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Science News for April 22, 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.

Technological progress peaked in 2018

Researchers found that technological growth passed its peak in 2018 and will be followed by a new wave of acceleration, driven by global demographic changes. The study predicts that progress will slow down in the second half of the century.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateApr 22, 2020

The downside of feeling prepared

Researchers found that feelings of preparedness in one area can lead to more confident thoughts about unrelated topics, even if those thoughts are not based on actual knowledge. Participants who were told they had to prepare for bad news later showed more positive attitudes towards research funding proposals than those who didn't prepare.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2020

Study suggests rainfall triggered 2018 Kīlauea eruption

Researchers linked prolonged, heavy rainfall in May 2018 to the Kīlauea eruption, which was characterized by intense activity, lava flows, and ash clouds. The study suggests that water content changes in the Earth's shallow crust can trigger eruptions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Finding genetic ripple effects in a single-cell environment

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center create a new platform to study the single-cell genomics of various diseases, potentially making genetic-based diagnoses more precise and effective. The study focuses on linking gene mutations to disease-causing processes in blood diseases like severe congenital neutropenia.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

More protections needed to safeguard biodiversity in the Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean's biodiversity is at risk due to current marine protected areas, which are insufficient to represent the region's unique habitats and species. To address this, a new study suggests doubling existing protected areas to better safeguard biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020

Who's a bot and who's not

Researchers found trends in human behavior absent in social media bots, including increased social interaction and decreased content production over time. The study suggests these differences can be used to develop more sophisticated bot detection strategies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateApr 22, 2020

New blood test for Alzheimer's developed

A new blood test has been developed to detect Alzheimer's disease, which measures a specific variant of tau protein in ordinary blood samples. The test shows great promise for diagnosing and monitoring the condition early on, particularly in primary care settings.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents

The study examines pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 from China and Singapore, highlighting key clinical features and diagnostic tests. Current therapeutic management and prognosis are also discussed, providing valuable insights into managing the disease in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 22, 2020

Toward a more energy-efficient spintronics

Researchers at Spintec Laboratory and CNRS/Thales Laboratory developed a non-magnetic system to detect spin information at low power. This breakthrough enables the creation of ferroelectricity-based spintronic devices that consume significantly less energy than traditional systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Which foods do you eat together? How you combine them may raise dementia risk

A new study published in Neurology suggests that combining highly processed meats with starches and snacks like cookies and cakes may raise the risk of dementia. Researchers found that people with dementia were more likely to eat these foods together, while those without dementia had a greater variety of healthier food options.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 22, 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.

New design could make fiber communications more energy efficient

Researchers developed a new design to reduce energy loss in optical fiber communications by radiating light in a single direction. This breakthrough has the potential to improve data communications for commercial data centers and enable battery-powered photonic computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

New study reveals life's earliest evolution was more complicated than previously suspected

A new study analyzes thousands of phylogenetic trees to shed light on the nature of the earliest living organisms. It suggests that early mutation rates were much higher than at present, leading to a complex 'family tree' of life. The research provides insight into how quickly early organisms may have evolved billions of years ago.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 22, 2020

In glowing colors: Seeing the spread of drug particles in a forensic lab

Researchers at NIST create a brick made of white flour mixed with fluorescent powder to visualize the spread of drug particles under UV light. They find that frequent glove changes, large-mouth vials, and two sets of wash bottles can minimize particle spread.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

COVID-19 from response to recovery: a Rx for success

A recent study proposes that targeted interventions could minimize socio-economic damage while optimizing medical responses to COVID-19. Full lockdowns may have resulted in worse outcomes compared to partial lockdowns.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateApr 22, 2020

Digital agriculture paves the road to agricultural sustainability

Researchers propose a two-step process to develop a more sustainable land management system: designing a framework with digital agriculture technologies and implementing policies that support farmers. The study suggests targeted tax incentives and subsidies can help drive policy change and reduce environmental impacts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 22, 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.

Fish flip a unique genetic switch in warming seas

A marine heatwave in 2015-16 triggered different genetic responses in five coral reef fish species, showing varying levels of vulnerability to climate change. The study found common molecular pathways associated with increased oxygen uptake and cellular stress responses among all species.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020

A breakthrough in estimating the size of a (mostly hidden) network

Professor Maurizio Porfiri's research provides a model-free approach to determine the size of complex systems, even when only a small portion is accessible. For homogeneous networks, accessing just 10% of units can be sufficient to infer the entire network size.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Gene signature found for poor response to standard chemotherapy in rare uterine cancer

Researchers have discovered a gene signature, USC73, that can identify women with rare and aggressive uterine serous carcinoma who are unlikely to respond to standard chemotherapy. The high USC73 score is associated with poor patient survival, cancer cell proliferation, and low rates of complete response to treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateApr 22, 2020

NIAID strategic plan details COVID-19 research priorities

The NIAID Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Research prioritizes improving fundamental knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, developing rapid diagnostic assays, testing potential treatments, and creating safe and effective vaccines. The plan aims to accelerate research to diagnose, prevent, and treat COVID-19.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2020
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.

