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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 16


Page 16 of 49

Photoacoustic microscopy for identifying sentinel lymph nodes of breast cancer

A new method for identifying sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in breast cancer uses photoacoustic microscopy and CD44 and SR-B1 dual-targeting nanoparticles. The technique distinguishes between metastatic SLNs and inflamed LNs, providing a potential solution for reducing complications during surgery.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateSep 22, 2020

Evaporation critical to coronavirus transmission as weather changes

Researchers studied the effects of relative humidity, environmental temperature, and wind speed on coronavirus transmission. They found that evaporation is a critical factor in virus survival and concentration, with high temperatures and low relative humidity reducing virus viability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateSep 22, 2020

A fresh sense of possibility

Researchers at KAUST have developed graphene-based sensors to monitor multiple environmental variables in extreme conditions. The sensors can withstand temperatures of up to 650 degrees Celsius and offer increased sensitivity in temperature sensing.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 22, 2020

Fungi in a warmer world

A $1m research project will examine fossilised fungi from 15-17 million years ago to forecast the impact of predicted rises in current global temperature on present day species. The study aims to understand how fungi respond to past warm climates, which could provide valuable information for adapting to climate change.

SourceNorthumbria University·DateSep 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA catches Tropical Storm Dolphin swimming north

Tropical Storm Dolphin is moving northward and is expected to weaken gradually before becoming extra-tropical near Tokyo. NASA's Terra satellite captured visible imagery of the storm on September 22, revealing strong storms and thunderstorms in its northeastern quadrant.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 2020

'Firefly' imaging method zooms in on 'the forces within us'

Researchers create a new technique using luminescent DNA tools to visualize mechanical forces of cells at the molecular level. They discovered that platelets have a concentrated core of mechanical tension and a thin rim that continuously contracts, opening up new possibilities for studying blood clotting disorders.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateSep 22, 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.

Most people infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop symptoms

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that true asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 comprise a minority of infections. The researchers estimated that 20% (95% CI 17-25) of COVID-19 infections remained asymptomatic during follow-up.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 22, 2020

COVID-19 mortality rates higher among men than women

A new review article reveals that COVID-19 mortality rates are significantly higher among men than women, with sex-based physiological differences potentially contributing to the increased risk. The study highlights the importance of considering sex as a key variable in research related to immunity and infectious disease.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 22, 2020

Wels catfish genome assembled

A research team has successfully sequenced and assembled the Wels catfish genome, which is expected to reveal insights into its remarkable growth rate, appetite, and lifespan. The study's findings will help address bottlenecks in aquaculture and conservation of wild populations.

SourceEstonian Research Council·DateSep 22, 2020

New theory predicts movement of different animals using sensing to search

A Northwestern University research team developed a new theory that can predict the movement of an animal's sensory organs while searching for vital information. The theory, called energy-constrained proportional betting, provides insight into how animals gamble on energy expenditure to get useful information.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 22, 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.

Exercise hormone may modulate genes associated with replication of novel coronavirus

Researchers found that irisin altered the expression of genes regulating ACE-2, a key protein in viral entry. Irisin also tripled levels of TRIB3 transcription, which has been linked to lower replication of SARS-CoV-2. The study suggests irisin's therapeutic potential for COVID-19 treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMolecular and Cellular Endocrinology·DateSep 22, 2020

Researchers find new way to protect plants from fungal infection

Scientists have found a new metabolic pathway that can be disrupted with acetohydroxamic acid, preventing many plant fungi from invading the host plant. The discovery provides a new approach to pathogen control using an existing active ingredient.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPhytopathology·DateSep 22, 2020

Is rheumatoid arthritis two different diseases?

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without autoantibodies have distinct conditions. Longitudinal data from 1,285 RA patients showed improved disease activity but varying long-term outcomes depending on autoantibody status.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 22, 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.

Mayo study identifies barriers to physician adoption of federal Right to Try law

A new Mayo Clinic study found that clinical oncologists are less informed about the federal Right to Try (RTT) law, citing concerns over patient safety and regulatory burden. The study also revealed that most oncologists had limited familiarity with RTT despite having experience with FDA's Expanded Access Programs.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 22, 2020

Small increase in risk of autism seen for pre- and post-term births

A study of over 3.5 million Nordic children found a slight increase in autism risk for each week of gestation before or after 40 weeks, regardless of sex or birth weight. The relative risk was highest for children born at 22-31 weeks and lowest for those born post-term (after 42 weeks), with an overall low ASD incidence of 1.44%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 22, 2020

Scientists predict potential spread, habitat of invasive Asian giant hornet

The study predicts the Asian giant hornet's potential spread in the US, including down the west coast, and globally to parts of Africa, Europe, Australia, and South America. Suitable habitats include regions with warm summers, mild winters, and high rainfall.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2020

NASA analyzes Tropical Storm Lowell's very cold cloud tops

Tropical Storm Lowell's strongest storms were located around its center and southern quadrant, with cloud top temperatures as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind shear played a significant role in the storm's formation and strength, with NASA providing data to support forecasters' predictions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 22, 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.

