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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 6


Page 6 of 40

Researchers combine technologies to resolve plant pathogen genomes

Plant scientists combined second- and third-generation genomic technologies to create a more accurate and efficient method for resolving plant pathogen genomes. This breakthrough reduces the time required to sequence genome data from one-and-a-half years to just nine days, while lowering costs from $2 million to $1,000.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJan 29, 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.

Hybrid technique to produce stronger nickel for auto, medical, manufacturing

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a hybrid technique to fabricate strong and corrosion-resistant nickel with high-density ultrafine twin structure. The new material exhibits improved mechanical strength, low corrosion current density and high polarization resistance, making it suitable for applications in the automotive, ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 29, 2020

The Global Reef Expedition: Kingdom of Tonga

The Global Reef Expedition found that coral reefs in Tonga were moderately healthy, but fish communities needed attention. The report highlights the importance of marine conservation and recommends expanding management efforts to protect fish resources.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·DateJan 29, 2020

Scientists discover how malaria parasites import sugar

Researchers have elucidated the atomic structure of the sugar-transporting-protein PfHT1 in Plasmodium falciparum, gaining insight into glucose uptake. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more specific and effective antimalarial compounds.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop new bio-inspired wing design for small drones

The new wing design, dubbed the Separated Flow Airfoil, intentionally separates airflow at the leading edge, reattaching it more consistently before reaching the trailing edge. This enables more efficient, stable flight in turbulent air, resulting in better battery life and longer flight times for small drones.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 29, 2020

Study reveals new way to treat stroke using an already FDA-approved drug

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University discovered GCSF's neuroprotective properties, improving neurological deficits and behavioral outcomes in mouse models of stroke. The study provides new insights into GCSF's potential to reduce infarction by decreasing endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Science·DateJan 29, 2020

Not 'brains in a dish': Cerebral organoids flunk comparison to developing nervous system

A new study published in Nature found that widely used cerebral organoids are 'confused' and 'disorganized' compared to the developing human brain. The researchers measured gene expression in over 235,000 cells from 37 different organoids and compared it to normal brain tissue, revealing a lack of development into distinctive cell type...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature·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.

What a pair! Coupled quantum dots may offer a new way to store quantum information

Researchers created and imaged a novel pair of coupled quantum dots, which could serve as robust quantum bits for a quantum computer. The patterns of electric charge in the islands cannot be fully explained by current models of quantum physics, offering an opportunity to investigate new physical phenomena.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJan 29, 2020

Drug lord's hippos make their mark on foreign ecosystem

Researchers assess water quality, oxygen levels and microbiomes in lakes with hippo populations, finding nutrient and organic material inputs alter chemistry and oxygen. The study suggests exponential growth of the population, posing questions about human interactions and ecosystem disruption.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalEcology·DateJan 29, 2020

Unique new antiviral treatment made using sugar

Researchers have developed a new antiviral material made from sugar that destroys viruses on contact, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments. The treatment has shown success against multiple viruses, including respiratory infections and genital herpes, and may help combat emerging viral diseases.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Watching bat coronaviruses with next-generation sequencing

Researchers have developed a targeted next-generation sequencing strategy to track bat-borne coronaviruses and monitor their spread. The approach uses enrichment with probes to increase sensitivity and reduce costs, allowing for the creation of a living probe library for frequent updates.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalmSphere·DateJan 29, 2020

Historical impacts of development on coral reef loss in the South China Sea

A new study reveals that rapid urbanization and poor waste management are the primary causes of coral reef loss in the South China Sea. The research, led by HKU marine ecologists, used geochemical techniques to analyze coral skeletons and found a significant increase in nitrogen pollution coinciding with Hong Kong's rapid development.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGlobal Change Biology·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.

Prescribed burns benefit bees

Research from North Carolina State University found that freshly burned longleaf pine forests have more bees and bee species than unburned forests. The study suggests that prescribed fires maintain a favorable environment for pollinators by reducing ground cover and releasing nutrients, increasing flower resources.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Entomology·DateJan 29, 2020

Ordering in? Plants are way ahead of you

Researchers discovered that plants use flavonoids to communicate with microbes in the soil, but high levels of organic carbon in the soil can repress these signals. This allows plants to control whether they invest in expensive symbionts and avoid wasting photosynthate on unnecessary microbial help.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

New guidelines will improve treatment for patients with hyperthyroidism

Radioactive iodine is now the recommended frontline treatment for patients with thyroid gland overactivity, including Graves' disease. The new guidelines, developed by University of Birmingham researchers, show that radioactive iodine improves cardiovascular outcomes and cures 90% of cases.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 29, 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.

Swing feel in the lab

A team of researchers found that microtiming deviations, previously thought to be crucial for the swing feel in jazz music, are actually unnecessary. Instead, musicians perceive the swing when the timing fluctuations are minimal. The study, conducted by the Max Planck Institute and University of Göttingen, used digital jazz piano recor...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 29, 2020

Cover of CHEOPS space telescope open

The CHEOPS space telescope has successfully opened its cover following a series of tests, enabling further activities including star and planet imaging. The first images are expected to be published within one or two weeks, allowing the team to assess the instrument's abilities.

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateJan 29, 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.

Study: Antioxidant flavonol linked to lower risk of Alzheimer's dementia

A new study suggests that people who consume higher amounts of the antioxidant flavonol are less likely to develop Alzheimer's dementia. The research, which followed 921 participants for six years, found that those with higher flavonol intake had a 48% lower risk of developing the disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 29, 2020

A new treatment strategy against MERS

Researchers discovered autophagy as a potential target in the fight against MERS, and found that licensed drugs like niclosamide can drastically reduce viral replication by inhibiting autophagic degradation. The study provides promising insights for developing new substances to combat MERS.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Stress test reveals graphene won't crack under pressure

Researchers found graphene can withstand more than a billion cycles of high stress without breaking. The material's unique structure is attributed to its regular and simple lattice, making it highly resistant to fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature Materials·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.

