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Science News Archive September 2020


Page 18 of 49

It is time to embrace cannabis for medicinal use, say experts

Hundreds of thousands of UK patients are self-medicating with illegal cannabis-based products due to limited prescription availability. Researchers found that concerns about a perceived lack of scientific evidence and resistance from the medical profession hinder prescribing, despite substantial evidence of effectiveness in various dis...

CHOP researchers find MIS-C associated with myocardial injury

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that cardiac involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with myocardial injury, differing from Kawasaki disease. Long-term effects on cardiac function and sports participation require further study.

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.

Hyperbolic metamaterials exhibit 2T physics

Researchers have experimentally observed effective gravity and two-time physics in ferrofluid-based hyperbolic metamaterials, paving the way for ultra-fast all-optical hypercomputing. This phenomenon has potential applications in time-sensitive fields such as real-time computing and target recognition.

Scientists propose multifunctional liquid metal nanocapsules

Researchers propose multifunctional liquid metal nanocapsules with tunable polylactone shells for improved thermal/photo-molding properties, electric conductivity, and notch-insensitive tearing. The powder of LM capsules combines exceptional properties of liquid metals and polylactone shells.

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.

How we age

Researchers construct a composite measure of physiological dysregulation among human populations and compare it to other primates. Despite differing lifestyles, Tsimane adults show marginally higher rates of increase in physiological dysregulation, but still lower rates compared to urban populations.

Cancer survivors urgently need better nutritional support

A national survey found that many cancer patients lack nutritional advice and face difficulties such as diarrhoea, appetite loss, and changes in taste and smell. Researchers emphasize the importance of individualized guidance for improved quality of life and overall survival.

A faster and more reliable method to categorize olive oil is validated

A new analytical method using Gas Chromatography with Ion Mobility Spectrometry (GC-IMS) has been validated for faster and more reliable olive oil categorization into three categories: extra virgin, virgin, and lampante. This method analyzes two samples per hour and uses statistical tools to create calibration equations.

Researchers discover new molecules for tracking Parkinson's disease

A team of researchers developed an innovative approach to identify and evaluate candidate molecules that can image and track the progression of Parkinson's disease. They screened millions of compounds using a high-throughput computational method, identifying two promising candidates with extremely high binding affinity to alpha-synuclein.

Older people have become younger

A study by University of Jyväskylä found that older adults (75-80 years) have improved muscle strength, walking speed, reaction time, verbal fluency, and cognitive performance compared to the same-aged individuals in the 1990s. Increased education was a key factor behind these improvements.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Researchers identify new type of superconductor

A team of Cornell researchers led by Brad Ramshaw discovered a possible third type of superconductor called g-wave. They used resonant ultrasound spectroscopy to study the material's symmetry properties and found that it is a two-component superconductor with no electrical resistance. This discovery could lead to major breakthroughs in...

Vaccination insights

Researchers investigating BCG vaccination's potential COVID-19 protection find no correlation between infancy vaccination and reduced pandemic cases. Instead, they suggest other factors like public health agency strength or risk aversion may play a role.

Biodiversity hypothesis called into question

A new study reveals that species are better equipped to thrive in both abundant and scarce food environments, contradicting the long-held 'gleaner-exploiter' trade-off theory. The researchers argue that a risk-taking trade-off to access food is more likely, explaining the diversity of biological species.

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.

Ryugu's rocky past

Researchers discover two types of boulders on Ryugu, hinting at a collision between a small S-type and C-type parent asteroid. The findings provide clues to the asteroid's turbulent past and may shed light on Earth's history.

40% of O'ahu, Hawai'i beaches could be lost by mid-century

A new study warns that up to 40% of O'ahu's sandy beaches could be lost by mid-century due to rising sea levels and shoreline hardening. The research assesses the risk of erosion hazards and identifies areas that qualify for emergency permitting, highlighting the need for creative solutions to rescue beachfront owners.

Belief in conspiracy theories is a barrier to controlling spread of COVID-19

A new study reveals that believing in COVID-19 conspiracy theories predicts increased resistance to vaccination and preventive behaviors, including mask-wearing. The researchers found a widening gap between those who strongly believed in conspiracies and those who did not, with believers being less likely to wear masks and get vaccinated.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ribeye-eating pigs demonstrate protein quality for humans

A new study shows that most meat products, including ribeye steak, have high digestible indispensable amino acid scores, making them suitable for improving nutrition in developing countries. This research uses pigs as a model for humans and finds that processing can affect protein quality.

CRISPR-based malaria testing on-the-fly

A new CRISPR-based assay detects all four major malaria-causing Plasmodium species with high sensitivity and specificity, providing a viable solution to diagnose asymptomatic carriers. The SHERLOCK system enables rapid testing in just 60 minutes, surpassing WHO requirements for low parasite density detection.

Machine learning and detection of osteoarthritis

A machine learning classifier accurately detected the beginning stages of osteoarthritis progression in a study of 86 individuals. The classifier achieved 78% accuracy up to 3 years before symptom onset, suggesting early detection may enable treatment at a reversible stage.

