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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 40

Blue light triggers memory and emphatic fear in mice via a non-invasive approach

Researchers at IBS have engineered a new biological tool that controls calcium signaling in the brain of mice using blue light. The study found that this non-invasive approach triggers memory and emphatic fear responses, indicating its potential for studying Ca2+ signaling and its role in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Environmentally friendly shipping helps to reduce freight costs

A study by Abo Akademi University found that environmentally friendly shipping practices can lower emissions and freight costs. Investments in sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and optimized propellers, are economically profitable.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJan 21, 2020

New study highlights importance of grain foods in infant diets

The study found that infants who consumed grains had higher nutrient intakes, better diet quality scores, and broader food group intake. Grains were associated with greater daily dietary fiber, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 compared to non-consumers.

SourceThe Cyphers Agency·JournalNutrients·DateJan 21, 2020

New glaucoma test to help prevent blindness

Researchers have identified 107 genes that increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The new test uses genetic information from tens of thousands of people worldwide to accurately predict glaucoma risk using a single blood or saliva sample.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 21, 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.

Sustainable markets must be created and defended

A conceptual framework has been developed to analyze the creation and shaping of sustainable markets, such as Sweden's biogas market. The framework highlights three key requirements: enabling exchange practices, constructing a narrative about sustainability, and proving the system through reliable evidence.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·DateJan 21, 2020

Improving cardiovascular health of the most vulnerable

A two-year pilot study increased statin medication use by 24-45% and high-intensity statin treatment by 349%, resulting in significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL levels. The partnership demonstrated the impact of public health partnerships on treating cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·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.

Study verifies a missing piece to urban air quality puzzle

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University sheds light on an under-appreciated source of organic aerosol (SOA) in urban areas, showing that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contribute significantly to SOA formation. The research reveals that non-traditional VOCs, such as those found in everyday household products, are a major contrib...

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 21, 2020

Vomiting bumblebees show that sweeter is not necessarily better

A new study using bumblebees found that the sweetest nectar is not always the best; too much sugar slows them down. The researchers discovered that bees prefer nectars with lower sugar concentrations, which are easier to drink and vomit back up.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 21, 2020

Opioid prescriptions affected by computer settings

Researchers found that modifying default settings for opioid prescriptions resulted in lower quantities prescribed. The study's findings suggest that reducing default settings can help improve prescription practices and protect patients from developing opioid addictions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 21, 2020

Autism study finds later diagnoses for girls, high rates of co-occurring disorders

A new study analyzing the first 1,000 participants in the Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI-CART) identifies key trends in the presentation and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Girls with autism receive a diagnosis, on average, nearly 1.5 years later than boys, likely due to advanced language abilities.

SourceBrown University·JournalAutism Research·DateJan 21, 2020

Cell biology: All in a flash!

Researchers at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München have developed a tool that allows for the selective degradation of essential proteins in cells using light or chemicals. This method enables the study of protein function without relying on genetic mutations or gene deletion, which is often not possible for essential proteins.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 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.

Glutamate in the brain has unexpected qualities, researchers show with new analysis method

Glutamate molecules have unexpected qualities, researchers show with a new analysis method. The technique measures activity and quantity of glutamate in brain cells, shedding light on its role in neurological disorders and diseases. This breakthrough could help improve understanding of pathologies and deliver real benefit.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 21, 2020

New roles found for Huntington's disease protein

A new study reveals that neurons in the striatum require the huntingtin gene for regulating movement, maintaining cell health, and developing connections between cells. This discovery may provide a new avenue against Huntington's disease, which affects motor control, dementia, and psychiatric symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 21, 2020

Less may be more in next-gen batteries

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a mechanism that protects cathodes from degrading in lithium-ion batteries by applying a thin layer of alumina, which also accelerates charging speed. This breakthrough could lead to more stable and efficient batteries for electric cars and grid storage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·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.

Cyberbullying linked to increased depression and PTSD

A new study found that cyberbullying significantly increases symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anger, and fantasy dissociation among young people. Participants who reported being cyberbullied also showed higher levels of lifetime emotional abuse.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2020

Sandia Fellow wins nuclear fusion award

Keith Matzen, a Sandia Fellow, has been awarded the 2019 Distinguished Career Award for his work on inertial confinement fusion. His achievements include leading the conversion of the PBFA-II accelerator to the Z machine, which established worldwide record levels of X-ray energy and power.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·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.

New tool assesses risk of depression in adolescence

Researchers developed a predictive tool to identify adolescents at high risk of depression in young adulthood using data from Brazilian adolescents. The tool demonstrated strong performance in Brazil but weaker results in UK and New Zealand samples due to differences in diagnostic measures, highlighting the need for local adaptation.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJan 21, 2020

Modified plants to curb climate change

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered modified plants capable of absorbing excess carbon dioxide more effectively. The plants' metabolic networks can be modulated to increase CO2 absorption by five times, which could help mitigate global warming.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateJan 21, 2020

Research supports new approach to mine reclamation

Researchers found that geomorphic reclamation, a novel approach mimicking nearby undisturbed lands, outperforms traditional practices in restoring plant diversity and wildlife habitat. The study suggests that this method may be a practical solution for landscape-level restoration in post-mining sites.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJan 21, 2020

Kirigami designs hold thousands of times their own weight

Researchers have created kirigami structures that can support 14,000 times their own weight without adhesives or fasteners. The tilted triangle design is strongest when flaps are undamaged and untapped, and its unique geometry allows for horizontal compression within the center of the design.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review X·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.

