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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

10,000 times faster calculations of many-body quantum dynamics possible

Researchers at Kiel University have created a new simulation method that enables fast calculations of many-body quantum dynamics, saving computer time by up to 10,000 times. This breakthrough allows for simulations of complex quantum systems, such as molecules and solids, with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2020

Paleontology: Tiny prehistoric lizard sheds light on reptile evolution

The discovery of Vellbergia bartholomaei, a tiny Middle Triassic lizard from Germany, provides new information about the early evolution of lepidosauromorphs. The species' unique characteristics suggest it may be a common ancestor of modern lizards and tuataras, revealing key findings in reptile evolution.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

New study indicates amino acid may be useful in treating ALS

A new study published in the Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology suggests that amino acid L-serine may be useful in treating ALS. The study found that L-serine successfully reduced ALS-like changes in an animal model of ALS, including motor neuron degeneration and pro-inflammatory microglia.

SourceBrain Chemistry Labs·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Bumblebees recognize objects through sight and touch, a complex cognitive feat

Researchers found that bumblebees can create mental images of objects using information from multiple senses and form sophisticated mental representations of their surrounding world. Bumblebees successfully recognized objects cross-modally in both directions, sight-to-touch and touch-to-sight.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

How transient invaders can transform an ecosystem

Research at MIT found that transient invaders can lead to a rapid takeover of the ecosystem, but then disappear. This phenomenon occurs when the invader's growth produces metabolic byproducts that raise the pH, making the environment less hospitable for itself and other species.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020

Newly found bacteria fights climate change, soil pollutants

Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.

SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020

New studies explore how knowledge drives action in climate change decision-making

Researchers at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School explore the importance of learning and knowledge in environmental decision-making. They argue that educational tools can accelerate climate change adaptation and provide actionable knowledge for societies.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalCurrent Opinion in Environmental Sustainability·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.

New artificial intelligence algorithm better predicts corn yield

A new AI algorithm developed by University of Illinois researchers accurately predicts corn yield using deep learning and convolutional neural networks. The approach incorporates various topographic variables, soil electroconductivity, nitrogen treatment rates, and seed application to optimize crop management decisions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateFeb 20, 2020

Researchers start to understand blood vessels one cell at the time

A study has created a database on endothelial cells, which may enhance our understanding of the complex network of blood vessels in the mammalian body. The research team identified 78 endothelial cell subclusters, including unexpected subtypes, that can inform the development of new treatments for diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCell·DateFeb 20, 2020

Therapeutic cooling effectively targets site of brain injury

A new study at Children's Hospital Los Angeles uses advanced imaging techniques to optimize a leading-edge therapy for babies with hypoxic brain injuries. The results demonstrate effective cooling in the deep areas of the brain, which are most often damaged by lack of oxygen.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 20, 2020

Citizen scientists discover a new snail, name it after Greta Thunberg

A new species of land snail has been discovered by citizen scientists working with Taxon Expeditions, a company that organizes scientific field trips. The newly described snail belongs to the caenogastropods group, which is sensitive to drought, temperature extremes, and forest degradation.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·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.

Old methane sources less important in modern climate warming

A new study suggests that ancient stores of methane in permafrost and beneath Arctic ice have a limited impact on future climate warming. Current activities are the primary source of methane emissions, with natural emissions accounting for nearly 40%.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

Columbia researchers develop new method to isolate atomic sheets and create new materials

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new method to isolate atomic sheets from layered van der Waals crystals, producing large-area atomically thin layers with high quality. The monolayers can be stacked in any desired order and orientation to generate a whole new class of artificial materials.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

Study shows long-term survival benefit for certain patients with advanced lung cancer

Researchers at Yale Cancer Center discovered that a small amount of the PD-L1 biomarker can predict long-term survival benefits from using pembrolizumab in patients with advanced lung cancer. The study found that overall survival was about 99% one year after discontinuing treatment, and ranged from 23% to 35% three years after treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 20, 2020

Risk of coronavirus importation in Africa

African countries with strong preparedness and detection capabilities are better equipped to handle a potential outbreak, while those with lower scores face significant risks of nondetection and local spread.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalThe Lancet·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.

