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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 41

Low-dose chest CT leaves DNA intact

A study found that low-dose chest CT scans used for lung cancer screening do not cause significant DNA damage or chromosome aberrations. The results suggest that the risks of low-dose CT are minimal, and it can be used for lung cancer screening.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·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.

Slime mold simulations used to map dark matter holding universe together

Researchers have successfully mapped the cosmic web's filamentary structure using a slime mold-inspired algorithm, providing insights into dark matter's role in shaping the universe. The study revealed that denser regions of intergalactic gas are organized into filaments that stretch over 10 million light-years from galaxies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

New study identifies valuable tool for treating pancreatic cancer patients

Researchers developed a new concept of resectability and identified objective pre-operative prognostic factors to predict long-term survival in pancreatic cancer patients. The study's nomogram can estimate patient outcomes before surgery, regardless of local anatomic features.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateMar 10, 2020

Poor sleep in infancy linked to behavioral and emotional problems in toddlers

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found a clear relationship between infant sleep problems and emotional and behavioral problems in toddlers. Infants who experienced frequent night wakings, short sleep duration, or difficulty falling asleep were more likely to show emotional and behavioral problems by 24 months.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·DateMar 10, 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.

Astronomers use slime mold model to reveal dark threads of the cosmic web

Researchers use a Physarum-based algorithm to visualize the cosmic web's filaments, connecting galaxies and diffuse hydrogen gas. The model replicates the distribution of dark matter on large scales, providing a new tool for understanding the universe's structure.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

A novel biofuel system for hydrogen production from biomass

A novel biofuel system has been developed for hydrogen production from biomass, improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption. The system uses lignin as an electron donor to produce high-value-added compounds and extract electrons for hydrogen production.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMar 10, 2020

Planet's largest ecosystems collapse faster than previously forecast

Research reveals large ecosystems like Amazon forests can collapse in 49 years and Caribbean coral reefs in just 15 years. This accelerated rate of transformation is attributed to the modular structure of larger ecosystems, which initially provides resilience but ultimately accelerates unraveling when a threshold is passed.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2020

Making more MXene

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·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.

New study confirms value of family meals

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior confirms that frequent family meals are associated with better dietary outcomes and improved family functioning. The research found a positive relationship between family meal frequency and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as measures of family c...

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 10, 2020

Experts call for more support for parents of children with genetic learning disabilities

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

APS tip sheet: correlating matter's distribution in the universe with gamma rays

Researchers have found the first direct correlation between dark matter and gamma rays in the universe. The study used gamma ray data from Fermi Large Area Telescope and mapped it with weak gravitational lensing, providing insights into the nature of dark matter and its potential connection to gamma ray emissions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·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.

Case Western Reserve University research finds high rates of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms for those in drug court

A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that nearly 94% of defendants in Cuyahoga County drug court have been exposed to trauma, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research suggests a need for increased trauma-informed care and possibly specialized, gender-specific support.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·DateMar 10, 2020

Chemists create new artificial enzyme

Chemists at the University of Miami have created an artificial enzyme with improved catalytic abilities. The new molecule is designed to tackle chemical reactions in industrial settings and could lead to the development of more efficient biofuel production, drug creation, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2020

Injection strategies are crucial for geothermal projects

A new study analyzed temporal evolution of seismicity and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes in various stimulation projects. The results show a clear linear relation between injected fluid volume and cumulative seismic moments for most projects, indicating that seismicity can be managed by changes in injection strategy.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·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.

Intel processors are still vulnerable to attack

Researchers at KU Leuven exposed a security flaw in Intel processors, revealing a vulnerability in SGX enclaves that can be exploited for sensitive information. The 'Load Value Injection' attack allows attackers to inject data into software programs, compromising passwords and other personal data.

SourceKU Leuven·DateMar 10, 2020

Fatal overproduction of antibodies

Researchers identified a mutation responsible for destabilizing light chains, leading to the formation of deadly amyloid fibrils. The study provides new insights into the disease and potential diagnostic methods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 10, 2020

Pain researchers get a common language to describe pain

A new classification system for orofacial pain has been developed by international researchers, providing a common language for medical doctors and dentists to diagnose patients accurately. The system is expected to improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain in the mouth, jaws, and face.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCephalalgia·DateMar 10, 2020

Patient-friendly brain imager gets green light toward first prototype

Sandia National Laboratories has received funding to develop a patient-friendly brain imager that uses quantum sensors for more accurate and accessible measurements. The new system aims to enable people with chronic pain and motor disorders to participate in MEG scans, improving the accuracy of diagnoses.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·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.

Study shows CRISPR effectiveness against colitis pathogen

Researchers used CRISPR-Cas system to effectively target and eliminate specific gut bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, the pathogen that causes colitis. The study demonstrates the potential of this approach in preventing disease and promoting human gut health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalmBio·DateMar 10, 2020

New clinical trial examines a potential noninvasive solution for overactive bladders

A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 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.

