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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 24


Page 24 of 49

Being physically active may reduce risk of kidney disease

A recent study found that being physically active can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study, which followed over 15,000 middle-aged adults for 24 years, showed that even moderate physical activity can lower the risk of CKD by up to 11%.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateSep 17, 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.

New virtual screening tool eases, accelerates routine diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension

The new virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) uses initial screening data from echocardiography to accurately diagnose pulmonary hypertension. VEST enables physicians to quickly evaluate patients for the condition by searching for routine key measures in echocardiogram reports, facilitating early recognition and timely treatment.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalPulmonary Circulation·DateSep 17, 2020

IU researchers receive grant to study potential new opioid addiction treatment

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine are testing the use of tezampanel, a novel antagonist at glutamate receptors, to treat opioid withdrawal syndrome and other addictions. The project aims to develop breakthrough medications more rapidly than traditional mechanisms, with potential approval from NIDA and FDA.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020

The acrobatic hydra shows off: How environmental cues can affect behavior

A team of researchers from Columbia University and the Marine Biological Laboratory has made significant progress in cracking the neural code behind Hydra's contraction bursts. By manipulating water osmolarity, they found that it affects the activity of a neural circuit, triggering specific muscle cells to contract the torso.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 17, 2020

OHSU-VA research suggests strategies to reduce missed appointments

Researchers found that varied appointment reminders and direct telephone connections with advance reminders can significantly reduce no-shows. These recommendations are based on patient feedback from systematic interviews conducted at the VA Portland Health Care System.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 17, 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.

Ecologists sound alarm on plastic pollution

Researchers estimate 24-34 million metric tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems annually, with efforts needed to reduce 8 million tonnes. A transformation of the plastics economy is crucial, requiring 25-40% reduction in production, improved waste collection and management, and cleanup of 40% of emissions.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

Momentum of unprecedented Chilean uprising stalled by COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the Chilean uprising's potential for reform, as protests have been stymied by fear of the virus and its economic consequences. The regime may gain a new lease on life, but the question remains whether mass mobilization can regroup and win reforms.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNew Labor Forum·DateSep 17, 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.

New research shows how fast our brains are at 'recording' new words

Researchers discovered that cortical representations of new words form in just 1-2 hours after exposure, suggesting a faster-than-thought process. This finding has implications for diagnosing speech disorders and improving language learning efficiency.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateSep 17, 2020

Study finds novel mechanism that may confer protection against glaucoma

A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism that explains why patients with ocular hypertension do not develop glaucoma. They found increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid chemical messengers, providing potential resistance to elevated intraocular pressure.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020

Study shows high prevalence of fatigue following SARS-CoV-2 infection independent of COVID-19 disease severity

A study found that persistent fatigue occurs in more than half of patients recovered from COVID-19, affecting both admitted and non-admitted patients equally. The researchers also discovered a higher representation of women and individuals with pre-existing depression/anxiety among those experiencing persistent fatigue.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateSep 17, 2020

Hospitals miss mental illness diagnosis in more than a quarter of patients

A study by University College London researchers found that hospitals in England missed diagnoses for severe mental illnesses in over a quarter of cases. People from ethnic minority groups were more likely to have previously diagnosed mental illnesses go unnoticed by medical staff, but the situation is improving.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 17, 2020
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.

Understanding of COVID-19 high among Chinese workers, study finds

Chinese workers have high awareness of COVID-19, but older and less-educated individuals require additional education to prevent misinformation. A large cross-sectional study in Shenzhen found most respondents knew basic information about symptoms and preventive measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 17, 2020

Engineered bacteria churn out cancer biomarkers

Researchers at Cornell University have engineered bacteria to produce glycoproteins, which are complex molecules attached to proteins. The goal is to create therapeutic reagents for cancer treatment and potentially develop a subunit vaccine against COVID-19.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 17, 2020

Changes in lung cancer treatment during COVID-19 pandemic

The study evaluated changes in lung cancer treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting shifts in treatment options and patient outcomes. The research found that the pandemic led to reduced access to certain treatments, resulting in decreased survival rates for some patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 17, 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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Consumers value difficult decisions over easy choices

Researchers found that disfluency increases people's attitudes toward a message after a time delay, leading to more favorable post-purchase decisions. Consumers misattribute the time spent in decision-making, believing they made an informed choice rather than spending time understanding information.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Communications·DateSep 17, 2020

International study will compare different countries' responses to COVID-19

Researchers from Brazil and the US are collecting primary data on COVID-19 responses to create a repository for future studies. The project aims to analyze policy and politics in various countries, including social policies, political regimes, formal institutions, and state capacity.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalGlobal Public Health·DateSep 17, 2020

Venus' ancient layered, folded rocks point to volcanic origin

Researchers found layering consistent with volcanic activity on Venus' oldest terrain, tesserae, dating back 750 million years. This finding suggests that these regions were formed through volcanic activity rather than tectonic deformation or continental crust formation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGeology·DateSep 17, 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.

