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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 12


Page 12 of 37

Examining heart extractions in ancient Mesoamerica

Researchers Vera Tiesler and Guilhem Olivier examine the techniques and devices used in human heart extractions, shedding light on the relationship between ritual violence and cosmological interpretations. Their study reveals three distinct extraction methods and provides a framework for analyzing sacrificial rituals in other ancient s...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 23, 2020

Scientists shed light on action of key tuberculosis drug

A new study confirms that ethambutol, a key TB drug, targets specific proteins in the bacteria. Researchers used cryogenic electron microscopy and x-ray imaging to show how the drug binds to and inactivates these proteins, producing crucial components of the TB cell wall.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 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.

Argonne scientists fashion new class of X-ray detector

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new class of X-ray detectors based on layered perovskites, which are 100 times more sensitive than conventional detectors. The detector can detect X-rays over a broad energy range, making it suitable for various applications such as medical imaging and airport security.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·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.

To combat COVID-19, behavioral pitfalls must be addressed

The commentary piece reviews eight behavioral pitfalls that challenge sound judgment during the pandemic, such as personal embarrassment and neglect of competing risks. Awareness of these issues might help maintain behavior changes needed to fight the pandemic.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 23, 2020

Crises are no excuse for lowering scientific standards, say ethicists

Ethicists from Carnegie Mellon and McGill universities recommend prioritizing rigorous research approaches, such as master protocols, to ensure high-quality clinical trials. They argue that crises like the COVID-19 pandemic heighten the responsibility of key actors in the research enterprise to uphold scientific standards.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

Researchers use 'hot Jupiter' data to mine exoplanet chemistry

Astronomers have improved a mathematical model to accurately gauge the temperatures of planets from solar systems hundreds of light-years away. This new model allows scientists to gather data on an exoplanet's molecular chemistry, gaining insight into the cosmos' planetary beginnings.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·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.

Study suggests 3D face photos could be a sleep apnea screening tool

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that geodesic measurements from 3D photographs predicted sleep apnea with high accuracy. The algorithm's accuracy was 89%, outperforming traditional linear measurements alone, and identified key facial features such as neck width and lower jaw retrusion as indicators.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateApr 23, 2020

Being fun is no laughing matter

A new study finds that children who are perceived as 'fun' to be around experience increased popularity and likability among their classmates. The researchers discovered that this characteristic uniquely contributes to a child's social status, promoting creativity, reducing rejection, and increasing the salience of rewards.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Personality·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.

Environment: Satellite data used to detect marine plastic

A new approach uses European Space Agency Sentinel-2 satellites to detect patches of floating plastics in marine environments, distinguishing them from other materials with 86% accuracy. The method successfully classified different types of plastics and natural materials across four coastal areas.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020

The basis of glyphosate resistance in amaranth

Researchers sequence and dissect the structure of the extrachromosomal DNA replicon underlying glyphosate resistance in Palmer amaranth. The eccDNA replicon contains 59 genes, including the EPSPS gene, which shows higher expression after glyphosate treatment.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·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.

Dissolved oxygen and pH policy leave fisheries at risk

Researchers warn that current regulations do not consider the combined effects of dissolved oxygen and acidification on aquatic life, which can be more severe than individual stressors. Revising water quality criteria could help improve coastal ecosystems.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

Palaeontology: Fossil frogs offer insights into ancient Antarctica

The discovery of ancient frog fossils in Antarctica provides insight into a warm and temperate climate before the continent's separation. The 40-million-year-old fossils found on Seymour Island suggest that the Antarctic Peninsula may have had forests similar to those in modern-day South America.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 23, 2020

'Bursty' email communication helps groups convert resources into results

A study by Carnegie Mellon University and Johns Hopkins University found that coordinated attention, specifically patterns of email communication, is linked to better performance in groups. Groups that sent emails in bursts had greater success capitalizing on available resources.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateApr 23, 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.

Preventing metastasis -- An antibody with therapeutic potential

Researchers at DKFZ successfully blocked a receptor that stimulates tumor growth and metastasis with an antibody, slowing down cancer progression. The study found that the antibody reduced metastases in treated mice without affecting blood vessel formation.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateApr 23, 2020

Sensor detects biomarker of early-stage multiple sclerosis

A new diagnostic strategy has been developed by Brazilian researchers to detect biomarkers of early-stage multiple sclerosis. The method uses a nanobiosensor that can accurately identify specific antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUltramicroscopy·DateApr 23, 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.

Adult astrocytes are key to learning and memory

Researchers found that astrocytes lacking the NFIA gene had defective shapes, altered functions, and impaired ability to detect neurotransmitters. This led to defects in learning and memory, providing evidence that astrocytes control neuronal circuits mediating these processes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 23, 2020

Atmospheric tidal waves maintain Venus' super-rotation

Researchers found that atmospheric tidal waves formed from solar heating on the planet's dayside and cooling on its nightside maintain Venus' super-rotation. The study also reveals a dual circulation system that transports heat across the globe.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience·DateApr 23, 2020

'Designer virus' is first new polio vaccine in 50 years

Researchers have developed a new oral polio vaccine that uses genetic wizardry to prevent the virus from evolving into a deadly form. The vaccine showed promise in a Phase 1 clinical trial, with participants generating plentiful antibodies against the poliovirus and no paralysis in mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 23, 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.

