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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 10 of 37

How the immune system reacts to hepatitis C viruses

Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.

Nursing homes prepared for pandemics, but COVID-19 reveals gaps

A survey of Michigan nursing homes reveals significant improvements in pandemic preparedness since the last study in 2007. Nearly all nursing homes now have a plan in place, staff trained on response protocols and communication lines established with hospitals and public health departments.

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.

Learn from past to protect oceans

Historical examples of sustainable and unsustainable fishing practices reveal common 'recipes for failure' that offer warnings for modern-day ocean management. Successful societies achieved balance between economic growth, social equity, and sustainability by managing resources fairly and responding to change.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Achievement requires passion and grit

A recent study reveals that passion is significantly more important for men's success than in women, who exhibit stronger correlations between factors. Women's achievement is tied to the intertwined factors of passion, grit and positive mindset.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center describe ventilator triage policies developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American College of Physicians Ethics Committee also warns against using universal do-not-resuscitate orders and life-years approaches to ration resources, citing ethical concerns.

Kelly receives funding for collaborative storage for Zotero

T. Mills Kelly received funding from the Corporation for Digital Scholarship to support collaborative storage for Zotero. The project will cover server software development and user support for Omeka, a free, open-source content management system.

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.

Syphilis eludes immune attack by altering a single gene

Researchers found that syphilis bacteria alter a single gene, called tprK, which provides instructions for a protein on its surface. This change allows the bacterium to evade the immune system and resist eradication, contributing to its ability to hide in the body for decades.

Feeling the pressure: How blood vessels sense their environment

A novel protein, thrombospondin-1 (Thbs1), plays a crucial role in mechanotransduction in blood vessel walls, enabling cells to adapt to changing mechanical forces. The absence of Thbs1 can lead to weakened blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

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.

Substituting the next-best protein

Researchers found that FDA-approved drugs Betaxolol and Pravastatin can increase muscle strength in mouse models of DMD by stimulating utrophin production. This approach could lead to novel therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, potentially offering advantages over traditional gene replacement methods.

The most promising strategies for defeating coronavirus: A review study

This study reviews possible clinical strategies for defeating coronavirus, including the use of vaccines, broad-spectrum antivirals like remdesivir, and gene therapy. The authors propose these approaches as promising alternatives to develop effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New high-energy-density physics research provides insights about the universe

Researchers have discovered two new phenomena - interspecies radiative transition and breakdown of dipole selection rule - in the transport of radiation in atoms and molecules under high-energy-density physics conditions. This finding enhances understanding of HEDP and could lead to insights into how stars evolve in the universe.

A 'corset' for the enzyme structure

Enzyme structure varies depending on whether it's measured in a test tube or a living cell, according to researchers at the University of Bonn. This fundamental principle has implications for drug research and studies involving biomolecules.

Traffic officer protein governs speed of sugar/fat conversion pathway

A protein sensor called MICU1 restricts sugar and fat conversion in cells during starvation, but could be fine-tuned to promote more conversion in people with metabolic conditions. This discovery offers a potential solution for cardiovascular- and metabolic syndrome-related diseases.

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.

Warming climate undoes decades of knowledge of marine protected areas

A new study finds that climate-driven transformations render marine reserves ineffective in protecting biodiversity and fish biomass. Marine reserves still protect some species, but conservation efforts require re-evaluation. Urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate other pressures.

An eclipsing binary millisecond pulsar discovered by FAST

Researchers have discovered the first pulsar in Globular Cluster M92 using FAST telescope. The pulsar, PSR J1717+4307A, is an eclipsing binary millisecond pulsar in a circular orbit with a companion star. This discovery provides insights into pulsars and their role in probing dense stellar cores.

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.

Scientists discover just how runny a liquid can be

Researchers discovered the minimal value of viscosity, governed by the Planck constant and proton-to-electron mass ratio, using an equation that relates it to these physical constants. This finding has practical implications for developing new fluids with low viscosity.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

New research highlights blood clot dangers of COVID-19

Recent reports show a strong association between elevated D-dimer levels and poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Microvascular thrombotic processes may play a role in respiratory failure, suggesting a new severe infectious lung disease with no proven therapies.

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.

Not so sweet

Researchers found that cool temperatures reduce the appeal of sweetness by activating other sensory cells via protein rhodopsin 6, which is typically associated with light detection. This suppresses communication between sweet-sensing taste neurons and the brain, leading to reduced feeding behavior in fruit flies.

Fishers livelihood measured by more than catch

A study by Michigan State University examines the complex relationships between small-scale fishing activities, including pre- and post-harvest interactions, to understand the impact on fishers' livelihoods. The research highlights the importance of trust and collaborative relationships in shaping these dynamics.

Digital solutions for dementia care

Researchers found that telehealth services using videoconferences can save travel time, equip families with strategies to promote independence, and reduce costs for non-pharmacologic interventions. The study provides evidence-based information and skills to support people with dementia and their care partners.

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.

New study takes the pulse of a sleeping supervolcano

Researchers from Uppsala University discovered that hot magma from inside the Earth is forcing its way into a giant reservoir, keeping the Andean supervolcano alive. The study provides new insights into how large volcanoes work and could help increase chances of survival in case of a future eruption.

High-altitude adaptations connected with lower risk for chronic diseases

Research team finds that high-altitude adaptations in the Himalayas may lower risk for hypertension and diabetes-associated anemia. The study, led by Katherine Wander of Binghamton University, found that a Tibetan-descended population living in Southwest China had lower rates of these conditions compared to low-altitude Han populations.

Hummingbirds show up when tropical trees fall down

A tropical treefall created a 2.5-acre gap that attracted hundreds of hummingbird species, doubling the diversity and presence of these birds in the area. The researchers documented 16 unique individuals of one species, the snowy-bellied hummingbird, within just one year after the treefall.

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.

Stirling receives £1.2 million to study global sustainability

The University of Stirling has received £1.2 million to study global sustainability, with a focus on resolving conflicts between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The project will use hydropower as a model system to identify and mitigate issues caused by competing objectives.

An obesity protein discovery may lead to better treatments

A USC-led team of scientists has discovered the precise shape of the melanocortin 4 receptor, a key player in human metabolism. The findings could lead to more effective therapies for obesity and other metabolic diseases, which affect millions worldwide.

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.

Asteroid visiting Earth's neighborhood brings its own face mask

The Arecibo Observatory is tracking a near-Earth asteroid called 1998 OR2, which has unique topographic features that resemble a face mask. The asteroid's size and rotation period have been confirmed through observations, and monitoring its trajectory will help improve impact-risk mitigation technologies.

Key nose cells identified as likely COVID-19 virus entry points

Researchers have identified goblet and ciliated cells in the nose as likely initial infection points for COVID-19 coronavirus. The study found that these cells express key entry proteins used by the virus to infect cells, making them highly accessible to the virus.

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.

No time to waste to avoid future food shortages

Researchers are developing innovative solutions to increase crop production under climate change conditions, including improving photosynthesis and making crops more resistant to drought. The goal is to double cereal production by 2050 to ensure global food security.

How hearing loss in old age affects the brain

A study found that age-related hearing loss damages the brain's hippocampus, a key memory organ. The findings suggest that progressive hearing impairment impairs memory formation by altering neurotransmitter receptors.

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.