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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 24 of 41

Diet has an impact on the multiple sclerosis disease course

Researchers found that propionic acid reduced relapse rates and disability progression in MS patients, with initial MRI studies suggesting reduced brain atrophy. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune regulation, and altering its composition may lead to innovative dietary measures to complement existing therapies.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The Lancet: Triple therapies to treat malaria are effective and safe

The study of 1,100 people with uncomplicated falciparum malaria from eight countries shows that TACTs are highly efficacious with no safety concerns. However, they showed slightly higher rates of vomiting and minor changes in the electrical activity of the heart compared to existing treatment.

Trailblazers issue celebrates women entrepreneurs in chemistry

The American Chemical Society is celebrating women entrepreneurs in chemistry with a special issue, featuring 20 female pioneers who have founded companies in biotechnology, solar energy, pharmaceuticals, and more. The Trailblazers issue aims to address the gender gap in funding and promote diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Keeping cats indoors could blunt adverse effects to wildlife

A new study reveals that house cats have a two- to 10-time larger impact on wildlife than wild predators. The research found that most pet cats hunt in disturbed habitats and kill an average of 3.5 prey items per month, leading to an estimated ecological impact per cat of 14.2-38.9 prey ha-1 yr-1.

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.

Study: Layoffs lead to higher rates of violent offenses and property crimes

A new study by Case Western Reserve University economist Mark Votruba found that involuntary job loss leads to a dramatic increase in criminal behavior. Displaced workers experienced a 20% increase in criminal charges the year after being laid off, as well as decreased earnings and full-time opportunities.

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.

Microbes play important role in soil's nitrogen cycle

Soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates using oxygen and diverse processes, making nutrients available to plants. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial roles in the soil nitrogen cycle, which can inform efficient fertilizer use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Virtual reality shows promise for early detection of MS balance problems

A virtual reality test has shown promise in detecting balance problems in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), which can lead to falls and related injuries. The test uses a VR system to simulate falling while walking, triggering corrective reactions that can be measured as changes in gait and foot placement.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Acacia bushlands prevent climate warming in Eastern Africa

A new study reveals that clearing acacia-dominated bushland for farming can raise land surface temperatures by up to 1.8°C, comparable to forest clearing. The findings suggest that preserving these ecosystems could mitigate climate change in the region.

Magnolia bark compound could someday help treat drug-resistant epilepsy

Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy using compounds derived from magnolia trees. The study found that extracts from the bark of Magnolia officinalis reduced seizure-like behavior in both zebrafish and mice, providing a promising lead for the development of new treatments.

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.

Artificial intelligence and family medicine: Better together

Researchers argue that AI can facilitate human interactions in family medicine, making patient care more meaningful. By incorporating informatics into primary care specialties, AI can help reduce administrative burdens and improve population health.

Melting glaciers will challenge some salmon populations and benefit others

A Simon Fraser University-led study predicts that climate-driven glacier retreat will challenge some salmon populations, while creating new habitats in others. As glaciers lose up to 80% of their ice volume by 2100, southern watersheds may face low water flows and warmer temperatures, posing challenges for adult and young salmon.

Validating a better way to stratify BPD risk in vulnerable newborns

A new study has validated a better way to stratify BPD risk in extremely preterm infants, using a longer duration of supplemental oxygen. The findings suggest that babies who require oxygen for over 120 days are at high risk of respiratory complications and should receive expanded ventilation before discharge.

New error correction method provides key step toward quantum computing

Researchers have developed a novel approach for quantum error correction that can mitigate certain types of random fluctuations, enabling the creation of more efficient quantum computers and sensors. By targeting specific noise sources, this method could significantly improve the performance of quantum systems.

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.

The naming of the shrew

Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a new species of shrew, the Sulawesi hairy-tailed shrew, which has thick hair on its tail and climbs trees. The discovery highlights the significant diversity of mammals in Indonesian islands, with many habitats remaining unexplored.

Detecting aromas in aged cognac

Scientists used gas chromatography and sensory panel analysis to uncover volatile compounds in aged cognac, finding terpenoids for the first time. The study reveals how specific compounds enhance or suppress flavors, shedding light on aging's impact on aromas.

Study unveils striking disparities in health outcomes among 2 populations

A new study found significantly higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and deaths after hospitalization among low-income older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid compared to those solely enrolled in Medicare. The study suggests that health inequities persist despite efforts to improve healthcare access.

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.

A hidden electronic transition 'S0 → Tn' in heavy-atom-containing molecules

Scientists at Chiba University have discovered a previously overlooked electronic transition 'S0 → Tn' in heavy-atom-containing molecules exposed to visible light. The study reveals that this mechanism promotes radical reactions in photoreactions with visible light, which was not previously considered a main role.

