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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 26


Page 26 of 41

Cancer cells spread using a copper-binding protein

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology identified Atox1 as a copper-binding protein that facilitates breast cancer cell migration. High Atox1 levels in tumours are linked to lower survival times, suggesting it may be a biomarker for disease aggressiveness.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Wetting property of Li metal with graphite

Graphite has been found to be intrinsically lithiophilic at 500K, contradicting previous conclusions that it was lithiophobic. The study uses ab initio molecular dynamics simulation and shows that surface chemistry plays a key role in the wetting performance of Li metal on graphite.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 10, 2020

Disturbed retinal gene function underlying canine blindness

A study by University of Helsinki researchers identified a gene variant in the regulatory region of the retina responsible for canine blindness in Miniature Schnauzers. The finding provides valuable insights into retinal biology and offers a new model for understanding related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 10, 2020

Biomass fuels can significantly mitigate global warming

Researchers found that biomass fuels derived from grasses like switchgrass and giant miscanthus can reduce carbon emissions by 78-290% compared to petroleum-based fuels. The study suggests that these crops could provide a significant portion of the decarbonization needed to curb global warming.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 10, 2020

Indian Ocean phenomenon spells climate trouble for Australia

Researchers find historically rare events in Indian Ocean have become more frequent and intense, with potential dire impacts on Australia's climate. The study uses coral records to reconstruct variability over the last millennium, providing new insights into how the Indian Ocean interacts with ENSO.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature·DateMar 10, 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.

Study ties kin selection to host-manipulating behavior in parasites

A new study by Texas A&M University biologist Dr. Charles Criscione and collaborators reveals that family ties play a crucial role in the survival of parasitic organisms. Brain flukes sacrifice themselves to ensure the survival of their relatives, who co-infect the same ant's abdomen.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

How heartbreak and hardship shape growing old

A new study found that people who experienced the greatest levels of hardship, stress, and personal loss were five times more likely to experience a lower quality of life, with significantly more health and physical difficulties in later life. Those raised by emotionally cold mothers were also less likely to experience good quality of ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 10, 2020

A possible end to 'forever' chemicals

Excess electrons can shatter carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS, breaking them down into by-products that may accelerate the process. The discovery offers a potential method to tackle widespread contamination of water supplies across America.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 10, 2020

NCCN releases recommendations for standardizing quality measurement in oncology

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has published a list of high-impact measures for assessing quality improvements in cancer care. The recommendations reflect a landscape analysis from leading oncology experts and include endorsement of 15 existing measures and seven new concepts proposed for development.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateMar 10, 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.

FAIR Health launches shared decision-making tools for palliative care

FAIR Health has launched a groundbreaking website feature that combines clinical and cost information to support seriously and chronically ill patients in shared decision making with clinicians. The new tool offers three palliative care scenarios, including kidney dialysis, nutrition options, and breathing assistance.

SourceFAIR Health·DateMar 10, 2020

Inherited arrhythmia in young Finnish Leonbergers under investigation

A study of 46 Finnish Leonbergers found that 15% had severe arrhythmia and 15% had milder cardiac changes, with sudden deaths linked to cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers aim to identify the genetic cause of the disorder to develop early diagnostics, breeding programs, and potential drug therapies.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Cardiology·DateMar 10, 2020

Genetic test could pick out 'ultra high risk' bone marrow cancer patients

A new genetic test can identify patients with multiple myeloma who are at 'ultra high risk' of their cancer progressing aggressively early on. These patients have poorer survival rates and are unlikely to benefit from lenalidomide alone, highlighting the need for alternative treatment approaches.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalLeukemia·DateMar 10, 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.

