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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 49

Generation of three-dimensional heart organoids

Scientists developed three-dimensional heart organoids resembling the developing heart using mouse embryonic stem cells and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The organoids exhibit functional properties similar to their in vivo counterparts, offering a promising biomimetic model for studying heart development and testing novel drugs. T...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Breast cancer surgery type, quality of life among younger women

Researchers investigated quality of life among younger women after breast cancer surgery, finding differences in physical functioning and body image between mastectomy and breast conserving surgery. Anxiety and depressive symptoms also varied by surgical approach.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 16, 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.

Reprogramming brain cells enables flexible decision-making

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that the orbitofrontal cortex can reprogram neurons in sensory areas to enable flexible decision-making. This process involves a direct connection between the two regions, allowing for rapid adaptation to new situations.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

Coconut rhinoceros beetle makes unexpected 'host shift' to Guam's cycad trees

The coconut rhinoceros beetle has shifted its host from coconut trees to Guam's endangered native cycad tree, Cycas microneica, due to the availability of large doses of starch in the cycad stems. This opportunistic host shift is threatening the local extinction of the region's only native gymnosperm.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalCommunicative & Integrative Biology·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.

Fast calculation dials in better batteries

A simpler analytical model developed by Rice University researchers can quickly evaluate the rate capability of batteries and identify optimal electrode materials. The model's accuracy is within 10% of more computationally intensive algorithms, making it a game-changer for battery optimization.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Mercury concentrations in Yukon River Fish could surpass EPA criterion by 2050

New research estimates that mercury concentrations in fish and water of the Yukon River could double by 2100 under a high emissions scenario. If greenhouse gas emissions are not constrained, mercury concentrations may exceed EPA criterion by 2050, with significant impacts for the environment and global climate.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Blonde Scandinavians or well-travelled Southern Europeans? Research busts myths of Vikings

The study sequenced the genome of 442 bone fragments from the Viking Age and found that Vikings had a lot more genes from Southern and Eastern Europe than anticipated. This suggests that the Vikings frequently interbred with people from other parts of the world, contradicting traditional images of them as Nordic blonds.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

Reaching 90% PL quantum yield in 1D metal halide by pressure-suppressed nonradiative loss

Researchers discovered a method to enhance the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 1D metal halide C4N2H14PbB4 by suppressing non-radiative loss under high pressure. The findings reveal that pressure-tuned STE binding energy and confined motion of organic cations contribute to the PL enhancement.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 16, 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.

Building bridges: PARP enzymes bring broken DNA together

Researchers have identified the structure of double-strand DNA break repair by PARP enzymes, which can bridge broken DNA ends together. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying PARP activation and catalytic cycle, potentially aiding in understanding resistance to cancer drugs that inhibit PARP.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

Physicists make electrical nanolasers even smaller

Researchers have developed an approach to create electrically driven nanolasers for integrated circuits, enabling coherent light source design at the nanoscale. This breakthrough could lead to ultrafast optical data transfer and potentially create a 1,000-core processor that is virtually 100 times faster than its counterpart.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNanophotonics·DateSep 16, 2020

Most landslides in western Oregon triggered by heavy rainfall, not big earthquakes

Researchers at the University of Washington found that heavy rainfall, rather than large offshore earthquakes, triggers deep-seated landslides in the central Oregon Coast Range. Over a period of 1,000 years, they identified 2,676 landslides that occurred within the past millennium, with many triggered by heavy rainfall events.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2020

UNIST professor receives the 2020 S. Chandrasekhar Prize of Plasma Physics

Hyeon K. Park, a renowned plasma physicist, has made seminal contributions to fusion plasma diagnostics through his original works in ECEI and MIR. His research enhanced the synergies with numerical modeling and theories, leading to rich discoveries of novel plasma physics phenomena.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateSep 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Biggest fish in the sea are girls

Female whale sharks grow more slowly than males but eventually surpass them to reach an average adult length of 14 metres. The study found that only one pregnant whale shark had produced 300 young, highlighting the benefits of large size for female whales.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Tailored education system to benefit kidney transplant patients

Researchers developed a tailored education system called 'Your Path to Transplant' that increases patient knowledge and readiness to pursue kidney transplant. The program, tested on over 800 patients, showed significant improvements in transplant preparedness and living donor transplant rates.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateSep 16, 2020

Biologists developing global citizen network to monitor insect abundance

Researchers are establishing a global volunteer network to track the abundance of dragonflies and damselflies, crucial indicators of environmental changes in freshwater biodiversity. The network aims to fill gaps in knowledge by collecting standardized data over 10-15 years from citizen scientists worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalBioScience·DateSep 16, 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.

Researchers create better material for wearable biosensors

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has created a porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) material that improves the breathability and accuracy of wearable biosensors. The new material allows for sweat evaporation during exercise, maintaining high-resolution signals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateSep 16, 2020

A new discovery in regenerative medicine

A new discovery in regenerative medicine may lead to new treatments for placenta complications during pregnancy. Researchers at Monash University and Duke-NUS have developed a method to create induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs) that can be used to make placenta cells.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

When do people retweet health agencies' COVID-19 messages?

A study analyzed 700 state and local health agency tweets about COVID-19, finding that tweets with practical information and video attachments were more likely to be retweeted. The researchers identified a set of common keywords and phrases used in the tweets over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 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.

