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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 20


Page 20 of 37

Neural circuits mapped: Now we understand vision better

A study by Aarhus University researchers has discovered the function of nerve cells in the eye that sense visual movement. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted treatments for diseases like dementia and schizophrenia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2020

Returning land to nature with high-yield farming

Researchers found that only about half of present cropland would be required to produce major crops with high nutrient inputs, while the other half could be restored to natural habitats. Targeted land sparing in biodiversity hotspots resulted in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased carbon sequestration.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 16, 2020

Small study shows paper towels much more effective at removing viruses than hand dryers

A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 16, 2020

SCAI issues recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateApr 16, 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 European coins have antimicrobial activity in contrast to banknotes

A study by Professor Johannes Knobloch found that European coins made from antimicrobial metals like copper display detectable antimicrobial activity against bacteria, reducing bacterial cell counts by up to 99.5% after 24 hours. However, coins may still act as vectors for the transmission of microbes.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·DateApr 16, 2020

Caring for those most vulnerable to COVID-19 requires vigilance

A geriatrician recommends developing an emergency plan, employing intensive infection control practices, and providing therapy in patient/resident rooms. LTCF patients/residents face mental health risks due to isolation, prompting the need for psychosocial care and support.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 16, 2020

Insight into the synapses

A recent study published in Science Advances has shed light on the molecular organization of synapses, revealing that glutamate receptors are directly connected to calcium channels and Munc-18-1. This new understanding could lead to a better comprehension of brain function and signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 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.

Special issue: Drought's impacts on society, ecology and agriculture

New insights into drought's impacts on social, ecological and agricultural systems are highlighted in this special issue. Research identifies vulnerabilities in water management policy and the importance of soil microbiota in crop resilience.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

Parasite carried by grey squirrels negatively impacts red squirrel behavior

Research shows that grey squirrels carrying a parasitic helminth negatively impact native red squirrel behavior, reducing their activity and altering relationships with native parasites. This study highlights the effects of parasite-mediated competition on red squirrels' personality and foraging efficiency in invaded habitats.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 16, 2020

Trust in humans and robots: Economically similar but emotionally different

A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that people extend similar levels of trust to humans and robots. However, social emotions such as anger, gratitude, guilt, and pride vary depending on partner type, with participants experiencing more intense emotions when interacting with humans.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateApr 16, 2020

Ash dieback is less severe in isolated ash trees

Research found that ash dieback is less severe in isolated ash trees with open canopies, and high crown temperatures make the disease development unfavorable. Climate change may reduce the disease's impact due to increased summer temperatures above 35°C.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateApr 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mystery solved, rotavirus VP3 is a unique capping machine

Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered the unique structure and function of rotavirus VP3, a protein that integrates five enzymatic activities for capping mRNA. This breakthrough enables the design of antiviral drugs to counter rotavirus infection, which causes diarrhea in children worldwide.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 16, 2020

How did an ancient plant from Latin America become Asia's second-most-important cash crop?

Cassava has increased yields dramatically in Asia over the last 50 years, with yields in Vietnam rising from 3 tons per hectare to 20 tons through improved varieties and fertilizer management. Researchers have also developed new varieties for industrial use, such as high-starch cassava ideal for higher latitudes.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalBreeding Science·DateApr 16, 2020

Scents regulate fat storage without affecting eating behavior

Researchers found that specific odors can dynamically regulate fat mobilization by interacting with olfactory neurons, promoting the loss or gain of fat storage. This discovery may help understand why some people are more resistant to metabolic problems while others are more vulnerable.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2020

Scientists develop high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers have developed Fe <sub>1-x</sub> S-decorated mesoporous carbon spheres as a nanoreactor for lithium-sulfur battery cathodes, showing excellent polysulfide catalytic activity and cyclic stability. The design strategy provides a new protocol for building high-capacity and long-cycle rechargeable batteries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 16, 2020

Caring for cancer patients in the COVID-19 era

The seven European cancer centers of Cancer Core Europe have shared their experiences and measures taken to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of adapting clinical activities, communication with patients, qualified personnel, and regional collaborations to ensure continuity in cancer care.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 16, 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.

