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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 30


Page 30 of 40

Sensitive and specific potassium nanosensors to detect epileptic seizures

Researchers have developed sensitive and specific potassium nanosensors that can monitor dynamic changes of potassium ions in the brain during epileptic seizures. These nanosensors enable the accurate sensing of potassium levels in different parts of the brain, facilitating the diagnosis and therapy of epilepsy.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 10, 2020

NASA analyzes ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's rainfall in Western Australia

GPM mission core satellite analyzed rainfall generated by ex-Tropical Cyclone Damien's remnants, showing heaviest rainfall occurring south of the center at a rate of at least 0.2 inches per hour. Heavy rainfall is forecast over the southeastern Gascoyne and adjacent Goldfields, posing a risk of flash flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Black carbon and haze formation

Researchers discovered that black carbon catalyzes sulfate production during regional haze events in the North China Plain, leading to significant air quality issues. The study suggests reducing SO2, NOx, NH3, and black carbon emissions is crucial to improve air quality.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Skin cancer diagnosis apps are unreliable and poorly regulated, study shows

A study by University of Birmingham experts reveals that smartphone skin cancer detection apps are unreliable and poorly regulated, with only a small number of studies showing variable and unreliable test accuracy. The researchers call for stricter regulations and better evaluation processes to protect public safety.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 10, 2020

New study will ask why poor children fare worse after heart surgery

A new study led by pediatric cardiologist Brett Anderson aims to uncover the reasons behind health inequities in poor children who undergo heart surgery. The research will analyze data from 11 hospitals across New York state to identify mechanisms driving disparities in outcomes.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·DateFeb 10, 2020

Brain-wave pattern can identify people likely to respond to antidepressant, study finds

Researchers at Stanford Medicine have developed a brain-wave signature that can predict which individuals with depression are most likely to respond to sertraline, an antidepressant. The study used electroencephalography and AI to identify the pattern in participants before treatment, allowing clinicians to make informed decisions abou...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 10, 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.

Supercharged light pulverises asteroids, study finds

According to a University of Warwick astronomer, the majority of stars in the universe will become luminous enough to blast surrounding asteroids into successively smaller fragments. This process will be triggered by the YORP effect, which creates an imbalance that spins up orbiting asteroids until they break apart.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 10, 2020

Species extinction and survival under climate change

A study analyzing climate-associated range shifts found larger temperature increases linked to extinctions. Niche shifts may allow some species to survive, reducing predicted extinctions to 30%. The analysis suggests niche shifts are more important for species survival under climate change than range shifts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

New technology could help solve AI's 'memory bottleneck'

Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device that could support the surge of data-centric computing, enabling faster and more secure processing. The device uses antiferromagnetic materials and operates with record-low electrical current to write data.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 10, 2020

Statins may lower mortality in high-risk prostate cancer patients

Research found that statins, alone or with metformin, increase survival in men with high-risk prostate cancer. Metformin plus statin was associated with a 36% reduction in risk of death compared to non-users, while statins alone showed a 54% reduction in PCA mortality among patients with high-risk prostate cancer.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCancer Medicine·DateFeb 10, 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.

But what about flow? The effect of hydrodynamics on liquid-liquid transitions

A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science has expanded our understanding of liquid behavior by describing the role of hydrodynamics in these transitions. They found that changes in density lead to hydrodynamic fluctuations, affecting domain growth and long-range interactions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

The many lives of charcoal

African charcoal production supports nomadic lifestyles, while its large-scale use contributes to deforestation. Despite efforts to regulate, charcoal remains a significant source of energy worldwide, with millions of metric tons produced annually.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalResources·DateFeb 10, 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.

Phenology in urban heat islands

A study found that urban areas in the US experience an earlier start to plants' greening season compared to rural areas. The advancement of spring phenology is driven by warmer temperatures, but the rate of change slows down under continued warming.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Pharmacological migraine prophylaxis shows almost no effect in children

A systematic review of 23 studies on pharmacological migraine prophylaxis in children and adolescents found that none of the tested medications had a significant long-term effect compared to placebo. Short-term improvements were seen for propranolol and topiramate, but these effects were not sustained.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateFeb 10, 2020

Child mortality in Africa

A study examining child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa found that many mothers experienced child death, even as global rates declined. The research suggests that child mortality remains a significant issue in the region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 10, 2020

Feds back Rice computer scientist's security strategy

Ang Chen, a Rice University assistant professor, has been awarded a $550,000 NSF CAREER Award to develop a new security strategy for future networks. His proposal, Poise, aims to make security an equally important goal as connectivity in the next-generation internet.

