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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 37

High density EEG produces dynamic image of brain signal source

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a novel source imaging technology using high-density EEG to map underlying brain networks. This breakthrough can accurately estimate the size and scope of active areas within the brain, as well as interactions between functionally related regions.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2020

Global changes in insect populations reflect both decline and growth

A meta-analysis of 166 long-term surveys across 1,676 sites worldwide reveals highly spatially variable global insect population trends, showing an average 9% per decade decline in terrestrial insects. In contrast, freshwater insect abundance increases by 11% per decade, possibly due to successful clean water efforts.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

Amperometric sensors assist in analyzing food safety

Researchers at Kazan Federal University have created a novel amperometric sensor to detect sterically hindered phenols, including synthetic phenolic antioxidants. The sensor uses electropolymerized carminic acid as the sensitive layer and has been successfully tested on linseed oils, confirming high accuracy of antioxidant detection.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 23, 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.

New test for COVID-19 may deliver faster results to more people

Scientists developed a novel RT-LAMP assay to detect SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, achieving sensitivity comparable to RT-qPCR. The method can be run in decentralized facilities, providing faster test services for more people and overcoming limitations of centralized testing.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateApr 23, 2020

Icelandic DNA jigsaw-puzzle brings new knowledge about Neanderthals

Researchers analyzed the genomes of over 27,000 Icelanders to create a new image of Neanderthals, finding that they had children with Denisovans before meeting Homo Sapiens. The study reveals significant fragments of Denisovan genes in Icelandic DNA, challenging previous assumptions about hybridization and genetic transfer.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2020

Health impacts of pollution upon indigenous peoples

A global review highlights broad patterns of environmental pollution's impact on Indigenous groups, primarily through consumption of polluted water and food. Innovative strategies by Indigenous communities aim to limit and abate pollution.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalIntegrated Environmental Assessment and Management·DateApr 23, 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.

A cellular mechanism protecting against cancer

Bayreuth geneticists have discovered a natural protective mechanism that leads to the programmed death of potentially diseased cells. The separase enzyme plays a central role in this process and can be re-purposed to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·DateApr 23, 2020

Reducing the carbon footprint of artificial intelligence

Researchers at MIT developed a new automated AI system that reduces the energy required for training and running neural networks. The system, called a 'once-for-all' network, trains one large neural network comprising many pretrained subnetworks, reducing carbon emissions by low triple digits.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 23, 2020

Association of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with severity or risk of death in patients with hypertension hospitalized for COVID-19

A study examined the association between renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and COVID-19 severity, finding no significant link to increased risk of death or severe illness. However, some studies suggest that these medications may exacerbate respiratory symptoms in patients with underlying hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateApr 23, 2020

How birds evolved big brains

Researchers found that birds and non-avian dinosaurs had similar brain sizes before the mass extinction, but after, some bird families evolved large-brained birds by shrinking body size. Parrots and corvids, including crows, showed exceptional cognitive capacity and rapid brain evolution.

SourceBruce Museum·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seismic map of North America reveals geologic clues, earthquake hazards

The study presents a comprehensive view of tectonic stresses acting on North America, offering regional clues about subsurface behavior. The findings have implications for understanding and mitigating induced seismicity, particularly in areas targeted for energy exploration.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2020

Gene-editing protocol for whitefly pest opens door to control

Researchers developed a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol that allows genetic modification of whiteflies, which can lead to novel control strategies. The technique enables the deletion of genes in whiteflies, allowing scientists to investigate genetic control strategies for this devastating pest.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe CRISPR Journal·DateApr 23, 2020

Iron deficiency in corals?

Microalgae in coral cells may compensate with other metals when iron is limited, potentially affecting vital biological functions. Research found that different species of microalgae acquire other trace metals in unique quantities, which could have cascading effects on coral health.

SourcePenn State·JournalCoral Reefs·DateApr 23, 2020

Conservation research on lynx

Scientists at Forschungsverbund Berlin found that anti-oxidative enzymes, particularly SOD2, contribute to the unusual longevity of the corpus luteum in lynxes. This discovery provides important insights into lynx reproduction and may support conservation breeding programs.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020
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.

Researchers are making recombinant-protein drugs cheaper

Researchers have developed a genome-editing technique that can eliminate up to 70% of contaminating proteins in recombinant-protein drugs, making them cheaper and purer. The technology uses CRISPR-Cas mediated gene editing to reduce purification demands and improve drug quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2020

Poor coastal hypoxia and acidification policy leaves marine fisheries at risk

Current regulatory standards for coastal waters have not kept pace with scientific understanding of hypoxia and acidification, putting important fisheries worldwide at risk. Aging policies fail to account for the combined effects of low dissolved oxygen and pH levels on marine life.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

Breakthrough in genome visualization

Researchers have devised a faster and less memory-intensive method for constructing pan-genome subgraphs, allowing scientists to create visualizations on different scales rapidly. The new method enables the analysis of specific genome parts in a more efficient manner.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Computer Science·DateApr 23, 2020
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.

Promising signs for Perseverance rover in its quest for past Martian life

Researchers analyzed satellite imagery and found river delta deposits in Jezero crater that formed over time scales promoting habitability and preservation of evidence. The study suggests ancient life could have existed near the Martian surface, with potential implications for understanding life evolution on Earth.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalAGU Advances·DateApr 23, 2020

Recurrent genomic selection for wheat grain fructans

Breeding methodologies can increase fructan levels in winter wheat cultivars without reducing genetic diversity. Researchers successfully developed wheat cultivars with increased fructan levels using recurrent genomic selection, providing a proof-of-concept for improving nutritionally enhanced crops.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateApr 23, 2020

Zero-emissions Boston could save 288 lives and $2.4 billion annually: BU study

A zero-emissions Boston could avoid nearly 200 deaths each year, with significant reductions in cardiovascular and respiratory illness across the region. The city's climate policies would also save $1.7 billion in Suffolk County and $2.4 billion for the entire 75-square-mile zone.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 23, 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.

