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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 21


Page 21 of 49

Zhao studying strongly interacting quantum gases

Zhao is developing numerical algorithms to describe superfluidity and magnetic orders in repulsively interacting Fermi gases of ultracold atoms. His work aims to understand complex quantum matter, enabling scientists to design better materials.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateSep 18, 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.

Sutter receives funding for collaboration of care

The project aims to enhance healthcare services by providing behavioral health training and social work intern support. By the end of the project, 80% of trained staff are expected to report increased competence in addressing clients with behavioral health issues.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateSep 18, 2020

Yale succeeds with a more inclusive approach to heart transplants

A new study at Yale New Haven Hospital found that a more aggressive selection process for donor hearts and transplant recipients can significantly shorten waiting periods for heart patients, from 242 days to 41 days. Patient survival rates remained nearly unchanged, with improvements in patient outcomes.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 18, 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.

Size and sleep: New research reveals why little things sleep longer

A new model explains why sleep times decrease as brains get bigger, identifying a sharp transition at around 2.4 years of age in humans where primary purpose of sleep shifts from reorganization to repair. The research ties phylogeny and ontogeny into a unified framework.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2020

Undersea earthquakes shake up climate science

Researchers have discovered that seismic rumblings on the seafloor can provide a new way to monitor ocean temperatures, using existing seismic monitoring equipment and historic data. By analyzing sound waves from undersea earthquakes, they can determine changes in ocean temperature at depths normally out of reach of conventional tools.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2020

Mental health in times of the pandemic

Experts will discuss the challenges of mental health in times of pandemic, including social isolation and uncertainty. The virtual panel discussion aims to provide insights into the effects of protective policy measures on human mental health.

SourceLeopoldina·DateSep 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Promising computer simulations for stellarator plasmas

Scientists at Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik have developed a new code, GENE-3D, that can simulate turbulent transport in stellarators with higher accuracy. The simulations suggest that fast ions could reduce turbulence by over half in the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, potentially leading to high-performance plasmas.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 2020

New roles for clinicians in the age of artificial intelligence

The rapid development of AI in medicine has led to new opportunities for clinicians. However, concerns about replacement have been raised. The authors explore the unlikelihood of complete replacement and propose adaptations to enable successful integration.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalBIO Integration·DateSep 18, 2020

Nose's response to odors more than just a simple sum of parts

Research from Kyushu University shows that odors can activate or suppress the response of olfactory sensory neurons in mice, leading to complex interactions and synergy when mixing odors. This study provides new insights into how our perception of odors is tuned from the moment they are detected in the nose.

SourceKyushu University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020

Engineers produce a fisheye lens that's completely flat

The researchers designed a single flat piece of glass with microscopic structures to manipulate light and produce crisp, 180-degree panoramic images. The new design enables ultra-wide-angle lenses to be integrated into smartphones, laptops, and medical imaging devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 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.

Biologists create new genetic systems to neutralize gene drives

Researchers have developed two new genetic systems, e-CHACR and ERACR, to halt or eliminate the spread of gene drives in the wild. These systems use CRISPR technology to neutralize gene drives, which carry the power to immunize mosquitoes against malarial parasites or act as genetic insecticides.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Cell·DateSep 18, 2020

Like humans, chimpanzees can suffer for life if orphaned before adulthood

Researchers found that male chimpanzees who lose their mothers early in life are less competitive and have fewer offspring. Chimpanzee mothers provide support throughout prolonged childhood years, which is likely a trait shared with humans six to eight million years ago.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2020

Human genetics: A look in the mirror

Recent studies in human genetics reveal insights into transcriptional regulation, gene expression, and mutation's role in shaping the human genome. These findings have important implications for understanding human health and disease, with applications in fields such as medicine and evolutionary biology.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateSep 18, 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.

