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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 22


Page 22 of 40

Glimpse into ancient hunting strategies of dragonflies and damselflies

Researchers found that dragonflies and damselflies share key neurons in their neural system, indicating a common ancestor. The two insects have distinct hunting strategies, but similar neurons are responsible for processing visual information, informing technological advancements.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 16, 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.

New optical technique captures real-time dynamics of cement setting

Researchers developed a nondestructive optical technique to determine cement setting times and assess hydration processes in real-time. The method combines laser-based technology with an optical model to calculate dynamic behavior, providing accurate calculations for initial and final setting times.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 16, 2020

Edible 'security tag' to protect drugs from counterfeit

Researchers at Purdue University have developed an edible 'security tag' to protect prescription drugs from counterfeiting. The tag uses a digital fingerprint and can be scanned by a smartphone app to verify authenticity.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 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.

Comparing cancer costs is challenging, despite new price transparency rules

A recent study found that standard radiation treatment costs for prostate cancer vary greatly between hospitals, with some centers not listing prices at all. The lack of common terminology and unbundled cost reporting hinders the value of price transparency in helping patients estimate and compare care costs.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 16, 2020

Making sense of the self

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center discovered that the insular cortex plays a crucial role in assessing and predicting physiological states. The study's findings provide potential new avenues for addressing diseases such as eating disorders, obesity, and drug addiction by targeting the brain's reward system.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateJan 16, 2020

UTSW researchers uncover new vulnerability in kidney cancer

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a new mechanism by which clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors grow and spread. Inhibiting the enzyme TBK1, which becomes more active in these cancer cells, shows promise as a potential strategy for treating kidney cancer.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJan 16, 2020

Walnuts may be good for the gut and help promote heart health

A new study suggests that eating walnuts daily can increase certain beneficial gut bacteria, which may contribute to improved heart health. The research found that walnuts enriched a number of gut bacteria associated with health benefits, including Roseburia and Eubacteria eligens.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 16, 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.

Microscopy technique reveals cells' 3D ultrastructure in new detail

A new microscopy technique, cryo-SR/EM, combines images from electron microscopes and super-resolution light microscopes to reveal the intricate 3D structure of cells. This allows researchers to study the relationships between cellular structures and their surroundings with unprecedented clarity.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2020

Structual color barcode micromotors for multiplex biosensing

Researchers at Southeast University have developed a novel kind of microtort with stable structural color for multiplex assays. These micromotors can efficiently accelerate mixing speed and increase probe-target interactions, leading to faster and more sensitive detection. The unique structural color coding allows for simultaneous mult...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 16, 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 gauges efficacy of drugs against pork tapeworm

A systematic review found that albendazole (ALB) and praziquantel (PZQ) are effective in treating taeniasis caused by the pork tapeworm. The study analyzed 20 studies, including before-after designs and controlled trials, and reported cure rates ranging from 52% to 99.5%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 16, 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.

Death rates plunge in older people with diabetes, but not younger people

A 16-year study of Hong Kong's population found that death rates from all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer decreased significantly in older adults with diabetes. In contrast, younger adults with diabetes experienced little to no change in their death rates over the same period. The researchers suggest that targeted p...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateJan 16, 2020

The Society for Pediatric Research announces new members

The Society for Pediatric Research welcomes 130 new members, including renowned researchers, who will contribute to child health endeavors. The SPR's initiatives include a research and presentation forum, award programs, and career development support.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateJan 16, 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.

A secreted signature of aging cells

Researchers have discovered a secreted protein signature of aging cells, which is enriched with biomarkers found in human plasma. This breakthrough could lead to the development of therapeutic approaches to treat age-related diseases by targeting senescent cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 16, 2020

Hormone resistance in breast cancer linked to DNA 'rewiring'

Researchers discover that hormone resistant ER+ breast cancers have a 'rewired' 3D structure of DNA, altering gene activation and silencing. This change may explain how cancer cells evade hormone therapy, offering a potential path for reversal using existing drugs.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2020

Jumping genes threaten egg cell quality

Scientists discovered that jumping genes target egg cells with reduced quality for elimination during fetal development, a process called FOA. This mechanism helps maintain the caliber of available egg supply, suggesting potential ways to combat infertility.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 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.

Lights on for germ-free wound dressings

Researchers have introduced a gel that is activated by red light to produce reactive oxygen compounds effectively killing bacteria and fungi. The hydrogel combines photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy with fully synthetic properties, overcoming previous biocompatibility issues.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2020

Scientists discover link between ALS genes

A new study identified Gemin3 as a molecular 'bridge' between genes causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease. The research holds promise for developing treatments effective for a broad range of ALS patients.

SourceUniversity of Malta·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 16, 2020

Do studies underestimate the prevalence of typhoid?

A study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that typhoid prevalence is likely higher than estimated due to missed blood cultures, with patients more likely to have cultures if older, feverish or suspected urinary tract infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJan 16, 2020

Older undiagnosed sleep apnea patients need more medical care

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that older adult Medicare beneficiaries with untreated obstructive sleep apnea had greater health care utilization and costs. The researchers suggest routine screening for sleep apnea to better contain treatment costs.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 16, 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.

