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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 20


Page 20 of 41

Timing is key for parents who want to help children learn at museums, say researchers

Children's museums offer a perfect environment to study early science learning. Researchers found that timing is crucial in explaining concepts, as it enhances exploration and discovery. Parents can support their children's learning by listening to them, watching their actions, and offering explanations at the right moment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateMar 16, 2020

Even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would bring global famine, says study

A new study suggests that even a limited India-Pakistan nuclear war would cause unprecedented planet-wide food shortages and probable starvation lasting more than a decade. Crops would be hardest hit in the northern breadbasket regions, but southerly regions would suffer much more hunger due to global trade disruptions.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Scientists discover pulsating remains of a star in an eclipsing double star system

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered a pulsating ancient star in a double star system, allowing them to study the internal structure of a white dwarf in detail for the first time. The discovery provides key insights into the structure, evolution, and death of white dwarf stars, including their composition.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 16, 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.

Highly efficient, low-cost method developed to reduce DNA errors

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Science develop a more efficient and cost-effective way to accurately synthesize DNA, increasing accuracy by nearly seven-fold. The new error-correction system uses chemical stabilizers to extend the life of key proteins, reducing costs and labor time.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 16, 2020

Bargain-hunting for biodiversity

A new conservation tool has identified top priorities and projections of what species would benefit from increased conservation dollars. The algorithm considers diverse data, including land acquisition costs, development patterns, budget allocations, and threatened species, to find optimal protection opportunities.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 16, 2020

New study reveals early evolution of cortex

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a detailed blueprint for the development of the human cortex in the ancient lamprey brain, shifting its origin to over 500 million years ago.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 16, 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.

Microplastic fibers linked to respiratory, reproductive changes in fish

A new Duke University study finds that microplastic fibers cause cellular changes in fish, including damage to gills and increased egg production in female fish. The study suggests that chemicals from the fibers may be acting as endocrine disruptors, threatening both freshwater and marine organisms.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2020

New findings boost understanding of arterial aneurysm

A Swedish study has found that abdominal arterial aneurysm is associated with elevated subtypes of white blood cells in older men. Quitting smoking also appears to positively impact the disease's course.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

Ketogenic diet and liver metabolism

A ketogenic diet reduced liver fat content and improved insulin resistance in overweight participants. The diet also increased hydrolysis of triglycerides and promoted ketogenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Getting groundbreaking medical technology out of the lab

A new experimental protocol developed by EPFL's Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI) helps test and validate soft, personalized implants. The four-step process includes developing anatomically accurate prototypes and fine-tuning through tests.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cancer diagnostics

A team of scientists has developed a cancer diagnostics method that amplifies microRNA in live tumor cells using synthetic DNA and nanoparticles. This allows for the detection of tumor cells with high sensitivity, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 16, 2020

Ancient mantis-man petroglyph discovered in Iran

A unique rock carving with six limbs has been identified as a part man, part mantis, suggesting humans have linked mantids to the supernatural since ancient times. The petroglyph was discovered in Iran's Teymareh site and is believed to be between 40,000-4,000 years old.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateMar 16, 2020

Biophysicists blend incompatible components in one nanofiber

Researchers created an electrospun fiber blending protein and polymer, demonstrating gradual protein release. The study showcases the versatility of blended mats for biomedical applications like burn dressings, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalRSC Advances·DateMar 16, 2020

Sobering new data on drinking and driving: 15% of US alcohol-related motor vehicle fatalities involve alcohol under the legal limit

According to a new study, accidents involving drivers with low blood alcohol concentrations are more likely to cause harm to others than drivers with levels at or above the limit. The study found that stringent alcohol policies can reduce the likelihood of fatal accidents involving drivers with all levels of alcohol blood concentration.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 16, 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.

