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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 287


Page 287 of 512

Not smoking and being socially active keys to longevity

New Zealand centenarians exhibit low rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, depression, and hypertension. Socially active participants showed similar patterns across age groups, while exercise improved health without significant effects on ageing.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 17, 2020

UConn researchers overcome a vexing problem in vaccine research

Researchers at UConn's CEVR have made a breakthrough in vaccine development for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a common and difficult-to-treat pneumonia-causing pathogen. By identifying the cause of vaccine-enhanced disease (VED), they were able to develop a new vaccine formulation that eliminates safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·Journalnpj Vaccines·DateJun 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.

Brainsourcing automatically identifies human preferences

Researchers at the University of Helsinki developed a technique called 'brainsourcing' to analyse brain activity and determine preferences. The method uses artificial intelligence to classify images or recommend content based on brain activity, achieving reliable labelling results with only 12 volunteers.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·DateJun 17, 2020

New nanoparticle drug combination for atherosclerosis

Researchers at KAIST designed nanoparticles that significantly reduce cholesterol and macrophage foam cells in arteries, two key triggers of atherosclerotic plaque. The combination drug delivery therapy showed great potential for treating and preventing atherosclerosis with reduced side effects.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 17, 2020

The DNA tricks that gave us 100 different kinds of tomatoes

Researchers sequenced and compared the genomes of 100 different tomato varieties, identifying over 230,000 structural variants that underpin the vast diversity among tomatoes. These genomic variations affect flavor, yield, and other traits, providing breeders with new power to improve tomato properties.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Cellular nanosponges could soak up SARS-CoV-2

Researchers have created nanosponges that can soak up SARS-CoV-2 by mimicking its natural entry points. The nanosponges successfully neutralized the virus and prevented it from infecting cells in a lab setting, offering a potential new treatment for COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 17, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

A step forward in solving the reactor-neutrino flux problem

The University of Jyvaskyla's nuclear theory group, in collaboration with the EXO-200 experiment, has made significant progress in solving the long-standing reactor antineutrino anomaly. By measuring the electron spectral shape of beta decay, they have verified a theoretical hypothesis and supported the HKSS flux model.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 17, 2020

First dinosaur eggs were soft like a turtle's

Scientists have found that the first dinosaurs laid soft-shelled eggs, contradicting long-held assumptions. The study analyzed the eggs of two non-avian dinosaurs and found they resembled those of turtles in terms of microstructure and mechanical properties.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Researchers map out intricate processes that activate key brain molecule

Scientists have created a detailed map of the GABAB receptor, revealing its structure and new details of how it moves from inactive to active state. This discovery could help better understand GABA receptors and design better drugs to treat conditions like addiction and psychosis.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tomato's hidden mutations revealed in study of 100 varieties

Scientists have identified long-concealed genetic mutations in tomatoes using a new technique called long-read sequencing. The analysis reveals that these mutations can alter key characteristics such as flavor and weight. By studying the impact of these mutations, researchers hope to create new tomato varieties with improved traits.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Seeing corneal degeneration in a new light

Researchers found molecular changes in pre-symptomatic tissue of Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) patients, which may lead to new screening and treatment methods. The study suggests that disease-causing changes occur decades before noticeable symptoms appear.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020

Engineers develop new fuel cells with twice the operating voltage as hydrogen

Engineers have developed high-power direct borohydride fuel cells that can power unmanned underwater vehicles and drones with significantly lower cost. The new fuel cells operate at double the voltage of conventional hydrogen fuel cells, allowing for a smaller and more efficient design.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJun 17, 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.

Microbes might manage your cholesterol

A team of researchers has discovered a species of gut bacteria that can affect cholesterol levels in humans. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics, such as probiotics or enzyme delivery to the gut, to help people manage their blood cholesterol levels.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 17, 2020

RNA structures by the thousands

Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020

A fair reward ensures a good memory

Research reveals that a reward should neither be too small nor too large to optimize memory encoding. The brain needs rewards to motivate us, but also challenges, and the perfect balance allows for better memory consolidation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

Efficient indium oxide catalysts designed for CO2hydrogenation to methanol

Researchers have designed efficient indium oxide catalysts for converting CO2 into methanol with high activity and selectivity. Theoretical modeling identified a specific facet of the catalyst as most favorable for methanol synthesis, which was confirmed by experimental results.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 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.

