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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 34 of 37

What pediatric health care clinicians need to know

The article provides valuable information for pediatric healthcare clinicians on managing children with COVID-19 and its complications. Key findings highlight the importance of vaccination, infection control measures, and monitoring for long-term effects.

Dilemma of COVID-19, aging and cardiovascular disease

A recent study explores the dilemma of COVID-19, aging, and cardiovascular disease, examining the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. The findings highlight the need for careful consideration of treatment options in this vulnerable population.

How do superconductors break time-reversal symmetry?

The study aims to develop a unique instrument to investigate microscopic properties of superconductors and understand the emergence of spontaneous magnetic fields. The researchers hope to fill the knowledge gap that hinders the development of new devices, including quantum computers.

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.

Turning colon cancer cells around

Researchers at UCI found that depriving colon cancer cells of glutamine causes them to adapt and become more invasive, but a modified version of the metabolite alpha-ketoglutarate inhibits key signaling pathways and curbs tumor growth

Do urban fish exhibit impaired sleep?

Researchers found that even low levels of urban sky glow can suppress melatonin production in European perch, leading to impaired sleep. This highlights the impact of artificial lighting on aquatic life's natural rhythms.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Rice University emergency ventilator plans now online

The Rice University team has developed an automated bag valve mask ventilator unit that can be built for less than $300 in parts. In lab tests, the device delivered nonstop air for 24 hours, showing its potential to help critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Passport to improved health for military veterans

A universal health passport scheme has been shown to improve the mental health of military veterans by providing a sense of control and continuity of care. The VUP pilot project reduced anxiety and gave participants a single document to access various services, promoting feelings of pride and identity.

New study identifies characteristics of patients with fatal COVID-19

Researchers identified common characteristics of COVID-19 patients who died in Wuhan, China, including high mortality rates among males over 50 with chronic diseases. The study found that respiratory failure, shock, and cardiac arrhythmia were leading causes of death, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.

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.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

COVID-19 pandemic may exacerbate childhood obesity

School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to exacerbate childhood obesity by reducing out-of-school time and increasing sedentary activities. Interventions such as grab-and-go meals, farmers markets, and prioritizing physical education can help mitigate these effects.

Making plant protein look and feel more like whole meat

A UMass Amherst team, led by Professor David Julian McClements, has been awarded $200,000 to develop plant-based protein with a meat-like texture and feel. The goal is to create fiber-like structures from plant proteins that improve the texture of plant-based meat.

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.

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.

How important is speech in transmitting coronavirus?

Research suggests that asymptomatic individuals infected with coronavirus can produce aerosolized particles during normal speech, potentially transmitting the infection. The study highlights the importance of collaboration among aerosol scientists, virologists, and engineers to understand respiratory diseases like COVID-19.

Plant root hairs key to reducing soil erosion

Researchers found that plant root hairs significantly reduce soil erosion by binding soil particles and increasing soil cohesion. The study suggests that root hairs may release materials that reinforce soil or enhance its properties, providing new insights into soil conservation.

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.

Changes to drylands with future climate change

Future climate change will cause drylands to expand at an accelerated rate, but their average productivity is expected to decline. The study found that while total global productivity may increase by 12%, individual dryland areas will experience decreased productivity due to changes in precipitation and temperatures.

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.

Study synthesizes what climate change means for Northwest wildfires

A University of Washington study synthesizes climate change impacts on Northwest wildfires, predicting larger and more frequent fires in the region. The greatest increased risk is found for low-elevation ponderosa pine forests, with other ecosystems experiencing more frequent but less severe fires.

Representation of driving behavior as a statistical model

Researchers developed a statistical model to represent driving behaviors and their changes among drivers, accounting for external factors like road structure. The method was applied to Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) technology, showing it can be effective in certain cases but not others.

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.

Story tips: Molding matter atom by atom and seeing inside uranium particles

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory use focused electron beams to create artificial molecules in graphene, allowing for controlled manipulation of atomic structures. Meanwhile, researchers develop a non-destructive neutron imaging technique to visualize the interior of uranium particles without damaging them.

Stress thwarts our ability to plan ahead by disrupting how we use memory

Research from Stanford University finds that stress hinders development of informed plans by preventing the use of memory to project oneself forward. Stress can rob individuals of the ability to draw on cognitive systems underlying memory and goal-directed behavior, leading to reduced planning efficiency.

Does relativity lie at the source of quantum exoticism?

Dr. Andrzej Dragan and Prof. Artur Ekert propose that the features of quantum mechanics can be explained within the framework of special theory of relativity. They show that superluminal solutions naturally lead to non-deterministic events, multiple trajectories, and probability amplitudes, phenomena associated with quantum mechanics.

Natural sunscreen gene influences how we make vitamin D

Researchers discovered genetic variants linked to vitamin D concentration and found that certain genes influence the body's ability to make vitamin D in response to sunlight. These findings provide new insights into how our bodies handle vitamin D and may help explain why low levels are associated with poor health.

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.

Oysters and clams can be farmed together

A Rutgers University study found that Eastern oysters and three species of clams can thrive in the same area, benefiting shellfish aquaculture. The research suggests crop diversification gives farmers protection from individual crop failure, increasing profitability.

UIC clinical trials investigate COVID-19 treatments

Researchers at UIC are studying the effectiveness of sarilumab and remdesivir as potential COVID-19 treatments in hospitalized patients. The trials aim to determine whether these drugs can provide evidence-based therapeutic options for this highly contagious virus.

3D reconstructions of individual nanoparticles

Researchers have developed a new methodology to resolve the 3D structure of individual nanoparticles with atomic-level resolution, six times smaller than the smallest atom. This breakthrough enables scientists to control nanoparticle properties and behavior in various environments.

Extracellular forces help epithelial cells stick together

Research at the University of Helsinki reveals that extracellular forces play a significant role in maintaining epithelial cell connections. The study found that mechanical tension activates an intracellular signalling pathway, driving the formation of actomyosin structures.

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.

Gardening helps to grow positive body image

Research published in Ecopsychology found that urban gardeners showed significant improvements in body appreciation and pride compared to non-gardeners. The study also discovered that longer gardening sessions led to greater positive body image changes.

Want to stop consumer hoarding in times of crisis?

A new study measures consumer planning horizon based on buying behavior and inventory, estimating a typical planning horizon of 8 weeks. The research suggests that anticipating shortages and high prices can lead to panic buying as a form of rational stockpiling behavior.

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.

Genetic self-activation maintains plant stem cells

Scientists have discovered a key mechanism by which plant stem cells maintain their developmental potential, enabling branching and optimizing crop architecture. The study shows that the SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) gene activates its own expression to keep its lineage active.

A new way to fine-tune exotic materials: Thin, stretch and clamp

Scientists have developed a novel way to manipulate complex oxide materials by creating super-thin, flexible membranes and applying gentle heat to melt glue. This technique allowed them to stretch the material up to 8% and flip its electronic states from insulator to conductor and back again.

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.

Researchers solve structure of 'inverted' rhodopsin

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have determined the high-resolution structure of a protein from the recently discovered heliorhodopsin family. The study reveals a unique 'inverted' structure, with key differences from other known rhodopsins, and suggests possible functions for heliorhodopsins.