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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 307


Page 307 of 512

Cannabis in Michigan: New report documents trends before recreational legalization

A comprehensive new report by the University of Michigan Injury Prevention Center documents cannabis trends in Michigan, including increased use among Michiganders, revenue generated for the state, and growing public health concerns related to cannabis use disorder, motor vehicle crashes and emergency department visits. The report prov...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·DateJun 4, 2020

Universal preoperative COVID-19 screening improves pediatric patient safety

A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that universal preoperative COVID-19 screening improved pediatric patient safety by identifying asymptomatic cases. The researchers analyzed data from three major children's hospitals and found significant variation in COVID-19 incidence rates, ranging from 0.22% to 2.65%.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJun 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Future of the western North Pacific Subtropical High: Weaker or stronger?

New research from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics suggests a future intensification of the WNPSH under RCP 8.5, leading to stronger East Asian summer monsoon and increased rainfall but reduced typhoon landfalls over East Asia. However, this may also imply increased risk of heatwaves in southern and eastern China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

Two vital buffers against climate change are just offshore

A new study highlights the critical role of mangroves and coral reefs in protecting coastal communities from climate-related disasters. With over 8.5 million people benefiting directly from these natural defenses, conservation and restoration efforts are essential to address growing vulnerability across highly exposed regions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 4, 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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers at McGill University reviewed available research on SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection tests, highlighting key areas of ongoing research and proposing potential strategies for test implementation. They found that most serologic assays have minimal or no external validation, hindering assay selection and interpretation of results.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 4, 2020

Leukemia immune profiles predict drug resistance and benefits of immunotherapy

Researchers analyzed 442 AML samples to identify immune classes that predict drug resistance and response to immunotherapy. IFN-γ-dominant AML patients showed strong responses to flotetuzumab and improved survival rates, highlighting the potential for T cell-targeting therapies.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 4, 2020

High-speed atomic video

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has successfully captured high-speed atomic video at 1,600 frames per second using a powerful electron microscope and highly sensitive camera. This achievement is 100 times faster than previous experiments and enables the observation of previously inaccessible details.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan·DateJun 4, 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.

Scientists aim gene-targeting breakthrough against COVID-19

A team of scientists from Stanford University has developed a gene-targeting, antiviral agent against COVID-19 using CRISPR technology. The system delivers PAC-MAN into lung cells, neutralizing the coronavirus and stopping it from replicating inside cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalCell·DateJun 4, 2020

Revealed from ancient sediment: Mangrove tolerance to rising sea levels

Ancient sediment analysis reveals mangrove ecosystems can survive up to a 7mm per year sea-level rise threshold. Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services but are threatened by rapid sea-level rise, with current rates expected to surpass the survival limit within 30 years.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2020

High blood pressure linked to increased risk of dying from COVID-19

Research published in the European Heart Journal found that patients with high blood pressure are at a two-fold increased risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those without hypertension. The study also suggests that RAAS inhibitors may be protective against COVID-19-related death.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 4, 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.

Psoriasis patients' mental health is more than skin-deep

A new study from Umea University reveals that psoriasis patients with comorbid physical diseases experience increased mental health risks due to these associated somatic illnesses. The research indicates a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide among psoriasis patients with other medical conditions.

SourceUmea University·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJun 4, 2020

Paper-based technology advances earlier cancer detection

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a technology that uses an electric field to concentrate and separate cancer biomarkers onto a paper strip, detecting miniscule levels of the markers in as little as 10 minutes. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection of and faster treatments for cancer.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 4, 2020

Can't concentrate at work? This AI system knows why

A new sensor-based system developed by RMIT University and Arup uses artificial intelligence to measure staff comfort and concentration in flexible working spaces. The study found that office temperature, sleep quality, and meeting schedules significantly impact perceived concentration levels.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·DateJun 4, 2020

New Zealanders' attitudes changed after pandemic lockdown

A study found that New Zealanders reported higher trust in institutions and greater patriotism during the pandemic lockdown, but also experienced slightly higher levels of psychological distress. The strong national response appeared to contribute to the increase in trust.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJun 4, 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.

