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Science News Archive April 2020


Page 7 of 37

Less addictive form of buprenorphine may help curb cocaine relapse

A new study suggests that a modified form of the opioid medication buprenorphine, known as BU10119, may help curb cocaine relapse with improved effectiveness and lower abuse potential. The research was conducted using mouse models and found modest improvements in preventing cocaine relapse while minimizing addiction risk.

Herpes virus decoded

Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.

Proteasome phase separation for destruction

Researchers discovered a novel mode of protein degradation by the UPS under hyperosmotic stress. The proteasome forms nuclear foci that exhibit liquid-like behavior and contain ubiquitylated substrates, facilitating protein degradation. RAD23B is identified as a key molecule that induces phase separation of ubiquitylated proteins.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Earbud-like nerve stimulator shows promise for relieving indigestion

A new study presents a promising treatment for indigestion using an earbud-like device that stimulates the vagus nerve. The research found that the device helped participants' stomachs expand to accommodate meals and empty more quickly, suggesting potential relief from symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

Gut microbes influence how rat brains react to opioids

A study published in eNeuro found that gut microbes significantly impact the brain's response to opioids in rats, altering the pattern of neuron recruitment during addiction and withdrawal. This discovery may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for drug abuse.

New metasurface laser produces world's first super-chiral light

Researchers have demonstrated a new metasurface laser that produces 'super-chiral light' with ultra-high angular momentum, enabling control over optical communications and applications in industries like food, computer, and biomedical. The laser design allows for high power operation in a compact design.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists uncover how Zika virus can spread through sexual contact

New research provides molecular-level insights into how Zika virus spreads through sexual contact by infecting vaginal epithelial cells. The study identified the virus's likely entry point as a protein called tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO, which promotes viral entry and replication.

Early high school start times adversely affect attendance

A new study by NC State University found that earlier high school start times are associated with higher rates of tardiness and absenteeism. Researchers analyzed data from five schools that moved their start times from 8:05 a.m. to 7:25 a.m., finding a significant increase in absences and tardiness.

Researchers dig into case of geologic amnesia

Scientists have long struggled to explain the 'Great Unconformity,' a phenomenon where ancient rocks sit atop much younger sediment. New research suggests that multiple smaller events may have triggered these unconformities worldwide. The findings could help better understand the origins of complex life during the Cambrian Explosion.

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.

Perception of US democracy tanks after Trump impeachment

A recent survey by Bright Line Watch found that experts rate US democratic performance as the worst since 2017, with significant declines in accountability, checks and balances, and individual rights. The public's perception of democracy also declined, with those who disapprove of Trump showing a sharp decline in ratings.

Artificial intelligence could serve as backup to radiologists' eyes

A recent study found that artificial intelligence can provide results comparable to lung function tests in diagnosing emphysema and classifying its severity. The AI system can automatically analyze chest scans and create a 3D model of the patient's lungs, helping doctors better communicate with patients and track treatment progress.

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.

Ballistic tongue projection in salamanders

Researchers found that salamanders' ballistic tongue projection is less temperature-dependent than muscle-powered systems, relying on elastic-spring mechanics to achieve extreme performance. The study identified key morphological features, including rearranged collagen structures, as central to the function of this system.

BU/VA CTE researcher Ann McKee receives $10 million NIH grant

Ann McKee will lead a collaboration to characterize brain donors with and without a history of RHI and/or TBI, determining their neuropathological and clinical phenotypes. The goal is to identify the neuropathological features of TBI-related neurodegeneration and its association with dementia and parkinsonism.

Scientists trace path from PTSD to heart disease

Scientists found that PTSD patients exhibit changes in small blood vessels, leading to abnormal responses in the sympathetic nervous system. Antioxidant supplements can reduce oxidative stress and improve blood vessel function.

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.

Effect of warming on tree leafing

A study of 10 tree species found significant year-to-year variation in the effect of warming on tree leafing. Warming in early spring advanced leafing more than in late spring, and climate change may lead to increased risk of mistimed leafing and altered interactions between species.

Smart contact lenses that diagnose and treat diabetes

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed smart contact lenses that can detect diabetes and treat diabetic retinopathy by controlling insulin secretion with electrical signals. The lenses verified accurate glucose level detection in tears of diabetic rabbits.

Stress in parents of children with autism: Pets may help

Research from the University of Missouri found that pets lead to reduced stress and increased social interaction for both children with autism and their parents. The study suggests that pets can provide comfort and support for families, making them a valuable addition.

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.

