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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 13


Page 13 of 40

Pride and prejudice at high altitude

A new study suggests that attitudes towards altitude sickness began to form over 200 years ago, with British explorers fueling distrust towards Himalayan peoples. The early 19th-century writings of British surveyors and travellers reveal a complex web of exploitation and competition between Europeans and locals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalItinerario·DateJan 23, 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.

Technique reveals whether models of patient risk are accurate

Researchers develop technique to evaluate reliability of patient risk models, which often fail to accurately predict outcomes. The method generates an unreliability score, indicating when a model's predictions are less trustworthy, helping doctors avoid ineffective or unnecessarily risky treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDigital Medicine·DateJan 23, 2020

When caregivers need care

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that caregivers are more likely to neglect their own health due to cost concerns. The study revealed a significant gap in healthcare access and utilization among caregivers, with 26% having no insurance coverage compared to non-caregivers.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalRehabilitation Psychology·DateJan 23, 2020

Bending with the wind, coral spawning linked to ocean environment

A research team from Tohoku University found that corals adjust their spawning timing according to environmental conditions, such as wind speed and temperature, allowing them to optimize mating opportunities. This fine-tuning helps corals adapt to changing ocean environments.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJan 23, 2020

Large marine parks can save sharks from overfishing threat

Researchers found that existing marine reserves need to be much larger to conserve shark populations, with reserves extending between 10-50km required for significant improvements. This study provides options for managers to address declines in shark populations and ensure healthy oceans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Acetone plus light creates a green jet fuel additive

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a new product that converts biomass-derived acetone into a cyclobutane, a high-energy-density fuel additive. This process reduces the need for hydrogen treatment and generates carbon dioxide, offering environmental benefits and improving US energy security.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·DateJan 23, 2020

New insights about the brightest explosions in the Universe

Swedish and Japanese researchers found a new explanation for the emission lines of SN 2006gy, a superluminous supernova. The discovery led to a revised understanding of how the supernova arose, with a double star system involving a white dwarf and massive hydrogen-rich star implicated.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

High-protein diets boost artery-clogging plaque, mouse study shows

A new study reveals that high-protein diets can lead to increased plaque buildup in arteries, particularly unstable plaque prone to rupture. This can increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers found that excess amino acids from a high-protein diet activate macrophages, leading to cell death and worsening plaque complexity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 23, 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.

Inspiring STEM careers through a hands-on Everglades microbiome study

A pilot project with high school students in Florida's Everglades inspired a hands-on learning experience in microbiology. The students collected soil samples and analyzed DNA sequences, leading to the publication of their data in a reputable scientific journal.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateJan 23, 2020

Airborne pollution associated with more severe rhinitis symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) experience more severe rhinitis symptoms, including nasal congestion and sneezing.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 23, 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.

UT quantum materials researcher receives $1.7M Moore Foundation Award

David Mandrus, a UT professor and Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher, has received a five-year $1.7 million award to pursue research on quantum materials and their unique properties. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation acknowledges Mandrus's significant contributions to the field of materials science.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateJan 23, 2020

Data from behind enemy lines: How Russia may have used Twitter to seize Crimea

Researchers analyzed Twitter data during the 2014 Ukraine-Russia conflict and found that pro-Kremlin sentiment was high in Crimea but low elsewhere. The study suggests that social media data can be used as a source of military intelligence to estimate potential casualties and costs incurred from occupying foreign territories.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPost-Soviet Affairs·DateJan 23, 2020

Astronomers detect large amounts of oxygen in ancient star's atmosphere

Astronomers have detected significant amounts of oxygen in the ancient star J0815+4729, which is one of the oldest and most elementally depleted stars known. This finding provides valuable insights into how oxygen and other essential elements were produced in the early universe.

SourceW. M. Keck Observatory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 23, 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.

Researchers expand microchip capability with new 3D inductor technology

The new technology uses self-rolled-up membrane technology to create compact magnetic induction devices with higher performance and reduced heat dissipation issues. Researchers have successfully boosted the performance of their 3D inductor technology, allowing for tens of millitesla-level magnetic induction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2020

Obesity embargo alert for February 2020 issue

Researchers found that dietary disinhibition was associated with 5-year longitudinal weight gain in obesity-prone individuals. Additionally, breastfeeding duration and timing of solids introduction significantly impacted BMI trajectories in early childhood.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateJan 23, 2020

How the brain processes rewards

A study analyzing 190 fMRI studies found that food and erotic images activate the left hemisphere, while money activates both hemispheres. The basal ganglia play a key role in reward processing, with different regions activated depending on the type of reward.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBrain Imaging and Behavior·DateJan 23, 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.

Researchers uncover mechanism for how common gene therapy vectors enter cells

A team at Massachusetts Eye and Ear has identified GPR108, a G protein-coupled receptor, as a molecular 'lock' necessary for most adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to gain access to cells. This discovery may enable scientists to better explain, predict, and ultimately direct AAV gene transfers to specific tissues.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalMolecular Therapy·DateJan 23, 2020

5 major advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment

Breakthrough research presents five major advances in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment, including a new drug pipeline, a diet that improves symptoms, and a fecal microbiota transplantation approach. These studies offer hope for patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateJan 23, 2020

Inhibition of p38 reduces the growth of lung tumors

Researchers have discovered that inhibiting p38 reduces the growth of lung tumors in genetic mouse models. Lower levels of p38 in tumors are associated with a more favorable prognosis for patients.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2020

Using artificial intelligence to enrich digital maps

Researchers developed RoadTagger to predict lane counts and road types with high accuracy, helping improve GPS navigation in unfamiliar locations. The model uses a combination of neural network architectures to automatically tag road features, enabling the creation of accurate digital maps.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 23, 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.

