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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 25


Page 25 of 41

Exercise works for those beginning cancer treatment

A study led by James Cook University found that supervised exercise sessions can reduce the negative side effects of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients. The research showed sustained benefits in cardiovascular risk profile and quality of life, but not in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalBritish Journal of Urology·DateMar 11, 2020

Microbial DNA in patient blood may be tell-tale sign of cancer

A study published in Nature identified distinct microbial signatures associated with specific cancer types, including colon cancer and prostate cancer. Machine learning models trained on these signatures were able to distinguish between cancer patients and healthy individuals with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 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.

Probing the genes that organize early brain development

A recent study has identified the RAB39b gene as a critical regulator of early brain development, with mutations leading to macrocephaly and autism spectrum disorder. The research used mouse models and human brain organoids to demonstrate how this gene disrupts neural progenitor cell growth and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalGenes & Development·DateMar 11, 2020

Knowledge of basic finances empowers elderly population in Japan

A study by Hiroshima University found that financial literacy is key to understanding existing legal and social services for people with dementia. Financially literate individuals are more aware of systems like adult guardianship and civil trust, which can help prevent misuses of power and ensure continued economic participation.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Women & Aging·DateMar 11, 2020

Intensive management of crops and livestock spurred La Bastida's economic development

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the people of La Bastida employed an intensive agricultural strategy, combining crops with animal husbandry to boost their food production and economic prosperity. This approach allowed them to feed a large population, increasing their productivity compared to other nearby communities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 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.

Sensing infection, suppressing regeneration

A study published in Immunity identifies an enzyme that blocks self-healing in blood vessels during inflammation, hindering regeneration. Removing this enzyme allows cells to fully regenerate, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for improving endogenous regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalImmunity·DateMar 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NIH researchers successfully stop blood vessel, tumor growth in mice

Researchers at the NIH have successfully stopped tumor growth and blood vessel formation in mice by targeting enzymes that recycle phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate. By blocking these enzymes, tumors were unable to replenish the molecule needed for new blood vessel growth, ultimately reducing tumor size and growth.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2020

Opening up cryoEM

The Rosalind Franklin Institute has committed to developing a new detector for low-energy cryoEM, enabling atomic-scale images of biological samples. The goal is to make cryoEM more accessible and affordable, allowing for faster scientific progress in medical research and drug development.

SourceThe Rosalind Franklin Institute·DateMar 11, 2020

'Zombie' brain cells develop into working neurons

Researchers found that inhibiting apoptosis in fruit fly neurons led to the development of 'zombie' cells that formed new olfactory neuron networks with distinct properties. These neurons expressed different receptors, including those for carbon dioxide detection, giving the flies enhanced odor perception.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 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.

Sugar tax has more public support than expected

A survey of over 1,000 German consumers found broad support for nutritional policy action, despite initial concerns about social acceptance. Key findings indicate that people's opinions on food policies are not tied to individual dietary struggles, with those who eat a healthy diet also being in favor of regulation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNutrients·DateMar 11, 2020

Fast-charging damages electric car batteries

Researchers found that commercial fast-charging stations cause high temperatures and resistance damage to electric car batteries, leading to capacity loss and potential fires. The University of California, Riverside developed an adaptive fast-charging algorithm to mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnergy Storage·DateMar 11, 2020
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.

Antibiotics: City dwellers and children take the most

Researchers analyzed 73 studies on antibiotic use in outpatient sectors worldwide, finding city dwellers, children, and seniors take more antibiotics. Higher education and richer countries reduce antibiotic use, while urban areas and doctor concentrations increase it.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateMar 11, 2020

Caught in a spin: Spiral vortex streamlines delivery of nanomaterials into cells

Scientists have developed a rapid and efficient delivery method that uses the power of a tiny fluid vortex to deform cell membranes, allowing for the delivery of nanomaterials such as DNA, proteins, and drugs. The device, called a spiral hydroporator, can deliver nanomaterials into around one million cells per minute with up to 96% eff...

