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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

Model can predict hospital resilience for natural disasters, pandemics

A new modeling tool helps city planners and emergency managers assess the full functionality and recovery of a healthcare system after a disaster. The model evaluates complex network dynamics, including staff availability, patient waiting times, and resource allocation.

SourceColorado State University·JournalReliability Engineering & System Safety·DateApr 29, 2020

'Wobble' may precede some great earthquakes, study shows

Researchers found a 'wobble' in Japan's landmasses before the 2011 magnitude-9 earthquake that killed over 15,500 people. The movement, detected by GPS data, may indicate future large subduction-zone earthquakes. However, the study's findings cannot be applied to other subduction zones without comparable data.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2020

Trump and public demand for unproven COVID-19 therapies

A study tracked Google searches for buying chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, which surged 442% and 1,389% respectively after Trump and Musk's endorsements. The study estimated over 200,000 searches in 14 days, raising concerns about misinformation's dangers.

SourceElevated Science Communications·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

A one-hour exercise early in college improves career outcomes for black students years later

A one-hour exercise increasing feelings of social belonging in college students appears to significantly improve their lives and careers up to eleven years later. The study found that targeted psychological intervention can be an important tool to interrupt generational sociocultural disadvantages.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mind-controlled arm prostheses that 'feel' are now a part of everyday life

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed mind-controlled arm prostheses that deliver sensations of touch, revolutionizing prosthetic technology. The new neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis is connected to the user's nerves, muscles, and skeleton, enabling patients with arm amputations to experience a sense of touch i...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Catch rate is a poor indicator of lake fishery health

A recent study found that whole-lake experiments can reveal the causes of hyperstability in recreational fisheries. Habitat aggregation and effort sorting are identified as drivers of hyperstability collapse. Limiting angler effort through policy changes is proposed to protect vulnerable fish stocks.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateApr 28, 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 great new way to paint 3D-printed objects

Rutgers engineers have created a highly effective way to paint complex 3D-printed objects using an efficient painting method that reaches all nooks and crannies. The technique, known as electrospray deposition, has been used mainly for analytical chemistry but has also been applied in lab-scale demonstrations of coatings.

SourceRutgers University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 28, 2020

Scientists studied the growth rate effect of gut bacteria on degradation of dietary fibers

Researchers investigated how gut bacteria grow at different rates and their effect on dietary fibers, finding that faster growth rates alter the composition and metabolism of fecal microbiota. The study suggests that a person's diet can influence their gut microbiota by adjusting fiber intake to support healthy digestion.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateApr 28, 2020

Invasive lionfish likely to become permanent residents in the Mediterranean

A new study suggests that lionfish, an invasive species first identified in the Mediterranean in 2012, are thriving and well-established in the region. The species' generalist diet and rapid spread may disrupt the already stressed marine environment, leading to further ecological damage.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·DateApr 28, 2020

Shrinking instead of growing: how shrews survive the winter

Common shrews have a high metabolic rate and quickly deplete their fat reserves in winter. However, they do not need to increase their metabolism in response to colder temperatures, thanks to their unique adaptation of shrinking in autumn and growing in spring.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 28, 2020

Scientists explore the power of radio waves to help control fusion reactions

Researchers have discovered a new effect called 'RF current condensation' that can stabilize magnetic islands in plasma, allowing for improved control of fusion reactors. By heating the islands with radio waves, scientists can drive electric currents that cause them to shrink and disappear, enhancing stability.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysics of Plasmas·DateApr 28, 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.

Higher economic status does not always translate to better heart health

New research suggests that upward income mobility is associated with a trade-off between well-being and cardiometabolic health. Despite improved mental health, individuals who experience upward mobility may fare worse in terms of heart health compared to those with consistent disadvantage or advantage.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 28, 2020

BU researchers: Race and income shape COVID-19 risk

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health found that Black, Native American, and lower-income people are more likely to have underlying conditions increasing the risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19. The researchers analyzed data from over 330,000 people and estimated that 43% of American adults have at least on...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateApr 28, 2020

AGS COVID-19 brief offers roadmap to government action for assisted living facilities

The American Geriatrics Society has published a policy brief outlining recommendations for federal, state, and local governments to address COVID-19 concerns in assisted living facilities. The guidelines prioritize resource needs, patient transfers, and public health priorities, aiming to empower healthcare workers on the frontlines of...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 28, 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.

