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Science News Archive June 2020


Page 12 of 48

St. Jude creates resource for pediatric brain tumor research

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have created orthotopic patient-derived xenograft models representing a variety of pediatric brain tumor types. These models are molecularly characterized and available through a cloud-based data portal, enabling researchers worldwide to access them.

Rice professor attracts grant to study magnetism

Rice University experimental physicist Ming Yi has been awarded a five-year grant from the Department of Energy to explore magnetism in two-dimensional materials. Her research aims to understand how key ingredients for magnetism evolve as materials transition from 3D to 2D.

Researchers identify novel genetic variants linked to type-2 diabetes

A massive genomic analysis has found hundreds of new genetic variants associated with type-2 diabetes, as well as those tied to related conditions like coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease. The discovery may lead to personalized treatments for patients at high risk of developing the disease.

Scientists use protein, RNA to make hollow, spherical sacks called vesicles

Researchers have created biological storage compartments using protein and RNA, offering an alternative to traditional lipid-based vesicles. The hollow spheres can be used for targeted drug delivery or pesticide release, and their structure resembles classical lipid vesicles without being made from lipids.

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.

New research deepens mystery of particle generation in proton collisions

Researchers have found that neutral pions emitted in the very forward area of polarized proton-proton collisions retain a large degree of left-right asymmetry. This finding suggests reevaluation of previous theories on particle generation. Further study is needed to understand the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

New drug candidate reawakens sleeping HIV in hopes of functional cure

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have developed a new drug called Ciapavir that effectively reactivates dormant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) without overactivating the immune system. This approach, called 'shock and kill,' aims to create a functional HIV cure by eliminating all pockets of dormant HIV.

Study suggests universal flu vaccine may be more challenging than expected

Researchers found that one flu strain, H3N2, can mutate relatively easily to escape broad-acting antibodies, while another strain, H1N1, is more difficult to evade. The study highlights the challenges involved in designing a universal flu vaccine and suggests that further research is needed to develop an effective treatment.

Ideologically extreme Facebook users spread the most fake news

A study by the University of Colorado at Boulder found that Facebook users who are ideologically extreme, lacking trust in conventional media and one another, post misinformation more often. About 1% of users at the far ideological extremes were responsible for sharing nearly half of the fake news on the platform.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Starved cancer cells became more sensitive to chemotherapy

Researchers at Lund University successfully blocked sugar uptake in cancer cells using inhibitors, making them more sensitive to chemotherapy. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Unravelling the circuitry that controls cancer growth and spread

A study by Queen Mary University of London uncovers novel pathways controlling cancer progression, identifying Rac1 as a critical player in MET-driven processes. The findings may pave the way for more efficacious treatment regimens by targeting MET, PI3K, and mTOR.

Introducing a new isotope: Mendelevium-244

A team of scientists at Berkeley Lab has discovered a new form of the element mendelevium, creating the lightest known isotope, mendelevium-244. The discovery was made using the lab's 88-Inch Cyclotron and provides evidence for the existence of two separate decay chains with half-lives of 0.4 seconds and 6 seconds.

Virtually captured

Researchers analyzed the Venus flytrap's biomechanical properties using digital 3D image correlation methods and finite element simulations. They found that the trap snaps shut when under prestress, and only traps with three tissue layers can close correctly.

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.

Supply chain expert reveals methodology behind Bordeaux pricing model

A study published in Production and Operations Management reveals a new methodology behind the Bordeaux pricing model, which uses four factors to estimate prices for fine wines. The model provides a transparent approach to setting realistic prices, reducing opportunistic behavior and adding systemic structure to decision-making.

Reducing the damage of a heart attack

Cardiology researchers from San Diego State University found that the protein MANF acts as a regulator, minimizing damage after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the administration of MANF as a drug in ambulances to reduce damage and improve recovery rates.

Exciting new developments for polymers made from waste sulfur

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed new sulfur polymers that provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petrochemical-based plastics. The polymers, which can be recycled easily, exhibit shape-memory effects and can be self-repaired within minutes, opening up potential applications in soft robot...

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.

New opportunities for ocean and climate modelling

The new FOCI system allows for high-resolution ocean and climate modelling over centuries to millennia, enabling researchers to study natural climate fluctuations and anthropogenic climate change. With its modular design, FOCI can be configured to investigate various research questions and improve the accuracy of model simulations.

Oncotarget: Bacteriome and mycobiome and bacteriome-mycobiome interactions

Researchers characterized bacteriome, mycobiome, and mycobiome-bacteriome interactions of oral wash in Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, finding distinct differences compared to healthy controls. Unique interactions between fungal and bacterial communities may serve as potential screening tool for HNSCC.

Helicopter or cartwheel?

The study investigates how molecules rotate when colliding with surfaces and its impact on the outcome of collisions. The research found that the rotational orientation of hydrogen molecules significantly influences their interaction with a Lithium Fluoride surface, affecting scattering probabilities, adsorption, or decomposition.

Genetic analysis suggests distinct subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

A study funded by NIH analyzed nearly 900 women with irregular menstrual periods and identified two PCOS subtypes, each associated with distinct groups of gene variants. The reproductive subtype had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and lower BMI, while the metabolic group had a higher BMI and insulin levels.

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.

