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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 12


Page 12 of 41

Teamwork in a cell

A team of researchers has systematically characterized 145 regulatory proteins that control the cytoskeleton's dynamic remodeling process. This comprehensive database reveals a new perspective on how these proteins work together to coordinate processes such as cell division, differentiation, embryonic development, and wound healing.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 23, 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.

Bilateral symmetry in the fossil record

Fossils of Ikaria wariootia represent one of the oldest examples of bilateral symmetry and anterior-posterior differentiation. The discovery provides a critical link between Ediacaran and Cambrian animals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Beyond your doorstep: What you buy and where you live shapes land-use footprint

A new study finds that individual consumption habits have a significant impact on land use, with rural residents using up to 10 times more land than urban counterparts for their homes. The researchers suggest simple choices like reducing food waste and buying fewer clothes can significantly reduce one's indirect land footprint.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 23, 2020

Study: Climatic-niche evolution strikingly similar in plants and animals

A recent study found that rates of climatic-niche evolution are similarly slow in both plants and animals, with only slight variations across different clades. This research highlights the importance of understanding climate change impacts on species distribution and evolution.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 23, 2020
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.

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 23, 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.

Clemson researcher's novel MOF is potential next-gen semiconductor

A Clemson University team created a double-helical metal-organic framework with unique S-shaped charge transport pathways, enabling it to conduct electricity. The material shows promise as a next-generation semiconductor due to its energy efficiency and temperature tolerance.

SourceClemson University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 23, 2020

Pablo Escobar's hippos may help counteract a legacy of extinctions

Researchers find that introduced herbivores, like Escobar's hippos, restore important ecological traits lost due to human impacts. This is achieved through the introduction of species that share traits with extinct ones, such as giant llamas and semiaquatic habitats.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Chatty kids do better at school

Children from wealthier families tend to excel academically due to enhanced language abilities at nursery school age. These verbal skills explain around 50% of the achievement gap between family backgrounds.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalChild Development·DateMar 23, 2020

Stanford researcher investigates how squid communicate in the dark

Researchers suggest that squid use visual communication to establish order in near-darkness, utilizing light-producing organs and shifting skin patterns. The study found supporting evidence for this hypothesis in anatomical studies of captured squid.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Why 'family-values' conservatism persists in the United States

A study analyzing data from over 12,000 adults found that larger families are more likely to oppose abortion and same-sex marriage. The relationship between family size and conservative attitudes is largely driven by greater religiosity and lower educational attainment.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Advanced 'super-planckian' material exhibits LED-like light when heated

Researchers have discovered a material that emits light in the near-infrared portion of the spectrum when heated, defying Planck's Law. This 'super-Planckian' radiation is generated by a three-dimensional tungsten photonic crystal and has potential applications in energy harvesting, military tracking, and optical physics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2020

Study uncovers increasing global rates of liver cancer

A new study found increasing global rates of liver cancer, particularly in people aged 30-59 years and 60 years and older, as well as a notable increase in men. The research, published in the journal Cancer, also revealed that hepatitis B vaccinations and obesity are associated with decreased rates of liver cancer in younger adults.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 23, 2020

Can migration, workforce participation, and education balance the cost of aging in Europe?

A new IIASA study shows that higher levels of education and increasing workforce participation can offset the economic burden of an aging population in Europe. The 'productivity-weighted labor force dependency ratio' reflects the impact of expanding education and labor market participation, particularly among women and the elderly.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

After statewide teacher evaluation reform, low-rated teachers leave struggling schools: Study finds

A recent study by New York University found that statewide teacher evaluation reform is associated with increased turnover of lower-performing instructors, particularly in urban districts and low-performing schools. The research suggests that these reforms can help retain more effective teachers for longer periods.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 23, 2020

Associations between screen use, language skills

Research combining data from 42 studies shows a correlation between increased screen time and decreased language proficiency in young children. The analysis found that children who spent more time on screens had poorer language skills, suggesting a potential link between excessive screen use and delayed linguistic development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 23, 2020

It's in our genome: Uncovering clues to longevity from human genetics

Researchers analyzed genetic and clinical data to find that high blood pressure and obesity significantly reduce lifespan, particularly in European ancestry populations. The study, published in Nature Medicine, identifies these traits as major contributors to reduced human lifespan.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 23, 2020

Public trust and communicating uncertainty

A study of 5,780 individuals found that prior beliefs do not influence responses to uncertainty in news, but rather impact trust in facts. Communicating numerical uncertainty may not be counterproductive when it comes to increasing public trust in facts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Peak district grasslands hold key to global plant diversity

Researchers from the University of Sheffield found that plants in Peak District grasslands share key nutrients to co-exist, leading to high levels of plant diversity. This sharing is known as resource partitioning, allowing different types of phosphorus compounds to be used by each plant.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 23, 2020

Coal exit benefits outweigh its costs

Researchers found that phasing out coal can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% worldwide, while saving 1.5% of global economic output by 2050. The benefits of a coal exit outweigh the costs, with local and short-term impacts on public health and biodiversity being most significant.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMar 23, 2020

Five language outcome measures evaluated for intellectual disabilities studies

Researchers developed five language outcome measures using expressive language sampling (ELS) to assess treatment efficacy in individuals with fragile X syndrome and intellectual disabilities. The study found that ELS yielded valid and reliable measures for most participants, but were more challenging for younger or less able individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·DateMar 23, 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.

Using cannabinoids to treat acute pain

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that cannabinoid treatment reduced subjective pain scores compared to placebo in patients with acute pain. Intramuscular cannabinoids were more effective than oral cannabinoids in reducing pain relative to placebo.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCannabis and Cannabinoid Research·DateMar 23, 2020

Is Niagara Falls a barrier against fish movement?