Scientists optimize prime editing for rice and wheat

A research team at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has optimized a prime editing system to create desired point mutations, insertions, and deletions in rice and wheat. The system, called PPE, has achieved efficiencies up to 19.2% with various types of mutations.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020

Nuclear war and food security

A study using crop models and climate simulations found that a limited nuclear war in South Asia could decrease global temperature by 1.8ºC and precipitation by 8% over the first 5 years, resulting in significant yield losses and food shortages worldwide.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

NASA finds Gretel becoming extra-tropical

Tropical Cyclone 23P formed on March 14 and intensified into a tropical storm, later renamed Gretel. The storm's center was located near latitude 26.6 degrees south and longitude 169.7 degrees east, about 675 nautical miles north-northwest of Auckland, New Zealand.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 16, 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.

John D. Kammeyer-Mueller named SIOP fellow

Dr. John D. Kammeyer-Mueller has made significant contributions to the field of I-O psychology through his research on employee well-being and productivity, publishing in top journals like Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Peter D. Harms named SIOP fellow

Dr. Peter D. Harms recognized for his research on personality, well-being, and leadership, with over 100 peer-reviewed articles published in top journals.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Shifts in deep geologic structure may have magnified great 2011 Japan tsunami

Researchers found that the angle at which the ocean plate dives under the continental plate may have gradually shallowed out over millions of years, leading to the formation of an extensional fault that could have magnified the tsunami. The study used computer models and various data sets to support its findings.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 16, 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 used a combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockers to shrink the size of the viral 'reservoir' in SIV-infected monkeys. The treatment showed promising results, but did not prevent or delay viral rebound once antiviral drugs were stopped.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

'Toxic,' but still successful professionally?

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that toxic personalities who are socially adept can still succeed professionally due to their ability to deceive others. The study suggests that balancing personal traits with social skills is crucial for career advancement.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 16, 2020

Cancer drug with better staying power, reduced toxicity promising in preclinical trial

Researchers developed a cancer-drug candidate called OxaliTEX that stops tumor growth entirely and delivers more cancer-busting power than many commonly used chemotherapy drugs. OxaliTEX has fewer toxic side effects and is more effective in overcoming resistance compared to existing platinum-based treatments like carboplatin.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

People fearful of taking part in vital clinical research

A global review found that fear about testing new treatments and possible side effects is the most common reason for not participating in clinical research. Trust in doctors and clinical staff, as well as a desire to help others, motivated patients to get involved.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalTrials·DateMar 16, 2020

Effects of family member detention or deportation

A survey study of nearly 550 Latino adolescents found a strong association between family member detention or deportation and later suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and externalizing behaviors. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of immigration policies on vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 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.

Dual therapy reduces risk for bleeding better than triple therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that dual therapy with a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) plus P2Y12 inhibitor was associated with reduced risk of major bleeding compared to triple therapy with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) plus aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitor for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation after percutaneous ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 16, 2020

New research on brain structure highlights cells linked to Alzheimer's and autism

Scientists at the Wellcome Sanger Institute discovered that astrocytes in mouse brains are organized into distinct layers with molecular forms depending on their location, redefining brain structure. This knowledge will have implications for understanding neurological disorders like Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and autism.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 16, 2020

SFU research uses simulation game to alter beliefs about poverty

A group of researchers used a poverty simulation game called SPENT to study people's beliefs about poverty and economic inequality. The study found that playing the game helped develop stronger recognition of situational causes of poverty and reduced support for economic inequality.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 16, 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.

Suzanne S. Masterson named SIOP fellow

Suzanne S. Masterson, former Journal of Organizational Behavior editor-in-chief, recognized by SIOP for her significant impact on the field through over 20 publications and 4,379 citations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 2020

Limited nuclear war could have big impact on world food supplies

A study by Rutgers University finds that a limited nuclear war between India and Pakistan could result in the worst global food losses in modern history. Sudden cooling, reduced precipitation, and decreased sunlight could disrupt food production and trade worldwide for up to a decade.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Richard N. Landers named SIOP fellow

Richard N. Landers named SIOP fellow for his work in advancing I-O psychology through interdisciplinary research and practice. He has made significant contributions to employee selection, training, and research methods, among other areas.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 16, 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.

Solving the riddle of superbug toxin damage to gut

A bacterial superbug can prevent stem cells in the gut from regenerating the inner lining of the intestine, causing potentially severe disease. This damage impairs tissue repair and recovery from disease, particularly in older adults.

