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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 25


Page 25 of 40

'Ghost' of mysterious hominin found in West African genomes

Researchers discovered genetic contributions from an unknown archaic hominin in modern West Africans through computer modeling. The study suggests recent or multiple interactions between anatomically modern humans and various populations of archaic hominins, hinting at a complex history.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 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.

Are robots designed to include the LGBTQ+ community?

Developers need to acknowledge importance of inclusivity for LGBTQ+ community in robot design. Technology reflects societal biases, and excluding queer perspectives is a problem that should be recognized in research and design.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateFeb 12, 2020

Two UH chemists are named 2020 Sloan Research Fellows

Jakoah Brgoch and Judy Wu are recognized as 2020 Sloan Research Fellows for their groundbreaking research in computational and experimental inorganic chemistry. Their work has the potential to revolutionize fields such as energy, manufacturing, and neuroscience.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateFeb 12, 2020

Gut feelings: Gut bacteria are linked to our personality

A large human study found that gut microbiome composition and diversity are related to differences in personality, including sociability and neuroticism. People with larger social networks tend to have a more diverse gut microbiome, while those with higher stress or anxiety have lower diversity.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalHuman Microbiome Journal·DateFeb 12, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Preclinical study links human gene variant to THC reward in adolescent females

A preclinical study found that a human gene variant affects the brain's reward processing circuit and increases vulnerability to THC reward in adolescent females, leading to higher preference for cannabis. The study suggests genetic factors can contribute to increased susceptibility to cannabis dependence in select populations.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2020

Overweight from cosmetics

Researchers found a positive correlation between butylparaben exposure and increased body-mass index in children until their eighth birthday. Parabens may disrupt the regulation of natural satiety in the brain through epigenetic modifications, leading to higher food intake.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 12, 2020

Evaluating skin cancer history by sexual orientation, gender identity

Two studies found that individuals with non-heterosexual orientations and non-cisgender identities have a higher lifetime prevalence of skin cancer. The research highlights significant disparities in skin cancer rates among LGBTQ+ populations in the US, underscoring the need for targeted prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 12, 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.

Antibiotics discovered that kill bacteria in a new way: McMaster

A new group of antibiotics, corbomycin and complestatin, have been discovered with a unique approach to killing bacteria by blocking the function of the bacterial cell wall. The researchers demonstrated its effectiveness in mice against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2020

New data shows rising repeat ER visits for opioid-related emergencies

A study analyzing 9,295 patients in four Indiana hospital systems found that those with multiple ED visits, heroin use, and Medicaid or uninsured status were more likely to have future emergency department encounters. Consolidating patient information can improve risk assessment and treatment opportunities for at-risk patients.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

New study shows Deepwater Horizon oil spill larger than previously thought

A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill spread beyond the known satellite footprint, impacting a wider range of marine wildlife. The research team developed a new framework to better manage future oil spills, taking into account invisible and toxic oil.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2020

Study: One-third of plant and animal species could be gone in 50 years

A new study by University of Arizona researchers estimates that one in three plant and animal species may face extinction by 2070 due to climate change. The study analyzed data from hundreds of plant and animal species surveyed around the globe, finding that maximum annual temperatures are the key variable driving local extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Cancer cells alter protein production machinery to hasten metastasis

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center identified an adaptation by cancer cells that facilitates their spreading to distant sites. Targeted therapies disrupting the ribosome function and inhibiting cancer cell growth slows the spread of breast cancer in a mouse model.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2020

New Argonne etching technique could advance the way semiconductor devices are made

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new molecular layer etching technique that could help fabricate and control material geometries at the nanoscale. The technique uses pulses of gas to remove thin films, potentially opening new doors in microelectronics and extending beyond traditional Moore's Law scaling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 12, 2020

Biodiversity offsetting is contentious -- here's an alternative

Target-based ecological compensation provides a framework for linking compensatory requirements to biodiversity targets, ensuring no net loss of species habitats. This approach resolves uncertainty and promotes better outcomes for the planet and people.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalConservation Letters·DateFeb 12, 2020

EPA fails to follow landmark law to protect children from pesticides in food

A recent investigation by the Environmental Working Group found that the EPA has failed to apply an extra margin of safety to legal limits for pesticides in food, putting children at risk. The study examined 47 non-organophosphate pesticides and found that only five cases had the required tenfold safety factor applied.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalEnvironmental Health·DateFeb 12, 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.

Absent p53, oral cancers recruit and reprogram nerves to fuel tumor growth

Researchers found that oral cancers can reprogram nerves to grow into tumors, changing their function and fuelling growth. The team discovered that adrenergic nerves, involved in stress response, are susceptible to drugs used to treat high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2020

Herd immunity: Disease transmission from wildlife to livestock

Research identifies high-risk locations and times for disease transmission between elk and cattle, highlighting the importance of minimizing contact between species. Guidelines provide actionable steps to reduce the risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

Bubble-capturing surface helps get rid of foam

A new method using bubble-attracting sheets of specially textured mesh can significantly reduce or eliminate foamy bubbles in industrial processes. The system works by attracting and shedding bubbles, allowing them to dissipate quickly and reducing the need for chemical additives.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateFeb 12, 2020

Right beneath the skin we all have the same bacteria

A new study found that the same bacteria are present in the dermis layer of skin across all ages and genders, contradicting the long-held assumption that each person's microbiome is unique. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalmBio·DateFeb 12, 2020

Taming age survival of Asian elephants three times higher than in the 1970s

Researchers found that calf mortality at taming age differs from wild elephants and that calves with less experienced mothers are more likely to die. However, overall calf survival has massively improved over the decades, thanks to changes in management, such as daily veterinary care and access to natural habitats.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 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.

