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Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 37


Page 37 of 40

Grooves hold promise for sophisticated healing

Researchers at Rice University have created a grooved method to seed 3D-printed scaffolds with living cells, enabling the growth of different tissue types in a single platform. This innovative approach protects cells from heat and shear stresses, allowing for the creation of hard implants that can heal bone, cartilage, or muscle.

SourceRice University·JournalBioprinting·DateFeb 4, 2020

Study identifies interaction site for serotonin type 3A and RIC-3 chaperone

Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center have identified the specific region of serotonin type 3A receptor that interacts with the RIC-3 chaperone protein. This discovery could lead to more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 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.

Artificial intelligence 'sees' quantum advantages

Researchers created a neural network that autonomously finds solutions well-adapted to quantum advantage demonstrations, aiding in developing new efficient quantum computers. This breakthrough enables the prediction of quantum advantages in complex networks, which is crucial for creating cost-effective and reliable quantum devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateFeb 4, 2020

Genetic variants reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease

A DNA study of over 10,000 people has identified naturally occurring gene variants that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by impairing tyrosine phosphatase activity and cell survival. The findings suggest PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signalling pathway as a key target for therapeutic drugs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAnnals of Human Genetics·DateFeb 4, 2020

How cells respond appropriately in harsh environments arising from global warming

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which cells respond to environmental stresses, including high temperature, dryness and high salination. The study found that a cytoplasmic sensor enhances MAP kinase phosphorylation, leading to a more accurate and robust response than previously thought possible.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

Public opinion of drugs effectiveness may be too biased

A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

New discovery provides hope for improved multiple sclerosis therapies

Scientists have made an important discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that drugs targeting the IL-17 molecule may not need to get across the blood-brain-barrier to be effective in treating MS.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalImmunity·DateFeb 4, 2020

Ad spending on toddler milks increased four-fold from 2006 to 2015

US sales of toddler milks more than doubled from 2006 to 2015, driven by increased TV advertising spending and lower prices. This surge in sales occurred despite health experts' recommendations that parents not serve toddler milks, citing added sugars and lack of nutritional benefits.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Deep learning accurately forecasts heat waves, cold spells

Rice University engineers developed a deep learning system that uses capsule neural networks to predict extreme weather events, such as heat waves and winter storms, with high accuracy. The system achieves 85% accuracy in five-day forecasts by identifying patterns in pressure systems and regional areas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sweet nanoparticles trick kidney

Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Self-care linked to greater confidence in parents of children with FASD

A new study found that caregivers' self-care strategies are crucial in managing stress and improving family needs for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Caregivers who report greater confidence in their ability to use self-care also experience reduced parental distress and higher parenting satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateFeb 4, 2020

Peeking at the plumbing of one of the Aleutian's most-active volcanoes

A new technique uses seismic waves from distant earthquakes to image the subterranean structure of Cleveland volcano. The study, published in Scientific Reports, resolved the architecture of the lower and middle crust for the first time, providing crucial information for emergency planning and saving human lives.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020

Red coral effectively recovers in Mediterranean protected areas

In Mediterranean Protected Areas, red coral colonies (Corallium rubrum) have recovered partially, with health levels comparable to those of the 1980s. The study highlights the effectiveness of marine protections and underscores the need for urgent protection measures in Mediterranean biodiversity hotspots.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sand dunes can 'communicate' with each other

Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 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.

Johns Hopkins physicians propose quality measures to improve medical billing

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have proposed five quality measures for medical billing, including itemized bills, price transparency, and service quality. The measures aim to reduce financial toxicity and promote transparency, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 2020

Synthetic mushroom toxin

Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin introduce a new method to synthesize α-amanitin, a highly selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This synthetic route allows for large-scale production and could lead to cancer treatment advancements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Microbes linked to cancer in threatened California foxes, report Princeton researchers

Researchers at Princeton University have found a link between microbes and cancer in threatened Santa Catalina foxes, with ear mites and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius playing a key role. The study shows that a shift in the microbiome allows antibiotic-resistant infection to take hold, leading to chronic inflammation and tumor growth.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 4, 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.

New hydrogels wither while stem cells flourish for tissue repair

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed biodegradable hydrogels that create a fertile environment for bone stem cells to grow and proliferate. The study found that the space created by degrading hydrogels enables stem cells to thrive, remodel their local environment, and form intricate cellular networks.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateFeb 4, 2020

Kidney stem cells can be isolated from urine

Researchers have successfully isolated kidney stem cells from urine, expressing markers similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and renal stem cell markers. The isolated cells can differentiate into various kidney cell types, including proximal- and distal-tubules and podocytes.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 2020

Are neurological disorders associated with increased risk of suicide?

A Danish registry study found a significant association between neurological disorders, including dementia and Parkinson's disease, and increased risk of suicide. The study analyzed nearly 40 years of data for 7.3 million people, revealing that those with neurological conditions were more likely to die by suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 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.

