Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Science News Archive April 2020


Page 30 of 37

Therapy dogs may help lower emergency clinicians' stress

Interacting with therapy dogs for several minutes reduces self-reported anxiety and salivary cortisol levels among emergency providers. The study suggests a small benefit in stress reduction after the interaction, but the extent of the benefit is unclear.

Neuropsychological and psychological methods are essential

The collection of articles highlights the importance of neuropsychological and psychological applications in neurorehabilitation, addressing various etiologies and recovery outcomes. Innovative treatment methodologies such as solution-focused brief therapy and holistic milieu-oriented neurorehabilitation are also discussed.

Carbon emission scheme 'succeeding despite low prices'

A European Union programme aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions has made significant progress despite low prices in carbon markets. The EU ETS saved around 1.2 billion tons of CO2 between 2008 and 2016, nearly half of what governments pledged to reduce in their Kyoto Protocol commitments.

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.

Promising advance in depression research

Researchers at McGill University have identified a key protein, GPR56, involved in the biology of depression and its response to antidepressants. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments for depression.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from University of California, San Francisco and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center discuss early studies on using chest computed tomography for COVID-19 detection. They stress the need to avoid rushing science and overinterpreting preliminary data.

UC Davis researchers launch new COVID-19 tracking application

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new web application to track COVID-19 cases and testing globally, offering user-friendly data visualization and interactive maps. The app uses publicly available data from reputable sources, including the COVID Tracking Project and Johns Hopkins University.

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 NUI Galway study helps improve accuracy of future climate change predictions

A new study published in Nature's journal Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that adding sea-salt can dampen the effect of clouds becoming brighter, which could impact climate change predictions. The research found that pollution-induced changes to cloud reflectance are a major uncertainty in predicting future climate change.

Early bedtime may help children maintain healthy weight

A new study published in Acta Paediatrica found that children who go to bed early experience greater weight gain than those who go to bed late. The study of 1,258 Indigenous Australian children aged 6 years revealed consistent early bedtime routines may reduce the risk of overweight or obesity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A more personalized approach to improving customer experiences

A new startup, Oqullo, is developing a platform that utilizes computer visual algorithms and network cameras to gather demographic information about customers. This data can be used to offer personalized experiences in shopping, traveling, and other consumer activities.

'Fake news' increases consumer demands for corporate action

A study by North Carolina State University found that consumers demand corrective action from companies even if they are victims of fake news. Consumers also expect corporations to take responsibility for combating fake news and want improved media literacy.

Climate change could cause sudden biodiversity losses worldwide

A new study predicts that climate change risks to biodiversity will surge suddenly, with up to 15% of ecosystems facing irreversible damage by 2100. This is due to a 'series of cliff edges' where species face conditions they've never experienced before, leading to extinction.

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.

Rates of pulmonary complications drastically reduced with newer drug

A new study found that sugammadex significantly reduced rates of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure in patients undergoing surgery compared to neostigmine. The drug works by removing the molecule of rocuronium from muscle receptors, resulting in fewer side effects and a more complete reversal of muscle relaxation.

New information about the transmission of the amphibian pathogen, Bsal

Scientists at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture have discovered that host contact rates and habitat structure significantly impact the transmission of Bsal among eastern newts. Adding habitat complexity and reducing population density can curtail transmission rates, similar to COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

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.

Foods high in vitamin D may benefit heart health

A study of over 3,000 adults found that higher vitamin D intake from food sources was associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events, particularly in men. The researchers suggest that increased vitamin D consumption may protect against heart-related problems.

McGill researchers identify correlation between MBI and Alzheimer's

A recent study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found a strong association between mild behavioral impairment (MBI) and amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of elderly individuals. MBI may potentially serve as an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention.

RSNA publishes Fleischner Society statement on chest imaging and COVID-19

The Fleischner Society statement provides guidance on the use of chest imaging in COVID-19 management, recommending its use in patients with worsening respiratory status or moderate to severe features. The panel also found that CT is appropriate in patients with functional impairment and/or hypoxemia after recovery from COVID-19.

Innovative technologies for satellites

Researchers at the University of Würzburg and Technical University of Braunschweig have developed two innovative technologies, Skith and Wall#E, to simplify satellite construction. Skith enables wireless control and reduces satellite mass, while Wall#E is a fiber-reinforced structure that stores electrical energy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

What other countries can learn from Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic

Italy's experience with the pandemic highlights the importance of preparedness and rapid testing, while also emphasizing the need for coordinated public health strategies. The study suggests that countries can learn from Italy's successes in managing hospital capacity and supply chain logistics.

Tracking Southern Hemisphere black carbon to Antarctic snow

A team of Brazilian researchers collected shallow snow cores and analyzed BC concentrations to study the particle's effect on Antarctic climate. They found very low BC concentrations, sparking questions about BC seasonal variability and geographical sources.

