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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Women still face barriers to breastfeed at work

Despite federal guidelines in place, many working mothers struggle to access breastfeeding resources such as private rooms, lactation consultants, and breast pumps. Experts recommend employers designate a point person for breastfeeding support to improve work-life balance for new mothers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalWorkplace Health & Safety·DateJan 21, 2020

Bend and snap: New interventions for rib fractures

A new multicenter study finds that stabilizing fractured and partially dislocated ribs through surgical stabilization improves patient outcomes, with reduced pain, increased comfort, and lower complication rates. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced better quality of life and fewer complications compared to those who did not.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJan 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How fruit flies flock together in orderly clusters

Researchers discovered that fruit flies use fly-fly interactions to establish regular spacing in clusters, driven by a balance between congregating and maintaining personal space. Depriving the flies of their senses results in abnormal responses and high failure rates in cluster formation.

SourceeLife·DateJan 21, 2020

Scientists study zebrafish in search of melanoma-fighting drugs

Researchers at Northern Arizona University are studying zebrafish with mutated BRAF genes to develop new melanoma treatments. They aim to predict optimal drug combinations using computational models and test them in humanized zebrafish, potentially leading to new therapies within the next year or two.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·DateJan 21, 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.

Human-sparked fires smaller, less intense but more frequent with longer seasons

A CU Boulder-led study reveals human-sparked fires are becoming more frequent and occurring over longer seasons, presenting new challenges for U.S. wildfire managers and firefighters. The shift toward more human-caused fires results in decreased fire intensity and size, but may not be a good thing due to changes in ecosystem roles.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateJan 21, 2020

Plants absorb lead from perovskite solar cells more than expected

A recent study found that perovskite solar cells absorb lead from the environment, with lead from these cells being ten times more bioavailable than from other industrial sources. This could have significant implications for the safety of these materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

TB bacteria survive in amoebae found in soil

Scientists discovered that Mycobacterium bovis can survive and grow in small amoebae organisms found in soil and dung. The bacterium adapts to ambient temperatures and remains metabolically active, potentially explaining high transmission rates between animals.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 21, 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.

Light-up wheels: Unique organic light-emitting molecular emitters

Researchers at Osaka University have designed and synthesized a new molecular emitter for organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), using rational chemical design with U-shaped synthetic building blocks. The efficient macrocyclic OLED emitter could potentially be used in tiny, energy-efficient chemical sensors.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 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.

Mosquitoes are drawn to flowers as much as people -- and now scientists know why

Researchers at the University of Washington found that mosquitoes are drawn to certain flowers like the blunt-leaf orchid due to a finely balanced bouquet of chemical compounds. The team discovered that combining specific chemicals stimulates the mosquito brain, drawing in mosquitoes as effectively as a real flower.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2020

A chronicle of giant straight-tusked elephants

Researchers have identified distinct species of giant straight-tusked elephants in Europe and Asia, with the Indian form featuring a robust skull crest. The study, published in Quaternary Science Reviews, reveals that these prehistoric giants went through six sets of teeth in their lifetimes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateJan 21, 2020

Researchers identify a possible cause and treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

A recent study published in PNAS reveals that extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers found that ECM1 is highly expressed in macrophages and regulates their polarization through the GM-CSF/STAT5 signaling pathway.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 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.

The properties of thin titanium oxide films have been studied

Researchers developed new titanium oxide thin films with improved conductivity and stability across a wide range of temperatures. The findings show promise for creating efficient catalysts that can operate effectively at various temperatures.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalThin Solid Films·DateJan 21, 2020

Police shootings linked to inaccurate dispatch information

A new study examined how dispatched call information influences police officer decisions to use deadly force. Inaccurate information about a subject's presence of a weapon was associated with an increased likelihood of shootings of unarmed subjects.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalPolice Quarterly·DateJan 21, 2020

Traumatic brain injury impairs hormone production, disrupting sleep, cognition, memory

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have discovered that traumatic brain injuries can lead to a cascade of health issues, including fatigue, depression, and memory problems. Growth hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve symptoms, but the mechanisms behind its effectiveness are still not fully understood.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 21, 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.

Researchers solve protein structures to fight asthma

Scientists have shed light on the structure and functioning mechanism of CysLT receptors, regulating inflammatory responses associated with allergic disorders. The study identified critical ligand-binding determinants, enabling better understanding of receptor-ligand complexes and potential drug targets.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Cultural difference play crucial role in when people would sacrifice one to save group

A new study found that people in Eastern countries are less likely to support sacrificing someone to save more lives, highlighting the importance of considering local ethics in AI development. The 'Trolley Dilemma' thought experiment showed a significant difference in willingness to sacrifice one person versus five.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2020

Mars' water was mineral-rich and salty

A new study suggests that Mars' ancient waters were characterized by high salinity and a neutral pH, creating an environment potentially suitable for microbial life. The research found evidence of hyposaline lakes on early Mars, which could have supported life forms similar to those found on Earth.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Novel composite antimicrobial film could take a bite out of foodborne illnesses

A new composite film made with an antimicrobial layer has shown promise in reducing the growth of harmful bacteria on packaged meat and fish products. The film, which contains a biopolymer called pullulan and an antimicrobial compound called Lauric arginate, was found to be effective in killing pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.,

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Food Microbiology·DateJan 21, 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.

