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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 40

Surprise! TESS shows ancient north star undergoes eclipses

Astronomers using TESS data have discovered that Alpha Draconis, a well-studied binary star system, regularly undergoes eclipses. The brief eclipses last only six hours and provide an opportunity to measure the masses and sizes of both stars with high accuracy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 6, 2020

Story tips: Weather days, grid balance and scaling reactors

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a computer simulation to compare energy use on similar weather days, helping utility companies and homeowners determine potential energy cost savings. The team also created a geothermal energy storage system that reduces peak electricity demand up to 37% in homes while balancing gr...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·DateJan 6, 2020

Collaborative conservation approach for endangered reef fish yields dramatic results

A collaborative conservation approach involving government agencies, researchers, and nonprofits has led to a significant recovery of Nassau Grouper populations in the Cayman Islands. The population increased by nearly threefold over 10 years, with rapid growth due to an increase in new, younger fish joining the aggregation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Land-use history and biodiversity

A study examining 220,000 records of land use in western France found that conversion to crop production has long-lasting impacts on biodiversity. Functional diversity was relatively high in areas with old, permanent grasslands, highlighting the importance of retaining these sanctuaries.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Poplar genetically modified not to harm air quality grow as well as non-modified trees

Research collaboration discovers genetically modified poplar trees can grow and produce biomass without emitting harmful isoprene. The modification allows trees to adjust to climate stress through natural seasonal cycles, retaining their growth potential. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable forest plantations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Don't wait to get concussion care; early treatment may mean faster recovery

A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that early clinical treatment for concussions can significantly reduce recovery time. Athletes who received treatment within the first week of their injury recovered faster than those who delayed care, with longer recovery times reported after eight days to three weeks post-injury.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJan 6, 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.

Step toward 'ink' development for 3-D printing a bioprosthetic ovary

Researchers have identified the location of structural proteins in a pig ovary, paving the way for 3D printing an artificial ovary that can support eggs and hormone-producing cells. The technology has huge potential for girls who undergo fertility-damaging cancer treatments.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 6, 2020

Epilepsy study shows link between brain activity and memory

A new study by Cedars-Sinai researchers found that abnormal electrical pulses from specific brain cells cause temporary memory disruptions in epilepsy patients. The study's findings could lead to better treatments for cognitive impairment in epilepsy patients, with the potential to improve their quality of life.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·DateJan 6, 2020

Gene therapy shown to offer long-term benefits for people with Haemophilia A

A breakthrough gene therapy treatment has been shown to offer long-term benefits for people with Haemophilia A, transforming the lives of 13 UK patients. The treatment resulted in a substantial fall in bleeding rates three years after treatment, with none requiring regular factor VIII injections.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 6, 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.

Maximizing bike-share ridership: New research says it's all about location

A new study found that nearly 80% of bike-share usage comes from areas within 1,000 feet of stations, and a 10% increase in bike availability increases ridership by more than 12%. Increasing bike availability is key to maximizing bike-share ridership.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 6, 2020

Study suggests antiretroviral therapy does not restore disease immunity

Researchers found that ART may not restore immune protection from childhood vaccinations and infections prior to HIV infection. This could leave patients susceptible to chronic diseases and inflammation, potentially shortening their lifespan.

SourceSUNY Downstate Health Science University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateJan 6, 2020

Cancer drugs could potentially treat COPD, Sheffield research finds

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a class of cancer drugs that accelerate neutrophil cell death and promote healing in the lungs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of effective treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects millions worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateJan 6, 2020

Antibodies gather and form a circle for defensive attack

A team of researchers used atomic force microscopy to study the dynamic assembly of antibodies against the self-molecule GM1. The autoantibodies form a hexameric ring structure on the membrane, serving as a landing place for complement proteins. This process is crucial in Guillain-Barr’ syndrome, an autoimmune disorder.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJan 6, 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.

