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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 49

Artificial intelligence in art: a simple tool or creative genius?

A study by MIT and Max Planck Institute found that people perceive AI as creative genius or tool depending on information presented. The researchers manipulated language to change degree of humanization, influencing recognition and responsibility assigned to humans behind AI systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournaliScience·DateSep 30, 2020

Innate lymphoid cells regenerate within lung

Researchers have generated a single-cell atlas of mouse innate lymphoid cells in the lung, discovering a pool of local progenitors that can generate mature ILC2s. The study reveals the complexity of ILC2 functions and their developmental relationships, shedding light on how they contribute to immune defense and inflammatory diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalImmunity·DateSep 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Skoltech scientists discovered a new biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis

Researchers at Skoltech have identified a novel liver-specific non-coding RNA, named HELIS, which can be used as a biomarker for liver cancer diagnosis. The discovery provides a new panel of potential biomarkers that help distinguish between benign and malignant tumors.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology·DateSep 30, 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.

Neandertal gene variant increases risk of severe COVID-19

A recent study published in Nature reveals that a Neandertal gene variant significantly increases the risk of developing severe COVID-19. The research found that this genetic variant is inherited from Neandertals and affects around three times more people than expected, with varying prevalence across different regions.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2020

A lay person's guide to COVID-19

A 10-week virtual series provides insight into COVID-19 topics for the general public, including vaccine development, mask effectiveness and outbreak tracking. The symposium aims to address community impact and provide solutions.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateSep 30, 2020

Urgent need for blood-based biomarkers to diagnosis concussion

A new Expert Panel Discussion examines the status of blood-based biomarker development and point-of-care testing for concussion diagnosis. The discussion highlights the potential benefits of specific biomarkers in detecting brain trauma masked by other injuries or symptoms, adding value over current clinical methods.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateSep 30, 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.

New mechanism of cell survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that CLL cells downregulate STING protein to allow for increased expression of B cell receptors on their surface, promoting survival. This reduction in STING expression enables stronger B cell receptor signaling, supporting CLL cell survival.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateSep 30, 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.

New detector breakthrough pushes boundaries of quantum computing

Physicists at Aalto University have developed a new detector that can measure energy quanta with unprecedented resolution, overcoming limitations in current state-of-the-art detectors used in quantum computers. The graphene bolometer achieves speeds of well below a microsecond and higher theoretical accuracy than voltage measurements.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature·DateSep 30, 2020

Small molecule targets SARS-CoV-2 RNA for destruction

Researchers have identified small molecules that target the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2, interfering with viral gene expression and targeting the RNA for destruction. By attaching a molecule called RIBOTAC, which recruits an RNA-chopping cellular enzyme, these compounds can increase potency by 10-fold.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 30, 2020

Breaking COVID-19's 'clutch' to stop its spread

Scientists create drug-like compounds that bind and destroy COVID-19's frameshifting element to stop the virus from replicating. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of directly targeting viral RNA with small-molecule drugs.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Central Science·DateSep 30, 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.

Hospital-based specialist palliative care may slightly improve patient experience and increase their chances of dying in their preferred place (measured by home death)

A Cochrane Review found that hospital-based specialist palliative care may offer small benefits for patient-centred outcomes like quality of life, symptom burden, depression, and satisfaction with care. The review also showed an increased likelihood of patients dying in their preferred place by 22%, measured by home death.

SourceKing's College London·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateSep 30, 2020

Heading upriver

Researchers have discovered that rivers will jump course more often on deltas than in the past, with avulsions occurring up to 20 times farther upstream. The combination of sea level rise, increased floods, and finer sediment size enables these destructive events to occur ever farther inland.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 30, 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 exploit weaknesses of master game bots

A new algorithm has been developed by Penn State researchers to train adversarial bots that can exploit weaknesses in master game bots using deep reinforcement learning. The algorithm successfully defeated a world-class AI bot in StarCraft II, highlighting the security threat of using such agents.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 30, 2020

Study highlights dual burden of menstruation and homelessness

A study highlights the dual burden of menstruation and homelessness among homeless New Yorkers, who face stigma and lack of access to basic necessities. The research emphasizes the need for improved bathroom quality, supply, and accessibility, as well as easier access to bathing and laundering services.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHealth & Place·DateSep 30, 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.

Covert tobacco industry marketing tactics exposed by former employees

A study published in Global Public Health reveals that tobacco companies are using cash payments, holidays, and exclusive events to incentivize retailers, bypassing current laws. Former employees describe the tactics as aimed at increasing market share and driving sales through retailer loyalty.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalGlobal Public Health·DateSep 29, 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.

