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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 10


Page 10 of 49

UTIA to lead regional effort to battle farmer, rancher stress

The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been chosen to coordinate a regional effort to address farmer and rancher stress in the South. The three-year project aims to provide stress management assistance for people in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations as well as their families.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 25, 2020

Faced with shortages, researchers combine heat and humidity to disinfect N95 masks

A team of researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and University of Texas Medical Branch has developed a method to disinfect N95 masks using moderate heat and high relative humidity. This process extends the ability to reuse masks, potentially reducing shortages, and can also be used to decontaminate other viruses.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 25, 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.

Columbia leads effort to develop a quantum simulator

A multidisciplinary research team led by Columbia University is developing a quantum simulator to tackle real-world challenges. The project, funded by a $1 million NSF Convergence Accelerator award, aims to create a device that can solve problems difficult for classical computers.

SourceColumbia University·DateSep 25, 2020

Study shows Massachusetts response to COVID-19 in nursing homes helped stem infection rate

A study found that adherence to infection control processes, including proper wearing of PPE and cohorting strategies, was significantly associated with declines in weekly infection and mortality rates. The Massachusetts COVID-19 response in nursing homes helped stem the rate of infection among vulnerable residents through a state-wide...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 25, 2020

Ultrapotent antibody mix blocks COVID-19 virus attachment

A cocktail of powerful antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients locks down the infection machinery, preventing the virus from entering cells. The antibodies protect hamsters from infection when exposed to the coronavirus, also setting off the infection-fighting actions of other immune cells.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2020

Criticism of COVID-19 models by democratic political leaders may erode public trust in science

A study finds that criticism of COVID-19 models by Democratic elites undermines public support for the models and science more broadly. Republicans have little impact on public attitudes towards models. Scientists should acknowledge model uncertainty and convey what is known about the virus to build trust.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2020

How to better understand what makes a virus win during transmission?

The study proposes a mathematical model to understand the interactions between microorganisms within hosts and their transmission ability. The framework allows for the prediction of infection trajectories in single hosts and transmission in host populations, even considering complex interactions and stochasticity.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marine heatwaves are human made

Marine heatwaves have increased significantly due to global warming, with major events becoming more frequent and prolonged. The probability of such events has risen massively, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and their ability to recover.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 25, 2020

Fast, accurate and non-destructive: the new method to analyze food quality

Researchers develop prediction models for spinach quality and safety using portable NIRS sensors, offering a fast, accurate, environmentally friendly, affordable and non-destructive solution. This technology has the potential to revolutionize quality control systems in the food industry.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPostharvest Biology and Technology·DateSep 25, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Astronomers model, determine how disk galaxies evolve so smoothly

Researchers have advanced studies on galaxy formation, revealing the role of massive clumps in scattering stars and creating smooth galaxy disks. The models show that this process is robust and universal, applying to many types of galaxies.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 25, 2020

5G wireless may lead to inaccurate weather forecasts

A Rutgers study suggests that 5G wireless networks may impact the accuracy of weather forecasts. The study found that even low levels of 5G radiation can affect precipitation and temperature predictions by up to 0.9 millimeters and 2.34 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively.

SourceRutgers University·DateSep 24, 2020

Loving-kindness meditation will make you happier

Researchers found loving-kindness meditation to be more effective in increasing happiness and positive emotions, while compassion meditation also did not result in negative emotions growth. Self-compassion played a key role in the positive effects of compassion meditation.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalMindfulness·DateSep 24, 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.

How earthquake swarms arise

A Stanford-developed model shows that fluids ascending by fits and starts weaken the fault, propelling the boundary or locking depth upward. This process can trigger earthquake swarms, strings of quakes clustered in a local area, often too subtle to notice but sometimes strong enough to rattle cities.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020

Twinkling, star-shaped brain cells may hold the key to why, how we sleep

Researchers found that star-shaped brain cells, astrocytes, change dynamically across sleep-wake cycles and play a role in regulating sleep need. Astrocyte calcium activity increased during rest phases when sleep need is greatest, suggesting an essential role in sleep regulation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 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.