Technological progress peaked in 2018

Researchers found that technological growth passed its peak in 2018 and will be followed by a new wave of acceleration, driven by global demographic changes. The study predicts that progress will slow down in the second half of the century.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateApr 22, 2020

The downside of feeling prepared

Researchers found that feelings of preparedness in one area can lead to more confident thoughts about unrelated topics, even if those thoughts are not based on actual knowledge. Participants who were told they had to prepare for bad news later showed more positive attitudes towards research funding proposals than those who didn't prepare.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2020

Study suggests rainfall triggered 2018 Kīlauea eruption

Researchers linked prolonged, heavy rainfall in May 2018 to the Kīlauea eruption, which was characterized by intense activity, lava flows, and ash clouds. The study suggests that water content changes in the Earth's shallow crust can trigger eruptions.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Finding genetic ripple effects in a single-cell environment

Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center create a new platform to study the single-cell genomics of various diseases, potentially making genetic-based diagnoses more precise and effective. The study focuses on linking gene mutations to disease-causing processes in blood diseases like severe congenital neutropenia.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 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.

More protections needed to safeguard biodiversity in the Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean's biodiversity is at risk due to current marine protected areas, which are insufficient to represent the region's unique habitats and species. To address this, a new study suggests doubling existing protected areas to better safeguard biodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020

Who's a bot and who's not

Researchers found trends in human behavior absent in social media bots, including increased social interaction and decreased content production over time. The study suggests these differences can be used to develop more sophisticated bot detection strategies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateApr 22, 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 blood test for Alzheimer's developed

A new blood test has been developed to detect Alzheimer's disease, which measures a specific variant of tau protein in ordinary blood samples. The test shows great promise for diagnosing and monitoring the condition early on, particularly in primary care settings.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateApr 22, 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents

The study examines pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 from China and Singapore, highlighting key clinical features and diagnostic tests. Current therapeutic management and prognosis are also discussed, providing valuable insights into managing the disease in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 22, 2020

Toward a more energy-efficient spintronics

Researchers at Spintec Laboratory and CNRS/Thales Laboratory developed a non-magnetic system to detect spin information at low power. This breakthrough enables the creation of ferroelectricity-based spintronic devices that consume significantly less energy than traditional systems.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020
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.

Which foods do you eat together? How you combine them may raise dementia risk

A new study published in Neurology suggests that combining highly processed meats with starches and snacks like cookies and cakes may raise the risk of dementia. Researchers found that people with dementia were more likely to eat these foods together, while those without dementia had a greater variety of healthier food options.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateApr 22, 2020

New design could make fiber communications more energy efficient

Researchers developed a new design to reduce energy loss in optical fiber communications by radiating light in a single direction. This breakthrough has the potential to improve data communications for commercial data centers and enable battery-powered photonic computers.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

New study reveals life's earliest evolution was more complicated than previously suspected

A new study analyzes thousands of phylogenetic trees to shed light on the nature of the earliest living organisms. It suggests that early mutation rates were much higher than at present, leading to a complex 'family tree' of life. The research provides insight into how quickly early organisms may have evolved billions of years ago.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 22, 2020
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.

In glowing colors: Seeing the spread of drug particles in a forensic lab

Researchers at NIST create a brick made of white flour mixed with fluorescent powder to visualize the spread of drug particles under UV light. They find that frequent glove changes, large-mouth vials, and two sets of wash bottles can minimize particle spread.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateApr 22, 2020

COVID-19 from response to recovery: a Rx for success

A recent study proposes that targeted interventions could minimize socio-economic damage while optimizing medical responses to COVID-19. Full lockdowns may have resulted in worse outcomes compared to partial lockdowns.

SourceSociety for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc.·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·DateApr 22, 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.

Digital agriculture paves the road to agricultural sustainability

Researchers propose a two-step process to develop a more sustainable land management system: designing a framework with digital agriculture technologies and implementing policies that support farmers. The study suggests targeted tax incentives and subsidies can help drive policy change and reduce environmental impacts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 22, 2020

Fish flip a unique genetic switch in warming seas

A marine heatwave in 2015-16 triggered different genetic responses in five coral reef fish species, showing varying levels of vulnerability to climate change. The study found common molecular pathways associated with increased oxygen uptake and cellular stress responses among all species.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020

A breakthrough in estimating the size of a (mostly hidden) network

Professor Maurizio Porfiri's research provides a model-free approach to determine the size of complex systems, even when only a small portion is accessible. For homogeneous networks, accessing just 10% of units can be sufficient to infer the entire network size.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 22, 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.