Researchers identify cells likely targeted by COVID-19 virus

Researchers identified subsets of cells in the lung, nasal passages, and intestine that express RNA for both proteins helping SARS-CoV-2 enter human cells. These findings may help guide scientists developing new treatments or repurposing existing drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 2020

Indiana Network for Population Health focuses on social determinants of health

The Indiana Network for Population Health enables secure data exchange to track diseases and connect patients with community-based services addressing their social determinants of health. Integrating social determinants into electronic medical records enhances health surveillance, but current systems often lack access to this information.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateApr 22, 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.

Spotting air pollution with satellites, better than ever before

Duke University researchers use a machine learning algorithm to estimate ground-level air pollution with high accuracy and resolution, surpassing current methods. The approach uses high-resolution micro-satellite imagery and weather data to detect tiny airborne particles like PM2.5.

SourceDuke University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 22, 2020

HKUST scientists discover how multiple RNA elements control MicroRNA biogenesis

Researchers discovered multiple RNA elements in the upper stem of pri-miRNAs crucial for regulating miRNA expression. These elements affect miRNA processing, leading to dysregulation and abnormal cell activities. The study's findings may help interpret miRNA-related human diseases and develop clinical diagnostics.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2020

Evidence for plate tectonics on earth prior to 3.2 billion years ago

Researchers found evidence of modern-like plate motion velocities at 3.2 Ga in rocks from the Honeyeater Basalt, pushing back the date for plate tectonics' onset. The discovery supports the theory that continuous uniform processes shaped Earth's crust.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020

Unsustainable soil erosion in parts of UK

Research reveals unsustainable levels of soil erosion in the UK, with 16% of arable land showing erosion above 'tolerable' levels. Soil management practices and legislation are under scrutiny for their impact on soil fertility and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeoderma·DateApr 22, 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.

Aussie veterans find new verve for life through art therapy

Art therapy is shown to deliver improvements in mood, outlook, behaviours, confidence, personal relationships, and self-awareness for Australian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to provide evidence for increased funding for art therapy in Australia.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateApr 22, 2020

Electronic skin fully powered by sweat can monitor health

Caltech's Wei Gao creates an electronic skin that runs on biofuel cells powered by lactate in human sweat, generating enough electricity to power sensors and a Bluetooth device. The e-skin can monitor heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic byproducts, enabling continuous health tracking.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 22, 2020

New Army tech may turn low-cost printers into high-tech producers

The US Army has developed a new type of multi-polymer filament for 3D printing, allowing for the production of high-strength parts at an affordable cost. This breakthrough enables the use of simple printers to create parts with mechanical properties competitive with injection-molded plastics.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateApr 22, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Promising MERS coronavirus vaccine trial in humans

A recent trial of a MERS coronavirus vaccine candidate has shown promising results, with the vaccine inducing antibody and T cell responses in nearly all trial subjects. The findings have implications for the development of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, with plans to conduct further trials.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 2020

Microwaves power new technology for batteries, energy

Purdue University researchers developed a technique to turn waste polyethylene terephthalate into battery components using ultrafast microwave irradiation. The technology has shown promising results for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution for renewable energy storage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 22, 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

A commentary warns of a potential suicide epidemic in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as gun sales skyrocket and social distancing disrupts support networks. The authors discuss ways to address this growing concern and mitigate its impact on public health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 22, 2020

Tectonic plates started shifting earlier than previously thought

Harvard researchers have detected some of the earliest evidence for modern-like plate motion in ancient rocks from Australia and South Africa, dating back to 3.2 billion years ago. The study suggests that tectonic movement occurred on the early Earth, providing valuable insights into the evolution of life and climate.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020

How to make the healthiest coffee during COVID-19 lockdown

Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 22, 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.

A win-win solution -- Shredded straws can enhance soil fertility and reduce ammonia pollution

Long-term crop straw incorporation reduces annual ammonia volatilization fluxes by 16.1% to 35.1%, likely due to high C/N ratio of straw increasing microbial N immobilization and ammonium transformation. This practice sustains agricultural development while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Women's faces in Time Magazine throughout history

A study published in the Journal of Cultural Analytics found that the proportion of female faces in Time magazine varied over time, correlating with shifting attitudes towards women. The 'Faces of Time' project identified four phases of fluctuation, with a steady increase in female representation since the early 1990s.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Cultural Analytics·DateApr 22, 2020

Pancreatic cancer cells hijack basic cell mechanism to evade immunotherapy

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells use autophagy to degrade MHC-I proteins, making them resistant to immunotherapies. Blocking autophagy or using drugs like chloroquine enhances MHC-I expression on the surface of cancer cells, increasing their susceptibility to immunotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Hungry galaxies grow fat on the flesh of their neighbors

A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals that massive galaxies attain their size by merging with smaller ones. Researchers used a combination of observation and modelling to analyze how gases within galaxies move, finding evidence that many stars have been acquired from outside.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·DateApr 22, 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.