Scientists predict economically important traits of crops

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict crop performance and quality, accelerating the process of creating new plant varieties. The model was applied to soybeans and analyzed key traits such as plant height, seed yield, and oil content.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalBMC Genetics·DateSep 18, 2020

Predicting the future of liver-safe drugs

A polygenic risk score has been developed to predict drug-induced liver injury, using genomic data and organoid models. The score can identify patients at risk of liver damage, allowing for safer medication choice and dosage.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 18, 2020

Evolutionary paths: Scientists have found new patterns in protein evolution

Researchers found that external factors drive positive selection in certain genomic positions, while epistasis leads to negative selection, slowing down substitutions. This discovery sheds light on the complex interplay between environmental pressures and genetic interactions shaping protein evolution.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2020

UCLA-led team of scientists discovers why we need sleep

A UCLA-led team of scientists found that sleep changes its purpose at around 2-and-a-half years old, shifting from brain-building during REM sleep to brain-maintenance and repair afterwards. This transition is crucial for clearing damaged genes and proteins from neurons, preventing serious illness.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 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.

Who stole the light?

A team of researchers has precisely recorded the dependence of resonant magnetic scattering intensity on x-ray intensity using a ferromagnetic domain sample. They found that the loss in scattered x-ray intensity is due to transient demagnetization, not stimulated emission. This clarification has important ramifications for future singl...

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 18, 2020

Confidence in the authorities' handling of COVID-19 provides good mental health

Researchers at UiT The Arctic University of Norway found that people who were satisfied with their country's response to COVID-19 had better well-being and lower perceived risk of getting the virus. Dissatisfaction led to increased stress levels and fear, while trust in society and government was linked to improved mental health.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 18, 2020

A better informed society can prevent lead poisoning disasters

Researchers suggest using scientific data and predictive frameworks to identify risks of lead release, improving testing strategies and anticipating problems. Citizen scientists can aid in data gathering with mobile test kits, while AI and machine learning help identify relationships between water conditions and lead levels.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2020

Bolsonaro's Indigenous land mining policy a billion-dollar backfire

A proposed mining policy in Brazil's Amazon rainforest could lead to significant economic losses due to impacts on rubber, timber, and greenhouse gas mitigation ecosystem services. The policy threatens to destroy valuable ecosystems that provide an estimated $7 billion AUD annually, making it financially unsustainable.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOne Earth·DateSep 18, 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.

Raids and bloody rituals among ancient steppe nomads

A new study uncovers patterns of perimortem trauma in a Southern Siberian nomadic community from the 2nd-4th centuries CE, suggesting violence beyond warfare, including ritualistic practices. The research found that 25% of individuals died from interpersonal violence, with evidence of throat-slitting and scalping on some skeletal remains.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 18, 2020

Artificial intelligence and fractal dimension for monitoring ataxia

Researchers are developing an AI tool to analyze brain MRIs and identify indexes of structural complexity, providing insights into the development and progression of hereditary ataxia. The fractal dimension analysis could potentially predict clinical development and inform new treatment approaches.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·DateSep 18, 2020

Most homemade masks are doing a great job, even when we sneeze, study finds

Researchers found that many household fabrics are effective at blocking droplets, including those released by speaking and sneezing. The study used a medical mask as a benchmark and tested 11 common fabrics, finding that some even outperform medical masks in terms of breathability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalExtreme Mechanics Letters·DateSep 18, 2020

New design principles for spin-based quantum materials

Northwestern University researchers developed new design principles for spin-based quantum materials that can enhance the efficiency of ultrafast, low-power electronics. The study identified key criteria for creating non-volatile, energy-efficient materials with long-lived persistent spin textures.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMatter·DateSep 18, 2020
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.

Shape matters for light-activated nanocatalysts

A study by Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics found that aluminum nanocatalysts with sharply pointed corners, dubbed 'octopods,' have a higher reaction rate and lower activation energy than similar shapes. The research builds on previous efforts to develop commercially viable light-activated nanocatalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 18, 2020

Shift in West African wildmeat trade suggests erosion of cultural taboos

A recent study found a significant increase in the trading of species such as green monkeys and warthogs to protect crops, despite religious taboos. The research suggests that urban demand is not driving the wildmeat trade, but rather limited access to alternative protein sources and crop-protection incentives.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalOryx·DateSep 18, 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.

Ten minutes of massage or rest will help your body fight stress

Researchers at University of Konstanz found that short periods of massage or rest can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing psychological and physiological stress. Participants experienced increased heart rate variability and reported feeling more relaxed after receiving a massage or resting for ten minutes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 18, 2020

The ERC at the European Research and Innovation Days 2020

The ERC highlighted its efforts to bridge the gap between world-class science and world-beating companies at the European Research and Innovation Days 2020. The event featured sessions on public engagement with research, frontier research to fight COVID-19, and blue-sky research for an uncertain future.