Half of transgender youth avoid disclosing gender identity to a health care provider

A survey of 153 transgender youth found that 47% intentionally avoided disclosing their gender identity to healthcare providers outside the clinic. Participants suggested ways clinics can create spaces for comfortable disclosure, including materials, forms, and staff education. The study highlights the need for improved provider-patien...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 20, 2020

Patients frequently refuse insulin therapy, delaying blood sugar control

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that over 40% of patients refuse insulin therapy, leading to worse blood sugar control and longer time to lower blood sugar levels. Patients who decline insulin therapy had more severe diabetes complications and higher blood sugar levels.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2020

Tools used to study human disease reveal coral disease risk factors

A team of researchers used a statistical technique to identify ecological risk factors affecting coral diseases, including growth anomalies and white syndromes. They found larger corals had higher disease risk, with certain conditions such as high fertilizer and pesticide runoff associated with growth anomalies.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 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.

MEMEX project will help the inclusion of endangered communities

The MEMEX project aims to develop new technologies that encourage the visibility of vulnerable social groups, using smartphones. By telling their stories, communities can gain visibility and connect with their territory, discovering historical and artistic insights.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateFeb 20, 2020

Latino voters in Nevada lean toward Sanders, Biden

A Univision News poll by Cornell University finds that Bernie Sanders leads among Latino voters in Nevada with 33% support, followed by Joe Biden at 22%. The survey also shows significant concerns over health care and racism among Latinos, with four out of five disapproving of President Trump.

SourceCornell University·DateFeb 20, 2020

New study supports the safety of varenicline

A large-scale study has found no association between varenicline and increased cardiovascular or neuropsychiatric hospitalization risk. The study also suggests bupropion may be linked to lower cardiovascular risks and higher neuropsychiatric risks compared to NRT.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·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.

Scientists aim to learn how serotonin modulates behavior

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute will employ a nematode worm model to understand how serotonin modulates brain states and behavior. They aim to map out which combinations of serotonin receptors mediate its effects on behavior and analyze how serotonin alters whole-brain activity.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·DateFeb 20, 2020

Autism eye scan could lead to early detection

A new non-invasive eye scan could identify autism in children up to 5 years earlier than current methods, using a hand-held device to detect subtle electrical signals in the retina. The scan was tested on 180 people with and without autism between 5-21 years old.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 20, 2020

For 'blade runners' taller doesn't necessarily mean faster

A University of Colorado Boulder study challenges the International Paralympic Committee's rule requiring double, below-the-knee amputees to race at a shorter height. The research shows that blade shape and stiffness, not height, impact speed, with elite athletes achieving speeds up to 8% faster in certain prosthetic configurations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 20, 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.

Colorado river flow dwindles due to loss of reflective snowpack

The Colorado River's flow is declining due to the loss of its reflective snowpack, which increases evaporation and reduces runoff. This trend is expected to outpace precipitation increases under a warmer future, highlighting the need for more accurate projections of water availability.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

This study shows how a lack of oxygen during pregnancy can cause schizophrenia

A study found that prenatal hypoxia may contribute to schizophrenia by altering the functioning of astrocytes and mitochondria. Researchers investigated the effects of hypoxia on rat astrocytes and observed changes in mitochondrial calcium balance, which can lead to cell death.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2020

In killifish: Diapause protects life from normal consequences of aging

Researchers discovered diapause in African turquoise killifish protects against aging consequences without affecting lifespan or fitness. Genes involved in muscle development and chromatin remodeling factors play critical roles in regulating gene expression during diapause.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2020

Study shows dietitians are an effective part of weight loss

A new study shows that intensive behavioral therapy from dietitians is an effective way for older Americans to lose weight. The study found that patients who received dietitian-provided therapy lost an average of 2.66 lbs, while those in the control group gained weight.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalFamily Practice·DateFeb 20, 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.