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 11, 2020

Can poor air quality make you gain weight?

A new study published in Environment International links poor air quality to changes in the human gut microbiome, increasing the risk of obesity and diabetes. Young adults exposed to higher levels of ozone showed less microbial diversity and more species associated with obesity and disease.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironment International·DateMar 11, 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.

Engineers crack 58-year-old puzzle on way to quantum breakthrough

A team of engineers at UNSW Sydney has successfully controlled the nucleus of a single atom using only electric fields, solving a problem that stood for over half a century. This breakthrough has major implications for the development of quantum computers and sensors, enabling precise control over individual atoms.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2020

Microbes far beneath the seafloor rely on recycling to survive

Researchers found a diverse community of microbes that efficiently recycle and store organic compounds to survive in hostile environments far beneath the ocean floor. The study reveals genetic material suggests many lower crust microbes rely on carbon from their surroundings to obtain energy.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateMar 11, 2020

A novel technique to produce cheaper and more efficient chlorine

Researchers at UNIST have developed a novel catalyst for electrochemical chlorine generation, overcoming the drawbacks of existing metal oxide-based catalysts. The new catalyst, Pt1/CNT, exhibits high efficiency and selectivity for chlorine ions, enabling more efficient and affordable production.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 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.

Warming mountaintops put snake at risk of extinction

A new study found that climate change is likely to cause the extinction of the Greek Meadow Viper, with up to 90% of its habitat becoming uninhabitable by the end of the 2080s. Rising temperatures and aridification due to climate change are the primary threats to the species' survival.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalOryx·DateMar 11, 2020

Bumblebees' aversion to pumpkin pollen may help plants thrive

Researchers at Cornell University found that squash and pumpkin pollen deter bumblebees from collecting and eating pollen, potentially providing an evolutionary benefit to cucurbit plants. This is because the pollen causes damage and distorted digestive tracts in adult bees and prevents them from reproducing.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2020

New COVID-19 content from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new articles published in Annals of Internal Medicine provide guidance on how US hospitals can prepare for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The first article offers ideas for protecting hospitals from the invisible threat of coronavirus, while the second article provides recommendations for preparing hospitals for a surge in cases.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 11, 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.

Power struggles hinder urban adaptation policies to climate change

A study analyzing Barcelona's 'Superblocks' program reveals how political struggles for municipal power hindered its implementation. The program aimed to reduce car traffic and emissions, but resistance from local forces and public participation issues threatened its success.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCities·DateMar 11, 2020

$21.4 million initiative to develop water-energy technologies

The Collaborative Water-Energy Research Center (CoWERC) aims to reduce energy needed for desalination, improve water recovery and support safe water reuse through research, development and commercialization of new technologies. CoWERC will enable the creation of energy-water systems that could be implemented worldwide.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 11, 2020

Popular painkiller ibuprofen affects liver enzymes in mice

A new study from the University of California, Davis found that ibuprofen causes significant changes in liver enzymes in laboratory mice. The research highlights marked differences in how males and females metabolize the drug, with potential implications for human health.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 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.

Healthy lifestyle reduces risk of disease, death

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that individuals who maintain intermediate to ideal cardiovascular health for longer periods are 33% less likely to develop hypertension and other diseases. This suggests that promoting healthy behaviors throughout life may be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 11, 2020

Deciphering disorder

Researchers have measured atomic positions of all atoms in a 2D material and calculated its impact on electronic properties. They found that materials are far from perfect, with constant misalignment, missing, or replaced atoms affecting the system's behavior.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 11, 2020

Magic twist angles of graphene sheets identified

The study reveals how twisted graphene sheets behave and their stability at different sizes and temperatures, providing insights into self-alignment mechanisms and forces. This fundamental research could pave the way for manufacturers to achieve fine control over twist angles in 2D material structures.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review B·DateMar 11, 2020

How secure are four and six-digit mobile phone PINs?

