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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

Physics tool helps track cancer cell diversity

A Cornell-led team employed a statistical modeling technique from physics to analyze breast tumor cells' behavior in the microenvironment. They found that chemokine CCL19 caused targeted cancer cells to move faster and increased heterogeneity.

SourceCornell University·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateFeb 20, 2020

Study reveals hidden risks of estuary development for young salmon

A review of 167 peer-reviewed studies found significant negative impacts on juvenile Pacific and Atlantic salmon from human activity in estuaries. The study identified stressors such as light and noise pollution, as well as tidal gates, which can cut off access for salmon to parts of a river.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 20, 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.

The Earth formed much faster than previously thought

Researchers found that the proto-Earth formed within five million years, challenging the idea of slow and random collisions between objects. The study's findings support an alternative theory on planet formation through cosmic dust accretion, which may lead to faster formation of other planets.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020

Glaucoma care in prison inmates

A new observational study examines how glaucoma treatment and follow-up are managed in a prison clinic, with findings on medication adherence being highlighted as an area of concern. The research sheds light on the challenges faced by prisoners with this common eye condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateFeb 20, 2020

New drug combination restores beta cell function in animal model

Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that can restore beta cell function in an animal model, showing promise for diabetes remission. The treatment, which combines GLP-1/estrogen with insulin, was found to be more effective than single-treatments and increase pancreatic insulin content and beta cell numbers.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalNature Metabolism·DateFeb 20, 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.

MicroRNA exhibit unexpected function in driving cancer

Researchers found that both strands of microRNA coordinate to act on the same cancer pathways, driving aggressiveness and growth. MicroRNAs miR-30a and miR-145 were identified as key players in keeping cancers in check, impacting patient survival.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2020

Research team tackles superbug infections with novel therapy

Researchers develop effective treatment for antibiotic-resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major cause of hospital-acquired infections. The novel therapy, AB569, kills the bacteria by targeting multiple processes, offering hope against superbug infections.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

Cryptographic 'tag of everything' could protect the supply chain

A cryptographic 'tag of everything' can verify a product's authenticity, with implications for combating losses due to supply chain counterfeiting. The MIT-developed ID chip is small enough for virtually any product, uses photovoltaic diodes for power and backscatter technique for transmission.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A better pregnancy test for whales

Researchers from NIST and Griffith University developed a new test that measures multiple hormones simultaneously, providing a more reliable marker of pregnancy. This technique improves the accuracy of hormone tests, enabling biologists to better understand whale populations and their environmental health.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

'Wood' you like to recycle concrete?

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with wood, yielding a building material with superior bending strength. This innovative approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and construction costs.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateFeb 20, 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.

More clues for how the monkeyflower got its spots

Researchers discovered that the monkeyflower's distinctive spots are controlled by a reaction-diffusion mechanism involving two proteins. The study used mathematical modeling and experimentation to validate the theory, shedding light on how natural patterns arise.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2020

Getting children to eat their greens? Both parents need to set an example

A new study found that both parental examples and encouragement play a significant role in teaching children to eat vegetables. The researchers suggest serving cooked vegetables as a main course or side dish can promote healthy eating habits, while dinner is the most important meal for teaching kids to eat greens.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateFeb 20, 2020

Psychologists discover secret to achieving goals

Research at Queen Mary University of London reveals that people's motivation shifts from rewards to effort when putting plans into action. To achieve goals, focusing on effort before action can lead to successful outcomes.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBehavioural Brain Research·DateFeb 20, 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.

Hispanics/Latinos underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease research

A University of Houston researcher is increasing health literacy among Hispanics/Latinos to address the significant disparities in Alzheimer's disease development and treatment. The largest ethnic minority group in the US, H/Ls are 50% more likely to develop AD, yet they comprise less than 1% of clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 20, 2020

18-hour year planet on edge of destruction

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting a star in just over 18 hours, the shortest orbital period ever recorded. The hot Jupiter, NGTS-10b, is perilously close to its sun and may be spiralling towards destruction.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 20, 2020

Clinical trial exposes deadly kidney cancer's Achilles' heel

A clinical trial has identified HIF-2α as a pivotal protein in the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinomas, which is susceptible to inhibition by PT2385. The study found that the drug effectively blocks cancer-promoting genes and starves tumors of blood.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 20, 2020
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Exploring a genome's 3D organization through a social network lens

Computational biologists at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new algorithm, MOCHI, to identify communities within the cell nucleus. The algorithm uses spatial arrangement and genetic interactions to subdivide interwoven nuclear components into groups.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalGenome Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

First genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a devastating fungal disease

A new study from the University of Michigan presents the first genetic evidence of resistance in some bats to white-nose syndrome, a deadly fungal disease that has decimated some North American bat populations. Genetic differences were found in genes associated with regulating arousal from hibernation and breakdown of fats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

A potential new weapon against deadly brain and soft tissue cancers

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering designed a new drug combination that mimics glucose deprivation in cancer cells, leading to their death. The combination may have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapies and reduce the incidence of acquired resistance.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 20, 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.