IU researchers grow hairy skin from human stem cells

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have successfully grown hairy skin from human stem cells using a 3D cell culture method. The study shows that skin generated from pluripotent stem cells can integrate into mouse skin, leading to potential applications in skin reconstruction and disease modeling.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 4, 2020

The sensitive strain sensor that can detect the weight of a feather

The University of Sussex has developed the most sensitive strain sensor, capable of detecting strains as low as 0.1% and up to 80% with a gauge factor of ~20. This technology could revolutionize wearable devices for vital sign monitoring and building structural integrity assessment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 4, 2020

Stimulating research gives new treatment hope for Tourette Syndrome

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a new treatment for Tourette Syndrome, using repetitive nerve stimulation to reduce tic frequency and intensity. The study shows promising results, with participants experiencing significantly reduced tics and urge-to-tic symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 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.

Alien frog invasion wreaks havoc on natural habitat

A new study found that the alien spotted-thighed frog has an indiscriminate diet, devouring up to six prey items per frog, including native geckos, young frogs, and mice. The invasive species could have devastating impact on invaded habitats, displacing or destroying local food webs.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Zoology·DateJun 4, 2020

Tillage and cover cropping effects on grain production

Research reveals that incorporating cover crops with tillage increases mineralization of nutrients from cover crop biomass. However, results show mixed effects on corn-soybean grain yields when planted after cover crops, highlighting the need for suitable cover crop species selection to avoid yield reductions.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 4, 2020

Immune from chronic stress? Limit inflammatory signaling to specific brain circuits

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University and The Ohio State University identify the specific brain circuit responsible for neuroinflammation and psychological disorders caused by chronic stress. By limiting inflammatory signaling to this circuit, they suggest a potential treatment approach for anxiety and depression.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 4, 2020

Small see-through container improves plant micrografting

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a micrografting device to facilitate the grafting of embryonic shoots onto tiny stalks, achieving a 48-88% success rate. The device shows potential for facilitating research into plant signalling and has been applied in tomato grafting.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJun 4, 2020
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Low ratings of workplace safety climate by hospital nurses linked to higher risk of injury

A study by Gwen E. McGhan and colleagues found that nurses have the lowest ratings of workplace safety climate, followed by healthcare aides, and are associated with increased job stress and decreased job satisfaction. Allied health professionals had significantly higher safety perceptions and lower rates of injuries and illnesses.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateJun 4, 2020

Ancient DNA provides new insights into the early peopling of the Caribbean

A new study using ancient DNA found evidence of at least three population dispersals that brought people to the Caribbean, with genetic differences between early settlers and newcomers from South America. The research suggests that the islands were settled and resettled several times from different parts of the American mainland.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 2020

How can you sleep during a solo sailing race?

Researchers analyzed data from solo skippers in the Mini Transat La Boulangère regatta to identify effective sleep management strategies. Over half of the skippers employed sleep extension, polyphasic sleep, or gradual sleep deprivation to optimize their performance and safety during the competition.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·DateJun 4, 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.

Coronavirus linked to stroke in otherwise healthy young people

A study published in Neurosurgery found a high incidence of COVID-19 in patients presenting with stroke, including younger individuals without known risk factors. The mortality rate for these patients was significantly higher than typical, with 42.8% dying from their strokes.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNeurosurgery·DateJun 4, 2020

Restoring vision by gene therapy

Scientists have developed a gene therapy approach that reactivates visual circuitry in human retinas using near-infrared light, potentially restoring vision in blind patients. The treatment was tested on human retinas kept alive in culture medium and showed promising results.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 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.