Bioinspired sonar reflectors

Researchers have developed bioinspired shapes that serve as acoustically conspicuous guideposts for sonar-guided autonomous vehicles. These bioinspired sonar reflectors were tested in experiments and showed promising results, enabling robots to navigate through new environments with improved accuracy.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2020

Clemson mathematician helps deepen understanding of Earth's mysterious mantle

A new framework for integrated geodynamic models is being developed by a team of researchers, including Clemson mathematician Timo Heister. The Advanced Solver for Problems in Earth's Convection (ASPECT) software will simulate processes in the Earth's mantle, providing insights into geological events and tectonic plate movements.

SourceClemson University·DateJan 6, 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.

Nerve stimulation may benefit women with fibromyalgia

A recent clinical trial found that nerve stimulation via TENS significantly improved movement-related pain and fatigue in women with fibromyalgia. The treatment, given along with standard treatments, offers a non-invasive self-management option for chronic pain management.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJan 6, 2020

Half of women with heart failure get the wrong treatment

Half of women with heart failure do not receive adequate treatment due to the underlying cause being unrelated to a heart attack, leading to progressive stiffening of the heart. Obesity and high blood pressure are significant risk factors for this type of heart failure in women.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 6, 2020

JUUL delivers substantially more nicotine than previous generation e-cigs and cigarettes

A new study by UCSF researchers found that JUUL delivers significantly higher levels of nicotine to the bloodstream compared to previous-generation e-cigarettes and cigarettes. The study also revealed that JUUL impairs blood vessel function similarly to cigarette smoke, which can have severe cardiovascular consequences.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalTobacco Regulatory Science·DateJan 6, 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.

New study unravels the complexity of childhood obesity

Researchers examined how children's psychological characteristics interact with their parents' characteristics and family dynamics to affect nutrition intervention outcomes. The study found a significant impact of strong family dynamics on improved nutritional interventions, while weak family dynamics led to minimal changes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2020

False negatives: Delayed Zika effects in babies who appeared normal at birth

Colombian infants exposed to Zika virus in the womb showed neurodevelopmental delays despite having normal brain imaging and head circumference at birth. The study found a link between subtle brain injuries and impaired neuromotor development in Zika-exposed children, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 6, 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.

Ghost worms mostly unchanged since the age of dinosaurs

A team of biologists discovered a group of annelid worms that have remained largely unchanged for 275 million years, despite their distinct genetic makeup. The Stygocapitella worms' slow evolution is attributed to their adaptation to stable environments, with changes potentially linked to population crashes or developmental constraints.

SourceNatural History Museum, University of Oslo·JournalEvolution·DateJan 6, 2020

Progesterone from an unexpected source may affect miscarriage risk

A recent study found that disruptions in progesterone signaling between maternal and embryonic tissue may be linked to recurrent miscarriage. The study discovered that migratory cells from the placenta produce enzymes necessary for progesterone production, which are lower in women with a history of recurrent miscarriages.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJan 6, 2020

Dogs and wolves are both good at cooperating

Researchers found that dogs and wolves perform equally well in coordinating their actions to obtain rewards, indicating shared basic cooperation abilities. The study suggests that these skills were present in the dog-wolf ancestor and have not been lost during domestication.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateJan 6, 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.

Antarctic waters: Warmer with more acidity and less oxygen

Researchers found Antarctic waters had changed by comparing shipboard measurements with robot float data, revealing larger-than-predicted warming and oxygen loss around the Antarctic coast. The team improved climate models to better reflect environmental changes, which could impact predictions of ice melt.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2020

Cannabis edibles present novel health risks

Cannabis edibles take on average four hours longer to produce noticeable effects than inhaled cannabis, increasing the risk of overconsumption. Vulnerable groups, such as children, pets, older people, and youth, are at particular risk due to delayed effects and potential for accidental overconsumption.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateJan 6, 2020

Volunteer tourism can aid disaster recovery

A new study finds that volunteer tourism can aid disaster recovery in communities by considering local conditions and the community's needs. The study examined the impact of volunteer tourism programs in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake, showing its potential to contribute to recovery and resilience.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateJan 5, 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.