New therapeutic target for acute kidney injury identified

A new study found that high levels of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in the blood predict patients at increased risk of acute kidney injury. The protein may be a promising target for future therapies or interventions to prevent or treat AKI.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 29, 2020

Quantum logic spectroscopy unlocks potential of highly charged ions

Physicists at PTB and MPIK have developed a method to measure atomic frequencies in highly charged ions, increasing precision by a factor of 100 million. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel atomic clocks and new avenues for searching for new physics.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2020

To make amino acids, just add electricity

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully synthesized several types of amino acids using abundant materials. The process uses electric energy generated from renewable sources and involves titanium dioxide as the electrocatalyst and an organic acid called alpha-keto acid as the key source material.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·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.

Researchers rank 'smartest' schools of fish when it comes to travel formations

A study published in Physical Review X reveals that schools of fish with specific formations can receive significant energy savings and improved speeds through hydrodynamically influenced collective movement. Diamond lattice formations offer the greatest hydrodynamic advantage, while geometry plays a crucial role in performance.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 29, 2020

Mountain vegetation dries out Alpine water fluxes

During droughts, mountain forests and grasslands at higher elevations release more water into the air than in normal growth periods. This is due to increased metabolism promoting water uptake by vegetation. As a result, evapotranspiration rates are above average, draining rivers and streams of half their usual volume.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 29, 2020

SPR honors Dr. Susan Furth with the Maureen Andrew Mentor Award

Dr. Susan Furth is recognized for her exceptional mentorship and leadership in pediatric research, training dozens of post-doctoral fellows and junior faculty. She is also the principal investigator of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology.

SourcePediatric Academic Societies·DateJan 29, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Molecular motors direct the fate of stem cells

Scientists use molecular motors to manipulate protein structure, directing stem cells to differentiate into bone cells. The movement of motor molecules induces subtle structural changes, affecting cell attachment and behavior, ultimately leading to altered cell fate.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 29, 2020

Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds

Research suggests that captive-bred game birds may be unprepared for life in the wild due to unnatural early life conditions. Mimicking natural conditions in captivity could promote more natural behavior and improve survival chances. Adding perches and unpredictable food supply are proposed solutions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Welfare·DateJan 29, 2020

Nitrogen fertilizers finetune composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota

Researchers discovered that nitrogen fertilizers shape the composition of individual members of the tomato microbiota, with Actinobacteria colonizing root tissues. The diet represented by different nitrogen treatments determines the plant microbiota, highlighting potential targets for optimizing plant nutrition and global food security.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJan 29, 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.

Graphene Flagship publishes handbook of graphene manufacturing

The Graphene Flagship has published a comprehensive guide to graphene manufacturing and processing, providing a single source of knowledge for researchers and industry. The handbook encompasses over 1,500 references and covers techniques for production and characterisation of graphene-related materials.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateJan 29, 2020

Color-changing bandages sense and treat bacterial infections

Researchers have developed color-changing bandages that can sense drug-resistant and drug-sensitive bacteria in wounds and treat them accordingly. The bandages change color to indicate the type of bacteria present, allowing for targeted treatment with antibiotics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 29, 2020

Who receives advanced stroke care? It may depend on traffic

A new study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that Los Angeles County's traffic conditions affect consistent access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Nearly 20% of the population has intermittent access to CSCs, with many living in urban core areas.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·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.

Finer particulate matter (PM1) could increase cardiovascular disease risk

A recent nationwide monitoring campaign in China found that fine particulate matter (PM1) is strongly correlated with cardiovascular disease, with a 21% higher risk compared to larger particles. The study suggests that PM1 can more easily deposit in the lungs and circulation, increasing health risks.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJan 29, 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.

Sex pheromone named for Jane Austen character alters brain in mouse courtship

Researchers discovered that the darcin pheromone triggers a complex response in the brain of female mice, driving both innate and learned sexual behaviors. The study mapped the neural circuitry responsible for processing the pheromone, revealing its role in integrating sensory information with an animal's internal state.

SourceThe Zuckerman Institute at Columbia University·JournalNature·DateJan 29, 2020

Study challenges assumptions about social interaction difficulties in autism

Researchers examine social interaction in autism, finding that successful interactions revolve around partner compatibility and not just individual skill sets. Autistic adults prefer interacting with other autistic peers, disclosing more about themselves and feeling closer to their partners compared to typically developing individuals.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAutism·DateJan 29, 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.

Organoids (in vitro brains) to study pediatric brain tumors

The University of Trento led a research study to create in vitro tumor models using organoids, which can show signs of disease and provide a model of tumors affecting young patients. The study confirmed the key role of two proteins and investigated therapeutic options, making it possible to advance brain cancer research.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2020

Does lung damage speed pancreatic cancer?

Research found that high CO2 levels drive the aggressiveness of pancreatic tumor cells and their resistance to treatment. Increasing CO2 levels in cell cultures also showed increased growth and aggression, while common chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy were less effective against high-CO2-cultured cells.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 29, 2020

Fungal decisions can affect climate

Research by ecologist Kathleen Treseder reveals that fungi make resource allocation decisions in response to climate change. In extreme conditions, fungi store more carbon, but in moderate climates, they release more carbon dioxide.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJan 29, 2020