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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 21 of 41

One drug, three action modes

The new drug Ru-Pt combines cisplatin, phenylbutyrate, and a PDT drug into one compound, increasing the chances of killing all cancer cells. It shows significant efficiency in killing cancer cells and has a ten times higher efficiency for drug-resistant cell lines than single reagents.

Diagnosing hypertension in children

A new study found that testing blood pressure load, which detects elevated readings over 24 hours, is not necessary for diagnosing hypertension in children. Having high average blood pressure on a 24-hour test does strongly predict risk of cardiac and kidney disease.

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.

Control of the fatty acid synthase

Researchers discovered a protein called gamma subunit that controls fatty acid synthase function in mycobacteria, allowing for the inhibition of pathogen proliferation without affecting human cells. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches against tuberculosis and provide insights into cancer treatment.

UK study highlights importance of spirometry in diagnosing COPD

A UK study emphasizes the significance of spirometry in identifying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly among patients with respiratory symptoms. The study found that over-reliance on radiological changes alone may lead to incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the need for comprehensive assessments.

NASA's Terra Satellite observes development of Tropical Storm 22S

Tropical Storm 22S formed near northeastern Madagascar after being observed by NASA's Terra satellite, which captured strong thunderstorms and rainfall in the western quadrant. The storm is expected to strengthen to 90 knots (104 mph) before becoming subtropical and potentially pass between Mauritius and Rodrigues.

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.

How associative fear memory is formed in the brain

Researchers demonstrate that fear memory involves strengthening neural pathways between the hippocampus and amygdala, which can be erased by weakening these connections. This discovery provides potential therapeutic strategies to suppress maladaptive fear memories in post-traumatic stress disorder patients.

Jeffrey D. Facteau named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Jeffrey D. Facteau, a renowned industrial-organizational psychologist, has been recognized as an SIOP Fellow for his significant impact on talent selection and assessment projects. He has published research in top-tier journals and made lasting contributions to the field of performance management.

Nathan A. Bowling named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Nathan A. Bowling has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, demonstrating his impact on employee attitudes, counterproductive work behavior, and self-report questionnaires. With over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters published in prestigious publications.

The discovery of a new gene that 'supervises' strawberry ripening

A new transcription factor (FaPRE1) has been identified as a key regulator of strawberry ripening, controlling the expression of genes related to color, aroma, and texture. The gene plays a twofold role in regulating expression, silencing development genes and beginning ripening genes.

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.

Brain-doping produced by your own body

Researchers discovered that Epo increases nerve cell production and connections in the brain, leading to improved cognitive performance. Cognitive challenges trigger oxygen deficits, stimulating Epo production, which drives neuroplasticity and neurogenesis.

Long-term analysis shows GM cotton no match for insects in India

A new analysis of GM Bt cotton in India challenges its effectiveness, citing increased spending on fertilizers and insecticides as key factors behind productivity gains. Despite being credited with tripling cotton production, the seeds' impact is overstated due to factors beyond their agronomic benefits.

Astrophysicists wear 3D glasses to watch quasars

Researchers combined data from radio and optical telescopes to determine the origins and nature of quasar light. By measuring the polarization, they can tell which part of radiation came from the jet and determine its direction.

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.

Joseph Allen named SIOP fellow

Dr. Joseph Allen has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of I-O psychology. His research focuses on workplace meetings, occupational safety and health, and community engagement, with significant funding from government agencies.

Mercury's 400 C heat may help it make its own ice

Researchers propose that Mercury's surface chemistry lab, fueled by solar winds and hot temperatures, can produce ice over a period of 3 million years. This process could account for up to 10% of Mercury's total ice reserves.

New planting guidelines could boost edamame profits

Researchers found that machine-harvested edamame is more profitable at lower densities, with optimal rates ranging from 35,200 to 48,600 plants per acre. The new guidelines are specific to the unique aspects of the crop and aim to maximize profitability for US growers and processors.

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.

How brain cells lay down infrastructure to grow and create memories

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation discovered that a type of kinesin called KIF3A/B transports mRNAs, enabling neurons to build their cellular skeleton and form new connections. This process is crucial for memory formation and storage, with mRNAs playing a key role in reinforcing synapses.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Research on the fossil

The study reveals that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar adaptive immune systems, despite independent evolution for over 500 million years. The researchers used CRISPR/Cas9 to disable a gene in lampreys, showing that they rely on a shared tool-kit to create antibodies.

Oncotarget: Prognostic and predictive factors in pancreatic cancer

The Oncotarget review explores the use of biomarkers, CA19-9, gemcitabine-abraxane, FOLFIRINOX, and other treatments to identify patients who benefit most from therapy in pancreatic cancer. Further studies are needed to better understand pancreatic cancer biology and improve prognosis.

