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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 233


Page 233 of 512

Excellent research results for CAR-T Cell therapy against Hodgkin lymphoma

A clinical trial led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found CAR-T cell therapy to be highly active and safe in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment resulted in a complete disappearance of tumor in the majority of patients and had an overall survival rate of 94% one year after treatment.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 23, 2020

Battling harmful algae blooms

A team of scientists, including Kathryn Coyne from the University of Delaware, have developed protocols for studying the genetic underpinnings of marine algae. By analyzing the genetics of a specific species of algae that produces harmful blooms, they were able to create genetically modified strains and identify genes involved in toxin...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 2020

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Mothers unlikely to pass COVID-19 to their newborn babies if precautions are taken, small study suggests

A small observational study found no cases of virus transmission from mothers with COVID-19 infection to their newborn babies after two weeks of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Mothers can safely breastfeed and stay in the same room as their newborns if they use appropriate face coverings and follow infection control procedures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJul 23, 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.

Small-farm tech reduces deforestation, climate change

Researchers found that small-scale maize farming with modern hybrid seeds and improved soil health can significantly reduce deforestation and mitigate climate change. This technique helps protect forests and promote food security, particularly for vulnerable communities in Zambia.

SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 23, 2020

Quantum physicists crack mystery of 'strange metals,' a new state of matter

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and Cornell University developed a robust theoretical model of strange metals, revealing their existence as a new state of matter. The model shows that strange metals exhibit properties linked to temperature and fundamental constants, with surprising connections to black holes and high-temperature ...

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Home-made face masks likely need at least 2 layers to curb COVID-19 spread

A recent study suggests that home-made cloth face masks with at least two layers are more effective in reducing the dispersal of viral droplets from the nose and mouth associated with COVID-19. The researchers found that a double layer covering was better than a single layer in reducing droplet spread from coughing and sneezing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThorax·DateJul 23, 2020

Seeing the light: Researchers combine technologies for better light control

A new technology has been developed by Penn State researchers that enables better light control without requiring large materials and structures. This hybrid photonic architecture combines the best qualities of photonic integrated circuits and metasurfaces, paving the way for multifunctional devices with flexible access to free space.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 23, 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.

Study identifies spread of bee disease via flowers

A Cornell University study found that one in eight individual bees had at least one parasite, with social bees more susceptible to infection. The researchers identified five common parasites transmitted through flowers, highlighting the importance of flower abundance and bee diversity in controlling disease spread.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2020

Meet Cosmo, a bull calf designed to produce 75% male offspring

Researchers at UC Davis successfully produced a bull calf named Cosmo with the SRY gene inserted via genome editing, resulting in expected 75% male offspring. This breakthrough aims to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact by producing more fuel-efficient male cattle.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJul 23, 2020

Seismic background noise drastically reduced due to COVID-19 lockdown measures

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant reduction in global seismic noise, with anthropogenic signals dropping by as much as 50% between March and May. This decrease allowed researchers to detect subtle seismic signals from subsurface sources, providing new insights into human-induced seismicity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 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.

Gene-controlling mechanisms play key role in cancer progression

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have mapped out an additional layer of control guiding tumor evolution through epigenomic alterations. They identified 11 chromatin states that cancer cells can pass through as they become more aggressive, and found a key molecule linked to advanced lung cancer forms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 23, 2020

Electrons obey social distancing in 'strange' metals

Electrons in Planckian metals exhibit high-temperature superconductivity due to their desire for social distancing. By adjusting the ratio between kinetic energy and interaction energy, researchers created a model that captures the system's behavior down to absolute zero.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Researchers develop a method for predicting unprecedented events

Bioengineers at Stanford University have developed a method for forecasting black swan events, which are highly unlikely but massively consequential incidents. The method is based on analyzing long-term data from three ecosystems and has potential applications in healthcare, environmental research, economics, and politics.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 23, 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.