SourceEuropean Research Council·DateSep 18, 2020

New study to examine organic production of grains

A three-year study is investigating the agronomic, economic, and ecological outcomes of organic grain production in Tennessee. The research team will explore tillage and cover crop management for organic corn-soybean-wheat rotations to identify changes that can increase profitability and environmental sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 18, 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.

Mapping the 1.6 billion people who live near forests

A global assessment maps the spatial relationship between people and forests, revealing an estimated 1.6 billion individuals live near forests. The study highlights that many of these people do not rely on forest resources for their livelihoods.

SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·DateSep 18, 2020

Researchers discover a novel family of toxins used in bacterial competition

Researchers at University of São Paulo characterized a novel family of anti-bacterial toxins present in bacteria like Salmonella enterica. The toxins inhibit cell wall synthesis in rival bacteria, facilitating colonization and causing imbalances in established microbial communities.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 18, 2020

Gene therapy corrects the cardiac effects of Friedreich's ataxia

Researchers successfully used gene therapy to overcome cardiac effects of Friedreich's ataxia in a mouse model, achieving exercise performance similar to healthy littermates. The treatment delivered the frataxin gene via adeno-associated virus (AAV) and showed promising results.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateSep 18, 2020

Private health insurers paid hospitals 247% of what medicare would

A recent study by RAND Corporation found that private health insurers paid hospitals an average of 247% of what Medicare would pay, highlighting a significant disparity in hospital pricing across the US. The analysis covered over half of the nation's community hospitals and revealed wide variations in prices among states.

SourceRAND Corporation·DateSep 18, 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.

Buffalo-based study aims to connect the dots on food access

Researchers surveyed local families and stakeholders to find effective strategies for addressing disparities in healthy food consumption. Key findings include increasing affordability, nutrition education, and mobile produce markets as preferred approaches.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition·DateSep 18, 2020

Immune system may have another job -- combatting depression

A new study suggests that gamma interferons, a type of immune cell, may help prevent depression by preserving mental health. Researchers found that healthy individuals have similar immune cells to those with multiple sclerosis, but without the damaging inflammatory response.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 18, 2020

CU researchers call for national ethics guidelines when student health surveys uncover suicide-risk

A new report highlights the need for ethical guidance in responding to high local rates of suicide risk discovered through anonymous student health surveys. CU researchers urge national public health and education associations to produce clear guidelines for surveyors, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and support.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·DateSep 18, 2020

Mapping the decision-making pathways in the brain

Scientists at OIST have identified a new area of the brain involved in cost-benefit decision-making, revealing complex connections between regions. The ventromedial thalamus sends signals to neurons in the prefrontal cortex, influencing decision-making processes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateSep 18, 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.

Complex phonological tests are useful for diagnosing reading dysfunction

Researchers from HSE University developed seven phonological tests to assess children's reading skills. The study found that more complex tests predicted reading fluency and identified phonological deficits, suggesting their use in diagnosing and addressing reading problems like dyslexia.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Research in Reading·DateSep 18, 2020

Center for Carbon Management in Energy Joins National CCUS Effort

The UH research center is collaborating with the Southern States Energy Board to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture, utilization and storage technologies. The partnership aims to address early technology deployment risks through workforce development and public-private partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 18, 2020

NASA's aqua satellite helps confirm subtropical storm alpha

Subtropical Storm Alpha has formed near Portugal, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing visible imagery of the storm. The storm is expected to move across the coast of west-central Portugal, producing 1-2 inches of rainfall and rapid weakening over land. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, with higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 18, 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.

Aberrant electronic and structural alterations in pressure tuned perovskite NaOsO3

The study reveals that the insulating ground state in NaOsO3 can be preserved up to 35 GPa, with a sluggish metal-insulator transition reduction from 410 K to near room temperature. The team also finds hidden hysteretic resistance properties and electronic character anomalies under pressure.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateSep 18, 2020

Increasing the effectiveness of immunotherapy against skin cancer

Researchers have discovered a signal molecule called Interleukin-32 that can make tumors attackable again, improving the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This combination treatment shows promise in animal models and may lead to improved life expectancy for melanoma patients with higher IL-32 activity.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalJCI Insight·DateSep 18, 2020