A new way to cool down electronic devices, recover waste heat

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can cool down electronic devices and convert waste heat into electricity, reducing overheating issues and increasing device efficiency. The new material, which is self-regenerating and safe for use, has shown promising results in cooling cell phone batteries during fast discharging.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Tissues protect their DNA under mechanical stress

Researchers found that cells protect themselves from mechanical stress by not only deforming cell nuclei but also softening the genetic material itself. This mechanism helps prevent DNA damage and disease, including cancer. The study also reveals that healthy stem cells are more resistant to mechanical stretch than cancer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 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.

High ferritin levels may indicate severe COVID-19

Researchers have found that elevated ferritin concentrations are associated with increased production of special signalling molecules, leading to complications and death in COVID-19 patients. Marker CD163 is also an important indicator of macrophage activation and high risk of complications.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateApr 22, 2020

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with growth delays

A new study by ISGlobal found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and delays in physical growth in early childhood. The research analyzed data from over 1,700 mother-child pairs and estimated exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter during the first trimester of pregnancy.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateApr 22, 2020

Research reveals a new malaria vaccine candidate

Researchers have identified a promising new strategy for combating malaria by targeting the parasite's 'kill switch' with PfGARP antibodies. The approach, which involves generating anti-PfGARP antibodies or directly infusing them into individuals, has shown promise in nonhuman primates and holds hope for preventing severe malaria.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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 atrazine regulations have influenced the environment

New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 22, 2020

Inappropriate diagnoses

A small but concerning number of former NFL players report receiving clinical diagnoses of CTE, raising concerns of inappropriate diagnosis and overlooking of treatable conditions. Players with sleep apnea, heart disease, and depression are more likely to receive a CTE diagnosis, which could downplay the effects of these conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 22, 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.

Is it wrong to prioritize younger patients with COVID-19?

Experts argue that age should not be used to decide who receives life-saving treatment, as it leads to unfair discrimination. Dave Archard suggests the fair innings argument, while Arthur Caplan believes age can be a valid criterion supported by data.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 22, 2020

A novel method to precisely deliver therapeutics inside the body

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to deliver therapeutic proteins inside the body using an acoustically sensitive carrier and ultrasound imaging. The method uses a fluorous mask to interact with the particle's fluorous liquid medium, allowing the protein to be released in a precise manner.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 22, 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.

Structure-based design of antiviral drug candidates targets SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Chinese scientists developed two novel compounds that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and show good anti-viral activity in cell culture. The high-resolution crystal structure of the complexes revealed the mechanism of inhibition, providing a promising strategy for designing specific antiviral leads against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 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.

Examining suicidal acts in US

Researchers examined 1.2 million US suicides and nonfatal attempts from 2006 to 2015, finding significant increases in mortality rates among younger adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address rising suicidal acts in the US population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 2020

Researchers discover a key to the survival of dormant breast cancer cells

Metformin activates fat metabolism that promotes survival of dormant breast cancer cells during estrogen deprivation, suggesting context-dependent effects on cancer cells. This discovery informs ongoing clinical trials and guides the development of new therapeutic targets to selectively kill cancer cells.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 22, 2020

Health disparities in rural US: Higher coronary artery disease death in women under 65 and people with heart failure

Researchers found a significant increase in premature coronary artery disease deaths among rural women under 65, while also noting that people living in rural areas have lower survival rates for heart failure. This disparity highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 22, 2020

What protects minority languages from extinction?

Researchers have identified two scenarios in which minority languages can survive: linguistic diversity and mixed speaker populations. By applying mathematical modeling, the authors propose a new framework for understanding language coexistence, shedding light on the complexities of minority language preservation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 22, 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.

Disappearing Alaskan sea ice is significant for Arctic marine ecosystem

A new study reveals that plant materials from Arctic sea ice are incorporated into marine food webs, indicating the importance of sea ice ecosystems. The research shows a transition to more dependence on sea ice materials as coverage decreases, with long-term reserves of organic matter remaining accessible to seafloor animals.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020

Salt substitution could prevent almost half a million deaths from CVD in China

A nationwide intervention to replace regular salt with potassium-enriched salt substitutes in China could prevent nearly half a million cardiovascular deaths per year. The blood pressure lowering effects of salt substitution were estimated to prevent around 460,000 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths each year.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 22, 2020

Orujo olive oil reduces obesity

Researchers found that Orujo Olive Oil significantly reduced obesity in mice by 30%, while also decreasing body fat, hepatic inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. The study highlights the biological value of orujo oil as a functional food with great therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateApr 22, 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.

