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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 17


Page 17 of 41

Ethylene sensor could help monitor plant health

Researchers developed an easy-to-use sensor that can sensitively detect changes in ethylene levels, a key hormone in plant health. The sensor uses a network of single-walled carbon nanotubes to monitor fluctuations in ethylene gas levels, with high sensitivity suitable for monitoring plants in the field.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 18, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

To prevent tick encounters, where you dump your leaves matters

A new study suggests that raking leaves just out to forest edges can result in a three-fold increase in blacklegged ticks. Homeowners can reduce tick habitats by removing leaves from high-use areas, composting them, or taking advantage of municipal curbside leaf pickup.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateMar 18, 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.

How gene therapy may hold key to treating life-threatening cardiac disease

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel way to treat Danon disease using gene therapy, adding a specially designed gene that restores LAMP2 function. The treatment improved cardiac and liver function in mice with the disease, offering a new approach beyond heart transplants.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 18, 2020

New COVID-19 info for gastroenterologists and patients

Key information for gastroenterologists and patients with chronic digestive conditions about COVID-19 includes prioritizing patient safety and maintaining medication regimens. Laboratory findings in COVID-19 patients also include liver function test abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of monitoring.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateMar 18, 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.

Access to forbidden rings

Researchers at UNIGE have developed a new technique for creating chains of molecular rings that do not use standard chemical interactions but instead contact with large molecular surfaces. This discovery helps answer an old contradiction in classical chemistry and provides new prospects for molecular cyclization.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 18, 2020

Trauma relapse in a novel context may be preventable

A Korea Brain Research Institute study found that the posterior parietal cortex plays a role in fear renewal in novel contexts. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and fear-related disorders.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Brain·DateMar 18, 2020

Shedding light on optimal materials for harvesting sunlight underwater

Researchers at New York University develop guidelines for optimal band gap values in wide-band gap semiconductors for efficient underwater use. Various materials, such as organic and alloys, are shown to be suitable for deep waters, potentially extending the range of autonomous submersible vehicles.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateMar 18, 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.

Supercomputers unlock reproductive mysteries of viruses and life

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to study viral reproduction and DNA replication mechanisms. They discovered that twisting stress in protein filaments plays a key role in creating membrane deformations, which is crucial for virus release and cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 18, 2020

Sugar brings a lot of carbon dioxide into the deeper sea

Researchers found that laminarin plays a central role in the marine carbon cycle, storing an average of 12 gigatons of carbon annually. The study also revealed that laminarin comprises 50% of organic carbon in sinking diatom-containing particles.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 2020

Ancient fish fossil reveals evolutionary origin of the human hand

A 1.57-meter long ancient Elpistostege fish fossil found in Canada has yielded the missing evolutionary link between fish and tetrapods, revealing a humerus (arm), radius, ulna, carpus, and phalanges organized in digits (fingers). The discovery pushes back the origin of digits in vertebrates to the fish level.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 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.

How does an intersex bee behave?

Researchers discovered a Megalopta gynandromorph, exhibiting both male and female characteristics. The bee's activity patterns closely resembled those of females, with higher intensity periods during the day.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Hymenoptera Research·DateMar 18, 2020

Getting too little -- or too much -- sleep may be bad for the heart

Research found that sleeping seven or eight hours a night is associated with lower evidence of arterial stiffness and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, both short and long sleep durations were linked to increased plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A balanced sleep pattern may be key to maintaining cardiovascular health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2020

New details revealed on how plants maintain optimal sperm-egg ratio

A team of UMass Amherst biologists discovered how plants maintain an optimal sperm-egg ratio by controlling the environment in their ovules. FERONIA regulates a gene that interacts with pectin, a sugar polymer in cell walls, to create a receptive environment for pollen tubes and prevent polyspermy.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 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.

Having a low birthweight baby may increase risk for early heart failure

A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2020

New technique has potential to protect oranges from citrus greening

Researchers identified peptides that trigger immune responses in multiple plant species, including citrus, potentially preventing or reducing yield loss from citrus greening. This discovery offers a new hope for the devastated citrus industry, where no resistant varieties are available and limited disease control measures exist.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMar 18, 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.

Proximity of hospitals to mass shootings in US

Nontrauma center hospitals are disproportionately close to mass shootings in the US, according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. The researchers found that these hospitals were the nearest to most of the mass shootings that occurred in 2019, with an average distance of just 1.8 miles.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 18, 2020

New research unpicks root causes of separation anxiety in dogs

Separation anxiety in dogs is caused by four key forms of distress: getting away from something, wanting to get outside, reacting to external noises, and boredom. Understanding these root causes is crucial for effective treatment.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMar 18, 2020

Where you live may influence your baby's behavior

Research reveals that infants from rural families display more negative emotions like anger and frustration compared to their urban peers. Urban moms tend to be better at responding to their babies' needs, leading to calmer and less upset infants.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Community Psychology·DateMar 18, 2020

Closing the carbon cycle to stop climate change

Researchers at TIFR create metal-free catalyst that converts CO2 to methane with excellent productivity and selectivity. The catalyst is recyclable and shows significant increase in production rate after regeneration cycles.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 18, 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.