ISSCR statement on ethical standards for stem cell-based embryo models

The ISSCR is updating its guidelines to address the use of pluripotent stem cells in modeling early human embryo development. The new guidelines outline principles and recommendations for researchers, including oversight by special committees and reporting to Embryo Research Oversight (EMRO) processes.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 16, 2020

Brain imaging may improve diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders

A new study reveals that brain imaging can improve diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders by identifying distinct neurobiological signatures. The research used machine learning to analyze the brains of over 1,100 children and adolescents with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

SourceAmerican College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2020

Sleep linked to language skills in neurodevelopmental disorders

A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that sleep disturbance is common among young children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including Down's syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Williams syndrome. The research showed that improved sleep patterns were associated with better language skills in these children.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·DateJan 16, 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.

Partnership with China prompts change in care for high-risk type of leukemia

A collaborative clinical trial has led to changes in the treatment of leukemia driven by the Philadelphia chromosome, a high-risk subtype associated with poor outcomes. Dasatinib was found to provide greater benefit than the standard of care, resulting in improved event-free survival rates.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJan 16, 2020

$25 million project will advance DNA-based archival data storage

A $25 million project led by Georgia Tech Research Institute aims to develop scalable DNA-based molecular storage techniques for deployable, exabyte-scale storage. The goal is to significantly reduce size, weight, and power requirements while improving long-term data storage.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 16, 2020

How anti-sprawl policies may be harming water quality

Higher-density development with more impervious surfaces causes runoff, leading to increased water pollution. Agriculture also contributes significantly to water pollution, and anti-sprawl policies can prevent much-needed land-use changes that reduce pollution.

SourcePenn State·JournalResource and Energy Economics·DateJan 16, 2020

Nanopore sequencing of African swine fever virus

African swine fever virus can replicate in various pig cells and has a relatively conservative genome. Whole-genome sequencing is crucial for understanding the transmission route of ASFV. Nanopore sequencing technology proved more efficient than traditional next-generation sequencing methods in obtaining viral genomes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJan 16, 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.

Pretty with a twist

Researchers at TUM functionalized a simple rod-like building block with hydroxamic acids to form molecular networks displaying complexity and beauty. The networks exhibit exceptional properties and chiral symmetry, with unique opportunities for bottom-up nano-templating.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2020

Novel protein positioning technique improves functionality of yeast cells

Researchers at Kobe University developed a method to control protein anchorage position in engineered yeast cells, improving ethanol production by 30% and increasing potential applications in bio-production and medicine. This technique utilizes anchoring domains to manipulate protein location on the cell surface.

SourceKobe University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·DateJan 16, 2020

What's MER? A new way to measure quantum materials

Scientists have combined multiple measurements of quantum materials into one, discovering a new way to measure their behavior. This breakthrough allows for the control and manipulation of these materials for possible applications in technology such as quantum computing.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2020

A technology for embedding data in printed objects

A team from Nara Institute of Science and Technology has developed a method to embed information in 3D printed objects and retrieve it using a consumer document scanner. The technique uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with modified layer thickness to hide data.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Multimedia·DateJan 16, 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.

The mysterious, legendary giant squid's genome is revealed

The giant squid's full genome sequence has been published, providing insight into its anatomy and evolution. The genome, similar to other animals, suggests that the squid did not get its massive size through whole-genome duplication.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalGigaScience·DateJan 16, 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.

Mix of stress and air pollution may lead to cognitive difficulties in children

Researchers found that combined exposure to air pollution and early life stress affects attention and thought problems in school-age children. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, suggests a 'double hit' on shared biological pathways connected to these issues.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2020

AlphaZero learns to rule the quantum world

Researchers at Aarhus University used AlphaZero to control a quantum system, demonstrating its applicability to three different problems. The algorithm learned to exploit an underlying symmetry of the problem, surprising the team with its ability.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 16, 2020

Older ethnic minority adults have fewer close friends

A new study found that older Black and Asian adults report having significantly fewer close friends and local friends compared to their White peers. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among ethnic minority adults.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAgeing and Society·DateJan 16, 2020

New model shows how crop rotation helps combat plant pests

A new computational model shows that regular crop rotations switching every other year may not be optimal for maximizing crop yield when threatened by plant pathogens. The analysis identified patterns of crop rotation that maintain soil quality and diminish pathogen load, suggesting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 16, 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.

The Lancet Digital Health: Real-time flu prediction may be possible using wearable heart rate and sleep tracking devices

A study found improved real-time prediction of influenza-like illness in five US states compared to current surveillance methods using de-identified data from wearable devices. The researchers used Fitbit data to identify abnormal resting heart rates and sleep patterns, which were linked to increased risk of flu.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateJan 16, 2020

Asteroid impact killed dinosaurs while volcanism shaped life in the aftermath

Researchers found that asteroid impact was primary cause of K/Pg mass extinction, while volcanic outgassing played role in shaping species after event. Volcanic emissions altered carbon cycle, allowing oceans to absorb CO2, limiting global warming and potentially influencing Cenozoic life.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2020