Penicillium camemberti: a history of domestication on cheese

Researchers found that domesticating Penicillium camemberti from a wild mould resulted in beneficial characteristics for cheese production, including whiteness and increased growth rates. The study may impact the selection of moulds for cheese production.

SourceCNRS·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2020

Lockdown mental health problems amongst family carers up to 10 times higher

A study found that lockdown mental health problems amongst family carers are up to 10 times higher, with severe anxiety rates five times higher than non-carers. The research highlights the need for better support and services for informal carers during future lockdowns.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateSep 24, 2020

3D camera earns its stripes at Rice

Researchers at Rice University have developed a compact Hyperspectral Stripe Projector that combines depth and spectral information, enabling real-time 3D spectroscopy. This technology has potential applications in self-driving cars, machine vision, crop monitoring, and surface wear and corrosion detection.

SourceRice University·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 24, 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.

Researchers explore how the human brain is so resilient

The US Army Research Laboratory teamed up with Italian Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School, and University of California, Irvine to study the complexities of the human brain. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI to track neural changes after inhibiting a specific part of the brain.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 24, 2020

Common pelvic pain drug is ineffective, study finds

A new study found that gabapentin, a commonly used drug for chronic pelvic pain, is no more effective than a placebo in treating the condition. Researchers recommend exploring alternative therapies such as physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy instead.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 24, 2020

Reasons for football injuries

The study found that tackling is linked to a high risk of injury for the attacking player, while injuries without physical contact often occur due to fast running. To prevent these injuries, experts recommend training consisting of aerobic and anaerobic elements.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 24, 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.

First PhytoFrontiers™ paper discusses arabidopsis response to caterpillars

The study reveals distinct responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to two generalist caterpillar species, the cabbage looper and beet armyworm. Researchers found that plant defense mechanisms differ in response to these caterpillars, suggesting potential strategies for coping with herbivory.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·DateSep 24, 2020

The Lancet: Experts compare strategies for easing lockdown restrictions in Europe and Asia Pacific and identify key cross-country lessons

A review of policies from nine high-income countries identifies five key factors for strategies to ease lockdown restrictions. Governments should have clear plans with transparent decision-making processes and robust systems in place to monitor the infection situation. For communities to reopen safely, control measures such as face mas...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 24, 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.

Job security, finances strongly related to increased anxiety during pandemic

Research at University of Connecticut reveals that job insecurity and financial concerns significantly contribute to depression and anxiety symptoms in employed individuals. The study also highlights the importance of employers supporting employee mental health by recognizing and addressing these concerns.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

Bird brains' cortex-like structure may be behind complex cognition, and even consciousness

Two studies found that birds' pallium exhibits a layered architecture similar to mammals', potentially enabling complex cognitive abilities like consciousness. This structure may have been present in the last common ancestor of birds and mammals 320 million years ago, or evolved independently through convergent evolution.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 2020

Pale melanomas masked by albino gene

Researchers found people with pale-colored melanomas are more likely to have an albinism gene mutation, which prevents brown pigment synthesis and increases skin cancer risk. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and earlier treatment for patients with one mutated albinism gene.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2020

Optimizing of VCSEL photon lifetime for minimum energy consumption at varying bit rates

Researchers have optimized Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) to achieve lower energy consumption while maintaining high data transmission rates. The study demonstrates that doubling the number of devices can reduce total energy consumption by 50% without compromising device lifetime or reducing current density.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalOptics Express·DateSep 24, 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.

