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Science News Archive 2020 - Page 359


Page 359 of 512

Conservation goals may be stymied by a lack of land for biodiversity offsetting

A study by University of Queensland found that developers face challenges in finding enough land to offset biodiversity impacts, limiting global conservation goals. The research highlights the limitations of existing offset policies and the need for governments to account for land availability constraints.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2020

'Make physical activity part of children's routine' during lockdown

During the pandemic, time spent in parks and outdoor spaces decreased by nearly a third, while travel by public transport dropped by more than half. Experts recommend incorporating physical activity into daily routines and promoting healthy movement behaviors among children.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateApr 29, 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.

Heat-friendly microbes provide efficient way to biodegrade plastic

Researchers have engineered a strain of bacteria called Clostridium thermocellum to degrade PET more efficiently than current industry bio-methods. The heat-friendly microbes can break down PET and plant-based fibers in hot, oxygen-free environments, offering a promising solution for plastic waste management.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMicrobial Biotechnology·DateApr 29, 2020

A new strategy to counter insulin damage in coronary artery disease

Researchers found that patients with type 2 diabetes have blood vessels resistant to insulin, leading to elevated oxidative stress and vessel dysfunction. A new therapy combining insulin treatment with DPP4 inhibitors shows promise in reversing damaging vascular effects.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Computational techniques explore 'the dark side of amyloid aggregation in the brain'

UMass Amherst scientists used computational techniques to study amyloid fibril growth and brain pathology, revealing that earlier forms of the protein are toxic. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the process, highlighting the importance of energy landscapes in disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2020

COVID-19 limitations unique opportunity for researchers to decrease digital divide

Researchers say COVID-19 restrictions can be used to increase access to clinical trials for rural populations, who face significant health disparities and limited internet access. By using digital technology and community partnerships, researchers can include more people in studies and promote rural health equity.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateApr 29, 2020

Memory misfires help selfish maintain their self-image

A study by Yale psychologists and economists found that people tend to misremember being more generous than they actually were when asked about past behavior. This faulty recall helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and can reduce the need for motivated reasoning.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 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.

New findings highlight threatened status of forest elephants

A newly published study suggests that the forest elephant population size is smaller than believed, leaving the species in an even graver position. The research provides insights into a revised population count and social behavior of the forest elephants.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 29, 2020

Internet searches for unproven COVID-19 therapies in US

Researchers found a significant increase in internet searches for unproven COVID-19 treatments, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, following public endorsements. The study highlights the need for critical evaluation of online health information during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

Texas A&M researchers help give robotic arms a steady hand for surgeries

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a technology that sends small electrical currents to the fingertips of someone operating a robotic arm, allowing surgeons to control their movements more precisely. This can lead to reduced inadvertent injuries and improved surgical outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2020

New genes linked to severe childhood speech disorder

Researchers have discovered nine new genes linked to apraxia, a debilitating speech disorder in children. The genetic variations, which are not inherited, affect the brain's language processing mechanisms.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNeurology·DateApr 29, 2020

New imaging technique sheds light on adult zebrafish brain

A new imaging technique developed by Cornell scientists allows researchers to see into a live adult zebrafish brain, shedding light on brain structure and function. The breakthrough enables studies on human brain disorders like autism, potentially leading to new treatments.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 29, 2020

Stevens leads first NSF Center devoted to financial technology and science

The National Science Foundation has selected Stevens Institute of Technology to lead the first-ever IUCRC center on financial technology and science, bringing together partners to conduct research relevant to the industry. The five-year award aims to find innovative solutions for complex challenges facing the fintech industry, focusing...

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateApr 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Algae in the oceans often steal genes from bacteria

A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2020

Learning from fish and flags to inform new propulsion strategies

A team of researchers has discovered a connection between resonance and nonlinearity in swimming performance, revealing potential new bio-inspired propulsion strategies. By understanding the passive dynamics at play when vehicles move through air or water, they aim to enhance performance while reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 29, 2020

Tobacco smoking increases lung entry points for COVID-19 virus

Researchers found a 25% increase in ACE2 expression in lung tissues from ever-smokers compared to nonsmokers, suggesting an increased risk for viral binding and entry. Smoking also remodelled gene expression, making it easier for the virus to infect human cells.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

Scientists proposed a new approach for efficient nanomaterials' modeling

Scientists developed a novel method to improve mathematical modeling of nanoscale materials, enabling faster calculations and more accurate predictions. The approach involves creating imaginary rigid grains, reducing bond numbers and computation time.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMechanics Research Communications·DateApr 29, 2020