State policies on access to vaccination services for low-income adults

A recent study evaluated Medicaid benefits coverage and reimbursement amounts for recommended adult vaccines across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The findings suggest that state policies vary widely, with some states providing more comprehensive vaccination services than others.

Unique digital archive of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution now online

A new digital archive co-created by University of Warwick researcher Dr Nicola Pratt gathers art, music, and film created during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The archive includes over 200 items, many translated into English, to help users discover the significance of the uprising and its aftermath.

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.

Light helps arthritis treatments target joints

A new drug delivery method using light-activated vitamin B12 molecules could reduce whole-body side effects from rheumatoid arthritis treatments. The approach decreases arthritis symptoms while carrying and delivering much lower quantities of the medication.

A new explanation for the origins of human fatherhood

A new theory proposes that human fatherhood emerged as a response to changing ecological conditions, with males partnering up for mutual benefits. Paternal care became widespread in modern human societies, despite being rare among mammals.

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.

Insights into why loud noise is bad for your health

New research reveals that exposure to loud noise can lead to high blood pressure and potentially cancer-related DNA damage in mice. Healthy mice exposed to aircraft noise were more likely to develop high blood pressure.

Making sense of the viral multiverse

Researchers propose a new 15-rank classification scheme to categorize coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 within the vast virosphere. The system groups RNA viruses and DNA viruses into distinct realms, enabling clear communication among virologists.

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.

Sleep effects of later school start time for teens

High school students who attended later school start times slept longer and experienced improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. The observational study suggests that adjusting school start times can be a viable strategy to address sleep deprivation among adolescents.

Investigating the causes of the ozone levels in the Valderejo Nature Reserve

A study by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country analyzed the influence of ozone formation precursors in the Valderejo Nature Reserve. The research found that biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) contribute up to 68% of the total VOCs measured, with isoprene and monoterpines being key contributors.

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.

COVID-19 could spell the end of an egalitarian National Health Service

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the allocation of healthcare resources in the UK. Dr Sabrina Germain argues that the liberal egalitarian conception of distributive justice is being replaced by a utilitarian approach prioritizing patients' needs. The NHS will need to address delays in treatment and reassess public health...

CBD shows promise for fighting aggressive brain cancer

A new study suggests that CBD could be a useful therapy for glioblastoma, an often-deadly form of brain cancer. The researchers found that CBD slows cancer cell growth and is toxic to both canine and human glioblastoma cell lines.

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.

Crabeater seal data used to predict changes in Antarctic krill distribution

A study published in Nature Climate Change used tracking data from crabeater seals to build a habitat model of krill distribution along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers project that areas of krill habitat will shrink and move farther offshore, affecting species such as penguins and fur seals.

Predicting regional well-being from tweets

Researchers analyzed 1.53 billion geotagged tweets to assess regional well-being, revealing inconsistent results with surveys. By removing misleading words like 'LOL' or 'good', well-being predictions improved significantly.

Novel anti-PD-1 drug was approved for melanoma treatment

Prolgolimab, a Russian original PD-1 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The drug demonstrated significant antitumor activity and manageable safety in a phase II study, with 42 out of 126 patients experiencing an objective response.

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.

Potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder

Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.

'Elegant' solution reveals how the universe got its structure

A recent study used a 10-year galaxy survey to test one of cosmology's pillars and provided a new approach to understanding the universe's growth. The research team demonstrated that denser clumps grew faster, while less-dense clumps grew more slowly.

Factors associated with disaster preparedness among US households

A nationally representative survey of 16,000 US households found that those with disaster preparedness tend to have higher socioeconomic status and insurance coverage. Households with stockpiles of food and water, electric generators, and communication plans are more likely to be prepared for disasters.

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.

Hurricanes and lizard evolution

A recent study discovered that lizards in areas frequently affected by hurricanes have larger, stronger toepads than those not exposed to such storms. This suggests that hurricanes play a significant role in shaping the evolution of lizard populations across different geographic and phylogenetic scales.

Eye pupil an indicator of effective decision making, study finds

Researchers found that pupil features correlate with cognitive processes involved in mental arithmetic and decision-making. The study used pupil-tracking technology to measure changes in pupil size over time, revealing two distinct influences: a rapid, transient effect and a longer-lasting, sustained influence.

Social behavior manipulation by honey bee virus

Infection with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) alters honey bee social behavior, reducing aggression and changing chemical signals. This manipulation facilitates viral transmission between colonies, raising concerns about the impact of high colony densities on pathogen evolution.