DNA from ancient packrat nests helps unpack Earth's past

A new study analyzes ancient packrat middens for DNA, revealing a mix of bacterial and eukaryotic organisms, including plants and vertebrates. The findings provide valuable insights into past ecosystems and the impact of human-caused climate change.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·DateFeb 20, 2020

Pill-sized 'heater' could increase accessibility in diagnosing infectious disease

Researchers developed a pill-sized 'heater' that regulates temperature of biological samples through different stages of diagnostic testing, increasing accuracy and accessibility. The device can be used in various settings to detect viruses without electricity, reducing the need for specialized training and costly lab equipment.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

The fat around your arteries may actually keep them healthy

A new study from Michigan State University finds that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) helps arteries relax and expel muscular tension when stretched. This structural benefit assists in reducing energy expenditure and stress on the vessels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 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.

Scientists use light to convert fatty acids into alkanes

Researchers have developed an efficient method to convert biomass-derived fatty acids into alkanes under mild conditions. The process utilizes photocatalytic decarboxylation with light, generating alkyl radical intermediates and achieving high yields of Cn-1 alkanes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 20, 2020

Gladstone scientists identify new human genes controlling HIV infection

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered new human genes controlling HIV infection, which could lead to the development of new therapies. The study used a large-scale genetic approach to uncover host proteins that facilitate infection and identify key genes involved in the process.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 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.

Iron in brain shows cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's

A new study by UCL researchers has found a link between iron accumulation in the brain and cognitive decline in people with Parkinson's disease. The study used advanced MRI techniques to detect iron deposits in different brain regions, revealing associations with poor memory and thinking scores.

SourceUniversity College London·DateFeb 20, 2020

Researchers develop label-free microscopic techniques to visualize extracellular vesicles

The Beckman Institute has developed imaging techniques that capture more information about a tissue compared to traditional methods, allowing for better visualization of extracellular vesicles. These vesicles are known to increase in number and be associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer cells.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 20, 2020

Water reuse could be key for future of hydraulic fracturing

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that oil plays produce significantly more water than natural gas plays, posing a challenge for managing produced water. The studies project water demand and produced water volumes for eight major oil-producing areas in the US.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 20, 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.

How to keep the nucleus clean

A new study reveals that nuclear RNAs are sorted using a two-layered targeting mechanism, where NEXT and PAXT complexes work together to degrade non-functional transcripts. This process prevents deleterious accumulation of non-functional RNAs in cells.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Colorectal cancer partner-in-crime identified

A protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. Suppressing IL-6 expression can enhance anti-tumor immune functions and improve patient survival.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

Condom nation

A Canadian survey of 2,300 people found that 30% of Canadians use condoms during penile-vaginal intercourse, with higher rates among young adults, men from visible minority groups, and those with education on condom usage. The study highlights the importance of condom education in reducing STIs and unintended pregnancies.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 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.

E-cigarette users are exposed to potentially harmful levels of metal linked to DNA damage

A recent study by the University of California, Riverside found that e-cigarette users have elevated biomarkers of exposure and potential harm, including zinc excess correlated with oxidative DNA damage. The study highlights the risks of prolonged e-cigarette use and advises physicians to exercise caution when recommending e-cigarettes.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBMJ Open Respiratory Research·DateFeb 20, 2020

New front opened in fight against common cancer driver

A new study reveals that MNT is required for the survival of MYC-driven lymphoma cells, suggesting a promising new approach for treating this type of cancer. Inhibiting MNT may also make tumours more susceptible to other drugs, offering hope for improved treatments.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalBlood·DateFeb 20, 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.

On the trail of cancer stem cells

A team of researchers has created a detailed cell atlas of an entire salivary gland tumor in a mouse model, revealing that the tumor is composed of various cell types, including cancer stem cells. The study uses single-cell RNA sequencing technologies to identify these cells, which make up less than one percent of the tumor population.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 20, 2020

Carrier-assisted differential detection

Researchers developed a novel receiver scheme for detecting complex-valued double sideband signals with field recovery, called carrier-assisted differential detection (CADD). CADD doubles the electrical spectral efficiency compared to conventional carrier-less differential detection, and is insensitive to chromatic dispersion.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 20, 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.

New research takes p*** out of incontinence

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth have identified chemicals in urine specific to overactive bladder, which could lead to a diagnostic gadget similar to a pregnancy test. The device is expected to be simple, accurate, and cost-effective, saving millions from painful procedures and long waits for diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

Single gene cluster loss may contribute to initiation/progression of multiple myeloma

A study published in Blood Cancer Discovery found that deleting one copy of the miR15a/miR16-1 gene cluster accelerated the development of multiple myeloma in mice, while also enhancing disease aggressiveness. The researchers also analyzed a genetic dataset of multiple myeloma patients and found similar associations.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateFeb 20, 2020

Researchers say extended antidepressant use creates physical dependence

Research in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association finds that patients on antidepressants for years may face difficult withdrawal symptoms due to physical dependence. A tapering schedule with physician guidance is recommended to safely discontinue medication and manage mental health.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 20, 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.

Huge stores of Arctic sea ice likely contributed to past climate cooling

Researchers propose that massive Arctic sea ice melting disrupted North Atlantic currents, causing abrupt climate change after the last Ice Age. Thick sea ice was found in early 19th-century expeditions and numerical models show it could have slowed ocean circulation and cooled climate.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeology·DateFeb 20, 2020