Smokers increasingly using e-cigarettes to quit, New Zealand survey shows

A New Zealand survey found that e-cigarette use is increasing among smokers and recent quitters, with most common reasons being to help quit or cut down on smoking. The study suggests e-cigarettes are contributing to reducing smoking prevalence, but more work is needed to achieve the goal of becoming smokefree by 2025.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 17, 2020

How the brain's inner clock measures seconds

Researchers at UCLA discovered that the brain measures seconds by changing patterns of neural activity, with two distinct 'clocks' in different regions. The study found that mice could anticipate rewards based on scents associated with specific time intervals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNeuron·DateSep 17, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Rapid blood test could detect brain injury in minutes, study shows

A new blood protein test can detect the severity of head trauma with high accuracy and speed, potentially saving millions in medical expenses annually. The research team developed a point-of-care testing device that uses a hand-held device to measure glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels in patient blood.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 17, 2020

Droughts in the Amazon rainforest can be predicted up to 18 months in advance

A new study reveals that changes in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans impact rainfall patterns in South America, leading to severe droughts. By analyzing this correlation, scientists can predict droughts up to 18 months in advance, providing crucial time for mitigation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2020

Secret of plant dietary fibre structure revealed

Researchers at UQ and KTH discovered how plant cell walls balance rigidity with flexibility, thanks to a family of polymers called hemicelluloses. This breakthrough has wide applications in nutrition, medicine, agriculture and more.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 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.

Trump must contend with a mobilized religious left, new research finds

New research finds that progressive congregations have surged in their political activism, likely in response to Trump administration policies. Conservative churches trail behind Black Protestant churches in mobilizing efforts on issues like immigration and endorsing candidates.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateSep 17, 2020

A 'cell-less' therapy may regenerate heart tissue without cell transplant risks

Researchers developed an 'cell-less' therapy that accelerates recovery from heart attack in pigs by injecting tiny membrane-bound sacs containing proteins and DNA into the heart. This approach avoids safety concerns associated with whole-cell transplants, which often fail to engraft and can cause severe health issues.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 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.

Tail regeneration in lungfish provides insight into evolution of limb regrowth

Researchers discover that West African lungfish can regenerate lost tails using similar molecular mechanisms as amphibians, suggesting a common ancestor possessed this trait. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary origin of tail regeneration and offers potential opportunities for regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateSep 16, 2020

Can pumping up cold water from deep within the ocean halt coral bleaching?

A new study suggests that pulses of cooler deep water can reduce heat stress responses in corals, potentially halting coral bleaching. The research found that even short intrusions of cooler deep water can mitigate thermal stress in corals, with the effect being stronger in simulations with water from deeper depths.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 16, 2020

BU study discovers connection between contact sports, CTE and troubling sleep behaviors

Researchers found a connection between contact sports participation and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) leading to sleep dysfunction. The study revealed that tau pathology in brainstem nuclei is more strongly associated with sleep symptoms than Lewy body pathology, suggesting a new link between CTE and REM sleep behavior disorder.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateSep 16, 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.

Novel photoresist enables 3D printing of smallest porous structures

Scientists from KIT and Heidelberg University have developed a photoresist for two-photon microprinting, enabling the creation of three-dimensional polymer microstructures with cavities in the nano range. The novel material allows for controlled porosity and affects light scattering properties.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 16, 2020

Systematic parental training helps the well-being of preschool children with ADHD

Research from Aarhus University shows that systematic parental training can significantly improve the quality of life for preschool children with ADHD. The study found that treatment without medication led to improved psychosocial scores and increased self-confidence among parents, resulting in better social skills for the children.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 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.

Legacy high performance computing system seeds supercomputing excellence at UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas has gained access to high-performance computing resources through the donation of systems like Stampede1, increasing its research capabilities. The introduction of Ganymede has enabled researchers to conduct complex projects like seismic imaging and data science, reducing computation time by up to 5 days.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateSep 16, 2020

Making management decisions based on development data and models

Cotton growers can improve efficiency by using models to correlate development milestones, estimate crop status, and optimize input use. Thermal models, such as heat units, predict crop maturity, informing applications of plant growth regulators and end-of-season management.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateSep 16, 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.

UTIA to launch innovative UT Agribusiness Academy

The UT Agribusiness Academy aims to increase Tennessee secondary students' exposure to agribusiness content and career opportunities, bolstering curricular success. The grant-funded project will provide online modules and professional development components for 60 teachers over three summers.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 16, 2020

Device could help detect signs of extraterrestrial life

Researchers have created a fully automated microchip electrophoresis analyzer that can detect organic molecules, including amino acids, in extraterrestrial soil. The device outperforms existing techniques by three orders of magnitude, paving the way for future missions to search for signs of life beyond Earth.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 16, 2020