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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 4 of 37

Memory misfires help selfish maintain their self-image

A study by Yale psychologists and economists found that people tend to misremember being more generous than they actually were when asked about past behavior. This faulty recall helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and can reduce the need for motivated reasoning.

New findings highlight threatened status of forest elephants

A newly published study suggests that the forest elephant population size is smaller than believed, leaving the species in an even graver position. The research provides insights into a revised population count and social behavior of the forest elephants.

Common ways to cook chicken at home may not ensure safety from pathogens

A study found that popular methods for judging chicken doneness, such as checking color and texture, are not reliable indicators of safety. Researchers recommend focusing on the color and texture of the thickest part of the meat and ensuring all surfaces reach sufficient temperatures to guarantee safety.

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.

Internet searches for unproven COVID-19 therapies in US

Researchers found a significant increase in internet searches for unproven COVID-19 treatments, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, following public endorsements. The study highlights the need for critical evaluation of online health information during the pandemic.

New imaging technique sheds light on adult zebrafish brain

A new imaging technique developed by Cornell scientists allows researchers to see into a live adult zebrafish brain, shedding light on brain structure and function. The breakthrough enables studies on human brain disorders like autism, potentially leading to new treatments.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stevens leads first NSF Center devoted to financial technology and science

The National Science Foundation has selected Stevens Institute of Technology to lead the first-ever IUCRC center on financial technology and science, bringing together partners to conduct research relevant to the industry. The five-year award aims to find innovative solutions for complex challenges facing the fintech industry, focusing...

Algae in the oceans often steal genes from bacteria

A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.

Learning from fish and flags to inform new propulsion strategies

A team of researchers has discovered a connection between resonance and nonlinearity in swimming performance, revealing potential new bio-inspired propulsion strategies. By understanding the passive dynamics at play when vehicles move through air or water, they aim to enhance performance while reducing energy consumption.

Tobacco smoking increases lung entry points for COVID-19 virus

Researchers found a 25% increase in ACE2 expression in lung tissues from ever-smokers compared to nonsmokers, suggesting an increased risk for viral binding and entry. Smoking also remodelled gene expression, making it easier for the virus to infect human cells.

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.

Drug reduces the risk of child sexual abuse

A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.

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.

Mechanisms responsible for tissue growth

Scientists studied mouse tail skin expansion from birth to adulthood, finding that it grows by a factor of 15 through self-duplication of developmental progenitors. Cell proliferation rates decreased over time, while single-cell RNA sequencing revealed molecular features of developmental progenitors.

MRI scanning assists with next generation battery design

Researchers have developed an MRI scanning technique that enables the detection of sodium metal ions in batteries, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior during operation. This allows for the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of longer life and higher performing batteries.

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.

A step closer to eradicating malaria

Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.

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.

Scientists edge closer to treatment for myotonic dystrophy

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a potential treatment for myotonic dystrophy by inhibiting the CDK12 molecule. The study found that inhibiting this molecule reduces the symptoms of the condition, suggesting a possible route to therapy.

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.

To prevent antimicrobial resistance, vaccinate the world's kids

The pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccines significantly reduce acute respiratory infections and diarrhea among small children, resulting in fewer cases of antibiotic treatment. These vaccines have the potential to prevent millions of episodes of antibiotic-treated illness if universally adopted.

Making a 'strange' discovery

Physicists led by Rene Bellwied aim to understand the role of 'dark' matter in the universe's evolution. The team will analyze data from international experiments STAR and ALICE to study the transition from quark-gluon plasma to existing particles.

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.

Does accelerated subduction precede great earthquakes?

Researchers found large-scale wobbling in the Earth's surface near plate boundaries before massive Chile and Japan quakes. The study suggests that periods of enhanced tugging may accelerate the inevitable failure at shallower segments of the subduction zone, leading to great earthquakes.

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.

Scientists explore links between genetics, gut microbiome and memory

A new study identifies lactate, a molecule produced by a common gut microbe, as a key memory-boosting molecular messenger. The researchers found that mice fed specific probiotics experienced improved memory, with increased levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in their brains.

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.

Stark disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates among New York

A new study has identified significant disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates across New York City's five boroughs, with the Bronx experiencing nearly twice as many deaths per 100,000 persons compared to Manhattan. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate these disparities.

Physio support in COVID-19 recovery

The new guidelines aim to prevent complications of the respiratory system and muscle deconditioning, while also improving long-term physical function and recovery. Physiotherapists are essential in providing treatment and limiting ICU-acquired weakness.

Researchers find new insights linking cell division to cancer

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered the protein LEM2 plays two vital roles during cell division: sealing damaged DNA and recruiting factors that disassemble fibers separating DNA sets. This process may be critical for understanding cancer development and progression.

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.

Public does not grasp idea of 'futile treatment' for critically ill patients

A new UCLA study reveals that most laypersons misunderstand the concept of 'futile treatment,' a crucial discussion for families making end-of-life decisions. The research highlights the need for increased public engagement on this issue, particularly in resource-scarce healthcare systems like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Improving immunotherapy for cancer

Researchers at TUM have discovered a novel mechanism that inhibits cancer-specific immune responses, leading to the development of new immunotherapies. The discovery identifies a suppressive metabolite from glucose metabolism as a key factor in limiting cancer immunity.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Support teams key to reducing hospitalizations from nursing homes

Researchers found that providing advanced practice registered nurses with multidisciplinary support teams can drastically reduce avoidable hospitalizations. The teams, consisting of clinical experts, mentored the advanced practice registered nurses in their role and supported nursing home leaders.

Researchers devise new model to track COVID-19's spread

Yale researchers developed a new approach to track COVID-19's spread by leveraging real-time population flow data, demonstrating its effectiveness in forecasting the outbreak and identifying high-risk areas. The model accurately predicted subsequent COVID-19 infections across China and corroborated official case counts.

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.

Smoking may explain why more men than women die of COVID-19 in Spain

Researchers suggest that tobacco use contributes to the disparity in COVID-19 mortality rates between men and women in Spain, with over 30% of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease. The study calls for increased data collection on tobacco use among those infected and measures to curb smoking during the pandemic.