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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 14


Page 14 of 41

New drug can ease the side effects of medication against severe depression

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a substance, Lu AF60097, that can regulate serotonin levels in the brain and reduce severe side effects associated with tricyclic antidepressants. This new approach may allow for more effective treatment of severe depression while minimizing potential harm.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2020

Putting artificial intelligence to work in the lab

A new AI-driven system, DeepSPM, demonstrates fully-autonomous Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) operation, allowing for optimal data acquisition and quality assessment without human supervision. This breakthrough enables long-term SPM operation and bridges the gap between nanoscience, automation, and artificial intelligence.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMar 19, 2020

Patients with type 2 diabetes belonging to online support groups have poorer health

Research found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who participate in online support groups have worse health outcomes and higher levels of disease-related complications. In contrast, users with type 1 diabetes did not show a significant correlation between forum participation and health outcomes.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Diabetes Science and Technology·DateMar 19, 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.

Sugar leads to early death, but not due to obesity

A new study reveals that sugar-rich diets can lead to early death, but not due to obesity. The researchers found that the build-up of uric acid is a key factor in this process. By providing flies with access to water, they were able to prevent the accumulation of uric acid and subsequent shortened survival.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 19, 2020

BU astrophysicist and collaborators reveal a new model of our heliosphere

Researchers have devised a new three-dimensional model of the heliosphere, breaking down charged particles into two groups to understand its shape. The 'croissant' with a long tail and the beach ball models are now reconciled, revealing a unique shape that splits the difference between them.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 19, 2020

The power of light for internet of underwater things

Researchers at KAUST are developing a system that can transmit both light and energy to underwater devices, enhancing sensing and communication in the ocean. This technology has potential applications in climate change research, seismic activity detection, and underwater search and rescue operations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateMar 19, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to slow down ageing?

Scientists studied monocytes in young and elderly individuals, finding that energy production decreases and inflammation markers increase with age. This research provides a foundation for understanding age-related changes and potential solutions to slow down vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 19, 2020

Researchers find key to keep working memory working

Yale researchers identified a critical molecule in prefrontal cortex circuits that enables working memory. Activating this receptor may offer potential treatments for neurocognitive disorders like schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceYale University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 19, 2020

Achievement gaps may explain racial overrepresentation in special education

New research suggests that racial achievement gaps, rather than systemic bias, are the primary reason for the overrepresentation of students of color in special education. The study found that districts with larger black-to-white or Hispanic-to-white achievement gaps were also more likely to report higher risk ratios. This method can b...

SourcePenn State·JournalExceptional Children·DateMar 19, 2020

'Sushi parasites' have increased 283-fold in past 40 years

A new study found a dramatic increase in the global abundance of Anisakis worms, also known as herring worms, which can be transmitted to humans through raw or undercooked seafood. The parasite's rise could have implications for human health and marine mammal populations.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 19, 2020

Observing phytoplankton via satellite

A new algorithm allows researchers to determine dominant phytoplankton types and identify toxic algal blooms using satellite data. This breakthrough can assess water quality and impact the fishing industry, as well as inform conclusions on global warming's effects on marine plankton.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 19, 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.

The right thumb becomes the left arm

A research team has induced a re-association of the right thumb with a virtual left arm through visuo-motor synchronization in a virtual environment. The study contributes to understanding body schemes of augmented humans and their limitations. Body-part re-association may be applied to developing functional prosthesis and embodied tools.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 19, 2020

Published consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations

A new consensus statement offers UTI treatment recommendations to reduce overdiagnosis and overtreatment, while protecting against antimicrobial resistance. The statement aims to help healthcare providers diagnose, treat, and prevent UTIs in PALTC residents, who face increased risks of bacterial colonization and infection.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateMar 19, 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.

Pembrolizumab shows promise for some advanced, hard-to-treat rare cancers

A Phase II study found pembrolizumab to be effective in treating four rare cancer types with acceptable toxicity profiles. The treatment resulted in a median non-progression rate of 28% at 27 weeks, with complete response rates varying between 31-43% for each cancer type.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateMar 19, 2020

Increasingly mobile sea ice risks polluting Arctic neighbors

New research from McGill University predicts a significant increase in Arctic sea ice movement by mid-century, leading to more widespread pollutant transport between neighboring countries. Thinner, faster-moving ice can carry pollutants and microplastics, posing a threat to Arctic waters.

SourceMcGill University·DateMar 19, 2020

How molecules self-assemble into superstructures

A research team of physicists and chemists from Kiel University mimicked self-assembly processes to fabricate various patterns of controllable sizes, including the largest structures reported so far. They developed a model of intermolecular forces driving the self-assembly, enabling control over pattern size.

SourceKiel University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 19, 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.

Melanoma is killing fewest Americans in decades

Death rates from metastatic melanoma dropped by nearly 18 percent between 2013 and 2016, thanks to new therapies that harness the immune system or target specific gene mutations. These advances in treatment have led to the largest yearly declines in deaths due to melanoma ever recorded.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMar 19, 2020

Special issue of 'Neurochemical Research' honors Vittorio Gallo, Ph.D.

This special issue of Neurochemical Research honors Vittorio Gallo's groundbreaking research on glutamate neurotransmission, including his development of cerebellar granule cell cultures and biochemical assays. Gallo's work has had a lasting impact on our understanding of neural development and regeneration.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNeurochemical Research·DateMar 19, 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.