SourceMonash University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Driver of El Niño on orbital-cycle timescales

A study reveals a half-orbital precession cycle in thermocline temperature linked to El Niño-Southern Oscillation fluctuations. The thermocline is identified as a key driver of climate change on orbital timescales.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Scientists have discovered the origins of the building blocks of life

Scientists at Rutgers University have discovered the protein structures responsible for early life on Earth, including ferredoxin and Rossmann folds. These ancient proteins were crucial for metabolism and chemical signals, paving the way for life to emerge.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2020

Coronavirus-infected patients needing emergency surgery: Anesthesia standards

Coronavirus-infected patients needing emergency surgery require standardized anesthesia procedures to prevent viral transmission and reduce lung injury. The article discusses the need for negative pressure operating rooms, anesthesiologist protection, and special requirements for equipment and drugs.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSurgical Infections·DateMar 16, 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.

Researchers sniff out AI breakthroughs in mammal brains

A new computer algorithm inspired by the mammalian olfactory system rapidly learns patterns and identifies smells even with strong sensory interference. The algorithm is applied to a neuromorphic computer chip, Loihi, which can learn to identify patterns or perform tasks a thousand times faster than traditional methods.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 16, 2020

Benefits of fish in moderation while pregnant outweigh risks for child

A new study from Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children whose mothers ate fish 1-3 times a week during pregnancy had lower metabolic syndrome scores than those who ate fish rarely. Moderate fish consumption during pregnancy was associated with reduced inflammation and improved child metabolic health.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 16, 2020

Selective killing of cancer cells by cluttering their waste disposal system

Researchers have discovered a novel approach to selectively target and kill several types of cancer cells using nanoparticles that assemble into crystals. The crystals induce lysosomal swelling, loss of membrane integrity, and cell death in cancer cells but do not harm non-cancerous cells.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 16, 2020

Family member deportation puts Latino adolescents at risk of suicidal thoughts

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that Latino/a adolescents with a family member detained or deported are at high risk of suicidal thoughts, early alcohol use, and risky behaviors. The study suggests that current U.S. immigration policies might contribute to serious mental and behavioral health risks for these youth.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 16, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Fecal microbiota transplants successfully treat patients with C. diff

Fecal Microbiota Transplants (FMT) have shown high success rates in treating C.diff infection, with 78% of patients experiencing no recurrence of diarrhoea within 90 days. This treatment is particularly effective compared to antibiotics, which have lower success rates for relapsing infections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMar 15, 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.

Can traumatic memories be erased?

Scientists at Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that traumatic memories can be erased in Drosophila flies when exposed to environmental light. The team identified the molecular mechanism responsible for this effect, which involves the regulation of proteins in the brain.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·DateMar 14, 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.

Receptors for the immune defense

Researchers discovered that jawless and jawed vertebrates share similar immune receptor gene structures despite independent evolution. The findings provide insight into the evolution of the adaptive immune system and its importance for human health.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Immunology·DateMar 13, 2020

How plants sound the alarm about danger

A team of scientists has discovered a complex communication network in plants that responds to the hormone jasmonic acid, allowing them to defend against insects and fungi. The study reveals two key genes, MYC2 and MYC3, which play a crucial role in regulating plant defense responses.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020

Edie Goldberg named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Edie Goldberg has been recognized as a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for her outstanding contributions to the field of I-O psychology. She is known for developing best practices in talent management systems and building high-performance cultures.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020

Pathways toward realizing the promise of all-solid-state batteries

The researchers focus on inorganic solid electrolytes to create stable chemical interfaces, diagnose and characterize batteries in real-time, and design scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Their work aims to address the challenges of all-solid-state batteries and make them safer, longer-lasting, and more energy-dense.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 13, 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.

Alan L. Colquitt named SIOP Fellow

Dr. Alan L. Colquitt has been recognized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) for his significant impact on I-O psychology through research and practice. His work has focused on performance management tools, cultural change, leadership identification, and survey strategy, taking an evidence-based approach.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 13, 2020