Training linked to stronger promotion chances for women in IT over work performance

A new study found that training plays a crucial role in promotions for women in the tech industry, bypassing traditional notions of work performance. Women are more likely to be promoted due to their participation in training programs, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities in overcoming biases.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateApr 29, 2020

Drug reduces the risk of child sexual abuse

A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2020

Mechanisms responsible for tissue growth

Scientists studied mouse tail skin expansion from birth to adulthood, finding that it grows by a factor of 15 through self-duplication of developmental progenitors. Cell proliferation rates decreased over time, while single-cell RNA sequencing revealed molecular features of developmental progenitors.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalCell·DateApr 29, 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.

MRI scanning assists with next generation battery design

Researchers have developed an MRI scanning technique that enables the detection of sodium metal ions in batteries, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior during operation. This allows for the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of longer life and higher performing batteries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 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.

A step closer to eradicating malaria

Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2020

Scientists edge closer to treatment for myotonic dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy by inhibiting the CDK12 molecule. The study found that inhibiting this molecule reduces the symptoms of the condition, suggesting a possible route to therapy.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Innovative approach offers option for treating upper tract urothelial cancer

A new form of local chemotherapy using a mitomycin-containing reverse thermal gel has been shown to be effective in treating low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer, allowing patients to keep their kidney. The treatment has a high complete response rate and is associated with manageable side effects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 29, 2020

Breastfeeding helps prevent mothers from developing diabetes after childbirth

A study by Korean researchers found that breastfeeding lowers maternal postpartum diabetes incidence and improves metabolic health through serotonin production. The research showed sustained improvements in pancreatic beta cells lasting years after lactation cessation, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 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.

To prevent antimicrobial resistance, vaccinate the world's kids

The pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce acute respiratory infections and diarrhea among small children, resulting in fewer cases of antibiotic treatment. These vaccines have the potential to prevent millions of episodes of antibiotic-treated illness if universally adopted.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2020

Making a 'strange' discovery

Physicists led by Rene Bellwied aim to understand the role of 'dark' matter in the universe's evolution. The team will analyze data from international experiments STAR and ALICE to study the transition from quark-gluon plasma to existing particles.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 29, 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.

Does accelerated subduction precede great earthquakes?

Researchers found large-scale wobbling in the Earth's surface near plate boundaries before massive Chile and Japan quakes. The study suggests that periods of enhanced tugging may accelerate the inevitable failure at shallower segments of the subduction zone, leading to great earthquakes.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2020

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

A new study identifies lactate, a molecule produced by a common gut microbe, as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger. The researchers found that mice fed specific probiotics experienced improved memory, with increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalMicrobiome·DateApr 29, 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.

Stark disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates among New York

A new study has identified significant disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates across New York City's five boroughs, with the Bronx experiencing nearly twice as many deaths per 100,000 persons compared to Manhattan. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate these disparities.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 29, 2020

Physio support in COVID-19 recovery

The new guidelines aim to prevent complications of the respiratory system and muscle deconditioning, while also improving long-term physical function and recovery. Physiotherapists are essential in providing treatment and limiting ICU-acquired weakness.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Physiotherapy·DateApr 29, 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.

Researchers find new insights linking cell division to cancer

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered the protein LEM2 plays two vital roles during cell division: sealing damaged DNA and recruiting factors that disassemble fibers separating DNA sets. This process may be critical for understanding cancer development and progression.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2020

A new machine learning method streamlines particle accelerator operations

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have developed a new tool using machine learning to streamline accelerator tuning, reducing the time spent on this task by three to five times. The new algorithm combines human knowledge with the speed and efficiency of 'smart' computer programs.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 29, 2020

Risks of potentially inappropriate medications post-hospitalization for older adults

A recent study found that older adults who receive potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) after hospitalization are more likely to experience harmful drug reactions, emergency department visits, rehospitalizations, and death. Nearly half of patients prescribed PIMs experienced these adverse events within 30 days of discharge.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 29, 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.

Public does not grasp idea of 'futile treatment' for critically ill patients

A new UCLA study reveals that most laypersons misunderstand the concept of 'futile treatment,' a crucial discussion for families making end-of-life decisions. The research highlights the need for increased public engagement on this issue, particularly in resource-scarce healthcare systems like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 29, 2020