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.

Study suggests the average person with type 1 diabetes will live almost 8 years less, and those with type 2 diabetes almost 2 years less, than people in the general population

A new study suggests that people with type 1 diabetes will live almost 8 years less and those with type 2 diabetes will live almost 2 years less than the general population. The study used data from the UK National Diabetes Audit and Office for National Statistics to calculate life expectancy, finding a significant gap in mortality rat...

Comparing effectiveness of smartphone apps for quitting smoking

A randomized clinical trial compared two smartphone apps for helping smokers quit, with one approach using gamification and the other leveraging cognitive behavioral therapy. The study found that both apps were effective in reducing cigarette use, but the gamified app had a higher quit rate at 6-month follow-up.

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.

Why there is no speed limit in the superfluid universe

Researchers from Lancaster University found that exotic particles stick to all surfaces in the superfluid, enabling objects to move at high speeds without destroying the fragile state. This discovery may guide applications in quantum technology and quantum computing.

NASA analyzes soaking capabilities of hurricane Teddy on Bermuda approach

Hurricane Teddy's rainfall rates were estimated at around 30 mm per hour near the center of circulation, with heavier rain showers expected across Atlantic Canada between Tuesday and Thursday. The storm is forecasted to transition into a powerful post-tropical cyclone, posing risks of wind, rain, and storm surge impacts.

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.

Tracking the working dogs of 9/11

A study of search and rescue dogs found that dogs at the disaster site lived a similar length of time as those in a control group, with no discernable difference in cause of death. The most common cause of death was age-related conditions such as arthritis and cancer.

How does public opinion impact education policy?

A new book examines how public opinion impacts educational reform in Western Europe. The authors found that when issues are highly debated by the public, policymakers are more likely to respond to clear signals, but in cases of ambiguous or 'quiet' debates, party politics takes over.

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.

Dino teeth research prove giant predatory dinosaur lived in water

A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth discovered over 1,200 dinosaur teeth that confirm Spinosaurus was a river-monster. The findings support the theory that dinosaurs were adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, with Spinosaurus being the most commonly found creature in the Kem Kem river system.

Funding climate action policies: Consumers weigh in

A study by Washington University in St. Louis researchers found that consumers across the US and Europe prefer a constant-cost plan to fund climate action, reducing opposition compared to ramp-up approaches. The constant-cost plan also encourages energy reduction over time, even with high average household costs.

Middle-aged Americans report more pain than the elderly

A study published in PNAS found that middle-aged Americans without a college degree are reporting more pain than the elderly, which could put further strain on healthcare systems. The researchers attribute this trend to increasing social isolation, stagnant wages, and rising deaths of despair among less-educated populations.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Scientists advance understanding of blood-brain barrier health

A study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that astrocytes are crucial for maintaining the blood-brain barrier's health. The finding has significant implications for understanding and treating neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and traumatic brain injury.

$2M USDA grant funds value-added grains project

A Cornell University scientist is leading a multi-institution team to develop value-added grains for staple foods, benefiting both humans and organic vegetable growers. Key findings include the development of new small grain varieties with improved nutritional quality and the creation of a supply chain for specialty markets.

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.

Having a ball: Crystallization in a sphere

Crystallization in confined spaces is poorly understood, but researchers have gained insight into the process using colloid particles. The study reveals that kinetics, not thermodynamics, drives crystal structure formation in these systems.

AI could expand healing with bioscaffolds

A team led by Lydia Kavraki used machine learning to predict scaffold material quality, controlling print speed is critical in making high-quality implants. The collaboration could lead to better ways to quickly print customized implants.

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.

The impact of COVID-19 on access to Parkinson's disease medication

The study found that patients in low-income countries faced significant difficulties accessing their Parkinson's disease medication, leading to worsening symptom control and increased disability. Global health inequities worsened by COVID-19, with resource-poor countries disproportionately affected.

Toxic masculinity: Why male funnel web spiders are so dangerous

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that male funnel web spider venom is deadlier than female venom due to evolutionary adaptations. The study, published in PNAS, sheds light on the unique properties of delta-hexatoxins and their fatal neurotoxic effects on humans.

Nanoparticle SARS-CoV-2 model may speed drug discovery for COVID-19

A team of scientists has created a fluorescent nanoparticle probe that mimics how SARS-CoV-2 infects cells, allowing for rapid testing of potential therapeutic agents. The probe's ability to track viral attachment and effects on cells in real-time makes it a powerful tool for drug discovery.

New study reveals why flu can be devastating for pregnant women

A new pre-clinical study suggests that the flu virus spreads throughout a pregnant woman's body, triggering a hyperactive immune response. The research found that the virus enters the circulatory system via blood vessels, leading to severe inflammation and reduced blood flow to the placenta.

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.

Origins of funnel web spider toxins

Researchers identified 22 additional δ-hexatoxins from 10 Australian funnel web spider species, suggesting the venom plays a defensive role. The toxins' high human toxicity may have emerged as a result of their original function against nonhuman vertebrate predators.