Alexander Alonso named SIOP fellow

Dr. Alexander Alonso has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his outstanding contributions to I-O psychology. He is known for using I-O principles to advance human resource management and practice, with hundreds of publications and expertise in competency-based credentialing.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tara Behrend named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Tara Behrend, a multidisciplinary scholar with expertise in workplace technologies and workforce readiness, has been recognized as an SIOP Fellow. She is known for her diverse research topics, including STEM education, automation, and decision-making, and has received significant grants and fellowships.

What can you do with spiral graph? Help understand how galaxies evolve

The Spiral Graph project uses a tracing method to accurately measure the winding of spiral galaxies' arms. This approach outperforms automated methods and can estimate parameters like black hole mass and dark matter content. By enlisting citizen scientists, researchers aim to better understand galaxy evolution.

Reducing kidney failure rate among patients with diabetic kidney disease

A new study aims to identify molecular fingerprints of progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes, while also exploring the development of targeted therapies. The Transformative Research in Diabetic Nephrology (TRIDENT) study is a $5 million collaboration between Penn Medicine and over 20 institutions nationwide.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Dana Born named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Dana Born, PhD has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her outstanding contributions to the profession. She is a pioneering leader who has made significant impacts in I-O psychology, including policy implementation for the Department of Defense.

Lower-sodium turkey breast wins sensory test over full-salt option

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a lower-sodium turkey breast that was preferred by consumers in a blind sensory test. The study found that using a blend of sodium salts with a larger molecular structure slowed down the overall sodium diffusion rate, providing enough saltiness without compromising juiciness and texture.

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.

Cellular stress makes obese mothers have obese babies

A new study reveals that maternal obesity triggers cellular stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, disrupting hypothalamic development and leading to offspring obesity. Bile acid treatment mitigates these changes, reversing obesity-related metabolic issues in mice offspring.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hornwort genomes could lead to crop improvement

Researchers sequenced three hornwort genomes, revealing genes that could boost crop efficiency and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The findings shed light on the evolution of early land plants and provide insights into the unique biology of hornworts.

NIH researchers discover tooth-enamel protein in eyes with dry AMD

Researchers at the National Eye Institute have discovered a tooth-enamel protein, amelotin, that is also present in eyes with dry age-related macular degeneration. The protein may play a role in the formation of calcium deposits in the eye and could be a therapeutic target for treating the blinding disease.

New catalyst provides boost to next-generation EV batteries

A new composite catalyst has been developed to enhance the performance of metal-air batteries (MABs), which are considered a strong candidate for next-generation electric vehicles. The catalyst, combining two types of materials, improves charge and discharge efficiency by synergistically enhancing the reaction rates.

Christopher M. Barnes named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Christopher M. Barnes has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) as a Fellow, acknowledged for his pioneering research on sleep deprivation and work. His notable contributions have been cited over 3,000 times, solidifying his impact on the field.

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.

Nathan Ainspan named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Nathan Ainspan has been recognized as a leading figure in industrial-organizational psychology, focusing on veterans' and disability issues through his research and advocacy efforts. His work has impacted millions of people across the US and internationally.

How sperm unpack dad's genome so it can merge with mom's

UC San Diego researchers found that the enzyme SPRK1 plays a crucial role in untangling a sperm's genome by kicking out special packing proteins. This process allows for major reorganization of the paternal DNA and enables the fusion of the mother's and father's half-genomes.

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.

How skin cells embark on a swift yet elaborate death

Researchers discovered that keratohyalin granules, which form through phase separation, carry molecular messages that prompt skin cells to flatten and die. This process is crucial for maintaining the skin barrier against pathogens.

Bacteria form biofilms like settlers form cities

Researchers used super-resolution imaging and a computational algorithm to study how bacteria multiply and grow into dense biofilms. They found that growth patterns are analogous to urbanization, with individual bacteria forming 'cities' that merge and expand over time.

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.

Worm nerve responses for good and bad

Researchers discovered a temperature-sensing nerve cell that transmits signals activating or inhibiting receiving nerve cells, explaining how worms respond to good or bad temperatures. Genetic studies identified three conserved genes involved in this response, suggesting a similar mechanism may exist in higher organisms.

Sharon Glazer named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Sharon Glazer has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her meaningful impact on cross-cultural practice and theory in I-O psychology. She is known for her research on occupational stress, culture, and global virtual teams.

How curved are your bones?

Researchers discovered that bones change shape in response to forces, curving to prevent fractures. The study used computational methods to monitor shape changes over an extended period, finding that the curving process needs to be highly targeted and can lead to a built-in warning mechanism.