Engineers pre-train AI computers to make them even more powerful

Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology engineers developed an approach to overcome the initial trial-and-error phase of reinforcement learning. This allows computers to quickly find the right path without extreme fluctuations, slashing energy use by over 20% in complex systems.

SourceSwiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology - CSEM·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateSep 22, 2020

Under (intraocular) pressure

A team of Pitt professors has received a $1 million NSF grant to create an at-home glaucoma monitoring device that uses acoustic waves to measure intraocular pressure. The project aims to enable patients and non-clinicians to reliably assess IOP, allowing doctors to tailor treatments more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateSep 22, 2020

Childhood sexual abuse: Mental and physical after-effects closely linked

A new Canadian study reveals that childhood sexual abuse survivors experience a higher incidence of genitourinary problems, such as urinary tract infections and pain during sex. The research also found that psychological distress is partly responsible for the physical trauma, highlighting the need for a combined approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalHealth Psychology·DateSep 22, 2020

Bundled payment model reduces health disparities for Black patients

A nationwide study led by OHSU finds that the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model improves health outcomes for Black patients, with reduced spending and hospital readmissions. Hispanic patients showed mixed results, but overall disparities persisted despite improvements in post-acute care use.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 22, 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.

Study shows keeping gratitude journal reduces gossip, incivility in workplace

A University of Central Florida study suggests that keeping a gratitude journal can lead to less rude behavior and mistreatment of others in the workplace. Researchers found that employees who spent a few minutes a day writing down things they were grateful for engaged in fewer gossiping, ostracizing behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 22, 2020

Water trapped in star dust

A research team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena has proven that dust particles and ice are mixed in the interstellar medium. This finding suggests complex organic molecules may be present on dust particles, which can contribute to planetary formation. The study also reveals a hidden reservoir of oxygen in solid-state water.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 22, 2020

News coverage in Chicago disproportionately devalues Black and Hispanic lives

Stanford researchers found that local news media in Chicago give less coverage to Black and Hispanic victims than white victims, even when controlling for neighborhood demographics. The study revealed disparities in word count and complexity of personhood, highlighting the need for more nuanced reporting.

SourceStanford University·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·DateSep 22, 2020

Herd immunity an impractical strategy, study finds

A new model developed by University of Georgia scientists found that achieving herd immunity through mitigation is unlikely without constant adjustments in lockdown measures. The suppression strategy offers a more feasible approach, predicting fewer fatalities with self-isolation engagement and social distancing measures.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 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.

Seismic data explains continental collision beneath Tibet

New seismic data gathered by Stanford University researchers provides the first west-to-east view of the subsurface where India and Asia collide. The study suggests two competing processes are operating beneath the collision zone: movement of one tectonic plate under another, as well as thinning and collapse of the crust.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2020

Stanford researchers combine CAT scans and advanced computing to fight wildfires

Using advanced X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) to study smoldering, Stanford researchers developed a new analysis method that provides three-dimensional images of wood structures. Their computer model can predict where wildfires might strike next and allocate resources more efficiently, saving lives and reducing property loss.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the Combustion Institute·DateSep 22, 2020

Better conservation planning can improve human life too

University of Queensland research reveals that conservation planning is often inadequate, neglecting critical ecosystem services that benefit humans, such as freshwater and pollination services. The study proposes a formal process for governments and policymakers to develop more effective plans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 22, 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.

Diabetes dramatically reduces the kidney's ability to clean itself

Researchers found that diabetes increases autophagy initially, but then decreases it due to the activation of tumor suppressor p53 and microRNA miR-214, leading to hypertrophy, scarring, and inflammation in the kidneys. This discovery offers a potential target for preventing or slowing kidney failure.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 22, 2020

Mining molecular data with cryo-EM unveils hidden biological secrets

Researchers use a new method to extract information from cryo-EM data, enabling the visualization of minimum free-energy pathways during simulations. This study demonstrates the potential of cryo-EM in understanding biological functions and has implications for drug discovery.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 22, 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.