Welsh-medium school pupils underperform in tests despite more advantaged backgrounds

A new study by Lancaster University found that Welsh-medium school pupils consistently score lower than their English-speaking counterparts in standardised tests. Despite attending schools with wealthier families and having more access to resources at home, these pupils still fail to match the academic performance of their peers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCylchgrawn Addysg Cymru / Wales Journal of Education·DateSep 29, 2020

New genetic knowledge on the causes of severe COVID-19

Genetic and immunological analyses reveal inherited immunodeficiency in patients with severe COVID-19, impairing anti-viral response. The study identifies 13 critical genes associated with the disease, paving the way for personalized treatment and prevention.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 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.

'Cool' sampling sites more likely to show false trends

Researchers found that species-rich sites can lead to biased measurements of biodiversity change. A systematic approach is needed to prevent such biases and ensure accurate conclusions. The study emphasizes the importance of choosing representative sampling sites to inform conservation efforts.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Biology·DateSep 29, 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.

VA Boston and BU researchers streamline PTSD diagnosis with machine learning

Researchers from VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Public Health used machine learning to explore streamlining the diagnostic tool for PTSD. They found that six questions could be cut from the SCID-5 while maintaining accuracy, with different questions being more or less important for male and female veterans.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAssessment·DateSep 29, 2020

Study supports airborne spread of COVID-19 indoors

Researchers linked an outbreak to a source patient who likely spread the virus through the air conditioning system, contradicting long-held assumptions about COVID-19 transmission. The study's findings support the importance of wearing face masks in indoor spaces with poor ventilation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 29, 2020

Successful Dartmouth TB vaccine moves forward after phase 2 trial

A new TB vaccine developed by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has shown promising results in a Phase 2 trial, inducing immune responses against the disease. The vaccine was safe and well-tolerated, with minimal local reactions, and may prevent TB disease by inducing a favorable immune response.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalVaccine·DateSep 29, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Generating renewable hydrogen fuel from the sea

A team of Penn State researchers has integrated water purification technology into a sea water electrolyzer, which uses an electric current to split apart the hydrogen and oxygen in water molecules. This new method can make it easier to turn wind and solar energy into a storable and portable fuel.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 29, 2020

Can mobile tech offer new pathways to improve recovery from serious traumatic injuries?

A new study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing demonstrates the potential of mobile technology in improving recovery from serious traumatic injuries. The research showed that mobile health monitoring was feasible and acceptable for tracking biometric indicators of physical activity and sleep among Black men recovering ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalmHealth·DateSep 29, 2020

Senescent cells may be good when it comes to a bad injury

Scientists discover that stressed liver cells quickly become senescent after hemorrhagic shock, a condition that accounts for 30-40% of trauma-related deaths. This rapid transition to senescence may help prevent organ failure, but drugs targeting senescent cells can be lethal in the context of injury.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAging Cell·DateSep 29, 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.

Is it one or two species? The case of the cluster anemones

Researchers from Università di Bologna found evidence of genetic isolation between two morphotypes of Parazoanthus axinellae, suggesting they may belong to different species. The study's findings have significant implications for biodiversity conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2020

Forgetting past misdeeds to justify future ones

In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that when participants were informed they could return some of the money they had overreported, they forgot their past cheating behavior more accurately. This 'unethical amnesia' allowed them to restore their reputation, making it more acceptable for future moral breaches.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2020

Facile synthesis of quinoline in water

Quinoline and its derivatives have diverse chemical and pharmacological properties. The new water-mediated synthetic method offers environmentally friendly and regioselective transformations. This innovation provides an alternative route for the synthesis of quinolines, minimizing waste and improving efficiency.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Organic Chemistry·DateSep 29, 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.

Second alignment plane of solar system discovered

A study of comet motions reveals a second alignment plane in our solar system, dubbed the 'empty ecliptic.' The newly discovered plane is where comets' farthest points (aphelia) tend to converge, challenging models of Solar System formation. Long-period comets' orbits show two peaks near the well-known ecliptic and empty ecliptic planes.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateSep 29, 2020

Alcohol consumption rises sharply during pandemic shutdown

A new study by the RAND Corporation found that American adults have increased their alcohol consumption significantly during the pandemic, with women experiencing a 41% rise in heavy drinking episodes. The overall frequency of alcohol consumption also rose among all adults aged 30 and above.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 29, 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.

Identified the cellular process by which Cisplatin chemotherapy causes neuronal damage

Researchers have identified the cellular process by which Cisplatin chemotherapy causes neuronal damage, revealing that it induces senescence of peripheral neurons through overexpression of the p21 protein. This discovery provides new targets for neuroprotective treatments to alleviate or avoid the adverse effects of Cisplatin.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateSep 29, 2020