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Science News Archive June 2020


Page 29 of 48

Tiny pump builds polyrotaxanes with precision

Researchers developed an artificial molecular pump to install rings onto polymer strings, enabling precise control over ring threading and opening up new possibilities for scratch-resistant coatings and actuators. Polyrotaxanes show promise in soft materials and can be fine-tuned by accurately defining the polymer's structure.

Antihypotensive agent disrupts the immune system in sepsis

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center found that norepinephrine suppresses the function of white blood cells, impairing the body's ability to combat infections. The study suggests that alternative antihypotensive agents like vasopressin may be more effective in sepsis patients.

The mystery of visual stability

A study by Tohoku University's Research Institute of Electrical Communication reveals that visual stability across saccades occurs when parvo-pathway signals suppress magno-pathway signals immediately after a saccade. This finding has implications for AI and robots to perceive the world as humans do.

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.

Better reading proficiency linked to fewer youth homicides

A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found a strong correlation between higher reading proficiency among third-grade students and lower homicide rates in Baltimore neighborhoods. The researchers discovered that for every 2% increase in reading proficiency, there was one fewer homicide per 100,000 people annually.

Rice lab turns fluorescent tags into cancer killers

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to kill breast cancer cells using light-activated molecules. By replacing a single oxygen atom with sulfur, the photosensitizers generate reactive oxygen species that destroy tumor cells.

Cost, distance from hospitals present barriers to surgical care

A Rutgers-led study in Colombia used primary population data to assess surgical needs and identify gaps in care. The study found high out-of-pocket expenses leading to poverty and limited access to surgical services, highlighting the need for improved healthcare policies worldwide.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Effects of potassium fertilization in pear trees

Researchers investigated potassium fertilization effects on pears in a long history of fertilizer use to establish critical levels. Higher K doses resulted in lower ethylene production and respiration rates, extending storage life.

New study confirms superiority of open surgery for early-stage cervical cancer

A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for early-stage cervical cancer is linked to a 71% higher risk of recurrence or death compared to open surgery. The study's findings suggest that the benefits of minimally invasive procedures may not outweigh the risks for this specific type of cancer.

Fuel walking and cycling with low carbon diets, researchers say

A new study estimates that producing food to fuel walking and cycling leads to non-negligible greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers suggest reducing meat consumption and shifting towards plant-based diets can significantly lower these emissions, with potential reductions of up to 80%.

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.

'Microbial Noah's ark' initiative should move to next phase, study finds

A Rutgers-driven proposal to create a 'microbial Noah's ark' is feasible and should move forward into a pilot project phase, according to a new study. The Microbiota Vault would gather beneficial germs from human populations with uncompromised microbiomes to address global health problems caused by modern society.

An aspirin a day keeps the bowel doctor away

Research from Newcastle University reveals that aspirin can significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch syndrome. The study found that taking two aspirins a day for two years reduced colon cancer by half, with protection lasting over 10 years.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Putting 'super' in natural killer cells

Scientists create super-powered natural killer cells by deleting an inhibitory gene, resulting in improved anti-tumor activity and persistence. The modified cells also exhibit enhanced metabolic reprogramming and energy utilization, leading to more effective cancer treatment.

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.

Type III interferons: Protective or harmful in COVID-19?

A recent study found that type III interferons can fight viral infection while limiting inflammatory damage, but also increase the risk of life-threatening bacterial superinfections in the lung. The researchers caution that these interferons may be more harmful than beneficial when given later in the course of COVID-19.

Six Purdue innovators advance their technologies through Trask funding

Six Purdue University researchers received $212,845 from the Trask Innovation Fund to support their patented innovations in life science and physical sciences. The funding will aid faculty and staff with commercialization efforts through the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Scientists rescue mini retinas from eye disease via new gene therapy approach

Scientists have developed a new gene therapy approach that offers tremendous promise for treating an eye disease that leads to blindness. The collaborative team used a modified virus to deliver a normal functioning copy of the RP2 gene into 'mini retinas' containing the defective version, resulting in significant improvement.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Applying 'magic angle' twistronics to manipulate the flow of light

Monash researchers have successfully applied 'magic angle' twistronics to control the flow of light in extreme ways. By stacking two thin sheets of molybdenum-trioxide and rotating one layer, they observed controllable light waves over a wide range of wavelengths, enabling robust light propagation in tightly focused beams.

