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Science News Archive September 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 49
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.

Shedding light on coral reefs

A study published in Coral Reefs finds that materials in seawater affect light availability and wavelength on coral reefs, impacting photosynthesis and ecological zonation. Researchers used an instrument called a profiling reflectance radiometer to collect data profiles across Hawaiian and Bermudian reefs.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalCoral Reefs·DateSep 11, 2020

Ammonium triggers formation of lateral roots

The study reveals that ammonium uptake by roots provokes pH changes that bring auxin into a protonated form, triggering lateral root emergence. This process allows plants to adapt to fluctuating nutrient availabilities and optimize nutrient acquisition in agricultural settings.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalNature Plants·DateSep 11, 2020

Are male genes from Mars, female genes from Venus?

Research highlights sex differences in gene expression, finding over a third of genes display sex-biased expression in at least one tissue. Sex-linked disparities contribute to increased cancer rates in males and autoimmune disorders in females.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID ventilator patients can have permanent nerve damage

A new study from Northwestern University finds that COVID-19 patients on ventilators are at risk of permanent nerve damage due to prone positioning. The study reveals that 12% to 15% of the most severely ill patients have experienced such injuries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateSep 11, 2020

US democratic indicators plummet amid racial justice protests and pandemic

The latest Bright Line Watch analysis reveals a significant decline in US democracy's performance on various principles, with substantial drops in government protection for peaceful protests, prevention of political violence, and free speech. Experts rate the US as performing poorly on dimensions associated with civility and behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateSep 11, 2020

Halving the risk of infection following surgery

Researchers found that using CHG halves the risk of infection in certain types of surgery compared to povidone-iodine (PVI), with significant implications for global healthcare. The study, published in Annals of Surgery, suggests a simple switch could reduce infections and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 11, 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.

Computational modelling explains why blues and greens are brightest colous in nature

Researchers from the University of Cambridge used numerical experimentation to determine the limits of matt structural colour in the visible spectrum. They found that saturated, pure colors like reds, yellows, and oranges are difficult to recreate using this method, with blues and greens being the most feasible options.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2020

Phone calls create stronger bonds than text-based communications

A study from the University of Texas at Austin found that people form a significantly stronger bond with others through voice-based media, rather than text-based communication. The research revealed that despite initial fears of awkwardness, phone calls actually took less time and produced more meaningful connections.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateSep 11, 2020

Researchers identify role of protein in development of new hearing hair cells

A study by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified GFI1 as a vital protein in the development of functioning adult hair cells. In its absence, embryonic cells were likely to develop into neuron-like cells. The findings could lead to new methods for regenerating lost hair cells and restoring hearing.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalDevelopment·DateSep 11, 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.

European ReIReS network launches online database for religious studies

The European ReIReS network has launched an online database offering improved access to research material and sources on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The database combines the rich collections of various European institutions, providing a single platform for researchers to search and reuse data.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateSep 11, 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.

New molecule to repair and restore brain and spinal cord function

Researchers created a synthetic 'molecular bridge' to restore lost connections in the spinal cord and brain of mice with neurological disorders. The molecule, called CPTX, has shown promise in repairing neuronal connections and improving motor performance in animal models.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalScience·DateSep 11, 2020

Climate changed in steps in the past

A new paleoclimate record covering the last 66 million years has significantly improved our understanding of climate variability and predictability. The study confirms four distinct climate modes: hothouse, warmhouse, coolhouse, and icehouse.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

Evidence of power: Phasing quantum annealers into experiments from nonequilibrium physics

Researchers validate the Kibble-Zurek mechanism in quantum magnetic systems and demonstrate its applicability to open quantum systems using commercially available D-Wave annealers. The study provides strong experimental evidence for the generalized theory, showcasing the potential of quantum annealers in exploring nonequilibrium physics.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateSep 10, 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.

Stem cell function may explain higher colon cancer rate in males

Research finds that high androgen levels can cause intestinal stem cells to divide excessively and produce fewer mature epithelial cells, increasing the risk of tumor formation. The study's findings may have implications for treating or preventing colon cancers through androgen regulation.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 10, 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.

Unraveling 66 million years of climate history from ocean sediments

An international team publishes a global reference curve in Science, reconstructing the Earth's climate since the last great extinction 66 million years ago. The study provides a detailed understanding of past climate dynamics and recurring patterns, allowing for more accurate dating and correlation of climate events.

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 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.