How we end up 'confined' on YouTube

Researchers studied YouTube recommendations from a thousand videos, generating half a million, and found a 'confined' phenomenon. The most confined recommendation networks revolve around the most viewed or longest-watched videos.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020

Helping the heart heal itself

Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a protein called Meis1 that works with Hoxb13 to stop heart cell division, but deleting both genes can help heart cells regenerate. This finding could lead to new treatments for heart failure and other conditions.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Computers join the fight against COVID-19

Global efforts to combat COVID-19 involve leveraging computing power and collaboration across disciplines. Researchers worldwide have access to free computing resources through consortia such as Google's cloud services and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's supercomputers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 22, 2020

Evidence suggests COVID-19 isn't sexually transmitted

Researchers analyzed data from Chinese men who recently had COVID-19 and found no evidence of the virus in semen or testes. However, the study's limitations mean it cannot fully rule out the possibility of sexual transmission.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 22, 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.

Ef­fects of rapid-act­ing an­ti­de­press­ants con­sol­id­ated in sleep?

Researchers found that rapid-acting antidepressants share the ability to regulate both synaptic potentiation and reciprocal homeostatic mechanisms, which weaken synaptic strength during sleep. This suggests that slow-wave responses could be a useful measure for determining treatment efficacy and developing novel treatments.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPharmacological Reviews·DateApr 22, 2020

The future of semiconductors is clear

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a tin dioxide semiconductor with the highest mobility ever reported, enabling more efficient solar panels and touch-sensitive displays. This breakthrough could lead to improved transparency and conductivity in materials, benefiting various industries.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 22, 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.

Views on guns and death penalty are linked to harsh treatment of immigrants

University of Oregon researchers conclude that many Americans can be classified as dehumanizers, with views on social harms predicting attitudes towards immigrants. The study found that those who endorse harsh policies on gun rights and the death penalty are more likely to dehumanize immigrants.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2020

Spider combs tame unruly nanofibers (video)

Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 22, 2020

Scientists reveal how tuberculosis bacteria import vitamin B12 to grow

Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis to import vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for the pathogen's growth. The Rv1819c protein was found to be capable of importing B12 and transporting other molecules, making it an attractive target for developing anti-TB drugs.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

Excessive rain triggered 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption, study finds

Researchers at the University of Miami found that prolonged and extreme rainfall in Hawaii's Big Island triggered the 2018 Kīlauea volcano eruption. The team suggests local rainfall patterns contribute to timing and frequency of eruptions, with potential implications for other volcanoes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Tiny sensors fit 30,000 to a penny, transmit data from living tissue

The team's microsensors can measure inputs like voltage and temperature in hard-to-reach environments, such as inside living tissue. They successfully embedded a sensor in brain tissue and wirelessly relayed the results, paving the way for generations of microsensors that use less power while tracking more complicated phenomena.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2020

AI fast-tracks drug discovery to fight COVID-19

A team of researchers is using artificial intelligence to screen small molecules against SARS-CoV-2 proteins, reducing the number from a billion to just a few thousand promising candidates. The approach uses deep learning and physics-based simulations to identify effective treatments, accelerating the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 22, 2020

In it together

Researchers found that a social marketing program, Fish Forever, increased community support for sustainable fishing practices. The program's customizable approach and community-led initiatives helped shift social norms and improve perception of management interventions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 22, 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.

New heart attack testing protocol expedites treatment in ER

A new protocol using highly sensitive blood tests can quickly determine whether someone is having a heart attack, allowing for efficient evaluation of patients with possible heart attacks. The study found that the process can 'rule out' heart attacks within one hour in over half of patients.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 22, 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.

Online tool helps to protect tropical forests

Researchers at KU Leuven developed an online tool that maps threats to tropical dry forests in Peru and Ecuador, advising local governments on forest restoration and conservation. The tool uses tree species traits to predict resilience and identify most-at-risk areas.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 22, 2020

Windows will soon generate electricity, following solar cell breakthrough

Researchers have created next-gen perovskite solar cells that generate electricity while allowing light to pass through, transforming windows into active power generators. Two square meters of solar window can produce the same amount of electricity as a standard rooftop solar panel.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 22, 2020

Promoting advantages of product category, such as e-cigarettes, can backfire

A UC Davis study found that promoting e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to combustible cigarettes backfired, resulting in increased social valuations of e-cigarettes as bad or worse than cigarettes. The study analyzed over 1,200 documents and conducted interviews with policymakers, public health advocates, and industry leaders.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateApr 22, 2020