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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 40

HIV outcomes improved by state-purchased insurance plans, study finds

A new study suggests that state-purchased insurance plans are improving HIV outcomes for people living with the disease. The research found that increased enrollment in these programs is associated with better viral suppression rates, which can lead to a reduction in new HIV transmissions and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 30, 2020

New clinical practice guideline for complex ADHD in children and adolescents

The guideline provides a framework for diagnosing and treating complex ADHD in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to improve function. Key action statements include comprehensive assessment, behavioral and educational interventions, and monitoring throughout life.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateJan 30, 2020

Pulsar-white dwarf binary system confirms general relativistic frame-dragging

A new study confirms Lense-Thirring precession - a phenomenon of relativistic frame-dragging - in a distant binary star system. The research observes a long-term drift in the orbital parameters due to the rapidly rotating white dwarf companion, confirming Einstein's general theory of relativity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 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.

MRI tool can diagnose difficult cases of ovarian cancer

A new MRI tool has been developed and shown to be 90% accurate in distinguishing between malignant and benign ovarian cysts. This could lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes for women with ovarian cancer, reducing the need for invasive surgery.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 30, 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.

Researchers build a better lung model

Using a combination of pluripotent stem cells and machine learning, researchers have improved how they generate lung cells. This technique enables the growth of lung cells in a laboratory for over a year, allowing for better modeling of lung diseases and potential personalized treatments.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJan 30, 2020

Movement study could be significant in helping understand brain rehabilitation

A recent study published in PLOS ONE has shown that the human brain's ability to recall simple movements is significantly affected by previous actions. The research found that actual physical movement had a greater influence on success than mere observation, suggesting that consistent lead-in movements are crucial for optimal recall. T...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 2020

Research team finds possible new approach for sleeping sickness drugs

A research team has discovered a possible target for new sleeping sickness drugs using an X-ray laser. The scientists decoded the structure of a key enzyme in the parasite Trypanosoma brucei, which could lead to a specific drug that kills the parasite.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2020

Want to change your personality? It may not be easy to do alone

A study found that people's desired personality changes did not align with actual changes, even when participants expressed strong desires for change. College students showed some changes, but often in unintended directions. The findings suggest that changing personality traits may require external assistance.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJan 30, 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.

Bacteria engineered to protect bees from pests and pathogens

Scientists develop genetically engineered bacteria to target Varroa mites and deformed wing virus, increasing survival rates by up to 70%. The approach could one day scale up for agricultural use, improving bee health and food production.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020

Families give high marks to parenting supports 'for refugees, by refugees,' study finds

A new intervention program developed by Boston College researchers in partnership with Bhutanese and Somali communities reports high rates of satisfaction and engagement from refugee families. The study found improved child mental health and family functioning outcomes, including reduced traumatic stress reactions and depression symptoms.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateJan 30, 2020

Cooperation after eye contact: Gender matters

The study, conducted at FiraTàrrega market in Tàrrega, Spain, found that women are more likely to cooperate and have a better understanding of their partner's intentions. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more impulsive and less cooperative when interacting with someone of the same gender.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2020

Pathologist Angela Wandinger-Ness receives 2020 AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award

Angela Wandinger-Ness, a distinguished pathologist, has been honored with the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award for her dedication to increasing diversity in STEM fields. Through her research and mentorship, she has mentored approximately 270 scientists from underrepresented communities.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateJan 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Astronomers witness the dragging of space-time in stellar cosmic dance

An international team of astrophysicists has found evidence for 'frame-dragging', a phenomenon where the spinning of a celestial body twists space and time. The discovery confirms Einstein's theory of General Relativity and provides new insights into the behavior of white dwarfs and neutron stars.

SourceThe Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Gravitational Wave Discovery·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020

Coral genes go with the flow further than expected

Research reveals physical connectivity between southern Red Sea and Indian Ocean, highlighting need for regional marine conservation approach. Genetic patterns suggest clearer separation between northern and southern parts of sea.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2020

Cells' springy coils pump bursts of RNA

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theoretical model explaining how RNA polymerase enzymes trigger bursts of RNA production in cells. The model suggests that DNA supercoils, like springs, are involved in the process, with RNA polymerases compressing and releasing tension to regulate protein production.

SourceRice University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateJan 30, 2020

AIAA announces 2020 International Student Conference winners

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) has announced the 2020 International Student Conference winners, recognizing outstanding research in aerospace engineering. The top three winners are from Ohio State University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, and Georgia Institute of Technology.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateJan 30, 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.

New insights into how the human brain solves complex decision-making problems

Researchers at KAIST discovered a computational and neural mechanism for human meta reinforcement learning, enabling the porting of key human intelligence elements into AI algorithms. The study highlights how humans adapt to complexity and uncertainty in decision-making.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2020

New injection technique may boost spinal cord injury repair efforts

A new injection technique has been developed to deliver neural precursor cells to spinal cord injuries, reducing further trauma and promoting reparative cell propagation. This method may have utility for multiple neurodegenerative conditions such as spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateJan 29, 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.

Understanding how cells defend their genome against invaders

The UTokyo team revealed a protein called Zucchini processes piRNA from an immature form into a functional form, while another protein called Trimmer matures the intermediate piRNA. The researchers discovered that the signal for cutting RNA strands is more complex than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2020

Siri, help me quit -- what does your smart device say when you ask for help with addiction?

A recent study found that leading smart device conversational agents, such as Siri and Alexa, are unable to provide meaningful help for quitting substances like opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. However, researchers suggest that updating these devices to promote resources like helplines could prove highly effective in addressing the natio...

