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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 25


Page 25 of 40

Mutations in donors' stem cells may cause problems for cancer patients

A new study suggests that rare, harmful genetic mutations present in healthy donors' stem cells can be passed on to cancer patients, causing heart damage, graft-versus-host disease and new leukemias. The study analyzed DNA samples from 25 AML patients and their matching donors, revealing 44% of donors had at least one harmful mutation.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Dr. Sallie Permar receives the SPR Award in honor of E. Mead Johnson

Sallie Permar, a pediatric researcher focused on neonatal viral infections, has been recognized with the SPR Award in honor of E. Mead Johnson. Her research has led to significant breakthroughs in understanding neonatal viral infections, including the development of vaccines for prevention of vertical virus transmission.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateJan 15, 2020

Study: Women's blood vessels age faster than men's

A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute found that women's blood vessels age faster and are more susceptible to high blood pressure earlier in life. The research highlights sex differences in cardiovascular physiology and disease, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 15, 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.

Glimpses of fatherhood found in non-pair-bonding chimps

Researchers studied male chimpanzees' social relationships, finding strong bonds with maternal brothers and old males, including biological fathers. This challenges the idea that pair bonds evolved first in humans, suggesting elements of fatherhood may have arisen earlier in a similar social system.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJan 15, 2020

Single payer systems likely to save money in US, analysis finds

A single payer system would replace private insurance and simplify billing, leading to savings through lower drug costs and efficiencies. The study found that 19 of 22 models predicted net savings in the first year, averaging 3.5% of total healthcare spending.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Math that feels good -- creating learning resources for blind students

An international team of researchers has developed an online system to create accessible math textbooks in Braille, overcoming challenges such as representing maths formulas and graphs. The project aims to provide equal access to knowledge for blind students, enabling them to touch and compare mathematical concepts.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·DateJan 15, 2020

Study: Pig virus is easily transmitted among chickens and turkeys

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that a pig virus is easily transmitted to healthy chickens and turkeys, developing diarrhea in as little as two days. The virus's rapid spread has raised concerns about its potential impact on humans, who are susceptible but may not show symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateJan 15, 2020

Researchers discover novel potential target for drug addiction treatment

A new study suggests that targeting astrocyte calcium signaling could decrease amphetamine behavioral effects and potentially develop therapies for diseases with dysregulated dopamine. Astrocytes were previously considered 'support cells', but now shown to actively contribute to brain function.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateJan 15, 2020

New neutron detector can fit in your pocket

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new semiconductor neutron detector that can absorb thermal neutrons and generate electrical signals. The material is highly efficient, stable, and can be used in small, portable devices for field inspections or large detectors for national security applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 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.

NASA, NOAA analyses reveal 2019 second warmest year on record

According to NASA and NOAA analyses, Earth's global surface temperatures in 2019 were the second warmest since modern recordkeeping began in 1880. The past five years have been the warmest of the last 140 years. Rising temperatures are contributing to mass loss from Greenland and Antarctica and increases in extreme events.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 15, 2020

How zebra finches learn to sing

Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

Study shows lactate may prompt cancer formation

New research suggests lactate is a catalyst that triggers cancer forming process in mutated cells. The study's findings open a new door to better understand cancer at the metabolic level and could lead to targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·DateJan 15, 2020

Be wary of online probiotic health-benefit claims

A recent study highlights the unreliable sources of probiotic information online and how health-benefit claims are often not supported by robust scientific evidence. Most websites providing probiotic info are from commercial sources or news outlets, which provide incomplete information on potential side effects and regulatory issues.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Is there a second planet orbiting the nearest star to the sun?

Researchers analyze cyclical changes in light spectrum emitted by Proxima Centauri and suggest the presence of a second planet. The candidate planet orbits every 5.2 years and may be a 'super-Earth', challenging current models of low-mass planet formation.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 15, 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.