LBG individuals use stimulants at higher rates than heterosexuals

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that LGB individuals, particularly bisexual women and gay men, use stimulants at higher rates than heterosexuals. This is linked to minority stress and structural stigma, with potential consequences including substance use disorder and overdose.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

Putting virtual rehab for stroke patients to the test

Researchers developed a new gaming platform to improve rehabilitation for stroke survivors with hemispatial neglect. The platform, 'c-SIGHT', uses videogame technology to engage patients and track progress.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNeuropsychological Rehabilitation·DateSep 24, 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.

Y chromosomes of Neandertals and Denisovans now sequenced

Researchers have successfully sequenced the Y chromosomes of Neandertals and Denisovans, shedding light on their genetic relationships. The findings reveal that Neandertals had adopted male sex chromosomes from modern humans, with similar patterns seen in mitochondrial DNA.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateSep 24, 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.

Air pollution leads to increase in electricity usage, study suggests

A recent study by Cardiff University researchers found that high levels of air pollution force people indoors, leading to higher electricity consumption in both residential and commercial buildings. The effects are particularly pronounced in lower-income families and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Energy·DateSep 24, 2020

COVID-19: Berlin scientists lay basis for a passive vaccination

Researchers at DZNE identified effective antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, which could trigger undesired side effects when binding to various organs. These neutralizing antibodies can prevent the virus from entering cells and reproducing, helping immune cells eliminate the pathogen.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell·DateSep 24, 2020

The return of the spin echo

A research team has discovered a remarkable echo effect in phosphorus atoms on silicon, allowing for the detection of multiple spin echoes. This effect is due to strong coupling between atomic spins and microwave photons, enabling the processing of quantum information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 24, 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.

Camera traps show impact of recreational activity on wildlife

Researchers used camera traps to monitor wildlife and human trail use in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park, finding that wildlife tends to avoid places recently visited by recreational users. The study highlights the need to balance outdoor recreation with potential disruption of ecosystems and loss of species.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalConservation Science and Practice·DateSep 24, 2020

Reimagining everyday technologies in light of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a reevaluation of life as normal, prompting Dr. Alex Taylor to explore the role of technology in society. Key findings include the need to rethink technological solutions that prioritize individual health over social and multispecies relationships.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·Journalinteractions·DateSep 24, 2020

New analytical model detects mutations in breast cancer

Researchers at Lund University developed a computational model to detect and identify genetic mutations in breast tumours using RNA sequencing. The study found that almost 87% of patients had at least one mutation for which potential drugs exist, with specific genes like PIK3CA associated with good prognosis.

SourceLund University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateSep 24, 2020

Talc and petroleum jelly among the best lubricants for people wearing PPE

Researchers from Imperial College London found that non-absorptive creams and powders like talcum powder and coconut oil-cocoa butter mixtures are most effective in providing long-lasting skin protection for PPE wearers. These products create a protective layer between skin and PPE, reducing friction and shear injuries.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 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.

Bridging the gap between the magnetic and electronic properties of topological insulators

Topological insulators exhibit unusual quantum phenomena due to their electrically conductive surface and insulating interior. A recent study revealed the relationship between the magnetic properties and electronic band structure, finding that the Dirac cone gap closes with increasing temperature, contradicting previous theories.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2020

What new research reveals about rude workplace emails

Two studies found that dealing with rude emails at work creates lingering stress and affects productivity, sleep, and family life. Researchers urge employees to psychologically detach from stressful workdays and managers to set clear expectations regarding email communications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateSep 24, 2020

Age restrictions for handguns make little difference in homicides

A recent University of Washington study found that age restrictions on handgun purchases have little effect on the rate of homicides involving guns by people in this age group. The central issue is high informal access to firearms, making it difficult to address with age limits. Firearms are a leading cause of death among American youth.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 24, 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.

Jindal school researchers examine COVID-19 impact on manufacturing

A study published in IEEE Engineering Management Review found that manufacturers' crisis communication plans often lack managing infectious-disease outbreaks. The researchers identified the supporting enablers and competing barriers of manufacturing repurposing within the context of COVID-19 disruptions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalIEEE Engineering Management Review·DateSep 24, 2020