Study shows fewer kids enrolling in cancer clinical trials

A recent study found pediatric cancer trial enrollment decreased from 40-70% in the 1990s to 19.9% in the current study. This decline is partly attributed to improved treatments for common childhood cancers, shifting focus to rarer and higher-risk cancers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2020

Good news for the wheat-sensitive among us

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have developed a way to detect and quantify wheat proteins that trigger intestinal inflammation and chronic ailments. This breakthrough has resulted in a reference map of wheat proteins across diverse varieties and an innovative technique to measure specific proteins.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 23, 2020

Rice researchers look to 'trap and zap' coronavirus

Rice University researchers have won a National Science Foundation RAPID grant to upgrade their wastewater-treatment technology. They aim to develop a system that can selectively adsorb viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and disable them using photocatalytic disinfection.

SourceRice University·DateApr 23, 2020

Inexpensive, portable detector identifies pathogens in minutes

A new, $50 smartphone-based testing device can detect viral and bacterial pathogens in under 30 minutes, providing a rapid solution for pandemic testing. The device uses a small cartridge containing reagents that break open the pathogen's outer shell to gain access to its RNA.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLab on a Chip·DateApr 23, 2020

Avoid making exceptions for research quality during COVID-19 pandemic

The authors present five criteria of quality for evaluating research during the pandemic. Researchers and stakeholders must evaluate studies based on importance, rigor, analytical integrity, transparency, and feasibility to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 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.

COVID-19 coronavirus could cost the US billions in medical expenses

A new study finds that COVID-19 pandemic could lead to $654 billion in direct medical costs and strain on healthcare resources. Reducing infections through herd immunity strategies or social distancing measures can significantly cut these costs.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 23, 2020

Researchers rebuild the bridge between neuroscience and artificial intelligence

Researchers successfully rebuilt bridge between experimental neuroscience and artificial intelligence learning algorithms by demonstrating a new accelerated brain-inspired learning mechanism. This mechanism outperformed commonly-used machine learning algorithms in handwritten digit recognition tasks with small datasets.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020

Sensors woven into a shirt can monitor vital signs

Researchers have developed a way to incorporate electronic sensors into stretchy fabrics, allowing for the creation of shirts or other garments that can monitor vital signs. The sensor-embedded garments are machine washable, customizable, and can be worn by people who need to track their physical data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateApr 23, 2020

How much does it cost california cannabis growers to safety test?

A new study by UC Davis finds that California cannabis safety testing costs growers around 10% of the average wholesale price, mainly due to rejected product disposal. Higher testing costs translate into higher prices for the licensed market, posing a risk to unlicensed alternatives.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2020
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.

Boosting the immune system's appetite for cancer

A combination of immunotherapy agents encourages immune cells to consume tumors and alert others to attack, boosting survival for glioblastoma patients. The therapy, tested in a mouse model, successfully shrank tumors and extended life, with 55% of animals surviving over the course of the study.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2020

Multi-functionalization of graphene for molecular targeted cancer therapy

Scientists have developed a multi-functional graphene-based nanomedicine that targets cancer cells with enhanced anticancer activity. The material, which combines three types of molecules for improved tumor targeting and drug delivery, shows promise for future biomedical applications.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 23, 2020

Bid to lower COVID-19 deaths

A new investigation at Flinders University seeks to understand why bacterial infections predispose individuals to severe COVID-19. The research aims to connect respiratory tract bacterial colonization with COVID-19 outcomes in the community.

SourceFlinders University·DateApr 23, 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.

Novel coronavirus detected, monitored in wastewater

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateApr 23, 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.

Dramatic decrease in cold-water plankton during industrial era

A new study reveals a dramatic decrease in cold-water plankton during the 20th century, replaced by warmer subtropical species. The change is linked to shifting ocean circulation patterns, driven by freshwater input from melting ice and climate change.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateApr 23, 2020

Dietary supplements an important weapon for fighting off COVID-19

A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that daily multivitamins with high doses of vitamin C and vitamin D can help fight off infections. The researchers recommend taking 200mg or more of vitamin C and 2,000 international units of vitamin D to support immune function.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNutrients·DateApr 23, 2020

University of Montana researchers work on COVID-19 vaccine

The University of Montana has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to identify and advance a COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Researchers have implemented alternative work schedules, social distancing measures, and telecommuting to ensure safety while working on the project.

SourceThe University of Montana·DateApr 23, 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.

A study finds neuropeptide somatostatin enhances visual processing?

Researchers at KAIST found that neuropeptide somatostatin improves visual processing and cognitive functions by reducing excitatory inputs to parvalbumin-positive interneurons. The study provides a new insight into the therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2020

Giant teenage shark from the Dinosaur-era

Scientists studied fossil vertebrae of a giant teenage shark, discovering it grew to 4-7m and lived 30 years. This rare find suggests ptychodontid sharks may have faced environmental changes that led to their demise.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2020
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 research finds cost transparency can increase sales 20%

A new study published in INFORMS journal Marketing Science found that cost transparency boosts sales by 21%, increasing consumer trust and willingness to purchase. Voluntary disclosure of production costs has a significant impact on sales, even when prices are unexpectedly low or high.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 23, 2020

PTSD partners feel invisible, study finds

A new study by Flinders University highlights the need for better support systems for PTSD partners of veterans and emergency workers. Partners reported feeling invisible in their recovery, with their contributions to trauma management often overlooked.

SourceFlinders University·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateApr 23, 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.