Alzheimer's disease: Inflammation triggers fatal cycle

Researchers discovered that an immune reaction in the brain adds fuel to the fire of inflammation, leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The microglia cells' activation of inflammasomes makes degradation of Aß proteins more difficult, creating a devastating process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 18, 2020

In NIH trial, selumetinib shrinks tumors, provides clinical benefit for children with NF1

A phase 2 clinical trial conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that selumetinib improved outcomes for children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), shrinking inoperable tumors and reducing pain. The treatment also led to clinically meaningful improvements in quality of life, strength, and range of motion.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2020

Model simulator helps researchers map complex physics phenomena

A Cornell-led collaboration has successfully created a solid-state platform to simulate the Hubbard model in two dimensions, mapping a longstanding conundrum in physics: the phase diagram of the triangular lattice Hubbard model. The team observed a Mott insulating state and mapped the system's magnetic phase diagram.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

Blood platelets trigger events that cause organ damage after heart surgery

Activated platelets attach to vessel walls and interact with mast cells, triggering a powerful inflammatory response that can lead to organ damage and death after heart surgery. Inhibiting platelet activation may prevent or minimize this response, according to a study published in Science Advances.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

Bad sleep habits can depress teens

A study by Flinders University found that bad sleep habits in teenagers are linked to negative thoughts, perfectionism, and an increased risk of depression. The researchers recommend alternative treatments for repetitive negative thinking and perfectionism, including encouraging regular bedtime routines and limiting screen time.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Health·DateMar 18, 2020

Patient navigators cut ER visits, hospitalization for high risk health care users

A study by TTUHSC investigators found that an interprofessional patient navigation program reduced emergency room visits and hospital admissions among high-risk patients. The program, which used DSRIP guidelines, resulted in a significant decrease in hospital utilization, with participants experiencing 1.13 ER visits per year compared ...

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Healthcare Management·DateMar 18, 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.

Kidney injury risks higher for hospitalized pregnant women

A new study found that hospitalized pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of acute kidney injury (AKI), with black and Native American women at increased risk. The study also suggests that awareness and detection of AKI may be contributing to the rising rates of kidney damage in pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAmerican Journal of Nephrology·DateMar 18, 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.

Common anti-parasite treatments used on cattle have devastating impacts on wildlife

A study by University of Sussex researchers found that common anti-parasite treatments for cattle have devastating impacts on dung beetles, key prey items for various bird and bat species. The treatments, which are widely used and available without veterinary oversight, can attract adult beetles and impair their larvae's development.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 17, 2020

Hollow-core fiber technology closes in on mainstream optical fiber

Researchers have demonstrated a significant leap in hollow-core fibre performance, enabling faster data transmission rates and reducing latency. The new technology has shown a 50% reduction in attenuation and a doubling of maximum transmission length compared to conventional glass fibres.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateMar 17, 2020

Engineered botox is more potent and safer in mice

A new study engineered a form of botulinum toxin B with improved binding to nerve cells, increasing potency and reducing diffusion into surrounding tissue. The modified toxin demonstrated enhanced therapeutic potential and reduced adverse effects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 17, 2020

Predicting reaction results: Machines learn chemistry

Researchers at University of Münster develop AI tool to predict reaction outcomes using molecular structures, enabling accurate predictions for yields and stereoselectivities. The model can be applied to diverse reactions and is expected to significantly change the approach to chemical syntheses.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·DateMar 17, 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.

Immunotherapy combo achieves reservoir shrinkage in HIV model

Researchers at Emory University have achieved significant shrinkage of the viral reservoir in SIV-infected nonhuman primates using a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. However, this approach does not prevent or delay viral rebound when antiviral drugs are stopped. The findings have important implications for HIV cure research.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 17, 2020

Natural solutions to the climate crisis? One-quarter is all down to Earth...

A new study reveals that soil has a significant role in mitigating climate change, with up to 25% of global potential for natural climate solutions. The research highlights the importance of agroforestry and improved agricultural practices in enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 17, 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.

Innovative NICU training lauded as 'best article' by national journal

A NICU training program at Children's National Hospital has been recognized for its innovative approach to emergency evacuation preparedness. The program, led by Lisa Zell and Lamia Soghier, involves periodic evacuation simulations and has been named the 'best article' by The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing·DateMar 17, 2020

Composing new proteins with artificial intelligence

Researchers use machine learning to translate protein structures into musical scores, generating new proteins with unique properties. The method has the potential to design entirely new biomaterials and improve existing enzymes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 17, 2020

Observed 'gateway' effect of e-cigarettes among teens 'likely to be small'

Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateMar 17, 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.