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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 48

Mayo finds convalescent plasma safe for diverse patients with COVID-19

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that investigational convalescent plasma is safe to use in a diverse group of 20,000 patients, with a significant decline in seven-day mortality rates compared to previous studies. The study also found lower serious adverse events and a more rapid availability of plasma for treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateJun 18, 2020

UAlberta clinician-scientists identify pink eye as possible primary symptom of COVID-19

Researchers have identified conjunctivitis as a potential primary symptom of COVID-19, leading to changes in patient diagnosis and treatment protocols. Ophthalmologists are now taking extra precautions when treating patients with conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis, including wearing personal protective equipment.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalCanadian Journal of Ophthalmology·DateJun 18, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Anal cancer's first randomized trial for inoperable disease sets the treatment standard

The InterAAct trial found carboplatin-paclitaxel to be the optimal chemotherapy regimen for inoperable anal cancer, with a lower risk of adverse events and improved overall survival. Patients treated with this regimen experienced a trend towards better survival rates, suggesting it should become the standard of care.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2020

Measles origin finding could inform COVID-19 research

A team of researchers sequenced a measles genome from 1912 and found it likely arose in human populations around the 6th century BCE. This finding suggests that large cities may have played a role in the emergence of the virus. Understanding the origins of COVID-19 could help protect against and fight the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

COVID-19 toll in nursing homes linked to staffing levels and quality

Residents of long-term care facilities with lower nurse staffing levels and poorer quality scores suffer from higher rates of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Higher nurse staffing ratios are strongly associated with fewer cases and deaths, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 18, 2020

COVID-19 collaboration reduces infections in long-term care facilities

A collaborative program developed at UVA Health has helped prevent COVID-19 infections and reduced mortality rates in long-term care facilities. The program, GERI-PaL, combines hospital and community-based resources to assist local facilities in preventing and responding to outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateJun 18, 2020

COVID-19 affects adolescent and young adults sexual and reproductive health

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults due to social distancing, school closures, and limited access to contraception and abortion care. Despite reduced opportunities for sex, many youth face significant challenges in accessing necessary healthcare services.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateJun 18, 2020

Suicide rate for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders 170 times higher

A study of 75,000 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders found that those who experienced a mood disorder or hospitalization prior to diagnosis were at the highest risk for suicide. The researchers suggest increasing age limits for first episode psychosis programs and extending clinical follow-up care as potential solutions.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalSchizophrenia Research·DateJun 18, 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.

Genetic variation may affect bacterial composition and healing of wounds

A study found that genetic variation affects the types of bacteria that infect wounds and the healing process. The researchers identified specific genes associated with microbiome diversity in chronic wounds, which could lead to predictive biomarkers and targeted therapies for patients at risk of persistent infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 18, 2020

MSU researchers team with colleagues in $3.7M project to advance nuclear physics

Researchers at MSU are working on a $3.7M project to create more accurate models of scientific phenomena using Bayesian statistics and machine learning. The team aims to improve the characterization and reduction of uncertainties in nuclear processes, making it easier for scientists to design experiments and allocate resources.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·DateJun 18, 2020

Two-dimensional carbon networks

Researchers have developed a simple bottom-up synthesis method for graphdiyne, a two-dimensional carbon network with adjustable electronic properties. The material demonstrates excellent lithium-storage capacity and stability, making it suitable for electrochemical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 18, 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.

Cancer drug cures COVID-19 patient with acute respiratory distress

A cancer drug called ruxolitinib was used to treat a COVID-19 patient with acute respiratory distress, resulting in clinical stabilization and rapid improvement in respiration and heart function. The treatment's success has led to the approval of a clinical trial to test its effect on additional COVID-19 patients.

SourcePhilipps-Universität Marburg·JournalLeukemia·DateJun 18, 2020

Study: Urban density not linked to higher coronavirus infection rates — and is linked to lower COVID-19 death rates

A new study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no significant association between urban density and COVID-19 infection rates. However, it was linked to lower COVID-19 death rates, possibly due to better healthcare systems in densely populated areas. Larger metropolitan areas with closely linked counties are ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateJun 18, 2020

KU Leuven researchers shed new light on solar flares

Researchers at KU Leuven have created a self-consistent simulation of solar flares, allowing them to calculate the energy conversion efficiency. This breakthrough enables the prediction of key aspects of space weather phenomena, including the Northern Lights.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 18, 2020

Off the scales: Fish armor both tough and flexible

Researchers characterized carp scales using X-ray imaging, revealing a toughening mechanism called adaptive reorientation. The study's findings may inspire the design of advanced synthetic materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalMatter·DateJun 18, 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.

Women and men still choose partners like they used to

Research from Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that people tend to choose partners based on similar criteria as they did in the past. Key findings suggest a lack of significant changes in partner selection over the past three decades.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 18, 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.

A deep-learned E-skin decodes complex human motion

A deep-learning powered single-strained electronic skin sensor captures complex five-finger motions in real-time, creating a virtual 3D hand. The sensor's rapid situation learning system ensures stable operation regardless of its position on the skin.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2020

Nanoparticle for overcoming leukemia treatment resistance

UConn researchers use patented nanoparticle with common chemotherapy drug doxorubicin to target leukemia stem cells, reducing treatment-resistant relapses. The nanoparticle enables slow release of the drug to bone marrow, improving survival rates and inhibiting cancerous stem cells.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 18, 2020

Bobwhites listen to each other when picking habitat

Researchers found that northern bobwhites are drawn to habitats based on the presence of other birds, which could aid in conservation efforts. This phenomenon, called conspecific attraction, was studied using recordings of bobwhite songs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Field Ornithology·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers study a novel type of extracellular vesicles

The study reveals that matrix-bound vesicles (MBVs) have a similar size to liquid-phase EVs but contain different proteins, lipids, and microRNAs. MBVs also share common characteristics with parent cells, suggesting a possible origin from mitochondria.