ADHD study reveals unique genetic differences in African American patients

Researchers identified potential causal mutations that differ between ancestral groups in ADHD patients, highlighting the importance of considering ethnic background in treatment approaches. Whole genome sequencing technology revealed novel structural variants that may impact how patients respond to medications.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 22, 2020

MTU engineers build three new open-source tools for COVID-19

The Michigan Tech's Open Sustainability Technology (MOST) Lab has developed three new open-source tools in response to COVID-19: a high-temperature 3D printer, a firefighter PAPR mask, and an emergency-use ventilator. These devices can be built using locally sourced materials, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalHardwareX·DateSep 22, 2020

New approach to exotic quantum matter

Researchers have developed a new method to detect anyons in fractional quantum Hall systems by binding impurity particles to them. This approach doesn't require particle exchange or interferometry and can be applied to various quantum simulators.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 22, 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.

Playing video games as a child can improve working memory years later

A study from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya found that people who played video games regularly as children performed better in working memory tasks even after stopping. However, those without gaming experience showed slower performance and did not benefit from improvements in processing irrelevant stimuli.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateSep 22, 2020

Why some cancers may respond poorly to key drugs discovered

Scientists at UT Austin identified a protein that promotes DNA damage in BRCA 1/2-mutated cancer cells, making them resistant to PARP inhibitors. The finding may help create more effective treatment plans for patients with these cancers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 22, 2020

Reading in company boosts creativity

Researchers found that reading in company favors a more creative and integrated understanding of language, whereas solo reading is more detailed and systematic. This study highlights the importance of social interaction in language comprehension and suggests that it can be beneficial for both education and professional settings.

SourceUniversidad Complutense de Madrid·JournalCortex·DateSep 22, 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.

Making raw data more usable

A team of researchers, led by Gautam Das at the University of Texas at Arlington, is working on a human-in-the-loop framework to optimize the data science pipeline. This approach involves humans adding context to datasets, which can help computers determine what information is relevant, making the process faster and less labor-intensive.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 22, 2020

Shared protein fingerprint could simplify treatment of common inherited heart disease

Researchers have discovered a shared protein fingerprint in patients with the most severe manifestations of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common inherited heart disease. This finding suggests that treatments targeting these similarities could be effective in treating multiple patient varieties.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2020

Study shows that 40% of healthcare workers asymptomatic when COVID-19 positive, raising risk of silent transmission

A meta-analysis of studies shows that 40% of healthcare workers with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, increasing the risk of silent transmission. Healthcare workers exposed to COVID-19 are at risk of severe complications and death, highlighting the need for universal screening.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 22, 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.

Kidney damage from COVID-19 linked to higher risk of in-hospital death

A recent study found that COVID-19 patients with kidney damage are at a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality. The study analyzed data from 1,392 patients and found that kidney damage was associated with a 5-times higher odds of dying while in the hospital.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 22, 2020

Single photon emission from isolated monolayer islands of InGaN

A team of scientists has developed a novel type of quantum emitter formed from spatially separated InGaN monolayer islands. The isolated islands exhibit high photostability and can be spectrally filtered to act as bright, fast single photon emitters at a wavelength of ~400 nm.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateSep 22, 2020

Mount Sinai researchers develop COVID-19 mortality prediction model

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital developed a COVID-19 mortality prediction model based on patient's age, minimum oxygen saturation, and type of encounter. The model showed high accuracy (AUC=0·91) in predicting mortality among patients with COVID-19, offering potential for improved prognostication and management.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateSep 22, 2020

New vaccine strategy harnesses 'foot soldier' T-cells to protect against influenza

Researchers developed a T-cell-based vaccine strategy providing long-lasting, multi-pronged protection against multiple strains of influenza. The experimental vaccine administered through the nose delivered immune response by rallying T-cells in the lungs, offering potential for universal flu vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateSep 22, 2020

COVID-19 and diabetes: what is the evidence?

A recent report found that people with type 1 diabetes had almost a 3-fold risk of death from COVID-19, while those with type 2 diabetes had an almost 2 times higher risk. High blood glucose levels are associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

SourceDiabetologia·DateSep 22, 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.

For black girls, attitudes about being black affect risk of depression

A new study suggests that positive messages about being Black can decrease symptoms of depression in Black girls, while negative messages increase the risk. The research highlights the importance of avoiding negative stereotypes about Black women and incorporating gender-specific messages into mental health programs.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateSep 22, 2020