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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

Gene signature found for poor response to standard chemotherapy in rare uterine cancer

Researchers have discovered a gene signature, USC73, that can identify women with rare and aggressive uterine serous carcinoma who are unlikely to respond to standard chemotherapy. The high USC73 score is associated with poor patient survival, cancer cell proliferation, and low rates of complete response to treatment.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGynecologic Oncology·DateApr 22, 2020

NIAID strategic plan details COVID-19 research priorities

The NIAID Strategic Plan for COVID-19 Research prioritizes improving fundamental knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, developing rapid diagnostic assays, testing potential treatments, and creating safe and effective vaccines. The plan aims to accelerate research to diagnose, prevent, and treat COVID-19.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 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 identify cells likely targeted by COVID-19 virus

Researchers identified subsets of cells in the lung, nasal passages, and intestine that express RNA for both proteins helping SARS-CoV-2 enter human cells. These findings may help guide scientists developing new treatments or repurposing existing drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 2020

Indiana Network for Population Health focuses on social determinants of health

The Indiana Network for Population Health enables secure data exchange to track diseases and connect patients with community-based services addressing their social determinants of health. Integrating social determinants into electronic medical records enhances health surveillance, but current systems often lack access to this information.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·DateApr 22, 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.

Spotting air pollution with satellites, better than ever before

Duke University researchers use a machine learning algorithm to estimate ground-level air pollution with high accuracy and resolution, surpassing current methods. The approach uses high-resolution micro-satellite imagery and weather data to detect tiny airborne particles like PM2.5.

SourceDuke University·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 22, 2020

HKUST scientists discover how multiple RNA elements control MicroRNA biogenesis

Researchers discovered multiple RNA elements in the upper stem of pri-miRNAs crucial for regulating miRNA expression. These elements affect miRNA processing, leading to dysregulation and abnormal cell activities. The study's findings may help interpret miRNA-related human diseases and develop clinical diagnostics.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2020

Evidence for plate tectonics on earth prior to 3.2 billion years ago

Researchers found evidence of modern-like plate motion velocities at 3.2 Ga in rocks from the Honeyeater Basalt, pushing back the date for plate tectonics' onset. The discovery supports the theory that continuous uniform processes shaped Earth's crust.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020

Unsustainable soil erosion in parts of UK

Research reveals unsustainable levels of soil erosion in the UK, with 16% of arable land showing erosion above 'tolerable' levels. Soil management practices and legislation are under scrutiny for their impact on soil fertility and ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGeoderma·DateApr 22, 2020

Aussie veterans find new verve for life through art therapy

Art therapy is shown to deliver improvements in mood, outlook, behaviours, confidence, personal relationships, and self-awareness for Australian veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study aims to provide evidence for increased funding for art therapy in Australia.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateApr 22, 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.

Electronic skin fully powered by sweat can monitor health

Caltech's Wei Gao creates an electronic skin that runs on biofuel cells powered by lactate in human sweat, generating enough electricity to power sensors and a Bluetooth device. The e-skin can monitor heart rate, body temperature, and metabolic byproducts, enabling continuous health tracking.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 22, 2020

New Army tech may turn low-cost printers into high-tech producers

The US Army has developed a new type of multi-polymer filament for 3D printing, allowing for the production of high-strength parts at an affordable cost. This breakthrough enables the use of simple printers to create parts with mechanical properties competitive with injection-molded plastics.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateApr 22, 2020

Promising MERS coronavirus vaccine trial in humans

A recent trial of a MERS coronavirus vaccine candidate has shown promising results, with the vaccine inducing antibody and T cell responses in nearly all trial subjects. The findings have implications for the development of a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, with plans to conduct further trials.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 22, 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.

Microwaves power new technology for batteries, energy

Purdue University researchers developed a technique to turn waste polyethylene terephthalate into battery components using ultrafast microwave irradiation. The technology has shown promising results for lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells, offering a low-cost and sustainable solution for renewable energy storage.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 22, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A commentary warns of a potential suicide epidemic in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as gun sales skyrocket and social distancing disrupts support networks. The authors discuss ways to address this growing concern and mitigate its impact on public health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 22, 2020

Tectonic plates started shifting earlier than previously thought

Harvard researchers have detected some of the earliest evidence for modern-like plate motion in ancient rocks from Australia and South Africa, dating back to 3.2 billion years ago. The study suggests that tectonic movement occurred on the early Earth, providing valuable insights into the evolution of life and climate.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to make the healthiest coffee during COVID-19 lockdown

Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 22, 2020

A win-win solution -- Shredded straws can enhance soil fertility and reduce ammonia pollution

Long-term crop straw incorporation reduces annual ammonia volatilization fluxes by 16.1% to 35.1%, likely due to high C/N ratio of straw increasing microbial N immobilization and ammonium transformation. This practice sustains agricultural development while minimizing environmental impact.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Women's faces in Time Magazine throughout history

A study published in the Journal of Cultural Analytics found that the proportion of female faces in Time magazine varied over time, correlating with shifting attitudes towards women. The 'Faces of Time' project identified four phases of fluctuation, with a steady increase in female representation since the early 1990s.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Cultural Analytics·DateApr 22, 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.