Devi mangiare! Why culture may be contributing to disordered eating among women

A University of South Australia researcher explores how Italian culture influences women's relationships with food, finding that 'food is everything' and 'making a good impression' are central themes. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive support to address disordered eating among migrant women.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHealth Care For Women International·DateSep 16, 2020

Nicotine vapour more rewarding for adolescents than adults

Researchers at University of Guelph discover that e-cigarette vapour is more rewarding for adolescents, even with shorter exposures, compared to adults. The findings may help explain why e-cigarettes are popular among adolescents and contribute to their continued use.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 16, 2020

Scientists updated genome editing technology

Researchers developed polymeric carriers that can load multiple types of genetic material, improving efficiency and reducing toxicity compared to existing analogues. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene therapy by delivering two RNA and DNA molecules through a single carrier.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalBiomaterials·DateSep 16, 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.

Liquid water at 170 degrees Celsius

Scientists use European XFEL to observe anomalous dynamics in superheated water, revealing uneven heating and unexpected behavior. The study's results are crucial for planning experiments with heat-sensitive samples.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 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.

New targets for melanoma treatment

A collaborative study has uncovered new markers uniquely present on melanoma tumours that can be recognised by the immune system. These markers, known as spliced peptides, can be used to develop therapeutic vaccines to combat melanoma.

SourceMonash University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateSep 16, 2020

Reducing colorectal cancer disparities among African american men

African American men have lowest five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer due to low adherence to recommended early detection screening. Researchers recommend focusing interventions on recruiting men from this population and conducting studies in non-traditional health care settings.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 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.

Better communication helps translate molecular tools

KAUST scientists propose a roadmap for molecular ecologists, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on DNA-based approaches for marine monitoring. DNA barcoding and metabarcoding can save time and money by identifying species from small DNA fragments.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 16, 2020

Oral radiography can reveal chronic coronary artery disease

A study found a significant association between carotid artery calcification observed in oral panoramic radiographs and chronic coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that patients with severe carotid artery calcification had a significantly higher risk of death from cardiovascular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInternational Endodontic Journal·DateSep 16, 2020

Physical diseases can negatively affect a depression

Patients with a first-time depression diagnosis have an increased risk of worsening and requiring hospitalisation if they have previously been treated for a physical disease at a hospital. The risk is also influenced by age and the number of physical diseases, with more diseases under 65 increasing the risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateSep 16, 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.

New Great Lakes model improves operational forecast system

A new Great Lakes model has been developed to improve the operational forecast system, providing more accurate predictions of water levels, temperatures, and currents. The model incorporates data assimilation techniques, which combine observational data and numerical model results to produce a more accurate estimate.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateSep 16, 2020

Immune 'cloaking' in cancer cells and implications for immunotherapy

A team of researchers developed a mathematical model that can determine the impact of the immune system on tumour evolution. The model predicts when cancer cells will activate their cloaking mechanisms against the immune system and informs on whether immunotherapy is likely to be effective.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 16, 2020

Where trouble starts

Researchers, led by University of Delaware biologist Shuo Wei, have won $1.8 million in NIH support for their study on birth defects caused by genetic mutations in neural crest stem cells. The study focuses on the DDX3X gene and its role in developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateSep 16, 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.

Researchers 3D print tiny multicolor microstructures

The new method enables precision fabrication of optical components and multimaterial structures, eliminating assembling processes. It allows the production of devices with high precision and low cost, and could aid in the miniaturization of optical devices used for medical treatments and diagnoses.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 16, 2020

Climate change threatens Komodo dragons

A new study warns that climate change could drive Komodo dragons to extinction due to habitat loss and sea-level rise. The research suggests that conservation strategies are not enough to protect the species in the face of global warming.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateSep 16, 2020

A white dwarf's surprise planetary companion

Astronomers have discovered a Jupiter-sized planet, WD 1856b, orbiting close to a white dwarf star, defying previous assumptions about planetary destruction. The planet's unique characteristics suggest it may have originated far from the star and survived its demise, raising hopes for future discoveries.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalNature·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.

How vitamin E acetate might injure vapers' lungs

Researchers found that vitamin E acetate increases lung surfactant fluidity, causing the surfactant layer to collapse. This may contribute to symptoms like shortness of breath and lung inflammation in EVALI patients.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateSep 16, 2020

Extent of India's COVID nudge campaign revealed

A new study by the University of Cambridge suggests that India's government used nudge theory to maintain a strict lockdown and influence public behavior during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign included policy nudges, social media campaigns, and appeals to powerful values such as patriotism and community.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

Researchers discover new photoactivation mechanism for polymer production

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new method for producing polymer gel objects from pure monomer solutions using low-energy, visible light. This process has the potential to overcome current challenges in producing these materials and sheds light on the ways in which low energy photons can combine to produce high ener...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChem·DateSep 16, 2020

Great progress for electronic gadgets of the future

Scientists at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found a way to control the conductivity of materials without affecting other properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of multifunctional devices using the same material.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 16, 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.

Rapid 3D printing with visible light

Researchers have created photopolymer resins that speed up visible-light curing, enabling faster 3D printing of stiff and soft objects. The optimized mix allows build speeds of up to 1.8 inches per hour, opening up new applications for 3D printing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Discovery of a new mass extinction

A new mass extinction event was discovered 233 million years ago, which led to the dinosaur takeover of the world. The Carnian Pluvial Episode caused widespread biodiversity loss due to climate change and increased greenhouse gases, but ultimately paved the way for the evolution of modern ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 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.

The unintended consequence of becoming empathetic

Researchers from Michigan State University found that people who want to improve their empathy tend to shift towards more liberal ideologies, prioritizing care and fairness. This study is the first to explore shifts in personalities and morals due to volitional change.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateSep 16, 2020

Domestic horses probably did not originate in Anatolia

Domestic horses probably did not originate in Anatolia, according to a new study of ancient horse remains. The researchers found that nonlocal genetic lineages appeared suddenly in about 2000 BCE, suggesting an origin in nearby Black Sea regions.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2020