A world drowning in plastic pollution

A team of global experts predicts that plastic waste flowing into the seas each year could more than double by 2040, with 710 million tonnes expected to be discarded into the environment. Improving waste collection services is seen as the single most effective step in reducing pollution.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2020

How does cooperation evolve?

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that multicellular clusters can promote cooperative interactions between organisms, leading to a previously unknown mechanism driving the evolution of mutual aid. This discovery challenges the traditional view of evolution as a competition for resources.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2020

Lego-inspired bone and soft tissue repair with tiny, 3D-printed bricks

New research has developed a Lego-inspired scaffolding system using tiny, 3D-printed blocks to promote faster and more efficient healing of broken bones. The study found that growth factor-filled blocks placed near repaired rat bones led to about three times more blood vessel growth than conventional scaffolding material.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 23, 2020

Lone Star ticks in Illinois can carry, transmit Heartland virus

Researchers have confirmed the presence of Heartland virus in Lone Star ticks across two Illinois counties. The virus was transmitted through tick bites, often misdiagnosed as COVID-19 due to overlapping symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJul 23, 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.

The genetic basis of bats' superpowers revealed

The study reveals changes in hearing genes that contribute to echolocation, expansions of anti-viral genes, and loss of inflammation genes in bats. The high-quality bat genomes provide a genomic record of historical tolerance to viral infection and may hold the key to alleviating human ageing and disease.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2020

2 immunotherapies merged into single, more effective treatment

A new approach combines CAR-T cell technology with natural killer cells to enhance tumor-fighting ability and reduce side effects. The merged immunotherapy shows promise in treating certain blood cancers, such as leukemia, and may be safer than traditional CAR-T cell therapy.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBlood·DateJul 23, 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.

Two distinct circuits drive inhibition in the sensory thalamus of the brain

Research identifies two functionally distinct sub-circuits in the sensory thalamus that process distinct classes of information. These circuits enable powerful new optogenetic and chemogenetic strategies to probe behavioral and perceptual functions, potentially shedding light on conscious awareness and epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2020

Could a urine test help assess aspects of cystic fibrosis?

Researchers discovered that a urine test of bicarbonate can measure CFTR function in patients with cystic fibrosis. This test may predict the effectiveness of new treatments for the disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 23, 2020

Driving immunometabolism to control lung infection

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered a way to manipulate human immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tipping the balance in favor of patients. The study used an epigenetic inhibitor to release pro-inflammatory signals that aid in clearing the infection, promoting future vaccine strategies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 23, 2020

Online tools can improve autism diagnosis

The survey found that online tools can improve services in autism care by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and enabling families to access professionals remotely. The two approaches, Real-Time and Store-and-Forward methods, have good diagnostic accuracy and enable natural behaviors in the home setting to be observed.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2020

NASA examines Tropical Storm Gonzalo's structural changes

Tropical Storm Gonzalo showed slight disorganization in visible and microwave imagery from NASA's Aqua satellite. The storm is forecast to approach the southern Windward Islands on Friday night and move across them Saturday, with a possibility of becoming a hurricane.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 23, 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.

Men 'less supportive' in more egalitarian nations

A new 42-country study reveals that men in more gender-equal societies are less likely to support women's causes and are more likely to hold hostile sexist attitudes. The research suggests that 'zero-sum' thinking, where gains for women equate to losses for men, is a significant barrier to achieving gender harmony.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 23, 2020

'Self-eating' process of stem cells may be the key to new regenerative therapies

Researchers have found that embryonic stem cells use a self-eating process called chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) to maintain pluripotency, but switch to a related metabolite when differentiating into specialized cells. This discovery could lead to new regenerative therapies for tissue and organ repair.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 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.

