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Science News for April 7, 2020


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.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCancer Discovery·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 7, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Depressive disorders are 'under recognized and under treated' in people with HIV/AIDS

A literature review suggests that depressive disorders in people with HIV/AIDS are vastly underdiagnosed and untreated. Evidence-based recommendations are available to improve assessment and management of these conditions, focusing on proper diagnosis, treatment, and addressing special challenges such as stigma and adherence.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateApr 7, 2020

Locally informed simulation model predicts hospital capacity needs during COVID-19

A new simulation model, CHIME, can help hospital administrators predict and prepare for COVID-19-related capacity strain. The model provides user-friendly estimates of time until capacities would be exceeded, ICU bed and ventilator needs, and surge duration, enabling informed planning and resource allocation.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMarine Policy·DateApr 7, 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.

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.

SourceHokkaido University·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 7, 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.

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 ...

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCognition·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCancer Research·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateApr 7, 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.

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.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 7, 2020

Marketing researchers identify the three most powerful drivers of effective crowdfunding

Researchers found that investors' forward-looking strategic behavior, social interactions among individual investors, and their expectations on the crowd's behavior contribute to crowdfunding dynamics. Fundraisers can optimize fundraising goals and crowdfunding platforms can predict successful campaigns by understanding these mechanisms.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 7, 2020

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.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateApr 7, 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.

Neutron research: Magnetic monopoles detected in Kagome spin ice systems

Researchers have detected magnetic monopoles in a metal for the first time, using a two-dimensional Kagome spin-ice system consisting of holmium, silver, and germanium. The team's findings suggest that this system behaves as if magnetic monopoles were present.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·DateApr 7, 2020

Successful MERS vaccine in mice may hold promise for COVID-19 vaccine

Researchers have successfully developed a MERS vaccine that fully protects mice against the deadly virus, and it may hold promise for developing vaccines against COVID-19. The vaccine uses a harmless virus to deliver a MERS coronavirus protein into cells, generating an immune response.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalmBio·DateApr 7, 2020

Genes sow seeds of neuropsychiatric diseases before birth, in early childhood

A new study by Yale University researchers found that genetic variations can trigger functional changes in the brain before birth, during early childhood, and later in life. The study analyzed DNA and RNA data from 176 tissue samples across various developmental stages, revealing age-specific effects of genetic variants on brain function.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 7, 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.

NASA finds Tropical Cyclone Harold between Vanuatu and Fiji

Tropical Cyclone Harold brought heavy rains and hurricane-force winds to Vanuatu, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite tracking its movement towards Fiji. Forecasters expect the storm to make a brief landfall over Fiji on April 7, although intensity may remain steady or increase if an eye forms.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 7, 2020

New genetic tools expand capacity to investigate microbes

A team of international scientists has developed over 200 new genetic techniques for using marine microbes, overcoming a bottleneck in microbial oceanography. The tools enable researchers to study the cellular instructions that underpin microbial life and potentially harness beneficial applications.

SourceBigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateApr 7, 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.

No need to steer clear of electric cars if you have a pacemaker

A new study published in Technology and Health Care reveals that four leading electric car brands do not trigger electromagnetic interference with cardiac implantable electronic devices. The research, which tested over 100 CIED patients driving and charging four e-cars, provides reassuring evidence for pacemaker users.

SourceIOS Press·JournalTechnology and Health Care·DateApr 7, 2020

Coquí fossil from Puerto Rico takes title of oldest Caribbean frog

A 29-million-year-old coquí frog fossil discovered in Puerto Rico has been identified as the oldest record of frogs in the Caribbean. The ancient species displaces an amber frog fossil previously thought to be the oldest, shedding new light on the origins of Caribbean wildlife.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 7, 2020

Evaluating embryo quality with ultrasensitive protein detection

A new method detects trace proteins secreted by embryos using microfluidic droplets and multicolor fluorescence, predicting developmental potential with high accuracy. The technique improves upon conventional morphological scoring, reducing variability among embryologists.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateApr 7, 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.