Universal access to spectrometers one step closer

A team of physicists at the Universität Leipzig is developing an ultra-compact spectrometer with potential applications in industries such as food, medicine, and textiles. The new instrument could make quality control cheaper and more accessible, allowing for widespread adoption and democratizing access to spectral analysis.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·DateJun 4, 2020

New clues on how lipid emulsions prevent liver disease in preterm babies

Researchers found that parenteral oil infusions can prevent cholestasis and restore bile flow in preterm piglets, accompanied by changes in gut bile acids and the gut microbiome. The study provides new insights into the mechanism of lipid emulsions and their impact on liver health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 4, 2020

Childhood trauma affects the timing of motherhood

A study conducted in Finland found that women who experienced childhood trauma became mothers earlier than those with a more stable upbringing. The research used data from volunteers who served in the 'Lotta Svärd' organisation during World War II, showing an increased rate of early motherhood among affected individuals.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2020

For acute myeloid leukemia, genetic testing is often worth the wait

A new study suggests that genetic testing for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can be delayed without negatively impacting patient outcomes. For stable patients, waiting a week or more for test results allows doctors to assign the correct subgroup and select targeted treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood·DateJun 4, 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.

High-protein diets help insects to fight against blood parasites

Researchers found that high-protein diets increased the survival of infected caterpillars by causing osmotic stress, which slows down bacterial growth. This mechanism may offer a new avenue for understanding how diet affects parasitic blood infections in humans.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 4, 2020

Keeping water and energy secure

Researchers investigate vulnerability of smart city water and energy systems to cyber attacks, which can cause blackouts and damage. The study aims to develop detection methodologies to counteract such criminal acts using mathematical attack models and big data analytics-based methods.

SourcePenn State·DateJun 4, 2020

redHUMAN: Deciphering links between genes and metabolism

Researchers have developed a new method called redHUMAN to simplify genome-scale metabolic models for analyzing human metabolism. This approach reduces the complexity of human genome-scale models by focusing on specific parts of metabolism while minimizing information loss.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 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.

Silicon 'neurons' may add a new dimension to computer processors

Using simulated silicon neurons, researchers found that energy constraints can lead to a dynamic, at-a-distance communication protocol more robust and energy-efficient than traditional computer processors. This protocol enables computing on a secondary network of spikes, allowing for efficient communication and processing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2020

New study: Tyrannosaurus rex size doesn't determine age

A new study by Dr. Thomas D. Carr finds that the size and weight of Tyrannosaurus rex do not determine its age, contrary to long-held assumptions. The research reveals a high-resolution growth series for T-Rex, which shows that even small juveniles had powerful skulls and teeth, making them just as deadly as adults.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 4, 2020

Using genetically engineered, barcoded microbes to track food contamination and more

Researchers introduce a novel approach using genetically engineered microbes with DNA barcodes to track food contamination and provenance. The system, called barcoded microbial spores (BMS), can persist on surfaces for months and transfer between objects, making it suitable for tracing supply chains.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 4, 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.

Why we should trust registered clinical trials

A new study by Bocconi University researchers finds that the majority of phase III trial results are not significantly above threshold, contrary to previous findings. The researchers suggest that transparency and registration processes are key factors in maintaining trial integrity.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

How efficient are solar power storage systems?

The 'Testbench' project enhances the quality of efficiency measurements for solar power storage systems, facilitating comparison and standardization. The goal is to improve reproducibility and confirm the results, ultimately benefiting operators and manufacturers in the growing market.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateJun 4, 2020

Biochemical alterations revealed in patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease

Researchers have discovered biochemical alterations in skin cells, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Lesch-Nyhan disease. High levels of folic acid reversed these alterations in cell cultures, suggesting a possible treatment strategy.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2020

Gut research delves deeper into obesity problems

A recent study published in Neurogastroenterology & Motility found that high-fat diets change the nutrient-sensing capacity of Enterochromaffin (EC) cells in mice, leading to increased serotonin levels and potential implications for obesity and type 2 diabetes

SourceFlinders University·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateJun 4, 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.

Understanding a gene's role in inflammatory bowel disease

A new UC Riverside study aims to identify the mechanisms by which the PTPN2 gene regulates immune interactions between macrophages and epithelial cells. The research could lead to fundamental insights into how loss-of-function mutations contribute to autoimmune diseases like IBD.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 4, 2020