Common protein in skin can 'turn on' allergic itch

A study from North Carolina State University found that the protein periostin can directly activate itch-associated neurons in the skin, leading to increased itching in atopic dermatitis. Blocking periostin receptors reduced itch response in a mouse model of eczema.

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.

Researchers suggest a special diet against asthma

Researchers found that a ketogenic diet significantly reduced inflammation and mucus production in asthmatic mice. The diet's effect was attributed to its ability to slow down the division activity of immune cells, which play a central role in asthma symptoms.

Risk based approach will optimize socioeconomic recovery

A risk-based approach can mitigate socio-economic damage caused by extreme containment measures, enabling recovery and addressing COVID-19. This strategy targets individual and community risk factors, such as age and population density.

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.

Pancreatic cancer blocked by disrupting cellular pH balance

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have found a new way to kill pancreatic cancer cells by disrupting their pH equilibrium. Suppressing NHE7 lowers the cell's cytoplasmic pH, triggering cell death in both human and mouse tumors. This approach could provide a new therapeutic avenue for treating pancreatic cancer.

New practices improved stroke care

A new triage system using symptom severity and teleconsultation reduced the time to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) from 65 minutes to 2 hours and 15 minutes in Stockholm region patients. This led to better patient outcomes, with 34% of EVT patients fully recovering their functional ability compared to 24% in the old system.

Hangover drug shows wider benefits in USC research

Researchers found dihydromyricetin (DHM) activates mechanisms that quickly metabolize alcohol and reduce liver harm. The study supports DHM as a dietary supplement to offset acute and long-term risks of alcohol consumption.

Let's do the twist

Researchers designed a polymer that can twist and bend in response to light, mimicking human muscle movement. The polymer's chiral structure changes direction when exposed to different light sources, enabling simultaneous bending and twisting motions.

Study redefines exi'STING' dogma of inflammatory mechanism

Researchers at Monash University have discovered the mechanism behind one of two signalling arms involved in the cGAS-STING pathway. The findings reveal that a closely related TBK1 homologue, IKK-epsilon, plays a crucial role in cytokine production, leading to new understanding of autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment.

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.

Study suggests suicide attempt survivors have lower sensitivity to bodily signals

A new study published in eLife found that people who have survived a suicide attempt are less sensitive to bodily signals related to their heart and breath. The researchers suggest that this 'interoceptive numbing' may be linked to lower brain activity in the insular cortex, a region that closely tracks the internal state of the body.

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.

Protecting the high seas

A team of researchers from the University of California - Santa Barbara used big data and optimization algorithms to identify high-biodiversity hotspots in international waters. These areas could become the first generation of high seas marine protected areas, leveraging new global data assets and tools for conservation.

Lipid gradient that keeps your eyes wet

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered a lipid gradient in tears that helps form and maintain the tear film's inner liquid layer and outer lipid layer. This finding could lead to new treatments for dry eye disease by targeting the lipid layer.

Bubble dynamics reveal how to empty bottles faster

Researchers discovered how to make bottles empty faster by studying bubble dynamics, which reveals key parameters such as liquid film thickness and rise velocity. The study also identifies two distinct bottle-emptying modes and a critical angle of inclination that maximizes the emptying time.

The evolution of arthritic knees

Researchers found that regulatory switches involved in knee development also play a role in osteoarthritis, a partially heritable disease affecting 250 million people worldwide. The study suggests that subtle modifications in the knee's shape may increase risk of developing osteoarthritis over time.

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.

Babies retain even detailed events during a nap

Researchers found that babies build episodic memory during sleep, enabling them to remember details of their experiences. The study showed that brain activity differs in children who slept versus those who stayed awake, especially when recalling specific events.

Children have very precise expectations about adults' communicative actions

Researchers found that infants aged 12-15 months watched for longer when presented with incongruent speech patterns, suggesting they have formed expectations not only about infant-directed speech but also adult-directed speech. This study raises questions about the mechanisms of infants' expectations and social importance of different ...

Lymphoma's different route revealed

Researchers discovered that tumors in lymph nodes are distinct from solid tumors, with a unique pattern of branching and signaling pathways. They identified VEGF-C as the primary driver of angiogenesis in early stages of lymphoma, which can be targeted to slow tumor growth.

Successful online management of COVID-19 infection

A multidisciplinary self-managed home quarantine method was developed in Wuhan, China, controlling the source of COVID-19 infection and alleviating medical resource shortages. The method involved online monitoring, strict compliance with quarantine measures, and regular communication between patients and the quarantine team.

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.

New method to monitor Alzheimer's proteins

Researchers developed a new technique to detect the aggregation state of amyloid beta proteins in solution, which could aid early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The technique uses terahertz waves and provides a dementia quotient index to distinguish between protein states.

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.

Uncovering stimulation's impact on neurons

Takashi Kozai aims to design a coating technology that can control neuron activity using biomolecules. The goal is to establish the relationship between different types of stimulation and their impact on excitability, which could improve BCI technology for rehabilitation of neurodegenerative diseases.