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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Scientists suggest using machine learning to predict materials' properties

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University used machine learning methods to predict artificial sapphire crystals' properties. The goal is to minimize defects in crystal structure for modern technology development.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Electronic Science and Technology·DateApr 30, 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.

Defining geographic regions with commuter data

Researchers developed a new method to define metropolitan areas based on census commuter data, identifying 182 clusters that account for over 90% of commuters. These clusters are larger than traditional regional definitions, suggesting important connections extending beyond expected boundaries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2020

Gentler, safer hair dye based on synthetic melanin

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new hair dye process using synthetic melanin that mimics natural human hair pigmentation. The dye, tested under mild conditions, produces natural-looking colors that persist for at least 18 washes, avoiding toxicity and allergies associated with traditional hair dyes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 30, 2020

What's important to patients with glomerular disease and their caregivers?

A study of patients with glomerular disease and their caregivers reveals that they highly value kidney function, mortality, and need for dialysis or transplant. They also stress the importance of addressing factors related to life participation, fatigue, anxiety, and family impact.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateApr 30, 2020

Better understanding of nature's nanomachines may help in design of future drugs

A research team at McGill University has gained a deeper understanding of nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), tiny natural machines that produce biologically active compounds. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new potent antibiotics, immunosuppressants and other modern drugs by leveraging bacteria and fungi.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 30, 2020

NASA space laser missions map 16 years of ice sheet loss

Researchers used ICESat-2 to track changes in ice sheet elevation over 16 years, finding significant losses in West Antarctica and Greenland's shrinking ice sheet, responsible for 14 millimeters of sea level rise. The study also reveals complex patterns of change in individual glaciers and ice shelves.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 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.

New STM technique points way to new and purer pharmaceuticals

Researchers use ultra-thin STM needle to map molecular bonds on surface of materials, enabling precise identification of impurities and halogen bonding. This technique could lead to the production of new pharmaceuticals that are purer than ever.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2020

The commercial consequences of collective layoffs

A study by Erasmus University Rotterdam and IESE Business School found that collective layoff announcements lead to decreased sales, lower advertising elasticity, and reduced advertising spending for affected brands.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 30, 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.

Heart attack, stroke risk declines among people with diabetes

A 20-year study by the Endocrine Society found that cardiovascular complications among individuals with diabetes have declined. Meanwhile, mortality rates remain higher than those in the general population, highlighting ongoing concerns about cancer and dementia risks for people with diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 30, 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.

UCF researchers develop groundbreaking new rocket-propulsion system

Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a rotating detonation rocket engine that can sustain continuous Mach 5 explosions, improving rocket-engine efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. This technology has the potential to increase space mission capabilities and reduce emissions.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCombustion and Flame·DateApr 30, 2020

Telemedicine transforms response to COVID-19 pandemic in disease epicenter

A study by NYU Langone Health shows a massive expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, with virtual urgent care visits growing by 683% and non-urgent virtual care visits increasing by 4,345%. The rapid growth was made possible by US insurers expanding coverage and state licensing relaxations.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists find highest ever level of microplastics on seafloor

Scientists have discovered the highest levels of microplastics ever recorded on the seafloor, with concentrations concentrated by powerful deep-sea currents. Microplastics are mainly comprised of fibres from textiles and clothing, and their distribution is linked to sediment-transport processes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2020

Study estimates cost of cancer care for Syrian refugees in wake of COVID-19

A new study reveals the economic burden of cancer care for Syrian refugees, estimating costs ranging from $3,000 to $7,000 per case. The findings highlight the urgent need for governments and international agencies to provide adequate funding and resources for cancer care in refugee populations.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 30, 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.

VCU study finds that many published psychology experiments lack evidence of validity

A VCU study examines 348 psychological manipulations and finds that roughly 42% have no validity evidence, while others are validated in limited ways. The study suggests that many psychological experiments rely on an untested foundation, prompting recommendations for experimenters to improve their practices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateApr 30, 2020

'Breathable' electronics pave the way for more functional wearable tech

Researchers at North Carolina State University created ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that is gas permeable, allowing sweat and volatile organic compounds to evaporate away from the skin. This breakthrough enables more comfortable long-term wear for biomedical or wearable technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 30, 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.

Catastrophic outburst floods carved Greenland's 'Grand Canyon'

A team of scientists proposes that catastrophic outburst floods carved Greenland's megacanyon network, influenced by large meltwater-filled lakes. The study suggests that these floods could have impacted ocean circulation and caused abrupt climate changes with regional significance.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 30, 2020

Racial inequalities in liver cancer deaths soared after launch of hepatitis C drugs

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University found that racial inequalities in liver cancer deaths soared after the introduction of hepatitis C drugs in the US. The study showed a significant increase in mortality rates among black Americans, with excess relative deaths increasing from 27.8% to 45.4% between 1998 and 2016.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateApr 30, 2020

9/11 research reveals effective strategies to cope with COVID-19 stress

Researchers drew on studies of the 9/11 attacks to develop coping techniques for COVID-19 stress, emphasizing control, coherence, and connectedness. These strategies include acceptance-based coping, mindfulness, and lovingkindness meditation to promote resilience and recovery.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalSeminars in Clinical Neuropsychiatry·DateApr 30, 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.