Curing genetic disease in human cells

Scientists have successfully used CRISPR/Cas9 base-editing to cure cystic fibrosis in human stem cells, providing a promising new approach for treating genetic diseases. The technique, which repairs mutations without cutting DNA, shows great promise for the future treatment of various genetic disorders.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateFeb 20, 2020

Diversifying traditional forest management to protect forest arthropods

A recent study published in Forest Ecology and Management found that forest arthropods thrive in areas closer to river courses, with social wasps being the most affected by distance. Traditional forest management practices are essential for preserving biodiversity, including the richness of understories and chestnut tree dominance.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateFeb 20, 2020

Artificial intelligence yields new antibiotic

MIT researchers used a deep-learning model to identify a new antibiotic compound that can kill many species of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including some strains resistant to all known antibiotics. The compound, called halicin, was found using an in silico screening method and showed effectiveness against various bacterial strains.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateFeb 20, 2020

Xiaoji Xu named a 2020 Sloan Research Fellow

Xiaoji Xu named a 2020 Sloan Research Fellow, recognized for his innovative nanoscale imaging methods that empower researchers to study previously inaccessible objects. He plans to investigate the formation and transformation of aerosols and chemical properties of organic/inorganic photovoltaics.

SourceLehigh University·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.

A scaffold at the center of our cellular skeleton

Researchers from Université de Genève have discovered an internal structure at the center of centrioles, crucial organelles that form the cell skeleton. This finding provides a better understanding of centriole functions and pathologies associated with their dysfunction, including ciliopathies and retinal disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 20, 2020

Delivering bad news: 'Patients remember these conversations forever'

A new study by Northwestern University found that a simulation-based training program can help medical students develop the skills to break bad news to patients in a clear and compassionate way. The training, which uses a mastery learning approach, has been shown to improve patient outcomes and increase student satisfaction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2020

Watching TV helps birds make better food choices

A new study found that blue tits and great tits learn to avoid toxic foods by watching others' reactions, potentially increasing their survival rate. The birds can decrease the likelihood of bad experiences by observing others' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·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.

Study shows UV technology raises the standard in disinfecting ORs and medical equipment

A new UV technology has been shown to effectively eliminate more than 96% of pathogens in operating rooms and medical equipment, outperforming traditional chemical-based cleaning methods which only achieve 38% effectiveness. This breakthrough could significantly improve patient care environments and reduce hospital-acquired infections.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateFeb 20, 2020

The climate and increased extreme weather affect our energy systems

A new method predicts how extreme climate events affect energy systems with a focus on renewable energy sources. Future climate events can have a considerable impact, leading to power supply reliability reductions of up to 16%. Collaboration between energy system experts and climate researchers is necessary for optimization.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 20, 2020

Lower income linked to certain kidney diseases

A new study found an inverse association between socioeconomic status and certain kidney diseases. Researchers observed incremental increases in the incidence of lupus nephritis and ANCA-related glomerulonephritis with progressively lower income.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 20, 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.

Want to live longer? Stay in school, study suggests

A multi-institution study finds that level of education is best predictor of life expectancy, outshining racial factors. Higher education levels resulted in 1.37 fewer years of lost life expectancy, suggesting improved access to education could reverse declining life expectancy trends.

SourceYale University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2020

Bundled payments have not led to 'cherry-picking' of patients for joint replacement surgery

Researchers evaluated patient characteristics after introduction of bundled payment program, finding no significant changes in access to hip and knee replacement for sicker patients or those at higher risk of complications. The study provides reassurance that the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement program has not led to 'cherry-p...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 20, 2020

Let there be 'circadian' light

Researchers discovered a pigment called melanopsin sensitive to blue light affects circadian rhythms but cone photoreceptors respond strongly to long wavelength oranges and yellows at sunrise and sunset. The study identifies a cell in the retina regulating brain centers that impact sleep, mood and learning.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCurrent Biology·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.

Active droplets

Researchers created 'active droplets' that release drugs at a constant rate over several days, reducing the risk of overdose. The droplets are stable for longer due to hydrolysis protection and can be loaded with varying doses.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 20, 2020

A deep dive into cellular aging

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and Harvard University discovered that mitochondria trigger senescence in cells by communicating with the cell's nucleus. They identified an FDA-approved drug that helped suppress the damaging effects of senescence in cells and mice, providing a potential treatment for a...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·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.

Fetal balloon treatment for lung-damaging birth defect works best when fetal and maternal care are highly coordinated

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Center for Fetal Therapy report improved lung function in infants born after FETO therapy, which involves a minimally invasive procedure to block the fetal trachea. The study found that prenatal and postnatal monitoring and care were highly coordinated, allowing for favorable outcomes in the 14 infants born.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 19, 2020