Feeding wildlife can disrupt animal social structures

Researchers observed that male macaques were more likely to interact with humans for food rewards, disrupting normal social behaviors and reducing opportunities for positive interactions such as grooming. This disruption can have detrimental effects on the monkeys' health, life span, reproductive success, and infant survival.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2020

Education the key to equal parenting rights for same-sex couples

A study found that educating people about the impact of same-sex parenting on children reduces prejudices and misconceptions. However, legal issues persist due to a lack of inclusive marriage policies, which can affect same-sex families in separation cases.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAustralian Journal of Psychology·DateMar 10, 2020

Modern virtual and augmented reality device can help simulate sight loss

Researchers from City, University of London developed a software tool to simulate glaucoma's impact on daily life, using commercially available head-mounted displays (HMDs). The study found that participants with simulated visual impairment performed tasks slower and made more movements compared to those without impairment.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

Grad student names new treehopper species after Lady Gaga

A graduate student at the University of Illinois has discovered a new treehopper species named after Lady Gaga, showcasing the diversity of this bug group. The newly identified species, Kaikaia gaga, features unusual characteristics, including horned thoraxes and leg hairs, which differentiate it from other treehoppers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalZootaxa·DateMar 10, 2020

Arming the body's immune cells

Researchers at UC have discovered a mechanism that could lead to new immunotherapies for patients with head and neck cancers. By understanding how calmodulin interacts with ion channels in immune cells, scientists may be able to develop new treatments to restore the ability of these cells to enter and kill tumors.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·DateMar 10, 2020

Disease-causing virus manipulates crop plants to favor its vector

The disease-causing virus BYDV manipulates its host plant and aphid vector to create warmer regions for feeding, increasing the vector's heat tolerance. This allows certain aphids to thrive in warmer conditions, posing implications for crop health as the global climate warms.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2020

Some domesticated plants ignore beneficial soil microbes

Researchers found that domestication of crops led to a decline in their ability to form symbiotic relationships with beneficial soil microbes. This loss has negative environmental consequences, including increased fertilizer use and pollution. Reintroducing genes from wild relatives could help restore these traits.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 10, 2020

IKBFU physicists keep improving 'smart' composites for biomedical sensors

Researchers successfully tested a new magnetic micro wire-based concept for 'smart' composite production, creating multiferroic-class materials with controlled magnetic and electric properties. The new composites are expected to enable the development of highly sensitive sensors for health monitoring devices.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalMaterials·DateMar 10, 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.

Toxic masculinity is unsafe...for men

A Michigan State University study found that toxic masculinity can lead to social isolation among aging men, negatively affecting their health and well-being. The researchers suggest an alternative understanding of masculinity can help alleviate social isolation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 10, 2020

Cancerous tumors, surrounding cells illuminated by new imaging agent

A new imaging agent has been developed to identify cancer cells and their supporting compromised cells. The compound binds to activated annexin A2 protein present in many solid tumors, allowing for targeted imaging and potential dual targeting of the tumor and surrounding cells with chemotherapy drugs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMar 10, 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.

How plants protect themselves from sun damage

A new study reveals that plants transfer excess energy from chlorophyll to carotenoids, which release it as heat, preventing photodamage. This discovery could help scientists develop new ways to improve crop yields by understanding the natural photoprotection system of plants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2020

Tracking down false parkers in cancer cells

A research team led by University of Würzburg scientists has found a way to inactivate the cancer protein NP63, which is crucial for squamous cell carcinoma growth. By using a preclinical inhibitor, they were able to switch off NP63's parking ticket remover and stop tumor cells from growing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

Columbia study evaluates cervical cancer risks of IUDs

A Columbia study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that patients using copper intrauterine devices (Cu IUDs) had a lower risk of high-grade cervical neoplasms compared to those using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS). The study analyzed data from over 10,000 patients and found the diagnosis rate of high-g...

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 10, 2020

Routine childhood vaccination linked to improved schooling among adults in India

A study of 109,908 non-migrant individuals found that routine childhood vaccination was associated with 0.2-0.3 additional schooling grades among adults, a significant link across socioeconomic and demographic factors. The finding supports the long-term benefits of vaccines beyond health outcomes.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 10, 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.