Researchers investigated how users choose their mobile phone PINs and found that six-digit PINs do not provide more security than four-digit ones. The study also showed that Apple's blacklist could be optimized and would make sense on Android devices.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateMar 11, 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.

Fossil footprints show stegosaurs left their mark on Scottish isle

A team of palaeontologists has discovered stegosaur fossil footprints on the Isle of Skye, shedding light on dinosaur diversity in the Middle Jurassic period. The findings reveal that stegosaurs roamed the island around 170 million years ago and provide a clearer picture of Scotland's dinosaur evolution during this time.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2020

Like patching a flat tire: New fix heals herniated discs

A new two-step technique repairs herniated discs by re-inflating the disc with hyaluronic acid gel and sealing the hole with collagen gel. This method maintains mechanical function and prevents collapse or deterioration, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 11, 2020

Permanent magnets stronger than those on refrigerator could be a solution for delivering fusion energy

Scientists have proposed using permanent magnets to simplify the design and production of stellarators, which are twisty fusion facilities that can produce massive amounts of energy. This innovation could lead to the creation of simpler, non-twisted coils and lower costs for engineering and manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2020

Smaller tropical forest fragments vanish faster than larger forest blocks

Researchers found that smaller tropical forest fragments experienced greater losses than larger ones between 2001 and 2018. Connecting small fragments to reestablish wide-ranging tree cover is crucial in Central America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 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.

Remote South American kelp forests surveyed for first time since 1973

Researchers surveyed remote South American kelp forests for the first time in 45 years, finding relatively unchanged ecosystems despite global threats from climate change and human activities. No signs of destructive sea urchin grazing were observed, but fish populations varied by location within the study area.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 11, 2020

Piracy takes greater toll on small Persian gulf energy exporters

A new study by Duke University reveals that piracy in the Strait of Hormuz can have a significant toll on smaller Persian Gulf countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait. These nations export refined petroleum products, which make up a larger proportion of their GDP, making them more vulnerable to slowdowns in energy shipping.

SourceDuke University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateMar 11, 2020

Researchers find new minor planets beyond Neptune

Using DES data, researchers found more than 300 trans-Neptunian objects, including 245 discoveries made by DES. The method developed by Pedro Bernardinelli can also be used to search for TNOs in upcoming astronomy surveys.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·DateMar 11, 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.

Intralipid improves efficacy of chemotherapy treatment

Researchers found that pairing Abraxane with Intralipid enhances tumor-killing macrophages, reducing cancer growth and protecting organs from damage. The combination also decreases the amount of expensive drugs needed for treatment.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Observed: An occultation of a brown dwarf by another

Astronomers detected velocities of both brown dwarfs in a system orbiting each other, confirming the hypothesis that 2M1510 is composed of two brown dwarfs. The discovery provides rare data on the mass, radius, and age of brown dwarfs, allowing for verification of theoretical models.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 10, 2020

NIST study uncovers a potential driver of premature solar panel failures

Researchers at NIST identified acetic acid as a prime suspect in accelerating the degradation of polyamide-based backsheets, which are common in solar panels. The study highlights the importance of interplay between solar panel components in determining their longevity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateMar 10, 2020

Muscle stem cells compiled in 'atlas'

A team of Cornell researchers compiled a 'cell atlas' of muscle regeneration, cataloging the activity of almost every type of cell involved in muscle repair. The dataset provides a comprehensive picture of cellular interactions and may lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from muscle injuries.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 10, 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.

More than a nice coating

Researchers found that degrading perineuronal nets improves learning abilities in mice but disrupts memory storage. Children's brains have flexible connections allowing for better learning and recovery from brain injury due to intact perineuronal nets.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

APS tip sheet: Understanding the tears of wine

Researchers created a new model to account for wine tears' complex fluid structures, which form due to changes in surface tension induced by alcohol evaporation. The study reveals the interplay between gravity, surface tension, and fluid physics leading to these unusual phenomena.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateMar 10, 2020