SourceRice University·DateFeb 10, 2020

Patient-partnered research finds clues about a rare cancer's genetic roots

Researchers analyzed genomes of nearly 50 tumor samples from angiosarcoma patients and found dozens of mutated genes, including new clues about therapeutic possibilities for some subtypes. The study suggests that drugs approved for other types of cancer might be useful in treating angiosarcoma.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 10, 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.

Financial pressure makes CFOs less likely to blow the whistle

A recent study found that CFOs are reluctant to blow the whistle on potential fraud when their company is under pressure to meet a financial target. Financial managers are adept at detecting red flags, but become less willing to report externally when facing pressure.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 10, 2020

Summary report on small cell lung cancer research points to progress and challenges

Recent advances in immunotherapy are starting to show hope for small cell lung cancer patients, but current treatments have limited durability and many patients don't respond. Researchers call for further exploration of underlying disease mechanisms and development of predictive biomarkers to advance the field.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateFeb 10, 2020

Palliative vs. standard care for Parkinson's disease

A randomized clinical trial found that outpatient palliative care was associated with better patient and caregiver outcomes for patients with Parkinson disease. The study included 210 patients and 175 caregivers and examined the effects of palliative care on quality of life, mood, and sleep.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateFeb 10, 2020

Youth with HIV less likely than adults to achieve viral suppression

A study of over 1,000 youth found that only 12% achieved viral suppression, compared to 32-63% in adult studies. The study highlights the need for tailored HIV intervention services and frequent contact with trained peer counselors to ensure enrollment and retention in care.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·DateFeb 10, 2020

New treatment discovered for rare eye disease may prevent blindness

A new minimally invasive treatment has shown significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life for patients with thyroid eye disease. The drug, teprotumumab, blocks inflammatory autoimmune pathophysiology and has the potential to alter the course of the disease.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 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.

Research uncovers new path for melanoma detection and treatment

A new method for detecting circulating tumour cells (CTCs) has been developed to improve the monitoring of cancer patients. This approach increases detection rates from 40-87% to 72%, offering a new avenue for cancer diagnosis and therapies.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateFeb 9, 2020

'Rule breaking' plants may be climate change survivors

Research found that plantains, a small plant native to Europe, have become one of the world's most successfully distributed species by adapting in unconventional ways. The study revealed that multiple introductions into new environments led to high genetic diversity and adaptability, making invasive plants more successful.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2020

New research shows that El Niño contributes to insect collapse in the Amazon

A recent study has found that intense droughts and wildfires during the last El Niño climate phenomenon, combined with human disturbance, led to a significant decline in dung beetle numbers. The beetles, which play a crucial role in spreading nutrients and seeds, fell by more than half and took at least two years to recover.

SourceLancaster University·JournalBiotropica·DateFeb 9, 2020

Place-based tax incentives stimulate employment in remote regions

A study by University College London found that place-based payroll tax incentives can be effective in stimulating employment in remote and underdeveloped regions. The researchers discovered a significant decline in local employment and wages in response to the tax hike.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateFeb 9, 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.

Biodiversity yields financial returns

An interdisciplinary study found that biodiversity increases yield and revenue in semi-natural grasslands. The researchers discovered that maintaining higher levels of plant diversity leads to improved forage quality and increased income from milk sales, comparable to the difference between extensively and intensively farmed land.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Light burns with new acids

Researchers at NAIST developed a new photo-acid generator that produces Lewis acids with a significantly higher quantum yield than existing Brønsted acids. This breakthrough enables the activation of previously inaccessible biological and photo-polymer systems, opening up new opportunities for organic synthesis.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 7, 2020

Scientists resurrect mammoth's broken genes

Researchers resurrected Wrangel Island mammoth's mutated genes to test their functionality. They found the genes did not function normally, suggesting the last mammoths were genetically unhealthy and unable to smell, providing a cautionary tale for endangered species.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 7, 2020

Understanding gut microbiota, one cell at a time

A novel technique called SAG-gel allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple draft genomes from raw data, identifying bacteria that respond to dietary fiber without reference genomes. The study reveals specific gene clusters and metabolic pathways involved in breaking down inulin.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·DateFeb 7, 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.

