote training ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 30, 2020

Modifiable health risks linked to more than $730 billion in US health care costs

A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that modifiable health risks, such as obesity and high blood pressure, account for 27% of US personal health care expenses. These costs are largely driven by five risk factors: overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, poor diet, and smoking.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateSep 30, 2020

WVU researcher to tackle the mysteries of dark energy and the universe beyond

A new project led by West Virginia University researcher Kevin Bandura aims to understand the nature of dark energy by mapping out the distribution of matter throughout the universe. The three-year project will use precise observations to study the expansion of the universe, which is currently accelerating due to dark energy.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateSep 30, 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.

"Immortal" in tree resin

An international team detected DNA from ambrosia beetles trapped in recent tree resin for less than seven years. The study challenges previous fails in finding DNA in older samples and opens up new possibilities for genetic research.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 30, 2020

Screen time can change visual perception -- and that's not necessarily bad

Research from Binghamton University found that the human perceptual system rapidly adjusts to changes in visual experience, including playing video games. The study shows that people can adapt quickly to changes in their environment, with some arguing that this adaptation is helpful in a digital world.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPerception·DateSep 30, 2020

Consumers who avoid products with harmful chemicals on the label have lower body burden

A new study by Silent Spring Institute found that consumers who avoid products containing endocrine disruptors, such as parabens and BPA, have significantly lower levels of these chemicals in their bodies. The study showed that reading ingredient labels and avoiding certain products can reduce exposures to these harmful chemicals.

SourceSilent Spring Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 30, 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.

Planktonic sea snails and slugs may be more adaptable to ocean acidification than expected

A recent study has found that pteropods, or 'wing-footed' sea snails and slugs, are much older than previously thought and survived past environmental changes in the ocean. The research suggests that these creatures may be more adaptable to ocean acidification than expected.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2020

Wildcats threatened by their domestic cousins

European wildcats are at risk of genetic replacement by domestic cats due to hybridization, which can lead to the loss of distinct gene pools and ultimately extinction. A new study predicts that this process could occur within 200-300 years, even with conservation efforts.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateSep 30, 2020

Virtual Heidelberg Laureate Forum - Experiment to Experience

The Virtual Heidelberg Laureate Forum successfully replicated in-person exchanges with interactive tools, discussing health, communication, and the pandemic. The event also marked a change in leadership with Prof. Dr. Anna Wienhard succeeding Prof. Dr. Andreas Reuter as Scientific Chairperson.

SourceHeidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation·DateSep 30, 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.

Pandemic provides unique opportunity for atmospheric chemists

A global decrease in emissions led to a sudden increase in data collection opportunities for atmospheric researchers, allowing them to study pollution in real-time. This data could help address climate change and air quality problems by informing policymakers on the impact of climate-friendly legislation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 30, 2020

Scientists propose immune cocktail therapy to boost cancer-immunity cycle in multiple aspects

A research team from Chinese Academy of Sciences proposes an innovative immune cocktail therapy combining ICT with other approaches to enhance cancer treatment. The therapy achieves anti-tumor effects by enhancing T cell priming, killing tumor cells, and generating immune memory T cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateSep 30, 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.

Cerebral palsy also has genetic underpinnings

A new study has identified mutations in single genes that can cause cerebral palsy, challenging the long-held notion that the disorder is caused by environmental factors. The research found that many of these mutations occur randomly and are not inherited from parents, but rather arise during development.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 2020

3D printed 'invisible' fibers can sense breath, sound, and biological cells

Researchers from the University of Cambridge used 3D printing to create sensors beyond conventional film-based devices, outperforming commercial sensors in monitoring rapid breathing. The fibre sensors can detect breath moisture leaked through face coverings, providing potential indicators for viral transmission protection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 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.

"Liking" an article online may mean less time spent reading it

A new study suggests that interacting with online content may change how we consume it, as people tend to focus on self-expression over engagement. When participants could vote on articles agreeing with their views, their attitudes became stronger and time spent reading decreased.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateSep 30, 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.

NIH awards $35.5 million to use bioengineered organ models to improve clinical trials

The National Institutes of Health has awarded grants to support researchers' efforts in using tiny, bioengineered models of human tissues and organ systems to study diseases and test drugs. The goal is to develop ways to predict which patients are most likely to benefit from an investigational therapy prior to initiating clinical trials.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·DateSep 30, 2020

Financial distress linked to suicide risk in people with ADHD

A large population study found a strong link between ADHD and financial distress, which contributes to a higher risk of suicide. Adults with ADHD were more likely to experience bank overdrafts, unpaid debts, and default risk, especially as they aged.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 2020

HPV vaccine effective against cervical cancer

A large study by Karolinska Institutet found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer. Women vaccinated at a young age show a 88% reduced risk, while those vaccinated between ages 17 and 30 experience a halved risk.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2020

The heat is on for building 3D artificial organ tissues

Researchers at the University of Washington and Rice University are working on a novel technology that uses thermofluidic systems to manipulate gene expression in cells within 3D artificial organs. This could lead to the creation of functional artificial liver tissues that can be used for studying disease and developing new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 30, 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.

NASA imagery reveals Kujira transitioning into an extratropical cyclone

NASA's Aqua satellite captured visible images of Typhoon Kujira transitioning into an extra-tropical storm, highlighting the effects of strong wind shear. The storm's center of circulation was surrounded by wispy clouds, while powerful southwesterly vertical wind shear pushed clouds and showers northeast of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 30, 2020

Coral's resilience to warming may depend on iron

A new study suggests that limited iron levels in corals could impair their ability to respond to climate change. High water temperatures and low iron availability compromise the algae living within coral cells, leading to reduced growth and function.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateSep 30, 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.

Hydroxychloroquine no more effective than placebo in preventing COVID-19

A clinical trial found that a daily regimen of hydroxychloroquine did not reduce infection rates among healthcare workers. The study suggests that other prevention measures such as social distancing and vaccination may be more effective in preventing COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2020