Astronomers find wandering massive black holes in dwarf galaxies

Thirteen massive black holes have been discovered in dwarf galaxies less than a billion light-years from Earth, with an average mass of 400,000 times that of the Sun. These findings suggest that half of these massive black holes are wandering in the outskirts of their galaxies, indicating galaxy mergers earlier in their history.

SourceNational Radio Astronomy Observatory·DateJan 5, 2020

Robotic trunk support assists those with spinal cord injury

A Columbia Engineering team has invented a robotic device called the Trunk-Support Trainer (TruST) that can help people with spinal cord injuries sit more stably. The study found that TruST enabled patients to expand their active sitting workspace by an average of 25%, improving their trunk control and balance limits.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalSpinal Cord Series and Cases·DateJan 5, 2020

Oregon scientist shows possible path to improved bone-repair procedures

Researchers have developed a new approach to improving spinal fusion procedures and repairing broken bones. By delivering a potent bone-forming protein called BMP using a heparin mixture, they significantly reduced undesired bone growth outside of targeted repair areas in rat femurs.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 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.

How diet affects mental health -- what's the evidence?

A new expert review confirms that diet significantly influences mental health and wellbeing. While some areas like ketogenic diets for epilepsy and Mediterranean diets show mental health benefits, many foods or supplements have inconclusive evidence.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalEuropean Neuropsychopharmacology·DateJan 3, 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.

Study explains why some creams and cosmetics may cause a skin rash

A new study found that chemicals in common skincare products can trigger allergic contact dermatitis by displacing natural lipids on skin cells. Researchers identified CD1a molecules as a key player in this process and discovered competing lipids that can displace triggering chemicals, potentially treating the condition.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 3, 2020

Less offspring due to territorial conflicts

Female chimpanzees' reproductive success decreases when neighboring groups exert high pressure on their territory, leading to longer intervals between births. High neighbor pressure also negatively affects offspring survival, suggesting that stress from competition triggers physiological responses in gestating females.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 3, 2020

Scientists find a new use for already known anti-cancer drugs

Researchers at Lobachevsky University and Ghent University found that immunogenic cell death can be used to enhance cancer therapy and prevent relapse. The study tested existing anti-cancer drugs with enhanced immunogenic properties, revealing potential new protocols for reducing metastasis and improving patient recovery.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJan 3, 2020

Yale study urges lifesaving drug treatment to combat Ukraine's HIV epidemic

A Yale study found that treating at least 20% of people with opioid use disorder who inject drugs in Ukraine could prevent over 10,000 new HIV infections and nearly 18,000 deaths. The current rate is only 2.7%, highlighting the need for expanded access to evidence-based treatment like methadone and buprenorphine.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateJan 3, 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.

Research offers new way to assess an organization's public relations

A new tool called Contingent Organization-Public Relationships (COPR) measures an organization's relationship with its public stakeholders, accounting for the dynamic nature of relationships. The COPR framework assesses relationships based on stance and public discourse, categorizing them into six well-defined categories.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateJan 3, 2020

Clusters of gold atoms form peculiar pyramidal shape

Researchers have discovered that freestanding gold clusters of twenty atoms take on a pyramidal shape with a triangular ground plane and additional triangles. The study reveals the cluster's unusual electronic structure, which is similar to noble gas atoms or aromatic molecules, making them less reactive.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2020

Water lily genome expands picture of the early evolution of flowering plants

The water lily genome expands the picture of the early evolution of flowering plants, shedding light on key traits like flower development and attractive floral scent. Researchers used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the genome and transcriptome of Nymphaea colorata, identifying over 31 thousand protein-coding genes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJan 3, 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.

Sustainable supply of minerals and metals key to a low-carbon energy future

The global low-carbon revolution faces a significant threat unless new governance mechanisms are established to ensure a sustainable supply of rare minerals and metals. The extraction and processing of these materials poses environmental and social risks, and their growing demand could lead to shortages and market instability.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2020

Air pollution can worsen bone health

A new study has found an association between exposure to air pollution and poor bone health. Fine particles in the air were linked to lower levels of bone mass, while biomass fuel use was not correlated. The study's findings contribute to a growing body of evidence on the impact of particulate air pollution on bone health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 3, 2020