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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 1 of 41

Examining racial disparities in prostate cancer survival

A recent study analyzing nearly 230,000 men found significant racial disparities in prostate cancer survival rates across the United States. The research identified geographic areas with lower survival rates for certain racial groups compared to white patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 31, 2020

The ERC funds CIC biomaGUNE's e-DOTS project with a 2.5-million-euro grant

The European Research Council has awarded 2.5 million euros to the e-DOTS project, led by Ikerbasque Professor Maurizio Prato, to explore the structure and properties of carbon nanodots for biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications. The project aims to develop an automated system to discover new nanodots with tailored properties.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·DateMar 31, 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.

Wearable device lets patients with type 2 diabetes safely use affordable insulin option

A new study finds that a wearable device called V-Go can safely deliver regular human insulin (RHI) to patients with type 2 diabetes, achieving good blood sugar control. The study, which compared RHI to rapid acting insulin (RAI) analogs, showed improvements in hemoglobin A1c levels and met its primary endpoint of noninferiority.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

A COVID-19 palliative care pandemic plan: An essential tool

A COVID-19 palliative care plan has been developed as an essential tool to provide care during the pandemic. The plan focuses on 8 critical elements: stockpiling medications and supplies, training staff, optimizing space, refining systems, alleviating separation effects, promoting critical conversations, focusing on marginalized popula...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 31, 2020

Reduced off-odor of plastic recyclates via separate collection of packaging waste

A study by Fraunhofer IVV, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, and University of Alicante found that separating packaging waste from household waste reduces off-odors in plastic recyclates. The researchers identified over 60 odor-causing substances and found that washing post-consumer LDPE shopping bags at 60 degrees reduced overall odors.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 31, 2020

To tune up your quantum computer, better call an AI mechanic

A team at NIST has developed an AI system that can auto-tune quantum dots for creating functional qubits, overcoming a major engineering hurdle. The system uses machine learning to recognize images of quantum dot measurements and make precise adjustments.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 31, 2020

International borders continue to hinder cross-border cooperation

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that cross-border regions often struggle to achieve concrete outcomes in cooperation. Despite local decision-makers' support for integration, innovation cooperation remains sparse in many regions, including Cascadia and European border areas.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPlanning Practice and Research·DateMar 31, 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.

Virtual cell predicts how close tumor environment influences cancer metastasis

A virtual computational cell was built to predict cancer metastasis by analyzing the interaction of numerous molecules and signals within the tumor environment. The research found that hybrid cancer cells can be targeted using specific molecular signals and extracellular matrix proteins, offering new therapeutic strategies against cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 31, 2020

NIH researchers discover gene for rare disease of excess bone tissue growth

Researchers have identified a new gene, SMAD3, associated with melorheostosis, a rare condition causing excessive bone tissue growth. The study provides a breakthrough in understanding the disease's causes and may lead to the development of treatments.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateMar 31, 2020

Police officers' views before and after Ferguson counter accuracy of Ferguson effect

A longitudinal study found little support for the Ferguson Effect, a decrease in police morale and proactive policing. However, low job satisfaction and cynicism among officers were associated with reduced police activity. The study suggests addressing officers' attitudes is crucial for promoting community engagement and proactive poli...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMar 31, 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.

$7.5 million study to develop operational plan for mixed truck fleets

A four-year study led by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute is developing practical guidelines for integrating automated driving systems into current fleets. The research will provide critical data to guide rulemaking and fleet operations, addressing challenges of deploying automated commercial trucks.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateMar 31, 2020

Technology use by adults with type 1 diabetes lower among African-Americans, Hispanics

A recent study found that technology use by adults with type 1 diabetes is lower among African-American and Hispanic patients. The use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) devices was significantly lower in these groups, highlighting racial disparities in access to healthcare.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Hubble finds best evidence for elusive mid-sized black hole

Astronomers have discovered a black hole weighing 50,000 times the mass of our Sun, offering the strongest evidence yet for intermediate-mass black holes in the universe. Hubble's observations confirmed that the object was tearing apart a star that passed too close, providing key evidence for its existence.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 31, 2020

Most of Earth's carbon was hidden in the core during its formative years

Scientists discovered that more carbon than expected stayed in the mantle, suggesting it was sequestered into lighter elements like silicon and oxygen in the core. Despite this, the majority of Earth's total carbon inventory still likely exists in the core.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2020

Consuming extra calories can help exercising women avoid menstrual disorders

A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that exercising women with menstrual disorders can start menstruating again by consuming an additional 300-400 calories a day. This strategy is easy to implement with the help of a nutritionist and avoids complications from drug therapy.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Targeting a transporter to treat SHH medulloblastoma

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified the ABCC4 transporter as critical to the SHH signaling pathway in medulloblastoma. Targeting this transporter shows promise for treating this disease, with increased expression correlating to poor overall survival.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 31, 2020

Infants introduced early to solid foods show gut bacteria changes that may portend future health risks

A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBMC Microbiology·DateMar 31, 2020

Good news for NF patients with low grade glioma (LGG)

A recent study published in Neuro-Oncology has made significant progress in understanding low-grade gliomas (LGG) in NF patients, which affect nearly a third of those with NF1. The research collaboration between NF experts and LGG specialists aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for these patients.

SourceChildren's Tumor Foundation·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateMar 31, 2020

Underactive thyroid more common in people working long hours

A study published by The Endocrine Society found that adults working long hours are more likely to develop hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition. Researchers discovered a significant association between long working hours and the development of hypothyroidism, regardless of socioeconomic status or sex.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 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.

