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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Less addictive form of buprenorphine may help curb cocaine relapse

A new study suggests that a modified form of the opioid medication buprenorphine, known as BU10119, may help curb cocaine relapse with improved effectiveness and lower abuse potential. The research was conducted using mouse models and found modest improvements in preventing cocaine relapse while minimizing addiction risk.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Herpes virus decoded

Researchers have identified 284 open reading frames in the herpes simplex virus 1 genome, allowing for more precise study of individual genes. This breakthrough has implications for immunological therapies, such as oncolytic viruses used to treat certain tumor diseases.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 2020

Proteasome phase separation for destruction

Researchers discovered a novel mode of protein degradation by the UPS under hyperosmotic stress. The proteasome forms nuclear foci that exhibit liquid-like behavior and contain ubiquitylated substrates, facilitating protein degradation. RAD23B is identified as a key molecule that induces phase separation of ubiquitylated proteins.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science·JournalNature·DateApr 27, 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.

Earbud-like nerve stimulator shows promise for relieving indigestion

A new study presents a promising treatment for indigestion using an earbud-like device that stimulates the vagus nerve. The research found that the device helped participants' stomachs expand to accommodate meals and empty more quickly, suggesting potential relief from symptoms of functional dyspepsia.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Gut microbes influence how rat brains react to opioids

A study published in eNeuro found that gut microbes significantly impact the brain's response to opioids in rats, altering the pattern of neuron recruitment during addiction and withdrawal. This discovery may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for drug abuse.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 27, 2020

New metasurface laser produces world's first super-chiral light

Researchers have demonstrated a new metasurface laser that produces 'super-chiral light' with ultra-high angular momentum, enabling control over optical communications and applications in industries like food, computer, and biomedical. The laser design allows for high power operation in a compact design.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 27, 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 uncover how Zika virus can spread through sexual contact

New research provides molecular-level insights into how Zika virus spreads through sexual contact by infecting vaginal epithelial cells. The study identified the virus's likely entry point as a protein called tyrosine-protein kinase receptor UFO, which promotes viral entry and replication.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Early high school start times adversely affect attendance

A new study by NC State University found that earlier high school start times are associated with higher rates of tardiness and absenteeism. Researchers analyzed data from five schools that moved their start times from 8:05 a.m. to 7:25 a.m., finding a significant increase in absences and tardiness.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEconomics of Education Review·DateApr 27, 2020

Researchers dig into case of geologic amnesia

Scientists have long struggled to explain the 'Great Unconformity,' a phenomenon where ancient rocks sit atop much younger sediment. New research suggests that multiple smaller events may have triggered these unconformities worldwide. The findings could help better understand the origins of complex life during the Cambrian Explosion.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Perception of US democracy tanks after Trump impeachment

A recent survey by Bright Line Watch found that experts rate US democratic performance as the worst since 2017, with significant declines in accountability, checks and balances, and individual rights. The public's perception of democracy also declined, with those who disapprove of Trump showing a sharp decline in ratings.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 27, 2020

Artificial intelligence could serve as backup to radiologists' eyes

A recent study found that artificial intelligence can provide results comparable to lung function tests in diagnosing emphysema and classifying its severity. The AI system can automatically analyze chest scans and create a 3D model of the patient's lungs, helping doctors better communicate with patients and track treatment progress.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateApr 27, 2020

For ME/CFS patients, viral immunities come at a devastating, lifelong cost

Researchers found a connection between HHV-6 exposure and ME/CFS symptoms, showing how efforts to boost immune system come at physiological cost. The study provides an explanation for the common observation that ME/CFS patients report fewer viral infections after developing the disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalImmunoHorizons·DateApr 27, 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.

Ballistic tongue projection in salamanders

Researchers found that salamanders' ballistic tongue projection is less temperature-dependent than muscle-powered systems, relying on elastic-spring mechanics to achieve extreme performance. The study identified key morphological features, including rearranged collagen structures, as central to the function of this system.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

BU/VA CTE researcher Ann McKee receives $10 million NIH grant

Ann McKee will lead a collaboration to characterize brain donors with and without a history of RHI and/or TBI, determining their neuropathological and clinical phenotypes. The goal is to identify the neuropathological features of TBI-related neurodegeneration and its association with dementia and parkinsonism.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·DateApr 27, 2020

Scientists trace path from PTSD to heart disease

Scientists found that PTSD patients exhibit changes in small blood vessels, leading to abnormal responses in the sympathetic nervous system. Antioxidant supplements can reduce oxidative stress and improve blood vessel function.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 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.

Effect of warming on tree leafing

A study of 10 tree species found significant year-to-year variation in the effect of warming on tree leafing. Warming in early spring advanced leafing more than in late spring, and climate change may lead to increased risk of mistimed leafing and altered interactions between species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Smart contact lenses that diagnose and treat diabetes

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed smart contact lenses that can detect diabetes and treat diabetic retinopathy by controlling insulin secretion with electrical signals. The lenses verified accurate glucose level detection in tears of diabetic rabbits.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2020

Stress in parents of children with autism: Pets may help

Research from the University of Missouri found that pets lead to reduced stress and increased social interaction for both children with autism and their parents. The study suggests that pets can provide comfort and support for families, making them a valuable addition.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAutism and Developmental Disorders·DateApr 27, 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.

State policies on access to vaccination services for low-income adults

A recent study evaluated Medicaid benefits coverage and reimbursement amounts for recommended adult vaccines across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The findings suggest that state policies vary widely, with some states providing more comprehensive vaccination services than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 27, 2020

Unique digital archive of the 2011 Egyptian Revolution now online

A new digital archive co-created by University of Warwick researcher Dr Nicola Pratt gathers art, music, and film created during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The archive includes over 200 items, many translated into English, to help users discover the significance of the uprising and its aftermath.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateApr 27, 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.