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.

NIH scientists develop blood test to help improve liver cancer screening

Researchers developed a blood test that detects viral exposure signatures linked to liver cancer risk. The test showed high accuracy in distinguishing patients with hepatocellular carcinoma from those with chronic liver disease and healthy volunteers. It has the potential to improve liver cancer screening and early detection.

Brain cells can harbor and spread HIV virus to the body

Researchers found that astrocytes in the brain can harbor HIV and spread it to immune cells that travel to other organs, even when treated with combination antiretroviral therapy. The study suggests that HIV reservoirs in the brain must be targeted for effective cure strategies.

A creative way to expand the geriatrics workforce

A study found that an undergraduate service-learning course using music and filmmaking helped students connect with people with dementia, share unique stories, and process new experiences. The creative approach has the potential to humanize dementia and motivate a new generation of healthcare professionals.

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.

Refugee children get better health, nutrition via e-vouchers

Research by Cornell University found that electronic food vouchers, provided to Rohingya families through the United Nations' World Food Programme, allow for a greater range of nutritious foods. This led to improved height and weight gains among young children, as they were able to access more calorically and nutrient-dense foods.

Female researchers majorly under-represented in COVID-19 research

A recent study found a major gender gap in COVID-19 research authorship, with women comprising only 34% of all authors and even fewer in senior positions. The disparity may be due to various factors such as limited time commitment, lack of access, or societal norms that favor men in leadership roles.

Doing good does you good

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular volunteer work among older adults (50+) significantly reduces mortality risk, improves sense of well-being, and boosts physical activity. However, volunteering did not show direct impact on chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Denisovan DNA influences immune system of modern day Oceanian populations

Scientists have discovered over 120,000 novel human genetic variations affecting immune response, disease susceptibility, and digestion in diverse worldwide populations. These variations were inherited from Denisovan ancestors and include medically-important genes that can affect treatment efficacy.

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.

Caging technique yields very fast CRISPR

Researchers have developed a fast CRISPR system that reduces cleavage time from hours to seconds, allowing for high-resolution DNA repair studies and single allele-level genetic editing. The technique uses light-sensitive nucleotides to control Cas9's action, enabling precise control over the editing process.

Can your gut microbes tell you how old you really are?

A new deep learning-based aging clock uses whole genome sequencing data from thousands of gut bacteria to predict human biological age. The study shows that the age of the host is a significant contributor to gut community dynamics, with microflora succession patterns associated with age progression.

Researchers model human stem cells to identify degeneration in glaucoma

Using human stem cell models, researchers identified deficits within cells damaged by glaucoma and found that correcting genetic mutations could slow disease progression. They also discovered dysfunction in autophagy, a process that removes damaged cells, which correlated with neurodegeneration.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How Dashcams help and hinder forensics

Researchers from WMG, University of Warwick assessed seven dashcam devices to identify artefacts that can be synthesised using tools such as native video players. The study found that digital forensics faces significant issues in managing and processing dashcam evidence.

The disease pyramid: Environment, pathogen, individual and microbiome

Research highlights importance of microbiome in disease interactions, including how it strengthens resistance to pathogens and influences the spread of diseases like chytridiomycosis. Climate change can disrupt the balance of the microbiome, making organisms more susceptible to infection.

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.

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers create new type of COVID-19 antibody test

The new RBD-based antibody test can measure the levels of a unique piece of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, correlating with neutralizing antibodies that provide immunity. This test is highly specific for COVID-19 and can identify asymptomatic virus infections and measure immunity levels in individuals.

Simple explanation suffices for conduction in nickelates

Scientists from University of Groningen discovered that nickelates' metal state can be tuned using strain and oxygen vacancies, leading to improved conductivity. This finding may help design electronics emulating neurons and developing cognitive computing devices.

A novel mechanism that triggers a cellular immune response

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine propose a novel mechanism that directs the immune response toward a cellular type, involving Major Histocompatibility Complex proteins. This mechanism may offer a valuable opportunity to design vaccines for more effective and durable cell-based immunity against viral diseases and cancers.

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.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers from University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center propose using multigroup, adaptively randomized trials to compare multiple COVID-19 interventions. This design may reduce adverse outcomes during trials and enable faster implementation of effective treatments.