Researchers gain new insights into pain signaling in the brain

A new study reveals how Big Dynorphin binds to the ASIC receptor, causing pain signals. The discovery could lead to a new type of painkiller medicine, potentially reducing the risk of opioid-related adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2020

Organic soybean producers can be competitive using little or no tillage

A new study by Penn State researchers found that organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to traditional tillage-based production. This sustainable method reduces labor, fuel, and input costs while conserving soil health and water quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateMar 31, 2020

Perspectives on COVID-19 control measures for ophthalmology clinics

A recent study highlights various COVID-19 control measures being implemented at an ophthalmology center in Singapore to mitigate the pandemic's impact on patients and staff. The clinic has adopted several initiatives, including enhanced infection control protocols, telemedicine services, and patient triage procedures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 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.

Unconscious food cravings may make bariatric surgery less effective for extreme obesity

Patients with superobesity are more prone to regain weight after bariatric surgery due to unconscious food cravings and attentional bias. Research found that pre-conscious and conscious attentional biases play a significant role in weight regain, suggesting that cognitive processes similar to addiction may be present in morbid obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 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.

Less expensive, more effective pneumonia vaccines are tested in humans

Researchers at the Butantan Institute and Boston Children's Hospital have developed a novel pneumonia vaccine capable of providing protection against all serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The vaccine is less expensive and more effective than current vaccines, with an estimated price of $2 per dose.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalExpert Review of Vaccines·DateMar 31, 2020

Ocular findings of patients with COVID-19

One-third of COVID-19 patients from Hubei, China, exhibited ocular findings, which occurred frequently in those with more severe physical conditions. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for ocular complications in high-risk patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 2020

Quantum-entangled light from a vibrating membrane

Entangling disparate electromagnetic fields with a vibrating membrane creates novel ways to solve the long-standing challenge of sharing entanglement between distant quantum computers. The result enables microwave-optical entanglement, a key step towards solving this problem.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2020

Cancer research, the guardian of the genome has a new ally

Researchers at the University of Trento identified a new molecular mechanism that determines the fate of cancer cells. The 'switch' protein DHX30 regulates p53's response to treatment, leading to either cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death, with potential applications for solid tumors in the colon, breast, and lung.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 31, 2020

Russian trolls on Twitter polarized vaccination during 2016 election cycle

A new analysis found that Russian trolls used fake persona types to discuss vaccination on Twitter during the 2016 US election cycle. The researchers identified nine types of troll personas and found that they targeted specific political groups with pro- and anti-vaccination messages.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 31, 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.

Infants prefer individuals who achieve their goals efficiently

At 15 months, infants take into account the efficiency of others' actions to identify rational individuals and predict preferences. They exhibit a preference for interacting with efficient over inefficient individuals.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 31, 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.

Scientists discover gene that increases risk of Alzheimer's disease

Researchers have identified a gene, endothelin-converting enzyme 2 (ECE2), that significantly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found two mutations in ECE2 impairing its ability to break down amyloid beta protein, leading to increased levels and plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJCI Insight·DateMar 31, 2020

Extreme high-frequency signals enable terabits-per-second data links

Using technology that allows high-frequency signals to travel on regular phone lines, researchers successfully transmitted data at rates of terabits per second through a pair of copper wires. The discovery could enable faster data transfer in applications such as chip-to-chip communication and data center networks.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 31, 2020

The architecture of a 'shape-shifting' norovirus

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a dynamic shape-shifting mechanism in noroviruses, which may help explain their potent pathogenicity and inform vaccine development. The study's findings could lead to the creation of more effective vaccine candidates using virus-like particles (VLPs).

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 31, 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.

Insurance coverage key to timely care in head and neck cancer cases

The study found that Medicaid expansions in states that adopted the Affordable Care Act were linked to a greater percentage of patients with localized head and neck cancer diagnosed at an early stage. Timely treatment led to improved survival rates for these patients. The researchers hope their findings will inform policy makers.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·DateMar 31, 2020

CVIA has just published a new issue, Volume 4 Issue 3

The journal CVIA has published a new issue featuring important research papers from leading cardiologists worldwide. The International Brugada Electrocardiographic Indices Registry invites new members to contribute to evaluating the disease life course, risk factors, and prognosis in Brugada patients.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 31, 2020

When warblers warn of cowbirds, blackbirds get the message

Red-winged blackbirds respond aggressively to a specific 'seet' call from yellow warblers when they detect the presence of brown-headed cowbirds. The birds also respond to other calls that signal general danger to their nests, including blue jay and cowbird chatter.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 31, 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.

A pilot study of the sequencing of the intestinal microbiota for colon cancer

Researchers from IDIBELL and ICO conducted a pilot study to analyze intestinal microbiota genome in colon cancer patients. They used two sequencing methods, 16s and Shotgun, and found both techniques consistent, with complete sequencing more sensitive but not contradictory to single-gene sequencing.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalScientific Data·DateMar 31, 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.

'Tequila' powered biofuels more efficient than corn or sugar

A team of researchers has found that agave-powered bioethanol is superior to corn and sugarcane in terms of water consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and ethanol output. The efficient process could also help produce ethanol for hand sanitizer, addressing the high demand during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 31, 2020

Environmental features attracting older adults to physical activity differ among neighbourhood types

A study in Finland found that environmental features such as nature destinations and walking-friendly infrastructure are crucial for older adults' physical activity. The research highlights the importance of considering specific neighborhood conditions when planning initiatives to promote older adults' health.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 31, 2020