Research sheds light on earliest stages of Angelman syndrome

A new study from North Carolina State University has shed light on the earliest stages of Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development and function. The research used human cerebral organoids to monitor the behavior of a key gene, UBE3A, revealing its role in early brain tissue development.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateSep 10, 2020

Association for Molecular Pathology announces 2020 award recipients

Drs. Dennis Lo, Karen Mann and Ronald Przygodzki are recognized for their pioneering work in non-invasive prenatal testing and cancer detection using circulating nucleic acids. Their innovations have created a paradigm in prenatal medicine and advanced the field of molecular diagnostics.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·DateSep 10, 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.

LSU Health study 1st to show nonharmful stress protects against disease in offspring

A groundbreaking LSU Health study reveals that nonharmful stress can protect against disease in offspring, reprogramming heritability to promote resilience. The research used mild systemic hypoxia to trigger adaptive changes in adult mice, which were then passed on to their offspring.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateSep 10, 2020

Hubble observations suggest a missing ingredient in dark matter theories

Astronomers have discovered a discrepancy between theoretical models and Hubble observations of galaxy clusters, suggesting a potential gap in our understanding of dark matter. The study used unprecedentedly detailed observations to map the distribution of dark matter on small scales.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2020

Gestational diabetes may accelerate child's biological age

Children born to mothers with gestational diabetes in pregnancy are at increased risk for accelerated aging and poor health outcomes later in life. The study found a link between epigenetic age and higher weight, body mass index, blood pressure, and cardiovascular risks.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEpigenetics·DateSep 10, 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.

Study takes us a step closer to a universal antibody test for COVID-19

A new study by Houston Methodist has developed a uniform, universal COVID-19 antibody test that can quickly and easily screen plasma donors. The test, which uses ELISA assays, was found to have an 80% probability of comparable antibody levels to VN titers at or above FDA-recommended levels for convalescent plasma.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 10, 2020

Colors evoke similar feelings around the world

A comprehensive survey found similar color-emotion associations worldwide, with red linked to both love and anger globally. National peculiarities were observed, such as white being associated with sadness in China and purple with mourning in Greece. Climate may also influence these associations.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 10, 2020

CityU develops anti-bacterial graphene face masks

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has produced graphene masks with an anti-bacterial efficiency of 80%, which can be enhanced to almost 100% with exposure to sunlight. The graphene masks are easily produced at low cost and can help resolve the problems of sourcing raw materials and disposing of non-biodegradable masks.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 10, 2020

Global Clinical Practice Guideline program to improve patient care

The joint Clinical Practice Guidelines program aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical care, addressing global differences in access to diagnostic tools and therapies. The guidelines will support better patient care, improved health outcomes, increased patient safety, and controlled healthcare costs.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateSep 10, 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.

Superconductors are super resilient to magnetic fields

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have discovered a new explanation for how superconductors recover from temporary exposure to magnetic fields without losing energy. The proposed mechanism involves the presence of a topological quantum number, which allows supercurrents to be switched off without Joule heating.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateSep 10, 2020

Systematic approach crucial for person-centred care

A University of Gothenburg study emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to achieve person-centered care in healthcare. The researchers argue that person-centred care must be practiced systematically on an everyday basis, creating organisational and individual conditions for partnership between patients, staff, and relatives.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 10, 2020

Nanophysics - Spectral classification of excitons

Researchers developed a theoretical model to predict spectral splitting of excitons in WSe2 under magnetic field. The results provide better understanding of opto-electronic properties and potential applications in quantum technologies.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 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.

The web of death

Scientists have developed a new method to combat cancer by using molecular fibers that target the acidic and reactive environment of cancer cells. The approach has shown promising results in laboratory tests, with cancer cells dying within four hours.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2020

Loss of a pet can potentially trigger mental health issues in children

A new study published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry found that the death of a family pet can lead to prolonged and profound grief in children, potentially triggering depression. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 children and found that the emotional attachment to pets can result in measurable psychological distress.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 10, 2020

Vaccine proves effective against the most severe type of pneumonia

A new study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific found that the pneumococcal vaccine PCV13 reduced hypoxic pneumonia and pneumonia requiring oxygen support by 37 per cent in children in Laos. This significant reduction in severe cases has great potential to alleviate the burden of disease on vulnerable populations.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·DateSep 10, 2020

Jupiter's moons could be warming each other

Researchers discovered that moon-moon interactions may be responsible for more tidal heating than Jupiter alone, potentially leading to the melting of ice or rock internally. The study suggests that tidal resonance occurs when tides generated by other objects in the system match a moon's resonant frequency, resulting in increased heating.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 10, 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.

Mold now associated with food quality

A study by the University of Copenhagen found that Danes associate purity with naturalness, preferring foods with visible mold to those with long shelf lives. This trend suggests a shift in attitudes towards food purity, with consumers prioritizing natural ingredients and visible signs of spoilage.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociology·DateSep 10, 2020