Pachacamac Idol of ancient Peru was symbolically painted

The Pachacamac Idol, a sacred icon worshipped for nearly 700 years, was symbolically painted with red, yellow, and white colors using cinnabar pigment. The study confirms the idol's polychromatic design and sheds light on pre-Columbian cultural practices in South America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 2020

Young stem cell donors harbor undetectable mutations linked to disease

A pilot study of 25 donor-recipient pairs reveals young stem cell donors have previously undetected and potentially disease-causing mutations in their blood stem cells. These mutations, linked to post-transplant complications, are more prevalent in young donors than thought.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 15, 2020

Bacteria and sand engineered into living concrete

Researchers created a green living material that demonstrates similar strength to cement-based mortar by combining sand, bacteria, and hydrogel. The material reproduces and can be controlled to maintain structural function and microbial survivability.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJan 15, 2020

Scientists pioneer new generation of semiconductor neutron detector

Researchers have created a new type of semiconductor neutron detector that boosts detection rates by reducing the number of steps involved in neutron capture and transduction. The LiInP2Se6 material converts neutrons into pairs of charged electrons and holes, generating a current directly detectable thermal neutrons.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 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.

Emotions to help engage school students in learning

A study of 537 Russian primary school students found that the emotional component of school engagement is the most important factor in motivating children to learn. The researchers adapted an international questionnaire and analyzed data, confirming the validity and reliability of the survey.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 15, 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.

Colloidal quantum dot laser diodes are just around the corner

Researchers successfully demonstrated a quantum dot LED that operates as an optically pumped laser, clearing the path towards versatile colloidal quantum dot laser diodes. These devices have the potential to revolutionize fields like photonics, optoelectronics, and medical diagnostics.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Surprising beauty found in bacterial cultures

When non-motile E. coli and motile A. baylyi are mixed, stunning floral patterns emerge due to differences in growth rate, motility, and friction against the agar surface. This phenomenon has important implications for understanding growing biofilms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJan 14, 2020

Skin cancer suppressor found by Bath scientists

Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 14, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Conversational difficulties with father affect adolescent health

A study of 1225 adolescents found that conversational difficulties with fathers after divorce are strongly connected to increased health complaints. The researchers also observed that closeness to both parents impacts children's health two years after the divorce.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalScandinavian Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2020

Memory boost with just one look

Researchers at HRL Laboratories found that targeted transcranial electrical stimulation during slow-wave sleep can improve metamemories of specific episodes by nearly 20% after just one viewing. This non-invasive approach may benefit patients with learning and memory deficits, as well as those with PTSD.

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 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.

Having less sex linked to earlier menopause

Women who have sex weekly are 28% less likely to experience early menopause, according to a new study published in Royal Society Open Science. The research found that having less sex is associated with an earlier menopause, suggesting a biological trade-off between investing energy in ovulation and other activities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

New study finds evidence for reduced brain connections in schizophrenia

Researchers detect lower levels of a protein found in brain connections in people with schizophrenia, which could underlie cognitive difficulties and provide targets for new treatments. The study's findings suggest that loss of synapses may be linked to the development of schizophrenia.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2020

Fred H. Gage receives the ISSCR Achievement Award

Dr. Fred H. Gage has made groundbreaking discoveries in stem cell biology, neuroscience, and human evolution. His work has broad implications for treating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and mental health disorders.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Egg trading between hermaphroditic fish: Why would you give when you can just take?

Researchers used microeconomic models to analyze the circumstances required for reciprocal egg trading to work. The results reveal that eggs must be costly to produce and it's essential to identify cheaters before mating. This complex system of trading helps hamlets avoid a costly dilemma by dividing the reproductive role.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateJan 14, 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.