Novel error-correction scheme developed for quantum computers

Researchers have developed a novel error-correction scheme that takes advantage of bosonic symmetry to encode information efficiently. This approach could reduce the number of physical qubits required, enabling the scaling up of experimental quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaf-inspired surface prevents frost formation

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new way to reduce frost formation on any surface using a leaf-inspired design. The study found that the optimized surface structure reduces frost by up to 60% and can be defrosted with considerably less energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

Further evidence shows clinical viability of natural tooth repair method

Scientists at King's College London have found positive evidence that a natural tooth repair method has the potential to be translated into a clinical approach. The study discovered that reparative dentine produced is sufficient to repair cavities in human teeth, and the drug can activate repair up to ten times larger.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateMar 10, 2020

The axion solves three mysteries of the universe

Researchers propose axion as solution to three mysteries: matter-antimatter asymmetry, dark matter, and the strong CP problem. The axion's rotation creates a tiny excess of matter over antimatter, explaining why we exist.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 10, 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.

The Lancet HIV: Study suggests a second patient has been cured of HIV

A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMar 10, 2020

Baboon mothers carry their dead infant up to 10 days

Researchers found that baboon mothers in the wild carry dead infants for varying lengths of time, with an average duration of three to four days. The mother's age, infant cause of death, and climate conditions may influence the length of time a mother carries her dead infant.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 10, 2020

Immune cells against Alzheimer's?

Scientists have identified a specific antibody that binds to brain immune cells and triggers processes that enhance microglia activity. This stimulates the immune cells to detect and degrade abnormal protein deposits, known as plaques, more effectively, potentially providing better protection against Alzheimer's disease.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 10, 2020

Noncitizens are undertreated for heart attack, stroke risk factors

A new study published in Circulation found that noncitizens in the US are less likely to receive treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors due to lack of insurance coverage and a usual source of care. The disparities were significant, with only 16.5% of noncitizens receiving treatment for high cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·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.

Solved: The mystery of the expansion of the universe

A UNIGE researcher has solved a scientific controversy about the speed of the universe's expansion by proposing that it may not be homogeneous on a large scale. This approach eliminates a divergence between two independent calculation methods, which previously yielded conflicting values for the Hubble constant.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMar 10, 2020

Chip for liquid biopsy will help to detect prostate cancer

Researchers developed a microfluidics device that isolates cancer cells from urine, achieving high detection rates of up to 85% and 86% for localized cancer cases. The new method provides an alternative to invasive tissue biopsies and blood tests with false positive results.

SourceSechenov University·JournalCancers·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 10, 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.

Study reveals grasshopper declines associated with declines in quality of prairie grasses

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals a decline in grasshopper numbers over the past two decades in a Kansas grassland preserve. The research identifies nutrient dilution as a key driver, caused by increased atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to declining plant quality and reduced sustenance for herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

New branded PrEP not worth the high cost compared with generic formulation

A new branded HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), has been approved but found not to be cost-effective compared to generic formulation F/TDF. The study suggests that the high cost of F/TAF may undermine efforts to expand access to PrEP for the most vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 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.

Collaborating with a team of rivals can resolve conflict -- and advance science

A team of social scientists from rival institutions came together to reach a scientific consensus on stereotype formation. They developed a joint theory that combined perceived competence and warmth as key factors, but with nuances depending on the situation.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

New study on COVID-19 estimates 5.1 days for incubation period

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health estimates the median disease incubation period for COVID-19 at 5.1 days, affirming earlier estimates and supporting the CDC's current 14-day quarantine period. This estimate suggests that about 97.5% of people develop symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020

How new data can make ecological forecasts as good as weather forecasts

A new study reveals that analyzing large-scale ecological patterns can help predict changes in ecosystems. Ecologists are using decades of weather data to forecast bird migrations and wildlife population fluctuations, which can inform conservation measures. The research aims to improve understanding of the climate-ecology link, enablin...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2020

Focusing continuity of care on sicker patients can save millions of dollars annually

Research by Southern Methodist University and Texas Tech University found that higher continuity of care leads to improved patient outcomes, including fewer inpatient visits and lower readmission rates. However, at the highest levels of continuity of care, outcomes worsen, suggesting a potential benefit from having multiple providers.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateMar 9, 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.

Clotting problem

A team of researchers led by University of Delaware Professor Velia M. Fowler has made a groundbreaking discovery about MYH9-related disorders, a condition affecting 1 in 25,000 people. The study found that mutations in the MYH9 gene disrupt platelet formation and movement, leading to unstable clots and various health issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBlood·DateMar 9, 2020

Apixaban may be a safer and more effective than rivaroxaban for preventing stroke and blood clots

A large cohort study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that apixaban was associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic blood clots compared to rivaroxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The study also showed that apixaban was linked to a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Aging and mitochondrial depolarization

Researchers found that mild mitochondrial depolarization minimizes damage from reactive oxygen species and serves an anti-aging function in naked mole rats and bats. This process involves the shuttle of ATP and ADP through the mitochondrial membrane to certain kinase metabolic sites.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020

What is best time to deliver twins?

Researchers identified the optimal gestation week for twin births associated with the lowest risk of perinatal death and special education needs. Twins born between 32-34 weeks had the best outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2020

Mathematical model could lead to better treatment for diabetes

Researchers developed a mathematical model to predict the behavior of glucose-responsive insulins in humans and rodents. The model identified optimal designs that could work well in both species, with about 13% predicted to be effective in both, and 14% in humans alone.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDiabetes·DateMar 9, 2020