Litter problem at England's protected coasts

A recent study by the University of Exeter and Marine Conservation Society found no difference in litter levels inside and outside England's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with plastic being the main form of litter. The research highlights the need for locally appropriate management to tackle specific sources of litter in different areas.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateApr 7, 2020

Treatment relieves depression in 90% of participants in small study

A new form of magnetic brain stimulation, SAINT, rapidly relieved symptoms of severe depression in 90% of participants. The treatment targets the brain's neurocircuitry and has shown promising results in treating people with treatment-resistant depression.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 7, 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.

Stanford researchers show how forest loss leads to spread of disease

A new Stanford study finds that deforestation and agriculture expansion increase human-wild primate interactions, leading to a higher risk of zoonotic diseases. The researchers suggest creating buffer zones around biodiversity-rich forests and providing alternative resources to reduce pressure on people to venture into forested areas.

SourceStanford University·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateApr 7, 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.

Better plant edits by enhancing DNA repair

A new genome editing system has been developed to enhance the efficiency of an error-free DNA repair pathway, which could help improve agronomic traits in multiple crops. The system uses Cas9 and VirD2 to facilitate homology-directed repair, increasing the rate of precise genetic modifications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 7, 2020

US public concerns about COVID-19 pandemic

A recent survey study published in JAMA Internal Medicine investigated public concerns about COVID-19 symptoms and individual actions taken to mitigate the pandemic. The study found that many Americans were worried about their own health, family safety, and economy amidst the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 7, 2020

54.8% of COVID-19 cases imported to Brazil by March 5 came from Italy

A study found that 54.8% of COVID-19 cases imported to Brazil by March 5 came from Italy, while 24.9% traveled from Italy to São Paulo. The virus spread quickly in Brazil, with the first cases reported in São Paulo City, and sustained community transmission now prevails.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·DateApr 7, 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.

How serotonin balances communication within the brain

A team of scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum discovered that distinct serotonergic receptor types control the gain of both streams of information in a separable manner. This finding may facilitate new concepts of diagnosis and therapy for neuronal disorders related to malfunction of the serotonin system.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateApr 7, 2020

Scientists develop new way to identify the sex of sea turtle hatchlings

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University have created a minimally invasive technique to determine the sex of sea turtle hatchlings using small blood samples. This method is more reliable and efficient than existing methods, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change on imperiled turtle species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 7, 2020

Some flowers have learned to bounce back after injury

Bilaterally symmetrical flowers can restore their 'correct' orientation by moving individual flower stems or even the stalk that supports a cluster of flowers. This ability helps them attract pollinators and produce seeds. In contrast, radially symmetrical flowers lack this ability and rarely recover after an injury.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalNew Phytologist·DateApr 7, 2020

What cells does the novel coronavirus attack?

Scientists have discovered that the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects progenitor cells in the lungs and bronchi, which are responsible for producing cilia that sweep mucus and bacteria out of the lungs. The virus acts in a highly selective manner, dependent on certain human cells to spread and replicate.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateApr 7, 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.

Young children find a parent's hug more calming than a stranger's

A study found that parents and infants both experience a slowed heart rate during hugs, while younger infants also show relaxation when their back is pressed by a parent's hand. The research suggests that hugs play an important role in early bonding between parents and children.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateApr 7, 2020

River-groundwater hot spot for arsenic

Researchers used computer modeling to understand sources and distribution of arsenic-polluted groundwater, pinpointing the source to river muds that fuelled biogeochemical reactions. The model highlighted four key factors influencing arsenic release at surface water/groundwater interfaces.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 7, 2020

Celiac disease linked to increased risk of premature death

A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University finds that celiac disease is associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study examined almost 50,000 patients with celiac disease and found a 21% increase in overall mortality compared to controls.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA·DateApr 7, 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.

Climate change triggers Great Barrier Reef bleaching

The Great Barrier Reef has suffered its third coral bleaching event in just five years, with the most recent event being the worst. Severe bleaching has struck all three regions of the reef, causing widespread damage to coral habitats.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·DateApr 7, 2020