'Ancient' cellular discovery key to new cancer therapies

Researchers have discovered a link between a metabolic system in yeast and mammals that regulates cell growth and proliferation. The study found that cancer cells can override sensing systems to maintain uncontrolled proliferation, but disrupting this mechanism can suppress cell growth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 21, 2020

Link found between maternal depression and atopic dermatitis in children

A new study found a significant association between maternal depression and atopic dermatitis in children, with higher odds of developing the condition later in childhood. The research also suggests that postpartum depression is linked to more persistent disease and increased sleep disturbance among affected children.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalDermatitis·DateJan 21, 2020

New study reveals a life aquatic for many spider species

A recent study published in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society found nearly one fifth of all spider families associated with saltwater or freshwater habitats. Aquatic spiders display a range of adaptations, including dense hairs to repel water and specialized sensory systems.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateJan 21, 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.

Advancing the application of genomic sequences through 'Kmasker plants'

The new tool, 'Kmasker plants', enables researchers to identify repetitive sequences in plant genomes and assign them to positions. This allows for the rapid analysis of complex genomes and can help identify sequence candidate regions with agronomic importance.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJan 21, 2020

Feeding the world without wrecking the planet is possible

Researchers at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) discovered a way to produce enough food for up to 10 billion people without compromising the Earth system. The study suggests that adopting more sustainable forms of agriculture can increase production in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and improve climate resilience.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 21, 2020

University of Miami study explores cognitive function in people with mental illness

A University of Miami study has found that the profiles of genes influencing cognition are similar across people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and the general population. This discovery could lead to more effective therapies for improving cognitive function in patients with severe mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Genetics·DateJan 21, 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.

Researcher discovers previously rejected function in the brain's blood vessels

Assistant Professor Søren Grubb has discovered precapillary sphincters in mice, which regulate the resistance between arterioles and capillaries. The findings suggest a potential link to diseases like migraine, Alzheimer's, and vascular dementia, which are associated with blood vessel defects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

New opportunity for cancer drug development

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have successfully designed small molecules that activate Frizzleds, a receptor family linked to various cancers and disorders. This breakthrough opens up new therapeutic strategies for treating different types of cancer.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020

Kids rice snacks in Australia contain arsenic above EU guidelines: Study

A new study found 75% of Australian rice-based products contain inorganic arsenic above the European Union guideline, posing a risk to children's health. The research recommends that kids eat rice in moderation and parents avoid serving it at every meal to minimize exposure to arsenic.

SourceRMIT University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·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.

NASA to help fund AnalySwift, Purdue technology

AnalySwift LLC will receive a $125,000 grant from NASA to further develop its SwiftComp software, which models high-strain composites used in space exploration. The technology will help NASA engineers design lightweight, time- and temperature-dependent structures for space missions.

SourcePurdue University·DateJan 21, 2020

Scientists show we don't need horses to treat diphtheria

Researchers develop animal-free antitoxin to block diphtheria toxin, reducing animal suffering and increasing safety. PETA-funded project uses human blood cells to create effective treatment with no risk of allergic reactions.

SourcePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)·JournalScientific Reports·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.

Coral 'helper' stays robust under ocean acidification

Researchers discovered that coralline algae can build tolerance to ocean acidification over time, providing a potential solution for coral reef survival. The findings suggest that these algae may be able to resist the impacts of climate change on coral reefs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 21, 2020

Changing cancer care, one organoid at a time

Researchers create patient-specific, immune-active tumor organoids to test response to immunotherapy treatment and predict effectiveness. The platform has the potential to revolutionize cancer care by focusing on patients' unique needs.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateJan 21, 2020

New self-assembled monolayer is resistant to air

Scientists at the University of Groningen have created a new self-assembled monolayer using buckyballs functionalized with ethylene glycol, which remains chemically unchanged for several weeks when exposed to air. This makes it easier to use in research and devices, and could lead to breakthroughs in molecular electronics.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 21, 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 research could reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death

Researchers have identified a link between abnormal calcium release and arrhythmias in heart failure, suggesting new therapies may improve early Ca2+ release. Restoration of AP phase 1 repolarization could mitigate defective excitation-contraction coupling and reduce sudden death risk.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

Algorithm turns cancer gene discovery on its head

A new algorithm uses machine learning to identify genes that spur tumor growth by linking DNA mutations to altered functionality. The method can predict and validate cancer-driving genes in any database or real population sample.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 20, 2020

Magnetic nanomaterials become an effective treatment against liver fibrosis

Scientists discovered that magnetic nanoparticles can target and treat liver fibrosis by delivering drugs to the affected tissue, reducing inflammation and improving liver function. This new approach offers a potential solution for treating this fatal illness with improved patient outcomes.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalCells·DateJan 20, 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.

Internists call for comprehensive reform of US health care

The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a new vision for a better US healthcare system, emphasizing universal coverage, reduced barriers to care, and value-based payment systems. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote patient-centered care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 20, 2020

Refining breast cancer classification by multiplexed imaging

Researchers used imaging mass cytometry to analyze 35 protein biomarkers in breast cancer patients, identifying four subcategories of the disease with varying molecular profiles. This breakthrough has the potential to change clinical practice by enabling precision medicine and personalized treatment approaches.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 20, 2020

Climate (not humans) shaped early forests of New England

A new study reveals that climate conditions, not human activity, dominated the shaping of early forests in New England for thousands of years. The research team combined archaeological records with studies on vegetation, climate, and fire history to reconstruct historical changes to the land.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 20, 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.

How human social structures emerge

Researchers developed mathematical models to understand what conditions produced traditional community structures and conventions around the world. Simulated family groups with shared traits naturally grouped together into distinct cultural groups, leading to the emergence of incest taboos and direct or generalized exchange kinship str...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020

Look what's inside: Full-body movies from EXPLORER scanner

Scientists have developed a method to reduce noise and reconstruct images from raw data, capturing ultrafast whole-body dynamic tracer imaging with improved image quality at a timescale of 100 milliseconds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020