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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 305


Page 305 of 512

Psychedelic drug psilocybin tamps down brain's ego center

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that psilocybin reduces neural activity in the claustrum by 15% to 30%, associated with stronger subjective effects. The study also showed changes in how the claustrum communicates with other brain regions involved in hearing, attention, and memory.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuroImage·DateJun 5, 2020

Genomic surveillance of antibiotic resistance in the Philippines established

The study mapped bacterial resistance to last-line antibiotics in the Philippines, enabling better tracking of resistant bacteria and controlling outbreaks. The genomic capacity has enhanced national infection control efforts and improved understanding of antimicrobial resistance at local, national, and international scales.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 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.

EULAR 2020: Thrombosis risk particularly high for people suffering

Patients with high disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism. Treatment with biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) such as TNF inhibitors can reduce this risk by nearly half compared to conventional synthetic drugs.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·DateJun 5, 2020

NASA analyzes Cristobal, the big rainmaker

NASA's Aqua satellite gathered infrared imagery and cloud top temperature data on Tropical Depression Cristobal, revealing areas of powerful thunderstorms with potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to strengthen later today and regain tropical storm strength in the next 48 hours.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 5, 2020

DNA increases our understanding of contact between Stone Age cultures

Researchers analyzed DNA from 25 Stone Age individuals and found that those buried in typical Pitted Ware culture graves were genetically similar to earlier Scandinavian hunter-gatherers. The presence of Battle Axe culture influences in some graves suggested trade and cultural exchange between the groups, rather than genetic migration.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJun 5, 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.

Study documents the challenges of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in turf

Researchers have identified 31 populations of herbicide-resistant annual bluegrass in Australia, highlighting the narrowing options for effective control. The weed has developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including propyzamide and rimsulfuron, with levels of resistance ranging from two-fold to 56-fold.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·DateJun 5, 2020

New technique for engineering living materials and patterns

Scientists at the University of Warwick created a method called MeniFluidics to control cellular patterns, enabling the creation of arbitrary patterns and opening doors for tissue engineering and bio-art. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in antibiotic resistance and biofouling prevention.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 5, 2020

Scientists iron out the physics of wrinkling

Researchers from OIST discovered that curvature at material edges affects wrinkling, with larger windows reducing wrinkles and strain. A theoretical model was developed to explain findings, which could aid in designing devices with functional wrinkles or reduced wrinkling.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 5, 2020

To think like a dinosaur

Palaeontologists from St Petersburg University have created the most detailed virtual 3D-model of the endocranial cast and blood vessels of the head of an ankylosaurian. They found that ankylosaurs had a unique cooling system, an extremely developed sense of smell, and could hear low-frequency sounds.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalBiological Communications·DateJun 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New discovery advances optical microscopy

A new discovery enables researchers to directly visualize unlabeled nanoscale objects with deep sub-wavelength separations, advancing the field of optical microscopy. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in semiconductor wafer inspection, nanoparticle sensing, material characterization, and biosensing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 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.

Scientists develop unique polymer coating to tackle harmful fungi

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have created a novel solution to combat fungi using a non-toxic polymer coating that reduces attachment of fungal pathogens. The coating, made from (meth)acrylate polymers, has shown up to 100% reduction in fungal growth on various surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2020

A newly discovered disease may lead to better treatment of cystic fibrosis

Researchers have discovered a new disease that affects the same chloride channel as cystic fibrosis, potentially leading to improved treatment options. The study found that patients with this disease do not develop respiratory symptoms, suggesting a possible treatment target for cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·DateJun 5, 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.

American lobster, sea scallop habitat could shift off the northeast

Researchers project that American lobster will move further offshore and sea scallops will shift north in the coming decades. The study's findings pose fishery management challenges as changing habitats can impact where species can be caught and who has access to them.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateJun 5, 2020

BESSY II: Experiment shows for the first time in detail how electrolytes become metallic

An international team developed a sophisticated experimental technique at BESSY II to observe the formation of a metallic conduction band in electrolytes. The team analyzed the process using soft X-rays and combined it with theoretical predictions, making this a significant contribution to fundamental understanding.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2020

T cell immunity in the elderly

Researchers found that T cells increase their metabolism to survive, contradicting previous assumptions about immune function. The study suggests that targeted interventions like vaccines or immunotherapies could boost T cell immunity in the elderly.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 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.

Russian scientists demonstrate ion implantation advantages for the use of silicon in optoelectronics

Researchers demonstrate that introducing dislocations through ion implantation can increase the thermal stability of photoluminescence in silicon. By optimizing implantation conditions, they achieved measurable levels of luminescence at room temperature.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms·DateJun 5, 2020

Creating hairy human skin: Not as easy as you think

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital successfully recreate human skin with hair, nerves, and fat using a novel culture technique. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize wound treatment, burn care, and cosmetics testing, as well as aid in the development of new treatments for diseases such as Merkel cell carcinoma.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2020

Elsevier announces support for World Environment Day 2020

Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceElsevier·JournalOne Earth·DateJun 5, 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.