Hybrid microscope could bring digital biopsy to the clinic

Researchers developed a hybrid microscope that combines optical and infrared measurements with machine learning algorithms to create digital biopsies. The hybrid microscope closely correlates with traditional pathology techniques and outperforms state-of-the-art infrared microscopes in terms of resolution, consistency, and coverage.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 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.

Genetics enhance sex's role as a stroke, heart attack risk factor

Researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 people and found that genetics significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack in men compared to women. The study suggests that genetic scores could be used to identify healthy middle-aged adults at higher risk and develop preventive measures.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 12, 2020

Component of human breast milk enhances cognitive development in babies

A study published by Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that the carbohydrate 2'FL in breast milk positively influences neurodevelopment and enhances cognitive development in babies. The researchers analyzed breast milk composition and feeding patterns to determine the effects of 2'FL on infant cognitive development.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 12, 2020

Something from nothing: Using waste heat to power electronics

A University of Tsukuba-led research team created a thermocell with a material exhibiting temperature-induced phase transition, boosting output voltage from tens of millivolts to around 120 mV. This design enables efficient energy harvesting from waste heat to power small electronics sustainably.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 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.

Researchers find test to ID children at higher risk for cystic fibrosis liver disease

A multi-center study has identified a research-based ultrasound screening method that can predict which children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for advanced liver disease. The test shows promise in identifying patients who could benefit from targeted therapies to prevent the development of this life-threatening condition.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 12, 2020

Predators to spare

Marine biologists found that redundancy in urchin predators and protection afforded to them help keep sea urchin populations in check, particularly in protected areas. The study highlights an underappreciated benefit of marine reserves and offers a new perspective on strategies to manage ecosystems for resilience.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology·DateFeb 12, 2020

Gay and bisexual men have higher rate of skin cancer

Rates of skin cancer were higher among gay and bisexual men compared to heterosexual men. However, bisexual women had a lower rate of skin cancer than heterosexual women. The study's findings highlight the importance of addressing skin cancer risk in sexual minority populations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 12, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Faith-centered tattoos are analyzed in study of university students

Researchers analyzed 752 photos of faith-centered tattoos on college students, finding that nearly 20% were overtly religious in content. Religious tattoos were more likely to face inward, toward the owner, and feature images such as the cross, often with Bible references.

SourceBaylor University·JournalVisual Studies·DateFeb 12, 2020

How plants in the cabbage family look inward when sulfur is scarce

Scientists at Kyushu University found that two enzymes, BGLU28 and BGLU30, play a crucial role in breaking down glucosinolates in plants deficient in sulfur. The study reveals that these enzymes are essential for plant growth under sulfur-deprived conditions.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 12, 2020

SwRI models hint at longer timescale for Mars formation

Scientists modeled early impact events on Mars, revealing a heterogeneous mantle and challenging previous estimates of the planet's formation time. The new research provides insight into the Red Planet's evolution and composition.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 12, 2020

Why are ethnic minority doctors less successful than white doctors?

Doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are up to three times more likely to fail exams than their white peers. Improved learning experiences and inclusive curriculums can help address this institutional problem. Strong leadership and tackling prejudice are key to creating a more equitable healthcare system.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 12, 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.

Multi-center neuroimaging study offers new insights on schizophrenia

A new study analyzing MRI scans of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome found significant brain volume differences compared to control groups, including lower volumes in specific structures and higher volumes in others. The study provides a unique window into how psychiatric problems develop over time.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 12, 2020

Automated system can rewrite outdated sentences in Wikipedia articles

A system created by MIT researchers can pinpoint and replace specific information in Wikipedia sentences while retaining humanlike grammar and style. This technology has potential to automatically update factual inconsistencies in Wikipedia articles, reducing time and effort spent by human editors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 2020

Designer probiotic treatment for cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have designed a novel probiotic strain that can seek out solid tumors and safely deliver immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to tumor regression. The probiotic platform can also be used to deliver multiple immunotherapies simultaneously, enabling effective therapeutic combinations for difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

Sex hormone-related protein levels may impact stroke risk in women

Research suggests that low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) may be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal women. The study, which examined data from over 13,000 women, found that those with the lowest SHBG levels were 51% more likely to have had a stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 12, 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.

X-ray microscopy at BESSY II: Nanoparticles can change cells

A recent study at BESSY II used X-ray microscopy to investigate how nanoparticles interact with cells. Researchers found that nanoparticles can change the number and type of cell organelles, such as increasing mitochondria and decreasing lipid droplets. This suggests that different nanoparticle coatings may have similar effects on cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 12, 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.

Many teens are victims of digital dating abuse; boys get the brunt of it

A recent study found that over one-quarter of teens experience digital dating abuse, including harassment and control via technology. Boys are more likely to be victims than girls, while traditional forms of abuse also emerge as a significant issue. Risk factors include depressive symptoms, sending sexts, and cyberbullying.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 12, 2020

Mount Sinai discovers new drug combo to induce high rates of human beta cell regeneration

Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered a novel combination of two classes of drugs that cause the highest rate of human beta cell proliferation without harming most other cells in the body. This finding is an important step toward a diabetes treatment that restores insulin production. The study, published in Science Translational Medici...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2020

AAAS announces Advanced Devices & Instrumentation as fifth journal in Science Partner Journal Program

Advanced Devices & Instrumentation, the fifth journal in AAAS's Science Partner Journal program, publishes high-impact breakthroughs in electronics, photonics, and artificial intelligence. The journal aims to provide a platform for valuable research outcomes in fields like sensor technology, internet-of-things and energy management.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 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.