Scientists recreate DNA damage caused by toxins from smoking

Researchers recreated DNA damage caused by tobacco smoke in laboratory-grown human bladder tissues. The study found that while direct DNA damage from smoke toxins is unlikely to cause bladder cancer, they may accelerate other DNA-damaging events.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEuropean Urology·DateApr 28, 2020

Gold standard force fields help identify promising peptides to disrupt COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Utah and Texas Advanced Computing Center used powerful supercomputers to rapidly generate molecular models of compounds relevant for COVID-19. They applied their approach, developed previously for Ebola virus research, to identify promising peptides that can disrupt the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 28, 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.

Harnessing psyllid peptides to fight citrus greening disease

A team of researchers has identified 122 peptides from the Asian citrus psyllid that may help combat citrus greening disease. The peptides are derived from the insect's own neuropeptides and have shown promise as potential insecticides for use in citrus groves.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 28, 2020

How animals 'dial up' the pain they experience from certain stimuli

Researchers at the University of Leeds have found a way to turbo charge molecular sensors in nerve cells, amplifying electrical signals to the brain and intensifying pain experience. This discovery could lead to targeted therapies for chronic pain conditions such as neuropathies and migraines.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Signaling·DateApr 28, 2020

New drug formulation could treat Candida infections

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new drug formulation that significantly improves the activity of fluconazole against Candida biofilms. The study uses bacterial signals to improve fluconazole's effectiveness, offering a potential alternative to current antifungal treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateApr 28, 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.

TAMA300 blazes trail for improved gravitational wave astronomy

Researchers at NAOJ have demonstrated a new technique to reduce quantum noise in gravitational wave detectors, increasing sensitivity and allowing for the detection of fainter waves. This technique, known as frequency dependent vacuum squeezing, will enable improved sensitivity at both high and low frequencies simultaneously.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 28, 2020

AGA and joint task force on allergy-immunology practice parameters release EoE guidelines

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has released new guidelines for the management of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus triggered by allergens. Topical steroids are recommended as a first-line treatment, while proton pump inhibition, diet therapy, and esophageal dilation are ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateApr 28, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study from Annals of Internal Medicine reveals COVID-19 disparities affecting U.S. healthcare workers with risk factors for poor outcomes, as well as African Americans and Latinos disproportionately affected by the pandemic. The authors discuss lessons learned from prior experiences to reduce observed disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 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.

Initial motivation, a key factor for learning in massive open online courses

Researchers from the University of Seville found that initial motivation is related to individual differences in drop-out probability and satisfaction with the learning experience. The study suggests designing personalized learning plans based on a good initial diagnosis of students' learning intentions and motivational profiles.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalEducational Technology Research and Development·DateApr 28, 2020

Immune-regulating drug improves gum disease in mice

A study published in eLife found that rapamycin, an immune-suppressing drug, reduces bone loss, inflammation, and changes to oral bacteria in older mice with gum disease. The treatment also reversed clinical features of periodontal disease, suggesting a potential approach for age-related dental problems.

SourceeLife·DateApr 28, 2020

People with brown fat may burn 15% more calories

A study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that short-term cold exposure increased energy expenditure and improved fatty acid profiles in individuals with active brown fat. People with brown fat burned 15% more calories than those without, highlighting the organ's potential as a ta...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateApr 28, 2020

A child's home environment can impact the risk of developing depression

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry finds that children's rearing environment has a significant impact on their risk for major depression later in life. Adopted children showed lower risk of depression, regardless of their biological parents' mental health status.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 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.

Researchers tackle a new opportunity to develop high-energy batteries

Army researchers have developed a new electrolyte design for lithium-ion batteries that improves anode capacity by more than five times compared to traditional methods. The new design increases the number of possible cycles with little degradation, extending the lifespan of next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 28, 2020

Glacier detachments: A new hazard in a warming world?