Plants are marvelous chemists, as the gardenia's DNA shows

A new study sequenced the genome of Gardenia jasminoides and discovered how it produces crocin, a compound with medicinal properties. The research highlights an evolutionary process called tandem gene duplication that enables plants to expand their genetic toolkit and create new capabilities.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBMC Biology·DateJun 17, 2020

Earth's species have more in common than previously believed

An international team of researchers mapped proteins in 100 species, revealing common characteristics such as a focus on metabolism and maintaining protein balance. The study also doubled the number of experimentally confirmed proteins using advanced mass spectrometry technology.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

FSU researchers uncover new insights into Alzheimer's disease

Researchers from Florida State University have uncovered new information about how Alzheimer's disease affects the brain during sleep. The study found that the interaction between two brain regions may contribute to symptoms experienced by patients, such as impaired memory and cognition. This discovery could lead to a better understand...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 17, 2020

Call for caution for using a CAR-T immunotherapy against acute myeloid leukemia

The use of CAR-T immunotherapy against acute myeloid leukemia is being reevaluated due to concerns over its impact on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Studies have shown that anti-CD123 CAR T-cells can inhibit normal hematopoiesis, leading to irreversible impairment in blood cell formation.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJun 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.

Observation of Excess Events in the XENON1T Dark Matter Experiment

The XENON1T experiment has observed a surprising excess of 53 events over expected backgrounds, sparking theories on potential sources such as tritium, axions, or altered neutrino properties. The solar axion hypothesis holds the most significance at 3.5 sigma, while other explanations remain consistent with data.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·DateJun 17, 2020

Liver perfusion could save 7 in 10 rejected donor livers

A major study published in Nature Communications reveals that normothermic machine perfusion assessment can recover enough livers from discarded donors to allow successful transplantation. This breakthrough technique has significant implications for the liver transplant waiting list and demand for transplants far outstrips supply.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 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.

Even without concussion, athletes in contact sports may have brain changes

Researchers found subtle brain changes in female college rugby players, including microstructural changes in white matter and differences in brain connectivity. The study suggests that repetitive impacts from playing a contact sport can affect the brain, even without a diagnosed concussion.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 17, 2020

CAR T cells beyond cancer: Targeting senescence-related diseases

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering have engineered CAR T cells to recognize and eliminate senescent cells, which contribute to various debilitating diseases. The uPAR-directed approach has shown promise in mouse models of liver fibrosis and lung cancer, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 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.

How Toxoplasma parasites glide so swiftly (video)

Researchers studied how Toxoplasma parasites move rapidly through tissues using high-resolution imaging and force microscopy. They found that the parasites form specific attachments with collagen fibers, resulting in contractile forces that propel them forward.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 17, 2020

Poor sleep significantly linked with teenage depression

A study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant link between poor sleep and teenage depression. Teenagers who experienced depression reported both poor quality and quantity of sleep, while those with anxiety had poor quality sleep only.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 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.

Microlandscaped abrasive tools deliver perfect grinding results

Researchers at Saarland University have developed microlandscaped abrasive tools with structured surfaces made from cemented carbides, enabling precise grinding results. The tools are created using laser surface texturing and can be replicated in large numbers using electrochemical machining.

SourceSaarland University·DateJun 17, 2020

Benefits of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 are still unclear

Despite anecdotal evidence, scientists lack conclusive data on convalescent plasma's benefits for COVID-19 patients. The use of convalescent plasma has been explored in previous outbreaks, but well-designed clinical trials are now underway to test its efficacy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 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.