Rural Hondurans embrace cancer screening opportunities

A collaborative research team from Dartmouth and Honduras found a high level of participation in rural cancer screening events, resulting in over 88% of identified individuals seeking follow-up care. The 'multiphasic' approach involved multiple cancer screenings in one event, which was well-received by local communities.

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.

Submersible sensors rapidly detect bacterial pollution in water

Environmental engineers at San Diego State University have developed a rapid detection system for bacterial contamination in water, which can alert authorities to pollution in real-time. The system uses tryptophan as a marker and has been tested in Alvarado Creek, where it correctly identified sewage leaks and spills.

World's first experimental observation of a Kondo cloud

Researchers successfully measured and controlled the length of the Kondo cloud, a phenomenon discovered in the 1930s that explains resistance increase in certain metals. The findings provide insights into multiple impurity systems, including high-temperature superconductors.

Gasdermin E: A new approach to cancer immunotherapy that could have broad reach

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new approach to cancer immunotherapy by reactivating the gasdermin E gene, which can convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones that the immune system can target. The team showed that re-introducing gasdermin E in mouse models triggered pyroptosis and suppressed tumor growth in var...

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.

Natural bayou better when floods threaten Houston

Researchers at Rice University found that Buffalo Bayou's natural form is better at absorbing floodwater and preventing it from spilling over into heavily populated areas. The study shows that urban development in the Brays watershed increased the 100-year flood plain, making it more prone to flooding.

ESO telescope observes exoplanet where it rains iron

The ESO's Very Large Telescope has observed an ultra-hot giant exoplanet where it rains iron on its night side. Strong winds carry iron vapour from the day side to the cooler night side, where temperatures decrease, resulting in a unique and extreme phenomenon.

Aging and nutrients competition determine changes in microbiota

Research at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência uncovered two new mechanisms in the microbiota's evolution, driven by aging and nutrient competition. In mice, E. coli adapts to inflammation and scarce nutrients in older individuals, leading to potentially pathogenic changes.

Addressing HPV vaccination concerns

A randomized controlled trial found that tailored messages addressing HPV vaccine concerns improved intent to vaccinate, while a bundled approach was less effective. The study suggests that personalized messaging may be essential for increasing HPV vaccination uptake among hesitant parents.

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.

Understanding how monomer sequence affects conductance in 'molecular wires'

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a method to precisely control the sequence in synthetic polymers, allowing them to study charge transport properties and measure conductance through single chains. This work has significant implications for designing and manipulating materials with designer properties.

New nano strategy fights superbugs

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new strategy to destroy antibiotic-resistant genes, known as superbugs, in sewage system wastewater. The nano technology traps and degrades these genetic remnants before they can infect other bacteria.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Breastfeeding guide aims to help docs ease moms through tough 1st week

A new guide seeks to provide healthcare providers with useful tools and information to support new mothers with the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months. The guide addresses gaps in knowledge and support created in previous decades, providing evidence-based solutions for breastfeeding management.

Vision problems may be common in people with Parkinson's disease

A study published in Neurology found that 82% of people with Parkinson's reported one or more eye problems, compared to 48% without the disease. Eye problems often interfered with daily life for 68% of those with Parkinson's, affecting activities like driving and reading.

Sorry, Einstein: Hard workers may make better role models than geniuses

New research suggests that scientists who are known for their hard work, like Thomas Edison, are more motivating than those who are viewed as naturally brilliant, like Albert Einstein. The findings dispel myths about what it takes to succeed in science and can help optimize science education.

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.

Professor Peter Girguis awarded Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation grant

Professor Peter Girguis has been awarded a five-year grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to pursue innovative research on symbiosis in aquatic systems. His team will use engineering approaches, genome sequencing, and protein analysis to understand how these symbioses change their environments.

People want more compensation, security for their genomic data

A recent survey found that people are more willing to donate genomic data if they have control over its use and can be compensated for their involvement. The study, which involved 2,020 survey respondents, also revealed that nearly half of participants would only provide their data in exchange for payment.

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.

Observed: An exoplanet where it rains iron

Researchers detected chemical variations between day and night on the planet, revealing the presence of iron vapour condensing into drops on the dark side. This discovery provides insights into the extreme climate conditions on ultra-hot giant exoplanets.

Grainger engineers voice localization techniques for smart speakers

Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a system called VoLoc that uses microphone array recordings and room echoes to infer user location within a home. This technology can improve smart devices' support for available skills, such as turn-on-light or increase-temperature commands.

More genes associated with canine hip dys­plasia and os­teoarth­ritis discovered

Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered novel loci associated with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in German Shepherds, highlighting the hereditary nature and polygenic background of the disorder. The study sheds light on the genetic factors influencing complex diseases and may lead to better treatment options in the future.

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.