More than half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded 3-day supply recommendations from CDC 2016 guidelines

A new study found that over half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded the recommended 3-day supply, with nearly 1/3 of patients receiving more powerful opioids than needed. The study suggests that improving guidelines and education for dentists can help reduce overprescription.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Scientists find RNA affecting skin cancer progression

Researchers found a new long non-coding RNA, PRECSIT, that regulates the growth and invasion of squamous cell carcinoma in skin. PRECSIT's expression is linked to the tumor suppressor gene p53, promoting cancer progression via STAT3 signaling.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Yale studies suggest new path for reversing type-2 diabetes and liver fibrosis

A team of Yale researchers has discovered a way to reverse type-2 diabetes and liver fibrosis in mice, highlighting the potential for targeting TET3 protein. The studies, published in Cell Reports and Nature Communications, also suggest that TET3 plays a role in fibrosis development and may be a key target for treatment.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

Medicaid expansion slashed uninsured rates in Diabetes Belt, study finds

A new study found that Medicaid expansion significantly reduced uninsured rates among low-income residents in the Diabetes Belt. The increase in insurance coverage helped address access to care issues, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalDiabetes Care·DateFeb 4, 2020

Scientists find new ways to prevent skin scarring

Researchers at Oxford University Press USA have identified new ways to prevent skin scarring after injuries. The study suggests that pressure therapy, silicone treatment, and early laser intervention can reduce scar formation and improve therapeutic response. These findings offer promising hope for patients with hypertrophic scars.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateFeb 4, 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.

Unlocking the secret of cell regulation

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Flyception 2.0: New imaging technology tracks complex social behavior

A new imaging system, Flyception2, has recorded ultra-precise brain activities in flies during various stages of mating, including courtship. The study reveals surprising findings about brain nerve cells' activity patterns, with P1 neurons inactive during copulation and mAL neurons switched on.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

Publicly sharing a goal could help you persist after hitting failure

Research from Binghamton University found that publicly sharing goals only affects those who care about public perception. Immediate feedback and high incentives are crucial for goal persistence after a failure. People who don't value public reputation aren't affected by the public or private nature of a goal.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Consumer Behaviour·DateFeb 4, 2020

Children's mental health is effected by sleep duration

Research from the University of Warwick found that shorter sleep duration is associated with increased depression and anxiety in children. The study examined brain structure and cognitive performance in 11,000 children aged 9-11, revealing lower brain volume in areas involved in emotional regulation.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 4, 2020

'Levitating' proteins could help diagnose opioid abuse, other diseases

Researchers at Michigan State University developed a new method to detect protein density in blood plasma using magnetic levitation. This technique could lead to improved disease diagnosis and treatment by identifying distinct patterns of proteins associated with various health conditions, such as opioid abuse and multiple sclerosis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateFeb 4, 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.

New thalattosaur species discovered in Southeast Alaska

A new species of thalattosaur, Gunakadeit joseeae, has been discovered in Southeast Alaska, providing insights into the marine reptile's family tree. The fossil, which is the most complete thalattosaur ever found in North America, dates back over 200 million years.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 4, 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.

Almost 10% of NC state students experienced homelessness

A survey of 1,923 NC State students found that nearly 10% experienced homelessness and over 14% struggled with food insecurity in the previous 30 days. The study highlights the need for institutions to address these challenges and provide support services for students facing housing and food insecurity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of College Student Development·DateFeb 4, 2020

How to survive the complexity of conducting scientific research

A study on co-creation in research reveals the benefits of collaborative models, including improved communication dynamics and decision-making techniques. Practical tools for managing cross-disciplinary research projects have been developed to address the challenges of complexity and diversity.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateFeb 4, 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.

Gun owners aren't happier, don't sleep better at night

A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Radiologists describe coronavirus imaging features

Researchers describe key chest CT imaging findings in Wuhan coronavirus patients, highlighting bilateral ground-glass and consolidative pulmonary opacities. The study's findings suggest that lung cavitation, discrete nodules, and lymphadenopathy are characteristically absent in cases of 2019-nCoV.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 4, 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.

Chitosan-graft-Polyacrylamide tested as inhibitor of hydrate formation

Researchers from Kazan Federal University have developed a new reagent to combat hydrate formation in Arctic oil production, reducing environmental harm. The chitosan-graft-Polyacrylamide reagent slows down hydrate formation and ensures safe transportation of products in optimal temperature ranges.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·DateFeb 4, 2020

Researchers reveal target in acute kidney injury prevention

Researchers have identified a new treatment target for preventing acute kidney injury, which affects up to 10% of hospitalized patients. High levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) are linked to the risk of acute kidney injury, and reducing suPAR levels may help prevent damage to healthy kidneys.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Does animal size in zoos matter?

A new study finds that zoos with large, iconic animals like rhinos and tigers tend to have higher attendance and contribute more to conservation funding. However, the research also suggests that zoos can increase conservation impact by diversifying their species collections.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 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.

Feeding bluebirds helps fend off parasites

New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020