Moiré engineering applicable in correlated oxides by USTC researchers

Researchers from USTC applied moiré engineering to correlated transition metal oxides (CTMOs), realizing electronic modulations with mesoscale patterns. This breakthrough enables spatially patterned electronic textures on demand in strained epitaxial materials, providing a new route for achieving novel properties.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 16, 2020

Clemson scientist explores the colorful intricacies of pollen

Research suggests that plant species maintain both light and dark pollen due to distinct survival advantages. Lighter morphs have higher seed production ability, while darker morphs produce higher-quality pollen with increased anthocyanidin production, which helps relieve heat stress.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 16, 2020

JUUL sales bounced back within weeks of self-imposed flavor ban

After JUUL removed flavored products, sales shifted to menthol and tobacco flavors, with the company's sales surpassing previous highs within weeks. The study suggests that self-imposed restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes are unlikely to improve public health and that market demand will fill the void.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 16, 2020

Whole genome sequencing reveals genetic structural secrets of schizophrenia

Researchers have identified extremely rare variants that affect the boundaries of a 3D genome structure called topologically associated domains (TADs) in people with schizophrenia. These variants may contribute to dysregulation of gene expression, leading to the development of the disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

Study: Cultural variables play important role in perceptions of status, power

A new study finds that cultural orientation significantly affects how individuals perceive the relationship between power and status. In cultures with a vertical collectivist orientation, powerful leaders are often seen as having high status, while in horizontal collectivistic cultures, high-status individuals are viewed as powerful. T...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateApr 16, 2020

High-efficiency catalyst enhancing the electric reduction performance of CO2

A team of researchers developed a microwave heating strategy for synthesizing a transition metal chalcogenide nanostructure that efficiently catalyzes CO2 electroreduction to carbon monoxide. The catalyst achieved a record conversion current of 212 mA cm-2 and selectivity of ~95.5%.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 16, 2020

Scientific machine learning paves way for rapid rocket engine design

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new scientific machine learning method to reduce the time and cost of designing rocket engines. By creating reduced-order models that can run in seconds, rather than minutes or weeks, engineers can test performance in different conditions more quickly and safely. This br...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAIAA Journal·DateApr 16, 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.

Visual impairment among women and dementia risk

An observational study of 1,000 older women found a significant association between visual impairment and an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that addressing visual impairment could be an important prevention strategy for reducing dementia risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateApr 16, 2020

3D fusion imaging improves coronary artery disease diagnosis

A new approach to combine CT and MRI data in one 3D image helps solve uncertain findings in coronary artery disease diagnosis. The technique correlates specific stenoses with possible cardiac scar tissue and ischemia, guiding revascularization procedures.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·DateApr 16, 2020

Single-atom-layer trap: A pivotal microscopic feature for li-ion migration

Researchers at USTC observed single-atom-layer defects that act as 'Li-ion traps', significantly influencing ionic transport and reducing conductivity by up to 1-2 orders of magnitude. The discovery opens new avenues for understanding non-periodic features in solid electrolytes.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 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.

Researchers get important glimpse into microbiome development in early life

Researchers have characterized how the gut microbiome develops in the first hours of infancy, providing a critical baseline for understanding the impact on health and disease later in life. The study found that multiple strains of bacteria emerged early, influencing metabolite levels and protein consumption.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateApr 16, 2020

Some worms programmed to die early for sake of colony

A UCL-led study reveals that certain organisms, like C. elegans roundworms, possess self-destruct programs to prevent overliving and benefit their colonies. This adaptive mechanism reduces food demand and increases reproductive success, providing a winning strategy for the community.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAging Cell·DateApr 16, 2020

Climate change: Extreme coastal flooding events in the US expected to rise

A study published in Scientific Reports predicts that extreme coastal flooding events in the US will double every five years if sea levels continue to rise as expected. By 2050, current extreme water levels are projected to transition from 50-year floods to annual events in 70% of US coastal regions.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 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.