Higher concentrations of IGF-1 are a probable cause of breast cancer

New research suggests that higher concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may be a probable cause of breast cancer. Studies found an association between IGF-1 and breast cancer development, with higher levels linked to increased risk. The findings support a causal role of the IGF pathway in breast cancer development.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateMar 10, 2020

Tomosynthesis outperforms digital mammography in five-year study

A new study published in Radiology found that digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) improved cancer detection rates and reduced false positives compared to digital mammography (DM). DBT screening detected a higher proportion of poor prognosis cancers than DM, with better visualization of lesions and reduced tissue superimposition.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 10, 2020

Knowing more about a virus threat may not satisfy you

A recent study on Zika virus found that individuals who thought they knew more about the threat were actually more likely to feel uncertain and anxious. The researchers suggest that public health agencies should focus on providing ongoing updates and shaping messages that encourage people to stay informed, as uncertainty can fuel fears...

SourceOhio State University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateMar 10, 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.

Crosstalk captured between muscles, neural networks in biohybrid machines

Researchers developed a platform to coculture neurons and muscle cells, capturing the emergence of neuromuscular junctions and synchronized bursting patterns. The study provides new insights into biohybrid machines and their potential applications in fields like intelligent drug delivery and environment sensing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateMar 10, 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.

First-ever analysis of video recorded CPR improves resuscitation outcomes in emergency departments

Researchers developed a novel approach called MTV-CPR to video record and review CPR practices, leading to improved survivorship rates for cardiac arrest patients. The study found that the use of video recording and team-focused strategy increased the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rate from 26% to 41%.

SourceNorthwell Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 10, 2020

Community factors influence how long you'll live, study shows

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that communities with more fast food restaurants, higher population density, and jobs in the extraction industry have shorter life expectancies. Conversely, areas with growing populations, good access to physicians, and high social cohesion tend to have longer lifespans.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Approximating a kernel of truth

By using approximations instead of explicit kernels, researchers have accelerated machine learning speeds and improved AI's ability to handle large datasets. The new approach uses statistics to derive a nearly accurate kernel that can be computed much faster than traditional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems·DateMar 10, 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.

Common feed ingredient tested safe in bulls

Researchers found that bulls fed distillers grains had higher sperm quality and greater body weight, but no significant difference in body fat. The study suggests that distillers grains can be safely used in bull development rations, with minimal impact on reproductive health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTranslational Animal Science·DateMar 10, 2020

Young sugarcane workers at high risk of kidney function decline

Researchers found that young, first-time sugarcane workers with even slightly lower than average kidney function were at a greater risk for rapid onset of kidney injury. The study highlights the importance of routine blood pressure and renal function screenings for workers in high-risk occupations.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 10, 2020

Amazon rainforest could be gone within a lifetime

The Amazon rainforest could disappear within a lifetime if a tipping point is reached, according to new research. Ecosystems dominated by single species are more stable and take longer to shift, while the loss of key species like elephants can trigger rapid changes.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 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.

New research shows children and teens worry about political issues

A new study reveals that children and teenagers worry about political issues, with concerns spanning environmental issues, gun violence, and racial/ethnic minorities. While the worry may not be harmful in moderation, caregivers of youth with anxiety disorders should be aware of its potential impact.

SourceAmerican University·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaving your baby to 'cry it out' has no adverse effects on child development

Researchers at the University of Warwick found that leaving babies to 'cry it out' does not affect their behavior or attachment, but may actually help them learn self-regulation and reduce crying duration. Parents who adapt to their baby's needs and wait before intervening can provide a safe space for their child to develop.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Paper sheds light on infant universe and origin of matter

Researchers at IAS and University of Michigan propose QCD axion as solution to cosmological excess of matter over antimatter. The QCD axion could explain three missing pieces of physics puzzle, including the strong CP problem and dark matter.

SourceInstitute for Advanced Study·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 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.