SourceElevated Science Communications·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Hope for enhanced UTI treatments to minimize bladder pain

Research finds that low levels of infection can cause chronic bladder dysfunction and magnify sensations felt by patients with urinary tract infections. Understanding how nerves transmit different sensations to the brain could help limit bladder dysfunction in overactive bladder patients.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPain·DateJan 29, 2020

Branding in a hyperconnected world

A new paper in the Journal of Marketing examines the changing role and management of brands in a hyperconnected world. Brands are blurring boundaries, becoming more than just products or symbols, but ideas, persons, and places.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 29, 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.

UCLA researchers find chronic inflammation contributes to cancer metastasis

Chronic exposure to interleukin-1-beta promotes lung cancer metastasis by altering gene expression, enabling cancer cells to adopt a phenotype that facilitates distance organ colonization. The study provides new insights into the role of chronic inflammation in tumor progression and metastasis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2020

Team creates game-based virtual archaeology field school

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has developed a game-based virtual archaeology field school to make the archaeological experience accessible to more students. Students learn archaeological techniques, dig in virtual caves, and conduct laboratory analyses using realistic tools and simulations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateJan 29, 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.

Butt emissions: Study finds even extinguished cigarettes give off toxins

A study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that used cigarette butts emit toxic chemicals, including nicotine and triacetin, into the air. These emissions can persist for several days, posing health risks to people in close proximity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 29, 2020

Professor X. Nancy Xu receives AAAS Mentor Award

Xu is being honored for her efforts to recruit women, underrepresented minorities, and first-generation college students to the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences and engineering. She has led a laboratory pursuing research at the interface of chemistry, biology, engineering, and medicine.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·DateJan 29, 2020

Bionic jellyfish swim faster and more efficiently

Engineers at Caltech and Stanford have created a microelectronic controller that enables jellyfish to swim three times faster than usual without stressing the animals. The prosthetic uses electrical impulses to regulate and speed up the pulsing motion, making the jellyfish over 1,000 times more efficient than swimming robots.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Success and failure of ecological management is highly variable

A new study from the University of Vermont suggests that ecological systems exhibit high levels of randomness, making it difficult to determine the effectiveness of management strategies. The research found that intermediate levels of management effort can lead to higher variability in outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 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.

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.

Understanding long-term trends in ocean layering

Researchers found that upper-ocean stratification is increasing in about 40% of the world's oceans, which could have a negative impact on the marine food chain. The study suggests that global warming may be driving this trend.

SourceTohoku University·DateJan 29, 2020

Designing a puncture-free tire

University of Illinois researchers develop a new tire design that prioritizes puncture-free strength while maintaining elasticity for a shock-free ride. The study uses computer optimization to create unique structural patterns in the shear layer, ensuring the material can withstand pressure without failing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering·DateJan 29, 2020

Walmart and Wendy's named 2019-2020 HRM Impact Award winners

The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) and SHRM announced Walmart and Wendy's as winners of the 2019-2020 Human Resource Management (HRM) Impact Award. The award recognizes organizations with outstanding evidence-based HR management practices, such as Walmart's Retail Associate Assessment (RAA) project and Wend...

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateJan 29, 2020

Single-cell sequencing of CLL therapy: Shared genetic program, patient-specific execution

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients respond differently to ibrutinib treatment due to individual genetic and epigenetic profiles. The study reveals a shared genetic program in CLL cells responding to ibrutinib, but with patient-specific execution, leading to varying disease progression rates.

SourceCeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 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.

On the menu: Study says dining out is a recipe for unhealthy eating for most Americans

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that most American adults consume meals of poor nutritional quality when dining out, with disparities affecting certain groups. The researchers recommend improving the nutritional quality of restaurant meals and reducing health disparities to promote healthier eating.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJan 29, 2020

A targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer may lie existing drugs

Researchers identified mutant tumor protein 53 (mtp53) and poly-ADP-Polymerase (PARP) proteins as key drivers of growth in triple negative breast cancer cells. Suppressing these proteins with combined PARP-inhibiting therapies may offer a targeted treatment for this aggressive form of the disease.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 29, 2020

Molecule modification could improve reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

Researchers have discovered a way to modify molecules to remove toxic radioactive elements from spent nuclear fuel, making the process safer and more efficient. This breakthrough could lead to improved design of new molecules for spent fuel reprocessing, enabling better management of long-term radioactive waste.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 29, 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.

A host's genes likely influence the spread of antibiotic resistance

Researchers found that genetic makeup of mice can influence transfer of antibiotic-resistant plasmids, suggesting new ways to stop resistance. The study analyzed how plasmids spread in genetically different groups of mice, leading to discovery of potential host factors triggering or reducing plasmid transfer.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateJan 29, 2020

Blind as a bat? The genetic basis of echolocation in bats and whales

Researchers analyzed genes expressed in bat cochleae to understand the origin and evolution of high-frequency hearing. They identified 34 genes involved in hearing or auditory perception with evidence for positive selection in echolocating species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateJan 29, 2020

Rice fluids researcher earns solid federal support

Jesse Chan, a computational and applied mathematician at Rice University, has received a five-year NSF CAREER Award to develop new technologies for reliable simulations of fluid flow. The grant will support his research on developing stable numerical methods for high-fidelity simulations.

SourceRice University·DateJan 29, 2020

Traditional Chinese medicinal plant yields new insecticide compounds

Researchers have identified 10 compounds with insecticidal activity produced by symbiotic microbes in a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, potentially leading to new natural pesticides. The substances were strongly toxic to aphids and moderately toxic to spider mites.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 29, 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.