Scientists learn how vampire bat strangers make friends

Researchers studied vampire bat social dynamics in captivity and found that trust builds over time through grooming and smaller mutual investments. Almost 15% of unfamiliar female adult bats formed food-sharing relationships after 15 months together, suggesting that even strangers can develop strong bonds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 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.

Environment: Opening plastic bags and bottles may generate microplastics

A study published in Scientific Reports found that opening plastic packaging can generate small amounts of microplastics. The researchers monitored the generation of microplastics during tasks such as tearing open plastic bags and bottles, finding that different shapes and sizes of microplastics were produced.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 19, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Domiciled' feeding studies will lead to new discoveries in human nutrition science

Domiciled feeding studies have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of dietary influences on health by providing controlled and standardized environments. By minimizing participant variability, these studies can elucidate complex interactions between diet changes, microbiota, and host physiology.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020

Maize, not metal, key to native settlements' history in NY

A Cornell University study re-dates Native American sites in the Mohawk Valley, revealing a more accurate historical timeline based on maize dating and statistical modeling. The findings challenge previous assumptions about trade practices and European contact.

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 19, 2020

NIH study provides genetic insights into osteosarcoma in children

A recent NIH study has found that a significant proportion of children with osteosarcoma carry genetic variants associated with increased cancer risk. The researchers identified harmful or likely harmful variants in over a quarter of patients, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and screening for family members.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 19, 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.

New mechanism of optical gain in two-dimensional material requires only extremely low input power

Researchers discovered a new mechanism of optical gain in two-dimensional materials that requires only extremely low input power. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of energy-efficient photonic devices, potentially reducing the need for high electrical power.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 19, 2020

Building a better color vision test for animals

Researchers have developed a mini movie theater to measure the color spectrum visible to fiddler crabs, revealing their ability to discriminate between different wavelengths of light. The device uses blue and green light-emitting diodes and tilted screens to stimulate the crabs' reaction.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 19, 2020

Improving success of giraffe translocations

Researchers developed guidelines for giraffe translocations to ensure long-term population viability, including ideal group composition and decision-making processes. A founding population of 30 females and 3 males is recommended for initial translocations, while larger groups can be used to maintain genetic diversity.

SourcePenn State·JournalEndangered Species Research·DateMar 19, 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.

Associations between vaspin levels and coronary artery disease

Low serum vaspin levels are associated with coronary artery stenosis, while plasma concentration reflects possible endothelial dysfunction in CAD patients and correlates with disease severity. Vaspin also associates with metabolic syndrome and obesity parameters.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020

Study by international team of scientists investigates evolution during Cambrian Explosion

A new study by an international team of scientists reveals that the Cambrian Explosion was driven by abundant ecological opportunity early in life history. The researchers found that complex features become burdened by their own complexity, limiting evolutionary innovation. This discovery clarifies evolution and development during the ...

SourceUniversity of West Georgia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 19, 2020

High-speed microscope captures fleeting brain signals

Researchers have developed a high-speed microscope that can image the brain of an alert mouse 1,000 times a second, capturing millisecond electrical pulses through neurons. This technique allows neuroscientists to track sub-threshold inputs and identify transmission problems associated with disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2020

Researchers detail how antineutrino detectors could aid nuclear nonproliferation

Researchers have developed antineutrino detection technology to monitor nuclear reactors and detect plutonium production, providing high-level assurances of treaty compliance. The technology has potential applications in near-field and far-field monitoring, as well as verifying treaty compliance by tracking spent fuel.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateMar 19, 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.

Nahum Arav part of team to discover quasar tsunamis

A team of astronomers led by Nahum Arav has discovered the most energetic outflows ever witnessed in the universe, which tear across interstellar space like cosmic tsunamis. These quasar outflows accelerate material to breathtaking velocities, carrying hundreds of solar masses of material each year and pushing galaxies' formation forward.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 19, 2020

Serum irisin: Pathogenesis and clinical research in cardiovascular diseases

Serum irisin is linked to various metabolic markers and may be a promising treatment for conditions like diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies suggest irisin's pathogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of atherosclerosis.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateMar 19, 2020

Parental diet affects sperm and health of future offspring

Research by RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research identifies ATF7 as essential for intergenerational effects on metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. The study found that a male mouse's diet influences the health of future children through epigenetic changes in sperm cells.

SourceRIKEN·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMar 19, 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.

Genetically engineering electroactive materials in living cells

Researchers developed a method to engineer specific populations of neurons to manufacture electronic-tissue composites within living cells. This approach enables targeted use of electrical fields for therapeutic applications, such as pain relief and tissue regeneration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2020

Loners help society survive, say Princeton ecologists

Researchers found that evolution can select for loner behavior in slime molds, which could provide an ecological insurance plan to ensure the survival of collective behavior. The study suggests that having some individuals stay out of the swarm may be part of the strategy of this organism.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 19, 2020
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.

Graphene underpins a new platform to selectively ID deadly strains of bacteria

A Boston College-led team developed a graphene field effect transistor (G-FET) that selectively identifies deadly bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. The rapid detection platform employs peptides to capture specific bacteria, allowing for fast and accurate diagnosis.

SourceBoston College·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 19, 2020

US sees sharp increase in hypertension-related deaths

Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 19, 2020

E-cigarette users had substances linked to bladder cancer in urine, review finds

Researchers found six substances with a strong link to bladder cancer in the urine of e-cigarette users, including carcinogens from combustion products and other tobacco products. The study's findings suggest that vaping may expose users to carcinogens similar to those found in cigarette smoke.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalEuropean Urology Oncology·DateMar 19, 2020
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.