Slow-growing rotavirus mutant reveals early steps of viral assembly

A slow-growing rotavirus mutant has allowed researchers to observe the early steps of viral assembly, providing new insights into the formation of viroplasms. The study found that NSP2 phosphorylation plays a crucial role in triggering lipid droplet formation, a key step in viroplasm formation.

Researcher develops tool to protect children's online privacy

Researchers developed a tool called COPPTCHA that can detect Android games and mobile apps in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) with 99% accuracy. The tool accesses device-level activity, posing risks to child users if exploited by traffickers.

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.

Parkinson's Foundation awards nurse faculty grants

The Parkinson's Foundation has awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to three nurses who specialize in Parkinson's care. The grant recipients will launch individual projects to improve life for people with Parkinson's disease in their local community.

Statement on metabolic and bariatric surgery during COVID-19 pandemic

The ASMBS emphasizes the effectiveness of metabolic and bariatric surgery in treating severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. The organization recommends carefully considering individual patient factors and local COVID-19 prevalence before resuming procedures.

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.

Brain exosomes from blood samples allow earlier diagnosis of ALS

Researchers at Brain Chemistry Labs have developed a new blood test that can diagnose ALS earlier than current methods, using brain exosomes and microRNA. The test, based on genetic material shed by different tissues, distinguishes between ALS patients and healthy controls with high accuracy.

Lack of damage after secondary impacts surprises researchers

A recent study on spall fracture in metals revealed that certain materials can withstand secondary shocks with minimal damage, even without obvious signs of voids and cracks. The researchers found that a specific shock stress could recompact damaged copper targets and create new bonds between the broken surfaces.

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.

LIGO-Virgo finds mystery object in 'mass gap'

Scientists have detected an object of 2.6 solar masses, firmly placing it within the 'mass gap' between neutron stars and black holes. The discovery was made using LIGO and Virgo detectors and may challenge current theoretical models.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate concentration in coral reef invertebrates

A study published in Scientific Reports highlights how benthic assemblages impact coral and giant clam species' dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) production. The researchers found that DMSP concentration is modulated according to the complexity of species assemblages, suggesting a connection between neighbors and metabolism.

Obesity linked to higher dementia risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.

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 bacterial toxin turning cells into swiss cheese

Researchers from Kanazawa University purified and characterized Monalysin, a pore-forming bacterial toxin, to study its interaction with the innate immune system. The study revealed that activated Monalysin forms pores in cell membranes, leading to cell death, and that it preferentially inserts into curved parts of membranes.

Extending the coverage of PM2.5 monitoring to help improve air quality

By extending available data, researchers developed a method to estimate mass concentrations of particulate matter from humidity and visibility measurements. This approach has the potential to provide broader understanding of how particulate matter evolves and improve visibility in daily life.

How does the electronic medical record affect physician education?

A new study found that electronic medical records (EMRs) enhance the education of nephrology fellows, providing efficient access to patient lab and x-ray results. However, EMR data entry time demands contribute to work-hour violations, frustration, and burnout among fellows.

Dieting success: Top performers provide more positive support than peers

A new study finds that social interactions with top performers have a positive impact on weight loss success, while those with average performers have a negative effect. The study suggests using the successes of top performers to inspire dieters and avoid using overall group success as a benchmark.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Simple device monitors health using sweat

Researchers at Penn State and Xiangtan University developed a device that analyzes sweat for biomarkers like pH and glucose to monitor health conditions. The single-opening device reduces evaporation and allows for on-the-spot analysis using a colorimetric approach.

Blocking sugar metabolism slows lung tumor growth

A study suggests that blocking two sugar-transporting proteins could help slow the growth of lung tumors. Researchers genetically engineered mice with lung cancer and found that tumors grew slower when both glucose transporters were lacking.

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.

Role-play shows which expectant dads will thrive as new fathers

A five-minute role-play with a doll predicted parenting quality nine months after birth, measuring intuitive parenting skills such as talking to the face and showing concern. The study found that these skills can be taught, and good co-parenting relationships and personality traits also predict better parenting.

Does 'mommy brain' last? Study shows motherhood does not diminish attention

A new study from Purdue University finds that mothers do not have diminished attention and may even have better executive control attention compared to non-mothers. The research used a revised Attention Network Test to compare reaction times among 60 mothers and 70 non-mothers, finding no evidence to support the 'mommy brain' stereotype.

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.

Research brings tech tutorials to people with visual impairments

A Dartmouth study has developed an interactive 3D printed circuit education tool for people with visual impairments, providing audio feedback in response to being touched. The tool aims to broaden the inclusivity and accessibility of maker spaces and engineering classrooms.

Scientists modelled natural rock arcades

Researchers from Russia and the Czech Republic modelled natural rock arcades, finding that they appear in areas with discontinuities due to erosion. The study used a mathematical model that describes the formation of arches and pillars through weathering and erosion processes.

Income, race are associated with disparities in access to green spaces

Researchers analyzed data from Columbus, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia, to find that income and race significantly affect access to green spaces. Wealthier neighborhoods have greater access to parks, trees, and sports fields in Columbus, while racial disparities are more pronounced in Atlanta.

Hot ring produces microwave-powered ultrasound pulses wirelessly

Researchers develop wireless ultrasound transducer that uses microwave absorption to generate sound waves, avoiding acoustic losses. The device consists of a copper ring with an oil-filled envelope, which concentrates microwaves into a hot-spot for efficient ultrasound emission.

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.