Turtle tracking reveals key feeding grounds

A study tracked female loggerheads from Mediterranean rookeries, revealing three key feeding areas: Adriatic, Tunisian Plateau and eastern Mediterranean. The research highlights the importance of protecting these habitats to conserve turtle populations threatened by bycatch and human activities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateJan 23, 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.

Revealed: The explosive origin of superluminous supernova SN 2006gy

Superluminous supernova SN 2006gy was found to be a Type Ia explosion that interacted with a dense shell of circumstellar material, producing an unusual spectrum with unidentified emission lines. The iron lines were identified as evidence of the interaction, which is consistent with observations and simulations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

For low back pain in older adults, treatment doesn't match guidelines

A recent study found that many Medicare patients with new episodes of low back pain receive care inconsistent with current guidelines. This includes the overuse of opioids and advanced imaging tests, which is contrary to recommendations from the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateJan 23, 2020

Researcher looking for clues in the mystery of the Grand Canyon's water supply

Researchers created a new model to better predict karst-aquifer vulnerability in the Grand Canyon, providing more accurate information for land and water managers. The study found similar patterns of contamination risk between two aquifers, with some areas showing high vulnerability to contamination.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalHydrogeology Journal·DateJan 23, 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.

More autonomy at work reduces the risk of low back pain

A recent meta-analysis found that psychosocial factors in the workplace, such as workload and job control, contribute significantly to chronic low back pain. Employees with more autonomy in scheduling their work experienced lower rates of CLBP.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateJan 23, 2020

A Zika vaccine could save suffering and costs

A new study shows that a Zika vaccine doesn't have to offer perfect protection to be valuable, with potential cost savings in certain situations.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 23, 2020

Chemicals in the environment: A focus on mixtures

High-resolution mass spectrometry coupled with bioanalytical tools can characterize complex chemical mixtures and capture mixture effects in environmental samples. The CITEPro technology platform is a key tool in this approach, enabling the profiling of the exposome and elucidating drivers of chemical stress.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

URI biologist provides framework for national invasive species policy, implementation

A special issue of Biological Invasions co-edited by Laura Meyerson and Daniel Simberloff offers a comprehensive framework for a national early detection and rapid response program to address the growing threat of invasive species. The papers outline technical guidance for implementation, including technology advancement, risk screenin...

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalBiological Invasions·DateJan 23, 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.

Low-dose aspirin may reduce preterm birth risk among first-time mothers

A large clinical trial has found that low-dose aspirin daily from early pregnancy to 36 weeks may lower the risk for preterm birth among first-time mothers by 11%. The study involved over 11,000 women in several low- and middle-income countries and showed a significant reduction in preterm delivery before 37 weeks.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 23, 2020

Venom-producing snake organoids developed in the lab

Researchers have developed a method to grow snake venom gland cells as organoids, producing active toxins. The lab-grown mini glands can be grown from multiple species and maintained indefinitely, holding promise for reducing the devastating impact of snakebites.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateJan 23, 2020

First treatment for pain using human stem cells a success

Researchers at the University of Sydney have successfully developed pain-killing neurons using human stem cells, providing lasting relief in mice without side effects. The next step is to conduct safety tests in rodents and pigs before moving to human trials within five years.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPain·DateJan 23, 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.

Quantum experiments explore power of light for communications, computing

Researchers from ORNL and Purdue University successfully design a quantum frequency beam splitter using standard lightwave communications technology, enabling controlled photon interactions. The team also demonstrates a coincidence-basis controlled-NOT gate and completes the first demonstration of a frequency tritter.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateJan 23, 2020

Racial discrimination in mortgage market persistent over last four decades

A Northwestern University analysis finds that racial disparities in the mortgage market have persisted over the last four decades, while housing discrimination has decreased. Black and Hispanic borrowers are more likely to be rejected when applying for a loan and receive high-cost mortgages.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateJan 23, 2020

AJR researchers take step toward automating thyroid cancer triage

A team of researchers from Stanford University has developed a quantitative framework to sonographically differentiate between benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The framework achieved AUC values comparable to those of expert radiologists, suggesting its potential for establishing a fully automated system of thyroid nodule triage.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateJan 23, 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.

A new blood component revealed

Researchers at INSERM have revealed that whole functioning extracellular mitochondria are present in the bloodstream, contradicting previous assumptions. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of physiology and could lead to improvements in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJan 23, 2020

Scientists highlight potential of exposome research

The exposome represents the cumulative health effects of environmental exposures. A review article in Science calls for a coordinated international effort to characterize the exposome at scale, accounting for non-genetic risk factors and potential preventable exposures.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

A proposal to change environmental risk assessment for pesticides

The proposal aims to implement a holistic, integrated systems-based approach to pesticide regulation, considering dynamic agroecological factors. Current ERA guidelines are decades old and based on assumptions that misrepresent modern ecological systems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 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.

Women with colorectal cancer fare better if they have social support

Kaiser Permanente research reveals that post-menopausal women with colorectal cancer who have low social support are more likely to die from the disease or any cause. The study found a significant association between high levels of emotional, informational, tangible, and positive interactional support and lower mortality rates.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalCancer·DateJan 23, 2020

Study finds many youth living with undiagnosed chronic fatigue syndrome

A new study found that less than 5% of children and teenagers who tested positive for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) had been previously diagnosed with the illness. The prevalence of pediatric ME/CFS was found to be higher among African American and Latinx youth.

SourceDePaul University·JournalChild & Youth Care Forum·DateJan 23, 2020

New understanding of condensation could lead to better power plant condenser, de-icing materials

New research shows that the slipperiness between droplets and solid surfaces is more critical for clearing condensation than previously thought. The findings could lead to cost-effective alternatives to water-repellent materials, such as ceramic or metal surfaces, which could last longer and be more durable.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 23, 2020