Light helps arthritis treatments target joints

A new drug delivery method using light-activated vitamin B12 molecules could reduce whole-body side effects from rheumatoid arthritis treatments. The approach decreases arthritis symptoms while carrying and delivering much lower quantities of the medication.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 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.

A new explanation for the origins of human fatherhood

A new theory proposes that human fatherhood emerged as a response to changing ecological conditions, with males partnering up for mutual benefits. Paternal care became widespread in modern human societies, despite being rare among mammals.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Insights into why loud noise is bad for your health

New research reveals that exposure to loud noise can lead to high blood pressure and potentially cancer-related DNA damage in mice. Healthy mice exposed to aircraft noise were more likely to develop high blood pressure.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

New clues about why some metastatic prostate cancers don't respond to enzalutamide

A clinical trial has identified a gene program active in metastatic prostate cancers that failed to respond to enzalutamide treatment. The study found that these tumors had lower androgen receptor activity and higher stemness, making them more adaptable and resistant to treatment.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Making sense of the viral multiverse

Researchers propose a new 15-rank classification scheme to categorize coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2 within the vast virosphere. The system groups RNA viruses and DNA viruses into distinct realms, enabling clear communication among virologists.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateApr 27, 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.

Breathing during exercise is harder for women than men

Research reveals women's smaller airways require more work to breathe, unlike men, who have larger airways that reduce resistance. This finding may contribute to differences in asthma and COPD experiences between sexes.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Virus-infected honey bees more likely to gain entrance to healthy hives

Researchers found that IAPV-infected honey bees are more likely to be accepted by foreign colonies, engaging in increased trophallaxis with guards. The infected bees also exhibit distinct chemical profiles, suggesting a changed behavior meant to appease the guards.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Using cloud-precipitation relationship to estimate cloud water path of mature tropical cyclones

A study estimates the cloud water path of mature tropical cyclones by analyzing the correlation between cloud microphysical properties and precipitation intensity. The results show that a notable sigmoid function can be used to fit the cloud water path and near-surface rain rate, providing a new way to estimate cloud water path in models.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Sleep effects of later school start time for teens

High school students who attended later school start times slept longer and experienced improved mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression and anxiety. The observational study suggests that adjusting school start times can be a viable strategy to address sleep deprivation among adolescents.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 27, 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.

Investigating the causes of the ozone levels in the Valderejo Nature Reserve

A study by the UPV/EHU-University of the Basque Country analyzed the influence of ozone formation precursors in the Valderejo Nature Reserve. The research found that biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) contribute up to 68% of the total VOCs measured, with isoprene and monoterpines being key contributors.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateApr 27, 2020

COVID-19 could spell the end of an egalitarian National Health Service

The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about the allocation of healthcare resources in the UK. Dr Sabrina Germain argues that the liberal egalitarian conception of distributive justice is being replaced by a utilitarian approach prioritizing patients' needs. The NHS will need to address delays in treatment and reassess public health...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Risk Regulation·DateApr 27, 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.

CBD shows promise for fighting aggressive brain cancer

A new study suggests that CBD could be a useful therapy for glioblastoma, an often-deadly form of brain cancer. The researchers found that CBD slows cancer cell growth and is toxic to both canine and human glioblastoma cell lines.

SourceExperimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateApr 27, 2020

Crabeater seal data used to predict changes in Antarctic krill distribution

A study published in Nature Climate Change used tracking data from crabeater seals to build a habitat model of krill distribution along the western Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers project that areas of krill habitat will shrink and move farther offshore, affecting species such as penguins and fur seals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 27, 2020

Predicting regional well-being from tweets

Researchers analyzed 1.53 billion geotagged tweets to assess regional well-being, revealing inconsistent results with surveys. By removing misleading words like 'LOL' or 'good', well-being predictions improved significantly.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Novel anti-PD-1 drug was approved for melanoma treatment

Prolgolimab, a Russian original PD-1 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The drug demonstrated significant antitumor activity and manageable safety in a phase II study, with 42 out of 126 patients experiencing an objective response.

SourceBIOCAD·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateApr 27, 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.

Potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder

Research identifies lower concentrations of neuropeptide arginine vasopressin in infant cerebrospinal fluid of those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This finding suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and prediction of the disorder.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

'Elegant' solution reveals how the universe got its structure

A recent study used a 10-year galaxy survey to test one of cosmology's pillars and provided a new approach to understanding the universe's growth. The research team demonstrated that denser clumps grew faster, while less-dense clumps grew more slowly.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 27, 2020

Factors associated with disaster preparedness among US households

A nationally representative survey of 16,000 US households found that those with disaster preparedness tend to have higher socioeconomic status and insurance coverage. Households with stockpiles of food and water, electric generators, and communication plans are more likely to be prepared for disasters.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 27, 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.

Hurricanes and lizard evolution

A recent study discovered that lizards in areas frequently affected by hurricanes have larger, stronger toepads than those not exposed to such storms. This suggests that hurricanes play a significant role in shaping the evolution of lizard populations across different geographic and phylogenetic scales.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020

Eye pupil an indicator of effective decision making, study finds

Researchers found that pupil features correlate with cognitive processes involved in mental arithmetic and decision-making. The study used pupil-tracking technology to measure changes in pupil size over time, revealing two distinct influences: a rapid, transient effect and a longer-lasting, sustained influence.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 27, 2020

Social behavior manipulation by honey bee virus

Infection with Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) alters honey bee social behavior, reducing aggression and changing chemical signals. This manipulation facilitates viral transmission between colonies, raising concerns about the impact of high colony densities on pathogen evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 27, 2020