Smoking during pregnancy results in an increased risk of asthma even in adulthood

A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that smoking by pregnant mothers increases the risk of asthma in their offspring between ages 31 and 46. The risk is higher for those with a history of respiratory symptoms or the RUNX-1 susceptibility gene, highlighting early airway vulnerability.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 30, 2020

A new approach to measuring inequalities in development

Researchers from IIASA and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology used the Human Life Indicator to measure progress in development, finding it easier to calculate and interpret than the Human Development Index. The new approach can provide a clearer idea of regional inequalities, helping policymakers design means to bridge gaps.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 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.

Early predictor of severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 identified

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that high plasma suPAR levels are associated with worse lung outcomes and increased risk of intubation. The study suggests that measuring suPAR could help identify patients who may need ventilatory support, enabling earlier intervention and potentially improving outcomes.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateApr 30, 2020

Neurotrauma Reports launching Spring 2020

Neurotrauma Reports is a peer-reviewed open access journal publishing research on traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. The journal aims to provide a dedicated forum for the neurotrauma field, including original papers, review articles, and studies on regional scope or patient populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNeurotrauma Reports·DateApr 30, 2020

A census of star brightness: The sun is less active and variable than similar stars

Researchers analyzed 369 solar-like stars and found that the Sun is less magnetically active and variable than similar stars. The study suggests that most stars are five times more variable than the Sun over the last 140 years, with potential explanations including long-term variability or unrecognized differences.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 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.

New discovery explains how the prostate gland regenerates itself

Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center discovered that nearly all cells in the prostate gland contribute to its regrowth after androgen-deprivation therapy. Luminal cells acquire stem-like properties without hormone influence, leading to implications for prostate cancer treatment and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2020

Civil engineering Professor Sharon Di wins NSF CAREER Award

Di's project aims to develop a novel modeling and simulation platform to project future mixed-traffic dynamics and assist in socially optimal policy-making. She will leverage her expertise in travel behavioral modeling and network optimization to create a game-theoretic framework that incorporates game theory, dynamic control, data sci...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 30, 2020

Obese adults facing Medicaid expansion gap

A recent study by the University of Georgia found a slower uptake of Medicaid enrollment among low-income obese individuals compared to non-obese counterparts. The study revealed a 5.6% increase in coverage for obese individuals versus 7.4% for non-obese individuals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalObesity·DateApr 30, 2020

Cultivating cooperation through kinship

Researchers attribute unique human cooperation to cultivating a shared social identity among group members, enabled by reflective self-consciousness. This fosters feelings of obligation toward cultural kin, sustaining cooperative behavior within the group.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalCurrent Anthropology·DateApr 30, 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.

Water is key in catalytic conversion of methane to methanol

Scientists have discovered three essential roles for water in the catalytic conversion of methane to methanol, which facilitates high selectivity while blocking unwanted side reactions. The findings could speed the development of catalysts that make use of methane escaping from gas and oil wells.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2020

Experts apply microbiome research to agricultural science to increase crop yield

Scientists at Northern Arizona University are studying the impact of microbial communities in soil on agricultural crops to increase yield and efficiency. The team found that traditional approaches to crop rotation may not be effective, but advances in microbiome science can help optimize agricultural systems.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateApr 30, 2020

Cardiovascular impairment in COVID-19

Researchers recommend using cardiovascular anti-inflammatory therapies to treat COVID-19 patients with severe cardiovascular problems, citing potential risks with current treatments. The study provides guidance for clinicians on selecting specific therapies depending on disease severity and patient response.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateApr 30, 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.

Investors punish for social irresponsibility depending on proportion of company execs with law degrees

Research from the University of Notre Dame suggests that investors react more severely to corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) when top management executives have a higher proportion of law degrees. Firms with an average proportion of law-trained executives among their leadership teams tend to receive less punishment, while those wi...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBusiness and Society Review·DateApr 30, 2020

3D-printed concrete to help build offshore wind energy infrastructure

Researchers at Purdue University are working on a method to fabricate wind turbine substructures and anchors using 3D-printed concrete, which could reduce material costs and increase design flexibility. The team is collaborating with RCAM Technologies to develop concrete additive manufacturing for offshore wind energy technology.

SourcePurdue University·DateApr 30, 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.

Data from 2 space lasers comprehensively estimate polar ice loss and sea level rise

A new analysis of data from NASA's ICESat-2 and ICESat satellites estimates that polar ice losses from Greenland and Antarctica contributed to 14mm of sea level rise between 2003 and 2019. The study projects that melting ice from these regions will increasingly contribute to sea level rise within tens to hundreds of years.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 30, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new articles from Annals of Internal Medicine explore the availability of telemedicine services and pandemic surge modeling for COVID-19. A cross-sectional study found that many US hospitals lack existing telemedicine programs, while a podcast discussion highlights the importance of rapid investment in remote care infrastructure.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 30, 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.