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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 27 of 37

Research identifies critical protein in cancer treatment-related heart damage

A study led by Washington State University researchers found that inhibiting the FOXO1 protein can protect the heart from cell death and atrophy caused by chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin. This breakthrough discovery may lead to promising new treatment strategies or drugs that combine a FOXO1 inhibitor with doxorubicin.

A glimpse into the future of tropical forests

A new method enables predictions for the development of species-rich forests, which can help mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity. The method uses a digital experiment to simulate tree growth, death, and reproduction, and has been shown to be reliable with only five strategy types.

Cost-effective oxygen concentrators

ETH Zurich researchers have designed cost-effective oxygen concentrators to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The devices use a novel membrane technology and can be replicated almost anywhere in the world using locally available materials.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Measuring the wind speed on a brown dwarf

A new study has measured wind speeds on a brown dwarf using infrared and radio emissions, revealing strong winds of up to 2,400 kilometers per hour. The technique can be adapted to characterize atmospheres of exoplanets with similar rotation rates and periodic variability.

Identical mice, different gut bacteria, different levels of cancer

Researchers found that distinct microbiomes composed of different types of bacteria contribute to varying levels of colorectal cancer in genetically identical mice. The study suggests that certain bacteria promote inflammation and exhaust immune cells, increasing susceptibility to cancer.

Aha! + Aaaah: Creative insight triggers a neural reward signal

A neuroimaging study found that creative insights trigger a burst of activity in the brain's reward system, motivating further creative activities. Highly reward-sensitive individuals show an additional neural reward response associated with intrinsically rewarding creative experiences.

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.

Researchers develop one-way street for electrons

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill developed a one-way street for electrons by shaping silicon into a funnel, allowing for faster data processing and energy harvesting. This technology may enable devices to wirelessly charge themselves from the data they receive without needing to leave a person's wrist.

Long-living tropical trees play outsized role in carbon storage

A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers reveals that long-lived pioneer trees, which grow fast and live long lives, account for most of the biomass and carbon storage in some tropical rainforests. The finding improves climate models' accuracy by considering variations in tree species' growth, survival, and reproduction.

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.

Money can't buy love -- or friendship

Researchers at UB and Harvard Business School found that people who base their self-worth on financial success experience pressure and lack of autonomy, leading to negative social outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of preserving personal relationships in maintaining good mental health.

Risk aversion as a survival strategy in ants

Ants adapt their behavior to avoid traps by associating visual cues with negative experiences. Researchers studied two species of ants that changed their route on the second attempt after experiencing a setback.

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.

Immunizing with plasma to combat COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Montreal are using convalescent plasma to develop a passive immunization program for COVID-19 treatment. The program, which involves transfusing plasma from recovered patients, has shown promise in reducing mortality rates in severe viral pneumonias.

3D-printed corals could improve bioenergy and help coral reefs

Researchers have developed 3D-printed coral-inspired structures that can grow dense populations of microscopic algae, opening up new applications for coral conservation and bioenergy. The innovative technology mimics the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, with microalgae producing sugars to the coral through photosynthesis.

Firework-related eye injuries

From 1999 to 2017, approximately 64,000 firework-related eye injuries were treated in US emergency departments. The study found that men and children under 18 were more likely to be injured.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Women's lifestyle changes, even in middle age, may reduce future stroke risk

Researchers found that women who made lifestyle modifications in middle age reduced their long-term risk of total stroke by nearly a quarter and ischemic stroke by more than one-third. Engaging in daily exercise and quitting smoking were estimated to reduce the risk of total stroke by 25% and ischemic stroke by 36%.

Frontera sets sights on transformative research

The Texas Advanced Computing Center has announced that the National Science Foundation has approved allocations of supercomputing time on Frontera to 49 science projects. These projects will utilize a total of 54 million node hours and constitute approximately 65% of the total time on the system being allocated for this year.

Special issue explores consumer access and power

The Journal of Public Policy & Marketing explores the complex relationship between consumer power and access, examining how technology, wealth, and industry organization influence this dynamic. Key findings highlight the importance of perceived access to healthcare, financial capability, and trait hope in improving consumer outcomes.

Research sheds light on how silver ions kill bacteria

Researchers used advanced imaging to study proteins at the molecular level in live E. coli bacteria. Silver ions caused paired DNA strands to separate and protein binding to weaken, resulting in faster protein movement. This new understanding could help develop better antibiotics using silver nanoparticles.

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.