A simple way to predict tropical cyclones undergoing rapid intensification

Researchers develop new method to predict rapid intensification in tropical cyclones using the Synchronization Index, which measures vertical structure coherence. This index helps forecasters monitor vortex structure and understand processes influencing rapid intensification.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 21, 2020

Antiviral compound offers hope against deadly flu

A new antiviral compound based on a protein found in bananas has been shown to safely protect against multiple strains of the influenza virus in mice, with over 80% survival rate. The compound also shows promise against Ebola, HIV and other deadly viruses, including a synergistic effect with Tamiflu.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2020

University of Barcelona study links weekend eating jet lag to obesity

A University of Barcelona study found that irregular eating schedules during weekends, known as eating jet lag, may contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity. Researchers suggest that maintaining regular eating and sleeping schedules can help prevent weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNutrients·DateJan 21, 2020

US is polarizing faster than other democracies, study finds

A new study by Brown University researchers finds that US political polarization has grown rapidly over the past 40 years, surpassing other developed democracies. The research suggests that factors such as racial division, party sorting, and partisan cable news may be driving this trend.

SourceBrown University·DateJan 21, 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.

Esports organisations look to optimise player sleep

A study on esports athletes' sleep habits found that most do not get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night, leading to impaired mental health and performance. Esports organisations are now taking steps to address this issue through sleep interventions.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Medicine Research·DateJan 21, 2020

Platypus on brink of extinction

A new study warns of the platypus's critically high risk of extinction, citing water resource development, land clearing, climate change, and severe drought as major threats. The researchers call for urgent national action to prevent the species from disappearing from Australian waterways.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalBiological Conservation·DateJan 21, 2020

Entrepreneurs have different storytelling styles for presenting business

A new study found that entrepreneurs employ five distinct storytelling styles when discussing business closures, focusing on positive outcomes and maintaining credibility. The styles include Triumph, Harmony, Embrace, Offset, and Show, each conveying different impression management strategies.

SourceAalto University·JournalHuman Relations·DateJan 21, 2020

Select few cancer patients enroll in potentially life-extending clinical trials

Researchers found that only 0.1% of cancer patients were enrolled in clinical trials as their first course of therapy after diagnosis. White males with private health insurance and metastatic cancers are more likely to enroll, but the low enrollment rate is still troubling due to the potential for increased life expectancy.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJan 21, 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.

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.

Immune cell health discovery could optimise cancer therapies

Researchers at University College London discovered that T cells in the liver can 'recycle' material through autophagy, a process enabled by the cytokine IL-15. This breakthrough could lead to more effective immunotherapies for cancer and chronic viral infections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 21, 2020

Recent health reforms in Oregon reduce infant deaths, improve access for women's health

A recent study by Oregon State University researchers found that Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) in 2012 reduced infant mortality rates among Medicaid patients, particularly preterm births. The CCOs' integrated care model addressed social determinants of health, such as housing and transportation, to improve patient outcomes.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateJan 21, 2020

The little auks that lived in the Pacific

A 700,000-year-old fossil bone found in Japan indicates that a close relative of the modern dovekie was once thriving in the Pacific Ocean. The discovery suggests that dovekies were more abundant in Japan and the Pacific than previously thought.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·DateJan 21, 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.

Cardiac and visual degeneration arrested by a food supplement

Researchers at UNIGE discovered a new gene linked to blindness and cardiomyopathy, which causes a deficiency in taurine. Administering a taurine supplement halted the progression of eye disease and treated cardiac disease in two children.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 21, 2020

Addressing global warming with new nanoparticles and sunshine

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have developed a new strategy to convert CO2 into oxygen and pure carbon monoxide using nanoparticles. The hybrid catalyst, made of blue titania, tungsten trioxide, and silver, shows 200 times higher performance than previous versions.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMaterials Today·DateJan 21, 2020

Examining low-carbohydrate, low-fat diets, risk of death

An analysis of self-reported data from over 37,000 US adults found associations between low-carb and low-fat diets and mortality risk, with unhealthy diets linked to higher total mortality. Healthy low-carb and low-fat diets were associated with lower total mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 21, 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.

Designer-defect clamping of ferroelectric domain walls for more-stable nanoelectronics

Researchers at FLEET have made a significant step in solving the primary challenge of information stability in domain-wall nanoelectronic data storage. By introducing designer defects, they were able to clamp down domain walls, effectively preventing ferroelectric domain relaxation and promoting superior polarisation retention.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Doubts raised about effectiveness of HPV vaccines

A new analysis of HPV vaccine clinical trials raises doubts about their effectiveness, citing methodological problems and limited trial populations. The study found that the trials were not designed to detect cervical cancer, which takes decades to develop, and that vaccination may only prevent low-grade abnormal cell changes.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJan 21, 2020

Banning food waste: Lessons for rural America

A new study suggests that rural communities in Vermont are already managing their food waste effectively through composting and feeding scraps to pets or livestock. While support for banning food waste is high, only a minority of residents are willing to pay for curbside compost pickup programs.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateJan 21, 2020

Maternal depression on rise in poor countries

A study by Flinders University found rising levels of reported antenatal depression in low and middle-income countries. Antenatal depression is associated with increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight, highlighting the need for more services, particularly in low-income economies.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 21, 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.

Vitamin C-B1-steroid combo linked to lower septic shock mortality in kids

A new pediatric study found that treating septic shock with a combination of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and hydrocortisone reduces mortality in children. The treatment resulted in mortality rates of 9% at 30 days compared to 28% in control groups.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 21, 2020

Avatar worms help to identify factors that modify genetic diseases

Researchers used CRISPR gene-editing to introduce human mutations into C. elegans worms, identifying genes that modify disease progression and pinpointing harmful drugs. The study found three candidate disease-modifier genes and demonstrated the importance of screening for potential harm in patients with genetic mutations.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateJan 21, 2020