Sand mining is threatening lives along the Mekong River

Research reveals sand mining on the Mekong River is causing significant erosion, with riverbanks collapsing when lowered by just two meters. Excessive sand mining poses environmental and social risks, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations to protect communities.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Study: Blood-clotting protein and blood platelets promote immune evasion, cancer progression

Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center discover a direct connection between thrombin and TGF-b1, a cytokine promoting tumor progression and suppressing immune responses. Blocking this mechanism prevents tumor resistance to immunotherapy and increases tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 14, 2020

A novel way to watch paint dry

James Gilchrist's project uses microrheology to study paint drying processes and develop a testing method to predict performance. The goal is to improve paint formulations, reduce energy consumption and costs in the automotive industry.

SourceLehigh University·DateJan 14, 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.

Heart-function protein may help muscular dystrophy patients live longer

A Rutgers-led team has found that altering a protein called Connexin-43 may alleviate DMD-related heart disease by protecting against irregular heartbeats and late-stage failure. This discovery offers hope for prolonging the lives of muscular dystrophy patients, who are currently plagued by heart muscle breakdown.

SourceRutgers University·DateJan 14, 2020

Unfruitful: Eating more produce will not cure, stop prostate cancer

A Phase III clinical trial found that eating seven or more servings of vegetables and fruits daily did not provide extra protection against prostate cancer. Despite this, a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help patients tolerate cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·DateJan 14, 2020

The wisdom of crowds: What smart cities can learn from a dead ox and live fish

A study by Portland State University researchers found that diverse crowds of local stakeholders can collectively produce complex environmental models similar to those of trained experts. The results correspond more or less exactly to scientific knowledge on the subject, with the final outcomes improving as more individuals are involve...

SourcePortland State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 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.

Exosomes promote remarkable recovery in stroke

Researchers have found that an exosome treatment can promote full recovery in swine with severe stroke, even in cases where brain cells are at risk of dying. The treatment works by interrupting the process of cell death and reducing damage signals throughout the brain network.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalTranslational Stroke Research·DateJan 14, 2020

Study examines attitudes toward transgender athletes

A new study published in Sex Roles investigates public attitudes towards the participation of transgender people in sports. The research finds that women sports fans are more likely to oppose transgender athletes participating in sports by gender identity, holding views similar to male sports fans. However, the study also reveals that ...

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 14, 2020

New research finds ranchers consider diverse factors in managing their land

A new study explores how ranchers make decisions about managing their land, finding that cultural considerations and the desire to maintain traditional practices are key drivers. The research highlights the importance of considering the complex social-ecological factors at play in private lands conservation.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·DateJan 14, 2020

Global warming to increase violent crime in the United States

A study published in Environmental Research Letters suggests that global warming could lead to a significant rise in violent crime rates in the United States. The research team used climate data and an FBI crime database to identify regional connections between warming and crime rates, particularly in winter.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 14, 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.

Kids' behavior, socioeconomic risk linked to gut microbiome composition, function

A study by Oregon State University researchers found a connection between children's gut microbiomes and their behavior, with those experiencing behavioral problems having different microbiome profiles. The quality of the parent-child relationship and parental stress also played a role in shaping these differences. Further research is ...

SourceOregon State University·JournalmBio·DateJan 14, 2020

Neither fishing tales nor sailor's yarn

Researchers developed a method combining empirical knowledge of fishery stakeholders with scientific understanding to identify ecological cause-effect relationships in pike populations. The collective intelligence of nature users accurately captured complex human-environment relationships, exceeding scientific knowledge in some cases.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 14, 2020

Impaired driving -- even once the high wears off

Researchers found that chronic, heavy recreational marijuana use affects driving ability even when users are not intoxicated. Earlier onset of marijuana use was associated with poorer driving performance and increased impulsivity.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateJan 14, 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.

'Cold Neptune' and two temperate super-Earths found orbiting nearby stars

A 'cold Neptune' and two temperate super-Earths, GJ180d and GJ229Ac, have been discovered orbiting nearby red dwarf stars, offering a chance to study potentially habitable worlds. The planets were found using the radial velocity method and offer insights into exoplanet formation and evolution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateJan 14, 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.