Sweet as: The science of how diet can change the way sugar tastes

Researchers found that diet can alter the way sugar tastes in fruit flies, using the same molecular pathways as learning and memory. They discovered that certain diets promote long life also enhance taste perception, and that eating high amounts of sugar suppresses sweet taste perception.

USC scientists develop a better redox flow battery

USC scientists have developed a new redox flow battery that stores electricity in solutions, sorts electrons, and releases power when needed. The technology uses iron sulfate and anthraquinone disulfonic acid (AQDS) to store electrochemical energy, with advantages over competitors in terms of cost, durability, and scalability.

Rethinking biosecurity governance

The article highlights the need for a new approach to biosecurity governance, grounded in experimentation. Key findings include the importance of framing governance experiments with hypotheses, developing capacity to quickly identify difficult cases, and fostering cross-biology communities for iterative improvement.

Archaeology: Ancient string discovery sheds light on Neanderthal life

A six-millimetre-long cord fragment discovered in Abri du Maras, France, dates back to between 41,000-52,000 years ago and features a three-ply cord made from natural fibres. The discovery suggests that Neanderthals may have possessed advanced cognitive abilities, including mathematical concepts and basic numeracy skills.

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.

Neanderthal cord weaver

Researchers discovered evidence of cord making on a flint fragment from Abri du Maras in France, dating back 40,000 years. The remains showed twisted fibres made of cellulose, likely from coniferous trees, highlighting the cognitive abilities and knowledge of Neanderthals.

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.

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.

Looking for dark matter

Physicists Rees McNally and Tanya Zelevinsky have proposed two novel methods of searching for dark matter by measuring tiny perturbations in fundamental constants. These methods involve using gravity sensors and LIGO gravitational wave detectors to detect a small extra 'push' or acceleration on normal matter caused by dark matter clumps.

New isomer separation method a boon for research on protein oxidation

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new method for separating the stereoisomers of an oxidized amino acid, opening up new opportunities for studying its role in biological processes. The method uses supercritical fluid chromatography to purify the stereoisomers with high purity.

False-negative COVID-19 test results may lead to false sense of security

A Mayo Clinic article highlights the risks of relying on COVID-19 testing, citing the high sensitivity of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and its limitations in ruling out the disease. Health care officials are advised to consider patient characteristics and exposure when interpreting test results.

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab: 3D nanoparticles and magnetic spin

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to produce atomic-scale 3D images of nanoparticles, enabling precise measurement of their atomic positions. They also created an antiferromagnetic switch for computer memory and processing applications, revolutionizing spin-based electronics.

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.

Canada lynx disappearing from Washington state

A massive monitoring study found Canada lynx on only 20% of its potential habitat in Washington state, highlighting the impact of climate change and wildfire on their survival. The research suggests that lynx are a key indicator species for climate change, with warming temperatures and reduced snowpack threatening their ability to thrive.

Ear's inner secrets revealed with new technology

Scientists have developed a new technology to study the inner ear using synchrotron X-rays, providing insights into cochlear implant success. The method allows for three-dimensional mapping of blood vessels in the inner ear, which may lead to improved electrode design and better hearing results.

New coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) mapped out

Researchers at IBS South Korea successfully dissected SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome, mapping subgenomic RNAs to viral proteins. The study reveals dozens of unknown RNAs with potential roles in immune evasion.

Electronic cigarette use among young adult cancer survivors

A study of young adult cancer survivors found that e-cigarette users were more likely to experience cancer relapse compared to non-users. The researchers analyzed national survey data and found a significant association between e-cigarette use and increased risk of cancer recurrence.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Missing BAP1 gene associated with immunosuppressive molecules in uveal melanoma

Researchers discovered that UM cells lacking the BAP1 protein activate mechanisms shutting down T lymphocytes, which are crucial immune cells fighting cancer. The study identified potential target molecules using existing drugs approved for other diseases, offering a promising approach to combat metastatic uveal melanoma.

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.

Achieving strong structures with carbon fiber reinforced plastics

A new unbonded carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) method for strengthening steel structures has been developed by researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology. This approach enhances buckling performance without the need for surface treatments, resulting in cost savings and improved structural integrity.

Marijuana withdrawal symptoms among regular users who quit

A study combining 47 studies with 23,000 participants estimated that cannabis withdrawal syndrome affects approximately 8% of individuals who stop using the substance. The syndrome's symptoms include irritability, nervousness or anxiety, depression, and headache.

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.

New study finds EPA mercury analysis is 'seriously flawed'

A new study finds deep flaws in EPA's benefit-cost analysis supporting a proposed rule to roll back Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The analysis ignores scientific evidence and economic best practice, failing to account for recent science and changes in electricity generation.