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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 48

Oral cancer diagnosis using saliva

A new method uses conductive polymer spray ionization mass spectrometry and machine learning to detect changes in metabolites in saliva samples from 373 volunteers. The diagnostic accuracy of the method is reported at 86.7%, suggesting a potential point-of-care test for oral squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Pilot study suggests Parkinson's disease progression can be slowed

A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNeurology·DateJun 29, 2020

Ocean mixing and ice melting under Ross Ice Shelf

Researchers studied ocean water properties beneath Ross Ice Shelf, revealing four distinct water column regions with varying temperature and salinity structures. The findings suggest the presence of enhanced diffusion, potentially modifying cavity circulation, which is tidally modulated.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 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.

The state of coral reefs in the Solomon Islands

Scientists found impressive reefs with diverse coral communities but few fish, particularly near coastal communities. The research provides critical baseline data to monitor changes and inform management plans for conservation.

SourceKhaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation·DateJun 29, 2020

Tennis: Losers move their heads more often than winners

A recent study by the German Sport University found that losers in tennis make more spontaneous nonverbal head movements after losing points compared to winning points. These movements include head shaking and tilting upwards or side-to-side. The analysis of nonverbal behavior can help improve an athlete's performance during competition.

SourceGerman Sport University·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·DateJun 29, 2020

Formation of transpolar auroral arcs

Multiple transpolar auroral arcs are formed by plasma flow shears and electrical currents along the Earth's magnetic field. The study reveals insight into coupling processes in the Earth's magnetotail under a northward interplanetary magnetic field.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 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.

Blood pressure connected to eye health in young children

A new study published by the American Heart Association has found a connection between narrow retinal artery diameters and higher blood pressure in young children. Researchers analyzed data from over 260 children aged six to eight, finding that narrower retinal vessel diameters were associated with increased systolic blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 29, 2020

Casting a wider net: New system measures brain activity of several zebrafish concurrently

Researchers developed a novel EEG system that can measure brain activity from multiple adult zebrafish simultaneously, opening up new possibilities for cheaper and faster drug screening for neurological disorders. This study successfully mapped changes in brain signals during epileptic attacks and demonstrated the efficacy of an anti-e...

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 29, 2020

Sandia weapons program meets safety, design requirements

The Combined Engineering Judgment review by Sandia's Delegated Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons Ernie Wilson validated the lab's work on the B61-12 Life Extension Program, ensuring the weapon meets safety and security requirements. The program aims to extend the bomb's service life by decades through refurbishment and modernization.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 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.

Cartwheeling light reveals new optical phenomenon

Researchers at Rice University have discovered trochoidal dichroism, a novel type of polarized light-matter interaction. The discovery reveals that different wavelengths of light interact differently with plasmonic nanoparticles, which could help study molecules and determine molecular orientation.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020

Researchers discover unknown consumer base for unsustainable bear product use

A study found that pregnant women and new mothers in Cambodia use bear products to treat pregnancy and post-partum related ailments. This practice poses a significant threat to bear populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to reduce demand pressures.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalJournal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Rethinking regional neurologic care in COVID-19 era

Experts are discussing ways to reduce over-triage for patients with neurologic disease and find alternative care solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors propose a new approach to regional neurologic care, focusing on evidence-based guidelines and innovative distance care strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJun 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.

NIH study finds out why some words may be more memorable than others

Researchers found that brains use common words like 'pig' and 'tank' more often when recalling memories, suggesting a neural network connection. The study used memory tests, brain wave recordings, and surveys to support the idea that brains search for memories like search engines track information online.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 29, 2020

Computing collaboration reveals global ripple effect of shifting monsoons

Climate researchers projected changes in nine monsoon regions across five continents, revealing delayed onset and intensified seasonal fluctuation. The study found that reduced greenhouse gas emissions under RCP2.6 scenario could minimize long-term shifts, while RCP8.5 scenario predicts significant changes.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJun 29, 2020

Anammox bacteria generate energy from wastewater while taking a breath

Researchers discovered that anammox bacteria can transfer electrons to solid-state matter outside their cells, bypassing traditional electron acceptors. This breakthrough has significant implications for sustainable wastewater treatment, energy production, and the global nitrogen cycle.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 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.

Preterm delivery increases long-term risks of ischemic heart disease in women throughout their life

A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found that preterm delivery is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women throughout their lives. Women who gave birth before 37 weeks are at an increased risk of developing IHD, with risks remaining elevated even decades after delivery.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 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.

Raw milk may do more harm than good

A new study from UC Davis found that raw milk can harbor antimicrobial-resistant genes, potentially spreading resistance if consumed. The researchers analyzed over 2,000 retail milk samples and found that raw milk had the highest prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microbes when left at room temperature.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMicrobiome·DateJun 29, 2020

Ecosystem degradation could raise risk of pandemics

A new study finds that environmental destruction may make pandemics more likely and less manageable. Ecosystems naturally restrain disease transfer, but degradation compromises water security and increases disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJun 29, 2020

Collectivism drives efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19

Research from the University of Kent found that collectivist individuals are more likely to comply with social distancing and hygiene practices to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Individuals with a more individualist mindset are less likely to engage, partly due to conspiracy theories and feelings of powerlessness.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 29, 2020

Faecal microbial transplantation more effective and less costly than antibiotics

A new UK study found that faecal microbial transplantation (FMT) is more effective than antibiotics in treating Clostridium difficile infection, with higher cure rates and lower recurrence rates. FMT was also shown to be significantly more cost-effective, reducing hospitalization days and offering better quality of life for patients.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 29, 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.