SourceSechenov University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 18, 2020
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.

Study shows sedentary behavior independently predicts cancer mortality

A recent study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that greater inactivity is independently associated with a higher risk of dying from cancer. Replacing sedentary time with physical activity, such as 30 minutes of cycling or walking, can lower this risk.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 18, 2020

New Argentine fossils uncover history of celebrated conifer group

Researchers discovered well-preserved conifer fossils in Patagonia that show the Araucaria genus has roots in the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. The findings suggest that relatives of Norfolk Island pines were part of a rainforest stretching across Australasia and Antarctica.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateJun 18, 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.

The first model proposed to simulate the functioning of concept cells in the brain

Researchers from Lobachevsky University and international colleagues have developed a model that demonstrates the existence of concept cells in the brain, which can process and learn abstract concepts. The study suggests that individual neurons, rather than large neuronal complexes, are responsible for complex tasks performed by humans.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2020

Less sleep reduces positive feelings

A study found that sleeping less than normal impairs positive feelings, reducing joy, enthusiasm, and attention. Participants experienced a flattening of emotions when they slept less, scoring worse on accuracy tests. This impact persists for multiple days after sleep deprivation, affecting mental health.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 18, 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.

Researchers identify key steps in development of kidneys

A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that a protein called AP-2 beta induces expression of KCTD1, which triggers kidney structure differentiation. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches to block reactivation of beta-catenin in the adult kidney to inhibit renal fibrosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 18, 2020

New research says displaying fake reviews increases consumer trust in platforms by 80%

A new study published in INFORMS Journal Information Systems Research suggests that displaying fake reviews alongside truthful ones can increase consumer trust in review platforms by 80%. Consumers want to view both types of reviews together, and this transparency can help build trust. The study also highlights the importance of provid...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateJun 18, 2020

Goodbye 'extinction,' hello 'evanescence'? Validating a new paradigm

A new article validates the paradigm of multigenerational attritional loss of reproductive fitness (MALF) as a complete explanation for extinction. This shift from 'extinction' to 'evanescence' provides a clearer understanding of cause and effect, allowing for intervention in ongoing extinction events.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateJun 18, 2020

Popular doesn't mean influential among Cambodian farmers

Researchers found that providing less popular farmers with new information and technologies leads to wider community adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study suggests that relying on prominent farmers may not be effective in spreading sustainable practices.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalInternational Journal of Agricultural Sustainability·DateJun 18, 2020
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.

Human brain size gene triggers bigger brain in monkeys

Researchers find that the human-specific gene ARHGAP11B causes an enlarged neocortex in common marmosets, a non-human primate. The study suggests that this gene may have played a key role in the expansion of the human neocortex during evolution.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Strenuous daily exercise may shorten, not prolong, longevity

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology found that Kabuki actors had shorter lifespans compared to other traditional arts performers who led sedentary lifestyles. The study suggests that excessive endurance training and physical activity may overwhelm the beneficial aspects of regular exercise.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalPalgrave Communications·DateJun 18, 2020

Vapor fix lifts up perovskite crystal performance

Researchers from KAUST developed a simple and noninvasive treatment to optimize perovskite solar cell materials. A bromine vapor treatment penetrates the surface of crystals, removing defects and producing a dramatic increase in electrical conductivity and carrier mobility.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 18, 2020

Diabetic ketoacidosis threatens hospitalized patients with COVID-19

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common and severe complication in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, causing dehydration and breathing difficulties. A new clinical perspective outlines simpler methods of management to protect healthcare providers and keep ICU beds available for severe cases.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 18, 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.

Hookworm trial offers new hope to MS patients

Researchers found that infecting patients with a safe dose of Necator americanus induces immunoregulatory responses and boosts regulatory T cells, which help control the immune system. The study showed that more than half of patients receiving the hookworm had no new lesions at all.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 18, 2020

Clear signs of brain injury with severe COVID-19

A study from University of Gothenburg found that COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptoms exhibited brain injury signs, including elevated GFAP and NfL biomarkers. These biomarkers were also associated with disease severity and ventilator treatment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurology·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers study catastrophic disease events in marine mammals

A recent study published in Global Change Biology found that infectious disease-induced mass mortality events occur in 14% of marine mammal species, with viruses causing 72% of these events. Habitat breadth was also a key factor, with pinnipeds being overrepresented among affected species.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 18, 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.

Optogenetic odors reveal the logic of olfactory perception

Researchers created an electrical signature that mimics an odor in the brain's smell-processing center, advancing our understanding of olfactory perception. The approach revealed key spatial and temporal neural features that combine to form a code for converting sensory information into perception of an odor

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 18, 2020

Researchers discover unique material design for brain-like computations

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a unique material design inspired by the human brain's neural structure for brain-like computations. This design strategy promises orders of magnitude reductions in power consumption, suitable for complex data classification and processing.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalMaterials Today·DateJun 18, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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