Pancreatic cancer cells hijack basic cell mechanism to evade immunotherapy

Researchers found that pancreatic cancer cells use autophagy to degrade MHC-I proteins, making them resistant to immunotherapies. Blocking autophagy or using drugs like chloroquine enhances MHC-I expression on the surface of cancer cells, increasing their susceptibility to immunotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

Hungry galaxies grow fat on the flesh of their neighbors

A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals that massive galaxies attain their size by merging with smaller ones. Researchers used a combination of observation and modelling to analyze how gases within galaxies move, finding evidence that many stars have been acquired from outside.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·DateApr 22, 2020

A new way to cool down electronic devices, recover waste heat

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can cool down electronic devices and convert waste heat into electricity, reducing overheating issues and increasing device efficiency. The new material, which is self-regenerating and safe for use, has shown promising results in cooling cell phone batteries during fast discharging.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 22, 2020

Tissues protect their DNA under mechanical stress

Researchers found that cells protect themselves from mechanical stress by not only deforming cell nuclei but also softening the genetic material itself. This mechanism helps prevent DNA damage and disease, including cancer. The study also reveals that healthy stem cells are more resistant to mechanical stretch than cancer cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateApr 22, 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.

High ferritin levels may indicate severe COVID-19

Researchers have found that elevated ferritin concentrations are associated with increased production of special signalling molecules, leading to complications and death in COVID-19 patients. Marker CD163 is also an important indicator of macrophage activation and high risk of complications.

SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalAutoimmunity Reviews·DateApr 22, 2020

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with growth delays

A new study by ISGlobal found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and delays in physical growth in early childhood. The research analyzed data from over 1,700 mother-child pairs and estimated exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter during the first trimester of pregnancy.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateApr 22, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Research reveals a new malaria vaccine candidate

Researchers have identified a promising new strategy for combating malaria by targeting the parasite's 'kill switch' with PfGARP antibodies. The approach, which involves generating anti-PfGARP antibodies or directly infusing them into individuals, has shown promise in nonhuman primates and holds hope for preventing severe malaria.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateApr 22, 2020

How atrazine regulations have influenced the environment

New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 22, 2020

Inappropriate diagnoses

A small but concerning number of former NFL players report receiving clinical diagnoses of CTE, raising concerns of inappropriate diagnosis and overlooking of treatable conditions. Players with sleep apnea, heart disease, and depression are more likely to receive a CTE diagnosis, which could downplay the effects of these conditions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateApr 22, 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.

Is it wrong to prioritize younger patients with COVID-19?

Experts argue that age should not be used to decide who receives life-saving treatment, as it leads to unfair discrimination. Dave Archard suggests the fair innings argument, while Arthur Caplan believes age can be a valid criterion supported by data.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 22, 2020

A novel method to precisely deliver therapeutics inside the body

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel method to deliver therapeutic proteins inside the body using an acoustically sensitive carrier and ultrasound imaging. The method uses a fluorous mask to interact with the particle's fluorous liquid medium, allowing the protein to be released in a precise manner.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 22, 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.

Structure-based design of antiviral drug candidates targets SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Chinese scientists developed two novel compounds that inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and show good anti-viral activity in cell culture. The high-resolution crystal structure of the complexes revealed the mechanism of inhibition, providing a promising strategy for designing specific antiviral leads against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateApr 22, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Examining suicidal acts in US

Researchers examined 1.2 million US suicides and nonfatal attempts from 2006 to 2015, finding significant increases in mortality rates among younger adults. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address rising suicidal acts in the US population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 22, 2020

Researchers discover a key to the survival of dormant breast cancer cells

Metformin activates fat metabolism that promotes survival of dormant breast cancer cells during estrogen deprivation, suggesting context-dependent effects on cancer cells. This discovery informs ongoing clinical trials and guides the development of new therapeutic targets to selectively kill cancer cells.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 22, 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.

Health disparities in rural US: Higher coronary artery disease death in women under 65 and people with heart failure

Researchers found a significant increase in premature coronary artery disease deaths among rural women under 65, while also noting that people living in rural areas have lower survival rates for heart failure. This disparity highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateApr 22, 2020

What protects minority languages from extinction?

Researchers have identified two scenarios in which minority languages can survive: linguistic diversity and mixed speaker populations. By applying mathematical modeling, the authors propose a new framework for understanding language coexistence, shedding light on the complexities of minority language preservation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateApr 22, 2020

Disappearing Alaskan sea ice is significant for Arctic marine ecosystem

A new study reveals that plant materials from Arctic sea ice are incorporated into marine food webs, indicating the importance of sea ice ecosystems. The research shows a transition to more dependence on sea ice materials as coverage decreases, with long-term reserves of organic matter remaining accessible to seafloor animals.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020

Salt substitution could prevent almost half a million deaths from CVD in China

A nationwide intervention to replace regular salt with potassium-enriched salt substitutes in China could prevent nearly half a million cardiovascular deaths per year. The blood pressure lowering effects of salt substitution were estimated to prevent around 460,000 cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths each year.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe BMJ·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.

Orujo olive oil reduces obesity

Researchers found that Orujo Olive Oil significantly reduced obesity in mice by 30%, while also decreasing body fat, hepatic inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. The study highlights the biological value of orujo oil as a functional food with great therapeutic potential against metabolic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNutrients·DateApr 22, 2020

How we end up 'confined' on YouTube

Researchers studied YouTube recommendations from a thousand videos, generating half a million, and found a 'confined' phenomenon. The most confined recommendation networks revolve around the most viewed or longest-watched videos.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 22, 2020