New Zealand's ancient monster penguins had northern hemisphere doppelgangers

Scientists have identified similarities between ancient New Zealand penguins and Northern Hemisphere plotopterids, suggesting both groups were strong swimmers that used their wings to propel them deep underwater. The study sheds light on how birds evolved to use their wings for swimming instead of flying.

SourceCanterbury Museum·JournalJournal of Zoological Systematics & Evolutionary Research·DateJun 29, 2020

Social distancing and dying alone

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in end-of-life care, with patients dying alone due to social distancing measures. Researchers propose an alternative approach that balances infection control with family-centered care and culturally important rituals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalIntensive Care Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

Development of a small sensor capable of continuously monitoring the phytohormone ethylene

Researchers at NIMS and AIST have developed a small, energy-efficient sensor that can continuously monitor ethylene gas levels in fruits and vegetables, allowing for optimal transportation and storage schedules. This new sensor enables accurate estimation of ripening progression and potential reduction of food waste.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 29, 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.

Metformin-based therapy should be first-line treatment for patients with T2D at low CV risk

A systematic review and network meta-analysis suggest metformin-based therapy as a preferred first-line treatment for drug-naive patients with type 2 diabetes at low cardiovascular risk. Insulin regimens and GLP-1 RAs added to metformin-based background therapy produced the greatest reductions in hemoglobin A1c level.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 29, 2020

New research reveals plant control with the power of light

Scientists have discovered a way to control plant processes, such as growth and immune response, using colored light. The new system, PULSE, allows for precise manipulation of gene expression and can be repeated multiple times, opening up possibilities for improving crop yields and plant defenses.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 29, 2020

Producing a gaseous messenger molecule inside the body, on demand

A team of scientists has found a way to generate the gas at precisely targeted locations inside the body, potentially opening new lines of research on nitric oxide's effects. The method uses an electric voltage to drive the reaction that produces nitric oxide.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 29, 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.

Microbiome confers resistance to cholera

A new study found that certain gut bacteria, such as Blautia obeum, can deactivate the disease-causing mechanisms of Vibrio cholerae, preventing it from colonizing the intestines. Increasing levels of this bacterium in the gut may provide a natural defense against cholera.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCell·DateJun 29, 2020

Pregnancy stereotypes can lead to workplace accidents

A Washington State University study found that 63% of pregnant women experienced 'stereotype threat,' leading them to conceal their pregnancy and take actions that harmed their health. The study highlights the need to address workplace stereotypes and provide support for pregnant employees.

SourceWashington State University·JournalWork & Stress·DateJun 29, 2020

Clues to COVID-19 complications come from NET-like inflammatory response

A study by University of Utah Health and PEEL Therapeutics found that an overactive NET immune response may lead to increased blood clotting, disease severity, and death from COVID-19. A naturally occurring protein, nNIF, quiets this hyperactive response, potentially opening new avenues for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalBlood·DateJun 29, 2020

Playtime with dad may improve children's self-control

Research suggests that playtime with fathers from a young age can help children control their behavior and emotions. Fathers tend to engage in more physical play, which is well-suited for developing these skills. The study found a correlation between father-child play and children's ability to regulate their feelings and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Review·DateJun 29, 2020
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.

Older adults share fewer memories as they age

A new study suggests that older adults spontaneously share fewer memories of their past experiences, with less detail in descriptions. Researchers analyzed daily conversations using a smartphone app and found this decline to be age-related, possibly linked to brain changes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Swine influenza virus with pandemic potential

Researchers isolated 179 swine influenza viruses from pigs in China, grouped into six genotypes, and found one (G4 EA H1N1) exhibiting features characteristic of the 2009 pandemic lineage. The virus showed high infectivity and transmissibility in ferrets, raising concerns about its potential for pandemic spread in humans.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 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.

Scientists devise gentle technique to study heart tissue functioning

Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a method to observe excitation waves in heart tissue without the need for fluorescent dyes. This approach allows for more independent results, is cheaper, and can be used for longer observations than conventional methods.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 29, 2020

Analysis of complex geometric models made simple

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an efficient new way to quickly analyze complex geometric models by using Monte Carlo methods. This approach eliminates the need to divide shapes into meshes, reducing errors and increasing computation speed.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJun 29, 2020
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.

Beavers gnawing away at the permafrost

Researchers tracked beaver activity in two regions of Alaska and found that they created 56 new lakes in just five years, with the number doubling every four years. This can accelerate permafrost thawing, releasing greenhouse gases and intensifying climate change.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 29, 2020

Lifting weights makes your nervous system stronger, too

New research reveals that weightlifting strengthens the reticulospinal tract, a neural pathway controlling posture and movement. The study, published in JNeurosci, found that increased strength is driven by strengthened signaling in this pathway.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateJun 29, 2020

Osmotic stress identified as stimulator of cellular waste disposal

Researchers discovered a new mechanism linking osmotic stress to the activation of autophagosomes and lysosomes, which play central roles in cellular recycling and degradation. The study provides insights into how environmental influences impact cellular processes and offers potential therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJun 29, 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.