Inequitable medicare reimbursements threaten care of most vulnerable

A recent study by Saint Louis University found that Medicare's current risk payment system unfairly reimburses healthcare providers for caring to patients with certain conditions. The system fails to account for factors like frailty, dementia, depression, and poverty, leading to unequal reimbursement rates.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 7, 2020

Fly model offers new approach to unraveling 'difficult' pathogen

Researchers at UC San Diego created transgenic fruit flies to study the effects of CDTa toxin on host cells, revealing a collapse of networks essential for nutrient absorption. The fly model mimics symptoms in human C. difficile-infected patients, offering a potential avenue for novel therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournaliScience·DateFeb 7, 2020

Bacterial influencers -- rhizosphere microbiome mediates root metabolite exudation

Researchers discovered that the rhizosphere microbiota can shape and control root exudation through a systemic root-to-root signalling mechanism. This process, termed Systemically Induced Root Exudation of Metabolites (SIREM), triggers the secretion of acylsugars in the whole root system.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2020

Using neutrons and X-rays to analyze the aging of lithium batteries

A team of researchers investigated electrode surfaces during charging and discharging using X-ray and neutron tomography methods. They found deformations, discontinuities, and areas with low electrolyte levels that affect battery performance. The analysis allows for the development of strategies to improve lithium battery design.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Linguistics: The pronunciation paradox

A study by LMU linguists reveals that language learners believe their own pronunciation is better than others', even when they make the same mistakes. This overestimation hinders progress in learning foreign languages, highlighting the importance of external feedback to improve skills.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 7, 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.

Oligomers observed mimicking the combination of DNA strands: Study

A team of scientists at Monash University has successfully created dynamic covalent oligomers that mimic the combination of complementary DNA strands. This breakthrough could lead to improved nanostructures for solar capture technology and molecular electronics, as well as enhanced interfaces between prostheses and human tissue.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Invisible X-rays turn blue

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology developed a new reaction system that detects X-rays at the highest sensitivity ever recorded using organic molecules. The system can detect even the faintest X-ray levels considered dangerous, making it safer for workers exposed to radiation.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 7, 2020

Mayo researchers discover way to prime cancer tumors for immunotherapy

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a method to make tumor cells more responsive to immunotherapy. By promoting genetic mutations in tumor cells, they found that these cells become vulnerable to immune system attacks. The approach showed promise across different types of tumors and patient genomes.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2020

Jackiw-Rebbi zero-mode: Realizing non-Abelian braiding in non-Majorana system

Scientists have discovered a new method to realize non-Abelian braiding in a non-Majorana system by constructing Jackiw-Rebbi zero-modes in a quantum spin Hall insulator. This breakthrough has the potential to enable topological quantum computation without superconductivity, offering advantages over Majorana-based systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 7, 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.

Bright idea in dentist's office leads to innovative smoking cessation project

A study published in Addiction found that providing smokers with free, two-week nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) starter kits increased quit attempts and smoking abstinence. The intervention also showed promise for low-income patients, those with lower education levels, and rural residents.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAddiction·DateFeb 7, 2020

New commuter concern: Cancerous chemical in car seats

A new UC Riverside study reveals that commuters exposed to a known carcinogen called TDCIPP for less than a week experience elevated levels of the chemical. The research found that the longer one commutes, the higher their exposure to TDCIPP.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 7, 2020

Study resurrects mammoth DNA to explore the cause of their extinction

Researchers resurrected mammoth DNA and found unique genetic mutations affecting neurological development, male fertility, insulin signaling, and sense of smell. The study suggests that the small population's genetic defects may have hindered their survival.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 7, 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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Build it and they will come

Researchers found that residents of smaller cities are more likely to buy apartments in Moscow region suburbs due to affordability. In contrast, city dwellers prioritize central locations. These findings highlight the impact of regional inequality on urban development and migration patterns.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·DateFeb 7, 2020

Princeton's Bonnie Bassler receives $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize

Geneticist Bonnie Bassler received the $500,000 Gruber Genetics Prize for her pioneering research on quorum sensing, a process by which bacteria communicate using molecular languages. Her discoveries have expanded our understanding of the microbial world and opened up new approaches to promoting health and preventing disease.

SourceYale University·DateFeb 7, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Statistical method developed at TUD allows the detection of higher order dependencies

A new statistical method called distance multivariance can detect higher-order dependencies between multiple variables, even complex non-linear relationships. This method has been applied to a survey of school students, revealing a higher-order dependence including age and gender as influencing factors for missed school days.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalOpen Statistics·DateFeb 7, 2020

Russian scientists propose a technology reducing the cost of high-efficiency solar cells

Researchers from ITMO University have proposed a technology for manufacturing high-efficiency solar cells based on A3B5 semiconductors integrated on a silicon substrate, which may increase the efficiency of existing photovoltaic converters by 1.5 times. The new technology could lead to more effective and affordable solar energy solutions.

SourceITMO University·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateFeb 7, 2020