Can deep water masses in the Mediterranean cross the Sicily Strait?

A new study reveals that deep water masses in the eastern Mediterranean can reach up to 70% of the western basin, contradicting classic hypotheses. The research uses rare earth elements and neodymium isotopes as conservative tracers to reconstruct the oceanographic structure of the Mediterranean basins.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProgress In Oceanography·DateJun 5, 2020

Protecting the kidneys from failing

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a common cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, which may progress to end-stage renal disease. Researchers found that the protein MafB plays a protective role in FSGS, with increased levels of MafB reducing kidney damage and nephrotic syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalKidney International·DateJun 5, 2020
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Cord blood for stem cell transplant may outperform matched sibling donor

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows cord blood transplants to be comparable to matched sibling donors in terms of survival outcomes, with significantly fewer complications due to chronic graft-versus-host disease. Cord blood patients also experienced a lower rate of relapse in certain populations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBlood Advances·DateJun 5, 2020

'Whispering gallery' effect controls electron beams with light

A research team from the University of Göttingen has successfully harnessed the 'whispering gallery' effect to control electron beams using light. This breakthrough enables new possibilities for quantum technologies in nanoscale sensing and microscopy.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2020

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes represent more than 20 percent of ICU population

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with diabetes require comprehensive glucose management to minimize complications and death. The new guidance emphasizes the importance of limiting direct contact between clinicians and patients, using remote monitoring devices, and considering diabetes self-management for knowledgeable patients.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 5, 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.

Study identifies potential approach to treat patients with severe COVID-19

Researchers found that blocking Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) protein with acalabrutinib reduced inflammation and improved breathing in patients with severe COVID-19. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach for hospitalized patients with low blood-oxygen levels and evidence of inflammation.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 5, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine explores the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on ethnic minority communities, highlighting existing disparities in healthcare access and treatment. The authors offer a resilience approach to addressing these disparities, drawing parallels with the 1918 influenza pandemic.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 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.

COVID-19 mortality alarmingly high in dialysis patients

A study of COVID-19 cases among dialysis patients in Spain found a significantly higher rate of infection and mortality compared to the general population. The mortality rate among these patients was found to be influenced by factors such as age, lymphopenia, and elevated LDH levels.

SourceERA – European Renal Association·DateJun 5, 2020

NMDA receptors may link psychosis and sleep deficits

Researchers discovered a link between NMDA receptor dysfunction and sleep spindle deficit in schizophrenia. Medicines targeting these receptors may help treat psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateJun 5, 2020

Editorial: COVID-19 pandemic likely to result in lasting changes to medical school curricula

The COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a shift towards more flexible and adaptable medical school curricula, incorporating online education and new topics such as telemedicine and health equity. Accrediting agencies must adapt to these changes to ensure students are prepared for future pandemics and complex medical scenarios.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Volcanic glass spray shows promise in controlling mosquitoes

A new study found that an indoor residual spray made from volcanic glass is effective in controlling mosquitoes carrying malaria. The spray, called Imergard WP, shows mortality rates of over 80% against both wild and susceptible strains of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInsects·DateJun 5, 2020

Measuring Atlantic bluefin tuna with a drone

A pilot study tested the effectiveness of drones in measuring Atlantic bluefin tuna, showing they can capture images of individual fish and schools with high accuracy. The use of drones may supplement traditional fishing methods and provide valuable data for fisheries management.

SourceNOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center·JournalJournal of Unmanned Vehicle Systems·DateJun 5, 2020

How is a metal formed?

Scientists have successfully mapped the electrolyte-to-metal transition in alkali metal-liquid ammonia solutions, revealing the formation of a conduction band with sharp Fermi edges. This study provides a detailed molecular picture of metallic behavior and could lead to the preparation of metallic water.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalScience·DateJun 5, 2020

Long term care faclities are where most COVID-19 deaths occur

The study found that LTCFs account for a significant proportion of COVID-19 deaths, with some states reporting over 70% of deaths occurring in these facilities. The authors attribute this to the asymptomatic spread of the virus and inadequate measures to prevent its entry into facilities.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 5, 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.

Investigational treatments of COVID-19 in children

Researchers estimated appropriate pediatric-specific dosing regimens for hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir to treat pediatric patients with COVID-19. The study suggests these treatments may be effective for children infected with the virus.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 5, 2020

Approved drug may help calm cytokine storm in COVID-19

Acalabrutinib improved oxygenation levels and decreased molecular markers of inflammation in most patients with severe COVID-19. The treatment showed promise in reducing the severity of the disease, particularly among those on mechanical ventilation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 5, 2020

Palliative Care in emergency departments during COVID-19 pandemic

A case series examines the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who received intervention by a COVID-19 palliative care response team. The study found that these interventions led to improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 5, 2020

Small protein, big impact

The RNA-binding protein ProQ plays a crucial role in the activation of over 250 bacterial genes, enabling meningococci to repair DNA and resist oxidative stress. Understanding its function is key to developing new antibacterial agents.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020