NIH-funded study links endometriosis to DNA changes

Research funded by the NIH has linked endometriosis to DNA changes, particularly in methylation patterns that can alter gene activity. The findings may inform new ways to diagnose and treat this condition affecting up to 10% of U.S. women.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 17, 2020

A proven method for stabilizing efforts to bring fusion power to Earth

Scientists at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory develop a control scheme to optimize magnetic field levels, suppressing edge localized modes (ELMs) and maximizing fusion power. The technique uses real-time control to regulate plasma stability, aiming for stable ELM suppression and high fusion performance.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNuclear Fusion·DateJun 17, 2020

Why the Mediterranean is a climate change hotspot

Researchers at MIT found that a combination of warmer ocean temperatures and changes in air pressure patterns contribute to the Mediterranean region's projected drought. The study could refine global climate models and provide greater certainty for water resource management and agriculture in the affected areas.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJun 17, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Study from Chinese city of Guangzhou provides key insights on how COVID-19 spreads in households

A recent study from Guangzhou found that people with COVID-19 can be highly infectious before symptoms appear, with a high risk of transmission among household contacts. The analysis suggests that targeted interventions such as active case finding, isolation, and quarantine could significantly reduce the spread of the virus.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 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.

Arkansas researchers develop diversity intelligence scale for organizations

University of Arkansas researchers have developed a diversity intelligence scale that measures leaders' knowledge, education, and behaviors related to protected class employees. The scale aims to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity within organizations, reduce labor lawsuits, and prevent equal employment opportunity complaints.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·DateJun 17, 2020

Juicy genomics

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered over 230,000 DNA differences across 100 tomato varieties, allowing for rapid identification and evaluation of genetic mutations. This breakthrough enables breeders to create new crops with desirable traits, such as increased size and flavor.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Custom-built to ready-made

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, and EPFL has developed a new technology that simplifies and condenses complex optical systems onto a single silicon photonic chip. This breakthrough allows for easy integration with traditional silicon chip production, significantly reducing cost and improving performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 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.

How commonly do patients develop persistent opioid use after cardiac surgery?

A large national database found that nearly 40% of patients who didn't use opioids before undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve procedures developed persistent opioid use afterwards. The study suggests that cardiac surgery may be a contributing factor to the development of opioid dependence in some individuals

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2020

Air quality impacts early brain development

Researchers found abnormal growth and increased neuroinflammation in the brains of animals exposed to air pollution, suggesting a potential risk for changes in developing brain relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used rodent models to mimic real-time exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2020

How fish got onto land, and stayed there

Research on blennies reveals that flexibility in diet and behavior allows fish to transition onto land, while specialization leads to successful adaptation. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by fish out of water and offer a unique perspective on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 17, 2020

Jan Philipp Junker receives Helmholtz AI grant

Jan Philipp Junker and his team will use a combination of experimental, sequencing, and machine learning tools to reconstruct gene regulatory networks in normal embryonic development of zebrafish. This could lead to new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·DateJun 17, 2020

COVID-19 Innovation Challenge funds virtual nursing station

Researchers are testing virtual care and remote monitoring technology to reduce unplanned hospitalizations and emergency department visits after surgery. Patients use tablet computers to record vital signs at home, which are sent instantly to nurses for review.

SourceMcMaster University·DateJun 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.

Energy storage using oxygen to boost battery performance

Researchers have developed a novel electrode material that allows for direct charging of oxygen from the air, improving lithium-oxygen battery performance. The new strategy involves stabilizing atomic-level electrocatalysts within metal-organic frameworks, resulting in reduced overpotential and increased life cycle.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJun 17, 2020

Can artificial intelligence lead scientific discoveries?

A team of researchers from the University of Konstanz and Innsbruck explore the role of artificial intelligence in basic research, focusing on agency, creativity, and authorship. They aim to provide a conceptual framework for the development of AI methods in science.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·DateJun 17, 2020

Gut bacteria may modify behavior in worms, influencing eating habits

A new study found that specific gut bacteria in worms can modify their behavior, directing them to choose certain food sources. The bacteria influence neural circuit activity by producing chemicals like tyramine, which increase tolerance for certain smells.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateJun 17, 2020

Mild thyroid dysfunction affects one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that up to one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility have mild thyroid dysfunction. Detecting thyroid abnormalities prior to conception may improve pregnancy outcomes for these women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 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.

Physical activity prevents almost 4 million early deaths worldwide each year

A study published in The Lancet Global Health found that physical activity prevents approximately 3.9 million early deaths globally each year, with a greater proportion of these deaths averted in low- and middle-income countries. This finding highlights the significant health benefits of regular physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 17, 2020