Researchers discover treatment for spasticity in mice, following spinal cord injuries

A new study by University of Copenhagen researchers shows that administering nimodipine, an already approved drug for high blood pressure, can prevent the development of spasticity after spinal cord injuries. The effect is long-lasting and continues even after treatment has stopped.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 16, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers developed an online tool to estimate the maximum number of COVID-19 cases manageable per day within a healthcare system's resources. The article also discusses pandemic surge models and their usefulness in public health decision-making during the pandemic.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 16, 2020

New universal Ebola vaccine may fight all four virus species that infect humans

Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center report development of a potential universal vaccine for Ebola viruses. The new vaccine uses glycoproteins from two Ebola virus species and has shown promise in neutralizing all four pathogenic species, generating cross-reactive responses against multiple viruses.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Virology·DateApr 16, 2020

Blood test may help doctors catch pancreatic cancer early

Researchers developed a liquid biopsy blood test that detects pancreatic cancer earlier and more accurately than existing biomarkers. The test outperforms imaging alone in staging disease, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 16, 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.

Single cell division error may be responsible for complexity in cancer genomes

A new study suggests a single cell division error can trigger a cascade of mutational events, generating defining features of cancer genomes. Researchers recreated the BFB cycle in cultured cells and observed an increase in chromothripsis after aberrant chromosome bridge formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 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.

NASA finds Tropical Storm Jeruto's displaced rainfall

Strong wind shear displaced moderate rainfall east of Tropical Storm Jeruto's center, pushing heaviest rain at 1.6 inches per hour in a small area. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission measured these rates on April 16.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 16, 2020

Study estimates revenue produced by top college football players

A study by Ohio State University researchers estimates that top college football players increase revenue for their schools by an average of $650,000 per year. The highest-rated recruits bring in the most money, with five-star recruits generating $650,000 and four-star recruits bringing in nearly $90,000.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateApr 16, 2020

Healthy climate news: Fava beans could replace soy

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that fava beans can be processed into a concentrated protein powder using a unique method called wet fractionation, which increases protein content and improves digestibility. Fava beans are also more climate-friendly than soy due to local cultivation and reduced genetic modification.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalFoods·DateApr 16, 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.

Novel tool reveals which states could face shortages of COVID-19 workforce

A novel tool created by George Washington University researchers estimates which US states may face shortages of respiratory therapists and intensivists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool uses data from various sources to predict potential worker shortages in five professions, including nursing and critical care nursing.

SourceGeorge Washington University·DateApr 16, 2020

Study finds evidence for existence of elusive 'metabolon'

Researchers at Penn State have directly observed functional metabolons involved in generating purines, the most abundant cellular metabolites. The findings suggest that enzymes are not haphazardly located throughout cells but instead occur in discrete clusters, or metabolons, that carry out specific metabolic pathways.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 2020

Gas storage method could help next-generation clean energy vehicles

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new material with ultrahigh porosity and surface area for storing hydrogen and methane. This breakthrough could enable the creation of more efficient fuel cell-powered vehicles by allowing for lower-pressure gas storage and reduced costs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateApr 16, 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.

Drug overcomes chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer

Researchers have discovered a new approach to overcome chemotherapy resistance in clear cell ovarian cancer by using low doses of 2-deoxy-D-glucose. The treatment has shown significant improvement in laboratory models and is expected to be safer for patients with reduced side effects.

SourceTranslational Research Institute·JournalCancers·DateApr 16, 2020

Pushing the limits of 2D supramolecules

Researchers created a well-defined supramolecular structure that pushes the 20-nanometer scale, overcoming a major obstacle in supramolecular chemistry. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials with unique functions and properties.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 16, 2020

Flatter graphene, faster electrons

Researchers have developed a technique to flatten graphene sheets, reducing microscopic distortions that scatter electrons. This process increases electron mobility, leading to improved sample quality and potentially faster electronic devices.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·DateApr 16, 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.

Children's fruit drinks need clearer labels, finds NYU study

A NYU study recommends revising FDA labeling regulations to help consumers make healthier choices for children. The researchers found that many top-selling children's juice drinks contain added sugars or low-calorie sweeteners, despite having nutrition claims that may mislead parents and caregivers.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 16, 2020

New 'toolbox' for urological cancer detection

Researchers developed a new method to separate extracellular vesicles from urine with high purity, revealing protein signatures specific to urological cancers. This breakthrough brings us closer to developing promising new urine tests for faster diagnosis and timely treatment of urological cancers.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 16, 2020