Researchers studied Glacier Flat Creek in Alaska and found that glacier detachments can be triggered by increased subglacial water pressure due to melting ice. This phenomenon suggests that glaciers may pose new hazards as they melt at a faster pace, potentially leading to more frequent and destructive events.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 28, 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.

Ultra-precision nano-sensor could detect iron disorders

Researchers have developed a multipurpose nanoscale bio-probe that allows precise monitoring of iron disorders in cells, tissue, and body fluids. The test is more sensitive and specific than current blood testing methods, enabling early disease diagnosis and potential prevention of serious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 28, 2020

Surgeons help create new process for disinfecting and reusing N95 masks

A new disinfection process developed by surgeons allows N95 masks to be reused up to 20 cycles, increasing employee acceptance and ensuring proper fit. This approach has improved the safety of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic by conserving personal protective equipment.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 28, 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.

Study from Chinese city of Shenzhen, outside Hong Kong in southern China, provides key insights on how coronavirus spreads

A study in Shenzhen, China analyzed data from 391 COVID-19 cases and their contacts to understand the virus's transmission dynamics. The analysis revealed that contact tracing and extensive testing reduced the incubation period to about three days, and household contacts were at high risk of infection.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateApr 28, 2020

Study reveals important flowering plants for city-dwelling honey bees

Researchers identified top food sources for urban honey bees, including trees like maples and oaks in spring, and woody vines like Virginia creeper in summer and fall. The study highlights actionable findings for urban land management, beekeepers, and homeowners to sustain honey bees and other pollinator species.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcosphere·DateApr 28, 2020

Hey, Alexa, who else is listening right now?

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring potential security weaknesses in voice-activated speakers like Alexa and Google Home. They found that hackers can exploit devices using a passive attack called 'voice command fingerprinting', which involves eavesdropping on data transferred between the smart speaker and the clou...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 28, 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.

Surveying the lipid landscape

A groundbreaking tool, LipidCreator, has been developed to efficiently analyze specific lipid groups and signal molecules, accelerating the discovery of biomarkers for diseases. This software enables scientists to quantify 60 lipid classes and their signaling molecules in larger studies than previously possible.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Variation in how side effects are reported clouds drug safety

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals significant variation in how drug side effects are reported, potentially leading to misinformation about a drug's safety. The study suggests standardizing reporting methods could improve the accuracy of risk assessments and drug licensing.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 28, 2020

A leap in using silicon for battery anodes

Scientists developed a unique nanostructure that limits silicon's expansion while fortifying it with carbon, enabling it to hold twice the charge of traditional graphite anodes. The porous silicon structure exhibits remarkable mechanical strength, making it suitable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 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.

Key progress on the MRI compatible DBS electrodes and simultaneous DBS-fMRI

Researchers have developed a novel MRI compatible graphene fiber DBS electrode, enabling full activation pattern mapping by simultaneous deep brain stimulation and fMRI. This breakthrough showed a close relationship between fMRI activation and DBS therapeutic improvement in Parkinsonian rat models.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2020

Alcoholics Anonymous method can mesh well with other treatments for alcohol misuse

A Baylor University researcher suggests that clinicians should be aware of their misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and educate themselves about the program to integrate it into their work with clients. Both AA and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to help individuals accept personal responsibility for their actions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTraining and Education in Professional Psychology·DateApr 28, 2020

Plastic pollution reaching the Antarctic

Researchers have found an increase in marine debris collected on beaches of Bird Island and Signy Island, with most items being plastic. Scientists also discovered that fishing vessels contribute significantly to plastic pollution, threatening seabirds and other wildlife in the region.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalEnvironment International·DateApr 28, 2020

Drug prevents severe cardiac events in children undergoing chemotherapy for AML

Dexrazoxane has been shown to preserve cardiac function and reduce risk of severe cardiac events in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study suggests dexrazoxane should be considered for cardioprotection in all pediatric patients undergoing standard chemotherapy for AML.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 28, 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.

Agricultural pickers in US to see unsafely hot workdays double by 2050

A new study predicts that US agricultural workers will experience double the number of unsafe days due to extreme heat by 2050, with health risks tripling. The research suggests that adapting working conditions, such as using lighter protective clothing and taking breaks, can mitigate these risks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 28, 2020