New study finds that populations of native fish species on both sides of Niagara Falls are genetically distinct, indicating no significant interbreeding or migration past the falls. This suggests that the falls and Welland Canal serve as effective barriers to prevent invasive aquatic species from entering the Great Lakes.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMar 23, 2020

Arctic light pollution affects fish, zooplankton up to 200 meters deep

A recent study has revealed that Arctic light pollution can significantly impact the behavior of fish and zooplankton, even at depths of up to 200 meters. The researchers used autonomous underwater vehicles to observe the effects of artificial light on these organisms during the polar night.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bioluminescent backlighting and signaling in squids

Researchers observed flashing color displays in Humboldt squids when foraging with others, suggesting a sophisticated form of communication. The study found that this visual signaling can influence the squids' behavior, potentially enhancing pattern visibility under low light conditions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

CAR macrophages go beyond T cells to fight solid tumors

Scientists have successfully engineered CAR macrophages to target and kill solid tumors, using a novel approach that could lead to more effective cancer treatments. The discovery centers around harnessing the immune-boosting properties of macrophages, which are often co-opted by tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 23, 2020

3D genetic structure in blood cancer important beyond DNA code changes

Researchers found that structural changes in protein bundles called chromosomes affect access to genes in T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The new work shows that altering the 3D architecture of chromosomes can trigger cancer growth and spread, making targeted therapy a promising approach.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 23, 2020

Cumulative doses of oral steroids linked to increased blood pressure

A new study found that cumulative doses of oral steroids are associated with increased hypertension, affecting over 24,000 adults with chronic inflammatory diseases. The researchers recommend closer monitoring of blood pressure in these patients.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 23, 2020
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.

Sensing internal organ temperature with shining lights

Scientists at Tohoku University have created a white powder that luminesces when heated, allowing for the potential monitoring of internal body temperature. The powder, made of zirconia, can be injected into the body and then illuminated with a near-infrared laser to induce luminescence.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 23, 2020

Small, precise and affordable gyroscope for navigating without GPS

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a small, precise, and affordable gyroscope that can help drones and autonomous cars navigate without a GPS signal. The device, made from a nearly symmetrical mechanical resonator, is 10,000 times more accurate than existing gyroscopes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 23, 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.

Challenge and desire in Antarctic meteorology and climate

The article discusses recent findings from WAMC workshops and YOPP meetings, focusing on Antarctic observations, numerical modeling, and weather forecasting. Open access to datasets and improved predictive skills are major aspirations for the Polar Prediction Project.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Supermassive black holes shortly after the Big Bang: How to seed them

A recent study suggests that supermassive black holes could have formed in just 50-100 million years after the Big Bang, thanks to the rapid migration of stellar black holes. This theory reconciles the short time required for their growth with the age of the Universe.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateMar 23, 2020

Counteracting a legacy of extinctions

A new study comparing introduced herbivore species to those of the past reveals that these introductions have restored many important ecological traits that have been lost for thousands of years. Introduced megafauna are now ecologically similar to their extinct relatives, making the world more similar to its pre-extinction state.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Ancestor of all animals identified in Australian fossils

The team discovered a tiny, wormlike creature named Ikaria wariootia, the earliest bilaterian ancestor of modern animals, including humans. The creature lived over 555 million years ago and had a distinct head and tail, with rudimentary sensory organs.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Development of novel oral formulation to treat systemic fungal infections

A novel oral formulation of Amphotericin B has been developed to overcome dose-dependent nephrotoxicity, drug formulation costs, and parenteral administration-associated toxicities. The lead formulation has successfully completed phase 1b human clinical trials and is set to begin phase 2 trials in vulvovaginal candidiasis

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateMar 23, 2020

A new low-cost solar technology for environmental cooling

A new study proposes a device that generates a cooling load without electricity, using evaporation of pure water and highly concentrated salty solution. The device's modular design allows for fine-tuning of cooling power and has the potential to overcome limitations of traditional passive cooling technologies.

SourcePolitecnico di Torino·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 2020

Made to degrade (eventually)

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a marine biodegradable plastic using starch and cellulose, demonstrating excellent water-resistance and high strength. The new material has the potential to significantly reduce marine debris accumulation and contribute to sustainable development goals.

SourceOsaka University·DateMar 23, 2020

A key development in the drive for energy-efficient electronics

Researchers from the University of Leeds have created a 'spin capacitor' that can generate and hold the spin state of electrons for hours, opening up possibilities for new devices with efficient data storage. This innovation could lead to more sustainable technologies requiring less power.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 23, 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.

'Thermometer' protein regulates blooming

Researchers have discovered that a thermosensing protein complex regulates plant growth and flowering in response to temperature changes. The study found that ELF3 protein plays a crucial role in this process, preventing the complex from repressing plant genes when temperatures rise.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2020

Ultrathin but fully packaged high-resolution camera

A research group at KAIST has developed an ultracompact camera that captures high-contrast and high-resolution images. The camera's unique design, inspired by the paper wasp species Xenos peckii, combines micro-optical elements for improved image quality and reduced thickness.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateMar 23, 2020

Migration scenarios and European demographics

The study models labor force participation, education, and integration of immigrant populations to alleviate population aging's negative economic consequences. Higher immigration volumes with low education and integration can increase economic dependency.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 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.

Clinicians should consider screening for TSH-R-Abs before pregnancy in patients with history of autoimmune thyroid disorders

Screening for thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSH-R-Abs) before pregnancy is crucial for patients with a history of autoimmune thyroid disease. This is because TSH-R-Abs can lead to irreversible impairment in fetal neurodevelopment. A case report highlights the importance of screening, especially in women with Graves' ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 23, 2020