Teen museum educators increase engagement, learning, in tween visitors

Research led by NC State University found that teen docents have a positive effect on visitors' experiences, learning, and information retention at informal learning sites. Children between 9 and 11 years old showed the largest impact, with higher information retention levels when interacting with a youth educator.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2020

If relaxed too soon, physical distancing measures might have been all for naught

A UCLA-led study suggests that relaxing public health measures too soon may lead to a similar number of infections as if distancing had never been implemented. The researchers used mathematical models to analyze data from local and national governments, highlighting the dangers of premature relaxation of distancing measures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Simple urine test could significantly improve detection of adrenal cancer

A new study suggests that a simple urine test could significantly improve the detection of adrenal cancer by detecting excess adrenal steroid hormones. The test was found to be more accurate than imaging tests in diagnosing cancerous adrenal masses, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 23, 2020

Expanding treatment options for severe brain trauma

Researchers at UC San Diego Health are conducting a national trial to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating severe brain injuries. The study aims to reduce brain swelling and increase oxygenation to neurological tissues, promoting restorative responses over inflammatory ones.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Gene in fat plays key role in insulin resistance

Researchers found that deleting a key gene in mice just their fat tissue made them insulin resistant and had other effects. The findings shed light on Type 2 diabetes and could have implications for human disease.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Silicon core fishbone waveguide extends frequency comb

Researchers have designed a graded index waveguide that allows the width of a frequency comb to be more than doubled, compensating for material dispersion in silicon. This breakthrough enables the creation of chip-based frequency combs for high-precision spectroscopy and compact spectrometers.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 23, 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.

Preventing the next pandemic

A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2020

Peer mentorship can be more effective, accessible than traditional mentorship in academic medicine

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that peer mentorship groups are better suited for fostering success among underrepresented groups. These groups provide flexible support and can be established online, making them an ideal option during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJul 23, 2020

A never-before-seen cell state may explain cancer's ability to resist drugs

Cancer researchers identified a previously unseen cell state that enables tumors to develop resistance to chemotherapy, and found this adaptable cell type in every tumor they examined. This discovery offers hope for developing targeted therapies to combat cancer's adaptability and provide longer-lasting remissions.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 23, 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.

Shifts seen in breeding times and duration for 73 boreal bird species over 40 years

A team of researchers found that 73 boreal bird species experienced a contraction in their breeding periods over a 43-year period, with most species starting to breed earlier and ending earlier. The study suggests that warmer temperatures may be causing this shift, allowing birds to take advantage of earlier food availability.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

A novel tissue imaging system accelerates cancer diagnosis

Researchers developed a novel three-dimensional imaging system that uses near-infrared light to diagnose cervical cancer faster and non-invasively than conventional methods. The system analyzes tissue biopsies in real-time without histopathological preparation, improving diagnosis accuracy and turnaround time.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·DateJul 23, 2020

Lightning strikes more than 100 million times per year in the tropics

Research reveals that lightning damages approximately 832 million tropical trees each year, with a quarter of them dying from injuries. The study found that lightning strikes are more frequent in forests, savannas, and urban areas, altering ecosystem dynamics.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 23, 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.

Wide awake: Light pollution keeps magpies and pigeons tossing and turning

Researchers measure neurological responses to light pollution in wildlife, finding both magpies and pigeons' sleep disrupted by artificial white and amber lighting. The study suggests that using short-term solutions like switching off porch lights and installing sensor lights can help mitigate the impact of light pollution on bird sleep.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2020

Cells react differently to genomic imprinting

Researchers used the MADM technique to investigate how cells respond to changes in genomic imprinting. They found that cells activate certain gene groups involved in cell death, growth, and synapse development, particularly in astrocytes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNeuron·DateJul 23, 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.

FSU biologists shed light on how cells move resources

Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a key role for an adaptor protein in forming the outer structure of vesicles, which are essential for transporting molecules within cells. This finding sheds new light on how cells move resources and could potentially lead to breakthroughs in drug delivery and virus entry prevention.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 23, 2020

New CT scan method lowers radiation exposure

A new CT scan method splits a full X-ray beam into thin beamlets to deliver the same quality of image at a significantly reduced radiation dose. The technique has been shown to reduce exposure by up to 90% while maintaining image resolution, offering potential benefits for medical research and patient safety.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 23, 2020